Monthly Archives: August 2020

31 08, 2020

Dine At Saladworks This Fall And Help End Childhood Hunger

2020-08-31T18:57:38-04:00August 31st, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Funds raised support No Kid Hungry to help ensure all kids get the healthy meals they need.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Kids need textbooks, pencils and paper. But there’s one school supply they absolutely can’t do without: food. It helps them learn, focus and thrive. But because of the coronavirus, 1 in 4 kids could face hunger this year. When you dine with Saladworks this season, you can help give hungry kids the meals they need.

Beginning on August 31 and running through October 15, Saladworks is offering guests four ways to ‘Join The Team’ and help end childhood hunger by supporting No Kid Hungry through the brand’s Million Meals Challenge. Saladworks’ goal is to raise $100,000* for No Kid Hungry, which can provide up to one million meals for kids in need.**

The first way guests can team up with Saladworks is by making a donation to No Kid Hungry after purchasing their meal, either in person at a Saladworks restaurant or via online ordering. For every $1 donation made by a guest, they will receive an “I Joined the Team” sticker and an opportunity to sign a “carrot” image symbolizing their personal commitment to the cause.  Each individually signed guest “carrot” will be posted on a wall next to the restaurant’s “carrot tracker” – signifying the progress made each week of the 6-week Million Meals Challenge. To sweeten the deal, every guest who donates $5 will receive the above, plus a bounce back coupon for a free entree with purchase of any beverage on a future order through October 31.

The second way a guest can ‘Join the Team’ is by purchasing an item from Saladworks new Kids Works menu being introduced systemwide in tandem with its partnership with No Kid Hungry. The Kids Works menu features an array of fresh, nutritious and flavorful items kids love – including an innovative Build Your Own Meal option that allows kids to select items from five different categories to customize a meal as ‘original’ as they are. For every Kids Works menu item sold, Saladworks will support the concept of “Kids Fueling Kids” by donating $.10 to No Kid Hungry. Additionally, every Tuesday night throughout the promotion, Saladworks is allowing kids to eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

The third way a guest can ‘Join the Team’ in support of No Kid Hungry is through Saladworks Catering. For each catering order placed via saladworks.com, guests will have the option to donate $5, $10 or $25 to No Kid Hungry.

Finally, the fourth way anyone can ‘Join the Team’ is by making a donation via a special Saladworks link to the No Kid Hungry fundraising section of its website at: Saladworks.com/NoKidHungryDonate. The brand is leveraging the social media networks of its corporate employees, franchise partners, team members, business partners and the general public to reach out to as many people as possible who may feel compelled to join Saladworks in support of No Kid Hungry.

For more information on Saladworks and its partnership with No Kid Hungry, visit https://www.nokidhungry.org/partners/homepage-partner/saladworks.

“We are so excited to be partnering with No Kid Hungry to help end child hunger across America,” said Mark Mears, Chief Marketing Officer of Saladworks. “Saladworks is well-regarded for our ability to serve guests a wide variety of healthy, nutritious and flavorful meals.  Now we have the honor to team up with No Kid Hungry to support the tremendous impact they have every day in feeding hungry children in our communities – an even bigger, more important goal now that millions more kids could face hunger due to COVID-19.”

*Saladworks’ goal is to raise $100,000 for No Kid Hungry, with a guaranteed a minimum donation of $25,000

**$1 can provide up to 10 meals. Meal equivalency varies during COVID-19 relief. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar

About No Kid Hungry:
No child should go hungry in America. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 1 in 4 kids could face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.

SOURCE Saladworks

ABOUT SALADWORKS:

Founded in 1986, Saladworks is the nation’s leading fast-casual create-your-own salad destination, with over 100 locations across 18 states and two countries. Saladworks encourages guests to be original, giving them the option to choose from bowls or wraps with greens, grains or both, along with an array of fresh vegetables, fruits, proteins and delicious dressings. Ranked #22 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2020, Saladworks has been delivering the most original and incredible salad experience to guests for more than 30 years. For more information, visit www.saladworks.com.

26 08, 2020

Hammer & Nails Signs Multi-Unit Franchise Deal to Bring Men’s Grooming Shop to the Pittsburgh Community

2020-08-28T23:10:45-04:00August 26th, 2020|Tags: , , |

Three New Men’s Grooming Franchises Coming to Pennsylvania.

