Monthly Archives: April 2020

22 04, 2020

Anago Cleaning Systems Recognized Among Top Ranked Franchises Under 50K By Entrepreneur Magazine

2020-04-22T11:43:54-04:00April 22nd, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Commercial Cleaning Leader Ranked #2.

POMPANO BEACH, Fla.Anago Cleaning Systems today announced it has earned the #2 spot in Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 100 Franchises Under $50K. This highly competitive list recognizes the top 100 companies that continue to evolve and maintain relevance with the latest trends, while reporting the greatest franchise unit growth in North America.

“Anago Cleaning Systems is proud to be recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine for the quality and dynamic franchise growth of our franchise model,” said Adam Povlitz, CEO & President of Anago Cleaning Systems. “With a low barrier to entry, our world-class franchise system is accessible to many hardworking entrepreneurs who want to take control of their financial future. Our brand offers this opportunity and is backed by a history of growth, innovative technology, and passion for service.”

Entrepreneur‘s 2020 Top 100 Franchises Under $50K ranking is based on data submitted for Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500. Most recently, Anago ranked as the #14 fastest growing franchise by Entrepreneur magazine. Anago Cleaning Systems’ position on the ranking demonstrates the brand’s rising popularity with both franchisees and customers.

“Commercial cleaning is reported to be among a very small group of industries that are considered recession-resistant franchises for risk adverse entrepreneurs,” added Povlitz. “What we’ve experienced with global events such as the 2008 financial meltdown and the spread of the H1N1 virus in 2009 is that people turn to franchises that offer essential services still needed despite times of a strained economy. As an industry, we expect to see a similar trend on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Anago Cleaning Systems is a pioneer of the master franchise system, which allows successful mid-career professionals to operate their own exclusive regional franchises, while allowing small businesses to invest in their success. Both levels simply focus on running their business while Anago Cleaning Systems provides assistance, guidance, and critical tools to grow.

About Anago Cleaning Systems

Anago Cleaning Systems is an international commercial cleaning franchise brand. Utilizing the Master Franchise System, Anago supports over 40 Master Franchisees and over 1,700 Unit Franchisees. Founded in 1989, Anago has set the worldwide standard in business support and structure for local and regional companies to provide unparalleled cleaning services to businesses of all kinds. Anago was ranked #38 overall by Entrepreneur magazine in its latest Franchise 500® ranking. For further information, visit its website at AnagoMasters.com.

22 04, 2020

Interim HealthCare Inc. Launches Website to Serve Home Care Industry’s PPE Needs

2020-04-22T11:24:17-04:00April 22nd, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Home healthcare leader closes gap in industry’s ability to source, negotiate and process orders for COVID-19 personal protective equipment.

SUNRISE, Fla.Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation’s leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services, and its parent company, Caring Brands International (CBI), today launched a website to help the home care industry access critical personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory in the fight against COVID-19: https://www.ppeforhomecare.org/home/.

Since this public health crisis reached the United States, CBI and Interim HealthCare President and CEO, Jennifer Sheets, and her team have been integral in driving U.S.-based and international advocacy and task force gathering discussions to spotlight a huge gap in the industry’s ability to obtain and fulfill orders for PPE. Subsequently, the leadership at Interim HealthCare Inc., has been sourcing, vetting and negotiating critically needed PPE for the Interim HealthCare network of owners and operators. This fast action has allowed the home care master franchisor to keep pace with demand and manage its inventory over the last five weeks.

It is these efforts that led to the concept behind PPEforHomeCare.org. Among the core essentials of PPE being sourced are gloves, N95 masks, gowns, digital thermometers, infrared thermometers, and more.

