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15 01, 2026

Two Five Star Franchising brands honored on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list

2026-01-15T15:03:33-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: , , , |

Five Star Bath Solutions (No. 123) and Mosquito Shield (No. 269) both recognized among top franchises in the country

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Two brands from the innovative and rapidly-growing Five Star Franchising platform have been recognized on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, denoting them as two of the top franchise opportunities in the country. Five Star Bath Solutions made the list at No. 123 while achieving the No. 1 position within the Kitchen and Bath Remodeling category. Mosquito Shield came in at No. 269.

The prestigious annual list represents a gold standard within the franchising industry, highlighting the brands that offer the best overall owner performance. Rankings are determined based on unit growth, financial stability and overall brand recognition.

This year’s rankings boast a number of notable milestones for the Five Star Franchising platform, including:

  • Five Star Bath Solutions’ eighth consecutive appearance on the list.
  • The first time Five Star Bath Solutions has topped its category.
  • Mosquito Shield’s fifth consecutive appearance on the list.

“When aspiring owners start vetting potential franchise opportunities, one of the main things they’re looking for is consistency,” said Scott Abbott, Co-founder and CEO of Five Star Franchising. “Having our brands make so many repeat appearances on this list confirms that they are reliable revenue-drivers and growth engines, year after year.”

The Franchise 500® list has been sought-after within the franchise space for 47 years now, with an ever-evolving rankings formula that accounts for more than 150 data points. In assigning rankings, Entrepreneur’s editorial team considers everything from growth trajectories to initial costs and fees.

“We have brands ranking across multiple categories, which attests to Five Star’s breadth of opportunity within the residential service space,” said Colt Florence, senior vice president of franchise development for Five Star Franchising. “For those looking to build their own business within the proven structures of a franchise system, our platform offers numerous points of entry.”

For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

To view the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.

About Five Star Franchising

Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of home service brands with more than 1,600 total locations throughout North America. Franchise owners across Five Star’s brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, Mosquito Shield, 1-800-Packouts, and Card My Yard enjoy a robust support network and access to industry-leading tools such as ProNexis, the 24/7 sales support solution tailored for home service businesses, and Five Star Marketing Services, Five Star Franchising’s elite marketing engine. Five Star Franchising’s commitment to core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — ensures its brands are category leaders and empowers franchise owners to maximize profitable growth and secure their financial destiny. Five Star Franchising is consistently recognized as one of the most successful companies in the industry. The company has appeared on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America five times total, ranking #780 in 2025. Five Star Franchising also ranks among the fastest-growing businesses in its home state, with positions on the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50 lists. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

About Five Star Bath Solutions

Five Star Bath Solutions is the premier bath transformation franchise in the home remodeling industry. The company, named to the highly competitive Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for seven consecutive years, designs and builds dream bathrooms through expertise and trust providing affordable transformations and beautiful solutions. Part of the Five Star Franchising portfolio of home service brands since 2014, Five Star Bath Solutions is one of the fastest-growing bath remodeling franchises in the world with more than 250 franchise locations. Five Star Bath Solutions was also recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. and Canada by Entrepreneur in 2024 and named a Top Low-Cost Franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review. For more information, visit fivestarbathsolutions.com. To learn about franchising with Five Star Bath Solutions, click here.

About Mosquito Shield

Mosquito Shield is America’s trusted provider of effective residential mosquito, tick and perimeter pest control service. Combining an innovative proprietary blend of natural oils and select control products with a responsive spraying schedule designed around real-time pest population analysis and weather conditions, Mosquito Shield delivers the best results in the industry to help customers in over 400 territories enjoy their outdoor spaces. Mosquito Shield, part of the Five Star Franchising platform of home service brands, was ranked the top pest control franchise in the U.S. by Entrepreneur in 2023, 2024 and 2025. For more information about Mosquito Shield, visit moshield.com. To learn about franchising opportunities, click here.

15 01, 2026

58% of US Job Seekers Say Finding Work Will Be Harder in 2026 — Yet 42% Are Already on the Hunt

2026-01-15T14:56:31-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: , , , |

New survey reveals rising workloads, shrinking opportunities and growing pressure for better pay and balance as the new year begins.

