With the healthier snacking trend on the rise, Naturals2Go is committed to providing high-quality foods and drinks while maximizing profitability for owner-operators. By combining world-class equipment with top services, training and support, owner success is one of its priorities. By Erika Ortega
Since you are considering franchising, this is a great place to be. Food and beverage concepts continue to perform well in this industry. In fact, this year, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brands are projected to grow more than ever. By Dawn Abbamondi
The food and drink franchise sector is proving to be one of the brightest spots in franchising this year, with 2025 shaping up to be another strong chapter for this ever-evolving industry. While economic headlines may shift daily, the reality on the ground or more appropriately, in the kitchen, is one of resilience, creativity, and steady expansion. By Rose Mango
When Chasity and Tyler Ennis came across American Family Bio-Clean at a true crime convention in Orlando, Florida, they knew their lives were about to change for the better. American Family Bio-Clean is more than just a biohazard cleanup company. It’s a brand committed to helping individuals through the most vulnerable and difficult moments of their lives, which is exactly what drew the husband-and-wife team to the rapidly growing brand. By Shelby Green
Since 1997, Schooley Mitchell has been providing cost-reduction services for business expenses across several key areas. This means that, after close to 25 years in business, the brand has perfected the way it supports its franchise owners and helps them build their futures. One of those ways is through the resources it provides. By Nancy E. Williams
While he was successful in his previous job as a data analyst, Jake Canterberry knew he was destined for something bigger and better – something that didn’t restrict him to a desk-bound job away from his family. By Brianna Bohn
Leading contents restoration company helps rehabilitate irreplaceable heirlooms, allowing family to preserve cherished memories
WAREHAM, Mass. — Housefires and other calamitous events can result in untold damage to personal property—including assets of enormous financial value as well as those with outsized sentimental worth. For one Massachusetts couple, a housefire resulted not just in structural damage but in a cherished collection of ceramic figurines becoming compromised by soot and smoke. Though the collection initially seemed irredeemable, it was salvaged and given second life when the couple enlisted the services of 1-800-Packouts of Southeast Massachusetts.
The incident involved a couple from the Wareham area, whose house unexpectedly caught fire one night. For more than 40 years, the couple had amassed a huge collection of delicate ceramic figures, including a full ceramic Christmas village — each item in their set a cherished gift from a child, grandchild or close friend. These priceless treasures—and the memories attached to them—were initially thought to be lost to fire and smoke.
“These items weren’t just holiday decorations, they were symbols of love and time spent through the years,” said Angie Celia, who co-owns the franchise with her husband, Joe. “When we received the ceramic figures, they smelled of smoke and were discolored by soot. We knew our mission wasn’t just to clean the items, but to preserve the memories attached to them.”
After removing the items to an external facility — preventing further infusion of smoke and soot — the 1-800-Packouts team began the process of inventorying the items, cleaning them and deodorizing them — ultimately taking items thought to be permanently ruined and restoring them to like-new condition.
“Memories matter, and following a fire or other catastrophe, that’s often what people most want to salvage and restore,” Joe Celia said. “We are grateful to play a part in that, and to be a source of comfort for homeowners experiencing crises.”
To learn more about 1-800-Packouts, visit https://www.1800packouts.com/sema.
About 1-800-Packouts
1-800-Packouts, the leader in property contents restoration, delivers expert inventory management, packing, cleaning, and climate-controlled storage services for homes and businesses during stressful times. Trusted by property owners and the largest insurance carriers to secure and protect valuable possessions when disasters happen, 1-800-Packouts is expanding rapidly to meet the growing demand for contents restoration services across North America. For more information, visit https://www.1800packouts.com.
Led By Two Husband-and-Wife Teams, Always Best Care of Knoxville will Provide Compassionate Care to Local Senior Community
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, is pleased to announce that Meghan and Clay Hamby along with Ed and Rosalia Hoyt have taken over ownership of the franchise in Knoxville, Tennessee. Always Best Care of Knoxville is located at 9050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 200A, and is dedicated to providing quality in-home care and senior living referral services to the aging population in Knoxville and surrounding areas in East Tennessee.
“Embarking on our franchising journey has been an incredibly rewarding experience, especially with a respected organization like Always Best Care,” said Meghan Hamby. “As home care becomes the preferred choice over assisted living, our commitment to personalized, in-home support ensures seniors can enjoy independence and comfort in familiar surroundings. We are truly grateful to be able to provide a service that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in some limited markets.
The Hambys and the Hoyts join Always Best Care with a combined background in nursing, medical service, and business administration and management. Following the retirement of Always Best Care of Knoxville’s previous owner, Andrew Scruggs, Ed enlisted Meghan and Clay to join him on the joint venture of taking over ownership of the agency. With Meghan’s expertise as a geriatrics nurse and Clay and Ed’s combined business background, the team at Always Best Care of Knoxville is prepared and trained to uphold Always Best Care’s standard of high quality of home care services, providing compassionate service and attention to the senior population in Knoxville and surrounding areas.
“Meghan, Clay, Ed and Rosalia bring a perfect blend of industry and business experience to our franchise network coupled with strong values of servant leadership, which is most important when working in senior care,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “I have no doubt this group will accomplish great things for our Knoxville franchise and know our trusted senior community is in good hands with them at the helm.”