“Our priority is always the health and safety of our clinicians, caregivers and the patients and families they serve. From the moment we understood the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential to prevent our collective ability to source supplies of PPE, we quickly mobilized,” said president and CEO, Jennifer Sheets. “Never wanting to increase burden on the healthcare ecosystem or hope for handouts or donations from the CDC and state governments or private fundraising, we assessed inventory and vetted reputable suppliers ourselves to find a solution. Now we are opening it up to others. For us this is mission-critical: without PPE we can’t ask our employees to be on the front line of this epidemic, just as we would never ask our armed forces to enter battle unprepared.”

As a commitment to banding together in this pandemic, the new PPE sourcing channel, now open to all those in home care, is a bold step in helping the world-wide home healthcare industry meet healthcare needs, wherever and however possible. By opening purchasing to other verified home care agencies that are struggling to find PPE, CBI can leverage bulk purchasing and greater buying power (and therefore optimal pricing) through higher volume orders.

Specific inventory includes disposable gowns, surgical masks, digital thermometers, hand sanitizer, latex cloves, nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves, KN95 respirator masks, and infrared thermometers. Inventory is available to representatives of verified home care agencies in the United States or abroad.

Caring Brands International is an organization comprised of three leading home healthcare brands across the globe including, Interim HealthCare in the United States, Bluebird Care in the United Kingdom and Ireland and Just Better Care in Australia.

Caring Brands International global home care companies will have first right to order. Owners, executives or operators of established home healthcare agencies must provide proof of establishment and agree that, should items be secured, they won’t resell or remarket supplies.

Reputable suppliers whose standards and inventory can be verified and that offer competitive pricing with reliable delivery, are invited to email support@ppeforhomecare.org to share currently available PPE and related items. Interest in helping with this important effort is greatly appreciated.

For more information on Interim HealthCare, please visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

22 04, 2020

FASTSIGNS® Named One of 50 Best Second Career Franchise Opportunities by Franchise Business Review

2020-04-22T11:06:10-04:00April 22nd, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Independent Survey Shows Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with FASTSIGNS’ Performance.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, was recently named a top franchise by Franchise Business Review in its 2020 report on the Best Franchises for Second Careers.

Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in quarterly reports throughout the year that rank the top franchises in specific sectors.

FASTSIGNS was among 307 franchise brands, representing over 11,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchises for a second career. FASTSIGNS franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, financial opportunity, and work/life balance.

“FASTSIGNS provides franchisees with world-class support from day one, so whether you’re a military veteran, first responder, teacher, or experienced sales and marketing executive looking to leverage our brand recognition and industry leadership, FASTSIGNS is an excellent opportunity for a second career,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our franchisees have the ability to create their own schedule, therefore we pride ourselves on equipping entrepreneurs with the option to enjoy their nights and weekends. When you join FASTSIGNS, you are joining the No. 1-ranked franchise opportunity in the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry — and a brand committed to the satisfaction and success of its franchisees.”

“The franchise industry provides many options for people looking for a new challenge or an additional stream of income through business ownership,” said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Franchising can pave the way to a second career that offers autonomy, flexibility, and desirable income, but before making the leap, it’s important to do your research and examine feedback from other franchise owners on how well the franchise meets their expectations. The brands named in our 2020 report represent the best of the best franchise opportunities based on feedback from senior professionals and pre-retirees who have chosen franchise ownership as the next step in their career.”

FASTSIGNS is continuing to recruit qualified franchisees to open new, co-brand, and conversion centers across the U.S. in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more add a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully convert their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive ongoing training and support to stay ahead of the competition and exceed the needs of their local business community. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and #55 overall on its annual Franchise 500® list, making it the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans and the brand also was recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans report, was named to the America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review also has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists 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.

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2020 Top Franchises. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679).

About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/. To learn more about FBR’s research, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. celebrates its 35th anniversary in business in 2020 as the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 725 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in 9 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, France and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).   

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 has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past four years, a 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans by Franchise Business Review and a 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine.

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. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679). 

20 04, 2020

How critical is customer service to your franchise?