OKLAHOMA CITY — With 2026 in full swing, U.S. job seekers are entering the new year with mixed emotions and mounting challenges. While optimism about higher wages persists, the majority believe the road to landing a job will be harder than ever.

According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 58% of job seekers expect it will be more difficult to find a job in the next six months, and 37% believe there are fewer opportunities compared to a year ago, a sharp decline from 48% in 2025.

At the same time, 46% anticipate overall wages will increase in 2026 compared to 2025, fueling hope amid uncertainty.

Interest in full-time work remains strong, with 82% of job seekers focused on securing full-time positions, compared to just 35% considering part-time roles.

Contract and freelance work appeals to 24%, while temporary or seasonal positions hold steady at 23%. Entry-level roles are attracting 22%, and only 11% are willing to accept positions below their most recent pay level, signaling a continued emphasis on stability and growth.

The intensity of job searches is also shifting. Currently, 42% of job seekers report actively looking for a new job, up from 35% in the spring of 2024 but slightly down from 44% in the spring of 2025. This trend suggests a market where urgency is rising but caution remains.

For those already employed, the grind is real: 47% report working longer hours or more shifts than usual in the past year, and 37% have logged more overtime.

Those with household incomes above $50,000 are feeling the strain most, with 49% working longer hours and 39% taking on more overtime, compared to 36% and 28% among lower-income workers.

Why are employed job seekers looking to make a move?

  • 42% want better growth opportunities within their current industry.
  • 41% are seeking the work-life balance they’ve been missing.
  • 36% cite the need to negotiate better compensation.

Top concerns about staying put:

  • 34% worry about not getting the salary increase they deserve.
  • 32% fear a slowdown in work opportunities.
  • 28% are concerned about losing their job if the economy declines.

Despite these pressures, satisfaction gaps remain a driving force behind career decisions.

Salary continues to lead with a 20-point gap between importance and satisfaction, followed by work-life balance at seven points and advancement opportunities at five points. While these gaps have narrowed slightly since the spring of 2025, they underscore persistent frustrations that could shape the job market in the months ahead.

“As the job market continues to evolve, success will come to those who stay focused, flexible and proactive,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers who invest in their skills, remain open to new opportunities and clearly communicate their value will be best positioned to thrive and find the right fit in 2026.”

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. 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.

15 01, 2026

BrightStar Care Ranks Among Top 500 Franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2026

2026-01-15T14:51:35-05:00January 15th, 2026|Tags: , , , , |

The Brand Earns #159 Ranking After Year of Accelerated Expansion and Strong Franchisee Performance

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — BrightStar Care, a leading provider of in-home care and medical staffing, has been recognized, for the 16th year in a row, as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, BrightStar Care jumped nearly 30 positions from the previous year, now ranking as #159 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“As demand for home-based care continues to rise, BrightStar Care’s continued momentum in the Franchise 500® reflects the strength of our franchise model,” said Pete First, Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care. “We’re proud to offer franchise owners a model that delivers strong financial results while making a meaningful impact for families, caregivers, and healthcare partners nationwide.”

In 2025, BrightStar Care opened more than 30 new locations, welcomed 20 new franchise owners, and saw existing owners expand into 21 additional markets. BrightStar Care’s multiple revenue streams provide franchisees the opportunity to grow their business beyond traditional companion and personal care, which drives greater market penetration and strong financial performance.

“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief.

As part of Entrepreneur’s ongoing commitment to evaluating the constantly evolving franchise landscape, the editorial team conducts in-depth research across a wide range of criteria, including costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and overall financial stability.

About BrightStar Care
Founded in 2002, BrightStar Care is a leading franchisor of home care services with more than 420 franchised locations nationwide that provide skilled and unskilled home care to clients and custom medical staffing solutions to corporate entities. BrightStar Care franchise agencies employ more than 15,000 caregivers and 5,700 registered nurses who oversee the care and safety of each client. All BrightStar Care agencies are accredited by The Joint Commission, and the brand has been recognized as an Enterprise Champion for Quality for over a decade. In addition to supporting families at home, BrightStar Care partners with healthcare organizations to meet staffing needs with experienced, credentialed professionals. Learn more at www.brightstarfranchising.com.

