The IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute launched the Franchising Pride Council in 2019 to offer support to franchise professionals in the LGBTQ+ community. Through mentorship, networking, and events, the Council seeks to encourage more LGBTQ+ business owners around the country. By Rose Mango
According to the executives at Honest Abe Roofing, research shows that a video-based training platform leads to an 80% higher retention rate than workbooks alone. So, in addition to a two-week inauguration period, the Indiana-based franchise has been using a digital platform filled with 1,000 hours of video to train its franchisees since its inception in 2005. By Jessica Jones
When Steven Towers was still in high school, he started working part time for a local Tires Plus in his Florida hometown, changing oil and plugging tires for the Firestone/Bridgestone brand. By Jessica Jones
For Magi Kapllani, a professional pianist who has performed in a number of renowned venues throughout the U.S., music has always been a major part of life. By Jessica Jones
National Automotive Styling Centers™ franchise marks 5th California location.
FREMONT, Calif. — Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a premier automotive styling and window tinting franchise, has moved to an updated location in Fremont, California. Originally based in Union City, this updated location is the 5th Tint World® center in California and is now under the co-ownership of Frank Helmand, William Kuan-wei Wu, and Kenny McCardie.
“William, Kenny, and I realized that there was a strong need for an auto styling business in our community of Fremont,” Helmand said. “Tint World® offers high-end products that are sure to please all customers. In addition to providing great products, the team at headquarters showcases excellence in franchisee support and training. With their help, we will be able to provide our community with the services they need to customize their vehicles, homes/offices, and even marine craft – all from this brand-new, state-of-the-art location.”
Tint World® Fremont, California offers a full variety of products and services, including window tinting, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, custom wheel and tire packages, mobile electronics, nano ceramic coatings, paint protection films, security systems, color-change vehicle wraps, and residential and commercial window film.
“Frank, William, and Kenny are passionate entrepreneurs that possess the knowledge and skills to run a successful franchise,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “They will help us promote excellence under the Tint World® brand as we continue our expansion.”
Tint World® Fremont is located at 3030 Osgood Court, Fremont, CA 94539. For additional information, call (510) 471-3880 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/ca/fremont-019/.
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.
New Franchisees Set to Open Locations in the Cleveland and Cincinnati Areas.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — 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 four new franchise agreements to expand the brand’s presence in the Buckeye State. The first shop in Ohio sold out memberships in record time due to the overwhelming demand for men’s grooming services. Franchisee Chris Guglielmi will open two new locations in Cleveland, and an additional investment group will also open two shops in Cincinnati.
Guglielmi plans to bring a Hammer & Nails location to the West side of Cleveland within the next five to six months with an additional location on the East side of town by Q2 2022. The investment group will start by bringing a Hammer & Nails location to the Indian Hills/Hyde Park area of Cincinnati by Q4 of 2021.
A jack of all entrepreneurial trades, Guglielmi has had a dream of being his own boss and running his own businesses since he was in high school. Creating jobs and opportunities for others to grow, learn and excel has always a driving force in Guglielmi’s success. Stumbling across Hammer & Nails while at brunch in Cleveland, Guglielmi knew the company was on to something and instantly knew he had to bring more locations of the men’s grooming salon to the area.
“The men’s grooming concept is such an underserved niche market all across the country,” said Guglielmi. “There’s so much opportunity with Hammer & Nails and I am so excited to help spread awareness of the brand with my two locations in the Cleveland area. On a regular basis, a large amount of the men in Cleveland get a haircut every month and I’m looking forward to showing local men how a regular haircut experience can also be a relaxing, pampering one.”
The Hammer & Nails experience coming to Cleveland and Cincinnati 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 included in the cost of the service. Shops have Direct TV, and every guest has a dedicated personal oversized device, remote and noise-cancelling BOSE headphones for entertainment during the visit.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Chris and the new investment Group as Hammer & Nails franchise partners in Ohio,” said, Aaron Meyers, CEO, Hammer & Nails. “Our presence in the state is growing larger by the day and we’re looking forward to see the successes that these additional three locations will bring. We know with the brand’s trend-setting atmosphere and unique service offerings, that these new shops are destined to become a staple in the Cleveland and Cincinnati communities.”
With four new shops in the next two years, Hammer & Nails is that much closer to selling out franchise opportunities in the state of Ohio. Current markets still available for franchise opportunities include, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. For more information about Hammer & Nails franchise opportunities, 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/
PatchMaster commemorates the occasion, but has eyes set on the future.
CHESTER, N.J. — PatchMaster, the fast-growing drywall repair concept, has achieved a major benchmark in franchising in an incredibly short amount of time. This month, the franchise marks the sale of more than 100 franchise territories. It’s an impressive feat for a franchise: Less than 10 percent of brands ever reach that size.
