Over a decade ago, Robert Moschorak excelled as president and general manager of Ace International. He went on to work with other organizations following a five-year tenure but was impressed with Ace Hardware Corporation’s brand, team and leadership quality. By Erika Ortega
After spending years in the nonprofit sector serving families impacted by muscular dystrophy, heart disease, and arthritis, Laura Rolfe realized she wanted to continue changing lives – just in a different way. So she took a page from her parents and grandparents – who have run a family business since 1955 – and explored business ownership, something she believed would create independence, stability, and long-term opportunity. By Jessica Petrucelli
Pilates Addiction, a boutique fitness franchise founded in 2025, brings high-energy, results-focused workouts to members nationwide. With a variety of innovative class formats and an engaging studio culture, the brand aims to bring Pilates workouts from niche to mainstream fitness practices. By Erika Ortega
For some franchisees, the journey starts with a business opportunity, but for Amanda Scott, becoming a franchisee with Twinkle Star Dance™ Academy was years in the making. By Shelby Green
RICHMOND, Texas — Stretch Zone, the nation’s premier assisted-stretching brand featuring a patented strapping system on proprietary tables, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Richmond, TX. The studio introduces practitioner-assisted stretching to the community, helping residents improve mobility, increase energy, and enhance overall quality of life.
Stretch Zone Richmond is owned and operated by Ram Allu, who brings a passion for health, wellness, and exceptional customer care to the growing community. After a successful career in the tech industry, Allu pivoted toward his true passion: helping people feel and move better in their everyday lives.
“My decision to bring Stretch Zone to our community was driven by a desire to offer a new level of body maintenance and mobility,” said Ram Allu, Owner of Stretch Zone Richmond. “Richmond has an active population, and I saw a clear opportunity to introduce a dedicated space focused on functional flexibility. I’m excited to become a go-to resource and help our neighbors discover what their bodies are truly capable of.”
Stretch Zone’s practitioner-assisted stretching uses trained professionals and proprietary equipment to help muscles relax and move more efficiently. By stabilizing and isolating muscle groups, practitioners can safely increase range of motion beyond what individuals can achieve on their own. The result is improved flexibility, more energy, reduced stiffness, and enhanced performance in everyday life.
“I love seeing that ‘lightbulb moment’ when a client realizes how much better they can move and feel after just a few sessions,” Allu added. “Whether it’s an athlete, a busy professional, or someone wanting to stay active as they age, we’re here to help our clients reclaim their mobility and improve their quality of life.”
What sets Stretch Zone apart is its patented strapping system and proprietary tables, which allow practitioners to stabilize the body and isolate specific muscle groups without compensation. This science-backed and research-supported method delivers a safe, personalized experience that produces immediate, tangible improvements in mobility and comfort.
Allu is committed to building more than a studio — he aims to create a local hub for education, wellness, and support where every community member feels welcome. His mission is to shift the focus from reactive care to proactive health, empowering Richmond residents to maintain functional longevity and independence.
To celebrate its grand opening on May 14, 2026, Stretch Zone Richmond is offering a complimentary first stretch session for new members.
Stretch Zone Richmond
7810 W Grand Pkwy South, Suite 400, Richmond, TX, 77406
Phone: (832) 446-4720
Hours: Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Outside of the studio, Allu enjoys gardening — a hobby he says teaches patience and steady progress, values he brings into his work at Stretch Zone.
About Stretch Zone
Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and recovery. With over 420 locations open across the U.S. and Canada, the brand’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver a safe, effective experience that improves mobility and enhances quality of life. In 2026, the company released an industry-first research study, The Stretch Zone Effect — published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment — providing scientific data supporting the benefits of its practitioner-assisted stretching method. Stretch Zone has been featured on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists for growth and innovation. Learn more at www.stretchzone.com.
New wellness studio brings personalized mobility, recovery, and flexibility solutions to the York community.
YORK, Pa. — Stretch Zone, the nation’s leading brand for practitioner-assisted stretching, is now open in York, bringing a new approach to health and wellness to the local community. Stretch Zone York is owned and operated by Didi Hu, marking his first Stretch Zone location with plans for future expansion.
