If you are in the medical or senior care industry, you know that caring is just the beginning – and it is often what drives someone to start or join a franchise brand. By Dawn Abbamondi
Before becoming a franchise owner of the South Denver Creative Kids Movement Network location, Mona Hinman-Briscoe built a seasoned career as an operations manager in training and management at a corporate communications company. Then, like many others, Hinman-Briscoe’s job role shifted toward using AI. She watched many of her coworkers get laid off, so she began exploring new opportunities. By Kelsi Trinidad
Andrea Dobkin launched her career in franchising more than 20 years ago, working in franchise development for an emerging brand – an experience she calls life-changing. However, franchising had been part of her story long before that first job. By Jesicca Petrucelli
Nikki Zavradinos worked in global technology operations and led development teams at Mastercard for 15 years. When she ended up with a severance package, she decided to switch gears into business ownership. She started looking for businesses to buy in St. Louis and came across Local Handyman. By Kelsi Trinidad
Best Prices. Best Selection. Best Service. Guaranteed at New Pet Supplies Plus Fond du Lac
FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Pet Supplies Plus will celebrate the grand opening of its new Fond du Lac location March 28–29. Located at 477 W. Johnson St., the store will offer pet parents a hassle-free shopping experience with a wide selection of pet products at the best price guaranteed. Known for its friendly staff and helpful customer service, Pet Supplies Plus helps local pet parents save money and celebrate the fun of pet ownership. The store offers a wide array of natural pet foods and products for cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, fish, and small animals, along with amenities such as a full-service grooming salon, self-serve pet wash stations, a knowledgeable pet care team, and carry-out service, where team members carry heavy items to neighbors’ cars. Whether shopping in-store or online, choosing local is easy at Pet Supplies Plus in Fond du Lac.
Pet Supplies Plus focuses on providing a unique in-store experience for all of its “neighbors” (the term Pet Supplies Plus uses for customers). The new store is owned by local entrepreneur Dave Heather, an experienced business owner with more than 30 years in the automotive industry. After owning and operating several car dealerships in the region and selling them in 2014, Heather discovered Pet Supplies Plus as his next venture. He opened his first location in West Bend in 2020 and has since expanded to Neenah, Sheboygan, Green Bay, and Manitowoc, continuing his growth with the Fond du Lac location.
As a community partner, Heather will work alongside local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and nonprofits to host year-round adoption events, fundraisers, and pet food and product drives.
“I’m excited to bring Pet Supplies Plus to Fond du Lac and continue building connections in communities across Wisconsin,” said Heather. “We’re focused on creating a store where pet parents feel welcomed, supported and confident they’re getting the best care for their pets.”
To welcome the community to the new Pet Supplies Plus location, Heather will host a weekend-long grand opening featuring a $10 reward for any $30 purchase, special prize giveaways, huge discounts, and more. The free Pet Supplies Plus Rewards program allows members to receive regular coupons on products they frequently purchase, monthly specials, members only sales, and other personalized offers.
Beginning on Saturday, March 28 and continuing through Sunday, March 29, grand opening festivities at the new Pet Supplies Plus will include:
By signing up via text, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) from Pet Supplies Plus at the cell number used when signing up. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. View Terms & Privacy: https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/sms-terms-and-conditions.
Neighbors can text “GRAND” to 72629 to receive 10% off their first purchase.
In addition, neighbors will have an opportunity to win either a $250, $100, or $50 gift card and receive a coupon. For more information and to enter, text “fonddulac” to 34653 or visit qkly.co/psp/fonddulacgiveaway.
At Pet Supplies Plus, neighbors are encouraged to bring their leashed pets in-store, where knowledgeable and caring team members are on-site to answer any questions, or offer tips. The experienced in-store team is extensively trained in the areas of natural and holistic foods and can answer a broad range of questions about dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and fish.