12 01, 2026

AtWork Opens the Door to a New Era of Franchise Ownership with “AtWork Professional”

2026-01-12T08:19:09-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , , |

New fully remote, low-cost franchise model expands franchise ownership opportunities and meets the evolving needs of today’s workforce

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork®, an award-winning staffing agency franchise, is proud to announce the launch of AtWork Professional, a first of its kind franchise category debuting this year that reflects the changing dynamics of the modern workforce and the growing demand for specialized talent. Designed as a low-cost franchise opportunity, AtWork Professional eliminates the need for a brick-and-mortar location and can be operated independently without the need for additional staff, making it an accessible and flexible franchise model.

This innovative concept has been years in the making, as AtWork carefully evaluated workforce trends, franchisee needs, and the increasing demand for professional-level staffing solutions. By removing traditional geographic constraints, AtWork Professional opens the door for seasoned professionals to become franchise owners with a top-rated franchise while utilizing their existing personal networks to recruit and place professional level talent into meaningful, career-driven opportunities.

“AtWork has always been a staffing franchise about people, relationships, and understanding where the job market is headed,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork. “AtWork Professional is an exciting and necessary next step for our brand. It allows us to stay innovative, meet the evolving expectations of today’s workforce, and attract a new generation of franchise owners who bring deep professional expertise to the table. We see the trends, and we’re proud to be delivering a solution that benefits franchisees, employers, and job seekers alike.”

AtWork Professional is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs with backgrounds in professional fields who are seeking flexible business ownership with a low-cost franchise, without the overhead of a physical office. Franchise owners will focus on placing professional-level talent into career opportunities, offering a more specialized staffing solution while maintaining AtWork’s people-first approach.

AtWork Professional represents thoughtful growth,” Leverant added. “Our team of employment professionals, took the time to do this right, ensuring the model aligns with our values and delivers long-term opportunity for franchise owners and the communities they serve.”

AtWork Professional will launch with a focused set of specialized staffing categories designed to meet growing demand across professional and skilled sectors. These categories will include areas such as information technology, engineering, accounting and finance, marketing and creative, human resources, healthcare administration, and other professional services where industry knowledge and trusted relationships are essential.

For more information about AtWork Professional and franchise opportunities, visit https://www.atwork.com/franchise/.

About AtWork

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, AtWork is an award-winning staffing franchise. For more than 30 years, leading companies from across the nation have trusted AtWork to recruit the best talent. Recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the Largest and Best Staffing Firms to work for in the U.S. and as an Entrepreneur Verified Franchise, AtWork can staff an entire production facility or provide temporary support that keeps businesses thriving. AtWork’s dedication and unparalleled service earned them Clearly Rated’s Best of Staffing® award for client and talent satisfaction. Additionally, the franchise’s growth and support for its franchisees have secured them a place on Franchise Business Review’s (FBR) Top 200 Franchise ranking for seven years in a row and is in the FBR Hall of Fame for 10+ years of stellar performance. AtWork is also ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Franchise Times Top 400, and Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. To learn more about AtWork’s services, visit https://www.atwork.com/.

12 01, 2026

The Designery expands its North Carolina presence with new North Charlotte showroom

2026-01-12T08:07:55-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , , , |

Owners Carolina Preciado and Michael Simcox will host a grand opening event on Jan. 7 to introduce the location to area residents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will celebrate the grand opening of its new North Charlotte location on Wednesday, Jan. 7 from noon to 2 p.m. at the showroom located at 19930 W. Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.

The Designery North Charlotte is locally owned and operated by business partners Carolina Preciado and Michael Simcox, who bring complementary backgrounds in leadership, operations, real estate and customer-focused service to their new venture.

