Monthly Archives: May 2022

5 05, 2022

Neighborly® Steps Up as Raleigh-Durham’s Home Team for Home Services with Guide for which Projects NOT to DIY this National Home Improvement Month

2022-05-05T13:07:26-04:00May 5th, 2022|Tags: , , , , , |

As local homeowners give their spaces some extra love this month, Neighborly’s community of home service experts ensures your job gets done right.

RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C. — Neighborly®, the world’s largest franchisor of home service brands and Raleigh-Durham’s hub for home services, just released its guide to the “Top Home Improvement Projects You Should NOT Do Yourself,” just in time for National Home Improvement Month. The checklist provides Raleigh-Durham residents with a comprehensive list of summertime home improvement tasks that can become exceptionally costly or even dangerous when mishandled by homeowners themselves.

The checklist includes expert advice from Neighborly’s Raleigh-Durham network of trusted brands, behind which are the local owner-operators whose teams are vetted in a variety of specific services and are backed by Neighborly’s Done Right Promise™ to ensure the highest quality of work.

The checklist includes but is not limited to projects such as:

  • Wiring upgrades
  • Garage door repairs
  • Irrigation installation
  • Window tinting
  • Mosquito control
  • House painting
  • Storage solutions

“We often get an opportunity to follow-up on DIY projects that did not work out as intended,” said Bruce Foster, a local Raleigh-Durham owner of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company. “Neighborly is a family of home service companies here in the Raleigh-Durham area with experts who are committed to helping educate and assist homeowners to repair, maintain and enhance their property. By doing so, we can help them avoid long-term and potentially more costly repairs while increasing the value of their homes. I am excited to be part of this family of local business owners who are all dedicated to getting the job done right for every neighbor in our community.”

In addition to utilizing the checklist, new customers in the Raleigh-Durham area will receive an offer for $20 off their first service when scheduling an initial appointment with one of Neighborly’s 17 brands in the area. See coupon for details. Connect with Neighborly by visiting neighborly.com/raleigh-durham or by calling (833) 733-1096.

“Despite the valid popularity of the DIY approach to home improvement, there are projects that – when not handled by a vetted professional with the proper training and expertise – are dangerous or may ultimately end up costing more by inflicting extra harm to your home,” said Mike Bidwell, President and CEO of Neighborly. “With our checklist, Neighborly is not only providing homeowners with expert home maintenance recommendations to save valuable time and a possible headache but also connecting them to trusted local home service professionals whose work is backed by Neighborly’s Done Right Promise™.

For more information about Neighborly’s service brands, visit www.neighborlybrands.com.

About Neighborly®

Neighborly® is the world’s largest home services franchisor of 29 brands and 5,000 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 or through the Neighborly App. More information about Neighborly®, and its franchise concepts, is available at Neighborlybrands.com.

5 05, 2022

Item 9 Labs Corp. Expands U.S. Footprint Through Growth of Unity Rd. Dispensary Franchise

2022-05-05T12:55:31-04:00May 5th, 2022|Tags: , , , , , , |

–       Vertically Integrated Cannabis Franchisor and Operator Builds Colorado Retail Footprint Through Acquisitions.

–       Local Unity Rd. Partners Secure Dispensary Licenses in New Mexico and South Dakota Cannabis Programs. 

PHOENIXItem 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (the “Company”) — a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning products — announced the accelerated growth of its dispensary franchise model, Unity Rd. across the U.S. with successful expansion into multiple new markets over the past two months.

Currently, the Company has two dispensaries open in Colorado and Oklahoma with development across another 10 states, driven by more than 20 entrepreneurial groups. Item 9 Labs Corp. anticipates this positive momentum to continue throughout 2022 with a focus on fast-tracking franchise development by supporting Unity Rd. franchise partners in acquiring existing dispensaries in Colorado, among other target markets.

Expansion into New Cannabis Markets

The Company’s Unity Rd. franchise opportunity removes the complexities often associated with entering the cannabis market. Through Unity Rd.’s proven and scalable franchise model, entrepreneurs are afforded seamless entry into the booming industry, along with the support system designed to enable their operation of a successful and compliant dispensary in a market that has legalized medicinal or adult-use cannabis sales. The dedicated team, with a combined 120-plus years of legal cannabis experience, guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business including one of the most challenging hurdles – securing a license.

