Alesia Visconti, CEO and President of FranServe, Inc., the largest franchise consulting and expansion organization in the world, recently announced, “Franchise ownership has never been hotter! For the sixth year in a row, FranServe has set a new record with 2023 being our best year to date. I’m confident 2024 will make 2023 look pale in comparison.” By Cindy Charette
Joe Ohlweiler spent seven years co-managing a manufacturing company and another 25 years in strategic planning, finance and CFO roles. It was ultimately the near five-hour daily commute from his home in southern New Jersey to Manhattan that became taxing, because it didn’t allow him much flexibility in his family life. By Kelsi Trinidad
The demand for fresh dog food has skyrocketed in recent years due to the seemingly endless health benefits it offers your furry companion. As Conor Wooley started to home-cook food for his dog, he quickly realized how much the health of his dogs had improved. He then teamed up with his longtime friend, Rick Orlandi, to bring the product to market. United by a shared vision, they aimed to improve the lives of dogs in their community, and Natural Hounds was born. By Shelby Green
Tim Justice put on a tool belt at age 13 and worked alongside his father, a general contractor in Huntington, Utah, in the early ‘90s. He enjoyed working in his community and building things, but, after college, he chose to become the part owner of a financial education company that offered business and retirement coaching. By Patty Horansky
Leading franchisor surpasses $1.2 billion in sales, expands territories and acquires key brands all within a year of its rebranding
RICHMOND, Va. — Empower Brands, multi-brand franchisor of premium commercial and residential services, celebrates remarkable milestones just one year after its rebranding. The umbrella company has navigated an extraordinary path since November 2022, achieving unprecedented growth through strategic acquisitions and expansion, solidifying itself as a top player in the franchising industry.
When the rebranding was announced last year, Empower Brands set an aggressive goal to increase its portfolio to 10 brands by the close of 2023. Empower currently boasts 11 brands on its roster, having acquired four industry-disrupting organizations – Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, Canopy Lawn Care and Bumble Roofing.
Empower not only grew its brand roster, but expanded its already established brands adding over 200 new franchise territories, bringing its portfolio to over 800 territories across 42 states and eight countries. The brand also set a company record by surpassing $1.2 billion in systemwide sales.
The exceptional growth has garnered recognition for Empower Brands in prominent industry listings, including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times’ Dealmakers of the Year.
“This year stands as proof of the dedication and hard work of our team, strategic partners and franchisees,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “Their commitment has been instrumental in our success, driving our growth and achievements. We’re poised to build upon this foundation of collaboration to further innovate and excel what we’ve established.”
The brand’s commitment to a franchisee-first approach is evident in the formation of a seasoned senior leadership team and an increase in corporate staff by over 40 individuals. Additionally, the establishment of an incubation team signifies Empower Brands’ forward-looking strategy to nurture and cultivate emerging brands within its ecosystem.
Ongoing incubation efforts for Canopy Lawn Care and Bumble Roofing showcase the company’s dedication to cultivating emerging brands into successful ventures. Empower Brands is poised to unveil its first franchise agreements with these acquired brands before the end of the year, signaling a strategic move towards amplifying its market presence and offerings.
Empower Brands remains committed to its vision of continual evolution and innovation. 2023 was a year of rapid growth, expansion, investment, and unbelievable change. As the brand looks ahead to 2024, its theme will be to adapt, evolve and innovate. Now is the opportune time to build upon and improve what it has already established.
To learn more about franchising with Empower Brands, visit EmpowerFranchising.com.
About Empower Brands
Empower Brands was founded in 2022 as a product of the integration of Lynx Franchising and Outdoor Living Brands. Empower encompasses ten industry-leading brands across commercial and residential services: JAN-PRO, Intelligent Office, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), Conserva Irrigation, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, and Bumble Roofing. Empower is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services in the commercial and home services industries while simultaneously delivering its franchise owners committed personal support, tools, and empowerment to pursue their own success. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a leading private equity firm with an excellent track record investing in successful, growth-focused franchise businesses. For more about Empower Brands, visit the company’s website at EmpowerFranchising.com.
Premier Health and Wellness Day Spa Entering New Development Era Bringing Affordable Luxury and Resort-Like Experiences Closer to Home
DENVER — For years, Spavia has been reinventing the neighborhood day spa experience, delivering result-driven treatments to help guests relax, recenter and renew.
Guided by a vision to make a positive difference in the world one guest at a time, the premier health and wellness day spa has earned tremendous acclaim since its inception in 2005, for offering a blend of affordable luxury amenities with a world-class environment.