The grand opening celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. Guests will enjoy lunch from local restaurants while touring the new showroom. The event will conclude with raffle giveaways, including gift baskets from vendor partners and a $1,000 grand prize gift card to be applied toward a project with The Designery North Charlotte.

“Our goal is to build a design center that clients trust as a long-term partner for their homes and projects,” Preciado said. “We want to create a process that is clear, collaborative and efficient while delivering design solutions that improve how people live in their spaces. By working closely with homeowners, builders and designers, our goal is to raise the standard for what a local design showroom can provide in both service and results.”

Simcox said that Charlotte’s continued growth makes it an ideal market for kitchen and bath remodeling, with many homes reaching an age where renovations and updates are increasingly in demand.

“North Charlotte offers a unique mix of growth, established neighborhoods and ongoing development,” Simcox said. “There is strong demand for thoughtful renovation and design solutions, and this market allows us to work with homeowners and partners who are invested in making discerning, lasting investments in their homes. We see a real opportunity to support the area’s continued evolution while delivering a seamless, end-to-end design experience.”

Casey Ridley, The Designery’s founder and president, said the North Charlotte owners exemplify the brand’s commitment to quality, collaboration and community engagement.

“Carolina and Michael bring strong leadership experience and a shared vision for serving their community,” Ridley said. “Their partnership exemplifies The Designery’s commitment to expertise, creativity and customer-centric solutions.”

The Designery North Charlotte will serve homeowners, builders, developers and interior designers throughout Caldwell, Concord, Cool Springs, Cornelius, Davidson, Highland Creek, Huntersville, Lake Norman of Catawba, Lowesville, Mallard Creek, Mooresville, Mt. Ulla, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Statesville, Troutman, University City and Westport.

For more information about The Designery North Charlotte, visit https://thedesignery.com/locations/north-charlotte/ or call them at (704) 310-5639.

About The Designery

The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery’s immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit https://thedesignery.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, Top Rail Fence, and Roof Scientist – to transform lives through franchise ownership.

For more information about HomeFront Brands’ current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.

12 01, 2026

Cruise Planners Launches Industry-First “Free Trip” Franchise Promotion to Attract the Next Generation of Travel Entrepreneurs

2026-01-12T08:01:42-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , , |

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — As professionals across generations rethink traditional career paths, Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise, is launching a bold new franchise recruitment promotion designed to introduce travel entrepreneurship for everyday people looking for a change. Beginning January 1, 2026, Cruise Planners will offer a FREE trip with the purchase of a franchise, inspiring qualified prospects to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and immediately equip new franchise owners with real-world experience.

“This promotion reflects what Cruise Planners stands for,” said Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “We invest heavily into our franchise owners from day one and taking that first trip as a franchise owner ignites a sense of wanderlust and also serves as a real-time training experience while earning commission immediately.”

A Franchise Model Built for Today’s Workforce

Cruise Planners’ franchise model is a good fit for many:

  • Women often are juggling busy lives. A travel franchise offers flexibility to work at one’s pace, early mornings, evenings or whenever time allows. It is an opportunity to turn passion for travel into income, all while balancing family and life demands.

  • Military Veterans’ leadership, discipline, and adaptability pairs nicely with Cruise Planners’ structured training and coaching model and provides a proven path to business ownership.

  • Gen Z and Millennials are prioritizing work-life balance and fulfillment over traditional career ladders. Franchise ownership offers work from home or on the go flexibility and scalability.

  • Gen X professionals are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship to leverage experience while building long-term financial security.

  • Baby Boomers and Retirees are looking for a fulfilling new career or part-time opportunity that offers exciting experiences and new sources of income all while staying active and exploring the world.

“No prior travel experience is necessary,” added Fee. “All that is required is a passion for travel. Our proven system of success provides the rest.”

Training, Support, and a Culture of Success

Cruise Planners’ long-standing reputation and deep industry partnerships make it a top choice for aspiring travel entrepreneurs looking to start a part-time or full-time business. New franchise owners benefit from the company’s training, support, technology, marketing, and collaborative culture, known internally as Cruisitude. As franchise owners build their business, they enjoy opportunities for ongoing training, strategic development, free marketing, travel industry networking, and travel benefits.