To officially celebrate the new studio, the community is invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Celebration in the coming weeks. The event will feature partnerships with local businesses, light refreshments, studio tours, and exclusive founding membership offers, welcoming the York community to experience practitioner-assisted stretching firsthand.
Didi Hu was initially drawn to Stretch Zone because of the brand’s strong reputation and rapid growth in the wellness industry. As he learned more about the benefits of practitioner-assisted stretching, he recognized the value it could bring to individuals looking to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and maintain active lifestyles.
“My interest in this business is also very personal,” Hu shared. “Gout runs in my family, and I’ve seen how joint issues can impact quality of life. With my parents now in their 70s, it’s made me think more about the importance of staying mobile and independent as we age. Stretch Zone offers a proactive, non-drug approach to supporting long-term mobility, and bringing that to York felt like a meaningful opportunity.”
For the York community, this opening represents access to a unique wellness service that many may not have experienced before. “Many people live with stiffness, discomfort, or limited mobility without realizing how much better they could feel,” Hu said. “I’m excited to introduce something that can truly help people move better in their everyday lives, while also building strong relationships with local gyms, physical therapists, and wellness professionals.”
Stretch Zone offers one-on-one stretch sessions led by certified practitioners who personalize each session based on the member’s body, goals, and limitations. Using a proprietary method and patented equipment, practitioners guide members through safe, controlled stretches designed to improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and help the body move more comfortably—without strain.
Hu’s professional background is rooted in operations and supply chain management, most recently serving as a purchasing manager at Red Lion Controls, part of HMS Networks. While this is his first business ownership venture, his experience managing complex operations and building long-term relationships has prepared him to successfully launch and grow the studio. He also serves as the studio’s General Manager, alongside his wife and business partner, Celine Cui.
“What excites me most is seeing the direct impact this can have on people’s lives,” Hu added. “When members start feeling better, moving more freely, and getting back to the activities they love, it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud to build a team and environment where both members and practitioners feel supported and motivated.”
Stretch Zone York aims to become a resource for proactive wellness in the community, helping individuals of all ages improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Stretch Zone York is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To celebrate the opening, new members are invited to enjoy a complimentary first stretch session.
Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming ribbon cutting to meet the team, explore the studio, and learn more about how practitioner-assisted stretching can support overall well-being. For more information, visit www.stretchzone.com.
About Stretch Zone
Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and recovery. With over 420 locations open across the U.S. and Canada, the brand’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver a safe, effective experience that improves mobility and enhances quality of life. In 2026, the company released an industry-first research study, The Stretch Zone Effect – published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment, providing scientific data supporting the benefits of its practitioner-assisted stretching method. Stretch Zone has been featured on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists for growth and innovation. Learn more at www.stretchzone.com.
Veteran-Led Moving Experts Share Practical Advice for Service Members Navigating PCS Orders, Overseas Assignments, and Long-Term Storage Needs
CHARLESTON, S.C. — As Memorial Day approaches, UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is honoring the dedication and sacrifice of America’s military men and women by sharing practical moving advice for service members and military families preparing for new assignments, post changes, and long-term storage needs.
With several veteran franchise owners and veteran corporate team members across the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage network, the company understands firsthand that military moves are often more than a standard relocation. They can involve short timelines, shifting orders, base housing delays, overseas assignments, family stress, strict documentation requirements, and the need to protect valuable personal belongings over long distances.
Chris Camasta, Vice President of Long Distance Moves & Business Development at UNITS Franchise Group, brings personal experience from his time enlisted with the U.S. Army and understands the challenges that come with moving from one assignment to another.
“Military families are asked to adapt constantly, and moving is one of the biggest stress points that comes with that lifestyle,” said Camasta. “When you are waiting on orders, trying to coordinate housing, managing family needs, and making sure your belongings are protected, having flexibility and control can make a major difference. Portable moving and storage gives service members the ability to pack on their own schedule, store securely when timelines change, and work with a team that understands the unique requirements of military moves.”
