Being reliable, supportive and flexible are just a few of the core values that set Oliver’s Nannies apart from other child care providers. In a child care market that’s worth close to $100 billion, this brand is an attractive offer for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in the lives of families across the country. By Shelby Green
Best Option Restoration has made a name for itself in water-damage restoration since its founding in 2016. The company was designed as a franchise model from its start. Founder Nick-Anthony Zamucen was able to use his past business experience in founding companies to anticipate growth and create a business model that didn’t need to be remodeled into a franchise opportunity. By Kelsi Trinidad
Tim and Michelle Schultz to lead Saratoga team
SARATOGA, N.Y. — Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the opening of a new location in New York. Gotcha Covered of Saratoga is owned and operated by Tim and Michelle Schultz.
With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, the new center provides the best in soft and hard window treatments to homeowners in Saratoga and the Capital Region by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.
“The Capital Region is seeing consistent growth, and there’s no shortage of homeowners and business owners that need high-quality products and services,” said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered. “Tim and Michelle are passionate about this community and helping others, so I know this new location is going to thrive.”
Tim Schultz has over 25 years of technology sales experience, providing consultative service to healthcare, government and commercial accounts who need secure technology solutions. Michelle Schultz has more than 20 years of design experience, having owned a design center that helped thousands of clients achieve their vision within their homes.
“There’s a freedom that comes with owning your own business and creating your own success,” Tim Schultz said. “There are challenges and uncertainty associated with corporate America, but partnering with Gotcha Covered has given us the ability to take control of our future and follow our dreams.”
The couple has lived in the area for more than 30 years and enjoys spending time at the lake, trying new restaurants and enjoying the vibrant arts community.
“We enjoy helping people transform a space to meet their specific design vision,” said Michelle Schultz. “Helping them achieve their design goals within their most important space is always very rewarding.”
Adding 30 new franchise locations in 2023, Gotcha Covered currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.
To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered of Saratoga, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/saratoga/.
About Gotcha Covered
Gotcha Covered is a leader in custom soft and hard window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada. Flying under their Gotcha Covered flag since 2009, they offer custom window treatments including blinds, draperies, shutters and much more. They offer end-to-end consultation with the customer’s specific needs and goals in mind. The company currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada.
The leading carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise’s powerful non-toxic cleaner is recognized by trusted sustainability standards organization for its reduced environmental impact
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Chem-Dry®, the carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise leader, is proud to announce that the brand’s core cleaning solution, The Natural®, has achieved ECOLOGO® certification.
All ECOLOGO® Certified products have met rigorous ECOLOGO® environmental leadership and sustainability standards. ECOLOGO® certification demonstrates the reduced environmental impact of The Natural by Chem-Dry and reflects a commitment to a sustainable future.
“We’re proud to have achieved this industry-leading standard for sustainability, which reflects our dedication to a cleaner world,” said Ed Quinlan, president of Chem-Dry. “ECOLOGO® offers the most credible third-party certifications for a wide range of products and industries, so customers can trust that The Natural by Chem-Dry is the environmentally friendly choice for innovative, long-lasting carpet cleaning.”
The Natural by Chem-Dry is a general cleaner that emulsifies dirt and grime without leaving dirt attracting residues. The Natural, a unique carbonating solution, is specifically formulated for compatibility with all Chem-Dry Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) platforms. The Natural provides a powerful, yet safe and non-toxic, cleaning chemistry that contains no soaps, detergents, or surfactants.
ECOLOGO® Certification allows companies to demonstrate their commitment through credible, third-party review and verification by one of the most trusted ecolabeling programs in the world. Ecolabels such as an ECOLOGO® Certification can help customers make informed purchasing decisions and select products with the desired environmental and sustainability attributes.
Since its launch in 1977, Chem-Dry has become the recognized market leader by building a robust network of franchises serving over 40,000 homes and businesses a week worldwide.
