Columns
INFINITY, beyond fitness: Prioritizing the Planet and the Communities It Serves
INFINITY, beyond fitness isn’t just a brand – it’s a movement with a mission. “Inspire people. Empower communities. Reshape the future,” said Chief Marketing Officer Vanessa Severiano, who said this vision is more than just words. By Erika Ortega
Paint Corps: Veteran-owned Excellence: Leading the Way in High-quality Painting
As one might guess from the brand’s name, PAINT CORPS™ provides exceptional commercial and residential painting services nationwide, specializing in interior painting, exterior painting, roof coatings and cabinet refinishing. However, there’s one remarkable distinction that sets this company apart from the others. By Lizzy Yeserski
Zerorez: Rising From Employees to Thriving Entrepreneurs
As part of a small family-owned and operated business, John and Sierra Phelps bring a personal touch and a strong sense of responsibility to their Zerorez® location in the Treasure Coast area of Florida. By Shelby Green
That 1 Painter: A Next-Generation Brand
In the age of social media, it’s easy to see how much power influencers wield in advertising. What happens when a popular business influencer decides they love a brand so much that they want to become an owner? By Nancy E. Williams
American Family Bio-Clean: Compassionate Cleanups: Restoring Lives After Trauma
When an unexpected tragedy strikes, American Family Bio-Clean swoops in to restore calm and cleanliness with compassion and empathy. By Lizzy Yeserski
1-800-Plumber + Air: Regaining Independence
Kefah Hasan had been working as a retail manager when he realized it was time to pursue his own business venture instead of working for someone else. Because starting a business from scratch is a bit daunting, Hasan decided to explore the franchise route. Before his career in retail, Hasan had owned pizza shops and furniture stores. This time, franchising felt like a way to minimize the risks of opening a new business while benefiting from a steadfast support system. By Kelsi Trinidad
Greg Macchia: Rewarding Choices
Greg Macchia joined FranServe, Inc. in June 2019, just days before the company’s convention in Denver. Recognizing it as a prime opportunity to connect with the FranServe community, he jumped right in, attending his first consultant convention and immersing himself in the world of franchising. By Rose Mango
Dawn Abbamondi: Female Founders + Women Owners = Empower, Advocate and Support
Franchising is a great place for women to lead, as a female founder, business owner or supplier to the industry (like me). Women owners continue to grow as taking advantage of a wide variety of opportunities every day. Whether operating solo or hiring employees, they add value to the local economy, create wealth, empower others and lead the next generation. You may not be aware of the many resources available in the industry. By Dawn Abbamondi
BrightStar Care: A Beacon of Hope in Senior Care
Sharon Perez, co-owner of BrightStar Care® of Santa Barbara County, California, had an extensive history of working in healthcare before purchasing her first BrightStar Care franchise in 2017. Today, she and her husband, Mike, own and operate two locations, having opened a second territory in Santa Ynez, California, in 2022. They have more than 270 employees, including nurses, therapists, caregivers and an office staff of 23. By Patty Horansky
Ace Handyman Services: The Rise of Women in the Handyman Industry
Charlotte Salek, owner of Ace Handyman Services of Greater New Braunfels, Texas, had never owned a business before purchasing her franchise in 2023. She had worked in back offices for various companies and was experienced in accounts payable, receivables and other administrative tasks. By Patty Horansky
Oliver’s Nannies: Building a Legacy of Care
Career mom Kathy Livingston founded Oliver’s Nannies in 2018 when she realized that childcare options in her area were astonishingly limited. By Lizzy Yeserski
Home Helpers Home Care: Empowering Women, Enriching Lives: Women Leading the Way in Home Care Franchising
With a deep-rooted passion for providing compassionate in-home care, Emma Dickison, CEO and president of Home Helpers Home Care, has built a successful franchise brand that’s transforming the industry. By Shelby Green
Moran Family of Brands: Barbara Moran-Goodrich: Leading the Charge in Customer-centric Franchise Evolution
When Barb Moran acquired her parents’ shares of Moran Family of Brands in 2010, she embarked on a transformative journey that has reshaped the company’s approach to franchising in the automotive industry. Under her leadership, Moran Family of Brands has become a standout in the franchise world, not just for its continued business success, but for its unique commitment to putting both the franchisees and customers at the center of its business strategy. In an industry where franchise systems often operate with a top-down approach, Moran has pioneered a more collaborative, franchisee-focused model, fostering an environment where strong relationships, trust and mutual growth are paramount. By Amanda Maquet
Pür & Simple: Building Out the U.S. Market
