More brands than ever are helping new franchise owners start up their business from a home-based management office. In a mobile-services brand, franchise owners still go to clients to perform services, or their staff go while they manage the entire team’s schedule, get out to network, and complete local marketing efforts. By Dawn Abbamondi
More brands than ever are helping new franchise owners start up their business from a home-based management office. In a mobile-services brand, franchise owners still go to clients to perform services, or their staff go while they manage the entire team’s schedule, get out to network, and complete local marketing efforts. By Dawn Abbamondi
When Mark and Sherri Schalk became pet parents for the first time in 2006, they realized there was a lack of attractive grooming options. At the same time, they were looking for a viable franchise opportunity. Aussie Pet Mobile stood out as a natural fit. By Lizzy Yeserski
For over six years, PetNmind has provided high-quality service to thousands of pets and their humans. The trusted pet-food and supplies franchise has earned hundreds of five-star reviews, a testament to its business model and the community it has fostered. By Brianna Bohn
According to Nick Robbins, COO and head of franchising for BASH, a day in the life of a franchisee can vary greatly. With a strong support team in place, BASH offers an absentee model, or as outlined below, an owner/operator model in which the franchisee is involved in day-to-day operations. By Cindy Charette
The primary focus of Medi-Weightloss has always been about making quality patient care available to patients, especially during the pandemic. By Cindy Charette
Self-proclaimed Redneck CEO dresses the part and tackles dirty jobs.
WACO, Texas — Restoration 1® CEO Gary Findley will be featured on the Emmy Award-winning, hit television series “Undercover Boss,” Friday, March 11 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
“Participating on the show was beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Findley. “It was an incredible experience. Not only did I meet amazing people and hear their stories, but I also got to experience some of the dirtiest and most essential jobs in our business from the viewpoint of those on the front lines who are doing the work and representing the brand every single day.”
Dressed in a mullet wig, dyed beard and mustache, ripped western shirt and fake tattoos, Findley geared up and went to work in four different cities, including Dallas, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Denver. He was disguised as someone looking to get into the restoration industry and performed jobs including service calls for mold treatment, wet insulation removal, biohazard waste cleanup and more.
“I witnessed the emergency nature of this business firsthand and the critical need for dedicated service technicians who embrace 24/7 demands even in a pandemic,” Findley said. “At every turn, I saw the skilled training of these employees and the customer service that they provide as the glue that holds our network together.”
Viewers can follow and engage with the episode on Gary Findley’s Twitter, and LinkedIn pages as well as “UNDERCOVER BOSS” social media on Twitter at @Undercover_CBS and Facebook at @UndercoverBossCBS. The official show hashtag is #UndercoverBoss.
About “Undercover Boss”
“Undercover Boss” is a two-time Emmy Award-winning reality series that follows high-level executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own organizations. Each week, a different leader will sacrifice the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their operation.
About Restoration 1®
Founded in 2008, Restoration 1 is an award-winning franchise that specializes in a wide array of emergency mitigations, restoration and reconstructions services. An industry innovator, the Texas-based company uses advanced technologies and tools to perform restoration for both residential and commercial properties that have been damaged due to water, smoke, fire, mold, storms and more. There have been 360 agreements awarded throughout the U.S. with plans to expand to more than 500 locations nationwide in the next couple of years. For more information about Restoration 1, visit http://www.restoration1.com.
National Cannabis Dispensary Franchise Progresses Midwest Growth; Local Alliance Program Aims to Keep Dispensary Ownership Local by Providing Existing Owners the Backing of a National Franchise System.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Unity Rd., the cannabis dispensary franchise from Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), announced today it has signed its first partner through its Local Alliance Program with an Oklahoma City dispensary, Ringside Medical. The shop is located at 14201 N. May Ave. #205 and will be rebranded to Unity Rd.
Unity Rd. launched the Local Alliance Program in 2021 to support local dispensary ownership. Through the program, existing cannabis dispensary owners and license holders can partner with Unity Rd. to gain direct access to the buying power, resources and supportive network normally reserved for multi-unit operators. Partners through this program retain 100% ownership of their dispensary license and business and benefit from the tools, expertise and ongoing support necessary to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary.
