Have you been thinking of creating opportunity for others to join you in your brand? Are you thinking of opening your own business, and joining an established franchise brand? Fitness and wellness are two trending industries in franchising! By Dawn Abbamondi
When John Smotryski left his esteemed position in construction management to start an ice cream shop, much of his community was shocked. “A lot of people looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe you’re leaving this great job to go to Key West and open an ice cream store.’ People were really surprised because it’s risky,” Smotryski said. By Sarah Lindauer
Inspired by her grandmother and encouraged by her deep faith, Natalie Craig has had an innate desire to help others since she was a young girl. Her interests first led her to nursing, where she served in hospitals and learned about many dire cases, including those experienced by at-risk children. By Brianna Bohn
Trusted Roofing and Construction Brand Plans Expansion Inside Wisconsin.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Storm Guard – an innovative and community-driven roofing and construction brand – is taking strides to expand its essential home restoration services to Milwaukee. Storm Guard’s services are necessary due to Wisconsin having some of the country’s most unpredictable and severe weather, including extreme storms and tornadoes. The brand currently has 39 franchise locations and is looking to add 100 franchise locations in the next five years, with Wisconsin being on the list of states they want to expand. Storm Guard is searching for franchise partners to open 2 territories in Milwaukee.
“With heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures, Storm Guard will be the perfect solution for Milwaukee residents once the snow has started to melt, and potential issues with homeowner’s roofs become more evident. Milwaukee homeowners and families will be able to rest easy knowing that there is a dependable and nationally backed roofing and construction company for when issues arise,” stated Shane Lynch, President of Storm Guard. “Milwaukee residents will be sure to benefit from the services of Storm Guard and its experts they know they can trust.“
After traveling to help communities devastated by natural disasters, the brand’s founders realized that their exceptional customer service and quality work was needed in a multitude of states. Since 2003, Storm Guard has been helping an abundance of families restore their homes after storms and solve problems that all property owners experience, including roofing, siding, window improvements, painting, emergency tarping, and installing proper gutters. All repairs ranging from general home upgrades to storm restoration are completed with their customers’ best interests in mind, with the brand taking measures to ensure their satisfaction, such as alleviating the stress of dealing with insurance claims and providing high-quality work without the high cost.
“The work we do is crucial to the areas we serve,” said Lynch. “The impact of our services has helped countless families across the nation, and we would love to expand and share our services and expertise with Milwaukee. This will help us to improve and positively impact this community and the families that are a part of it.”
Storm Guard is devoted to providing exceptional restoration services to households across the country by creating franchising opportunities. The ideal Storm Guard franchisee is driven, a good communicator, and takes immense pride in helping their community. The brand’s initial franchise fee is $65,000, and the total investment ranges from $185,400–$221,600.
For more information about Storm Guard, go to https://www.stormguardrc.com/. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit https://www.stormguardfranchising.com/.
About Storm Guard:
Founded in 2003, Storm Guard saw the demand for a company that specializes in roofing and construction. As a single location in Minnesota, Storm Guard found themselves traveling to help local communities that were devastated by natural disasters. After responding to a hurricane in Florida in 2012, the founders saw the need for their services all over the country and decided to turn it into a franchise. Today, Storm Guard has 39 franchise locations across 17 different states. They are looking for dedicated and exceptional individuals to help continue their success throughout the nation.
Leading Optical Retailers Partner with hearX Group to Provide Customers Access to Hearing Healthcare Solutions.
PALM SPRINGS, Fla. — My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, leading retail brands of Now Optics offering accessible and affordable eye care and eyewear, will now be offering reliable and affordable OTC hearing aids and services to its customers nation-wide online at stantonoptical.com and myeyelab.com, and in 20 stores across California, Texas, and South Carolina. Both brands are now partnering with hearX Group, a smart digital health solutions company, to provide affordable FDA regulated over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid products and services to provide their customers access to affordable hearing health care solutions.
