Paul Zboichyk, Author at Franchise Dictionary Magazine

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20 06, 2024

Blingle! Hires Michael McAllister as Group President

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:56:54-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Blingle!, Horse Power Brands, Outdoor Lighting, Service-Based Franchisors and Franchise Brands|

McAllister Brings With Him Over Two Decades of Experience in Franchising.

OMAHA, Neb. — Blingle!, the premier outdoor lighting franchise, announced today the hiring of Michael McAllister as Group President. A franchising industry veteran, McAllister will also join the Heroes Lawn Care as part of his new role.

“We are very thrilled to have Michael join the HorsePower Brands team, bringing with him his franchising expertise,” said Josh Skolnick, Founder of HorsePower Brands. “He has a proven track record of helping scale franchises that benefit both the franchisees and franchisor, and we have no doubt that he will help take Blingle! and Heroes Lawn Care to the next level.”

After earning his graduate degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham, McAllister began his professional career at a commercial construction firm where he was the director of tech and training. In 2005, after a call from a friend, he was introduced to the idea and success that comes with franchising. Following his entrepreneurial spirit, he became a multi-unit franchisee with Fitness Together in Charlotte before he went from franchisee to franchisor.

His career took him to Denver when he joined the WellBiz team where he provided operational support to the franchisees and development to grow the brand. McAllister has also worked for HealthSource and Sanford Medical, two health and wellness franchisors. Most recently, he served as the Vice President of Operations for LINE-X. In that role, he oversaw over 500 locations across the United States and Canada.

“I am very excited to join the HorsePower Brands family,” said McAllister. “Blingle! is an emerging brand, and it is very unique within the space. Being put in this position, with such a young company, allows me to help put an imprint on the franchisees from the start to help grow and scale both brands.”

As Group President, McAllister will assist the franchisees by providing them with resources and support as they look to grow. He will look to lead and develop the team to build and optimize the current processes, ultimately putting the brands in the best position possible. When it comes to franchisees, it is his responsibility to help them become profitable. His long-term goal is to have 100-plus units for Blingle! and Heroes Lawn Care.

“Franchising is about relationships and connections,” added McAllister. “This role is about supporting and connecting with the franchisees, which I enjoy tremendously. I am excited to see each franchisee succeed with the systems we put in place.”

To learn more about Blingle! please visit: blingle.com. For more information about franchising opportunities, please visit: blingle.com/franchising and horsepowerbrands.com.

ABOUT BLINGLE!
Founded in Omaha, Neb. in 2014, Blingle!, a part of HorsePower Brands, specializes in providing year-round premium lighting services for homes, businesses and events. Blingle!’s services cover all outdoor lighting needs, including landscape, permanent, holiday, patio, event, and commercial lighting. As the premier lighting service, Blingle! uses state-of-the-art designs and products to transform outdoor spaces and create memorable illuminations with spectacular lighting. Blingle! is Ida Dark Sky approved, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau and The Institute of Wedding and Event Design. Additionally, Blingle! was named an Elite Service and Screened and Approved by HomeAdvisor. To learn more about Blingle! and HorsePower Brands, please visit https://www.blingle.com/ or https://horsepowerbrands.com/.

20 06, 2024

AlphaGraphics Launches agEnterprise, the Ultimate Brand Management Platform for Businesses Nationwide

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:51:24-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: AlphaGraphics, marketing products and solutions, print and marketing franchise, printing services franchise, visual communications|

Leading Franchisor of Printing and Marketing Solutions Unveils Innovative Platform for Ensuring Brand Consistency

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, announces the launch of agEnterprise, a new brand management platform tailored to meet the unique needs of franchises and other multi-location businesses. The new platform is designed to uphold brand consistency, offer both national oversight and local customization, and streamline the marketing process with a central hub for branded, customizable marketing assets.

“agEnterprise is more than just a platform; it’s the cornerstone of modern brand management,” said Ryan Farris, CFE, President and COO of AlphaGraphics. “By seamlessly blending national oversight with local customization, it empowers franchises and multi-location businesses to elevate their brand consistency while maintaining individuality. With agEnterprise, businesses aren’t just streamlining processes – they’re redefining success, achieving unparalleled efficiency and unlocking the full potential of their marketing endeavors.”