The Item 9 Labs Corp. team recently assisted two of the brand’s first partners in South Dakota and New Mexico in securing state and local approval to operate in their markets’ cannabis programs. The brand’s South Dakota partners, B.J. Olson and Adam Jorgensen, were awarded a license to open one of the first dispensaries in Hartford, a suburb of Sioux Falls, through the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program. They broke ground on their shop on February 25, 2022 and anticipate being operational this summer.

Meanwhile, New Mexico recently opened to adult-use cannabis on April 1, 2022, and the market is booming. Dispensaries hit nearly $5.2 million in sales for adult-use cannabis products alone within the first weekend, according to the Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Unity Rd.’s New Mexico partner was recently awarded three licenses by the state and plans to open his first shop in Ruidoso with two additional cities to follow.

“The relationship between us and our local partners is mutually beneficial, as we together leverage a proven and highly scalable business. We have worked hard to create a repeatable road map that allows eager cannabis entrepreneurs a direct and de-risked route into the complex U.S. cannabis market,” said CEO of Item 9 Labs Corp., Andrew Bowden, adding that the market is set to hit $50 billion in revenue by 2025.

“The recent momentum of our one-of-a-kind franchise model is a testament to the support our team provides our franchise partners,” Bowden continued. “With increased legalization and acceptance of cannabis, we anticipate building on top of our recent successes and furthering our national footprint.”

The Company is also in the midst of rebranding the Unity Rd. shop in Oklahoma City and anticipates a grand opening celebration this summer.

Accelerating National Footprint Through Acquisitions

Item 9 Labs Corp. is actively growing the Unity Rd. national footprint through accretive acquisitions of existing dispensaries that will be converted into Unity Rd. shops and has had recent activity in the Denver market. In early March, the Company closed its acquisition of an existing dispensary retail license and storefront in Adams County, Colorado. This will be the brand’s first corporate-owned shop and is anticipated to open this June. Item 9 Labs Corp. also signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “APA”) with The Herbal Cure, a medicinal and recreational dispensary and cultivator operating in the desirable Washington Park neighborhood of Denver. The dispensary generated revenues of $5.4 million last year and will be Unity Rd.’s first future flagship location. The space offers 5,000 square-feet for retail operations, corporate offices and team training as well as a 3,000 square-foot medicinal and recreational cultivation. Item 9 Labs Corp. anticipates the dispensary to be transitioned over to Unity Rd., within six months of closing the acquisition, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval by Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (the “MED”) and the City of Denver.

“The new market expansion we are seeing on the retail side, will also propel our award-winning cannabis product brand further,” said Bowden, speaking to the Company’s overall national strategy to first enter with the Unity Rd. retail brand and follow with Item 9 Labs products. “Bringing our products to markets where Unity Rd. shops are located gives franchise partners front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain. With our products owning more of the shelf space in Unity Rd. shops, we are driving additional sales across multiple revenue verticals, all to our benefit, as well as our franchise partners and our shareholders.”

Item 9 Labs Corp. is also seeking opportunities to acquire, develop or partner with cultivation and production facilities in markets where there are two to three Unity Rd. shops. Currently, the Company is focusing product expansion efforts on states, such as Colorado, to ease new market product entry and focus operations.

Invest in Item 9 Labs Corp. at KeepCannabisLocal.com. For more information about the Company and its brands, visit item9labscorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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 up to 640,000-plus square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit https://investors.item9labscorp.com/.

4 05, 2022

Mr. Handyman® Launches Sixth Annual “My Pet Peeves” Photo Contest

2022-05-04T08:56:27-04:00May 4th, 2022|Tags: , , , , , |

Nation’s Leading Home Maintenance, Repair and Improvement Franchise Celebrates National Pet Month with Photos of Mischievous Pets and Damage Repair Tips.

WACO, TexasMr. Handyman, a Neighborly® company and the nation’s leading home maintenance, repair, and improvement franchise, is celebrating National Pet Month this May with its sixth annual “My Pet Peeves” photo contest, inviting pet owners to share moments of silly but damaging behavior caused by their pets in their homes. The contest will showcase humorous situations pets have gotten themselves into and reassure pet owners that Mr. Handyman is here to help repair the comedic chaos.

