Monthly Archives: July 2019

11 07, 2019

Leading Service Providers Help Keep Swimming Pools Mosquito-Free This Summer

2019-07-11T11:05:04-04:00July 11th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , |

Mosquito Squad and America’s Swimming Pool Company celebrate National Swimming Pool Day with expert tips and social media contest for consumers

COLUMBIA, Md. — In honor of National Swimming Pool Day, Mosquito Squad and America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) have joined forces to ensure families everywhere can enjoy their yard and swimming pool this summer without mosquitoes getting in the way. With the rise in temperatures and increased humidity, backyards can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they’re not properly maintained. As experts in mosquito control and swimming pool service, Mosquito Squad and ASP are providing consumers with tips and best practices to prevent that from happening.

”Summer should be spent enjoying family time outside, not worrying about mosquitoes,” said Amy Lawhorne, chief operating officer of Mosquito Squad. “Warm weather and frequent rainfall is the perfect recipe for mosquitoes to multiply and with help from our friends at America’s Swimming Pool Company, we’re sharing our knowledge with consumers so they can keep themselves and their families protected while soaking up the sun and splashing around.”

To further fuel conversation around yard and pool maintenance this summer, Mosquito Squad and ASP are launching the #GuardOurYard contest. To enter, participants must post a photo or video of them enjoying their pool to the contest landing page, GuardOurYard.com, or social media platforms Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #GuardOurYard and sharing their zip code.

The contest is open for entries beginning today, July 11, through August 26. Once entries close, Mosquito Squad and ASP will select one winner at random and announce them on social media on Labor Day, September 2. The winner will receive a full season mosquito protection package from Mosquito Squad and free year of pool maintenance from ASP, both for the 2020 season.

“Pool maintenance is often overlooked and without the proper care, your pool could face some serious complications,” said Jimmie Meece, senior vice president of America’s Swimming Pool Company. “Teaming up with Mosquito Squad gives us an opportunity to not only share pool maintenance tips that will help consumers keep their pools healthy and clean, but also best practices to maintain their yard overall so they can play outside and in the pool with their families without unwanted mosquitoes.”

For additional #GuardOurYard contest details, full terms and conditions and to keep up with entries, visit GuardOurYard.com.

About Mosquito Squad
With approximately 250 franchise locations in the United States along with international operations in Kenya and Indonesia, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces, allowing consumers to enjoy their yards, outdoor living spaces, special events and green spaces. For more information, visit http://www.MosquitoSquad.comhttp://MosquitoSquadFranchise.com and https://www.theauthoritybrands.com/. Follow Mosquito Squad on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

About ASP
ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company is the largest swimming pool cleaning, repair, and renovation franchise system in the nation. Founded in 2002 by Stewart C. Vernon, the company is based on the belief that by providing a higher quality pool service at a reasonable price, the brand would raise the industry standards for pool service. In 2005, ASP began franchising and now covers over 400 cities in 21 states across the nation. For more information on ASP’s swimming pool franchise opportunities, visit ASPfranchising.com. For more information on America’s Swimming Pool Company, visit ASPPoolco.com or find us on Facebook @asppoolco, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Authority Brands
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands, LLC is the parent company of seven leading home service franchisors, America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, Mister Sparky electric, Mosquito Squad, and One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 1675 locations operated by 920 franchise owners in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Kenya and Indonesia. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchisee growth through providing strong marketing, technology and operational support.

10 07, 2019

Adryenne Hearne-Alvarez and Derek Hearne Sign 5-Unit Deal to Bring Big Blue Swim School to South Florida, Orlando and South Carolina

2019-07-10T12:16:39-04:00July 10th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

The Chicago-based siblings look forward to positively impacting communities while bringing vital life skills to local families.

CHICAGO — Leading children’s swim instruction brand Big Blue Swim School is officially coming to South Florida, Orlando and South Carolina, thanks to the recent five-unit signing of accomplished franchisee duo Adryenne Hearne-Alvarez and Derek Hearne.