In addition to brand consistency, here’s what agEnterprise can do for your business:

Achieve national control and local customization: The strongest brands strike a balance between consistency and personalization. agEnterprise clients receive a customized site that serves as a centralized hub for branded and customizable marketing assets that business owners can access to make direct orders. Through this hub, businesses can customize assets while staying within brand guidelines. Additionally, clients will be assigned an account manager to support the creation and production of marketing assets and ensure multi-location consistency.
Leverage technology to streamline marketing processes: agEnterprise combines all marketing tools in one fully integrated platform, which can save businesses up to 30% by cutting back on third-party tools.
Monitor and manage marketing funds and co-op dollars: Effective financial oversight is crucial for businesses to thrive. Recognizing this, agEnterprise provides custom reporting tools, helping marketing teams to monitor and manage funds and co-op dollars, oversee spending at a national and local level, provide flexibility for franchisees, and increase visibility into campaign costs.
Provide every location local production and marketing support: AlphaGraphics has over 230 locations across the country to support businesses in a variety of markets to fulfill and distribute marketing assets. This results in quicker turnaround times, cost-savings, and a reduced carbon footprint. The platform helps eliminate the wait time on shipping as items are produced locally by teams who understand the market.

“As a franchise ourselves, we understand the challenges of trying to balance national brand recognition with local needs and unique markets. This is what provided the impetus for us to create a platform that provides an end-to-end solution,” added Farris. “We’ve created a one-stop- shop for marketing executives to manage assets in a singular platform, gain access to local printing services across the country, and ultimately save money on shipping costs. Our years of experience serving like-minded businesses allows us to provide you with unmatched franchise marketing expertise.”

For more than 50 years, AlphaGraphics has helped businesses of all sizes get noticed and get business with quality print, signs, graphics, and technology. AlphaGraphics recognizes that representing a brand accurately and strengthening brand recognition is paramount, and agEnterprise supports businesses to do just that – by guaranteeing consistency across all marketing assets, ensuring they are on-brand, and centralized. When executed properly, brand consistency has an ability to increase revenue by 10-20%.

For more information on agEnterprise and to request a demo, visit https://shop.alphagraphics.com/agenterprise/.

About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 230 locally-owned and operated locations in the U.S., offers a complete range of print, signs, visual communications, and marketing services to businesses. AlphaGraphics also provides enterprise print management solutions through its agEnterprise platform. agEnterprise provides a comprehensive end-to-end solution allowing multi-location brands to centralize all on-brand marketing assets. The platform utilizes an integrated online ordering system to streamline print ordering, manufacturing, and distribution. By offering both national oversight and local customization, agEnterprise streamlines the marketing process through automation, accelerating speed to market, while saving time and resources. For more information about agEnterprise, visit https://shop.alphagraphics.com/agenterprise/.

20 06, 2024

Gotcha Covered adds new North Carolina location

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:31:57-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Custom Interior Window Treatments, Gotcha Covered, home improvement, Window Treatment Consultation|

Tom Clapham and Sarah Wike to lead Durham and Chapel Hill team

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the opening of a new location in North Carolina. Gotcha Covered of Durham and Chapel Hill is owned and operated by Tom Clapham and Sarah Wike.

With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, the new center provides the best in soft and hard window treatments to homeowners in Durham and Chapel Hill by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.

“Durham and Chapel Hill are areas that have seen consistent growth, which makes it a wonderful market for the window treatment solutions this new center will offer,” said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered. “Tom and Sarah both enjoy the collaboration that comes from working with customers, and I know they’re going to be offering the best customer experience to area home and business owners.”

Clapham is an Appalachian State University graduate and served in the Army for eight years after graduation. He began a 20-year career in healthcare marketing while working at Duke University Health System. He moved to Dallas after completing a Master of Business Administration at Duke but returned to Chapel Hill in 2017.

“Sarah and I often discussed launching our own business and, when the opportunity presented itself, we decided to take a leap into Gotcha Covered ownership,” Clapham said. “We were impressed by the range and quality of the products as well as the caliber of the company leadership and collegiality of the other franchise owners we spoke to during our due diligence.”

Wike studied international relations at UNC-Chapel Hill before completing a Master of Arts at UNC-Greensboro in Hispanic literature, language and linguistics. She taught high school Spanish for 14 years before transitioning into independent school administration, completing a doctorate in educational technology along the way.

“Gotcha Covered is a ‘feel good’ business,” Wike said. “We absolutely love the opportunity to meet new people and, ultimately, help them transform their spaces. Whether clients’ motivations are mostly rooted in privacy and security, light management, home automation, or aesthetics, we approach each project with their goals in mind and strive to deliver results that bring lasting satisfaction. Seeing our clients happy and getting referrals from them makes for a very rewarding occupation!”