For more information about Always Best Care of Knoxville, TN or to schedule a care consultation, please call (865) 259-7770 or visit alwaysbestcare.com/knoxville/
About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs for over 29 years and currently provides thousands of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.
Always Best Care also offers exclusive programs such as Complimentary Always in Touch, Balance Tracking System, remote patient monitoring and a 24/7 Virtual Care. For more information regarding Always Best Care’s solutions, visit www.alwaysbestcare.com.
Key Mistakes to Avoid and How to Protect Your Home Before the Storm Hits
VANCOUVER, BC — With hurricane season officially underway, Ideal Siding, North America’s largest siding renovation company, urges homeowners in storm-prone regions to take a hard look at their home’s exterior before the next major storm hits.
“Most people don’t think about their siding until a storm causes major damage,” said Alex Filipuk, Founder and CEO of Ideal Siding. “But siding is your home’s first line of defense. Small issues like cracks, loose panels, or failed caulking that seem harmless now can become major entry points for wind and water during a hurricane.”
Key Mistakes That Leave Homes Vulnerable
The most common siding-related mistakes during hurricane season include:
Best Practices for Siding Prep
At a minimum, homeowners should inspect their siding twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. In areas that are prone to hurricanes or heavy storms, it is smart to check before the start of hurricane season and again after any major weather event.
A quick walk-around inspection can help spot early signs of damage, like soft spots, bubbling paint, or siding pulling away from the home. Catching these early makes repairs easier and prevents bigger issues down the road.
“If a full siding replacement isn’t realistic, focus on high-risk areas,” said Filipuk. “Start with the most storm-exposed sections, especially the south and west sides of the home. Even reinforcing trim, corners, and moisture barriers can make a big difference.”
What Siding Materials Work Best in Storm Zones
Fiber cement siding is recommended for areas frequently impacted by hurricanes. Its strength, fire resistance, and ability to withstand high winds make it a reliable choice. Engineered wood can also perform well with proper installation and maintenance.
In contrast, traditional wood siding can absorb moisture and deteriorate quickly, while low-grade vinyl is more likely to detach or crack in high winds. If those materials are already installed, reinforcement or targeted upgrades may help reduce risk.
Regional Expertise Matters
Siding performance depends heavily on local weather patterns. In coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes, extra attention should be given to storm-resistant fasteners and water barriers. In colder regions, materials should be selected for their ability to handle freeze-thaw cycles and insulate effectively.
“Understanding your region’s specific weather risks is key,” said Filipuk. “Storm season looks different depending on where you live, and siding should be part of that conversation.”
To learn more about Ideal Siding, visit www.idealsiding.com. To learn more about the Ideal Siding franchise opportunity, visit www.idealsiding.com/franchise.
About Ideal Siding
Ideal Siding is North America’s fastest-growing siding renovation franchise, serving homeowners across the United States and Canada. With over 80 locations, Ideal Siding specializes in transforming homes with top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. By combining innovative digital marketing strategies, a centralized call center, and a proven operational model, we ensure consistent lead generation and support for franchisees, helping them build successful businesses. Our mission is to bring exceptional customer service and flawless siding renovations to every neighborhood. For more information, visit www.idealsiding.com.
New Survey Reveals Most Candidates Favor Skills-Based Hiring—And 89% Say They’d Stay Longer at Companies That Invest in Training
OKLAHOMA CITY — Forget the skills gap — job seekers say it’s a training gap. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 79% of U.S. job seekers believe companies are passing over capable candidates because they’re unwilling to train them. And with 87% calling for skills-based hiring over degrees, many are pushing back on outdated job requirements that may be doing more harm than good.
While hiring managers continue to cite a widening skills gap, most job seekers disagree. Instead, they call on employers to be more realistic about qualifications and more willing to invest in training. And they’re not just voicing frustration, they’re ready to stay loyal to companies that meet them halfway.
Job seekers across all age groups agree that certain core skills are essential in today’s workforce. Communication, work ethic, problem-solving, accountability and general demeanor all rank highly in importance, with more than 80% of job seekers citing them as critical when applying for a position. Slightly fewer consider technical skills (71%) and cultural fit (69%) as top priorities, suggesting a greater emphasis on soft skills.
At the same time, a significant number of job seekers believe employers are setting unrealistic standards that overlook capable candidates. Many feel that companies should reconsider rigid qualification lists and focus instead on potential and willingness to learn:
Generational differences are also evident. Younger candidates, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are much more likely to believe that company requirements are too strict:
On the employer side, the tension is apparent. Nearly 7 in 10 hiring managers (69%) say the skills gap is wider than ever, even though 84% believe their company has the resources to close it. Still, many employers are beginning to adapt.
Eighty-three percent of hiring managers report their company has waived some job requirements to fill open roles, including:
Furthermore, 60% say their company is willing to make exceptions to job requirements in some instances, and 69% are open to waiving degree requirements. However, challenges persist as 35% admit they don’t know how to assess certifications or online degrees, which may discourage their adoption.
“In today’s evolving labor market, adaptability is increasingly recognized as a critical asset by both employers and job seekers,” said Express CEO Bob Funk, Jr. “Many business leaders are finding that while priorities may differ, there’s common ground in practical strategies, such as flexible qualifications and onboarding programs focused on long-term growth. These approaches help bridge gaps in expectations while maintaining the high standards that drive sustainable success.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 11 to 26, 2024, among 1,001 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 21 to Dec. 10, 2024, among 1,039 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 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 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.