As owners of a pet store in Caracas, Venezuela, Alex Sanchez and Joanne Arvelaez not only knew how to run a successful business, but they also had a broad knowledge base about the pet industry. Despite their expertise, however, they found they were not immune to the economic downturn that rippled throughout their home country. By Rochelle Miller
Galen Overholt knows what it means to answer to a higher calling. As a Christian missionary for more than 12 years, he and his wife lived in northwest Ontario to teach others about their faith. By Rochelle Miller
This company may new to franchising, but don’t let that fool you. Headed by not one, but three veteran entrepreneurs, Surveillance Secure offers more than 75 years of collective business experience to their franchise owners. By Rochelle Miller
First in Home Care™, Interim HealthCare’s annual franchise owner awards celebrate sales, growth, management and lifetime achievement milestones.
SUNRISE, Fla. — Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation’s leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services, announced its 2020 Annual Awards winners at the company’s first-ever-virtual Celebration of Excellence event on Tuesday, October 20. In total, 141 award winners were honored in a variety of categories, including business (annual sales, office growth, management and leadership, lifetime achievement) and care delivery and quality.
Interim Healthcare Inc.’s CEO and President Jennifer Sheets reflected on the challenging year and highlighted how Interim HealthCare teams across the U.S. stepped up and achieved impressive business and clinical results in 2019 and 2020 despite much uncertainty.
Interim HealthCare’s long-running history and track record of excellence is only achievable through the dedication and passion of its independently-owned franchises across the country. Franchise owners and teams continuously exhibit integrity and resilience to support local communities and grow their businesses. As evidenced by this year’s award winners, Interim Healthcare is truly a people-driven business.
“Despite the hurdles handed down this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our owners prove that home care was truly made for times like these,” said Sheets. “Our caregivers and franchise owners nationwide consistently adapt to meet new challenges with innovative solutions, and we thank them for their tireless effort in caring for patients. I’m optimistic about the future because of the indomitable spirit and incredible dedication I witness every day.”
Interim HealthCare’s Celebration of Excellence hosted over 400 attendees represented by complete teams and at least 3-4 colleagues. Pre-registrants celebrated with props and Panera e-cards for a built-in catering experience in lieu of the company’s traditional gala.
Interim Healthcare 2020 Annual Award Winners include:
President’s Pinnacle Award is presented to Brandon and Gwen Sayler, Interim HealthCare of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Michael Priddy, Interim HealthCare of Rockville, Maryland. This award is presented to offices that have at least doubled their business over the last two years with minimum annual sales of $2 million at the end of that two-year period.
Transformation Award is presented to Dawn Baker, Robb Baker and Paula Tharp of Interim HealthCare of Charleston, South Carolina. This award is presented to the individual or office that has achieved sales growth over the previous year despite facing significant market segment changes and challenges. The award recognizes strategic thinking and decisive actions to not only survive, but also thrive, in times of change.
Allan C. Sorensen Business Integrity Award is presented to Sharon Collins, Interim HealthCare of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At the suggestion of the franchise owners, this award bears our co-founder’s name. He has been involved with the company for more than 50 years as President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Chairman Emeritus. It is presented to the individual who demonstrates outstanding ethics and business integrity in the routine operation of their business while simultaneously increasing overall market penetration.
Raymond C. Herriges Management Award is presented to the Beck Family, Interim HealthCare of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Raymond Herriges was our first healthcare franchise owner and was instrumental in developing our initial operating policies and procedures. This award is presented to the individual who has achieved the greatest degree of operational excellence combined with outstanding sales growth during the previous year.
Pioneer Award is presented to Nick Mannino, Interim HealthCare of Newcastle, Delaware. This award is presented to the owner whose strategy and results demonstrate pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit and action. This would be demonstrated in being a pioneer in developing new service lines, new service delivery strategies or other activities that lead the way for others.
Sustainability Award is presented to the Zeshonski Family, Interim HealthCare of Scranton, Pennsylvania. A new category, this award recognizes the individual focused on sustainability over the last decade, in the following three achievement areas: A consistent ability to maintain excellence in quality; Pursuit of business line expansion; Year-over-year increases in sales.
