More than two decades ago, HomeVestors® was formed, giving sellers new and much needed options to sell their problem houses. The independently owned and operated franchises help distressed homeowners get out of situations that often seemed impossible. By Elice Morgenson
Grand Welcome, the premier full-service vacation rental and property company, wants to enrich the lives of people everywhere through high-quality getaways at exquisite locations. From the beach to the mountains, the brand offers something for everyone, including charming rustic cabins, sweeping seaside villas, and all the amenities of home. By Lizzy Yeserski
Recently, I received emails from excited entrepreneurs who are hesitant and unsure about getting started. Robbie asked if now is the best time to own a franchise, Laurette asked when the best time is to buy a franchise, and Ken asked if he should get a franchise now or wait things out. By Alesia Visconti
Leading marketing and print solutions provider hosts in-person meeting for special event.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, honored its top franchisees during the company’s annual conference recently. The leading print franchise celebrated its 51st anniversary in San Diego, California, with an in-person event that welcomed 225 people.
“After a yearlong virtual journey, both the senior management team and the franchisees were excited to meet in person,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “The past year was difficult because of our inability to network and connect in-person with one another, but we made tremendous strides in our growth that were unmatched in previous years. So, this year’s conference offered the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the top franchisees among the AlphaGraphics family.”
This year’s winners included:
Rising Star: Rob Barnett (Suwanee, Georgia)
A franchisee with 30 years in finance and leading sales teams, Barnett was chosen for the award because of his ability to inject renewed passion into the chemistry of his team while quickly becoming a leader in the southeast region.
Most Improved: Steven Service (Rochester, New York)
An owner of an AlphaGraphics location since 2013, Service was chosen because his goal is to always meet customer’s expectations by providing value and solutions without sacrificing high standards and quality.
Project of the Year: Phil Davis and Lynn Nelson (American Fork, Utah)
Davis and Nelson tackled a task for MX, a financial technology data company, that required them to deliver a packaging that would “speak for itself.” The center did just that by creating a box with an embedded video player that automatically started playing when it was opened.
Community Impact: A.B. Barrera and Paco Barrientos (Laredo, Texas)
Barrera and Barrientos, along with the Laredo staff, helped slow the spread of COVID-19 in their community by partnering with the Laredo Mask Coalition. The organization launched a city-wide public service media campaign encouraging people to wear their masks. AlphaGraphics Laredo donated their services to the cause.
Community Advocacy: Johanna Higginson (West Jordan, Utah)
Higginson gave two former inmates a chance when she hired them to work in her center. The two prospective employees showed enthusiasm and had relevant experience at the prison’s print facility. They continue to work in the center.
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www.alphagraphics.com.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), a privately-owned company based in Milan – Italy, is a third-party provider of shipping, fulfillment, print and marketing tech-enabled solutions to small and medium enterprises and retail consumers via a Network of mainly independently owned and operated locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution Network and customized services and products delivered with a distinguished and unique level of customer service. MBE presently operates under multiple brands: Mail Boxes Etc. (excluding the US and Canada), AlphaGraphics, PostNet, Spedingo.com, Print Speak, PACK & SEND and Multicopy and its global Network counts currently more than 2,800 locations in 53 countries, with 11,000+ associates and FY2020 System-wide Sales of €879 Million (US$1,004 Million).
For additional information please visit MBE Worldwide Group websites at www.mbecorporate.com – www.mbeglobal.com – www.postnet.com – www.alphagraphics.com – www.spedingo.com/en – www.printspeak.com – www.packsend.com.au – www.multicopy.nl – www.mbe.it – www.mbe.es – www.mbe.de – www.mbefrance.fr – www.mbe.pl – www.mbeportugal.pt – www.mbe.co.uk
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 6 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
CARROLLTON, Texas — NerdsToGo®, a leading computer and technology repair services franchise, is looking to grow its footprint in the Dallas Metroplex by approximately 30 new units by 2024, as demand for in-home technology solutions continues to increase with more professionals working from home.
“Remote work is a part of the ‘next normal,’ and we see a huge opportunity for managed IT services for both small and medium-sized companies,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “We see great growth potential in the DFW Metroplex and are confident that our proven business model along with the support and resources provided, will allow franchisees to thrive.”
In September 2020, NerdsToGo was acquired by Propelled Brands. Under new leadership, the NerdsToGo brand and its franchisees will receive ongoing training, support and unparalleled resources that will position the brand as a leader among the industry and in the local communities it serves.
