Steve Wilkos wanted to invest in a franchise that allowed him to use his 30-plus years of buying and merchandising experience and teach his two sons about the skills needed for successful business management. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard provided exactly what he was looking for. By Heidi Lubrani
After a rewarding career in the Marine Corps, it was important for Kevin Koz to find a career that aligned with his family’s needs. During his search, Koz set up specific alerts for jobs and business opportunities that fit his criteria. When an alert for N-Compass TV popped up, he was intrigued by the flexibility of the job and how it would fit the needs of his wife’s salon and clothing businesses. By Elice Morgenson
Tint World®, a premier auto styling and window tinting franchise, wins over entrepreneurs fleeing the corporate world with a people-first culture and sustainable future. By Lizzy Yeserski
Whether consumers need basic maintenance or emergency repairs for their cars, they often look for a trustworthy auto repair facility. For over six decades, Mr. Transmission/Milex has worked carefully to uphold its gilded reputation for reliable maintenance and repairs. By Heidi Lubrani
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — FranDevCo, a franchise development company specializing in expanding, emerging, and growth-oriented franchise brands, is announcing a new partnership with the North American spa franchise, Massage Heights. Massage Heights is a family-owned massage and wellness franchise offering personalized, high-quality massage, skincare, and wellness services.
“FranDevCo’s team of experienced franchise experts and Massage Heights’ excellent reputation are a perfect match for bringing high-end but affordable spa services to even more communities across North America,” said FranDevCo’s President and CEO Sung Ohm. “We look forward to helping Massage Heights grow their footprint while continuing to deliver on our mission of helping entrepreneurs find financial independence through franchising.”
Massage Heights was founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 2004 by Shane Evans and her husband, Wayne Evans. The business concept was based on the idea that more people should have access to affordable, professional massage services in upscale environments. Since opening the first franchise location in San Antonio in 2005, Massage Heights has expanded to 117 locations in more than a dozen states across North America.
“We are excited to enter into this partnership with FranDevCo so we can continue to deliver on our founder’s vision of making massage, skincare and wellness services cost-effective and accessible,” said Massage Heights’ CEO and President, Susan Boresow. “Our support team has all of the knowledge and experience to ensure new franchisees are set up for success from the beginning.”
Massage Heights is well-positioned for continued expansion in the $18 billion massage industry and the $14 billion facial industry. As more consumers and healthcare providers recognize the efficacy of Massage Heights’ service offerings, the company will boost the health and wellness of its guests in the communities that they serve. FranDevCo is ready to capitalize on favorable market conditions by connecting qualified franchisees with this established franchise concept based on a strong margin, recurring revenue model, as well as providing proven programs and support.
For more information about FranDevCo, visit frandev.co. To learn more about Massage Heights, visit www.massageheights.com.
About FranDevCo
FranDevCo is a franchise development company that works with emerging and grow-focused brands to produce rapid, sustainable growth by connecting top-performing franchises to the right franchise opportunity. FranDevCo’s mission is to drive successful growth through collaboration, processes and proven systems. Current partner brands include Costa Oil, Crushr and PatchMaster. Learn more about FranDevCo at frandev.co.
The Organization Redefining Dog Training Celebrates Quadruple-Unit Growth Since 2020.
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — Zoom Room, the venture-backed, revolutionary indoor dog training gym, announces today the signing of their 100th location. Closing out 2022 having quadrupled unit size in a short two-year timeframe, the company skyrockets into the new year with the continued mission of transforming the dog training landscape.
With the pet industry projected to reach $277 billion by 2030, Zoom Room is trailblazing the path forward through its model of positive training and socialization. Boasting more 5-star ratings than any other dog training business in America, the organization has seen a massive 70% growth in same store sales since 2019. For the nearly 5 million consumers that also became new pet owners in that same timeframe, Zoom Room provides a space like no other with a diverse offering of training services and events that place an emphasis on owners as much as their dogs.
In addition to its unit growth, Zoom Room is increasingly diversifying its geographic footprint, tripling its presence across the US from 8 states in 2020 to 27 states at the close of 2022. Looking ahead, the company aims to maintain a rapid growth trajectory, with a particular focus on expansion across all major metropolitan areas. Franchise openings in 2023 will include Chelsea, NY, San Diego, CA and Houston, TX. “Our long-term aspiration is to firmly establish Zoom Room as the premier destination for dog training,” said Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room. “As we continue to expand across major cities, we’re eager to enhance our reputation as a dependable resource for dog owners in the US and worldwide.”