Adding 30 new franchise locations in 2023, Gotcha Covered currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.

To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered of Durham and Chapel Hill, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/durham-chapel-hill/.

About Gotcha Covered
Gotcha Covered is a leader in custom soft and hard window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada. Flying under their Gotcha Covered flag since 2009, they offer custom window treatments including blinds, draperies, shutters and much more. They offer end-to-end consultation with the customer’s specific needs and goals in mind. The company currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

20 06, 2024

Tint World® announces new location serving drivers in Littleton, Colorado

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:25:45-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Auto Accessories, Installation Services, Tint World, window tinting|

The National Automotive Styling Centers™ franchise delivers premium automotive aftermarket styling services to the Denver metropolitan area

LITTLETON, Colo. — Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, continues to build its footprint in Colorado with its fourth location in the state.

Owned and operated by George Boudouris, Tint World Littleton offers comprehensive automotive styling, performance and safety services, including window tint, paint protection film, ceramic coatings, and professional detailing, to drivers in the southern Denver metropolitan area.

“We’re proud to expand the Tint World brand in Colorado and to introduce the leading automotive service and products to the Littleton area,” Boudouris said. “Tint World has a proven record of success. Their reputation for quality and value enhances the powerful franchise systems and support that drive the company’s fast growth in a highly competitive industry.”

Tint World Littleton is located at 151 West Country Line Road, Littleton, CO 80129. To book an appointment, request a quote or learn more about Tint World Littleton, call (303) 300-8747 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/littleton-101/.

“George is a welcome addition to the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He has the commitment and passion we look for, and we know Tint World Littleton will have a positive impact on its customers while helping us continue to elevate our brand globally.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

About Tint World®
Founded in 1982, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is America’s largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coatings, and installation services.

Tint World® Mobile Services™ include marine, residential, and commercial window tinting films, solar films, decorative films, safety and security films, and protective ceramic coatings. Tint World® has locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with master franchise opportunities available worldwide. To find out more, please visit www.TintWorld.com or  https://www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities.

20 06, 2024

JETSET Pilates Achieves Monumental Milestone of Over 50 Locations Sold

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:19:55-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: fitness franchise, JETSET Pilates, Reformer Pilates Franchise|

Pilates Franchise Studio Has Officially Sold Their 50^th Franchise Location, With Sights on Greater Success for the Brand

MIAMI — JETSET Pilates – the Miami-based, modern Reformer Pilates franchise, combining curated music and fitness for the ultimate revitalizing experience – proudly announces they’ve officially reached over 50 franchised locations. This landmark achievement signifies a major milestone in the company’s journey, displaying its rapid growth and consistent commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle through high-quality Pilates training within different communities across the U.S.

Since launching its franchise opportunity in 2022, JETSET Pilates has rapidly gained traction and established itself as one of the most attractive concepts in the boutique franchise business space. What started as a single studio in Miami, has now transformed into 50+ franchise locations throughout the following markets: Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Washington D.C., California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Utah and Australia.

Tamara Galinsky, Founder and Brand President of JETSET Pilates expressed her excitement about reaching this significant milestone: “Reaching over 50 franchised locations is a phenomenal achievement that validates our vision for JETSET. It’s incredibly rewarding to empower communities across the US and Australia with access to a transformative Pilates experience that improves both mental and physical health and well-being.”

Currently, the brand is seeking potential franchise partners looking to own multiple units within the company. Their easy-to-use managerial system and user friendly LMS systems makes an easy transition for opening and operation. Unlike most franchising opportunities, JETSET Pilates allows an instant stream of opening revenue with strategies in place to establish memberships before opening.

Looking ahead, JETSET Pilates has big goals in store. “50 franchise locations is a tremendous milestone, but it’s just the beginning of our journey,” said Bert Albertse, CEO of JETSET Pilates. “We’re committed to continuous innovation and strategic expansion, bringing the JETSET experience to even more communities throughout the US and beyond.”

JETSET Pilates has grown to become an internationally recognized brand with a growing, loyal community devoted to the unique 50-minute workout that challenges mind, body and soul. Instructors have been trained to create a personal connection with clients, ensuring everyone receives a workout that is effective and appropriate for their personal goals. The intricate designs, intuitive settings and high-performance reformer equipment allows the brand to create a 360 experience like no other for every client.