PITTSBURGH — Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys, a men’s grooming shop that provides haircuts, shaves and hand & foot care, in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, is pleased to announce it has signed a three-unit franchise agreement with former sales executive Ronn Day in Pittsburgh.

While most people move to warmer climates as they approach retirement, Day did the exact opposite – he traded the sunshine and palm trees for a winter jacket and Steelers apparel when he moved across the country from Southern California last year. Pittsburgh immediately felt like home, with his family already living nearby and wife a Pittsburgh native. After immersing himself into the community, Day felt it was time to exit the corporate world after 35 years of fulfilling executive roles in sales and marketing to transition to a role that will service his new neighbors in Pittsburgh.

After the move, Day took some much needed down time to evaluate different business opportunities, which is when he discovered Hammer & Nails. He was immediately enamored by the men’s grooming shop and began researching the franchise opportunity. Not only was Day impressed by the uniqueness of the business model – a membership experience where men could be completely comfortable enjoying a hand or foot service while getting their beard groomed – it also reminded him of an old-time men’s club, but with a modern twist. In addition, he was interested in an opportunity with recurring revenue, and the membership model of Hammer & Nails provides that for an owner. While Pittsburgh has great barbershops, Day liked how Hammer & Nails goes the extra mile for its members to make the experience both personal and unique – and that’s exactly what the Pittsburgh community is all about.

“I immediately knew after reviewing the franchise opportunity of Hammer & Nails that this is something I wanted to be a part of and bring to the Pittsburgh community,” said Day. “I’m glad that the stigma surrounding men getting pedicures and manicures is falling by the wayside, and I look forward to Hammer & Nails becoming the neighborhood spot to go for not only grooming but a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Day hopes to have his first location open by year’s end, with the two other locations to open by the end of 2021. He is currently looking for locations in Wexford, Sewickley, East Liberty, Fox Chapel and Cranberry Township.

The Hammer & Nails experience coming to Pittsburgh is unlike any other. The atmosphere is low-lit, with soft ambient lighting throughout the shop. Exterior windows are tinted for privacy and the interior is furnished with dark wood and steel, creating a relaxing vibe. Members are greeted by name, escorted to a luxurious oversized Bison leather chair, and handed a menu with complimentary beverages ranging from an ice-cold water to McAllen’s whiskey, all of which is included in the service cost. Shops have Direct TV, and every guest has a personal TV, remote and noise-cancelling headphones for entertainment during his visit.

“The men’s grooming industry is booming and Ronn is joining our brand at a key moment of growth. We’re excited to bring Hammer & Nails to the Pittsburgh community and we know with the brand’s trend-setting atmosphere and unique service offerings, these new shops will surely become a community staple,” said Nick Bertagna, Pittsburgh Area Developer and Westerville, OH franchisee for Hammer & Nails. “With Ronn’s three Hammer & Nails locations, men in Pittsburgh will have never looked or felt better.”

As Bertagna notes, Hammer & Nails has a strong future in Pittsburgh. The brand is looking to add two more shops around the Pittsburgh community with qualified franchisees, in addition to the three that Ronn will open. For more information about the Hammer & Nails franchise opportunity, visit https://hammerandnailsfranchise.com/.

About Hammer & Nails

Hammer & Nails was founded in 2013 with the vision to provide hand and foot care, manicures and pedicures, haircuts and shaves to every type of male. After offering a franchise opportunity in 2015, the brand awarded licenses for more than 200 shops and is working to have 150 locations open and operating by 2025. To learn more about the brand, service offerings and locations, visit http://www.hammerandnailsgrooming.com/

26 08, 2020

How the Education System Fails to Prepare Workers–and What Needs to Change

2020-08-28T11:45:56-04:00August 26th, 2020|Tags: , , , |

A Call for an Education Revolution Aligning Classrooms and Careers. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — 2020 has been anything but normal for students and teachers with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many schools across the nation prepare to resume classes virtually, a new white paper from Express Employment Professionals explores why now is the perfect time to revolutionize the education system.