To support the growing needs of the business, Zoom Room also recently welcomed several new hires across operations to support the infrastructure beneath executive strategic leads, Stephanie Knepp and Liz Claflin.
“Pet franchises present exceptional investment opportunities due to the recession-resistant spending, increased demand, and unique price elasticity,” said Anthony Polazzi, President of AP Franchised Concepts, the Venture Capital firm backing Zoom Room. “With an average EBITDA margin above 30%, Zoom Room’s tremendous profitability and growth show no signs of slowing down.”
Not only did 2022 reflect record sales for new Zoom Room franchisees, but the incredible success of the business inspired a significant number of the brand’s single-unit franchisees to sign up to become multi-unit franchise owners. As the company welcomes new signees through 2023, it will continue its best-in-class practices for onboarding. Zoom Room extends genuine 360° support to its franchisees, beginning with a dedicated real estate team to identify a site with optimal demographics and assistance in navigating business formation and financing.
“Zoom Room has given me the opportunity to build a business that I love,” said Brad Weaner of Zoom Room’s Centerville, OH franchise. “We are thankful for our community’s tremendous support and their excitement to embark on a new journey with us. Together, we will fill the world with happy, tired dogs.”
“I love that by owning two Zoom Room locations in the greater Seattle/Bellevue area I am able to meet so many wonderful dogs and their owners,” said multi-unit franchisee John Jansen. “This is such a fantastic community, and the support we’ve received has been above and beyond what I could have imagined. I am very much looking forward to expanding into more neighborhoods in the near future.”
For more information about Zoom Room, visit https://zoomroom.com/. For those interested in learning about franchise opportunities: https://zoomroom.com/franchise/.
ABOUT ZOOM ROOM
Founded in 2007, Zoom Room® is a venture-backed and revolutionary indoor dog training gym with locations across the U.S. With an emphasis on socialization, positive reinforcement, human education and the value of interactive learning, the company aims to strengthen the bond and communication between dogs and their owners. Ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, Zoom Room’s key revenue streams include dog training classes, socialization events and retail products. Zoom Room celebrates responsible pet owners who love to socialize with their dogs and embrace positive dog training methods in a fun, friendly environment for working out with your dog. They are the authors of the best-selling dog training book, Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps, and Ultimate Puppy Training for Kids. Rooted in the belief that it’s important to give back to the community, Zoom Room works closely with animal rescue and welfare organizations both locally and nationwide. Learn more at https://zoomroom.com/.
Mark Jenkins Named as Vice-President of Marketing for Leading Frozen Treats Brand.
PHILADELPHIA — Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the beloved brand known for its delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard treats, has added Mark Jenkins as Vice-President of Marketing, bringing his years of brand management experience and consumer behavior expertise to the iconic franchise brand.
In his new role, Jenkins will lead the development, implementation and performance of Rita’s consumer marketing. His key objective will be to optimize omni-channel marketing efforts to build the brand, drive guest loyalty, promote Rita’s shops, and reach new and existing guests across the country. Other initiatives include leveraging the brand’s online ordering, delivery, and drive-thru offerings and drive a media strategy that addresses core markets like Philadelphia, and growth markets alike.
“Having spent time in restaurants as a general manager, franchise consultant, and marketing leader at some of the nation’s largest restaurant brands, I understand that to grow units and increase sales, you must work alongside operators to facilitate an effective and actionable brand strategy,” said Jenkins. “With a coordinated approach, we can further strengthen brand equity in familiar markets like Philadelphia and Maryland and expand the reach of this iconic brand to current and new markets. Our passion is to create amazing experiences for our guests through our unmatched Italian Ice and frozen custard.”
No stranger to the restaurant industry, Jenkins previously served as Senior Director/Head of Marketing for Roy Rogers Restaurants, overseeing and developing strategy for the brand in all aspects of marketing, including brand management, field marketing, media strategy, new product introductions, calendar development, agency management, digital & social marketing, and creative direction.