Today, the high-end day spa retailer hosts more than 50 locations stretching across vibrant cities such as Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Boston and Orlando. As the brand continues to grow nationwide, Spavia is entering an ambitious franchise development era with goals to reach 200 locations in the next decade. Leveraging its scalability and leading position in the day spa industry, Spavia is placing an emphasis on additional major metropolitan areas across the country with an initial focus on cities throughout Arizona and Texas. Development plans for eight new day spas are already underway as aspiring franchisees continue to invest in a concept that’s unmatched in the luxury spa space.
In conjunction with the Spavia team’s commitment to growth is their dedication to making a positive difference within the communities they operate. Through the Spavia Cares program, every local day spa actively partners with individuals and organizations, giving back through a variety of fundraising, volunteering and donation efforts to support community development, education, health, human and civil rights, and animal welfare. By making these meaningful contributions, Spavia ensures that each guest, team member and franchise owner has a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from doing good for others.
“As we take this pivotal step in our growth journey, we’re not just expanding…we’re continuing our legacy of offering affordable luxury with a pathway to a successful wellness journey for our guests,” said CEO and Founder of Spavia Marty Langenderfer, who created the brand alongside his wife Allison, Spavia President. “We have a relentless focus on providing an exceptional experience with operational excellence, and franchisees are drawn to that unwavering commitment, as well as our philanthropic culture. We’re proud to welcome fresh faces to our franchise family and continue helping our existing franchisees develop into new territories, all while having a positive ripple effect in our communities.”
To reinforce its national franchise growth efforts, Spavia is continuing to invest in its C-suite by welcoming seasoned marketing and operations executives who will add to the leadership team’s franchise expertise and combined 100 years of day spa experience. Similarly, the brand is debuting new skincare treatments such as Dermaflash, maintaining its reputation for providing result-driven, yet trending treatments to have guests leave relaxed and renewed. In the months to come, Spavia will launch an additional, innovative spa concept targeting Gen Z and Millennials. The smaller footprint SWAY by Spavia will offer a revolutionary new design, lower investment opportunity tailored to entrepreneurs wanting to break into the lucrative health and wellness space.
Spavia offers guests a rich assortment of treatments and the chance to customize spa experiences with serenity aesthetics carried throughout the day spa. Complementing this experience, Spavia provides a range of retail products that support philanthropic endeavors, all while offering a diverse pricing structure to cater to a broad audience.
Strategically positioned within local communities, guests can indulge in monthly treatments, luxuriate in plush robes, find tranquility in retreat spaces, or shop top-tier retail offerings, creating the ultimate destination for those seeking relaxation, recentering and renewal conveniently within reach.
“Our extensive expertise in guest experience and branding ensures that every Spavia location embodies our core values, making us the top choice for those seeking relaxation, recentering and renewal within their local communities,” said Allison. “When you step through Spavia’s doors, you’re not just entering a day spa; you’re immersing yourself into a world of luxury and well-being, providing result-driven treatments that are affordable and accessible to all on a daily basis.”
Aside from exceptional guest experiences, the Spavia standards of excellence for franchisees come from a national training team with expertise in day spa treatments, guest care, team training, marketing, construction and personal development. Every Spavia location adheres to the same standards of excellence to give guests a 5-star experience.
The ideal candidate for a Spavia franchise is someone who embodies a passion for wellness and a commitment in delivering exceptional guest experiences. This individual should be a forward-thinker and possess strong people skills and management experience, as they will be at the forefront of nurturing a culture that fosters relaxation and well-being. With a strong belief in the power of accessible luxury, Spavia franchisees are positioned to flourish within a supportive network of like-minded individuals who strive to make a meaningful difference in their community.
For more information on franchising with Spavia, please visit spaviafranchise.com.
ABOUT SPAVIA
The first Spavia opened its doors in 2005 in Denver, CO, with a mission of making a positive difference in the world, one guest at a time and delivering a luxurious spa experience at an affordable price. Spavia locations provide a variety of massage treatments, skin care treatments, body wraps, waxing, lash extensions, make-up, and an opportunity to celebrate with a spalebration™ — all in a relaxing and tranquil setting that allows guests to relax, recenter and renew. In late 2023, Spavia opened its 55th location, with an additional 90 locations under development. The 55 day spas are currently open in 23 states, reinforcing Spavia’s commitment to providing affordable luxury and promoting relaxation, renewing and recentering as core values.
Spavia doesn’t stop at relaxation; it extends to making a positive impact. The Spavia Cares program reflects the brand’s dedication to giving back to communities and helping others by contributing to fundraisers, volunteering, hosting events and providing chair massages for local events or organizations. Spavia is there to be a part of each and every community, ensuring that guests leave with a sense of fulfillment that comes from contributing to the well-being of others.
Latest Results from The Harris Poll
OKLAHOMA CITY — Job seekers’ and employees’ desire for flexibility has upended the workforce, and while the majority of both groups don’t believe that 1099 employment is simply a fad (66% job seekers and 58% hiring managers), more than 7 in 10 believe it will never replace traditional employment (72% and 75%, respectively).
