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11 10, 2023

Grasons Champions Diversity with Over Half of Franchisees from Minority Groups

2023-10-11T17:11:36-04:00October 11th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

LOS ANGELES — The franchising sector is seeing a significant rise in minority ownership. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau underscores this trend, revealing that 30.8% of franchises are minority-owned, a figure that stands in contrast to the 18.8% of non-franchised businesses. Grasons, a standout in the estate sale and business liquidation franchise realm, is leading by example, proudly announcing that a significant 59% of its franchisees hail from minority backgrounds.

Simone KellyBrand President of Grasons, reflects on the philosophy of the brand. “Guiding the Grasons franchise, I never saw the need to differentiate based on identity. My diverse background taught me the importance of seeing beyond the surface. For me, what mattered most was recognizing franchisees for their character and potential contribution to our Grasons family,” she says.

Diversity isn’t just a statistic at Grasons; it’s an embodiment of their core values. Kelly continues, “Our franchisee community, with its wide spectrum of backgrounds, not only enriches our brand but also fortifies the supportive environment we’ve cultivated. The genuine camaraderie among our franchisees, regardless of their origins, truly sets Grasons apart.”

Echoing Kelly’s sentiments, Martha Garcia, one of Grasons’ esteemed minority franchisees, passionately shares, “My association with Grasons has been transformative. Every day, I witness the company’s unwavering dedication to diversity, evident in every sale, every conversation, and every initiative.”

Adding to this, another proud franchisee, Vincent Stirone, conveys, “Grasons isn’t merely a business prospect; it’s a close-knit community where every member, regardless of their heritage, is held in high regard and cherished. I am immensely proud and grateful to be a part of such an embracing family.”

Reinforcing its commitment to championing diversity, Grasons offers a diversity discount for aspiring franchisees, a testament to its dedication to fostering inclusive growth.

Grasons, a member of the Evive Brands portfolio, provides unparalleled support and services to families and communities nationwide. The company extends an opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to steer their careers, achieve financial independence, and make a positive societal impact. Grasons empowers franchisees to help clients navigate the difficult task of downsizing possessions during life’s significant transitions.

The company extends various discounts, inviting qualified individuals to be a part of this growing family. To explore Grasons’ franchise opportunities, visit www.grasons.com.

About Grasons

Grasons Co. began in Orange County, CA, and quickly grew across the United States as the most recognized brand for estate sale business franchises and professional business liquidations. Grasons is now part of the Evive Brands family, with private equity backing by The Riverside Company. The independently owned and operated locations all have one vision, one method, and one goal, and that is to provide you with exceptional service. Grasons Co. is the #1 rated and referred estate sale company because of its long-term experience, proven techniques, and selling items at the highest price.

11 10, 2023

Native Des Moines resident opens Top Rail Fence in Iowa

2023-10-11T13:10:03-04:00October 11th, 2023|

Local owners Bret and Jill Staples will provide fast and reliable fence contracting services to the residents of the greater Des Moines area

DES MOINES, Iowa — Top Rail Fence, the on-time professionals in fence design, quality, installation and service, today announced the grand opening of its first location in Iowa, serving the greater Des Moines area. The location is owned by Bret and Jill Staples.

The couple had previously introduced themselves and their new Top Rail Fence Des Moines location at the Iowa Association of Realtors Annual Convention at the Marriot Downtown on Sept. 26–28.

“One of the best things about opening a new business in Des Moines is the opportunity to network with other home service businesses in the area to ensure everyone’s success,” owner Bret Staples said. “I’m encouraged by the fact that I can take what I’ve learned over the course of my career to grow my own business, my way, and without the obstacles that come from working within a larger organization.”

Staples has more than 20 years of experience in sales and leadership roles working for such companies as McKesson and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. He spent most of his career building successful sales teams, developing business plans and executing strategic objectives for growth in the diagnostic testing market.

Top Rail Fence Des Moines isn’t his first dip into entrepreneurship, either. He once owned an Anytime Fitness franchise but sold it to his partner prior to a move out of state. Staples is from West Des Moines and has spent most of his life in the area but left to pursue career opportunities in Michigan.

Staples said he enjoys being back in Des Moines and can’t wait to renew his relationships within the area’s business community.

“Jill and I love Des Moines because it has great people that truly care about one another,” he said. “It’s a high-growth city with flourishing suburbs. And the people moving into these areas need contractors who will quickly respond to their needs and pay attention to detail. We want to be the fencing company that fulfills these needs and provide a high quality fence with superior customer service.”

The Staples have been married for more than 30 years and have two grown sons, Hunter, 24, and Spencer, 21.

Top Rail Fence Des Moines will serve the residents of AltoonaAmesAnkenyBoonevilleCliveDes MoinesGrimesIndianolaJohnston, Lovington, Marquisville, Saylorville, Spring Hill, Summerset, Swanwood, UrbandaleWaukee and West Des Moines, Iowa.