To learn more about JETSET Pilates, or for interest in the opportunity to own a franchise in your community, please 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 in Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Washington D.C., California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Utah and Australia, with 50+ 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/.

20 06, 2024

Chatime Appoints a New CEO to Support Global Growth

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:11:45-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Bubble Tea Brand, Chatime, Innovative Beverage|

HSINCHU — Chatime, a leading global bubble tea and innovative beverage brand, has appointed Carlos Antonius to the newly created role as a new global CEO, the brand announced last June 7, 2024.

Carlos has served as the CEO of Chatime Australia, a role he has held since 2015. With his extensive credentials leading B2B/B2C F&B businesses, he led the repositioning of the Chatime brand in Australia, enabling Chatime to be the largest brand in the category with 200 Australian locations, making the brand synonymous with bubble tea in Australia today.

Carlos is a results-focused business leader with over 30 years’ experience across retail and franchise business sectors, both nationally and internationally. With a proven track record of leadership, management, strategy, and change management, his prior success in repositioning brands, transforming and growing businesses to improve profitability and sustainable growth will be welcomed by all stakeholders. His previous roles included Business Development Director of Nando’s, a fast-casual restaurant chicken brand, and Gelatissimo gelato brand in leading their international development.

In his new role, he will oversee Chatime, responsible for over 1, 500 locations worldwide, and will champion driving the Chatime business to achieve its strategic plan, including targeting 2, 500 operating locations globally by 2027.

With Chatime’s new brand refresh initiative rolling out across Chatime international markets this year, Carlos is positive the brand is on the right trajectory of success. “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to lead Chatime into the next phase of growth, and I look forward to executing our growth strategy and collaborating with the board, our leadership team, and our partners to realize our brand’s full potential.” Carlos added.

About Chatime

Since 2010, it has helped shape the global bubble tea drinking culture through its franchise partners in key markets, including in Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, and Mauritius, with the most recent expansion in India and Thailand. The brand refresh captures the vibrant, youthful spirit of the company and appeals to Gen Z around the world– seeking opportunities to create and celebrate in their everyday lives.

20 06, 2024

41% of American Job Seekers Can’t Be Themselves at Work; 79% Fear Discussing Certain Topics

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T20:05:45-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: business services, Express Employment Professionals, professional education, staffing solutions|

However, Employers Encourage Authenticity, Promoting Positive Mental Health

Latest Results from The Harris Poll

OKLAHOMA CITY — Although overall company culture has become more casual, 41% of U.S. job seekers still don’t feel comfortable being themselves in the workplace as 79% believe employees are discouraged from discussing certain topics.

This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

The top three topics still follow the “tried-and-true” philosophy of topics to avoid at work: salary/wages (51%), politics (50%) and religion (47%). Additionally, Gen Z perceives discussing politics (64%) as more frowned upon than discussing salary/wages.

While job seekers may feel there are subjects they shouldn’t talk about at work, that doesn’t mean that they are uncomfortable doing so.

Discussing family is a topic that 4 in 5 job seekers (80%) are fine with, proving even higher for Gen X (85%). More than half of job seekers are also okay with discussing physical health (69%), DEI&B (67%) and mental health (53%).

And, as for the traditional three topics to avoid at work, at least 2 in 5 are comfortable sharing salary/wages (53%), religion (48%) and politics (43%). Gen Z and Millennials are far more comfortable discussing salary and wages (70%, 58% vs. 45%, 40%) and religion (62%, 52% vs. 42%, 39%) compared to Gen X and boomers/seniors.

Workplace etiquette can be a moving target though, as more than half of job seekers (56%) feel it is confusing to know what is and isn’t acceptable etiquette in the workplace because it has changed so much. Perhaps for that reason, most job seekers (86%) say they like to keep their home life separate from their work life.

Encouraging Authenticity

Around three-quarters of hiring managers (76%) say their company places a great deal/moderate amount of priority on encouraging employees to be authentic (i.e., bring their whole selves) at work.

A key part of the whole self of an employee is their mental health — and three-quarters of hiring managers say their company also promotes positive employee mental health (77%). Yet digging deeper, only around 2 in 5 say their company places a great deal of priority on authenticity (39%) and promoting positive mental health (40%), perhaps leaving room for improvement in these areas.

An inability to discuss topics openly at work could hinder some employees from feeling welcome to share and add their unique perspectives at the company.

The majority of hiring managers (70%) say there are topics employees are discouraged from discussing at their company — including politics (38%), salary/wages (38%), religion (35%) and their health (both physical and mental) (24%). Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (12%) and family (12%) are also off the table at some companies.