Leroy E. Dettman Founder’s Award is presented to Chris Lupo, John Warren Floyd, Jan Childress McCray, Mike McBride, and Paul Shaw of Interim HealthCare of the Upstate (Greenville, South Carolina). In 1946, Roy Dettman founded Labor Pool in Chicago, Illinois. This was the original company out of which Interim HealthCare emerged in 1966. This award is presented to the individual who best personifies the entrepreneurial spirit with the dedication, discipline and direction necessary to consistently achieve profitable growth and expansion from year to year.
Jason Bullard Leadership Excellence Award is presented to Charyl Schroeder, Interim Health of the Upstate. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the ability to lead people and organizations to their full potential. By their words and actions, they inspire and empower team members to help build the business and produce outstanding results in sales, customer service and return on investment. This award recognizes leadership as the essential ingredient for long-term success in our business.
Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Tom DiMarco, The Salo Organization. This esteemed award goes to a franchise leader who exemplifies excellence in business. Year after year, they have successfully grown their business through increased sales and office expansion. They lead by example, with honesty and integrity, fostering positive relationships with their staff and their clients. They are committed to giving back to their community and encourage their staff to strive for excellence.
Ownership Group of the Year Awards are presented to InvestSouth, Interim HealthCare of the Upstate (Tier 1); Jason Byrnes, Interim HealthCare of Binghamton and Syracuse, New York (Tier 2); Aaron Price, Interim HealthCare of Louisville, Kentucky (Tier 3); Jeffrey Danielson, Interim HealthCare of Rochester, Minnesota (Tier 4). These awards are given by tier level based on the owner’s size and revenue achievement.
Office of the Year Exceptional Growth Awards are presented to InvestSouth for Medicare home health; Interim HealthCare of Albuquerque, New Mexico for Medicaid and government home health; Interim HealthCare of Rockville, Maryland for private pay home health, Interim HealthCare of Grand Rapids, Michigan for staffing; InvestSouth for commercial insurance; The Falcon Group and The Stehley Group for hospice. These awards are given to owners representing our individual service lines, including Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, staffing, commercial insurance and hospice. These owners have achieved tremendous growth in each specific service line they represent.
Owner’s Advisory Council (OAC) Recognition is awarded to 8 owners. The purpose of the OAC is to enhance overall communications between Interim HealthCare Inc. and its franchisees, and between the franchisees themselves. Largest Franchise: Tom DiMarco. Personal Care: Michael Priddy. Hospice: David Klaeser. Skilled Homecare: Sharon Collins. Staffing: Mark Peterson. West Region: Cathy Olsen. Central Region: Robin Palmieri. Eastern Region: Nick Mannino.
Eagle Club Recognition is awarded to 29 owner groups. Eagle Club criteria are based on sales results from 2019. Platinum Level: The Salo Organization, The Falcon Group, InvestSouth, The Morris Group, The Ringling Group, Geary & Lamoureaux Organization. Gold Level: Jerry Hess, Rick & Elaine Petersen, Robert & Cindy Seawright and Renee Rand, Jay Stehley & Jill Harrison, the Beck Family, Mat & Pat Gilley, Joe Johnson, Teri Heritage & Sharon Collins, Wendy Olayvar. Silver Level: Lou Byrd, Mitch Davis, David & Kelly Haslup, David Klaeser, Nick Mannino, Jan Wahby & Shawn Griffin, The Zeshonski Family. Bronze Level: Peggy Ray & Sandy Jarnagin, Robert Gaff & Cindy Lavoie, Michael Priddy, Greg & Ken Schultz, Suzanne Smith & Thomas Evans, Joan Sullivan, Bernie Bulger & Michael Sullivan, Steve Alessandro & Jamie Wesner, Christian Miller.
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.
BROOKLINE, Mass. — vomFASS, 305 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446, will host a public grand opening event—November 7th-8th— to commemorate its newest franchise in Brookline, Coolidge Corner. On location events will include product samplings, wine and spirits tastings, cooking demonstrations, in-store promos and more!