Chem-Dry creates cleaner, healthier indoor environments with its proprietary equipment and solutions for carpet, upholstery, granite countertops and hard floor surfaces, such as wood, tile and vinyl. Chem-Dry has a national partnership with the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), working to raise awareness and provide education on the importance of indoor air quality in maintaining the health and safety of homes and businesses.
For more information about Chem-Dry, visit www.chemdry.com. If you’re an aspiring business owner interested in learning more about this rewarding franchise opportunity, visit www.chemdryfranchise.com.
About Chem-Dry
Founded in 1977, Chem-Dry is the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service with a network spanning 55 countries and serving over 40,000 homes and businesses a week worldwide. Its green-certified core cleaning solution and proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction cleaning process provide a deeper clean, allow surfaces to dry faster, and leave homes and workplaces healthier. Chem-Dry is part of the BELFOR Franchise Group family of 14 residential and commercial services brands. For more information about Chem-Dry and to find a local operator, visit www.chemdry.com, or for more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.chemdryfranchise.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering industry-leading training, support and equipment, turnkey business models, and ongoing coaching and business development. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization for 14 of the strongest service-based franchise opportunities for home and commercial cleaning and restoration. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, Safer Home Services, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, please visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
Leading Fitness Franchise Kickstarts Franchise Development with Rapid-Fire Agreements Spanning Coast to Coast
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — D1 Training, a leading fitness concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages achieve their sport and fitness goals, is riding a wave of exponential franchise development with 16 new agreements signed in the first three months of the year. The brand set ambitious goals for 2024 to open more than 50 units by year’s end, bringing its future total of units sold to 250. D1 Training is well on its way to achieving this goal with 13 locations already open, nine of which opened during Q1.
The new signed agreements cover St. Petersburg, FL; Miami, FL; Land O’Lake, FL; Panama City, FL; Atlanta, GA; Raleigh, NC; Wilmington, NC; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; Omaha, NE; Wichita, KS; Long Island, NY; Fort Collins, CO; Southwest Colorado Springs, CO; Parker, CO; and Carmel Valley, CA. A total of 15 franchisees are behind these signed agreements. With a commitment to helping both new and existing franchisees grow within the fitness industry, D1 is excited to see two franchisees become multi-unit operators with additional territories and 13 new franchisees enter D1 Training’s system through these signed agreements.
“What we have to offer athletes at D1 Training has always been one-of-a-kind, but as interest in our franchise opportunity has grown, it’s become more evident to prospective franchise owners that what we have to offer entrepreneurs is equally special,” said D1 Training’s Founder & CEO Will Bartholomew. “Our world-class team has worked for years to lock down our operational systems, facilitate onboarding, and position our brand as the #1 place for athletes. At the rate we are growing, our team is on track to help athletes and entrepreneurs everywhere find success.”
March marked the largest sales month in the company’s history, reflecting D1 Training’s growth not just as a franchisor, but as a successful business model for entrepreneurs. Since the brand’s milestone 100th location opening at the beginning of the year, D1 Training has announced a partnership with PRIME, collaborated with professional athletes, and invested in the expansion of its corporate team. D1 Training is running at full speed towards its goals, and the efforts are reflected in the franchise’s stellar growth numbers.
“D1 Training’s newest franchisees are an inspiring crew of driven, hard-working individuals who are going to cultivate spaces for athletes to set goals and grow,” said Dan Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of D1 Training. “The spirit of the services we provide our athletes carries over into how we run our business– we want franchisees to be a part of a team, to work hard and be motivated to give back. Seeing so many engaged entrepreneurs wanting to join D1 Training underscores the exceptional business opportunities we’ve created and is a testament to the sense of community we’ve built among athletes and business owners.”
The D1 Training mission differentiates the brand from other fitness franchises by creating a space for and supporting athletes of all ages. D1 Training is a pioneer of scholastic training and developed age-appropriate programs for athletes as young as seven years old. With adult and personal training programs, D1 Training covers the bases for fitness services athletes are seeking out.