This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.
Despite signaling plans to hire full-time staff, companies appear to have a growing interest in alternative hires. Nearly 3 in 10 (29%) are planning to hire seasonal, temporary or contract workers. This intention aligns with the trends observed in the second half of 2022, where 28% of companies expressed similar hiring plans.
Currently, nearly half of U.S. hiring managers (47%) say their businesses employ 1099 workers, and 29% do not currently but have done so in the past. Only 24% say they’ve never employed 1099 workers.
1099 workers, also known as independent contractors or gig workers, are self-employed individuals or freelancers who are hired by businesses on a project basis. They receive payment for their services and are responsible for handling their own taxes, including income and self-employment taxes.
W-2 workers, on the other hand, are considered employees of a company, and their employer withholds income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes from their paychecks. They could also be eligible for certain benefits.
Among companies that employ 1099 workers, hiring managers say 38% of the company’s production or work, on average, is completed by such workers. Nearly three-quarters of hiring managers whose companies use 1099 workers (73%) report doing so when they aren’t able to fill open positions with full-time employees.
Disadvantages of 1099 Employment
While companies appear drawn to the flexibility of utilizing 1099 workers, employees may be similarly inclined. More than 2 in 5 hiring managers (45%) are concerned their company will lose employees to 1099 opportunities. In addition, companies report that over the past two years they have already lost 23% of their employees, on average, to this type of work.
However, in a similar survey conducted by The Harris Poll, respondents conceded there are disadvantages to the 1099 classification vs. W-2 status, such as:
“W-2 work provides the perfect blend of flexibility and security, allowing individuals to pursue their passions while enjoying the stability of traditional employment,” said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. “It fosters a sense of unity and belonging, making employees feel like valued members of a team rather than solitary contributors, and allows them to experience the camaraderie and shared purpose that comes with working alongside colleagues in a supportive organization.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,010 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 between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,006 adults ages 18 and older.
The Gig Worker survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll from August 18th to 20th, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of 1,989 U.S. adults, where 746 have worked as gig employees before.
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 579,000 people globally in 2022 and more than 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Cruise Planners kicks off their annual convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with over 1,000 advisors in attendance at the Broward Convention Center from November 26-29 and then sailing onboard the Celebrity Ascent November 29-31.
This year’s convention is centered around the theme “CP World: Limitless,” showcasing endless possibilities where not even the sky is the limit for their Cruise Planners travel advisors. Cruise Planners’ CP World serves as the embodiment of their five brand pillars: Marketing, Technology, Training, Support, and People & Culture. This concept encapsulates the essential elements that set Cruise Planners apart from all other hosts and franchise networks.
Cruise Planners celebrates a historic 30 years in business and achieved a major milestone of more than $1 Billion in sales in 2023 as well as a record year in both purchases and departures.
Cruise Planners’ record year culminated with overall growth in purchases in 2023 by an astounding 39% compared to last year; departures for 2023 are up 44% over 2022. Cruise Planners is looking ahead to another great year of sales in 2024 with future departures already up 38% compared to this same time last year.
This year, Cruise Planners earned numerous awards and recognitions. It was listed among South Florida Business Journal’s Top 100 Private Companies and Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies. Additionally, it received distinctions such as Franchise Business Review’s #1 Travel Franchise, Most Innovative Franchise award, and five years in a row as Top Franchise for Veterans. Cruise Planners was honored with four Magellan Awards for their outstanding marketing and technology, including the patent-pending LivePlanner tool, Luxury Marketing Campaign, Amenity Tracker tool, and the Where2Next Virtual Event Series. Notably, Cruise Planners also received the Chairman’s Award from Celebrity Cruises and was acknowledged as the Top Franchise Network by Scenic Group.
About Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as “Best-In-Category” for 2 years.
Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel.
Visit our website, www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/.
Nationally Trusted Plumbing and HVAC Franchise Sets Sights on Providing High-Quality Services to More Communities Nationwide
PEARLAND, Texas — 1-800-Plumber +Air – an industry leading plumbing and HVAC franchise, has announced plans to continue its expansion nationwide into new territories through franchising. With over 60 territories currently operating throughout the U.S., 1-800-Plumber +Air has established itself as a trusted expert in the home services industry.
1-800-Plumber +Air provides services for both residential and commercial customers. The brand’s highest priority is to create an excellent customer experience through its innovative technology, skilled technicians, and home protection measures. Mark Collins, CEO of 1-800-Plumber +Air, is a 5th generation plumber, with his family spanning almost 120 years in the industry. Over a century of family experience has been forged into the model and mission of 1-800-Plumber +Air.