Pet Supplies Plus Fond du Lac offers one-hour curbside pickup and free same day delivery on all online orders. The store will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Neighbors can connect with the new store on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on events and promotions. To contact Pet Supplies Plus of Fond du Lac, call (920) 204-0007, or visit https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/store/wi/fond-du-lac/4687-fond-du-lac/4687.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Its shelves are stocked with pet essentials, including a wide selection of over 11,000 products from 400 brands. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or Autoship. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, pet prescriptions can be filled online and delivered directly to your door. As the nation’s largest pet retail franchise with over 725 locations and counting, Pet Supplies Plus makes shopping local simple. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
The shift is reshaping how people build careers, signaling a growing desire for deeper, more meaningful professional relationships.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A growing majority of Americans say networking no longer feels like relationship‑building but a thinly veiled transaction — and new survey data shows just how pervasive that discomfort has become.
According to a recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey, 79% of U.S. hiring managers and 75% of job seekers say networking today feels more like a business transaction than a genuine personal connection.
At the same time, 84% of job seekers say networking is primarily about identifying job opportunities — not building relationships — revealing a widening gap between what professionals want networking to be and what it has turned into.
And the problem goes far deeper than awkward small talk.
Tech Is Making Networking Worse
Online platforms were supposed to make meeting people easier, but instead, they’ve introduced a new layer of artificiality.
And perhaps the most telling figure: 85% of hiring managers now evaluate networking contacts based strictly on their influence or usefulness.
In other words, the “what can you do for me?” energy is unmistakable.
Younger Workers Feel It the Most
Gen Z and millennials — the generations most fluent in digital networking — are also the ones most likely to say it feels shallow, performative or forced.
Their concerns echo a broader trend. In separate national research by Freeman, 91% of Gen Z professionals say in‑person events are essential to building real interpersonal skills, and over two‑thirds believe technology has left them feeling less connected at work.
The Return of Real Connection
While nearly all hiring managers (92%) and job seekers (84%) agree networking is critical for getting a foot in the door, there’s mounting frustration with how it’s done.
The disconnect is clear. People want opportunity, but they don’t want to feel like a commodity.
With 81% of hiring decision-makers agreeing that authentic relationships are difficult to build when networking feels transactional, both sides appear ready for something different.
“The most valuable connections in our professional lives come from showing up with authenticity and a genuine interest in others,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “When we approach conversations with openness rather than expectation, we create the foundation for relationships that grow over time. Technology can help us meet, but it’s our human commitment to listen, engage and invest in people that gives those connections lasting worth.”
Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 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 Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across 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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
Renowned Pilates Franchise Enters Missouri for the First Time with Creve Coeur Location
CREVE COEUR, Mo. — JETSET Pilates, the fast-growing modern Reformer Pilates franchise offering premium, full-body workouts, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest luxury studio in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The studio marks the brand’s official entry into the state and kicks off expansion plans in the state. Located at 11625 Olive Blvd.Creve Coeur, MO 63141, JETSET Pilates Creve Coeur will officially open for preview classes on March 30.
The brand will be celebrating their debut in Missouri with a grand opening, with weekend events scheduled on Saturday, April 11, and the official Grand Opening party on April 12 from 2-4 p.m. to offer a first look at the brand-new space.
The Missouri expansion is spearheaded by husband-and-wife duo Scott Runyon and Jennifer Kaitschuk, who bring decades of corporate experience to this new venture. Scott has built a career working in cybersecurity and AI for some of the leading semiconductor companies, while Jennifer, a Washington University in St. Louis graduate, has extensive experience in sales and leadership across multiple industries. As longtime St. Louis residents, they are proud to be local owners and are deeply connected to the community. Beyond their initial Creve Coeur location, the duo plan to open more JETSET Pilates in the state, with a second studio scheduled to open this summer in Des Peres and a third location to follow.