“What a huge accomplishment this is for Candace Rassias and her staff to safely and successfully open during one of the most challenging times in our history,” said Thomas Kiderlen, Global CEO and owner of VOM FASS AG Germany. “I’m very much looking forward to the future of this shop in the Brookline neighborhood and cannot wait for the opportunity to visit,” he said.
“From the moment Candace and I spoke about her interest in owning her own vomFASS location, I knew she had all the qualities we look for in a franchisee. Her passion for food and great wine was enough for me to know her success was hers to own. vomFASS USA is proud to announce her as the newest member of our team. Congratulations and here’s to your amazing start as an entrepreneur!” said Elaine R. Sugimura, CEO of vomFASS USA.
The City of Brookline and Chamber of Commerce will be on-site for a special ceremony on Friday, November 6th. Public events will follow on November 7th-8th, following all local safety regulations and social distancing guidelines.
“When life throws you curve balls you figure out a way to embrace the new normal,” said Kevin M. Frain, COO, vomFASS USA. “We are really excited about the Brookline store opening. It has been a challenging year, but we are extremely thankful to the town of Brookline, the property ownership and everyone else who worked diligently to assist us in getting the store opened.” he said. Kevin was on location from the start of Candace’s journey and has supported her throughout the store opening process, so he knows first-hand all of the challenges she faced as many policies and processes via COVID were yet to be determined.
“This has been a dream of mine for many years, to own my own boutique shop. It had to be unique, experiential and full of amazing products! Having found the vomFASS brand and the history behind the generational business from manufacturing to franchise owners, I knew I found my home. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of the opening process from the property management team, vomFASS USA, the Coolidge Corner Merchants, the City of Brookline plus my family and friends. I would not be here without you all! Most importantly, to my customers, existing and new, I look forward to serving YOU!” said Candace Rassias, vomFASS Brookline franchisee.
About vomFASS
vomFASS is a unique retail experience—where you become a taste explorer, following your spirit of discovery to unique and memorable places. Step into a beautifully crafted European style tasting room and sample away—artisanal oils, fruit vinegars, liqueurs, and spirits. You can learn the stories behind the tastes that intrigue—because every product has a story behind it. vomFASS has roots in Germany, more than 100 awards from renowned institutes and over 25 years of experience in growing, tasting and testing the best collection of products that cannot be found elsewhere. The extended vomFASS family reaches into more than 25 countries with over 300 franchise locations. Franchise opportunities are available in the United States. For more information visit vomfassusa.com or franchise.vomfassusa.com.
Hundreds of BELFOR offices honor first responder and public safety departments for their dedication and bravery in communities nationwide.
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — BELFOR Property Restoration (BELFOR), the world’s largest disaster restoration company and BELFOR Franchise Group, the world’s largest residential and commercial services franchisor delivered more than 5,500 pizzas and boxed lunches across the nation as part of its annual company-wide initiative to thank and honor the dedication and sacrifice of first responders.
“First responders work bravely and tirelessly to keep our communities safe, whether they’re on the front lines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to active hurricanes, wildfires and severe storms, or facing other obstacles the U.S. has endured this year,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR. “Every year, the BELFOR family delivers meals as a small token of appreciation to those first responders who relentlessly lay everything on the line 24/7, 365 days a year. This year especially, we are so grateful for all police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency dispatchers who selflessly and heroically keep their communities out of harm’s way.”
Yellen participated in a special delivery in Michigan, providing lunch to the Westland Fire Department. BELFOR team members from more than 250 offices delivered pizzas and boxed lunches to local first responder and public safety agencies across the nation.
These special deliveries were coordinated in honor of National First Responders Day, an annual celebration recognizing the heroic men and women who make it their responsibility to take immediate action when disasters strike. Working alongside first responders regularly to help individuals and communities rebuild after any disaster, BELFOR is committed to honoring first responders throughout the year.