The new white paper dives deeper into a survey commissioned by Express in conjunction with The Harris Poll that revealed nearly 9 in 10 employees (87%) agree a whole new approach to education, skills training and learning—an “education revolution”—is needed to prepare people for the workforce. And of those employees, 40% “strongly agree” with that sentiment.

The key challenges survey respondents identified include:

  1. The gap between skills needed and skills taught
  2. The lack of work study or earn-and-learn opportunities
  3. The cost and utility of college and higher education

The rapid changes of this year only further revealed what was ultimately not working with the education system before the pandemic—when too many students entered the workforce unprepared for the jobs available to them. This unwanted disruption is a challenge but also an opportunity to refocus curriculum on what Americans say matters for their careers.

Regardless of whether government policy changes are made to address these concerns, it is critical for everyone—employers, educators, policymakers, students and more—to have a clearer understanding of employees’ relationship with and perspectives on the education system, as well as what each can do in response.

Other notable topics in the white paper include:

  • Confidence in preparation to handle aspects of work
  • Combining education and experience
  • Accessibility and affordability of college
  • Lifelong learning
  • Upskilling

“Historically, during difficult times is often when a society sees the most innovation. This pandemic has exposed which jobs are absolutely essential to the economy, and we need to make sure we are preparing students adequately for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” Express CEO Bill Stoller said. “Now is the time for an education revolution.”

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, our international network of franchises offer localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve, employing 552,000 people across North America in 2019. For more information, visit www.ExpressPros.com.

26 08, 2020

With Health Initiatives More Important Than Ever, THE DRIPBaR Sees Increased Interest In Its Franchise Opportunity

2020-08-26T01:10:27-04:00August 26th, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Burgeoning IV therapy franchise set for massive expansion with nearly 200 new locations in various stages of development.

WARWICK, R.I. — Being healthy has become more important than ever, so it should come as no surprise that the small but growing IV therapy category is becoming increasingly appealing to prospective franchisees. And THE DRIPBaR has the growth pipeline to prove it.

Founded in 2016 and franchising since September of last year, the Rhode Island-based franchise focused on helping people obtain their best health using advances in intravenous therapies, has seen interest in its franchise opportunity grow exponentially. With one location currently open and operating in Warwick, Rhode Island, THE DRIPBaR already has nearly 200 additional locations in various stages of development across eight states.

According to Chief Development Officer Ben Crosbie, THE DRIPBaR is slated to open as many as 10 new locations by the end of the year, with an additional 40-50 in 2021.

“People are starting to recognize the power of IV therapies to maintain their best health, or to fight cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. They are seeking our care to complement conventional treatment options,” said Crosbie. “Intravenous treatments are a durable change in the healthcare landscape that will only grow in the future. THE DRIPBaR will be the leading brand in that space to capture this demand.”

IV Therapy, also known as intravenous therapy, is the administration of delivering nutrients and hydration directly into the bloodstream for immediate absorption and use by the body. It is the fastest way to deliver nutrients throughout the body, because it bypasses the digestive system and goes directly into the organs, resulting in a 90-100% absorption rate (the oral intake of fluid and vitamins has a partial absorption rate). THE DRIPBaR leverages this benefit and provides IV therapies that are designed to do everything from slowing the signs of aging to energizing and refreshing.

A cash-based business, THE DRIPBaR is filled with IV Infusions designed to help you maximize your physical and mental health. Clients can choose from one of 18 IV Lifestyle or Health Support drips, including the Jet Setter, Time Machine, Restoration, Flu Fighter and High C. For those who don’t have time for a full IV vitamin infusion but are looking for the benefit, THE DRIPBaR can give your body a boost in just five minutes with one of its seven IM Quick Shots.

THE DRIPBaR clients have chosen to use IV vitamin support to help them with conditions ranging from the common cold, to headaches, fibromyalgia or any of the conditions listed above. Still other clients have made the safe administration of regular intravenous infusions of high-dose vitamins part of their health maintenance routine.

While some of THE DRIPBaR’s therapies are akin to relaxing spa franchise treatments, others can be enjoyed over a lunchbreak, or any time customers have a few minutes to spare.