The free-trip franchise promotion launches January 1, 2026, and will be available for a limited time.

For more information about franchise opportunities with Cruise Planners, click here.

About Cruise Planners

Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise network with more than 3,000 franchise owners across the U.S. As an award-winning leader in the travel industry, Cruise Planners provides franchisees with innovative marketing programs, advanced booking technology, business intelligence tools, and comprehensive training. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as the #1 Travel Franchise for 18 consecutive years and a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review. Cruise Planners has also been celebrated as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies, and a Sun Sentinel Top Workplace.

For more information about Cruise Planners, visit www.cruiseplanners.com.
To learn more about franchise ownership opportunities, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

12 01, 2026

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Expands Support Infrastructure with Strategic Appointments

2026-01-12T07:56:04-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , |

Melanie Amore and Todd Cornic Join Pillar To Post to Enhance Coaching, Sales Systems, and Startup Success

TAMPA, Fla. — Pillar To Post Home Inspectors (Pillar To Post), North America’s largest home inspection company, today announced the appointment of two seasoned franchising leaders to its corporate support team: Melanie Amore as Director of Consultant Success and Todd Cornic as Startup Director  Sales Support. Together, the additions underscore Pillar To Post’s continued investment in systems, coaching, and infrastructure designed to help franchise business owners launch strong and scale sustainably.

These appointments come as Pillar To Post expands across North America, attracting entrepreneurs from corporate leadership, military service, real estate, construction, and other industries seeking a proven, executive-led business model.

Strengthening Franchise Development & Consultant Support

In her role as Director of Consultant Success, Amore will focus on elevating the experience for prospective franchise business owners by supporting the consultants and brokers who guide candidates through the discovery and onboarding process. With experience across multiple mature franchise systems, Amore brings a relationship-driven approach centered on follow-through, alignment, and long-term success.

“What excites me most about Pillar To Post is the opportunity to support people at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey,” said Amore. “Franchising provides a powerful framework, but success ultimately comes down to people. My focus is ensuring that every candidate receives the guidance, clarity, and support they need to make the right decision and build a business they’re proud of.”

Amore will work closely with Pillar To Post’s development team to strengthen communication, improve engagement throughout the franchise awarding process, and ensure new owners enter the system positioned for long-term growth.

Building Stronger Sales Foundations

Joining alongside Amore, Cornic brings more than three decades of sales leadership, coaching, and franchising experience to his role as Startup Director – Sales Support. Cornic has helped scale multiple franchise brands from early-stage growth to hundreds of locations by refining sales processes, developing repeatable training systems, and coaching owners through hands-on launches.

In his new role, Cornic is responsible for supporting new and existing franchise business owners as they build strong sales and marketing foundations. His work includes immersive training programs, in-market coaching, and systemizing daily sales habits that drive consistency and accountability.

“Sales success isn’t about pressure or persuasion. It’s about relationships, follow-up, and showing up every day with the right mindset,” said Cornic. “Pillar To Post already has strong systems in place. My role is to help franchise owners turn those systems into habits that support growth, trust, and long-term success in their markets.”

Cornic will collaborate closely with Pillar To Post’s coaching team to align sales training, field support, and ongoing performance coaching across the system.

Investing in Scalable Support Systems

“Melanie and Todd each bring deep experience in franchising, but more importantly, they bring a shared commitment to supporting people,” said Eric Steward, Senior Director of Franchise Recruiting at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. “As our system continues to grow, having leaders focused on coaching, sales execution, and long-term success is critical. These roles strengthen the foundation we provide to franchise business owners at every stage of their journey.”

With a scalable Executive Model, technology-driven systems, and continued market share growth, Pillar To Post remains focused on equipping franchise business owners with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in today’s evolving home services landscape.

For more information on franchise opportunities with Pillar To Post, please visit https://franchise.pillartopost.com.

About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors® 
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are 400+ franchises located across the United States and Canada. The company has been named as Best in Category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise500® ranking for 19 years in a row. For further information, please visit www.pillartopost.com.