All locations offer three core training programs, Scholastic (Rookie, Developmental, Prep and Overtime), Adult and Pro. Each fitness program is based on the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Outside of group workouts, D1 offers one-on-one training with world-class coaches.
For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit www.d1franchise.com, call 615-465-0385 or email julie.bauer@d1training.com.
About D1 Training
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training began franchising in 2017. The brand has grown to more than 100 locations currently open, with over 100 additional locations in various stages of development. The brand was recently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, was named a Top 30 Gym in America by Men’s Health Magazine, and also made an appearance on The Inc. 5000 which ranks the fastest growing private companies in the nation. D1 Training has been endorsed by the NFL Players Association as an approved training facility and is a preferred partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. D1 Training is actively seeking qualified, community-minded franchisees with a passion for the fitness industry to continue its growth through single and multi-unit franchise deals. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.d1franchise.com/.
TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, recently ranked No.6 in Entrepreneur’s list of top franchises that can be started for less than $100,000, published in the Spring issue of Entrepreneur Media’s StartUps magazine and on Entrepreneur.com.
“Climbing the ranks to number six on Entrepreneur’s esteemed list of top franchises under $100,000 is an extraordinary testament to our commitment to accessibility and excellence,” said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean. “This recognition not only underscores the value of our franchise model but also reflects the dedication of our entire PuroClean family. We’re honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur and remain steadfast in our mission to empower entrepreneurs with a proven pathway to success.”
For over two decades, PuroClean has been a trusted partner for home and business owners, offering restoration and remediation services. The company’s footprint spans across the Continental United States, and includes Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada, with a network of nearly 500 offices. In the past year alone, PuroClean has seen significant expansion, adding over 60 new franchise locations, recruiting and hiring new home-office team members, and winning numerous awards. Notably, PuroClean was ranked number 82 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2024 Franchise 500® Rankings, marking the brand’s third consecutive year within the top 100 and its seventh consecutive year appearing on the list.
The companies on this list are ranked based on the scores they received in the 2023 Franchise 500, which evaluates franchise opportunities based on more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.
“Many people are surprised to learn how affordable a franchise can be,” says Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “There truly are incredible brands available at every level of investment — and with this list, we hope that prospective franchisees can find the right opportunity for both their lifestyles and their budgets.”
To view PuroClean in the full ranking, pick up the Spring 2024 issue of Startups magazine, available on newsstands on April 2nd, or find the list at entrepreneur.com/franchises.
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial customers across the US and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of nearing 500 North American franchise locations, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand. For more information about PuroClean, call 800-775-7876 or visit www.PuroClean.com. For more information about franchising opportunities, visit www.PuroCleanFranchise.com.
1 in 3 Delaying Family Plans
Latest Results from The Harris Poll
OKLAHOMA CITY — A lack of work/life balance is impacting job seekers in a very personal way as one-third of employed U.S. job seekers (34%) report having to put starting a family on hold due to a lack of work/life balance. And nearly 3 in 5 (59%) say it’s essential that their future company prioritizes work/life balance as they look to start a family.
This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
“From what I’ve seen, a generational focus shift is happening for many after seeing their parents devoted to work at the expense of their private lives and family time,” said John Roller, an Express franchise owner in New Hampshire. “As a result, there is less of a desire to start families altogether, with many choosing to delay until ‘everything is in place’.”
Across the country in California, fellow Express franchisee Neil McMillian adds that with so many couples having to work to earn enough for a reasonably comfortable life, it’s not surprising that work/life balance is a priority for job seekers.
“However, maybe a work/life ‘harmony’ or ‘integration’ would be a better description of what companies and employees should be looking to achieve in the future,” he said. “Work/life ‘balance’ implies or suggests the two are competing priorities rather than being complementary priorities.”