“The quality and range of our offerings, and the consistent excellence of our services, will distinguish us as the market grows,” said Crosbie. “COVID-19 has created a new understanding in people that they need to be as healthy as they can be. Healthcare is no longer a passive activity, where people wait for an illness to strike and then react to it. More than ever people want to be in control of their own health, they want to be proactive. They want non-drug therapies to support the best health. They want what THE DRIPBaR has to offer and we are excited to offer our business opportunity.”

To augment the company’s growth, THE DRIPBaR is continuing to target single- and multi-unit franchisees, as well as area representatives, who are looking to own a business in an energized and emerging market. Including a franchise fee of $55,000, the initial investment to open a1,000-1,500 square foot location is $116,300-$272,700.

For more information about the franchise opportunity, visit www.thedripbar.com/own-a-dripbar.

About THE DRIPBaR

Founded in 2016 and franchising since late 2019, THE DRIPBaR is a Rhode Island-based franchise focused on helping people obtain their best physical and mental health using intravenous therapies. Through advances in cellular and biological science, THE DRIPBaR helps clients fight the consequences of chronic illness, address the effects of aging, and achieve a balanced wellness. With one location currently open and operating in Warwick, Rhode Island, THE DRIPBaR already has nearly 200 additional locations in various stages of development across eight states. For more information, visit www.thedripbar.com.

24 08, 2020

Conserva Irrigation Adds Six New Territories in Colorado, Minnesota, and South Carolina

2020-08-24T23:01:27-04:00August 24th, 2020|Tags: , , , , , |

Water Conservation Leader Continues Most Successful Year Ever With Signing of Three New Franchise Agreements.

RICHMOND, Va.Conserva Irrigation, the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the concept of water conservation, announced today the addition of six new territories. While the pandemic has caused uncertainty across the country, Conserva Irrigation has continued to grow, signing three new franchisees to the system and expanding across Greater Denver, Colorado, Rochester and Mankato, Minnesota, and Greenville, South Carolina.

Conserva Irrigation’s expansion comes on the heels of a very successful first half of the year. Earlier this year, the smart irrigation leader added 14 new territories and seven new franchisees, while debuting in Utah, California, South Carolina and Indiana. With the addition of 20 territories year-to-date across seven states, Conserva Irrigation has now grown its footprint across nearly 100 territories in markets throughout the country.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a lasting impact on small businesses in our country and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have sustained success during the economic downturn because of our strong company culture and recession-resistant franchise model. It’s because of our dedicated staff and talented franchisees that we’ve continued to grow amid turbulent times,” said Russ Jundt, founder of Conserva Irrigation. “We’re looking forward to continuing to support our existing franchise partners, adding new small business owners to our family and providing employment to those searching for an opportunity in irrigation.”

As a result of Conserva Irrigation’s sustained growth, the company recently jumped more than 1,400 spots in this year’s Inc. 5000 ranking, which lists companies based on their percentage of revenue growth from 2016 to 2019. In addition, Conserva Irrigation has experienced its highest sales months in June and July since the brand’s inception. With a successful track record and growing number of franchisees, Conserva Irrigation has remained nimble to sustain company growth and even launched a virtual franchisee training this year that includes in-depth videos showing franchisees how to use the irrigation equipment while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Conserva Irrigation is looking to expand further throughout the United States and is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with a range of corporate experience, as well as those looking for add-on or conversion business opportunities. Potential franchisee candidates should be willing to initially invest between $81,800 and $102,250. Incentives are also available for veterans, multi-territory agreements and those with existing businesses.

For more information about franchise opportunities with Conserva Irrigation, visit ConservaIrrigation.com, IrrigationFranchise.com or OutdoorLivingBrands.com.

About Conserva Irrigation

Founded as a franchise in 2017, Conserva Irrigation is the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the principle of water conservation. The brand is part of Outdoor Living Brands, a market-leading franchisor of premium residential and commercial outdoor living services. With 90+ territories operating across the country and growing, Conserva Irrigation is helping home and business owners reduce water consumption through its use of a proprietary irrigation auditing system and water-efficient irrigation products. Conserva Irrigation recently debuted on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2020 Franchise 500 list at #296, followed by recognition in Entrepreneur’s 2020 Top New Franchises list at #7. Additionally, the brand was recognized among Financial Times’ 2020 America’s Fastest Growing Companies list and the Inc. 5000 2020 ranking. For more information about Conserva Irrigation, visit https://www.conservairrigation.com/ or OutdoorLivingBrands.com.