“We’re thrilled to bring this exciting, modern workout to St. Louis and share it with our neighbors,” said Kaitschuk. “After years in the fast-paced world of tech, Scott and I were ready to invest in something that truly connects with people and our community. When we tried JETSET Pilates, we were blown away by how it challenged us physically, improved our well-being, and energized us in a way we hadn’t experienced before.”
Lisa Finder is the General Manager of JETSET Pilates Creve Coeur and Des Peres, bringing over 15 years of experience in the St. Louis boutique fitness industry. Throughout her career, Lisa has taught a variety of modalities including heated bootcamp, yoga, strength training, and modern Pilates, and is known for her passion for movement, exceptional client experience, and building strong studio communities. Her dedication to the method and love of bringing people together ultimately led her to JETSET, where she is focused on creating an elevated, welcoming environment for both clients and instructors.
JETSET Pilates Creve Coeur offers the brand’s personalized, high-end 50-minute classes on 15 custom reformers, combining strength training, cardio, and Pilates-inspired movements set to DJ-curated music for transformative results. The 3,000-square-foot studio’s modern approach adapts to all experience levels, appealing to both new and seasoned Pilates enthusiasts alike.
“We are incredibly excited to bring JETSET Pilates to St. Louis and create a welcoming and supportive environment for the community to fall in love with a high-energy, transformative Pilates experience,” said Tamara Galinsky, Founder and Brand President of JETSET Pilates. “Scott and Jennifer are exactly the kind of passionate, committed partners who elevate our brand, and we’re proud to work alongside them as we make our debut in Missouri.”
For more information about JETSET Pilates Creve Coeur, to schedule a class, or inquire about memberships, visit https://jetsetpilates.com/mo/creve-coeur/, call (314) 648-3802, or follow the studio on Instagram at @jetsetcrevecoeur.
About JETSET Pilates
Founded in 2010 and franchising since 2022, JETSET Pilates has quickly become one of the most attractive concepts in the boutique fitness franchise space, with over 350 studios open or in development across the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. The brand is known for its 50-minute classes that combine strength, cardio, and Pilates-inspired movements for a full-body workout, focusing on connection, consistency, and wellness in every community it serves. For more information, please visit https://jetsetpilates.com or follow the brand on LinkedIn and Instagram.
DX3 Brands will oversee RNR Tire Express and welcome Gigglewaters as the Company Enters Its
Next Phase of Franchise Growth
TAMPA, Fla. — RNR Tire Express (RNR), the leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels, today announced the launch of DX3 Brands, a new multi-brand franchisor company that will serve as the parent organization for RNR Tire Express while supporting the growth of additional concepts, beginning with Gigglewaters, an award-winning dining and entertainment concept that combines a full-service restaurant and bar with a one-screen classic movie theatre. Gigglewaters delivers a uniquely immersive ‘eatertainment’ experience inspired by the 1920s.
“DX3 Brands marks the next phase in our evolution,” said Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express and DX3 Brands. “Over the past 25 years, we’ve built a powerful franchise system with RNR Tire Express. Now with DX3 Brands, we’re leveraging that infrastructure, expertise, and value driven culture to scale additional concepts and create new opportunities for franchisees and franchise brands looking to grow.”
The name DX3 reflects the company’s long-standing core values that drive everything it does: Culture, Customers, and Community. These principles have guided RNR’s internal operations for years and now serve as the foundation for DX3 Brands’ broader multi-concept strategy.
The launch marks the company’s transformation from a single-brand franchise system into a multi-brand franchise designed to support long-term growth across multiple concepts. DX3 Brands will provide the foundation, infrastructure, and operational expertise needed to continue the growth of RNR Tire Express and begin the expansion of Gigglewaters. Additional details on the platform’s vision can be found in the DX3 Brands video.
This evolution comes at a time of strong brand momentum, with the company recently earning a Notable Distinction in the 2026 FUND TopScore Awards, recognizing its performance and commitment to franchisee success.