2020-04-20T18:50:53-04:00April 20th, 2020|

Serious middle aged executive manager explaining colleague online workNo one thing will necessarily make your business a success. However, a single thing can sink it: the inability to keep your customers happy. Here are a few simple suggestions you can apply (or improve on if you already do them) to help your company provide better customer service.

Listen to all messages and call people back. Most large companies have people dedicated to taking phone calls. For smaller businesses, answering the phone can sometimes be tricky. A small business owner may have to rely on an answering machine or service. Even for large businesses, there are calls that slip through the cracks during busy days, after office hours, etc. Take the time to call your customers back and help them solve their problems. It will go a long way to help with customer retention.

Fix any customer-related issues as quickly as possible. People don’t like to be left waiting, especially if they feel like your company has mistreated them or made a mistake. To prevent these situations from escalating and to avoid negative comments circulating about your company, it is important that these unhappy customers are dealt with in a timely manner.

Make sure all of your policies are clearly written and easily found. If your company has a strict no refund policy, make sure this is stated clearly on your website and reiterated to every customer prior to their purchase. That way you have a strong foundation to stand on when customers want to return their product.

Hire kind and patient people to work in your customer service department and at the front desk. In most cases, the best kind of person to be on the front line of customer service is one who is patient and even tempered. Even with a trying customer, an employee who can listen patiently and work to find a solution that is positive for both the customer and the company is a necessity. Often a situation can be defused simply because the customer feels that someone truly cares.

Serving your customers and making sure they are always happy is key to growing and retaining your customer base. Focus on your customer service. It is one of the keys to your business’s success.

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20 04, 2020

InXpress Develops New In-House Global Shipping Platform

2020-04-20T15:05:11-04:00April 20th, 2020|Tags: , , , , , |

Shipping and Logistics Franchise Introduces User-Friendly Technology for Flexibility and Speed.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — InXpress, a global business-to-business shipping and logistics franchise has developed an in-house software platform, Webship+, to better serve its 30,000 customers worldwide. With a shipment every seven seconds, the company created its own intuitive global shipping software for user-friendly flexibility and in-house control to make future modifications.

When redesigning and creating its own easy-to-use online portal, the franchise factored in customer feedback and franchisee insight from the Brand Development Council. InXpress built Webship+ off of key existing features from its previous software, like the bulk upload tool, world-class AWS hosting, traffic light tracking system and easy integration with e-commerce platforms to save SMEs time, money and hassle.

“The enhanced system provides customers with greater flexibility in speed, a cleaner interface and additional features that make it easier for customers to do business with us,” said Paul Knott, chief operating officer of InXpress. “We help small-to-medium size businesses ship 4.6 million packages a year in 14 countries, and as volume grows, we are confident our software capacity will grow with our customers.”

Some of the customer-centric features Knott mentions include mobile access, accurate quote comparison based on real-time data, simple invoices and increased service availability.

From its founding, InXpress created a customer-service oriented culture and franchisees take pride in offering a more impactful user experience. Now more than ever, small-to-medium size enterprises need real-time visibility, help reducing costs, the ability to ship efficiently and a local contact who will go the extra mile with one-stop-shop access to multiple carrier options.

“InXpress franchisees focus on providing a true partnership with their customers, especially in times like this,” said Dustin Hansen, chief executive officer of InXpress Americas. “With our advanced proprietary platform our franchisees and customers have visibility into what’s available, fast quotes and the ability to quickly communicate with each other and eliminate the frustration of an overwhelmed 1-800 number.”

As an essential business, SMEs have real needs right now and its in-house technology positions InXpress to adapt with the customer needs. InXpress is committed to constant innovation to better serve and assist customers.