20 08, 2020

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Hosts Tenth Annual Outside Sales Summit Virtually

2020-08-20T15:10:53-04:00August 20th, 2020|Tags: , , , |

FASTSIGNS Engages Over 475 Sales Professionals Across Five Countries.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the world’s leading sign and visual graphics franchisor with more than 735 FASTSIGNS locations in nine countries worldwide, hosted its tenth annual Outside Sales Summit August 10-15 in an inaugural virtual setting. There were over 475 people from five countries in attendance.

With a Rev Up Sales theme, the 2020 Outside Sales Summit celebrated the FASTSIGNS network’s sales achievements between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. At the virtual awards event on Friday, a record 183 Outside Sales Professionals were recognized, including 17 who received the prestigious Platinum Award for achieving over $1 million in individual sales during the 12-month period. Additionally, 18 individuals became Certified FASTSIGNS Sales Executives after completing an extensive certification program during the same period.

2020 also marked the second year for presenting the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award. With this award, FASTSIGNS recognizes one Outside Sales Professional who best represents the concept and the spirit of the brand, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network. Sam Leopard from FASTSIGNS® of Fort Worth – Alliance was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award.

“Due to the pandemic, we hosted our annual Outside Sales Summit in a completely virtual setting. This energy-packed event allowed us to provide the over 475 attendees with education and tools to continue honing their selling skills, as well as to recognize and celebrate the incredible work and achievements of the FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Professionals from locations around the world,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and Chair of the International Franchising Association.

Featured speakers included John Boyens, Sales Productivity Expert, Business Strategist and Co-Founder/President of Boyens Group® and Jeb Blount, prospecting guru, President and Founder of Sales Gravy, Inc. and author of the relevant new book, “Virtual Selling.” Additional speakers from the FASTSIGNS International team covered a variety of topics including Industry Disruptors and Interior Decor Trends, Engaging Customers, How to Identify Key Markets, Marketing Tools and more.

23 vendors participated at this year’s Outside Sales Summit Event, including five Diamond Sponsors. The Awards Event on Friday was sponsored by Click2Sell, and FASTSIGNS hosted 11 Vendor Training Workshops from Click2Sell, Fellers, Epson, Grimco, Avery Dennison, HEXIS, Clarus, ChromeSignage, Logo Mats, Showdown Displays and Stouse. There were also 13 Commercial Sponsorships including Gemini, GSG, Integrity Sign Solutions, Glantz, Ricoh, 3M, Window Film Depot, Kapco, JDS Sign Supply, Discount Labels, 1Huddle, CareerPlug and Ricoh.

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 735 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 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 touchpoints. 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 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 08, 2020

2020 Survey Reveals COVID-19 Pandemic Has Not Improved America’s Emergency Preparedness

2020-08-20T14:54:20-04:00August 20th, 2020|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Report reveals concerns about household readiness ahead of National Preparedness Month in September.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — A national survey released today found that despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. experiencing 14 separate billion-dollar natural disasters in 2019, 75% of Americans do not feel that they are well prepared for natural or man-made disasters, and only three out of ten Americans have an emergency preparedness plan.

For the third year in a row, BELFOR Holdings, Inc. (BELFOR) – the world’s largest disaster recovery and property restoration company, which includes BELFOR Property Restoration and BELFOR Franchise Group – conducted an independent, national survey of homeowners and renters across the U.S. to measure disaster preparedness in recognition of National Preparedness Month in September.

Key findings of the survey, aimed at gauging how natural and man-made disasters as well as the COVID-19 crisis have impacted Americans’ decisions about emergency preparedness, include:

  • Only a third of respondents have been influenced by recent media coverage around COVID-19 to improve their emergency preparedness planning. Less than half of these respondents bought supplies for an emergency kit, created and/or updated their preparedness plan, or reviewed a preparedness plan with their family.
  • 41% of respondents are more aware of cleaning needs within their homes amid the pandemic.
  • Of the 39% of respondents currently working at home due to the pandemic, almost half would be comfortable returning to their office if their employer used a professional cleaning company certified in COVID-19 treatment, versus a janitorial service or having employees themselves clean their workplace.
  • 53% of working respondents think it is important to have an emergency plan at work, but only 40% were familiar with such a plan at their workplace.