“Growing up in the industry, I’ve learned that the most important part of running a business and operating a franchise is to have a strong passion for what you do and to be intentional on creating a positive impact for anyone encountering our brand, primarily our customers and employees,” said Collins. “With 1-800-Plumber +Air, we are aiming to redefine the standard surrounding plumbing and HVAC work, and are seeking people-driven franchise owners to carry on our mission of creating the best customer experience possible.”
1-800-Plumber +Air provides high-quality support for their franchise owners through its unique, community-like company culture. The brand invests effort, time and training in each and every one of its franchise locations, having implemented innovative technology that allows for an easy and effective training process for all. 1-800-Plumber +Air prides itself on being a needs-based service for its customers, with franchise owners meeting a necessary need for their communities.
“As a needs-based service, we are able to weather the changing marketing conditions and economy better than most,” said Kyle Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of 1-800-Plumber +Air. “People will always need plumbing and HVAC services to maintain safe, healthy, and happy homes, and that’s what our team is here to provide.”
1-800-Plumber +Air is actively seeking potential franchise owners with a motivation to grow and a desire to provide high-quality plumbing and HVAC services to their communities. The estimated investment required to open a 1-800-Plumber +Air franchise is $127,780 to $284,270. To learn more about 1-800-Plumber +Air’s franchise opportunity, please visit https://1800plumberfranchise.com/
About 1-800-Plumber +Air
Franchising since 2018, 1-800-Plumber +Air is an industry leading plumbing and HVAC franchise, providing high-quality plumbing, heating, cooling, and emergency services. Currently operating in over 60 service areas across 16 states, the company is fast-growing and was recognized in Entrepreneur’s 2023 Franchise 500 Ranking. The brand remains dedicated to meeting all plumbing and HVAC needs, emphasizing community enhancement, customer well-being, and unwavering support for employees and franchisees. For more information, please visit https://1800plumber.com/
Casual Dining Brand Unveils Unique, Rewarding Opportunity for Multi-Unit Operators, Independent Restaurant Owners
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Escalating interest rates coupled with unprecedented challenges for independent restaurant operators has inspired East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a casual dining restaurant franchise, to launch its new franchise owner incentive program. Aimed at providing a unique opportunity for independent restaurant owners to benefit from exponential growth and financial success within a proven franchise model, ECW+G offers a way to benefit from a motivating and supportive environment where franchise owners can thrive.
As a brand with a proven business model, strong brand reputation, and a record of driving unit-level economics, ECW+G offers the ideal platform for visionaries to start or extend their journeys. The program is designed to appeal to a multitude of candidates, including franchise-modeled food operators who are at the term of their current franchise agreement and may be interested in another brand to consider operating, independent restaurant owners considering a franchise brand as a way to combat the challenges associated with operating a restaurant in today’s new normal and multi-unit operators looking to expand their portfolio with a successful, proven brand. Based on the disclosed FDD average unit volumes, overall savings through the program are approximately $140,000.
“At ECW+G, we have spent the last several years reformulating our systems for the post-pandemic new normal for success and have developed a clear roadmap for growth and by offering this new incentive and conversion program, we will continue to stand out as the premiere restaurant franchise opportunity,” said Sam Ballas, CEO & Founder of ECW+G. “By significantly lowering the cost of entry for prospective franchise owners, we are confident that these entrepreneurs will thrive in our system. There is no better time to join our brand. We own the registration for ‘Driven by Unit Level Economics’ as our core philosophy to remind our brand daily of what we do.”
When it comes to independent restaurant operators, times have never been more challenging. With the conversion program with ECW+G, these owners can benefit from becoming part of a franchise brand with supply chain efficiencies, training, operations support, enhanced local store marketing support, and a dedicated commitment to unit-level economics.
Through the program, which runs until March 31, 2024, ECW+G’s National Franchise Service Center will provide guidance, mentorship, and business reviews to help candidates achieve their milestones and maximize potential. The program also fosters a collaborative environment through regular franchise owners’ meetings, where owners can network, share best practices, and learn from their peers. Once an ECW+G franchisee, owners will have priority consideration for opening new locations and expanding into untapped markets, allowing them to scale their business and increase overall profitability.
Known for its high-quality wings that come in over 55+ flavors and 7 heat indexes, ECW+G offers guests a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to bring the family, enjoy a game, or pick up convenient carry-out options. ECW+G continues to attract single-unit, multi-unit, and multi-concept franchise candidates and targets regional expansion in markets nationwide, including Philadelphia, Raleigh, and Memphis.
ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 50 nationwide locations, the franchise has secured a spot on the Entrepreneur and the Franchise Business Review Top Food Franchise lists. The concept has also been named to the Franchise Business Review Hall of Fame for the past decade due to outstanding franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.