He also served as Director of Brand Marketing for CKE Restaurants, managing the annual marketing calendar, brand, menu, and product offerings for 3,000+ Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants using consumer insights, new product introductions, and brand strategy. Jenkins also spent time as Director of Product Marketing for Hardees Restaurants, where he managed existing and new product offerings for 1,800 Hardee’s restaurants. Jenkins holds a doctorate in marketing from Grand Canyon University and an MBA from Texas Tech.
“Mark joins us at a key time for our brand, as we are approaching the unofficial kick-off to the frozen treats season, a time when we will soon celebrate new and existing shops opening across the country and host our annual First Day of Spring FREE ice giveaway,” said Linda Chadwick, CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “With a wealth of marketing and brand experience in the restaurant space, we’re extremely excited to welcome him to the Rita’s family as he has the abilities to thrive in this role.”
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is actively looking to grow with business minded individuals, who are passionate about the brand and are active members of their community. To learn more about franchise opportunities, please visit: www.ownaritas.com.
About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard:
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with approximately 600 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ownaritas.com.
Fan-Favorite Restaurant Franchise Seeks Out Health Journey Submissions for 5th Annual Competition.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, the award-winning health food and online meal plan concept, is getting ready to kick off its annual We Change Livez (WCL) Challenge. This year, the franchise will be giving away 12 weeks’ worth of meals to a participant in every Clean Eatz community throughout the country, in addition to awarding a single recipient with the grand prize of $25,000 and a year of free meals.
The challenge – which encourages participants to share their unique personal wellness journeys via social media and within their café communities – runs from Feb. 1 through March 2023. Sign-ups start Jan. 25, with all winners being announced in early April.
Those choosing to participate aren’t simply highlighting the ways in which the Clean Eatz menu has helped them in achieving their own health goals. They’re also showing the life-changing effects that clean eating, proper nutrition, and a balanced diet can have on all walks of life.
“The We Change Livez Challenge is already in its fifth year, and each time we’re 100-percent moved by the stories that come from everyone’s efforts,” said Clean Eatz Co-founder Evonne Varady. “We want the entire country to experience the WCL movement with us! We always tell people, it’s not about an instant change overnight. It’s about giving yourself a chance and inspiring other along the way.
With 90-plus cafés currently open nationwide – as well as another 80-plus in development – Clean Eatz continues to grow its footprint and following, while expanding the reach of the annual challenge to more communities each year.
Those interested in participating can sign up online at www.CleanEatz.com, or by stopping by their local Clean Eatz to register. Once registered, participants should share their efforts and progress on Facebook and Instagram – tagging posts with #wechangelivez – to be considered for the prize meals and a chance at $25,000.
About Clean Eatz
Clean Eatz, which launched in 2011 and started franchising in 2015, was co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady, as a means of helping individuals and families change their lives by providing them with better nutrition options, a steady dose of health and wellness education, and a diverse support community that’s committed to helping each other in becoming their best selves. By supplying such healthy alternatives, the Clean Eatz brand has continued to win over communities with their dine-in, grab-n-go, catering, marketplace, and weekly online meal plan selections.
Contents Restoration Company Hits Growth Spurt Adding 30 New Locations in The Last Three Months Alone.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, a leading commercial and residential contents restoration company, has gained nationwide recognition for its innovative contents processing technology that allows their highly-trained technicians to rescue and assess contents inside homes and businesses following man-made or natural disasters. These systems also enable their franchise owners to work seamlessly and collaboratively with insurance companies as they reassess loss and reimbursements.
In 2022, the Blue Kangaroo Packoutz business development team led the brand to new heights, as the fast-growing contents restoration company expanded into 30 new communities in under three months, closing out the year with close to 37 new locations across the country. With no signs of slowing down, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz has more than tripled in size in just one year.
Adding to the brand’s exciting growth and development, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz has been nominated by Entrepreneur Magazine as a ‘Top New and Emerging Franchise’ for the way the franchise has adapted and evolved to the unique challenges that have shaped the industry over the past year.
Heading into 2023, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz is anticipating another year of double-digit unit growth as the concept continues to add savvy business owners to the franchise system. Aspiring entrepreneurs are choosing Blue Kangaroo Packoutz to capitalize on an affordable franchise opportunity in the lucrative contents restoration industry, all while making a positive impact in their community.