“Several company environments now lean toward a more laid-back atmosphere in the post-pandemic era; however, some sensitive conversations are not appropriate for the workplace,” said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. “While people should be comfortable being themselves at work, employees should respect the beliefs of their colleagues, creating a safe space for everyone. A healthy company culture is an inclusive and supportive one, no matter the personal differences.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, 2023, among 1,007 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. 9 to 26, 2023, among 1,002 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 Bill Stoller
William H. “Bill” Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in 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 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

20 06, 2024

Gotcha Covered announces first location in Indiana

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T19:58:59-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Custom Interior Window Treatments, Gotcha Covered, home improvement, Window Treatment Consultation|

Dennis Siebert to lead Southeast Indiana/Cincinnati West Side team

SUNMAN, Ind. — Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the opening of a new location in Indiana. Gotcha Covered of Cincinnati West Side is owned and operated by Dennis Siebert.

With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, the new center provides the best in soft and hard window treatments to homeowners in Southeast Indiana and West Side Cincinnati by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.

“Gotcha Covered has seen amazing growth, and we’re excited to start serving homeowners and business owners in Indiana and West Cincinnati,” said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered. “Dennis is a natural problem solver and is going to put those skills to good use as he helps design beautiful window treatment solutions that fit every client’s space and budget.”

Siebert has been involved in project management, business analysis, process engineering and operations management in various industries, including insurance, banking and manufacturing.

“I was ready to move away from corporate America and utilize my skills to a difference in people’s lives,” Siebert said. “Windows provide a love/hate relationship to all of us. We may love seeing the sunshine, but not the heat, chill or lack of privacy. Window treatments not only solve those problems but also allow for a home or business owner’s personality to shine through via color or design of the solution.”

To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered of Cincinnati West Side, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/cincinnati-west-side/.

20 06, 2024

Dogtopia Foundation Celebrates Milestone of 500 Service Dogs Sponsored

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T19:53:48-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Dogtopia, exercise and safe socialization for dogs, pet care franchise, pet services industry|

Nation’s Leading Dog Daycare Franchise Has Raised More Than $3 Million Enabling Dogs to Positively Change our World

PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, proudly announced today a significant milestone: the U.S. Dogtopia Foundation has helped sponsor more than 500 service dogs for veterans. Since the Foundation’s inception, Dogtopia daycares have collectively achieved this milestone by raising more than $3 million, underscoring Dogtopia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the brave men and women who have served our country.

This achievement comes on the heels of the recent groundbreaking research from The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, which was supported by the Dogtopia Foundation with the help of K9s For Warriors, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Purina. The study assessed a total of 161 veterans who had PTSD—88 had a service dog and 73 did not. Cortisol, a stress hormone found in saliva, was assessed at two different points three months apart, and a total of 2,613 cortisol samples were analyzed. The study concluded that overall, veterans with service dogs had stress hormone levels more like those in healthy adults without PTSD than veterans without service dogs.

Much of the Dogtopia community’s energy and passion for supporting veterans with service dogs is inspired by retired Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a highly decorated and courageous warrior who sustained life-threatening injuries while serving her country. She credits her service dog, Aura, with saving her life. Evans regularly speaks at Dogtopia fundraising events nationwide and recently joined Dogtopia Regional Manager Jordan Cerrillo for the final 10 miles of his 101-mile fundraising run from Dogtopia of Eau Claire in Wisconsin to Dogtopia of Woodbury in Minnesota. Her participation in Cerrillo’s run, along with a recent fundraiser hosted by the owners of Dogtopia of Sacramento – Nimbus Winery, helped boost the Dogtopia Foundation’s fundraising totals by nearly $150,000 in the week leading up to Memorial Day.

“We are fortunate to have Gretchen igniting a spark among the communities we serve, encouraging them to give back to the men and women who so bravely fought for our country,” said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. “Her involvement, along with the outstanding commitment of Dogtopia owners, team members, and pet parents to the Dogtopia Foundation, has been crucial in raising money to support our veterans in need of service dogs. We could not be prouder of our Dogtopia community.”

The Dogtopia Foundation’s mission is to enable dogs to positively change our world. Providing service dogs to veterans is just one of the three key pillars of the Dogtopia Foundation that helps to achieve this mission. Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation has also supported youth education programs and employment initiatives for adults with autism.