Mauricio Araque always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a university student in Venezuela, he would buy cheese wholesale from a local factory and resell it to supermarkets. This venture eventually led to even greater success, as Araque went on to own restaurant franchises throughout the country. By Kelsi Trinidad
Pet Passages: Innovative Cutting-edge Tools
Since 2010, Pet Passages® has been a compassionate support system for pet parents grieving their loyal companions. The company’s innovative proprietary software has revolutionized the industry by offering a technology-driven solution that streamlines operations and provides comfort to families during a difficult time. By Shelby Green
Features
HomeVestors: Transforming Lives Through a Purpose-driven Business
HomeVestors® of America is a real estate franchise system deeply invested in the communities it serves. The brand’s steadfast values are represented by its mission statement: “To help others through innovative processes and real estate solutions that positively impact neighborhoods one home at a time.” By Erika Ortega
FranServe, Inc.: Women’s Rise in Franchising
The annual October “Women of Wonder” issue offers the perfect opportunity to hear from Alesia Visconti, President and CEO of FranServe, Inc., about the growing number of women in the franchise industry. Ahead of the release of her new book, “The Pink Tsunami: Women’s Rise in Franchising,” later this year, Visconti shared about the impact of this evolution in franchising. By Nancy E. Williams
Naturals2Go: Healthy Vending is a Natural Fit for Female Entrepreneurs
Since purchasing six Naturals2Go vending machines seven years ago, Cathy Kidd has grown her business to over 50 machines in the Birmingham, Alabama, area. By Patty Horansky
Painter Bros: Women Owners Thrive in the Painting Industry
There are several residential and commercial franchise brands in the painting industry. To distinguish a brand from others, it must offer something unique, and that is exactly what Painter Bros has accomplished. By Nancy E. Williams
Assisting Hands Home Care: Beyond Business: A Family of Franchisees
When Emmie Knox and Louis LeSassier opened their Assisting Hands® Home Care franchise in the Austin, Texas, area eight years ago, they had no idea they would become integral members of the team. As area representatives, Knox and LeSassier have played a pivotal role in expanding the brand and helping other franchisees succeed. By Shelby Green
Cheech & Chong’s Apothicaria: Expanding an Empire
The iconic comedy duo of Cheech and Chong entered the cannabis industry in 1968. With their signature line of cannabis products and dispensaries, they have since become icons in the hemp industry, creating a parent company with multiple brands. One of those brands, Cheech & Chong’s Apothicaria, is a retail franchise opportunity that sells federally compliant CBD, hemp and smoke shop products that can be sold across the country. By Kelsi Trinidad
FS Cut & Color: A Cut Above the Rest in a Multibillion-dollar Industry
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, FS® Cut & Color, also known as Fantastic Sams, has solidified itself as a trusted name in hair care. With a commitment to providing exceptional services and a strong support system for franchisees, FS continues to attract entrepreneurs seeking a rewarding business venture in the multibillion-dollar hair care industry. By Shelby Green
One You Love Homecare: Moving Forward
For over six years, Dr. Zahra Kadivar managed outpatient rehabilitation services for one of the largest rehabilitation hospitals in Houston. After having her son, she decided to channel that same energy into owning her own business. By Erika Ortega
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers: A Window Into Automotive Tinting and Styling
Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto aftermarket accessory and window tinting business, was recently recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the Best of the Best Franchises in 2024. The list features brands from Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 that are ranked at the top of their industries. Tint World was ranked No. 1 in window tinting. By Patty Horansky
Shop Talk
LEGAL: Is Your Business ‘Franchisable’?
As a franchise attorney who has launched hundreds of brands over the last decade, I get asked this question a lot by people exploring whether they want to franchise and those who have launched a brand but have struggled to get traction. There are key business attributes that make a business “franchisable”; however, the first question is more about the founder than the fundamentals of the business. Are you ready and able to be a good franchisor? By Tom Spadea
Solo or Collectively?
“If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with a team” is a quote from Mike Halpern a CFC (Certified Franchise Consultant) with FranServe, Inc. Mike is absolutely right. Think about the Summer Olympics in Paris. The fastest people on the planet race alone and they race fast. But they don’t go far – usually 100 meters or thereabouts. This is called a sprint. Yet, think about relays in running and swimming. It’s a sense of pace and teamwork that only one can achieve in a collective team atmosphere. By Don Clayton