“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that health disasters are devastating just like natural and man-made disasters are. Everybody has a little bit of hero in them, so NOW is the time to take action to prepare each other and loved ones – don’t wait for tomorrow,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR. “We hope these results inspire people, businesses and communities to rethink their emergency plans, and drive national awareness about the importance of being prepared for any type of disaster.”

Building on the results of previous years, the 2020 survey also found that:

  • Nearly half of respondents who have not made a plan say it is because they have never thought about it.
  • Naturally, and as the survey confirms, homeowners and renters’ concerns about disasters vary by region – most worrisome are tornados (Midwest and Southwest), home fires (Northeast and Mid-Atlantic), hurricanes (South) and earthquakes (West).
  • More than six in ten respondents have special responsibilities in the event of an emergency, including pets (36%) and individuals requiring extra assistance such as children, elderly or disabled persons (26%).

“Now more than ever, we’re seeing an increased need for deep cleaning services from home and business owners alike,” said Rusty Amarante, president of BELFOR Franchise Group. “Our network of home-service based franchises will continue to operate around the clock to help residences, businesses and communities face the challenges presented by weather events, everyday disasters and the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19.”

BELFOR’s family of brands has played an essential role on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing cleaning and treatment services for residential households as well as businesses and facilities including hospitals and healthcare facilities, first responder departments, cruise ships, schools and universities, sports arenas, assisted living facilities, hotels and more.

To learn more about BELFOR’s industry-leading, proprietary COVID-19 cleaning and treatment services, click here. For tips and information on how to prepare your household or workplace for disaster, click here.

About BELFOR Franchise Group 
BELFOR Franchise Group is the world’s largest residential and commercial services franchise group based on geographic footprint and number of units. The privately held, multi-concept franchise system is a division of BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. For over a decade, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering industry-leading training, support and equipment, turnkey business models, and ongoing coaching and business development. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization for nine of the strongest service-based franchise opportunities for home and commercial cleaning and restoration. The franchise brands include: 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Chem-Dry & Upholstery Cleaning, Delta Restoration Services, DUCTZ International, HOODZ International, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, PACKOUTZ, The Patch Boys, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, please visit www.belforfranchisegroup.com.

About BELFOR Holdings, Inc.

BELFOR Holdings, Inc. is a $2 billion entity that operates a number of companies around the world, many of which complement the core work provided in the restoration industry, including BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. For nearly 75 years, BELFOR has provided residential, commercial and industrial customers every service needed to help return to normal operations in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters, including the global COVID-19 pandemic. From water and flood restoration services, fire and smoke recovery, structural damage repair, disinfection services and biohazard cleaning, to the recovery and restoration of equipment and vital documents, BELFOR has a rapid and proven response. BELFOR companies operate in more than 55 countries with 450+ offices employing over 9,200 full-time experienced restoration specialists who are dedicated to “Restoring More Than Property.” For more information, please visit www.belfor.com.

19 08, 2020

FASTSIGNS® Continues Nationwide Growth As an Essential Business Amid COVID-19 Crisis

2020-08-19T15:57:40-04:00August 19th, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Leading Sign, Graphics, and Visual Communications Franchisor Opened 16 New Locations and Signed a Dozen Franchise Agreements Since March 1.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, today announced strong growth year-to-date in 2020 including the signing of 16 new franchise agreements, 12 of which the brand signed since March 1, to develop locations in new markets like Aurora, Illinois, Panama City, Florida and the Toronto area. FASTSIGNS also celebrated the opening of 20 new centers this year with 16 new centers opened since March 1.

Much of FASTSIGNS’ growth this year is due to its centers nationwide being deemed essential as COVID-19 forced thousands of businesses across the country to temporarily close earlier this year, allowing franchisees to pivot their services to best serve their customers and local communities.