My Eyelab and Stanton Optical‘s new OTC hearing aid products will help an estimated 35 million Americans affected by hearing loss find hearing aids suited to their lifestyle. Starting at $199, both brands’ new OTC hearing aid products are offered at affordable prices; along with a 45-day risk-free trial; free shipping; as well as extensive product support. The new OTC hearing aid products offered are:
Designed to change the way people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss interact with the world, these high-quality hearing aids are FDA regulated and include a number of cutting-edge technology features. The models offer customers different environment settings to choose from, they’re rechargeable, and the Lexie B1 and B2 self-fitting hearing aids Powered by Bose are Bluetooth-enabled and pair with the Lexie app. Customers wearing these hearing aids can control them directly from their phone. To help customers assess their hearing loss, both retail brands will also offer a Free Hearing Test available to everyone online and in-store that provides instant results and lets you know if you’re a good candidate. Customers will also be able to place an order immediately and book a consultation with product experts.
“With one in five Americans impacted by hearing loss, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical’s new OTC hearing aid products and services will help people from all walks of life gain access to reliable and affordable hearing solutions through our stores,” said Daniel Stanton, CEO of Now Optics, parent company of Stanton Optical and My Eyelab. “Our team is excited to be the first optical retailers to expand their health services to include hearing health care, and provide the communities we serve a supportive, customer-centric experience.”
OTC hearing aids are an affordable and accessible alternative to purchasing hearing aids the traditional ways. These hearing aids are 80% less in cost when purchased from retailers like My Eyelab and Stanton Optical in-store or online. OTC hearing aids are regulated by the FDA and are designed to help adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Under the leadership of founder and CEO Daniel Stanton, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical have led the optical industry in ocular telehealth by leveraging proprietary innovative telehealth technology to provide patients with affordable quality eye exams. Tapping into its national network of affiliated doctors, to date the company has conducted more than 2.5 million telehealth eye exams, something no other optical retailer can offer. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has not hindered My Eyelab and Stanton Optical’s success, as its telehealth technology minimizes the risk without compromising quality eye care.
Most Stanton Optical stores offer same day service. You can get an eye exam and your single vision glasses all made the same day due to onsite labs. For convenience, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical offer same day eye exams and walk-ins. They accept most insurance and offer Buy now pay later options, and even without insurance eye exams are free with the purchase of eyeglasses. On top of that, an assortment of over 1,000 eyeglass 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 more information about the brands, visit www.myeyelab.com or www.stantonoptical.com.
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 eye care centers. The company continues to expand its retail footprint with almost 300 corporate and franchise locations in 29 states while delivering affordable eye health and eyewear 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.
Leading estate sale franchise hosts annual conference to recognize franchisees for success in 2022 and share new initiatives to better serve customers.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Blue Moon Estate Sales, the fastest-growing estate sale franchise in the U.S., awarded the 2022 Franchisee of the Year award to Laura Melish of Centennial and Aurora, CO at the company’s annual conference held Dec. 6-8th in Charlotte, NC.
The franchisee of the year is awarded to the Blue Moon owner who not only demonstrated excellent success in growing their business, but also selflessly supports and promotes the Blue Moon system.
“Laura is an example of what it means to be a successful business owner and meaningful member of the communities she serves,” said Bob Lang, president of Blue Moon Estate Sales. “Laura gives of herself by always being available to take a phone call and to help fellow Blue Moon owners. With strong customer and client experience skills, she drives her team to provide the best service at all times. She is a true leader in every sense of the word.”
Laura came to the business with a passion for antiques and breathing new life into old relics. Prior to opening Blue Moon in 2021, Laura worked in the car rental and travel industry for 35 years.
“Being named the franchisee of the year is extremely gratifying and underscores the hard work and dedication we’ve put into making our business a success,” said Laura Melish. “I continue to be excited about the future of this company, the opportunities for growth and helping more families with their downsizing needs with respect, sensitivity and compassion.”
Additional award winners include:
In addition to announcing awards within the network, the conference was held to help energize the Blue Moon teams and provide new tools and insights on making the most significant impact possible for franchisees and the families that Blue Moon serves.
Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., Blue Moon Estate Sales is the fastest-growing national estate sale franchise with 78 locations in 24 states. Established in 2009, founders Deb, Ken and David Blue wanted to bring their proven business model to a larger audience. Thus, in 2013, Blue Moon Estate Sales started franchising, running an industry-leading training program and providing ongoing support, and is now part of the Best Life Brands family, with private equity backing by The Riverside Company.
To learn more about Blue Moon Estate Sales franchising, visit www.bluemoonestatesales.com/franchising.
Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., Blue Moon Estate Sales is a growing national franchise with 107 locations in 28 states. Established in 2009, Blue Moon Estate Sales was created to set the highest of standards in an unregulated industry. After five successful years in the Raleigh market, founders Deb, Ken and David Blue wanted to bring their proven business model to a larger audience. Thus, in 2013, Blue Moon Estate Sales started franchising, running an industry-leading training program and providing ongoing support, and is now part of the Best Life Brands family, with private equity backing by The Riverside Company.
Leading Personal Training Brand Arrives in Iowa, Changing Lives of People of all Fitness Levels.
DES MOINES, Iowa — GYMGUYZ, the world’s largest in-home and on-site personal training brand, recently opened in Des Moines and is motivating people to take control of their health and fitness. GYMGUYZ brings certified personal trainers and fitness equipment straight to people’s homes and businesses to deliver a variety of customized workout programs, from weight loss, to sports conditioning, to senior fitness, and everything in between.
The new GYMGUYZ location is owned and operated by Kyle Davis. His passion for fitness began at a young age, with Davis participating in both baseball and football during high school. After college, he was commissioned into the Marine Corps. Davis became a logistics officer, and mostly oversaw truck supply chains and transportation. After spending six years in the Marine Corps, which included combat tours in Afghanistan, he left to pursue a career in construction as a project manager. Serving in the military was not easy, and assimilating to post-military life was a process. Throughout this process, Davis did not place as much of an importance on his health and soon discovered he had an underlying heart issue. After experiencing a near fatal episode one day, he knew he needed to place a larger emphasis on his wellness, and wanted to pursue the one thing he was most passionate about – fitness.
“I’ve seen the impact that fitness can have on not just yourself, but your loved ones as well, and that’s what I want to bring to my community,” said Davis. “With GYMGUYZ, fitness does not have to be unattainable. We realize that life gets busy, and we realize how important fitness is and we want to make it as accessible as possible.”
GYMGUYZ utilizes a fleet of branded vehicles to bring the personal trainer, equipment, and workout right to their customers’ doors. The incredible convenience of the service along with its highly customized workouts creates dramatic results for clients looking to work out more frequently and consistently. GYMGUYZ’s Certified Personal Trainers are highly-trained experts in fitness, and employ various training techniques and support tools to ensure that clients make steady progress towards their fitness goals. As a comparison to gyms, GYMGUYZ has no monthly fees and the first session is always free and includes a comprehensive fitness assessment and evaluation.
GYMGUYZ serves nearly 1,000 cities across three countries and is continuing to grow rapidly as in-home workouts continue to boom in popularity. Due to its success in serving consumers directly, GYMGUYZ has now launched new programs that serve businesses both large and small, offering B2B fitness programs at corporations, schools, residential communities, hospitals, and senior living centers.
For more information on GYMGUYZ in Des Moines, please go to https://www.gymguyz.com/des-moines or call 515-461-6183.
GYMGUYZ is proud to be the largest in-home and on-site personal training company in the world. GYMGUYZ brings the workout to their clients and provides convenient, customized and creative workouts. Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and founded in 2008 by fitness specialist Josh York, the brand utilizes a fleet of branded vehicles that bring enough state-of-the-art fitness equipment to provide a fantastic workout 365 days per year, along with an expert personal trainer to their customers’ doors. In 2019, the brand was recognized as No. 5 on Inc. Mag’s 10 Hottest Franchise Businesses in America, which highlighted their growth of more than 801% over the last three years. GYMGUYZ also scored the first and second place spots on Franchise Gator’s annual list of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Franchises and received recognition as a top franchise in Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive 41st Annual Franchise 500. Now servicing nearly 1,000 cities internationally, including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, GYMGUYZ is the fastest-growing fitness concept in the U.S. with plans to open another 25 locations by the end of 2022. For more information on GYMGUYZ and franchising opportunities, visit http://www.gymguyz.com/.