Creative Benefit Offerings
In a tight labor market, companies are having to meet candidates half (or all the) way on benefits, and Roller said several of his clients have “bent over backward to retain employees who have dealt with personal issues,” including:
Kim Sullivan, an Express franchise owner in Wisconsin, attributes the rise of job seekers delaying families to the rising cost of childcare and says businesses can do more to help shoulder the burden.
“Childcare is expensive and can be difficult to find, so yes, it doesn’t surprise me that people would have to really think through when the best time is to start a family,” she said. “One way a company could improve work/life balance is provide on-site daycares, more part-time employment and more job sharing. Perhaps also offer paid time off in smaller increments than whole or half days.”
Impact on Recruiting and Retention
Failing to offer flexible arrangements or other means of achieving work/life balance can harm a company’s ability to recruit and retain candidates, ultimately affecting the bottom line.
“We hear from a lot of candidates who are looking to work remotely or have the option to work some days remotely,” Sullivan said. “They will turn down opportunities that require on-site attendance 100% of the time.”
With more than 40 years of experience in human resources, Roller said he has implemented many programs in the past that focus on improving work/life balance for employees.
“These types of programs are now becoming less of a request and more of an expectation,” he said.
As with any other segment of the workforce, embracing working parents is crucial for businesses, according to Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller.
“It’s evident from this survey that job seekers are feeling forced to choose between their careers and home lives,” he said. “A little bit of creative flexibility can help attract and retain top talent for skills that are desperately needed.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 9 to 26, 2023, among 1,002 adults ages 18 and older.
For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.
If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.
About Bill Stoller
William H. “Bill” Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
Local owners Gerrod and Katherine Bede say they want to keep Columbus beautiful by providing a professional home- and business-cleaning service
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Window Hero, a HomeFront Brands franchise specializing in a wide range of exterior cleaning services, will host a grand opening of its newest location in North Columbus in the Harbor Pointe community in Galena, Ohio, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 with a drawing for a free house soft wash.
Window Hero North Columbus owners Gerrod and Katherine Bede say they want to provide the community with quality jobs and a fun workplace by providing home and business owners with a service that restores their buildings back to their former glory.
“My wife and I have owned and operated a real estate development company and have worked rehabbing houses for years, and we view our new venture as an extension of our work in real estate,” he said. “The real estate market in Columbus is booming, and people selling their houses to newcomers will need this service to make their homes more attractive to buyers.”
Bede said he also wants to give back to the community by providing free and discounted cleaning services to qualifying organizations.
The Bedes haven’t always worked in the real estate market. Gerrod Bede graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he and his wife met, and received his law degree from The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. He spent several years working as the general counsel and operating partner for several businesses owned by a family investment office before owning his own business. Katherine Bede also graduated from Vanderbilt University before receiving her masters degree from the University of Illinois.
Gerrod Bede was born in Dayton, Ohio, but moved to Columbus in 2008 when he entered law school. The Bedes have four children: Carson, 12, Callie, 7, Christian, 3, and Connor, 8 months.
“We are committed to contributing to Columbus’ growth and prosperity,” Katherine Bede said. “We are already deeply involved in several local sports and community initiatives. We want Window Hero North Columbus to be a pivotal part of beautifying and maintaining the buildings in the Columbus area.”
Window Hero specializes in a wide range of exterior cleaning services, including window cleaning, gutter care, pressure washing, and soft washing. The company offers both routine maintenance and one-time deep cleaning solutions.
Window Hero North Columbus serves the areas of Galena, Lewis Center, New Albany, Orange Township, and Westerville, Ohio and surrounding communities.
For more information about Window Hero North Columbus, please visit https://windowhero.com/locations/north-columbus/.
About Window Hero
Window Hero is a trusted and reliable company specializing in a wide range of exterior cleaning services. Whether it’s window cleaning, gutter care, pressure washing, soft washing, gutter guard installation or even solar panel cleaning, Window Hero has the right team of experts, skills and equipment to get the job done right. Window Hero offers routine maintenance and one-time deep cleaning services. Founded in 2005 as Labor Panes, founder Tyler Kirk started the company as a residential window cleaning service before expanding it to offer a variety of exterior cleaning, repair and maintenance services. For more information about Window Hero, please visit https://windowhero.com/.