But even within the small group of franchise systems that hit this coveted milestone, only a tiny fraction gets to that point as fast as PatchMaster.
Less than five percent of franchisors reach 100 units within five years. PatchMaster, which started franchising in 2017, has reached the 100th location benchmark in just four years.
“In 2020, our brand was impacted with two significant disruptors: the COVID-19 pandemic and the sale of our sister company, HouseMaster,” said Paul Ferrara, CEO of PatchMaster. “Either one of these events had the potential to significantly derail our ability to execute our vision. In many ways, it proved to be an accelerant that pushed our business even faster. There is a clear demand for our services, as is the need for ambitious people ready to start their own business. Once people understand our vision and how we developed a true turn-key model, it becomes a powerful motivator—it’s infectious. We have our team and franchisees to thank for this spectacular accomplishment.”
To reach the 100-plus threshold, PatchMaster sold 26 territories to 17 franchisees in 2020. That growth trajectory did not slowdown in 2021. Year-to-date, PatchMaster has sold another 24 territories to 14 franchisees for a total of 103 territories across the United States and Canada.
The growth has happened quickly, but PatchMaster aims to ensure it is fully supporting new and existing owners.
“PatchMaster has been all that I had hoped to get from a franchise,” said Jeremy Willes, co-owner of PatchMaster Serving Ogden to Logan in Utah. Willes contrasts the support he has received from PatchMaster with another franchise he recently purchased who he feels sold too many franchises too fast.
“PatchMaster is supportive, organized, accountable. They are growing, but not to the point that franchisees are lost in the shuffle,” he added. “My experience with PatchMaster’s training and support has been outstanding. We have weekly and bi-weekly meetings with one-on-one coaching to go through the steps necessary to get open and ensure success on both of our parts. My questions and concerns are always answered and addressed. I feel my voice counts.”
PatchMaster’s business model offers customers a fast, professional solution for drywall repairs. Most busy handymen, large drywall companies, or contractors don’t want to perform small drywall repairs. Service professionals like plumbers and electricians often lack the necessary resources to fix holes they leave behind.
PatchMaster specializes in fixing holes caused by renters, plumbing leaks, and DIY projects that just can’t seem to get finished. In most cases, PatchMaster can complete the job in one visit.
The franchise currently has locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
While it has grown fast, PatchMaster has plenty of room for further expansion. The franchise currently has opportunities for growth across the United States. As an organization that values and thanks those who serve, PatchMaster offers 50 percent off royalties for the first year of business for qualified military veterans and first responders.
The initial franchise fee for a PatchMaster franchise territory—which consists of a population between 300,000 to 350,000—is $49,500 USD. Ongoing fees include a technology fee and a downward sliding scale for royalties starting at 9 percent. Franchisees attend a week-long training program at the company’s headquarters in Chester, New Jersey.
PatchMaster is an in-demand franchise with a quick ramp up period. No drywall experience is required for owners—PatchMaster provides all the training, tools, and resources to learn the model and run the business. Franchisees have access to support for marketing, including digital marketing and social media, job pricing, hiring, managing technicians, and financial management.
For more information on this growing home services franchise, visit Patchmaster.com.
About PatchMaster
Headquartered in Chester, New Jersey, PatchMaster is a home services franchise brand offering customers a fast and professional solution for drywall repairs. The company provides high quality drywall services for small holes, dings, and dents, typically finishing jobs in one visit. Launched in 2016 and offering franchises since September 2017, PatchMaster has sold 103 territories to franchisees across the United States and Canada. PatchMaster is positioned to revolutionize the home services industry as a pioneering drywall franchise.
Visit patchmasteropportunity.com or call (973) 944-4900 to learn more.
Unity Rd. Targeting Michigan with 20+ Franchises Available as Cannabis Industry Booms and Number of Dispensary Licenses Continues to Climb; Dir. of Education & Training to Share Industry Expertise at MLive’s Cannabis Event on June 17.
DETROIT — Unity Rd., the cannabis dispensary franchise from Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), announced today the signing of its newest agreement alongside expansion plans for the state of Michigan. The brand’s growth strategy is twofold, including both helping interested entrepreneurs enter the complex industry while also partnering with existing dispensary owners via its Local Alliance Program. The expansion is a key function of Unity Rd.’s mission to keep dispensary ownership – and the wealth that comes along with it – local.
Interested investors are chomping at the bit to enter Michigan’s adult-use market, which jumped 482% in 2020 to more than $500 million. In addition to Kevin Waltermire evaluating sites in Michigan for purchase – he recently signed a deal to open multiple Unity Rd. franchises – the brand recently signed an agreement with a mother-son team out of Detroit. Unity Rd. is already helping them plan their strategic market entry, which includes applying for their dispensary license through the city’s Legacy Detroiter program, which gives applicants priority review and 99% discounts on application fees.
