SPECIAL SECTION: HOME + AUTO SERVICES: Dawn Abbamondi

So, you are thinking of starting a franchise, and you are an aspiring franchisor. How will you make sure your franchise owners get the best opportunity from your brand? By Dawn Abbamondi

So, you are thinking of starting a franchise, and you are an aspiring franchisor. How will you make sure your franchise owners get the best opportunity from your brand? By Dawn Abbamondi

Following a corporate career and regional management role at Enterprise-Rent-A-Car in Little Rock, Arkansas, Johnny Weber decided to pursue his passion for franchising. By Erika Ortega

At Sea Love locations, guests enjoy scent-blending experiences where they can make their own candles and diffusers, personalize labels and shop at a curated boutique of home décor and accessories. By Nancy E. Williams

Jason Blough was successfully managing a fitness franchise when he decided to venture into the world of franchise consultancy. By Jessica Petrucelli
The home care organization’s Caregiver of the Year, Andreanna Smith, recognized nationally for lifesaving actions and unwavering dedication to seniors
SAN ANTONIO — Caring Senior Service announced today that caregiver Andreanna Smith has been named to WTWH Healthcare’s Frontline Honors Class of 2025, one of the industry’s most respected distinctions for frontline workers across the care continuum.
Smith works for Caring Senior Service in Littleton, Colorado and was chosen for this honor based on a consistent record of extraordinary service, from everyday caregiving moments to decisive leadership during emergencies.
Frontline Honors are presented to workers in the behavioral health, home health, hospice, memory care and senior living industries whose character, performance and commitment to quality stand out in their roles.
In addition to this recognition, Smith was also selected as Caring Senior Service’s 2025 Caregiver of the Year for her outstanding impact on the clients she serves. This award is given to the caregiver who exemplifies the company’s mission of delivering exceptional and compassionate care.
Quick Thinking Saves Life
Smith’s honors also reflect her ability to act decisively when circumstances demand it. That commitment was demonstrated during a recent incident that underscored her dedication to client safety.
During an incident at a grocery store, a reckless driver sped toward one of Smith’s clients in a crosswalk, prompting Smith to instinctively step between the vehicle and her client. Although the client fell and sustained injuries, Smith immediately took control of the situation by contacting the office, calling police, gathering witness statements and ensuring thorough documentation. When family members were unavailable, she remained overnight so the client would not be alone.
Smith’s compassionate approach also results in long-term improvements in her clients’ health. When a client lost interest in eating, Smith responded with patience and creativity, preparing meals the client enjoyed and offering steady encouragement. Her care helped restore the client’s appetite and achieve significant, healthy weight gain.
These actions were cited as key factors in her selection for both honors.
A Caregiver Focused on Dependability
“Caregiving isn’t about being noticed; it’s about being dependable,” Smith said. “I focus on doing the right thing in the moment and making sure the person I’m caring for feels safe and supported.”
Smith regularly goes beyond scheduled care, maintaining a monthly commitment to a client who lives a considerable distance away to provide personal care, companionship and continuity when family support is limited.
“Andreanna sets the standard for what caregiving should look like,” said Lisa Coker, who co-owns Caring Senior Service in Littleton with her husband, Marc. “She takes responsibility without being asked, remains calm under pressure and treats every client with dignity and respect. Her impact is felt not only by the families she serves, but by our entire team.”
Families Appreciate Her Devotion
The families Smith supports credit her with making a meaningful difference in their lives.
“Without hesitation, Andreanna put herself between my mother and a moving vehicle,” said Ron Smith, the son of the client she protected at the grocery store. “That moment alone speaks volumes. But it is her consistency, from the meals to the check-ins to the patience she shows, that truly sets her apart.”
As the U.S. population continues to age, the role of home caregivers like Smith has never been more critical. According to a study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the number of family caregivers has increased about 32% in recent years, underscoring the growing demand for compassionate care provided in the home.
For more information about Caring Senior Service, visit caringseniorservice.com.