Born and raised in Chicago, the Hearne siblings both graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago; Derek received a degree in economics while Adryenne holds an MBA and an undergraduate degree in sociology. They both worked in the corporate world for several years before making the transition to multi-unit franchise ownership with Amazing Lash Studio and seven Orangetheory Fitness locations.

An avid fitness enthusiast, Adryenne has worked in the industry in several capacities such as personal trainer to boutique gym owner before taking the plunge into franchising. Derek had a successful sales and operations management career in logistics, marketing and IT Security prior to starting with Orangetheory Fitness in late 2014. For their next venture, the sister-and-brother duo were looking for a proven business model that would positively impact the community. When they discovered Big Blue Swim School at a multi-unit franchising conference in Las Vegas, the Hearnes were sold.

“There are a few things we look at when evaluating a new concept, and Big Blue checked all the boxes,” said Adryenne Hearne-Alvarez. “We had the opportunity to meet the team at a Dive-in Day in Chicago, and we were really impressed by the business model and the effort put into growing the brand. We didn’t look back. This is what we want to do, and it fits our short-term and long-term strategy.”

The Hearnes seized on the opportunity to be first-to-market in South Florida, Orlando and South Carolina. As multi-unit franchisees, they were impressed with the model’s scalability, strong unit economics and use of technology, including the LessonBuddy™ app, an easy-to-use customer-facing lesson management and scheduling platform.

Big Blue Swim School was founded by U.S. National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong after coming in just behind Michael Phelps in qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team in 2004 and 2008. The brand approaches swim instruction holistically, imparting life skills like confidence and self-esteem in students while benchmarking swimming progress. Big Blue Swim School is well-positioned as a dominant player in the $20 billion swim school industry, with national expansion currently ongoing.

“When people walk into your business, they want to feel a sense of happiness, belonging and community. That’s what we’re looking to bring,” said Adryenne Hearne-Alvarez. “Parents will be able to come in and enjoy themselves, watch their children gain major survival skills, and be proud to and show their friends and family pictures of what their children learned. For us, success is bringing that to the community.”

Big Blue Swim School’s Chief Development Officer Scott Thompson shared that he is excited to see the Hearnes join the Big Blue system.

“Adryenne and Derek radiate energy and passion. They are always reaching beyond their grasp and going the extra mile for their clients,” said Thompson. “They cultivate great teamwork between with their employees, and embrace others’ differences. They are just awesome—you can’t find better people than them.”

ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, followed by Niles, Buffalo Grove and Hoffman Estates. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in the brand, and is rolling out an aggressive strategy to grow through franchising to 150 locations by 2020. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate footprint, proprietary technology Lesson Buddy, coupled with its practice of employing full-time child engagement specialists that teach based on a proprietary distance-based swimming methodology sets Big Blue up for long-term success.

9 07, 2019

Forbes Names FASTSIGNS International, Inc. To 2019 America’s Best Franchises To Buy List

2019-07-09T13:28:50-04:00July 9th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Of 3,300 Brands Analyzed, FASTSIGNS Recognized for Strong Performance, Value, and Franchisee Support

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has been named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Forbes and industry research firm FRANdata analyzed 3,300 active brands spanning five years and identified the 30 best franchises to invest in in the high-, medium, and low-investment categories. FASTSIGNS is the only franchise in the sign, graphics and print industry to be ranked, having been recognized as a top medium-investment franchise for its system sustainability, system demand, value for investment, franchisor support, and franchisor stability.

“FASTSIGNS is incredibly honored to have earned a spot on the 2019 Best Franchises list,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “Our commitment to providing franchisees worldwide the tools and resources vital to succeeding in their local markets, coupled with our dedicated support team, strongly attribute to this achievement. This recognition comes on the heels of FASTSIGNS closing out two quarters of strong growth in the first half of 2019, and we’re looking forward to continuing the momentum throughout the rest of the year.”

FASTSIGNS has opened 11 locations in 2019, including four in Santiago, Chile, and domestically in San Diego and Windsor, California; Douglasville, Georgia; Concord, North Carolina; Spring Hill and Boynton Beach, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas. The brand will also celebrate the opening of its first location in Queens, New York, in July.