Understanding Personally Procured Moves and Weight Ticket Requirements
For many service members, a Personally Procured Move, commonly known as a PPM and formerly referred to as a “DITY Move,” can provide greater control over the moving process. However, each branch of the military may have different rules and requirements when a service member selects their own moving provider. One common requirement across these types of moves is the need for certified weight tickets. UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is familiar with this process and can help service members navigate the weight ticket component when using a UNITS portable storage container for their move.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage also provides solutions for service members who are assigned overseas for extended periods. Overseas assignments can last anywhere from 1 to 4 years, which makes it important to work with a moving and portable storage provider that can offer secure storage, convenient container delivery, and pickup options. Instead of making repeated trips to a traditional fixed storage facility, military families can have a portable storage container delivered to their home, pack at their own pace, and have their belongings stored securely until they are ready for them again.
In recognition of Memorial Day and the service of military men and women across the country, UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is sharing the following 10 moving tips for service members and military families preparing for an upcoming move.
1. Review the rules for your specific branch before selecting a moving provider
Every military branch can have different requirements for a Personally Procured Move. Before committing to a provider, service members should confirm what paperwork, approvals, reimbursement rules, and documentation are required. Understanding the process early can help prevent delays, missed reimbursements, or avoidable stress.
2. Ask about certified weight tickets before moving day
Weight tickets are one of the most important parts of many PPM moves. Service members should ask their moving or portable storage provider how weight tickets are handled, when they will be available, and what documentation will be provided. UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is familiar with the weight ticket process and can assist service members who need this documentation for their move.
3. Build flexibility into the moving plan
Military timelines can change quickly. Reporting dates may shift, housing may not be ready, and new instructions can arrive with limited notice. Portable storage gives service members the ability to pack at their own pace and adjust their move around changing orders, rather than being locked into a rigid moving schedule.
4. Pack important military documents separately
Orders, identification, medical records, passports, housing paperwork, school records, vehicle documents, and reimbursement paperwork should travel with the service member, not inside the moving container. Keeping these items accessible can help avoid serious problems during travel, check in, housing coordination, and reimbursement processing.
5. Choose a provider that understands PPM and military moving needs
A standard residential move and a military move are not always the same. Military families should look for a provider that understands tight timelines, documentation needs, storage gaps, long distance coordination, and the importance of communication. The right moving partner can make the process more manageable from the beginning.
6. Use secure portable storage to reduce repeated trips
Traditional storage can require multiple trips back and forth, which can be difficult during an already stressful transition. With portable storage, the container is delivered directly to the home, allowing the family to load belongings on their own schedule. The container can then be picked up and moved or stored securely until it is needed.
7. Plan for base housing delays
Military families often arrive before housing is fully available. Portable storage can help bridge that gap. If the new home is not ready, the container can be stored at a secure local facility and delivered when the family is ready to unload. This can help reduce the pressure of trying to coordinate everything on one exact day.
8. Protect valuable gear and personal belongings
Military families often move with expensive equipment, household goods, personal keepsakes, children’s items, and sentimental belongings. High quality portable storage containers are designed to be secure and weather resistant. Once the service member locks the container, they keep the key, giving them added peace of mind during the move.
9. Think ahead for overseas assignments
For service members assigned Outside the Continental United States, storage needs can be very different from a traditional move. Assignments may last several years, and families may need to store household goods for an extended period. Working with a local moving and portable storage provider can make it easier to pack, store, and retrieve belongings when the assignment ends.
10. Prioritize control wherever possible
Military life requires service members and families to follow orders, adapt to new locations, and manage frequent change. A moving solution that gives them control over packing, timing, storage, and delivery can provide a meaningful sense of stability during a stressful transition. Portable storage allows service members to decide how, when, and where their belongings are moved.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage offers military families a flexible alternative to traditional moving and storage services. Portable containers can be delivered directly to a service member’s home, placed in a convenient location, loaded on their schedule, and transported or stored based on their needs. For long distance moves, UNITS provides nationwide moving support through its long-distance moving team. For storage needs, containers can be kept at secure local facilities until the family is ready for delivery.
“Control matters during a military move,” added Camasta. “Service members do not always get to choose where they are going or when they are needed, but they can choose a moving solution that gives them more control over their personal belongings. That flexibility can bring real peace of mind to the entire family.”
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is proud to serve military families across the country and is grateful for the veteran franchise owners, veteran corporate team members, and military connected families who are part of the UNITS network.