“The U.S. cannabis landscape is comprised of small, independent entrepreneurs and giant, multi-state operators,” said Unity Rd.’s Chief Franchise Officer Mike Weinberger. “With the added layer of complexities that cannabis brings by being federally illegal and so highly regulated, it is challenging for independents to compete with conglomerates that have teams of industry experts who are dedicated to compliance, accounting, marketing, etc. and know how to navigate the intricacies of cannabis.”
Weinberger continued, “The franchise model gives prospective and existing dispensary owners a fighting chance by empowering them with the knowledge, relationships and ongoing support they need to be compliant and focused on growing their business, rather than stuck in day-to-day management.”
“Having the supportive network of a franchise will be a tremendous weight off us and our team,” said Ringside Medical Co-Owner Robin O’Grady. “Cannabis is complicated. You need to constantly be on your toes and able to pivot at a moment’s notice. By joining Unity Rd., we’re expanding our team with experts who have operated cannabis businesses in multiple states and gaining several other benefits that will positively impact our future growth.”
The Local Alliance shop is primed for growth as Oklahoma’s medical cannabis market has surpassed $1.5 billion in revenue since legal sales began in 2018. The state has one of the largest medicinal programs in the U.S. with about 10% of the population, nearly four million residents, having obtained a medical card. Further, Oklahoma activists have already filed two ballot measures this year to legalize adult-use cannabis and overhaul the state’s medical cannabis system.
“We’re hopeful this Local Alliance shop will be the first of many Unity Rd. shops across Oklahoma,” said the marijuana franchise’s Vice President of Franchise Development Justin Livingston. “We’re confident that our team can help owners increase their dispensary’s value within their local communities.”
In addition to Oklahoma, the cannabis franchise is actively seeking partnerships with existing dispensary owners across the United States who would benefit from the systems, processes and ongoing support the franchise offers. Unity Rd. also partners with industry newcomers and currently has multiple agreements signed with nearly 20 entrepreneurial groups who are in various stages of development nationwide. The franchise offers one of the safest routes for cannabis entrepreneurs looking to stake their claim in the fast-growing, complex industry. Backed by time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and an accomplished team boasting more than 200 years of combined experience in cannabis and franchising, franchise partners are guided through every operational function of the business – whether it be assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.
To learn more about the Unity Rd. Local Alliance Program, contact partners@unityrd.com or call 480-542-9420.
For more information about the Unity Rd. Franchise Opportunity, contact franchise@unityrd.com, call 720-923-5262 or visit unityrd.com.
About Item 9 Labs Corp.
Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space by 650,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.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 nearly 20 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.
Leading Massage and Facial Spa Franchise Achieves Record-Breaking Year and Accelerates Expansion in the U.S. and Canada.
PHILADELPHIA — Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the nation’s leading luxury massage and facial spa franchise, announced today that 2021 marked one of the most successful years in its 18-year history, signing 59 new franchise agreements as well as significantly expanding its footprint with 24 new spas. This surge in development doubles the thriving spa concept’s year-over-year signings from 2020 and is fueled by the growth and support of existing franchisees, with more than half of the new agreements in 2021 coming from within the brand’s system. Hand & Stone’s commitment to innovation is a driving force behind its ongoing success. Hand & Stone’s advanced and proprietary massage and facial services are at the forefront of the market and have positioned the brand as the authority on skincare and wellness within the personal services segment.
“2021 was a successful year of franchise development for Hand & Stone. We welcomed several new franchise partners to the system, including established operators with experience in multiple brands. In addition, we saw significant growth from our existing Hand & Stone franchise owners, who accounted for better than 50% of new territory commitments for the year. Our franchise owner’s commitment to the brand and proven success demonstrates the strength of the Hand & Stone model. It is clear that Hand & Stone’s industry-leading innovation and unparalleled service offerings translate to thriving businesses for our franchisees,” said John Teza, CEO of Hand & Stone.
Hand & Stone experienced significant unit growth nationwide throughout 2021, bringing 24 new spas to key markets throughout North America. Hand & Stone expanded the number of markets under development in 2021, adding cities such as El Paso, TX; Mobile, AL; Knoxville, TN; Savannah, GA; Birmingham, AL; and Edmonton, ON to the list of major metros in the brand’s growth pipeline. In May of 2021, Hand & Stone acquired the 23-unit Massage Experts brand, providing the company a footprint in Eastern and Western Canada. There are Hand & Stone spas and Massage Expert clinics in thirty-four states and seven provinces in Canada.