“When I was in search of a franchise that allowed me to build a business to help my community, I found NerdsToGo, and immediately gravitated toward it because of the growth opportunity it presented,” said Woody Huffines, owner of the McKinney NerdsToGo franchise. “Now, being acquired by such a successful umbrella brand, I am looking forward to the mature infrastructure and drive that NerdsToGo will now be able to adopt.”
NerdsToGo is currently seeking qualified franchisees to be owner operators to help the brand grow across the United States. Prospective franchisees do not need experience in information technology but should have a strong desire to grow a successful business in their local community, developing relationships with small business owners to become their outsourced IT department.
The initial investment for a NerdsToGo franchise is approximately $146,200 – $217,050, including a $49,750 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $300,000 of which $80K is liquid. Additionally, NerdsToGo offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875.
About NerdsToGo, Inc.®
NerdsToGo, Inc. launched its original location in Guilford, CT in 2003 and quickly became the emerging leader in providing computer and technology-based services to both the small and medium-sized business market and the residential market. NerdsToGo began franchising in 2017 and quickly grew to 25 independently owned franchise locations in 16 states. In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC, the parent company of NerdsToGo.
In 2021, Propelled Brands was formed, the corporate umbrella that includes FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE® in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand, NerdsToGo®, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020, and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza in June 2021. With a focus on business-to-business franchises and the people behind those businesses, Propelled Brands will help each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose.
NerdsToGo locations provide the total solution in computer and technology support to customers, and the company’s signature service is delivered by sending a Nerd onsite to customer locations in a well-branded, eye-catching Nerd Van. Customers can also receive service through remote support or by visiting a local NerdsToGo service center. NerdsToGo acts as the IT department for small to medium sized businesses by helping to design, implement and support IT networks, provide data backup & continuity services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, remote support, vendor management services and overall routine maintenance.
OMAHA, Neb. — The National Minority Health Association (NMHA) recently launched the “Flex for Checks” program to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations through a monetized reward program. With assistance from an $11.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program is intended to help mobilize health care workers and expedite vaccines for the overall safety of our country. Right at Home, a global in-home care organization with over 35,000 caregivers nationwide, is focused on helping the NMHA do just that.
“What the NMHA has put together is truly remarkable,” said Kerin Zuger, Chief of Strategic Growth for Right at Home. “Right at Home is dedicated to doing whatever we can to support getting home care professionals back to work, and putting an end to the devastation clients, caregivers and the country has endured.”
The Flex for Checks program is set up to reward home care agencies and their workers and clients for getting vaccinated and encouraging other community members to do the same. The more people a participant of the program encourages to get vaccinated, the larger financial reward the participant receives.
“The deep experience and tremendous talents of our agency partners are crucial to the deployment of our Flex for Checks program,” said Burgess Harrison, Executive Director, NMHA. “Nothing like this has been done before in the manner where home care agencies, workers, consumers, pharmacies and software companies come together and flex their arms in the fight of our lives against COVID-19.”
Unvaccinated home care workers are eligible to receive $75 per shot to get vaccinated and $25 per shot thereafter. Non-home care workers are eligible to receive up to $50 per shot. Beyond that, any participant or agency can receive an additional $25 for anyone they encourage to register and get vaccinated. “For those living on limited income, this may be just the incentive they need,” said Zuger.
The NMHA is also offering toolkits, training and support to provide answers and unbiased information from reputable sources, so home care business owners can speak confidently to their staffs.
For additional information on how to participate in this program, please visit www.flexforchecks.org.
About the NMHA: The National Minority Health Association, founded in 1988 by Dr. David L. Dalton, Chairman, and CEO, UNIVEC Conglomerate, Inc. (UNVC), achieved its initial mission of ensuring the establishment of Offices of Minority Health in all 50 states. Today the NMHA is adding to its mission and deploying new programs that utilize patient-centered, value-based care, and new ways of enhancing care to patients where they are, lowering costs, and improving outcomes for minority and underserved communities. To find out more, visit www.theNMHA.org. Become a member of the NMHA Health Equity Action Leaders network (HEAL) and join the fight for health equity.
About Right at Home:
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 600 franchise locations in the U.S. and seven other countries. For more information on Right at Home, visit www.rightathome.net or read the Right at Home blog at www.rightathome.net/blog.
Leading Massage Franchise Welcomes Industry Leader to its Leadership Team.
SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a U.S. and Canadian spa franchise brand, offering high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services, is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran, CG Funk, to their leadership team in the role of Senior Vice President of Culture and Industry Relations.
Funk comes to Massage Heights with over 25 years of experience in the spa, beauty and franchise industries. Her experience includes executive leadership, franchising, public relations, employee acquisition and development, product and service development, training and learning, school administration, teaching and motivational speaking.
“Massage therapists and estheticians are the heart of our brand and having someone who can steer the recruitment and retention strategies to enhance the culture of Massage Heights is paramount to our success. I’m confident having a leader of CG’s caliber will prove to greatly impact our growth and sustainability,” said Susan Boresow, President and CEO of Massage Heights. “CG brings a passion for the massage and spa industry that is unmatched, with vast knowledge and experience which will key in shaping the future of Massage Heights.”
Prior to joining Massage Heights, Funk operated a boutique spa consulting business, working with companies in the wellness, spa and beauty sectors.
Before this, Funk was the Vice President of Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy Franchising overseeing operations standards and procedures, product and service development, vendor relations, franchisee development and training, employee engagement and public relations outreach within the beauty, wellness and spa industries. She also played a key role in three brand acquisition sales during her ten-year tenure.
“First and foremost, I am a massage therapist and have held a license to practice for 30 years. I hold a deep belief in the healing power of therapeutic touch provided through massage and skincare services. I greatly respect the work of massage therapists and estheticians and know that, through their skilled hands and compassionate hearts, they make a difference every day in health and well-being of our guests,” said Funk. “I am so honored to be joining the Massage Heights leadership team and look forward to working with the national office and franchisees to create a profitable and positive future.”
In her new role, Funk will lead the efforts and planning of company-wide strategies and programs relating to recruiting, retention and promoting a positive and rewarding employee culture to support the Massage Heights brand, its franchisees and their staff.
By leveraging partnerships with leading organizations, initiatives and experts in the field, Funk and the Massage Heights team have their sights set on restructuring the narrative surrounding a career in the spa and wellness industry and seeing the franchises grow to new levels and new markets along the way.
About Massage Heights
Massage Heights is a family-owned massage and wellness franchise dedicated to elevating the lives of others by providing Members and Guests with professional, affordable and resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services. Since its founding in 2004, Massage Heights has grown from a single Retreat in San Antonio, Texas, to over 120 Retreat locations across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about Massage Heights and its franchise opportunities, please visit MassageHeightsFranchise.com.
Eco-friendly junk removal brand creates World Clean Up Month to eliminate waste in landfills.
SEYMOUR, Conn. — World Clean Up Day kicks off on September 18, but The Junkluggers – the industry leaders in eco-friendly junk removal, is taking it one step further and is announcing World Clean Up Month for the entire month of September. The Junkluggers are ready to showcase their mission of keeping reusable items out of landfills in order to maintain a sustainable environment with your help from September 1 through September 30.
During World Clean Up Month, The Junkluggers encourages you to participate in local eco-friendly focused community events or even create your own! The junk removal brand is challenging you to live a little greener and show the planet some extra love during the whole month of September. To kick-off World Clean Up Month look for local e-waste events to help limit the 75-80% of e-waste that ends up in our landfills every year. Another way to get involved in this month long event is getting your hands dirty with community cleanup events in your area and bring some friends along! The Junkluggers invite you to try out eco-friendly initiatives that can become a lifelong practice, such as limiting your household waste, donating reusable items and purchasing eco-friendly products.
“Our mission runs for 365 days a year, but we would love for our communities to devote a whole month to reducing our waste in landfills,” stated Josh Cohen, CEO and Founder of The Junkluggers. “We are excited to roll out World Clean Up Month and together we can all make a big impact on our environment.”
Cohen always wanted to find new ways to donate items and reuse products which would have otherwise been thrown in landfills. Since its humble beginnings in 2004, The Junkluggers has donated over one million dollars’ worth of items on behalf of its customers – that means it has been able to keep over 50 million pounds out of landfills and benefited over 100,000 people. The Junkluggers was the first junk removal company to issue donation receipts to customers because it always donates first! As The Junkluggers continues to grow, it continues to paint the world green! This year alone, the brand has generated over 80% more donation receipts than the same period last year.