“Like” BELFOR on Facebook and “Follow” @BELFOR on Twitter and Instagram to see photos and videos from the special deliveries across the country.
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.
Fast-Casual Salad Concept Has Grown in 2020 and Plans for Future Development.
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Saladworks, the national create-your-own salad concept, has been delivering a variety of salad options across the country for years to encourage originality, but the brand never forgets where it came from. While Saladworks has widened its reach this year with new stores in markets like California, Indiana and North Carolina, the franchise is turning its focus back to its roots with the intent to expand throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the coming months. Even with dozens of locations already in these core markets, Saladworks hopes to develop more New Jersey locations in Phillipsburg, Flemington, Ewing Township, Princeton, South Brunswick, Burlington Township and East Windsor, along with Pennsylvania locations in Trexlertown, Quakertown, Royersford, Fort Washington, Media and Springfield.
To fuel the planned growth in its core markets, Saladworks is actively seeking qualified franchise partners, preferably individuals with business experience and/or franchise experience, and a passion for serving guests. Before stores open, the training program for franchisees is designed to teach them the fundamentals for efficient skills to run a successful restaurant and is completed locally. Franchisees learn the expectations and procedures in the four-week program through hands-on experiences covering all aspects of the business, such as food preparation, food offering, inventory management and opening/closing procedures.
“Because Saladworks already has a significant presence in its home market and awareness of our concept is extremely high, we continue to see great demand for our original and fresh salads,” said Eric Lavinder, VP of Franchise Development. “We are looking for new and excited franchisees who want to join our family and can benefit from this brand awareness and demand to grow a business.”
Thus far in 2020, Saladworks has grown by 28 restaurant locations with a few more left to open. Currently it has over 20 new deals in the pipeline for next year already. As the franchise furthers development, it looks to diversify in more non-traditional retail presences, such as universities, ghost kitchens, Military bases and “stores within stores.” Saladworks is always looking for new ways to help franchisees expand their business beyond traditional franchising.
Saladworks has been in business for more than 30 years and has always placed a focus on guest originality through its healthy and fresh ingredients and create-your-own options. Ranked number 22 among this year’s Top 100 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers, the brand is currently experiencing impressive growth due to a rise in health-conscious consumer behaviors and its unique avenues for expansion.
For more information about the Saladworks franchise opportunity, visit www.saladworks.com/franchise.
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.
Global franchisor selects site to expand staff and support its rapidly growing network.
WACO, Texas — Neighborly®, the world’s largest franchisor of home service brands, today announced plans to open a second headquarters office in Irving, Texas.
The new office, which is slated to open in April 2021, will occupy 34,000 square-feet of the 500 E. John Carpenter Freeway office building located in the central, upscale Las Colinas/Irving submarket. Neighborly plans to move five out-of-state brands: Mr. Handyman, Molly Maid, Dryer Vent Wizard, Window Genie and Real Property Management, as well as expand its IT and Digital Marketing teams, to the new location.
“We’ve been looking for some time now for the right opportunity to open a new Neighborly hub in the North Texas area that is perfectly suited for the continued growth of our worldwide business,” said Mike Bidwell, President and CEO of Neighborly. “The City of Irving has already welcomed us with open arms, and we are excited that we will soon be able to call this community our second home.”
Neighborly will continue to maintain its Waco Headquarters office with this second headquarters giving Neighborly access to more franchise resources and a centrally located hub for national and international travel, both of which are especially attractive benefits to the global franchisor.
“Irving’s connectivity and accessibility to world-class talent make our community a top contender for business and were key factors in Neighborly’s real estate decision,” said Beth Bowman, President & CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and the Irving Economic Development Partnership. “For this highly-reputable company to select our community as a headquarters site not only means quality job opportunities for our residents but it also is a further testament to the business-friendly environment Irving-Las Colinas offers. The Partnership is proud to welcome Neighborly and we look forward to engaging and integrating their workforce into the community.”
Following its 2021 opening, Neighborly plans for the new office to be occupied by at least 60 associates come December 2022. By the close of 2026, Neighborly projects that this new office will be home to more than 200 full-time associates, including both existing and entirely new positions.