For service members preparing for an upcoming move, UNITS encourages early planning, careful documentation, and choosing a moving partner that understands the unique demands of military life.
For more information or to find a UNITS Moving and Portable Storage near you, head to www.unitsstorage.com.
About UNITS Moving and Portable Storage
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage provides high quality, weather resistant portable storage containers backed by a locally owned national network. With flexible moving and storage solutions, secure container delivery, and expansive long distance moving services, UNITS Moving and Portable Storage helps customers move and store with convenience, security, and peace of mind. UNITS locations are locally owned and operated, giving customers the benefit of local service and support with national reach. For more information, visit www.unitsstorage.com
New National Competition Platform Brings Together Simulator Golf, Player Development, and Year-Round Play for Golfers of All Skill Levels
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Back Nine Golf, the largest and fastest-growing indoor golf franchise, is taking simulator competition to a new level with the launch of Beyond the Grass, a new year-round tournament series designed to connect the work golfers put in indoors with the results they see on the course.
Built around structured competition, player development and accessible play, Beyond the Grass will serve as Back Nine’s national competitive platform, bringing together simulator tournaments, local participation, and future indoor-outdoor golf experiences under one connected system. The series is designed to make competitive golf more approachable for everyday players while creating opportunities for golfers to track improvement, compete against others at similar skill levels, and stay engaged with the game year-round.
“At Back Nine, we believe that indoor reps should translate directly to confidence and improvement outdoors,” said Wil Bangerter, founder of Back Nine Golf. “Beyond the Grass gives us a way to build community, competition and player development around that idea while making golf more accessible and less intimidating for players of all experience levels.”
The 2026 Beyond the Grass calendar will feature a series of competitive events and themed tournaments hosted throughout the year, including:
The launch comes as indoor golf and simulator-based training continue to grow in popularity among golfers seeking more flexible, data-driven, and weather-proof ways to play and practice. Through Beyond the Grass, Back Nine aims to create a more connected golf experience that combines competition, convenience, and player progression in a private, pressure-free environment for golfers of all levels.
In addition to tournaments and league play, The Back Nine will highlight players whose simulator practice has translated into real-world improvement on the course from casual and competitive golfers of all ages connected to local Back Nine locations across the country. Future plans for the platform also include expanded hybrid indoor-outdoor competition formats, new scoring and handicap concepts, and youth-focused training opportunities designed to create a more natural pathway between simulator golf and traditional play.
“The goal is to create a place where golfers can improve, compete and build confidence no matter where they are in their golf journey,” added Bangerter. “Indoor golf should lead somewhere, and Beyond the Grass is our vision for what that future can look like.”
Back Nine Golf is now the largest and fastest-growing indoor golf franchise in the United States, with 200 locations open and operating and an additional 300 locations in development, providing year-round 24/7 access for golfers everywhere.
For more information about Back Nine Golf and the Beyond the Grass tournament series, visit www.thebackninegolf.com.
About Back Nine Golf
Founded in St. George, Utah, Back Nine Golf offers 24/7 access to golfers across 4 countries, including the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Back Nine specializes in advanced golf simulator experiences, year-round play, structured competition, and modern player development. Designed for golfers of all skill levels, Back Nine combines state-of-the-art simulator technology with flexible access, leagues, tournaments, and community-driven events that make golf more accessible, convenient, and engaging. Through its growing network of over 200 open indoor golf locations across the United States and beyond, and 300 more locations under development, Back Nine is redefining how golfers practice, compete, and improve both on and off the course. For more information, visit www.thebackninegolf.com.
COLUMBIA, Md. — Warmer weather is right around the corner, and AC systems will soon be working harder than ever. Now is the perfect time to make sure units are running efficiently and prepared to keep homes comfortable all season long. Without proper attention, underlying issues can go unnoticed, reduce efficiency, increase energy costs and compromise overall comfort. To help prevent costly cooling failures, homeowners can take a few preventative steps now to get AC systems ready for summer.
“Many HVAC issues develop during periods of inactivity, or gradually over time, and may not become apparent until the first stretch of hot weather when homeowners turn on their AC,” said Steve Clemente, President & COO of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. “Spring is the perfect time to tackle basic maintenance tasks and consider a professional HVAC revitalization, an in-depth service that can restore and optimize system performance and extend the system’s lifespan while keeping your home cool and comfortable when it matters most.”