About InXpress:

InXpress, a global business-to-business franchise company in the shipping and logistics industry, with a network of over 370 franchisees provides SMEs with unrivaled time and cost-saving shipping solutions through consultative services and innovative software. Due to the franchise’s size and its partnership with DHL and more than 50 other trusted carrier partners, InXpress franchisees can offer big shipping discounts to small and medium-sized business. With automated shipping preparation and one-on-one account management, InXpress customers are treated with the care and services typically reserved for Fortune 1000 companies. The core services include international small parcel, domestic small parcel and LTL (freight). The company was founded in 1999 in the United Kingdom and currently operates in 14 countries. InXpress Americas began franchising in 2006. To learn more about the franchise opportunity and the reoccurring revenue potential, visit https://inxpressfranchise.com/.

20 04, 2020

Preschoolers At The Goddard School Celebrate Earth Week At Home With Environmentally Friendly Activities

2020-04-20T15:06:33-04:00April 20th, 2020|Tags: , , |

Goddard Schools Nationwide Virtually Unite to Foster Environmental Stewardship.

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — Every year, The Goddard School®, the nation’s leading preschool franchise system with a curriculum that promotes learning through play, hosts its annual Root for Earth celebration, which teaches children the importance of environmental sustainability by recycling and conserving energy. This year, from April 20 to 24, teachers, students and families nationwide will virtually unite to celebrate Earth Week with environmentally friendly activities that can be done at home.

Parents will have access to the newly launched Goddard at Home program, a distance learning program that ensures the mental health and academic development of the students will continue to grow during this disruptive time.

Through this virtual program, preschoolers attending The Goddard School will participate in innovative home learning projects, including their annual Recycled Runway Fashion Show where children create outfits and costumes from unwanted materials found around the house. Additionally, children across the country will create crafts from recycled items and participate in other eco-friendly activities that promote S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning.

At the core of Root for Earth is the signature Lights Out initiative. This year, The Goddard School asks families nation-wide to participate by turning off all non-essential lighting at home for one hour on Earth Day.

“The Goddard Root for Earth program empowers our students to practice environmental responsibility in a fun and engaging way,” said Dr. Craig Bach, Vice President of Education at Goddard Systems, Inc., the franchisor of The Goddard School. “We are thrilled to be able to continue this tradition at home this year, furthering the lessons of environmental stewardship with our students and enabling them to be active participants in caring for the earth.”

About The Goddard School

As experts in early childhood education, The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Goddard Schools’ play-based curriculum includes environmental lessons that encourage children to make sustainable choices that will benefit the ecosystem.

For more information on this campaign, including tips for busy families to do their part to support the environment please visit www.goddardschool.com/rootforearth.

17 04, 2020

SAFE HOMECARE® Has The Single Most Extensive Marketing And Referral Network In History

2020-04-17T12:11:41-04:00April 17th, 2020|Tags: , , , , , , , |

MIAMI — Virtually all of the world’s seven billion people, in over 100 languages worldwide, are saying the same thing to all their family, friends and acquaintances, several times each and every day . . . “BE SAFE.”

Today SAFE HOMECARE, a leading in-home senior care provider which offers franchises throughout the United States, announces the availability of low investment franchise opportunities.

SAFE HOMECARE, a non-medical senior care provider since 2014 began selectively franchising in 2016.  SAFE . . . is a fully functioning “essential business” that is everyday supporting the exploding needs of America.  SAFE has been there for its clients the entire span of the COVID-19 outbreak, caring for the elderly, the most vulnerable and highest risk individuals, in the safety and security of their own homes, helping its clients to BE SAFE.

SAFE HOMECARE is positioned in the RIGHT PLACE at the RIGHT TIME, offering a low investment franchise opportunity, with substantial upside, even, or especially, in this tumultuous economic environment.

Responding to the current economic landscape, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently offering a 6 month deferred payment program.  The SBA has an “Express Loan” program that makes up to $150,000 available in a few short weeks with pre-approval in a matter of days.  SAFE HOMECARE is an SBA approved opportunity with prime territories available across the country.

About SAFE HOMECARE®

Visit us at www.safehomecarefranchise.com to learn more.

(855) 953-SAFE (7233) or email us at franchise@safehomecare.com

Franchise territories are available.