“On behalf of the City of Irving, we are excited to welcome Neighborly and its nationally-recognized home service brands to our community,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer. “I am certain its workforce and executives will find our vibrant and dynamic city to be a premier business destination with quality amenities, diverse assets and a sophisticated pool of employee talent. I look forward to personally welcoming Neighborly to Irving-Las Colinas.”
For more information about Neighborly’s service brands visit www.neighborlybrands.com.
About Neighborly®
Neighborly® is the world’s largest home services franchisor of 27 brands and more than 4,300 franchises collectively serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries, focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing homes and businesses. The company operates online platforms that connect consumers to service providers in their local communities that meet their rigorous standards as a franchisor across 18 service categories at Neighborly.com in the United States and Neighbourly.ca in Canada. More information about Neighborly/Neighbourly, and its franchise concepts, is available at https://www.neighborlybrands.com/. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly®, click here.
Leading Property Maintenance, Repair and Improvement Company Celebrates the Spooky Season with Pumpkin Carving Photo Contest and Giveaway.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — From ghoulish gourds to petrifying pumpkins, the nation’s leading property maintenance, repair and improvement franchise, Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, is ready to celebrate the spooky season with a photo contest to give North America’s pumpkin carving pros a chance to show off their exquisite handmade creations.
To enter the Pumpkin Carving contest, visit the Mr. Handyman Facebook contest page and submit a photo of your pumpkin by Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Five random winners will be awarded with a $250 gift card to The Home Depot.
“We look forward to this pumpkin carving contest every year,” said Mr. Handyman President J.B. Sassano. “It is always fun to see the great creativity that is behind these creepy creations. There are so many tips, tricks and techniques that people use to turn a simple pumpkin into a mortifying masterpiece.”
To learn more about Mr. Handyman’s Pumpkin Carving Contest, please visit the Mr. Handyman Facebook contest page. For additional decoration inspiration, visit Mr. Handyman’s website for free pumpkin carving templates, power tool tutorials and tips to make your pumpkin the best on the block at: http://www.mrhandyman.com/pumpkin.
About Mr. Handyman®
Mr. Handyman® is North America’s leading commercial and residential property maintenance, repair and improvement company. With more than 260 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Handyman® is recognized as one of the fastest growing, handyman service franchise systems. Acquired in 2015, Mr. Handyman® is part of Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services franchisor of 27 brands and more than 4,300 franchises collectively serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries, focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing homes and businesses. Neighborly® brands are found at Neighborly.com in the United States and Neighbourly.ca in Canada. For more information about Mr. Handyman®, visit MrHandyman.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly®, click here.
National Automotive Styling Centers™ franchise recognized for excellence in business environment.
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has been named to the Franchise Business Review’s Culture100 list for 2020. The first-year award recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in a 2020 report on the Best Franchise Cultures.
“Being recognized as one of the top 100 franchises showcases how hard our team has worked,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “A strong company culture is the backbone of a successful franchise. It takes time and commitment to create, but it’s well worth it. Achieving this honor demonstrates how dedicated our team is to our franchisees and customers.”
The Culture100 awards list represents franchises who received the highest ratings for leadership, mission, community and overall franchisee satisfaction. Three hundred franchise brands, representing 27,000 franchise owners, participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures.
Tint World’s® franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems including leadership, training and support, the franchisee community and work/life balance.
“Our goal is to continue expanding and growing across the world,” Bonfiglio said. “This award further proves the advantages prospective franchise owners receive by investing in Tint World®.”
Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.
Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2020 Best Franchise Cultures.
About Tint World®
Founded in 1982, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is America’s largest and fastest growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in car and truck accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, custom wheel and tire packages, maintenance, and repair services.
Tint World® services include residential, commercial, and marine window tinting films, solar films, decorative films, safety, and security films. Tint World® has locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with master franchise opportunities available worldwide. To find out more, please visit www.TintWorld.com or www.TintWorldFranchise.com.