“Dogs are compassionate and affectionate and, most importantly, provide unwavering, nonjudgmental companionship. This support is crucial for emotional and physical wellbeing and helps people navigate their daily lives with greater confidence,” said Liz Meyers, the executive director of the Dogtopia Foundation. “Our collaborations allow the Foundation to assist returning veterans, adults with autism, and at-risk students and help them reach their full potential.”

For more information about the Dogtopia Foundation and how you can support its efforts, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Dogtopia franchise in general, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About Dogtopia
Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is an early pioneer and innovator in the dog daycare industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety, and transparency in the market. The ultimate destination for improving the physical and mental wellbeing of dogs and pet parents, Dogtopia helps our furry friends live long, healthy, and happy lives with services that holistically address canine wellness. Pet parents have the assurance of leaving their beloved furry family members in the hands of trained professionals in an environment created with the safety of dogs in mind, including spacious playrooms assigned by size and play style, comfortable rubber flooring to reduce the impact on joints and paws, and webcams for pet parents to check in on their pups. For more information, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About Dogtopia Foundation
The Dogtopia Foundation enables dogs to positively change our world by supporting programs focused on service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. The Foundation’s aim is to identify needs, fill gaps, and integrate knowledge for continuous improvement in the three areas of focus. By connecting dogs with organizations the Foundation supports, the Foundation is helping returning veterans, students, and adults with autism reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org.

20 06, 2024

ComForCare Introduces DementiaWise® 2.0 in Recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Paul Zboichyk2024-06-20T19:46:40-04:00June 20th, 2024|Tags: Alzheimer's disease, ComForCare, dementia, in-home caregiving services, senior services franchise|

Franchised provider of in-home caregiving services enhances DementiaWise program to address growing need of person-centered care

TROY, Mich. — ComForCare, a franchised provider of in-home caregiving services, is proud to announce the launch of DementiaWise® 2.0. This expanded program builds upon the foundation of its original proprietary program, DementiaWise®, an occupation-based, team-centered training program designed to help elevate the standard of dementia care. The DementiaWise® program is aimed at better equipping home care teams to resolve dementia-related challenges collaboratively with clients and their families with a person-centered approach.

With an emphasis on person-centered care, the advanced training module delves deeper into the stages of dementia to tailor care strategies specific to each stage. DementiaWise 2.0, delivered through ComForCare’s Learning Management System, Relias, provides caregivers an eight-chapter training program containing stage-specific care strategies, new staging guides, caregiver daily schedules and a DW2.0 manual.

“Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is projected to nearly triple by 2060. This marks a crucial need to equip direct care workers with the tools and strategies to support individuals living with dementia to not only successfully age in place at home, but to thrive,” said Stephanie Wierzbicka, Director of Strategic Health Programs at ComForCare. “In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and beyond, ComForCare is committed to advancing the comprehensive curriculum of the DementiaWise program by innovating to provide the utmost care and support for individuals and families affected by the disease that is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.”

Since its inception in 2013, DementiaWise has been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for incorporating evidence-based dementia care practices. As part of its ongoing collaboration, ComForCare has featured Kristin Moore Bennett, Health Systems Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, on its 2023 and 2024 podcast episodes to discuss the annual Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into dementia care navigation.

“At ComForCare, we prioritize the essential need for equipping caregivers with every resource and tool available to ensure they have the expertise to care for and positively impact the overall quality of life for clients living with dementia,” said Rebecca Bouchard, Brand President of ComForCare. “In 2022 ComForCare supported a Duke University study that validated the effectiveness of our DementiaWise program, and with the launch of DementiaWise 2.0, we are only furthering our commitment to providing comprehensive, stage-specific care strategies that empower caregivers and enhance the well-being of clients.”

The launch of DementiaWise 2.0 ahead of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month underscores ComForCare’s dedication to advancing the care and support for individuals living with dementia. To learn more, visit ComForCare DementiaWise. To view and apply to open positions, visit ComForCare Career Days.

About ComForCare Home Care:
ComForCare is a premier franchised provider of in-home caregiving services with 275 territories independently-owned and operated in Canada and the U.S., helping older adults live independently in their own homes. ComForCare operates as At Your Side in Houston, Texas. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best lives possible and offers special programs, including fall risk management, dementia care, innovative in-home technology devices, and Joyful Memories music. Founded in 1996, ComForCare was acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2017 and is now part of Best Life Brands, which has plans for continued expansion of service brands across the continuum of care. ComForCare has earned a ranking of 402 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list. For more information, visit www.comforcare.com.

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paul@franserve.com

About Paul Zboichyk