Additionally, FASTSIGNS has signed 20 franchise agreements in 2019 to develop in markets such as Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Pikeville, Kentucky; and Tracy, California. FASTSIGNS is recruiting franchisees globally, with a focus on urban markets throughout the Northeastern United States — including New York City, Long Island, Boston, Providence, and Portland — as well as finding master franchisees for Québec, Europe, Latin America, and other international markets.

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50 percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS has also been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was also named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. In 2019, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the United States, Canada, Chile, England, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). Locations are slated to open in two additional countries – Malta and Spain – in 2019.

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points.

FASTSIGNS centers provide architectural and interior decor graphics, fleet vehicle graphics, digital signs and digital signage content, event graphics, displays, banners, posters, ADA signage, safety and identification signs and much more, as well as handle everything from design to project management to installation.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is a recipient of many awards, including being ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past three years, and Best-in-Category in the business services sector on Franchise Business Review’s list of the top 200 franchises for multiple years.

Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com.

Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns, Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS.

9 07, 2019

Record Breaking Bookings for Expedia® CruiseShipCenters® Princess 3 Day Sale

2019-07-09T13:20:09-04:00July 9th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Travel Brand Celebrates Sales Milestone After Regional Cruise Promotion

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The top cruise travel agency franchise in North America, Expedia CruiseShipCenters, continues to exceed expectations as they book their clients on the perfect cruise adventure. From June 6-8, 2019, all Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise locations worked together to secure a record number of cruise vacations for families and travelgoers.

In a large-scale effort to provide as many cruisers possible a once-in-a-lifetime experience at an incredible value, Expedia CruiseShipCenters collaborated with Princess Cruises in a bold three-day-long promotional event. Travelers had the opportunity to access unbeatable deals, the best value on new itineraries, various exclusive Expedia® Extras such as free drinks, free gratuities, $50 onboard cash credit, over $750 savings in onboard coupons, reduced deposit, and more.

“The Princess 3 Day Sale took the saying ‘It takes a village’ to a whole new level,” said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “Everything fell into place. Our success was due to our dedicated team members who supported each other through the entire weekend. Marketing drove great lead generation and technical support handled our entire back end so bookings could be made seamlessly. This was an all hands on deck experience and everyone came together in stunning fashion.”

Princess Cruises allows travelgoers to take the plunge to discover new things, take in new cultures, try new decadent cuisines and come back home feeling relaxed and refreshed. If you’re looking for an award-winning cruise line that offers world-class entertainment, gourmet cuisines, enriching activities, blissful relaxation, and vast destination options, Princess Cruises has it all.

At Expedia CruiseShipCenters, customers can choose from numerous vacation possibilities over land, sea and air, including customized trips, coach and rail tours and insurance – all at Expedia prices. Each franchise location offers personal vacation consultations in person, through email or over the phone, so customers have the freedom to book when, where, and how they choose. As part of the Expedia Group family of brands, customers get to enjoy the best of two worlds: competitive pricing on a wide range of travel products and expert, personalized advice from a real person connected to a locally owned business.

Join a company that cares. With an Expedia CruiseShipCenters travel franchise, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a retail business, while making dream vacations come true. To learn more about Expedia CruiseShipCenters please visit https://expediafranchise.com/.

About Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Expedia CruiseShipCenters provides exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of over 291 retail travel agency franchises. As part of the Expedia Group family of brands, the company’s more than 6,400 Vacation Consultants facilitate the booking of a wide range of vacation products including cruises, flights, hotels, vacation packages, tours, excursions and more. The company has been navigating spectacular vacation experiences for customers across North America for 30 years. For more information on Expedia CruiseShipCenters, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

Expedia and CruiseShipCenters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2019 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50 and CST # 20893-43

9 07, 2019

Senior Helpers Strengthens Resources, Appoints Renowned Physician to Board of Directors

2019-07-09T13:14:14-04:00July 9th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Leading In-Home Senior Care Company Elevates its Advisory Board by Adding Dr. Alan Abrams

BALTIMORE — Today, Senior Helpers®, the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior care, announced the appointment of Dr. Alan Abrams, a well-known, highly respected physician specializing in geriatric medicine, to its Board of Directors. A seasoned veteran with decades of experience helping leading organizations provide high-quality care to the elderly, Dr. Abrams will play a pivotal role in helping propel Senior Helpers’ success in the in-home senior care industry. His consultation has helped Senior Helpers refine and enhance programming and identify tangential opportunities.