Founded in 2000, RNR Tire Express has grown into a nationally recognized franchise brand with more than 200 locations across 30 states and over $350 million in annual revenue. As the company continued to scale, its leadership identified an opportunity to expand beyond a single brand and apply its franchise expertise to additional concepts.
Founded in 2018, Gigglewaters, an award-winning restaurant and micro-theater, is the first brand to join DX3 Brands. Its distinctive blend of dining, craft cocktails and entertainment reflects the type of value and experience driven concepts DX3 Brands aims to grow alongside RNR Tire Express.
“From the beginning, it was clear the Gigglewaters team shares our commitment to building a strong, people-first culture,” added Sutton. “They’ve developed a unique concept grounded in those values, and that alignment is what made this partnership such a natural next step.”
RNR Tire Express and Gigglewaters will join forces under DX3 Brands at MUFC in Las Vegas on March 24. You can visit RNR at booth 2321 and Gigglewaters at booth 2323.
About DX3 Brands
DX3 Brands is a value-driven, multi-brand franchisor built on more than 25 years of franchise experience. Founded in 2000 as a single brand with RNR Tire Express, the company has grown into a nationally recognized brand spanning more than 200 locations and generating over $350 million in annual revenue. Building on that success, DX3 Brands welcomed Gigglewaters alongside RNR Tire Express in 2026. DX3 Brands partners with existing brands to help them grow through proven franchise systems, operational expertise, and the infrastructure needed to support franchisee success. The company provides franchise owners with the tools, support, and guidance to build strong teams, deliver customer-driven experiences, and impact the communities they serve.
For more information regarding DX3 Brands and its franchise opportunities, please visit https://dx3brands.com/.
About RNR Tire Express
RNR Tire Express is a national franchise retailer of quality tires and custom wheels known for their customer-centric, flexible lease-to-own payment options. Established in 2000 by rent-to-own veteran Larry Sutton, RNR has grown to over 200 locations in 30 states. The brand ranked in Franchise Times’ Top 400 list for 2025 and was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners. Additionally, RNR ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500 ranking. Most recently, the company earned a Notable Distinction in the 2026 FUND TopScore Awards, recognizing its performance and commitment to franchisee success. RNR Tire Express is seeking qualified multi-unit franchisees to help expand the franchise into prime markets throughout the country.
For more information regarding RNR Tire Express and its franchise opportunities, please visit www.RNRfranchise.com.
About Gigglewaters
Gigglewaters is an award-winning restaurant, bar, and intimate screening room located in downtown Safety Harbor, Florida. Since opening, the brand has earned more than 90 culinary awards, including Small Business of the Year and Best American Restaurant in the State of Florida for three consecutive years.
Known for its unapologetically indulgent, over-the-top comfort food, elevated craft cocktail program, and immersive guest experience, Gigglewaters has been featured nationally in USA Today, Nasdaq News, LA Weekly, MSN, and more, as well as on NPR, in National Geographic’s “50 States, 1000 Eats” and on the Cooking Channel’s “Man v. Food”, with host Casey Webb saying “I’m a little blown away by your burger….I got to be honest, this is incredible”. The concept includes a full-service restaurant and bar with a 32-seat private movie theater, as well as a mobile food truck option.
Gigglewaters is actively expanding through franchising opportunities. For more information, visit www.gigglewaters.com. For franchising inquiries, visit www.ownagigglewaters.com.
Established Project Manager Continues to Enhance Franchisee Development to Maximize Community Impact
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — D1 Training, a leading fitness and enrichment concept that utilizes the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages reach their goals, announces the appointment of Devon Arnold as VP of Development and Construction.
Arnold’s Role: Driving Strategic Franchisee Development
“I am ecstatic to continue contributing to the growth of this brand and help support franchisees in opening their D1 Training locations,” said Arnold. “Seeing the service and positive impact that our franchisees make on the athletes in their communities, combined with the dedication and passion of the entire executive leadership bench, D1 Training truly embodies what it means to be a servant leader, and I am eager to continue to maximize our impact as a brand.”