12 01, 2026

Americans Are Turning Household Clutter Into Cash — Grasons Shares Insights and Consumer Tips for Identifying Valuable Items

2026-01-12T00:20:46-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , |

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A growing national “clutter-to-cash” movement is prompting Americans to take a fresh look at the belongings filling their homes, as rising interest in resale markets continues to surge. As highlighted recently by The Wall Street Journal, families nationwide are exploring ways to convert unused household items into extra income — from furniture and collectibles to toys, tools, and artwork.

Grasons, a leading provider of estate sale and business liquidation services with 60 franchise locations, reports increased demand from families seeking expert guidance on what items hold real value and how to approach the liquidation process effectively.

“People are often surprised by the resale potential sitting right in their own homes,” said Brandon Ciaccio, Brand President of Grasons. “Our teams help families understand what’s worth selling, what the market is responding to, and the best way to navigate a large volume of belongings.”

According to Grasons franchise owners, inquiries increasingly come from homeowners who are not moving or settling an estate, but who simply want to downsize, simplify, or make informed decisions about long-held items.

To help consumers get started, Grasons offers the following insights:

  • Start with categories that reliably sell.
    Mid-century furnishings, vintage toys, tools, vinyl records, Pyrex, glassware, décor, and unique collectibles often draw strong interest.

  • Don’t discard items too quickly.
    Old electronics, rugs, typewriters, artwork, handbags, and ceramics may have higher value than expected.

  • Rarity can outweigh condition.
    Even worn items may sell well if they are unusual or difficult to find.

  • Sell strategically rather than randomly.
    Listing items one at a time can be overwhelming. Estate liquidation experts can evaluate, price, and market belongings efficiently, often increasing total return.

  • A structured process reduces stress.
    Families dealing with decades of accumulated belongings — especially across generations — benefit from professional support and clear guidance.

Grasons is currently evaluating opportunities to expand additional service offerings in 2026 to meet growing consumer interest in organizational resources.

“For many families, this isn’t just decluttering — it’s a pathway to creating space, reducing stress, and recapturing value from possessions they no longer use,” Ciaccio added.

For more information about Grasons estate sale and business liquidation services, visit www.grasons.com.

About Grasons

Grasons is the leading estate sale and business liquidation franchise and a member of Evive Brands, helping families and businesses transition with care and professionalism. With locations nationwide, Grasons specializes in estate sales, auctions, and cleanouts, ensuring seamless and respectful handling of cherished possessions.

12 01, 2026

JETSET Pilates Enters Arizona with Multi-Unit Deal and Eyes Further Expansion

2026-01-12T00:14:49-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , |

Premium Pilates franchise announces three-unit development deal in Scottsdale, with plans for 8–10 studios across the Greater Phoenix region

MIAMI — JETSET Pilates, the fast-growing modern Reformer Pilates franchise offering premium, full-body workouts, has officially entered Arizona with a newly signed three-unit franchise agreement in Scottsdale. The deal marks the first phase of the brand’s broader expansion strategy for the Phoenix–Scottsdale metro area, where JETSET anticipates opening 8–10 studios in the coming years.

The three-unit development deal is led by franchisees Bill and Jen Hoge, who bring strong operational backgrounds and a shared vision for introducing a premium Pilates concept to the Scottsdale community.

“We chose JETSET because of its strong brand identity and talented leadership team that offers a support structure with well thought-out systems,” said Jen Hoge. “We wanted a brand we would be proud to own and that would strengthen our presence in the community, and JETSET fits right into that vision.”

Following the signing of its first Arizona franchise agreement, JETSET is actively targeting additional expansion throughout the Phoenix–Scottsdale metro area. The region’s growing population, wellness-focused lifestyle, and strong demand for premium boutique fitness concepts align closely with JETSET’s core customer base. Scottsdale, in particular, has even ranked among the nation’s top cities for health and fitness, making it an ideal market for the brand’s modern Pilates offering.