Pre-Summer HVAC Checklist
To prepare for the summer season, the professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning recommend the following steps:
Stay Ahead of Costly Summer HVAC Failures
Performing routine maintenance before summer will help ensure your HVAC system is ready for the transition to cooling season, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns during the hottest months when service demand is often at its peak. As the #1 HVAC service provider in the United States, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offers professional maintenance, installation, repair and full-system revitalization services designed to keep systems running efficiently, and homes comfortable year-round.
For more information or to schedule a spring HVAC check-up, visit onehourheatandair.com.
About One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
With more than 400 locations, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is the #1 HVAC service provider in the United States. With comfort and convenience, a top priority, the company offers an extensive line of products and services, including maintenance, installation and repair, that keeps HVAC units running at peak performance year-round. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is part of Authority Brands, the parent company to leading home service brands across the plumbing, HVAC, electrical services, residential cleaning, at-home care, swimming pool repair and maintenance, tree care, restoration, pet waste removal, and pest control services sectors. For more information, visit www.onehourheatandair.com and www.authoritybrands.com.
About Authority Brands
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands’ companies include 15 leading home service franchise brands: America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic Restoration Services, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, STOP Restoration, and Woofie’s. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 2,700 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology, and operational support. See authoritybrands.com for more information.
One Franchise Owner, Two Significant Brand Milestones
TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, has announced its first-ever new build location in Montana, led by longtime Canadian Franchise Owner Joe Pietras. After more than a decade of success with PuroClean in Canada, Pietras has opened the Kalispell-based location, marking his first American franchise and introducing PuroClean’s coverage in the state.
Located close to the Canadian border, the Kalispell area in Montana allows Pietras to expand his existing Canadian operations into a nearby U.S. market while strengthening PuroClean’s coverage in a key regional corridor. The new location enhances service accessibility for insurance partners, third-party administrators and property owners across both sides of the border, reflecting the brand’s continued focus on strategic expansion and building a more connected restoration network across North America.
“This milestone reflects the strength of PuroClean’s franchise model and the continued demand for our services across North America,” said Brandon Mangual, VP of Franchise Development at PuroClean. “As we expand into new markets like Montana, we are strengthening our network, creating growth opportunities for experienced Franchise Owners and advancing our broader national development strategy.”
From 2016 to 2021, Pietras and his business partner, Curtis Quinton, entered the Calgary market with three additional locations, growing their presence across Alberta and positioning the business for cross-border growth.
A key driver behind Pietras’ U.S. expansion was the structure of the American restoration market. He was drawn to the scale of the U.S. insurance-driven restoration industry, particularly PuroClean’s relationships with national insurance carrier programs. Those relationships can create significant opportunities for Franchise Owners looking to expand their service capabilities and revenue potential.
“These opportunities were a large part of my choice to open my location in Kalispell, Montana,” said Pietras. “It definitely gives new franchise locations a lot more chance for rapid growth. PuroClean has built a corporate foundation that gives Franchise Owners opportunities they didn’t know existed. The new ownership teams entering the system today are being given sharper tools and stronger support.”
Pietras is one of the brand’s most recognized Franchise Owners, as a 13-time President’s Circle recipient and a previous Franchise of the Year (Canada), Rising Star, and Rainmaker.
“This expansion strengthens how PuroClean supports its national insurance and TPA partners,” said Nick Hindle, Chief Information Officer at PuroClean. “As we grow across markets and borders, our technology ensures a fully connected network with consistent visibility, streamlined claims coordination, and standardized, reliable service delivery.”
With a network of over 500 locations across North America, PuroClean continues to grow, fueled by climate-driven disasters and everyday property needs. Ideal franchise candidates include trade professionals, insurance adjusters, veterans, and corporate executives. What unites them is the desire to own a purpose-driven business backed by a trusted support system. PuroClean Franchise Owners benefit from a recession-resistant model, strong community impact, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their neighbors.
For more information about franchising opportunities, call 800-351-2282 or visit www.PuroCleanFranchise.com.
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 over 500 North American franchise locations across the United States and Canada, 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.