Unity Rd. offers the safest route for local cannabis entrepreneurs looking to stake their claim in the fast-growing, complex industry. In addition to offering the franchise opportunity to entrepreneurs who may be new to the industry, Unity Rd. also partners with existing dispensary owners via its Local Alliance Program, providing access to the buying power, resources and supportive network normally reserved for multi-unit operators. Additionally, the dispensary franchisor’s time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and veteran team guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business, whether it be assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.
“The cannabis industry and all its complexities can be intimidating, leaving even the most capable of investors and operators unsure of where to start,” said Unity Rd.’s VP of Franchise Development Justin Livingston. “As part of the Unity Rd. network, our partners can operate their dispensaries more efficiently – resulting in more time to focus on growing the business rather than managing it. We’re offering the supportive network and tools they need to reach new heights and achieve their business goals.”
The brand is actively seeking qualified franchise partners in target development markets including Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Bay City, Big Rapids, Detroit, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette and Muskegon who would benefit from the systems, process and ongoing support the franchise offers. Unity Rd. is planning to bring 20-plus franchise locations across Michigan in the coming years. Currently, the franchise has multiple agreements signed with 15 entrepreneurial groups, who are in various stages of development nationwide.
Bursting with potential, Michigan’s cannabis industry continues to grow year after year as statewide adult-use cannabis sales are projected to total upwards of $2.4 billion by 2024. In 2020 alone, Michigan’s combined cannabis sales were $984.6 million, with medical accounting for $474 million and adult-use generating $510.7 million. To support this surge, MLive has launched a series of informative events, called Cannabis Industry Insights. Unity Rd.’s Director of Education and Training, Fay Powell, will be presenting at the upcoming event on June 17, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET. Area residents who are interested in learning more about operating cannabis businesses are highly encouraged to attend the event and can register for free courtesy of Unity Rd. by emailing franchise@unityrd.com for a discount code.
Unity Rd. franchise partners receive even more resources and supply chain connections as the brand was recently acquired by Item 9 Labs Corp., an award-winning cannabis operator. The combination of the Unity Rd. cannabis retail franchise and premium Item 9 Labs products makes Item 9 Labs Corp. one of the first vertically integrated cannabis franchise companies in the nation. Known for its impressive catalogue of products, Item 9 Labs currently offers 75 active cannabis strains and 150-plus differentiated cannabis vape products as well as premium concentrates. As Unity Rd. grows its franchise network, Item 9 Labs plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where Unity Rd. franchise partners open cannabis retail shops. This move will give Unity Rd. operators front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain.
To learn more about the Unity Rd. franchise opportunity or its Local Alliance Program, contact partners@unityrd.com, call 480-542-9420, or visit unityrd.com.
ABOUT UNITY RD.:
Unity Rd. is bridging the two previously disconnected worlds of cannabis and franchising. The industry trailblazer is the first to bring the cannabis dispensary franchise model to the United States—with duality of prowess in both industries to back it up. Built up from a collective 200 years in the legal cannabis industry and franchising, the company helps eager operators enter the complex industry with ease. The marijuana franchise pioneer offers its partners the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. Launched in 2018, Unity Rd. has signed multiple agreements with more than 10 entrepreneurial groups across the country. Recently, it was named one of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation by MJBizDaily magazine and one of the “Best Cannabis Companies to Work For” in both the dispensary and cultivation categories in Cannabis Business Times’ elite 2020 list. The company is also the first cannabis business to earn a Franchise Times Dealmakers award. For more information, visit unityrd.com.
Connecticut Local Ted Bonanno Builds Entrepreneur Opportunities in Commercial Cleaning.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Anago Cleaning Systems, an industry-leading commercial cleaning franchise with over 1,700 Regional and Unit Franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada, announced its newest franchise owners in Southwest Connecticut, including New Haven and Fairfield counties. Ted Bonanno, Regional Director of Anago of Southwest Connecticut, will lead this new territory for the popular commercial cleaning franchise, adding more entrepreneurial opportunities in this area of the Northeast United States.
Southwest Connecticut is poised for growth. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Southwestern Connecticut was projecting a 25-year growth period and was tapped to become the economic engine of the state. With this type of expected growth, Anago of Southwest Connecticut is positioned to benefit from both existing and new businesses opening in the area. Commercial cleaning was listed as a frontline, essential operation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to remain a key business operational necessity to keep brick and mortar businesses, along with many offices building, clean and sanitized.
“We are excited for Ted and the new Master Franchise operation in Southwest Connecticut,” said Adam Povlitz, CEO & President of Anago Cleaning Systems. “His energy and unique business experience define success and is exemplary of what we expect from our Master Franchise owners. We look forward to Ted’s success in Southwest Connecticut.”