About Caring Senior Service
Caring Senior Service is a non-medical home care services company based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by CEO Jeff Salter in 1991, the company provides assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, and any adult who may need help with the tasks of everyday living, such as bathing, personal care, running errands, and preparing food. After adding locations throughout Texas in the 1990s, the company extended its reach through franchising in 2002. It now boasts more than 50 locations throughout the United States.
Caring Senior Service has been named one of Franchise Business Review’s top franchises in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, and is a leader in the use of technology and artificial intelligence in the senior care industry. At the heart of the organization is its GreatCare® method, a commitment to dependable service, quality care solutions and active involvement that ensures every client receives the highest standard of compassionate, personalized care.
For more information on Caring Senior Service, please visit caringseniorservice.com.
VISALIA, Calif. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that its PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial Visalia offices will transition to new ownership under Strategic-Partners Daren and Terri Kneeland, effective February 16, 2026. The office will continue delivering high-quality staffing and employment services to the Central Valley under the Kneelands’ leadership, reinforcing PrideStaff’s long-standing commitment to the Visalia market.
This ownership change reflects a natural next step in the office’s growth story, bringing in owners with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to service. The local team will remain in place, ensuring seamless continuity and trusted relationships with clients and associates.
“Born and raised in Visalia, we’re honored to take on the responsibility of leading an office with such deep community ties and a strong track record,” said Daren Kneeland, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “Our goal is to build on that foundation—expanding opportunities for job seekers and helping employers in the region solve their workforce challenges with the highest level of service.”
“We’re passionate about people, and we’re excited to bring our energy and commitment to Visalia,” added Terri Kneeland, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “We look forward to investing in the growth of this office and creating lasting impact through the relationships we build with local businesses and talent.”
“Daren and Terri bring enthusiasm, vision, and a people-first mindset to everything they do,” said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff’s Co-CEO. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to the PrideStaff community and confident they will continue to drive great outcomes for clients and associates in Visalia.”
PrideStaff Visalia provides customized workforce solutions for employers across industries, including light industrial, administrative, and customer service. The team connects businesses with top talent for temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire roles, delivering results backed by PrideStaff’s proven processes and national support.

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards two years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing agency, announced today a change in ownership for its South Orange County Mission Viejo office. Effective February 16, the office will be under the leadership of new Owner/Strategic-Partner Yvonne Haner, positioning the team to continue serving local employers and job seekers in the community.
Yvonne brings a client-focused leadership approach and a commitment to service excellence that aligns with PrideStaff’s Mission of “Consistently providing client experiences focused on what they value most.” Under her ownership, the award-winning Mission Viejo office will continue delivering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire staffing solutions to businesses throughout South Orange County.
“I’m excited to lead the Mission Viejo office into its next chapter of growth,” said Haner. “I’m committed to building strong partnerships throughout South Orange County. My goal is to ensure every interaction reflects PrideStaff’s dedication to service, responsiveness, and results.”
“Yvonne brings strong leadership and a clear vision for delivering exceptional service in the South Orange County market,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “Her commitment to building meaningful client relationships and supporting job seekers aligns perfectly with our mission and exceeds the standards that define the PrideStaff brand.”

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, visit our website.
DENVER — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is proud to announce that its Denver (Northwest) office has transitioned into a corporate-led location within the PrideStaff system. This move reflects PrideStaff’s continued investment in the Denver market and underscores the local team’s strength, performance, and leadership.
The Denver (Northwest) office will continue operating under the guidance of its experienced leadership team, ensuring continuity, consistency, and the high level of service clients and associates have come to expect. By strengthening its connection to PrideStaff’s national organization, the office gains access to expanded resources, infrastructure, and strategic support designed to accelerate growth and improve results.
This transition reinforces PrideStaff’s commitment to building on the office’s strong foundation, local relationships, and personalized service that have driven its success. The enhanced alignment allows the team to scale its impact across the region while staying true to the values that define the PrideStaff brand.
“Denver (Northwest) has demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership, and this transition reflects our confidence in both the market and the team,” said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff’s Co-CEO. “They consistently deliver client experiences focused on what matters most, and we’re excited to further support their efforts as they continue to make a meaningful impact in the Denver community.”
PrideStaff Denver (Northwest) serves a wide range of industries, including distribution, manufacturing, call centers, and administrative services. The team specializes in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire placements and is widely recognized for exceeding industry benchmarks.
Most recently, the office earned the 2024 Best of Mile High Award in the Staffing Agency category and maintains one of the region’s highest client satisfaction ratings based on ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® survey.