About HomeFront Brands:
HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, Top Rail Fence and Mozzie Dome – to transform lives through franchise ownership.
For more information about HomeFront Brands’ current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit HomeFrontBrands.com.
Representatives from BELFOR Franchise Group brands HOODZ, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR® and Z PLUMBERZ celebrate continuing success and growth at Orlando event
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Franchisees from five BELFOR Franchise Group brands met at the 2024 BELFOR Franchise Group Convention in Orlando April 15-17 to connect with colleagues, experience meaningful learning opportunities and celebrate the global franchise network’s continuing rapid growth.
The event brought together over 300 attendees from HOODZ, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ to share insights and engage with a wide range of opportunities including workshops, brand sessions and a vendor expo.
“We love seeing franchisees come together and empower each other during this event,” said Doug Smith, senior vice president of franchise development for BELFOR Franchise Group. “The energy and excitement they bring to the convention is truly inspiring, and the level of engagement with the expert speakers and vendors who attend is off the charts. Our franchisees are going home with unprecedented knowledge and enthusiasm, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.”
Highlights of the convention included an awards gala and inspiring keynote addresses by Scott Greenberg, author of “The Wealthy Franchisee,” and commercial sales skills guru Kirk Armstrong.
At the highly anticipated awards gala, franchise brands recognized the following top-performing franchisees from each brand in multiple awards categories:
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering industry-leading training, support and equipment, turnkey business models, and ongoing coaching and business development. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization for 14 of the strongest service-based franchise opportunities for home and commercial cleaning and restoration. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, Safer Home Services, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, please visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
Local Entrepreneur Opens New Business for Travelers Looking to Book the Perfect Vacation!
CAMILLUS, N.Y. — Planning a vacation has just become a lot easier for families in Syracuse with the announcement of a new Expedia Cruises location, now open at 240 Township Blvd Suite 50, located at Township 5.
The location is owned and operated by local entrepreneur, Karen Guerrette, who has a team of Vacation Consultants on site, with a total of 20 Consultants working to book travelers’ perfect vacations.
Guerrette is a lifelong native of upstate New York, having spent her nearly 20-year career working in sales and account management for an education agency. She has always had a passion for travel and cruising, and wanted to play a role in helping other create their own memories, leading her to seeking out becoming a franchisee with Expedia Cruises.
“As an avid cruiser and traveler myself, being able to be a part of someone else’s memory-making experience is very fulfilling,” said Guerrette. “Having the Expedia brand connected to the franchise allows clients to have confidence that our team is made up of masters of travel, and we can truly help make their vacation planning easier.”
Expedia Cruises – part of the Expedia Group family of brands – offers cruise vacations and much more through its 267 locations across North America. Customers can choose from numerous vacation possibilities including luxury and expedition travel, river cruises, land tours, safaris, all-inclusive resort properties and insurance – all at Expedia prices. In addition to the research and booking features available on their local website, Guerrette and her team offer personal vacation consultations in-person, through email or over the phone, so customers always have the freedom to book when, where and how they choose!
Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultants are provided with extensive training and marketing support which allows them to become navigators of spectacular vacation experiences. For more information, or to research vacation options, visit www.expediacruises.com/camillus https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900269, 240 Township Blvd Suite 50 or call (315)808-7447.
About Expedia Group
Expedia Group powers travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group’s family of brands includes: Brand Expedia®, Hotels.com®, Expedia Group™ Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, Expedia Local Expert®, CarRentals.com™, and Expedia Cruises™.
For more information on Expedia Cruises, visit www.expediafranchise.com.
Expedia is a registered trademark of Expedia, Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.
© 2024 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Expedia Cruises logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST # 2029030-50 and CST # 20893-43