When discussing what Anago offered versus other commercial cleaning franchise companies, Bonanno said, “Anago’s Master Franchise model excited me and fit my previous professional experiences in the financial sales and hospitality industry perfectly. It took me a year of research and diving into several other commercial cleaning franchise brands. Anago was the clear winner.”
Bonanno earned his MBA from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in New York City and enjoyed a successful consultancy career and has invested in many different business ventures.
“This is an opportunity I have been seeking for quite some time,” said Bonanno. “I was attracted to Anago’s ability to demonstrate its profitability and viability during strained economic times. Its recession-resistant model along with its reputation, stability, and performance within a booming industry is something I feel very confident investing my time and expertise in within the Southwestern Connecticut market.”
Anago Cleaning Systems is a pioneer of the franchise system for both master and unit franchises, 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.
The Anago of Southwest Connecticut office is located at 211 State St., Suite 402, Bridgeport, CT 06604 and can be reached by calling 203-993-6779. To explore Regional franchise opportunities with Anago, contact Judy Walker, Senior Vice President of Marketing, at 800-213-5857 or judy@anagocleaning.com or visit http://www.AnagoMasters.com.
About Anago Cleaning Systems
Anago Cleaning Systems is an international commercial cleaning franchise brand. Utilizing the Master Franchise System, Anago supports over 45 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 #33 overall by Entrepreneur magazine in its latest Franchise 500® ranking. Anago is proud to be recognized as a top franchise for Veterans and offers a discount to our service members. Anago is accredited by the IFA’s Vet Fran initiative and offers a discount to any honorably discharged Veteran. Anago Cleaning Systems welcomes all Veterans looking to open a Master or Unit Franchise. For further information, visit its website at AnagoMasters.com.
Leading provider of in-home care awarded prestigious industry designation spotlighting employee satisfaction.
BALTIMORE — Senior Helpers®, the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior care, today announced it has achieved the prestigious, Great Place to Work® certification for the third consecutive year. As the first and only national in-home care company to be awarded this distinction since earning the initial recognition in 2019, Senior Helpers’ rapidly growing business is continually dedicated to providing safe, quality and compassionate care to older adults and their families. Since 2019, Senior Helpers has opened 48 new locations across the U.S. and has a strong pipeline of new openings for the remainder of 2021.
“Year over year, our community of caregivers and team members builds upon our foundation and strengthens our values of inclusion, appreciation, respect and compassion,” said Peter Ross, Senior Helpers CEO. “Having the Great Place to Work® certification awarded to us for the third consecutive year underscores our commitment to creating a culture that fosters positive experiences. It’s rewarding to me and the rest of the executive team to know our team members and caregivers consistently report a positive experience with our company — something that hasn’t changed even as our business has expanded. Afterall, we firmly believe that happy employees provide the best care for deserving seniors.”
Senior Helpers was granted this prominent designation by Great Place to Work for the third year after undergoing a rigorous, data-driven evaluation which considers more than 60 elements of the team member experience derived from surveys and feedback from more than 12,000 employees, regardless of their role in the organization. The evaluation considers employee pride and camaraderie, as well as the company’s positive community impact. The belief that each employee’s work makes a true difference for clients, and the recognition that the time and care team members put in everyday has special meaning is especially critical to the assessment process.
“We applaud Senior Helpers for seeking certification and releasing its employees’ feedback,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Kung, of Great Place to Work’s senior care affiliate Activated Insights. “These ratings measure Senior Helpers’ capacity to earn its employees’ trust and create a great workplace for high performance.”
The Great Place to Work Trust IndexTM methodology includes an exacting survey taken by millions of employees in thousands of companies annually. It represents the gold standard in measuring culture and employee engagement.
For more information on Senior Helpers, please visit: https://www.seniorhelpers.com.
About Great Place to Work
Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance. Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Senior Helpers®
Senior Helpers® is the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior services ranging from specialized care for those with diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to personal and companion care to help individuals looking for a little assistance with daily activities. Founded in 2002 with a vision to help seniors age with dignity despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers® has hundreds of franchised and owned businesses that have cared for tens of thousands of seniors. The company is owned by Advocate Aurora Enterprises, a subsidiary of Advocate Aurora Health, one of the nation’s largest health systems.
Senior Helpers® was the first and remains the only national in-home care provider to be certified as a Great Place to Work. The company has been named by Fortune Magazine as one of the best places to work in the aging services category and one of the best places to work in the state of New York. Senior Helpers is named to the Entrepreneur 2020 Top Low-Cost Franchises list as well as one of Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise Companies for ten consecutive years. Moreover, the company is an approved partner in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. Senior Helpers is also an active member of the Healthcare Leadership Council — an exclusive alliance of leading healthcare companies from all health sectors committed to advancing the American healthcare system. Learn more by visiting http://www.seniorhelpers.com.