Top Rail Fence is a part of HomeFront Brands, a family of emerging, franchised residential and commercial property service brands that includes Top Rail Fence, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, The Designery, Window Hero Exterior Cleaning Services and Mozzie Dome. Top Rail Fence provides residential, commercial and agricultural fencing in a variety of styles and materials.

To learn more about Top Rail Fence Des Moines, please visit https://toprailfence.com/locations/des-moines/.

About Top Rail Fence

Top Rail Fence got its start in 2014 in Greenville, South Carolina as Brookview Fencing, a veteran-owned and family-operated business. In 2022, the company joined the HomeFront Brands family of companies to serve more communities as Top Rail Fence. Since that time, Top Rail Fence has added locations throughout the United States and is continuing to expand. It strives to be at the top rail in customer responsiveness, quality design and materials, on-time delivery and installation, and in customer satisfaction. The company provides fencing solutions for residential, commercial and agricultural locations and offers wood, aluminum, vinyl, and chain link to provide the right fence to fit the customer’s needs. For more information about Top Rail Fence, please visit https://toprailfence.com/.

About HomeFront Brands:

HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, Top Rail Fence and Mozzie Dome – to transform lives through franchise ownership.

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

10 10, 2023

Launch Entertainment Announces New Chief Operating Officer

2023-10-10T15:09:53-04:00October 10th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Leading Family Entertainment Franchise Invests in Leadership Team to Enhance Operations, Fuel Brand Growth and Drive Future Development

WARWICK, R.I. — Launch Entertainment, an indoor family entertainment concept, has named franchise industry veteran Yvette Martinez as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With more than twenty years of experience in the restaurant space across several senior leadership roles, Martinez was most recently the COO of Brix Holdings, a Dallas-based franchisor best known for its award-winning brands Orange Leaf, RedBrick Pizza, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory and Souper Salad. Prior to this, she was the Vice President of Operations for the same company, where she focused on supply chain mechanics and franchisee management. Joining Launch in August of 2023, Martinez is taking point on transformative changes in the operational department, including to continue upholding the highest safety and brand standards, and solidifying the foundation that Launch is built upon.

“With years in the franchising industry, I understand the importance of collaboration to meet the needs of our operators,” said Martinez. “When working in previous operations roles, I’ve loved that no two days are the same; entertainment is synchronous with restaurants – Guests visit our parks seeking something and leave happy, which is what we strive to do across all our locations. I was attracted to the position at Launch because of the opportunity to be part of a great leadership team, while leveraging my experience to take operations to the next level. I am looking forward to working with the leadership team and all of our franchisees.”

Preceding Martinez’s addition to the team, the brand appointed fellow industry expert Craig Erlich as CEO in June of 2023. Erlich was most recently the President and CEO of Friendly’s Restaurants, with prior experience as CEO of Brix Holdings and earlier roles at CVS, Jo-Ann Stores and KB Toys. The strategic additions to the leadership team comes after the 2020 Silver Oak Services Partners investment. All combined, this has the brand positioned to further improve franchisee support and expedite its expansion goals.

“Yvette has over 20 years of experience working in the franchise industry, and we look forward to supporting her as she brings her expertise and operational skills to this new endeavor,” said Erlich. “With these proactive moves with our executive team, we are enthusiastic about initiating strategic initiatives to drive nationwide development.”

With these new changes, Launch’s development is lifting off. The brand recently signed agreements that stretch across the United States including markets such as San DiegoDenverFriscoNashvilleMcKinneyProsper, and several more in the pipeline. Launch and its franchisee partners have secured locations nationwide and multiple are under construction. Dearborn, MI is a 50,000 sq. ft. facility expected to open in November of this year. Additionally, the brand expects to have at least seven openings next year, with locations in Long Island, LewisvilleNorth DallasClearwaterHouston, North Attleborough and Little Ferry.

“As Launch Entertainment continues nationwide expansion, we are thrilled to welcome industry veterans like Craig and Yvette to fuel the brand beyond its previous limits,” said Jeff Todd, SVP of Business Development at Launch Entertainment. “Launch has a tremendous amount of momentum, and the team is just getting started.”

The Launch Entertainment business model offers a scalable, multi-unit opportunity and provides a fun, dynamic, and competitive environment to further drive growth and profitability for its franchise operators. With multiple revenue streams, the concept entices customers of all ages with a thrilling experience through its various attractions and amenities.

Target markets for growth include new and existing markets around the Midwest, Northeast and Southwest, with a current emphasis on GeorgiaTexasOhioFloridaNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaConnecticutArizonaPennsylvaniaTennesseeAlabamaNew JerseyKansas and Missouri. The brand is seeking franchise partnerships with investors wanting to diversify their portfolio through its multi-revenue stream business model. Potential franchisees are higher net-worth individuals, with $1M liquid and $2M net worth.

To learn more about the Launch Entertainment franchise opportunity, visit: https://launchfamilyentertainment.com.