To enter the “My Pet Peeves” photo contest, visit Mr. Handyman’s official entry page on Facebook and submit a photo of your pet’s naughty behavior and house damages that you couldn’t help but laugh at. Ideas include – but are not limited to – a pet’s yard damage, annihilated shoes, in-home destruction, getting into the snack drawer, or just their cute face by May 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, reptiles, bunnies, turtles and more are welcome. Mr. Handyman will reward five random winners with a $250 PetSmart e-gift card to show that even though our pets can drive us crazy at times, we’ll always love them no matter what!

“Pets are part of our families, we care for them the same way we care for each other, and often rely on them for emotional support. This doesn’t stop them from creating problems in our homes from time to time,” said Jeff Palla, President of Mr. Handyman. “The great part of this is that our professional Mr. Handyman technicians know how to repair damages caused by pets, while still understanding the value they add to families. Our services ease stress between having a pet and a home and the maintenance that comes with both.”

Additionally, Mr. Handyman offers the following tips to assist pet owners with common pet-caused damages:

Repair Chewed Drywall: To fix drywall that may have been gnawed at by a puppy or anxious dog, scrape loose debris from holes or dents and cover with fast-drying spackle. Let dry for at least 24 hours and conceal repairs with a bit of touch-up paint. While small bite holes are easy to camouflage, years of covering damage can eventually lead to uneven drywall.

Protect the Floors: Pets can damage hardwood floors simply by walking on it. Protect hardwood by maintaining claw length and keeping area rugs around the house for pets to lie on. Fix minor scratches with floor cleaner and protective finish. Clean the scratch with a damp cloth, scrub the cleaner over the scratch, and repeat with a clean cloth to rinse away hardwood cleaner.

Safeguard Wood: Wood is often a target for pets who chew or scratch. The easiest protection plan is to add plastic sheeting or PVC tubing around table and chair legs to prevent claw and bite marks. Save doors by adding clear, plastic sheeting.

To learn more about the “My Pet Peeves” photo contest, please visit the Mr. Handyman website to read the official contest rules and the Mr. Handyman Facebook page to enter.

If you don’t have the time or wish to have Mr. Handyman help with any home projects, contact your nearest Mr. Handyman location.

About Mr. Handyman®

Mr. Handyman® is North America’s leading commercial and residential property maintenance, repair and improvement company. With more than 300 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 29 brands and 5,000 franchises collectively serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries, focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing homes and businesses, united under one platform serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries. Neighborly® brands are found at Neighborly.com and Neighbourly.ca, or on the Neighborly App in the U.S. For more information about Mr. Handyman®, visit MrHandyman.com or MrHandyman.ca.

3 05, 2022

Tint World® hires Dane Bryant as front-end developer

2022-05-03T14:32:22-04:00May 3rd, 2022|Tags: , , , , |

Veteran web-development expert joins National Automotive Styling Centers™ to enhance the company’s digital presence and support its growth strategy. 

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, announces the hiring of new front-end web developer Dane Bryant.

Bryant’s responsibilities as front-end developer at Tint World® include the ongoing management and support of the company’s growing website as well as strategic support for the company’s digital marketing efforts.

“As Tint World® continues to add locations and expand into new territories, our digital presence is also growing,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World®. “Dane’s experience, technical skills and commitment are essential for us to continue to present a robust digital profile that supports our strategic growth in 2022.”

Bryant, a graduate of Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, has more than 20 years of experience in web development, design and support, software development, multimedia, social media and digital marketing.

“It’s an exciting time to join the Tint World® family,” Bryant said. “Being part of the team that has fueled the company’s dynamic success motivates me every day to ensure that our website and other digital resources are supporting our strategy and delivering results.”

Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto 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.

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 window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services.

Tint World® Mobile Services™ include marine, residential, and commercial window tinting films, solar films, decorative films, safety and security films, and protective ceramic coatings. 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.

3 05, 2022

Oxi Fresh Plans to Expand in Rhode Island

2022-05-03T14:21:30-04:00May 3rd, 2022|Tags: , , , |

Environmentally Friendly Carpet Cleaning Franchise Continues National Expansion.