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that its Charlotte (North) office has been acquired by Owners/Strategic-Partners Chad and Allison Austin, effective February 9, 2026. The Austins currently own and operate the highly successful PrideStaff Asheville office and will now lead both locations as part of their expanding regional footprint.
This transition marks a strategic investment in the Charlotte market and reflects the Austins’ ongoing commitment to serving North Carolina employers and job seekers with excellence. The Charlotte (North) office will continue offering the full range of staffing and employment solutions clients and job seekers expect, with support from a leadership team deeply familiar with the local economy and workforce.
“Expanding into the Charlotte market is a natural next step for us,” said Chad Austin, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner of PrideStaff Asheville, and now Charlotte (North). “We’re excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and bring the same values-driven, client-focused approach that’s guided our success in Asheville. Our goal is to help even more North Carolina businesses grow and thrive with the right talent.”
“Chad and I are passionate about creating opportunities—for our clients, for our associates, and for our internal teams,” added Allison Austin, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “We’re excited to bring our energy and experience to Charlotte, and to make a lasting impact in this growing market through service, connection, and local commitment.”
“Chad and Allison exemplify what PrideStaff looks for in Strategic-Partners—entrepreneurial leaders who care deeply about their communities and fulfill Our Mission to ‘consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most'”, said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff’s Co-CEO. “Their expansion into Charlotte (North) not only strengthens our brand in the region, but ensures long-term continuity and local insight for clients and candidates alike.”
PrideStaff Charlotte (North) specializes in placing candidates in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire roles across industries, including administrative, customer service, logistics, and light industrial. Backed by national resources and local expertise, the office remains committed to helping area businesses meet their workforce goals.

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.
Local entrepreneur Taylor Call brings high-energy, results-driven Pilates classes to Apple Street, offering early access, VIP events, and the exclusive WundaFormer experience.
BOISE, Idaho — Boise residents are about to experience a new kind of boutique fitness. Pilates Addiction, the nation’s fastest growing Pilates franchise known for transforming workouts with its signature WundaFormer, is set to open this spring at 2351 S Apple Street. Founding Members will enjoy VIP pre-opening events, giving them the opportunity to meet the Pilates Addiction team and Educators and be part of shaping Boise’s newest fitness community.
As part of the Pilates Addiction franchise network, the Boise studio offers high-performance, small-group classes in a beautifully designed studio, showcasing modern design, mood lighting, and gold machines. Each 50-minute session is led by certified Pilates Educators and blends classical Pilates principles with athletic intensity. Signature class formats – Core+, Max, and Mobility RX – are designed to strengthen, tone, and improve flexibility for all fitness levels.
“We’re excited to bring Boise a proven fitness concept that delivers real results and builds community,” said Taylor Call, franchise owner of Pilates Addiction Boise. “Founding Members will get first access to classes and special perks as we open our doors – it’s a chance to be part of something new and energetic in Boise.”
Founding Memberships are limited, and interested locals are encouraged to secure early access. To learn more or sign up, visit https://pilatesaddiction.com/founding/boise, follow @mypilatesaddiction on social media, or contact the studio at boise@pilatesaddiction.com | 208-906-1204.

ABOUT PILATES ADDICTION
Pilates Addiction, a Sequel Brands company, is a national boutique Pilates franchise delivering a high-performance, results-driven experience. Each studio features the brand’s patented WundaFormer, exclusive to Pilates Addiction, and is led by certified Educators who guide clients through anatomy-informed, full-body training designed to build strength, control, and mobility. The signature method fuses intensity with precision, creating sessions that challenge, transform, and energize. With sleek, modern studios and a focus on alignment, performance, and client experience, Pilates Addiction offers more than a class – it’s the healthiest obsession you’ll ever have. Backed by strong demand and rapid momentum, the brand is now expanding nationwide with 250+ territories awarded across the U.S., establishing Pilates Addiction as a new standard in results-driven Pilates.