“What the brand has achieved in the past four months alone shows the growth trajectory the brand is on as we look ahead in 2023 and beyond.” Said Tim Fagan, President of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz. “The business has valuable elements to help franchise owners succeed. It’s a worthy investment with big potential for financial rewards in a recession-resilient industry. We are essentially helping our customers put their lives back together when they experience loss and going the extra mile to ensure that their’ salvageable contents are fully restored to pre-loss condition. Whether we’re helping people who experience damage from water, fire or smoke, this is incredibly important and rewarding work. That’s why so many franchise owners want to be a part of this journey, serving an important purpose in their community.”
The surge in success is due to Blue Kangaroo Packoutz’s reputation for exceptional customer service in times of crisis and the driving demand for restoration professionals following natural disasters. In addition, its proven business model and unique concept has proven a smart investment in a recession-resilient industry. In addition to the brand’s growing footprint, the business opportunity has helped several entrepreneurs achieve exponential results.
The brand appeals to both existing and new franchisees due to its simple business model and ethos being a part of BELFOR Franchise Group, a family of 13 industry-leading residential and commercial service franchise concepts owned by the worldwide restoration leader BELFOR Property Restoration. This structure and support system has allowed entrepreneurs to build successful businesses in their local community as a result of BELFOR’s family-oriented culture, built-in expansive knowledge, world-class operational expertise, and its ecosystem of connections in the service industry.
Leading with rigorous processes and personal attention to contents care when the unexpected happens, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz has quickly earned customer trust in the markets where it has existing locations. As it looks to expand its geographic footprint to serve the growing need for full-service content restoration on a national scale, the brand is steadily adding ambitious entrepreneurs and new locations in prime markets across the country.
About Blue Kangaroo Packoutz
Blue Kangaroo Packoutz is a leading contents restoration company that responds to the rescue of personal and business assets after an insurance loss, primarily fire and water damage. Backed by deep industry experience and industry-leading systems, the brand’s services include assessment and pack-out of all contents, inventorying, secure storage, cleaning and restoration of economically salvageable items, and move-back once the property has been restored.
The company does more than restore contents; their highly-trained experts bring compassion into the homes and commercial properties they serve. They also live the Blue Kangaroo Packoutz mission, “We Care About What We Carry,” by providing exceptional service, proactive communication, full transparency, caring support and a dedication to excellence. Blue Kangaroo Packoutz is part of the BELFOR Franchise Group family of residential and commercial services franchise companies.
To learn more about Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, visit https://www.bluekangaroopackoutz.com/. “Like” Blue Kangaroo Packoutz on Facebook and “Follow” @BKPackoutz on Twitter.
TROY, Mich. — Franchise Dictionary Magazine recognizes ComForCare, a franchised provider of in-home caregiving services, as one of the top 100 Game Changers of 2022. This recognition highlights franchises that fill a niche, help the communities they are a part of, and provide opportunities for aspiring business owners.
“It’s an honor to once again be included on the Top 100 Game Changers list,” said J.J. Sorrenti, CEO of Best Life Brands, parent company to ComForCare/At Your Side. “Our entire franchise network has been working hard to bring in-home care to communities all across North America. This recognition underscores the importance of serving an aging population with compassion and integrity. We look forward to reaching even more growth milestones in 2023.”
ComForCare has been providing quality services to the aging population for over 20 years. Driven by compassion and the desire to bring peace of mind to seniors and their families, ComForCare places caregivers in the homes of older adults who want to be independent, or provides respite care for family caregivers.
Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine says, “2022 was a year of rebuilding and success in the franchise community. A brand that earns the Top 100 Game Changers designation has gone the extra mile to improve people’s lives and sets itself apart! We are THRILLED to recognize and showcase these 100+ fran-tastic brands that went above and beyond. Congrats to this year’s Game Changers!”
The full list of the top 100 “Game Changers” can be found in the December issue of Franchise Dictionary Magazine.
To learn more about ComForCare franchising, visit www.comforcare.com/franchising.
About ComForCare Home Care:
ComForCare is a premier franchised provider of in-home caregiving services with 270 independently-owned and operated locations in Canada and the U.S., helping older adults live independently in their own homes. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best lives possible and offers special programs, including fall risk prevention, dementia care, meaningful activities, and Joyful Memories music. Founded in 1996, ComForCare was acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2017 and is now part of Best Life Brands, which has plans for continued expansion of service brands across the continuum of care. ComForCare has earned a ranking of 402 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list. For more information, visit www.comforcare.com.