LAKEWOOD, Colo.Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, one of the nation’s greenest and fastest-growing carpet cleaning franchises, is looking to continue expanding the brand across Rhode Island. The rapidly growing franchise company has three available territories in Providence, Newport, and Woonstock as well as other territories across the state.

“We can’t wait to increase our positive impact across Rhode Island as local communities get to experience our fast-drying, eco-friendly carpet cleaning process,” said Matt Kline, Director of Franchise of Development.

Over the past year, Oxi Fresh has awarded dozens of new franchise locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, California, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Georgia, Florida, New York, Nevada, and British Columbia. This recent expansion puts the company ever closer to 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning – An Innovative Franchise
The carpet cleaning franchise company has, since first opening in 2006, stood out in its industry. Their rapid growth is due to many factors, and chief among them is consumers’ love of the company’s green, fast-drying cleaning system. Rather than rely on traditional steam cleaning practices that saturate carpets, Oxi Fresh employs a low-moisture cleaning method that utilizes the power of oxygen.

“We’ve created an environmentally friendly cleaning system that combines the best equipment with the highest quality products,” said Jonathan Barnett, founder and CEO. “It can erase years of dirt with ease while also drying in just about one hour. What more could you want from a carpet cleaning?”

But the cleaning system, as we mentioned earlier, is just one factor behind the brand’s growth. The company has also committed to providing its carpet cleaning franchisees with advanced business support tools. These include a centralized Scheduling Center, a specialized CRM designed for their business, automated marketing tools, and more. With these modern tools, Oxi Fresh’s franchisees have the opportunity to focus on business development rather than mere daily tasks.

“As we continue to grow in the Northeast, we’re excited to meet more Rhode Island entrepreneurs interested in our carpet cleaning franchise and customers looking for a cleaning,” said Mr. Barnett. “Both will get to see what a modern carpet cleaning company can do.”

About Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning®

Through innovative products and modern technology, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning offers green carpet cleanings and exceptional results. The company’s powerful combination of knowledgeable people, innovative technology, and strong processes has landed the brand in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500, ranked in Inc. magazine’s Inc. 500|5000, and saw them named as one of “America’s Best Franchises to Buy,” by Forbes magazine. Oxi Fresh has over 460 locations throughout the United States and Canada, with more locations currently in development. For more information, visit oxifresh.com.

3 05, 2022

Tech Entrepreneur Opens Tigard NerdsToGo

2022-05-03T14:15:44-04:00May 3rd, 2022|Tags: , , , |

Experienced Business Professional Brings Expertise to Tigard Market.

TIGARD, Ore.  NerdsToGo®, a leading provider of IT Solutions for Business and Home, opened a brand new location in Tigard, Oregon. The newest location (12540 SW Main Street, Suite 110) is under the direction of owner and operator Rory Dunnaback.

Dunnaback, along with his father John Dunnaback, opened a Milwaukie NerdsToGo in 2018. A Portland resident, Rory saw a geographical competitive advantage to opening a store in Tigard, which is west of Portland. The Tigard launch serves a growing need in metro areas for tech services as the reliance on such services becomes more important than ever post-pandemic.

“A lot had to do with geography,” he said. The location fits with his marketing strategy and goal of having more exposure with locations east and west of Portland.

The Tigard location offers even greater brand exposure due to the retail storefront and strong downtown community surrounding it. This store location on Tigard’s main street brings great visibility. It’s also the first store in the U.S. to initiate the recent brand refresh. Dunnaback’s first location is in downtown Milwaukie on Main Street–those in the area might have seen the signature yellow Nerd vans around town or have worked with the friendly, approachable Nerds as they help make technology less intimidating.

As local economies begin to come back to main streets, this is great for business and brand recognition in the heart of the downtown area, Dunnaback said.

“I’m really proud to have both of my businesses on main streets,” he said. “It’s very small-town America.” Dunnaback was named Franchisee of the Year and won the Nerdy Award earlier this year, which recognizes an individual that excels in helping customers and employees achieve their full potential.

As a managed service provider, NerdsToGo offers a variety of services for small to medium sized businesses including: Server and PC Monitoring, Data Back-up and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Hosting and Microsoft Office Support. NerdAssure, a proprietary bundle of IT services scaled and priced for small businesses, is created for small companies who don’t have the resources to employ full time IT specialists. Home services tailored to the individual include Computer Repair, Internet trouble-shooting and cybersecurity solutions.