“As an engaged clinician, leader and educator, Dr. Abrams has wide-ranging experience and an outstanding reputation in providing patients with the highest quality treatment and care,” said Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “We are dedicated to helping transform senior care nationwide, and as such, we’re constantly looking to improve the service we offer our elderly clients as well as their families. Tapping into Dr. Abrams’ industry knowledge will give us some critical tools and insights that will help keep Senior Helpers at the forefront of improving the health and wellbeing of our clients, and ultimately driving high-quality care for our seniors.”

Dr. Abrams comes to Senior Helpers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a world-class hospital of Harvard Medical School, where he served as the Chief Medical Officer of the Beth Israel Deaconess Care Organization. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and his master’s in public health from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Abrams has served as a physician executive and clinical leader on both the payer side and provider side in programs geared to care for the elderly across Massachusetts. He has been an educational leader in the care of the elderly and trained providers from a variety of disciplines during his role as program director of the Harvard Multi-Campus Geriatric Fellowship Program.

“Senior Helpers has built a tremendous network focused on constant improvements in the quality of care being offered to the elderly. I’m looking forward to assisting Senior Helpers by sharing my expertise, as well as advanced clinical methods, to help make a difference in delivering a better quality of life to its clients,” said Dr. Abrams.

Senior Helpers was founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes – despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, and now serves elderly individuals and their families around the world. Senior Helpers differentiates itself with its proprietary, specialized programs that have been developed in collaboration with leading medical experts. The company was the first provider in the industry to offer specialized, nationally-consistent care services for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

For more information about the company, visit http://www.seniorhelpers.com.

About Senior Helpers®

Senior Helpers® is the premier provider of care for seniors, and offers services ranging from specialized care for those with diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to personal care to help individuals looking for a little assistance with daily activities. Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers® has hundreds of franchised and owned businesses that have cared for tens of thousands of seniors.

Senior Helpers®  is the first and only national in-home senior care company to be certified as a Great Place to Work™, is one of a select few in-home care providers to be approved by the U.S. Government for the Military Spouse Employment Partnership and has been ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 500 Franchise.  Senior Helpers is also an active member of the Healthcare Leadership Council. Learn more by visiting http://www.seniorhelpers.com.

5 07, 2019

Pet Supplies Plus Issues Consumer Advisory for Bulk Pig Ear Product

2019-07-05T20:16:10-04:00July 5th, 2019|Tags: , , , |

FDA Investigating Contaminated Pig Ear Treats Connecting to Salmonella

LIVONIA, Mich. — With the recent announcements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigating contaminated Pig Ear Treats connecting to Salmonella, Pet Supplies Plus is advising consumers it is recalling bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Individuals infected with Salmonella should monitor for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Bulk pig ears were distributed to Pet Supplies Plus stores in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV. Bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall.

To date, 45 individuals in 13 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella related illness. However, none of these cases are confirmed to be a result of purchasing pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus.

Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear product in one of our stores tested positive for Salmonella. We have pulled bulk pig ear product from the shelves at all of our stores and have stopped shipping bulk pig ears from our Distribution Center. We are working with the FDA as they continue their investigation as to what caused the reported Salmonella related illnesses.

Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears should discontinue use of the product and discard it.  Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact our Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564 between Monday and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT (excluding holidays).

About Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 460 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

5 07, 2019

Former Marine Celebrates Personal Milestone on Independence Day with Keyrenter of Hampton Roads Property Management

2019-07-05T20:09:47-04:00July 5th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Former Marine and retired law enforcement officer, Rodney Fentress, has more reasons than most to celebrate on the Fourth of July. Independence Day also marks a personal milestone for Rodney. It’s the one year anniversary of launching his successful business, Keyrenter of Hampton Roads Property Management.