“This multi-unit agreement represents an exciting first step in our Arizona expansion,” said Bert Albertse, CEO of JETSET Pilates. “Bill and Jen are aligned with our vision for delivering a premium, experience-driven Pilates concept, and we’re confident they are the right partners to help grow the brand throughout the Phoenix–Scottsdale market.”

JETSET continues to stand out with its signature 50-minute workout that seamlessly blends strength, mindfulness, and precision on custom high-performance reformer equipment. Instructors are carefully trained to offer personalized attention and guidance, ensuring every client receives a transformative workout tailored to their goals.

“JETSET is designed for communities where wellness is not a trend, but a way of life,” said Tamara Galinsky, Founder and Brand President of JETSET Pilates. “The Phoenix–Scottsdale area reflects everything our brand stands for—movement, intention, and elevated experiences—and we’re thrilled to grow alongside franchise partners who share that vision.”

Since launching its franchise opportunity in 2022, JETSET Pilates has quickly become one of the fastest-growing concepts in the boutique fitness sector. For more information about JETSET Pilates and its franchise opportunities, visit https://jetsetpilates.com/franchise/.

About JETSET Pilates 

Founded in 2010 and franchising since 2022, JETSET Pilates has rapidly established itself as one of the most attractive concepts in the boutique franchise business space. JETSET Pilates currently has plans to open studios across the U.S. and Australia, with over 200 studios in development. JETSET now offers franchising opportunities to entrepreneurs in some of the largest and fastest-growing markets within the fitness franchise sector. For more information, please visit https://jetsetpilates.com/franchise/, or follow JETSET Pilates on LinkedIn and Instagram.

12 01, 2026

STRETCH ZONE NOW OPEN IN SAN ANGELO, TX

2026-01-12T00:06:44-05:00January 12th, 2026|Tags: , , |

New wellness studio introduces practitioner-assisted stretching to support mobility, flexibility, and everyday movement

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Stretch Zone, the nation’s leading brand for practitioner-assisted stretching, officially opens Stretch Zone San Angelo today, bringing a new approach to wellness and mobility to the local community. The studio will be owned and operated by Chris and Carolee Galban, longtime San Angelo residents with deep ties to the area.

What first drew the Galbans to Stretch Zone was its structured, science-based approach to stretching. “We really appreciated that the Stretch Zone Method focuses on improving range of motion in a safe, guided way,” they shared. “It combines wellness with professionalism, and that’s something we felt strongly aligned with.”

For Chris and Carolee, opening Stretch Zone San Angelo is about introducing a service the community doesn’t currently have. “San Angelo has great fitness and wellness options, but nothing focused solely on mobility and assisted stretching,” they explained. “We’re excited to bring something new that genuinely helps people move, feel, and live better—whether they’re athletes, older adults, or anyone dealing with stiffness from work or daily life.”

The Galbans have been proud members of the San Angelo community for more than 18 years and have spent much of that time serving others. For the past 7½ years, they have owned and operated the Christopher Galban Allstate Agency, and they remain active in numerous local organizations. Their community involvement includes service with the San Angelo Schools Foundation, San Angelo Symphony Guild, CASA, the San Angelo Rodeo Association, and Tom Green County 4-H.

Stretch Zone offers fully assisted stretch sessions led by certified practitioners who gently guide members through controlled movements designed to improve flexibility, increase mobility, and reduce stiffness. Members are never asked to push themselves—practitioners do the work while members relax and breathe, making the experience accessible for people of all ages and activity levels.

Stretch Zone San Angelo opens today, January 8th, at 2801 Southwest Blvd, and will operate Monday-Thursday 7am-7pm, Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm. To celebrate the opening, new members are invited to come and enjoy a complimentary first stretch consultation. For more information, visit www.stretchzone.com.

Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and recovery. With more than 400 locations across North America, the brand’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver safe, effective stretching experiences that improve mobility and enhance quality of life. Stretch Zone has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists for growth and innovation. Learn more at www.stretchzonFounded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and recovery. With more than 400 locations across North America, the brand’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver safe, effective stretching experiences that improve mobility and enhance quality of life. Stretch Zone has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists for growth and innovation. Learn more at www.stretchzone.com.

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