Dunnaback’s interest in opening NerdsToGo began with a desire to open a family business with his dad. Yet, he’s long been involved with IT solutions, as well as the role technology plays in people’s lives since majoring in information technology at Michigan State and then establishing a career in healthcare technology. In addition to operating NerdsToGo franchises, Rory is an involved member of his community, serving as President of the Downtown Milwaukie Business Association.

Rory is also a member of the Westside Professional Business Association that has been around since the late 1970s. He is also on the board of the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tigard Chamber of Commerce and a Chair of the North Clackamas Education Foundation.

Dunnaback will host a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting on May 5th at 2pm.

For more information and to see the services offered visit www.nerdstogo.com.

About NerdsToGo®
NerdsToGo is a growing IT services franchise brand that provides a simple path to overcoming the pain points and complexities of technology. Friendly and approachable Nerds offer solutions for efficiency and security for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as the individual who needs help with personal computers, devices and home networks. As a Managed Services Provider for business, the Nerds can assess, design and support IT networks while providing remote support and vendor management.

Propelled Brands is the multi-brand franchisor for NerdsToGo, recognized for its top-rated franchisee satisfaction in Franchise Business Review’s 2021 Top 100 Culture list. With a focus on business-to-business franchises including FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE® in Australia, MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza® brands, Propelled Brands helps each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose.

To learn more, visit NerdsToGo.com. Follow the brand on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nerdstogo/, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NerdsToGoComputerService/. For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).

3 05, 2022

My Eyelab Opens New Stores in Birmingham Area

2022-05-03T14:07:03-04:00May 3rd, 2022|Tags: , , , |

Franchise with Contemporary, Fun and Easy Approach to Eye Care Will Serve Optical Needs of the Community at New Locations.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.My Eyelab, a leading optical retailer offering accessible and affordable eye care and eyewear, will open its newest locations in Birmingham late May and late June, with another to follow later in 2022. Located at 1711 Montgomery Highway in the Riverchase area and 5413 Highway 280, Suite 103 at the Cahaba Market, the two stores opening mark My Eyelab’s debut in Alabama.

Franchise owners Zain Attawala and Sagar Panjawani are optimistic about the expansion. “Moving into the Birmingham area with these three new locations gives us a lot of opportunity for growth and to capitalize on the optical market here,” says Attawala.

Under the leadership of founder and CEO Daniel Stanton, My Eyelab is a retail brand of Now Optics, which also includes Stanton Optical. My Eyelab has led the optical industry in ocular telehealth by leveraging proprietary innovative telehealth technology to provide patients with affordable eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Tapping into its network of affiliated doctors, to date the company has conducted over 2 million telehealth eye exams, something no other optical retailer can offer in the Birmingham area. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has not hindered My Eyelab’s success, as its proprietary telehealth technology minimizes the risk without compromising quality eye care.

By combining their industry-leading telehealth technology and various monthly payment options through third party vendors, My Eyelab is delivering on their promise of modernizing the eyecare experience for all that’s more affordable and accessible than ever before.

On top of that, an assortment of over 1,000 frames and top contact lens brands to fit both style and budgets allows consumers the ultimate freedom to experiment with unique, stylish designs that fit their personal style. For convenience, the new My Eyelab stores around Birmingham accept both same day appointments and walk-ins for your eye exams and eyewear needs.

Hours for the Hoover Riverchase and Cahaba Market stores are Monday – Saturday 9 am to 7 pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment go to www.myeyelab.com or call 1-800-EYE TEST.

ABOUT NOW OPTICS:

Now Optics is a leader in the eye care industry. Its retail brands, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, are among the nation’s fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. The company continues to expand its retail footprint with over 250 corporate and franchise locations in 28 states while delivering affordable eye health solutions. The company consistently ranks among the largest optical retailers in the country by Vision Monday and was ranked #3 on Entrepreneur’s list of Top New Franchises in 2021. Visit myeyelab.com or stantonoptical.com for more information. Find details about franchise opportunities at myeyelabfranchise.com.