After a 6-year enlistment with the Marine Corps, and 20-year career in law enforcement, Rodney  opened Keyrenter of Hampton Roads where he continues to protect and serve. He just does it in a different way. “Relocating can be financially and emotionally draining,” said Rodney. “It’s my job to minimize that stress by helping military families and civilians sell or lease their home to others.”

We all know that Hampton Roads has a large military community and that members of the military frequently relocate. Selling the family home isn’t always the best solution. Leasing it out can be a better choice. The rental industry is booming and Hampton Roads is no exception. Low inventory, rising rent rates, and the trend toward rentership in the U.S. makes owning rental property an attractive investment.

“At Keyrenter we take a proactive and consultative approach that makes people feel good about becoming a first-time landlord,” said Rodney. With an emphasis on technology and superior customer service, Keyrenter’s proactive approach is a breath of fresh air in the property management space. Franchisees from all over the country meet regularly to find ways to better serve their clients. Keyrenter was founded in Utah over a decade ago. After franchising, it has grown into a national brand with a presence in 17 states. Four offices are located in the State of Virginia.

Keyrenter of Hampton Roads is one of the fastest growing property management companies in the area. Their 5-star reviews and reputation for integrity are a testament to the quality of service provided.  People who know Rodney will tell you that he projects a sense of authority and commands respect wherever he goes. He’s earned it. When you meet him, you just know he’s got your back. That’s exactly what you want from the guy protecting your rental property.

To schedule a consultation with Rodney visit KeyrenterHamptonRoads.com.

For franchising info visit Keyrenter.com/franchise/

Keyrenter’s full range of services include:

  • Assist Owners and Investors with Leasing Services
  • Assist Owners and Investors with Buying and Selling Properties
  • Rental Market Analysis
  • Rental Licensing, DCRA Inspections, RAD registration
  • Syndicated Advertising
  • Enhanced Tenant Screening
  • Video Inspections
  • Payment Processing for Mortgages, Property Taxes, Property Insurance, HOA fees
  • Maintenance Management
  • 24-hour Emergency Maintenance Hotline
  • Quick and Accurate Reconciled Owner Statements
  • Online Rental Payment Processing via ACH
  • Convenient Online Owner Portal
2 07, 2019

Before you Buy

2019-07-08T13:21:14-04:00July 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Woman on phone using laptop

Before you Buy

Follow this checklist for due diligence

by Jason Power

You probably research cars before buying one and read a restaurant’s reviews before making a reservation. So it makes sense to do the same research—your due diligence—before investing in a franchise.

The process should include a study of the local market that exists for the franchise’s products and services, conversations with other franchisees, a review of the Franchise Agreement by a lawyer, and participation in the franchisor’s Discovery Day. Follow this checklist to ensure you’re thorough with your due diligence.

1. Research your market.
Does your market need the product or service? Have you called your future competitors to learn about their prices and customer service? Have you tested their products? These actions are crucial. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of stories about a franchisee introducing a product or service that was rejected by people in the territory and the cost to educate them about it was prohibitive.

2. Talk to other franchisees.
Just as you read reviews for a vehicle or look at the menu of a new restaurant, you should learn from those who came before you. When you speak with current franchisees and those who were recently terminated, ask them: Are you profitable? Does the franchisor help with your problems and questions? How do you deal with competitors? If you could go back, would you buy this franchise again? By asking these questions early in the process, you avoid the potential for catastrophe.

3. Have an attorney review the Franchise Agreement.
Having an attorney who is well-versed in franchise law is a must. But you also have to read the Franchise Disclosure Document, Franchise Agreement, and all exhibits, too. If you do not read the documents and then prepare a list of related questions and concerns for the attorney, he or she can’t fully help you understand your rights, roles, and obligations.

4. Attend Discovery Day.
Discovery Day, or “Meet the Team Day” as some franchisors call it, is when a franchisor invites franchisees who are close to signing to visit a corporate location and learn more about the franchise and typical day-to-day operations. This is one of the greatest opportunities to obtain an in-depth understanding of the business and in many cases it is one of the last opportunities to ask the franchisor questions before signing the Franchise Agreement. At Discovery Day, ask questions such as: What is the franchisor’s growth plan for the next one, three, five, and 10 years? What is the franchisor’s marketing strategy for helping franchisees? How are the company’s franchisees performing, especially those in your general area?