Prior to joining the D1 team, Arnold worked as a Physical Therapy Coordinator and Project Manager at Exos, a holistic health and wellness brand.
“Devon’s lifelong passion for fitness translates seamlessly into her work with D1 Training,” said Will Bartholomew, Founder and CEO of D1 Training. “Since joining our team, not only has she assisted franchisees in successfully opening their locations, but she played a pivotal role in launching D1 Equipment, our official weight and training equipment solution for our network. An advocate for continuous education, she is always finding new ways to enhance our operations to better support our franchisees.”
Strengthening Performance Nationwide
D1 Training continues to raise the bar, with over 170 locations now open, closing out 2025 with 40 new openings and 90 new franchise agreements. Driven by record-breaking sales, innovative partnerships, and a franchisee-first approach, D1 Training is committed to scaling responsibly while maintaining strong unit-level performance and franchise support.
The brand’s growth is fueled by increasing demand in scholastic training, as the competitive youth sports landscape creates greater need for facilities where young athletes can hone their skills. Combined with D1’s adult and personal training offerings, this creates an unmatched market opportunity.
All D1 locations offer three core training programs — Scholastic (Rookie, Developmental and Prep), Adult, and Pro — built on the brand’s five tenets of athletic-based training: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core and conditioning, and cool down. Beyond group training, members can access one-on-one coaching with world-class trainers.
As the brand continues to redefine athletic development at every level — from youth athletes to seasoned professionals – D1 Training is seeking passionate entrepreneurs interested in opening their own location in territories available across the U.S.
For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit www.d1franchise.com.
About D1 Training
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training is positively impacting the lives of thousands of athletes of all ages. With 170+ locations nationwide, and 200+ more franchises in various stages of development, D1 is one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation. D1’s 5-Star Training System is trusted by top athletes because it trains the whole body: no fads, no shortcuts. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit D1training.com and D1franchise.com.
GEORGETOWN, Texas — As the weather warms and baseball returns, Sport Clips Haircuts is giving fans a new way to celebrate. The brand is introducing limited-edition Playmaker Scents, inspired by “America’s pastime” and created in partnership with Rawlings® Sporting Goods, a name synonymous with the sport. The scents transform a routine haircut into a seasonal grooming experience that captures the energy, nostalgia, and excitement of spring baseball.
The Playmaker Scents are available exclusively with the Sport Clips MVP Haircut Experience, which includes a precision haircut, relaxing shampoo, and the brand’s signature hot steamed towel treatment. For a limited time at participating locations, that hot towel can carry one of three baseball-inspired scents that bring the game to life and turn a haircut into something memorable.
For many men and boys, a haircut is more than maintenance. It is a reset that helps them look sharp and feel confident heading into work, school, or the weekend. Adding a Playmaker Scent transforms a regular task into a full grooming experience tied to the return of baseball season. The scents also make the experience fun for families heading into the spring sports season. Youth players, dads, and baseball fans can celebrate the return of the game while getting ready for practices, games, or opening day.
Sport Clips is designed for men and boys, delivering service that goes beyond a standard haircut. Clients can watch sports on big screen TVs while receiving a precision cut by professional stylists who specialize in men’s and boys’ hair. To find a location near you, visit SportClips.com or download the Sport Clips app for a quick check in homerun.
About Sport Clips Haircuts
Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, offers online check in for clients, and ranks #52 in the Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” for 2025 and was named a 2025 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review. There are nearly 1,800 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and ranks #13 in the 2025 Top Franchise for Veterans list by Entrepreneur. Sport Clips provides “Haircuts with Heart” through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has contributed more than $16 million to the VFW; national partnership with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants; and other national and local philanthropic outreach. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing team, Minor League Baseball (MiLB), and partners with select NCAA teams. To find a location near you, visit SportClips.com or download the Sport Clips app for locations and easy online check in.