2 05, 2022

Right at Home Caregiver Who Saved Client From Texas Snowstorm Recognized as National Caregiver of the Year

2022-05-02T09:51:30-04:00May 2nd, 2022|Tags: , , , , |

Keshia Prejean received the honor as one out of 25,000 caregivers across the Right at Home network, at the company’s national conference.

OMAHA, Neb. — On April 29, 600 cheering representatives of leading in-home care company Right at Home honored Keshia Prejean as 2022 National Caregiver of the Year at the company’s national conference in Glendale, Arizona. Prejean was selected from more than 25,000 caregivers across the Right at Home network for her exemplary commitment to making a difference in the lives of her clients and team members.

Prejean has been with Right at Home for two years, working as a caregiver in the Texas Hill Country for owners Sydney Greenwalt and Terry Darilek. Prejean’s compassion, selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond have made her a valued member of Right at Home and a beloved caregiver for seniors in her community.

Last year, central Texas experienced unprecedented snowfall, including widespread power outages, burst water lines and road closures. But did that stop Prejean from going to work and making a difference? “It didn’t slow her down one bit,” said Greenwalt. “She knew one of our clients was bed bound with no resources and no family. So unbeknownst to us, Keshia flagged down a snowplow driver and had him take her to our client’s home. She weather-proofed the home, tracked down water and walked to the store in the snow to buy food.”

Prejean stayed almost a week with her client, sacrificing the needs of her own family to help someone in need. “EMS and Fire Rescue were unable to access roads during the first few days of the storm,” said Greenwalt. “I’m convinced our client would not have survived without Keshia’s help.”

According to Keysha Friar, Director of Employee Relations at Right at Home Hill Country, Prejean’s generosity isn’t reserved only for her clients. “Keshia doesn’t just help our clients, she is so loving toward her co-workers too,” said Friar. “We recently received a phone call from one of our caregivers who wanted to let us know how wonderful Keshia is. Apparently Keshia found out another caregiver was having transportation issues so she booked and paid for a $75 Uber to take this caregiver to our client’s home. Of course we reimbursed Keshia for this, but she never mentioned it to us and didn’t request reimbursement. That says a lot about who Keshia is.”

National Caregiver of the Year is the highest honor awarded by the Right at Home network. The award is presented annually during the organization’s annual conference.

“Right at Home is so proud and thrilled to honor Keshia Prejean as our 2022 National Caregiver of the Year,” said Margaret Haynes, President and CEO of Right at Home. “The award honors those caregivers who provide extraordinary service to clients every day, and Keshia has definitely illustrated the very essence of the award. She continually lives our mission, ‘To improve the quality of life for those we serve.’ We are so grateful that Keshia is part of Right at Home.”

In addition to honoring Prejean nationally, Right at Home recognized eight caregivers across the country for their outstanding commitment to their clients. This year’s Regional Caregivers of the Year are:

  • West Region Caregiver of the Year: Maria Castro of Burbank, California
    (office owners Leanna and Doug Dickstein)
  • East Central Region Caregiver of the Year: Candy Palmer of Wilmington, North Carolina (office owner Jennifer Selden)
  • Northwest Central Region Caregiver of the Year: Marci Meader of Reno, Nevada
    (office owners Pete Kuzmich and Shayne Brown)
  • Mid-Atlantic Region Caregiver of the Year: Sarah Williams of Fairfax, Virginia
    (office owner Phill Turner)
  • Southwest Region Caregiver of the Year: Vodrick Morrison of San Antonio, Texas
    (office owners Sloane and Jim Wendell)
  • Southeast Region Caregiver of the Year: Anice Browning of Little Rock, Arkansas
    (office owner Lauren Miller)
  • Northeast Region Caregiver of the Year: Tanya Todd of Hillsborough, New Jersey
    (office owners Janet and Carl Kuebler)
  • Midwest Region Caregiver of the Year: Larry Sharon of West Des Moines, Iowa
    (office owner Raouf Agrignan and operator Christina Richter)

Going the extra mile to provide exceptional care for those in need of at-home assistance often comes down to the small things which make a big difference in a client’s life. Right at Home is proud to recognize the exemplary caregivers within its system whose purpose-driven work betters the lives of those they are entrusted to serve.

ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME:

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care to seniors and adults with a disability who want to continue to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff, each of whom is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured prior to 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, read the Right at Home blog at http://www.rightathomefranchise.com/blog/.