Leading technology brand continues growth trajectory into the new year.
CARROLLTON, Texas — NerdsToGo®, a leading information technology (IT) solutions and technology repair services franchise for both business and home, ended the year with expansion into new markets and an updated look following a brand refinement earlier this year.
The fast growing brand brought its services to multiple new markets in 2022 including Tigard, OR; Wilmington, NC; Greenbook, NJ; and Everett, WA with a continued focus on driving IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as the individual who needs help with personal computers.
“NerdsToGo’s growth throughout 2022 is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our franchisees, the quality of our services and the strength of our business model,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer at Propelled Brands, parent company of NerdsToGo. “With our expansion this year into new markets across the country, NerdsToGo has further established itself as a leader in the industry helping businesses overcome the pain points of technology while providing a recurring revenue stream for franchisees.”
Ellen King, owner of NerdsToGo Wilmington, selected NerdsToGo as she was looking for a franchise that helped people. “If I want to do good in this world, I want to do something that is really going to be helping people and working with people that have the knowledge and skillset to do that,” said King. “Our culture is embedded with technology from banking to payroll. Small businesses often can’t afford to hire full-time IT, yet they still have a need for IT solutions such as protecting data and their customers. With the support of a great franchise umbrella company like Propelled and peer group support of other franchisees, it has been less intimidating starting my own business.”
NerdsToGo’s growth coincides with a refinement of the brand’s visual identity earlier this year, including an updated logo and restaged brand character, “Nerdy.” The refinement achieved the intent of contemporizing and elevating the brand while retaining the qualities of approachability and tech expertise the brand champions.
“By updating and reimagining our brand identity, NerdsToGo® has an opportunity to stand out in the crowd more than ever, digitally and in person,” said Jim Howe, brand president of NerdsToGo.
NerdsToGo is seeking qualified franchisees to be an owner via a manager-run executive model or as an owner operator to help the brand grow across the United States. Prospective franchisees do not need experience in information technology, but they 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.
For information about the NerdsToGo® franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679)
About Propelled Brands®:
Propelled Brands is the multi-brand platform company of FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE®, NerdsToGo® and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza®. Propelled Brands advances the strategic path for each brand, offering support, guidance and a clear vision to fully equip every franchisee, helping them maximize success.
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.
To learn more, visit NerdsToGo.com. Follow the brand on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nerdstogo/mycompany/, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NerdsToGoComputerService/.
PHOENIX — Out of many impressive nominations, McKnight’s selected an elite class of industry professionals to be inducted into the inaugural 2023 Pinnacle Awards class, including Angela Olea, Brand President of Assisted Living Locators, a nationwide no-cost senior placement and referral service.
McKnight’s first-ever Pinnacle Awards honors industry veterans who have set standards, driven change, and provided guidance and inspiration to peers and the senior care, skilled nursing or home care sector at large.
Founder of the nation’s first senior placement franchise, Olea is an accomplished business leader in the senior care industry. A registered nurse, she initially launched Assisted Living Locators in response to seeing aging patients have unnecessary hospital readmissions and a lack of community support.
Olea has built the company into one of the nation’s largest senior placement and referral service, with 140 franchise office locations in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Under her stewardship, Assisted Living Locators is setting the standard for care transition. Her company is also the first senior placement service to achieve system certification in dementia care.
“It’s an honor to be named a McKnight’s Pinnacle Award winner and be among the inspiring leaders in the senior care industry,” said Olea. “I’m proud that through my company, we help seniors, and their families find the right care option and peace of mind.”