As part of The Junkluggers ongoing mission, Cohen believes in incorporating eco-friendly practices into his everyday life. He recently introduced a compost to his household that will help eliminate close to everything that goes into their trash, as the rest is thrown into the recycling bin. Part of his ongoing household practice is purchasing items that can be recycled therefore staying eco-friendly both inside and outside of the home. Whether it’s across the nation, in the community or at home, Cohen strives to carry out his mission by keeping items out of landfills.
Today, The Junkluggers continues to create relationships with local charity partners and recycling centers across the United States and strives to become a part of every community they service. The Junkluggers and you can be a part of the solution to preserve the world, one lug at a time, by finding the best and most eco-friendly use for unwanted items with the goal to keep junk out of landfills. The brand prides itself on making decluttering as easy as possible and takes great satisfaction in removing residential and business junk.
“We are always looking for new ways that our local communities can make an impact on the environment that supports our mission to keep items out of landfills,” said Kristy Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer for The Junkluggers. “The Junkluggers hope that World Clean Up Month is celebrated and practiced nationwide in the years to come.”
For more information about The Junkluggers, please visit https://www.junkluggers.com/ or contact 1-800-LUG-JUNK (1-800-584-5865).
About Junkluggers
Since 2004, The Junkluggers has been disrupting the junk removal industry with its eco-friendly practices, from being the first company of its kind to offer donation receipts to launching Remix Market as a way to keep items out of landfills. This team of big-hearted professionals focuses on green, community-oriented practices, striving to enhance lives, the community and the environment by donating, recycling, upcycling and supporting local charities. The Junkluggers now has 85 franchise locations across the U.S. with 63 operating, and 23 coming soon. They are on a mission to paint the world green as they grow!
Leading Senior Care Franchise Celebrates 15th Location in California.
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today the launch of its 15th franchise in California with the opening of its location in Pasadena at 425 N Santa Anita Ave, Suite A., Arcadia. Always Best Care of Pasadena is owned and operated by franchisee Diane Pierson and will provide award-winning senior care services to Pasadena and the surrounding communities, including South Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, San Marino, Temple City, parts of North El Monte, among others.
“We are glad to see further expansion in Southern California, with our 15th location in the state, this marks a tremendous milestone for us, as we continue to provide superior senior care services to local communities across the country,” said Jake Brown, President & CEO of Always Best Care. “From day one, our team has seen the passion Diane brings to Always Best Care, with an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a desire to help others in her community, she’s a welcomed addition to the brand and we look forward to supporting her as she grows her business.”
Pierson received her bachelor’s degree in computer science from San Diego State University and has since worked in management, spending several years in the public sector, including with agencies such as the Army Corp of Engineers and the Port of Long Beach developing, integrating, and implementing project controls and project management. Pierson’s longtime career has provided her with the necessary tools for entrepreneurship, allowing her to build strong relationships within the community. She now looks forward to fulfilling her passions by helping families and creating jobs in the local community as a passionate leader.
“Born and raised in Pasadena and the surrounding neighborhoods, my roots inspired me to chase after my dreams of opening a senior care franchise in the city I call home,” said Pierson. “From the discovery process at Always Best Care and through the opening of my location, the franchise support I’ve received has been phenomenal. It’s always been a goal of mine to become an entrepreneur, and now that it’s a reality in an industry I’m passionate about serving, I’m proud to have a team of professionals who support me.”
Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and assisted living referral services. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.
By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care in some limited markets.
For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Pasadena, or for a free evaluation, please call 626-778-1441, email dpierson@abc-seniors.com or www.alwaysbestcarepasadena.com.
About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs, and currently provides millions of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.
Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is a national telephone reassurance program offered in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-In-Touch.com.
NEW YORK — Pearle Vision announced today the launch of “Eyes On The Prize,” a two-part social media web-series in which they are teaming up with renowned parenting and youth development expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa, New York Times Best-Selling Author Kelle Hampton, and star of the breakout web-series Quick Fix Actress Tia Mowery for a live, informative online conversation and Q&A. The discussions will cover the upcoming school year and advice for parents on how to work through the impact the past 18 months has had on mental and physical health, including the impact of further delaying annual wellness items such as an eye exam.
Doug Zarkin, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Pearle Vision says “Pearle Vision wanted to invest in providing a forum for parents to come together to discuss what is anything but a normal back-to-school season. After a year of remote learning student’s eyes were put to the test with increased screen time and the possibility that their annual eye-exam was missed. According to the American Optometric Association, One in four children in the U.S. have undetected vision problems which could impair learning. Experts believe that approximately 80 percent of learning comes through a child’s eyes. So, the importance of an annual eye exam is truly a pathway to unlock a child’s potential.”