“We closed out 2021 with tremendous momentum and have no doubt that the best is yet to come. We will continue to build upon the strong foundation of the brand. We will continue to engage new and experienced operators from outside the system and know that existing franchise owner development is key to our brand’s overall success. We expect 2022 to be a year of significant growth for Hand & Stone, as we launch Cryoskin body contouring and continue to innovate in both skincare and massage services. We’re focused on attracting the most talented operators across the entire enterprise,” added Teza.
In 2022, Hand & Stone aims to more than double its new spa openings across North America, with the goal of opening 50 locations throughout the U.S. and five in Canada. Additionally, Hand & Stone has aggressive nationwide expansion plans for the year, targeting growth in states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, Ohio and Tennessee.
Throughout 2021, Hand & Stone continued to be recognized as a leading massage and facial services concept and outstanding franchise system. The brand received the Zor Award in the beauty and wellness category by Franchise Times as one of the 10 best franchises to buy in 2021. Hand & Stone also ranked #154 on the publication’s annual Top 400 list (formerly Top 200+), moving up six spots from the 2020 ranking. Most recently, Hand & Stone ranked #296 on Entrepreneur magazine’s highly competitive Franchise 500 ranking of the top franchise brands where it remains one of the leading massage and spa services franchises.
With more than 500 spas across 31 states and Canada, Hand & Stone is the massage and facial industry leader and fastest growing spa franchise concept. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.handandstonefranchise.com.
ABOUT HAND & STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA
Hand & Stone is a 500-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2004, Hand & Stone now has locations in 31 states and Canada. Over the past several years, the brand has garnered noteworthy industry recognition including being named No. 1 in the spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine, ranked No. 8 on Forbes’ Best Franchises to Buy list in the high investment category and is the fastest-growing spa concept in the country. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstonefranchise.com.
Cannabis Dispensary Franchise Joins Impressive Roster of Franchise Leaders and Innovators for Invite-Only Franchise Event for Millennial Professionals.
PHOENIX — Unity Rd., the cannabis dispensary franchise from Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), continues to solidify their position as industry trailblazers. Vice President of Communications Jayne Levy is presenting at YoungConference, an event geared for the Millennial generation of franchise leaders, January 30 – February 1 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Unity Rd. will be presenting on how franchising has made its entrance into cannabis, providing an inside look at the roadmap to franchising a cannabis concept, value it brings to franchising and future industry growth.
Innovative franchise C-Suites will gather and learn from one another through an intensive series of back-to-back workshops on the latest and greatest strategies in franchise development, digital marketing, and business technologies. In addition to Unity Rd., attendees will have the opportunity to hear from other franchise leaders such as Michael Browning, CEO of Unleashed Brands, Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbeque, and Tony Zaccario, CEO of Stretch Zone.
A prime example of a millennial franchising leader, Levy has worked in franchise-focused communications for more than a decade. She has executed public relations initiatives for 70-plus franchisors, spanning across 20 different industries and networks of one to 3,000-plus locations. She joined the Unity Rd. team in December 2017 and, upon Item 9 Labs Corp.’s acquisition of the franchise in March 2021, has taken a lead role in guiding internal and external communications across the Company.
“With my diverse franchise background, I know what tools, strategies, and business tactics are needed to make a franchise company that’s built to last,” said Levy. “Throughout my career, I’ve watched several of today’s top franchise players grow from small chains to giants in their respective industries and have had the honor to be part of Unity Rd.’s growth from its early days to a roster of 20 partners building the brand across the U.S.”
Levy added, “Cannabis is a 25-plus billion dollar a year industry that’s still in its infancy, and it’s opportunities like YoungConference, where we can share the stage with other franchise executives and teach developing franchise professionals about the flourishing cannabis industry, that will help normalize franchising’s hottest sector.”
Unity Rd. is the first to franchise cannabis dispensaries on a national scale in the United States. Prospective industry entrepreneurs have deemed Unity Rd. the go-to franchise opportunity for entering and navigating the complex cannabis industry. The marijuana dispensary franchise is actively seeking qualified partners who would benefit from the systems, processes and ongoing support the franchise offers. Currently, Unity Rd. has multiple agreements signed with nearly 20 entrepreneurial groups who are in various stages of development nationwide.
To learn more about the Unity Rd. franchise opportunity, contact franchise@unityrd.com, call 720-923-5262 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 nearly 20 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.