Each prospective franchisee’s due diligence checklist will differ slightly, but if you follow the four steps above, you’ll be well on your way to having all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Jason Power

Jason Power exclusively practices franchise law as a partner at Barber Power Law Group in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has assisted hundreds of franchisees with their FDDs and buying into franchises all over the country. Power also represents emerging and established franchisors. To learn more, contact Power at jason@franchise.law or call 980-202-5679. Visit www.barberpowerlaw.com.

2 07, 2019

Why Invest in a Franchise?

2019-07-08T13:15:55-04:00July 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Idea

Why Invest in a Franchise?

Here’s Nine Compelling Reasons

by Brian LaCour
Certified Franchise Consultant

When you’ve got the entrepreneurial itch, you might be weighing whether to go it alone or invest in a franchise. Here are nine arguments in favor of the second option.

1. You get off to a head start with the backing of a named brand. By purchasing a franchise, you’re often buying into a business with a brand that’s already been developed or emerging, marketed, and, most important, familiar to consumers.

2. You can choose the franchise that accommodates your lifestyle. Maybe you want to work from home or work only certain parts of the year. Perhaps you don’t want to manage employees. Investing in a franchise allows for this flexibility. Franchises are diverse, and many of them don’t require employees or office space. You can opt for a franchise that’s right for your interests and skills.

3. You receive customized training designed to get you up to speed with your business. In a mix of classroom and on-the-job training, the franchisor will teach how to operate the business as well as the techniques particular to the brand. The transfer of knowledge during training serves as the foundation of a successful franchise network and is not available to someone in business by himself.

4. You benefit from intellectual property, trademarks, and patents. Many franchisors grant you access to proprietary technology or software that’s designed specifically to their brand and gives franchisees an edge over their competitors.

5. You benefit from strategic partnerships and agreements. By joining a franchise network, you become part of a much larger, more powerful network than you could have on your own. This applies to everything from negotiating the purchase of advertising to making supply arrangements.

6. You increase your chances of success. Franchise ownership increase your chances of being in business five or 10 years later and being profitable.

7. You have a team protecting the integrity of the brand. Being part of a franchise network requires adhering to rules and regulations. The upside is that there are standards for quality control among all franchisees. In addition, a strong franchise network will ensure all the franchisees are  operating at peak performance.

8. You follow a formula that has proved successful. One discouraging aspect of starting your own business is testing the products and/or services you’re trying to sell. Going out on your own requires a leap of faith. A franchise network has already found what works.

9. You’re not alone. Starting a business can be intimidating. It is a test of endurance as you navigate unfamiliar territory. With a franchise, your network is just a phone call, email, or text message away. A support team will assist you when you open and as you continue to grow your business.

Brian LaCour

Brian LaCour has more than 20 years of business leadership experience in driving fiscal results, strategic planning, saving costs, increasing revenue, streamlining processes, and developing top performing teams. LaCour’s passion for helping people led him to the role as president of the International Franchise Group. Call LaCour at 561-502-7283 or email him at blacour@internationalfranchisegroup.com. Visit www.internationalfranchisegroup.com.

2 07, 2019

ONE Cannabis Stacks Leadership Team, Adding Chief Financial Officer, Director of Operations and Director of Communications

2019-07-02T12:48:26-04:00July 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Colorado Cannabis Franchisor to Fill Dozens of Positions Over Next Six Months

DENVER, CO – ONE Cannabis (“ONE” or “the Company”), a multi-state producer & retailer of cannabis and the industry’s preeminent franchisor, announced today the addition of three new members to its senior leadership team, naming Frank Knuettel as Chief Financial Officer, Kacy Sindel as Director of Operations, Cultivation and Jayne Levy as Director of Communications. These key hires, plus more than three dozen employees the Company expects to hire within the next six months across the corporate and store level, will increase the employee count to more than 100 by year-end.