Kelle Hampton says “I’m thrilled to partner with Pearle Vision to help support moms as we navigate the complex challenges of returning to school during a pandemic and after a collective stressful year. We’re all needing community right now and I’m happy to be part of a space supporting moms as they meet their child’s needs this year, from important eye exams to hugs.”
Dr. Deborah Gilboa says “Resilience is the ability to navigate change while being (or raising) the kind of person we can admire. The changes we face this fall in particular bring a host of worries about our children – for their mental health, their physical wellbeing, and their academic success. The good news is that you don’t have to handle these concerns alone. Joining Pearle Vision on their “Eyes On The Prize” web-series I believe will offer parents more support to help them create a plan for themselves and with their children to navigate this new normal just a little easier.”
“Mental and physical health is something I have long been passionate about. With my son’s recent diagnosis of vision acuity issues, joining Pearle Vision’s “Eyes On The Prize” web-series is a fantastic opportunity to openly discuss the challenges today’s parents are facing head on as we head into the heart of the fall 2021 school year. They say it takes a village, and I’m proud to lend my voice and experiences to the discussion” says Tia Mowry.
Available for Interviews and slated to participate in the social media initiative are:
ABOUT TIA MOWRY: https://www.instagram.com/tiamowry
Tia is known for starring in the iconic sitcom Sister, Sister, and currently stars in Netflix’s NAACP Image Award-winning series Family Reunion. She has published several books, and her second cookbook, The Quick Fix Kitchen, will be released on September 28th. She hosts her own YouTube channel, Tia Mowry’s Quick Fix, with weekly videos that help viewers solve life’s little dilemmas fast. It is Kin Community’s fastest growing channel to date. Tia has a devoted and strong social media presence of over 21 million followers.
DR. DEBORAH GILBOA: https://www.instagram.com/askdoctorg
Deborah Gilboa, MD, (aka “Dr. G”) works with families, educators, executives, and businesses to identify the mindset and strategies to turn stress to an advantage. She is a leading media personality seen regularly on TODAY, Good Morning America and is the Resilience Expert for The Doctors. She is also featured frequently in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Huffington Post, and countless other digital and print outlets. Dr. G is board certified attending family physician and is fluent in American Sign Language. She lives in Pittsburgh with her four boys.
KELLE HAMPTON: https://www.instagram.com/etst
Kelle is the New York Times Best-selling author of Bloom and writes about parenting and celebration on her blog Enjoying the Small Things. Kelle has also created several online courses and guides which have served thousands of students and readers. She’s Vice President of the non-profit Ruby’s Rainbow. Kelle has contributed to Parents, Parenting, The Today Show, Good Housekeeping, NPR’s All Things Considered and Magnolia Journal.
DOUG ZARKIN: https://www.instagram.com/dougzarkin/
Doug Zarkin Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for Pearle Vision holds an impressive array of honors for his marketing and brand building work including an ANA Genius Award, Brandweek’s Constellation Award, a Silver Clio Award, and multiple Effie Awards. He was recently named a Retail Innovator Award Winner and was recognized by his peers as Top 40 Over 40 and twice recognized as Innovative Marketer of The Year by The CMO Club. His work at Pearle Vision is currently the subject of a Harvard Business School case study on brand rejuvenation. He’s also a recognized retail and brand marketing expert with multiple appearances on all the major broadcast networks and business publications to his credit and is available to speak on the latest Pearle Vision campaign.
ABOUT PEARLE VISION
Pearle Vision was founded in 1961 by Dr. Stanley Pearle, who began the concept of one-stop, total eyecare with the opening of the Pearle Vision Center in Savannah, Ga. Dr. Pearle combined complete eye exams with an extensive selection of eyewear. In 1981, Pearle Vision began offering franchise opportunities to select doctors and opticians. Today, with more than 550 EyeCare Centers located throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, Pearle Vision is built around a doctor-centered business model with a primary focus to deliver genuine eye care to patients and become the neighborhood trusted source for all their eye care and eye wear needs. Pearle Vision is owned by Luxottica, a leader in premium fashion, luxury, and sports eyewear. For more information, visit PearleVision.com. And, to learn more about the Pearle Vision franchise opportunity, visit ownapearlevision.com or call 1-800-PEARLE-1.