“With the Pinnacle Awards, McKnight’s is honoring the individuals who have not only reached the top of the profession but managed to remain there for years,” said Publisher Craig Roth. “They’ve inspired us in the past and they’ll continue to do so for as long as they remain in the field.”
Nominations were judged by an external panel of industry experts. All winners will be honored at an in- person celebration on March 7 in Chicago, IL. For more information about the 2023 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards, please visit https://www.mcknightspinnacleawards.com/.
McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living & McKnight’s Home care serve leaders on the higher-needs skilled nursing setting, seniors housing, assisted living, and in-home personal care, home health, and palliative care.
Assisted Living Locators is one of the nation’s largest senior placement and referral service. Through more than 140 franchisees in 36 states and the District of Columbia, local senior care advisors provide a no cost service to help find quality, top-rated in-home care, independent retirement options, assisted living communities and memory care. Founded in 2006 as the first senior placement and referral franchise, Assisted Living Locators is now part of the Executive Home Care family, with private equity backing by The Riverside Company. Assisted Living Locators is ranked in Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500® issue. The company also was named to the Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. To learn more, visit: www.assistedlivinglocators.com.
LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet franchise in North America with over 640 stores in 41 states, and Wag N’ Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, have collectively signed 115-plus franchise agreements year to date.
The secured franchise commitments for Pet Supplies Plus include a 50/50 mix of existing owners who realize the recession-resilient value of this franchise and brand-new franchisees who are attracted by the simplified retail model and consistent growth. The companies also welcomed the first dual-branded multi-unit agreement, which will be for two Pet Supplies Plus stores and one Wag N’ Wash location.
“As pet spending continues to rise, franchise candidates are seeking to invest with our strong growth brands featuring the lowest royalty fees within the pet industry, a transparent Item 19 and best-in-class corporate support,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “We have a unique offering of two distinguished brands and investors are taking note of the benefits both bring to an expanding portfolio.”
Lenders are also adamant on financial transparency. Pet Supplies Plus earned a 900 FUND score through FRANdata, placing it in the top 5 of all franchise concepts analyzed. The FUND score is a proprietary scoring model, with a possible 950 points associated, to evaluate 13 credit risk and performance categories of a franchise brand that influence unit level performance. It uses lender-defined credit risk categories with associated methodologies and algorithms to analyze franchise systems.
While separate entities, the two franchises share the same proven infrastructure of back-end support including billion-dollar buying power, advanced marketing initiatives and supply-chain efficiencies. In addition, franchise owners not only benefit from being a part of the ever-growing pet retail industry with $120+ billion in sales in ’22 alone but also from interacting with their neighbors and their pets to deliver the best high-touch, local pet service and retail experience.
“From our full-service, legacy brand to our up-and-coming dog wash and grooming franchise, we offer simplified business models to grow alongside the rapidly growing service category,” added Rowland. “We have the lowest royalty fees in the pet franchise industry, impressive AUVs, and provide those who seek to join the growing pet category with experienced retail and pet service franchisors who stay committed to quality services and products for pets to position us for strong growth for years to come.”
About Wag N’ Wash
Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line dog grooming and self-wash specialty retail destination, has a mission to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that companion pets and their humans have on each other. Wag N’ Wash provides full-service grooming, self-wash facilities, baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, and toys. In 2020, Wag N’ Wash was ranked on Denver Business Journal’s Colorado-Based Franchisors List, Franchise Times Top 200+ List and Included on Franchise Gator’s Top 100 Franchisees List for the third year. Today, there are 14 Wag N’ Wash locations open across the nation. To learn more about Wag N’ Wash, please visit https://www.wagnwashfranchising.com/.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus, a subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG), is focused on making it easier to get better products and services for your pet. With over 640 locations in 41 states and counting, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods, and services. Additionally, www.petsuppliesplus.com provides neighbors with additional shopping options to better meet their pet-shopping needs. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 20 in Entrepreneur magazine’s 43rd Annual Franchise 500® list as of 2022, and is ranked as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for the eighth year running for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size. For more information on Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunities, visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.