“ONE Cannabis is experiencing a breakout year,” said Christian Hageseth, CEO and chairman of ONE Cannabis. “With the transformational growth we are expecting in 2019, we’re bringing on experienced professionals that can keep up with that pace and have proven track records of success. These most recent hires exemplify the quality of professionals that will allow ONE Cannabis to stand apart in an increasingly crowded, rapidly-expanding and competitive industry.”

Hageseth added, “As the cannabis industry has finally gone mainstream, it remains incumbent upon companies operating within the sector to attract professionals that bring to bear experience gained through their roles in traditional industries.”

New CFO will Play Integral Role in Next Phase of Company Growth

In naming Frank Knuettel as Chief Financial Officer, Hageseth noted, “ONE will have a sasquatch-sized footprint in the U.S. market before long. We’re relying on Frank’s extensive finance background and experience as CFO for multiple public companies to help us redefine the retail experience for cannabis users.”

Prior to joining ONE Cannabis, Knuettel served in various roles for MJardin Group, Inc. (OTC: MJARF), most recently as Chief Strategy Officer, and previously as CFO, where he managed the company’s public listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange and helped orchestrate the acquisition of GrowForce. Prior to joining MJardin, Knuettel was CFO at several public companies, including Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), a hydrometallurgical lead recycling operation, and Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), a patent licensing and enforcement business. Prior to joining Marathon, Knuettel served as the CFO of IP Commerce, Inc., a SaaS-based electronic payment platform. Additionally, Knuettel has held numerous board positions, at both public companies and non-profit institutions.

Director of Operations, Cultivation Will Advance Data Processes to Streamline Cultivation

In his role as Director of Operations, Cultivation, Kacy Sindel will be responsible for overseeing the operational buildout of ONE Cannabis’ cultivation and processing facilities as well as implementing enhanced data processes to increase and streamline the Company’s production capabilities. Sindel has over two decades of manufacturing and production experience including five years working in the cannabis industry. In his 22 years at Designers Choice Cabinetry, he helped grow the business nine-fold, from $2 million to $18 million in annual revenue. His cannabis experience started with Maggie’s Farm in Colorado, where he overhauled their pen and paper operation into a fluid, electronic data-capture model – streamlining the process from harvest to store. Sindel will be tasked with forging strategic relationships with cultivation partners across North America to ensure ONE franchisees have access to the best product available.

Director of Communications Expands Company’s Franchise Industry Experience to Nearly Five Decades

Jayne Levy joins ONE Cannabis as Director of Communications. Prior to joining the Company, Levy founded Pink Tree Creative, where she led public relations efforts for ONE Cannabis over the past 18 months, spearheading communications surrounding the Company’s franchise opportunities. Prior to launching Pink Tree Creative, Levy spent nearly a decade working in franchise-focused communications where she executed PR efforts for more than 70 companies across 20 different industries. As chief point of contact and business liaison, Levy’s franchise experience and PR acumen are a tremendous value-add for the company, as it works to build its franchise system and integrate cannabis into the everyday life of consumers nationwide.

For more information about ONE Cannabis or career opportunities, visit http://ocginc.com/. ONE Cannabis stock images, company logo and executive headshots can be downloaded here.

ABOUT ONE CANNABIS:

ONE Cannabis is a Denver-based multi-state producer and retailer of cannabis, and the preeminent franchisor in this nascent, fast-growing industry. The company’s cutting-edge franchise model stems from its deeply entrenched footprint as an early entrepreneur in this emerging industry. The franchise has more than a decade of proven cannabis operation with an unusual expertise in franchise innovation that aims to set the standard for an industry that could eventually expand nationwide. Through its franchise opportunities and Social Equity & Economic Development (SEED) program, ONE eases the industry’s barrier to entry, making cannabis entrepreneurship more feasible to a broader group. ONE Cannabis CEO and co-founder Christian Hageseth was named an “Industry Trailblazer” by High Times magazine and has chronicled his legal cannabis journey in his book: Big Weed: An Entrepreneur’s High-Stakes Adventures in the Budding Legal Marijuana Business. For more information about the ONE Cannabis franchise opportunity, visit ocginc.com.