“At FASTSIGNS, our franchisees’ success comes first. When the pandemic began to impact our industry, we fought to ensure FASTSIGNS centers across the U.S. could continue to operate, and we’ve continued to be by their side to help them every step of the way,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We’re incredibly proud of how our franchisees adapted to the changing climate by tapping into the diverse product range we offer so they could fulfill the unique needs of their customers. Throughout the pandemic, our franchisees have continued to manufacture critical signage, plexiglass shields, and more to help hospitals, local governments, and businesses communicate important health and safety information and to protect communities. Their role of being the go-to resource for visual communications in their communities continues to grow stronger every day. The growth and momentum we’ve experienced is a true testament to the strong FASTSIGNS network, our brand’s ability to adapt systemwide, and the rising demand for signage.”

Kevin Leamon signed a franchise agreement with FASTSIGNS in March 2020, and in July celebrated the grand opening of his center in Springfield, Illinois.

“Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have had my new business up and running in just four months during such a challenging period,” said Leamon. “As a first-time franchisee, the support and guidance that FASTSIGNS offered as I navigated this new endeavor helped the entire process run smoothly. Along the way, I had the opportunity to tap into the impressive network of existing franchisees to discuss how they were adapting throughout the pandemic, and learned so many invaluable tools that I could incorporate into my center. It was motivating to hear how FASTSIGNS centers could quickly pivot to meet the needs of current events and further position themselves as the expert in the sign industry. I’m thrilled to be part of this dynamic brand.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In addition to the brand’s online FASTSIGNS University, FASTSIGNS partners with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity.

“As a first-time franchisee, it was important for me to invest in a brand that provided guidance to help me succeed, while allowing me to be in business for myself — and FASTSIGNS provided just that,” said Steve Brown, FASTSIGNS franchisee of Newport Beach, California, who opened his center in April 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. “I was just weeks away from opening my first location when the pandemic hit, and FASTSIGNS proved to be an invaluable partner during that time. I moved forward with opening my center amid the pandemic, having faith in one of the largest sign franchises. The support shown during these unprecedented times helped me get my FASTSIGNS center up and running.”

FASTSIGNS offers 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 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.

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 735 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 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 touchpoints. 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.

17 08, 2020

Interim HealthCare Inc. Welcomes New Owners: Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana

2020-08-17T09:23:20-04:00August 17th, 2020|Tags: , , , |

Mandeville, Covington and New Orleans communities now have reliable and trusted access to home care services and job opportunities.

NEW ORLEANS — Interim HealthCare Inc. today announced the launch of Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana*, a leading local provider of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing, with Bob and Mandy LaFleur as the new owners and operators. The LaFleurs, both born and raised in southern Louisiana, are expanding Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana’s private duty services to include all of Interim HealthCare Inc.‘s specialty programs, including cognitive care with a focus on dementia, diabetes, heart disease and chronic care which fall under Interim HealthCare’s HomeLife Enrichment® signature standard of care offerings. 

Serving the communities of Mandeville, Covington and New Orleans, the LaFleurs are committed to ensuring that residents, clients and their families have a reliable and trusted partner to meet their home care and hospice needs. Through a new collaboration with Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist Program, Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana is passionately committed to area veterans and caring for their needs as a way of honoring and thanking them for their service. Additionally, Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana will maintain critical relationships with area healthcare facilities, government agencies, schools and other organizations to help meet their growing needs for qualified healthcare professionals. 

Bob and Mandy have spent their combined 50 years of patient care experience in the South Louisiana area. Bob is a dedicated nurse in the community. He was previously the CEO at Memorial Specialty Hospital and prior to that, held director of provider relations and CEO roles at Cornerstone Healthcare Group. At Cornerstone, his leadership was instrumental in the hospital earning Hospital of the Year from 2010-2015 and multiple top employee engagement and patient satisfaction scores by the organization. Mandy spent more than two decades as a healthcare and customer service executive with Cornerstone Healthcare Group and The Veranda Retirement of Graywood. Bob and Mandy’s careers have been focused on providing exceptional and high-quality patient care. Married for 25 years, the LaFleurs have three sons and they enjoy camping, fishing, cooking and spending time with family and friends – core Louisianan traditions.

“My wife and I are thrilled to serve the greater Southeast Louisiana community with compassionate and high-quality home and hospice care solutions and job opportunities,” said Bob LaFleur. “Having been raised, built a career and a family right here in Louisiana, we know what it takes to keep our community close and well cared for. At Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana, we take our role very seriously and believe we can help Louisianans age in place while being active community participants.”

The Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana staffing services will bring more jobs to the region including nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals.

“We are delighted to have Bob and Mandy in the Interim HealthCare network of franchisees,” said Jennifer Sheets, Interim HealthCare Inc. president and CEO. “With decades of combined experience in healthcare leadership, community engagement and business management, the LaFleurs are positioned as ideal representatives of our mission to provide whole-person, individualized care for each patient and family. The Southern Louisiana community is in exceptional hands with Bobby, Mandy and their team.”

Prepared to Keep People Safe at Home

Nurses, clinicians and caregivers employed by Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana are prepared to meet the comprehensive needs of every patient in the setting they prefer. Through its HomeLife Enrichment® signature standard of care, that encompasses the mind, body, spirit and family, Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana’s qualified caregivers strive to improve the overall health and wellbeing of their patients and those around them.

All Interim HealthCare franchise locations have extended their HomeLife Enrichment signature standard of care to meet the comprehensive needs of COVID-19 patients at home, and to support families with educational tools and resources.

Southern Louisiana area residents seeking care for themselves or a loved one can visit here, https://www.interimhealthcare.com/mandevillela, for a list of services. Prospective home care employees should visit here, https://www.interimhealthcare.com/mandevillela/careers/, to learn more about job openings at Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana.  

*Interim Healthcare Hospice of East Louisiana to be dba Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana.

About Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana

Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana is a provider of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing in the cities of Mandeville, Covington and New Orleans. Owned and operated by Bob and Mandy LaFleur since 2020, Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana has the support of Interim HealthCare Inc. and its innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana is part of a franchise network that employs 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 contact Interim HealthCare of East Louisiana, visit www.interimhealthcare.com/mandevillela/home/.

13 08, 2020

Oasis Senior Advisors Names CONRIC PR & Marketing as Agency of Record

2020-08-13T11:02:51-04:00August 13th, 2020|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Oasis Senior Advisors knows the value of a team. The national franchisor, well known for helping seniors who are in transition find the living community that’s right for them, welcomes Fort Myers, Florida-based CONRIC PR & Marketing as its agency of record.

The agency will be working alongside the Oasis corporate team to develop, implement and manage internal and external communications. CONRIC will produce national integrated marketing campaigns and work with over 80 franchise owners across the country to expand audience reach.

“This is an important  strategic move for us as a recognized national brand who values not only the seniors we serve and the partners we work with, but also the franchisees who count on us to provide the marketing strategy needed to succeed,” says Tim Evankovich, CEO of Oasis Senior Advisors. “The award-winning strategies that the CONRIC team brings to the table will help us elevate our brand and increase our audience reach nationally with a clear and concise message.”

Oasis Senior Advisors connects seniors with the housing communities that best fit their needs at no cost to seniors or their families. They act as liaisons, navigating families through a housing transition that could otherwise be difficult and confusing. The advisors sort through the options, taking individual needs into account and giving careful consideration to the level of care required, the value of independence, and each family’s budget.

“We believe in Oasis Senior Advisors’ mission and vision of helping seniors and their adult children navigate through what can often be difficult transitions in life,” says CONRIC CMO and President Connie Ramos-Williams. “We look forward to working closely with Oasis Senior Advisors’ franchise owners across the country as well as with the corporate team who are all purpose-driven and passionate about helping seniors.”

For more information about Oasis Senior Advisors, franchise opportunities, or to connect with an advisor, visit oasissenioradvisors.com.

About Oasis Senior Advisors

Founded in 2014 by Tim Evankovich, Oasis Senior Advisors provides free, personalized assistance in finding senior living solutions for seniors and their families that best fit their needs. This includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, residential care homes, respite and more. The company, based in Bonita Springs, Florida, services a growing number of franchises across the United States. Their personalized and caring approach has built a dynamic network of partners such as hospital discharge planners, elder law attorneys, home care and more. Through client satisfaction and strong partnerships throughout the country, Oasis Senior Advisors is positioned for continued growth. Franchise opportunities are available nationwide. Visit oasissenioradvisors.com or call 888-455-5838 to learn more.