About Launch Entertainment  

Launch Entertainment is the leader in the indoor family entertainment segment. Founded in 2012, the concept has evolved from a trampoline park and small arcade to the ultimate family destination: a full family entertainment center offering a variety of “Awesome” attractions, a premium bar, and restaurant. The brand currently has 28 locations across 14 states, with several new locations in development. Backed by an experienced leadership team and Silver Oak Services Partners, Launch Entertainment has initiated a full-scale franchise development plan.

For more information about Launch Entertainment, visit https://launchtrampolinepark.com/. To learn more about its franchise opportunities, visit https://launchfamilyentertainment.com.

10 10, 2023

WOMEN IN FRANCHISING NATIONAL APPRECIATION DAY RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND YEAR ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

2023-10-10T14:51:42-04:00October 10th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Women-owned franchises up almost 25 percent from last year

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As more women choose the freedom and independence of owning a franchise business, their success in the industry will be recognized during the second annual Women in Franchising National Appreciation Day on Saturday, October 14. The holiday was established in 2022 by United Franchise Group™ (UFG) to celebrate all women working in the franchising industry, from owners to employees and those behind the scenes.

This year, UFG has partnered with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the unified voice of more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the United States. UFG is an affiliate sponsor of NAWBO’s National Women’s Business Conference, October 15-17 in Austin, Texas, and will host an informative and interactive workshop on franchising for attendees.

Their partnership brings the success of women in franchising, whose numbers are growing rapidly, to the forefront. Women own 29 percent of U.S. franchises in 2023, according to Guidant Financial – an increase of almost 25 percent from just last year.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with NAWBO on this special observance day, which we created to celebrate and inspire women working in the franchising industry,” said Ray Titus, Founder and CEO of United Franchise Group. “Franchising empowers women to succeed independently while giving them all the tools and support they need.”

UFG is the global leader for entrepreneurs, offering an international network of resources and expertise to franchise owners in its family of affiliated brands and consultants. Its members have amassed more than four decades of knowledge in the franchise industry.

“We’re happy to partner with United Franchise Group and share their organization’s franchising expertise with our members,” said Jen Earle, CEO of NAWBO. “Women-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the economy, and UFG is working to help more women achieve their dreams through business ownership.”

The holiday falls during National Women’s Small Business Month, as declared by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women in Franchising National Appreciation Day celebrates women who chose a career in franchising either as a franchise owner or work for a franchise brand while bringing attention to opportunities for women in this flourishing and exciting industry.

About United Franchise Group

Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group houses a successful group of business-to-business franchise systems. Our franchised concepts specialize in personalized business services including signs, embroidery, and business brokerage. With over 30 years in the franchising industry and more than 1400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The conglomerate first began franchising with Signarama in Farmingdale, New York in 1987, which is now the world’s largest sign franchise touting locations in 62 countries. In 2000, the first FullyPromoted opened its doors in West Palm Beach, FL and further provided branding solutions in the business community with embroidery and promotional product services.

Today, United Franchise Group has more than 200 employees with established offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Its corporate headquarters are located in West Palm Beach, Florida and also house a superior state-of-the-art training facility, where all new franchisees are welcomed to begin their journey into business ownership throughout the year.

The expertise of the team at United Franchise group provides the foundation for the continuous evolvement and growth of development services the company offers. United Franchise Group has established master licenses for its brands in more than 80 countries and has services that assist other franchise companies from conception to international expansion. In particular, World Franchisors was exclusively created by UFG to aide other franchisors in selling master licenses for their brands.

With the combination of award-winning franchise concepts, development services, and industry excellence, United Franchise Group is the global leader for today’s entrepreneurs.

10 10, 2023

Le Macaron French Pastries® Celebrates Growth and Expansion With Franchise Partners at Annual Meeting in Longboat Key

2023-10-10T14:31:32-04:00October 10th, 2023|Tags: , , |

#1 Macaron Franchise Brand Welcomes Franchisees from Throughout the U.S.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron French Pastries, the #1 macaron franchise brand, gathered with franchise partners from throughout the U.S. to commemorate a year of growth, innovation, and success. Franchisees from throughout the U.S. attended the annual meeting in Longboat Key where they participated in workshops, roundtable discussions, and learned about the brand’s roadmap for the future.

Keynote speaker and founder Rosalie Guillem welcomed the franchisees and thanked them for their hard work and commitment. She promised the remainder of 2023 and 2024 would bring more innovation, exciting new flavors, and updated packaging to keep the brand fresh and relevant to consumers.

“Although the economy and inflation bring challenges to our industry, Le Macaron has so much to be grateful for as we capitalize on our success as the #1 macaron franchise brand,” Guillem said. “We will continue to work together, learn from each other, and delight our customers with the most authentic, delicious macarons and pastries prepared by our French-trained chefs.”

Le Macaron congratulated all its franchise owners with a special nod to upcoming locations in Columbus, OhioTucson, ArizonaLong Beach, CaliforniaSacramento, CaliforniaPembroke Pines, FloridaMurfreesboro, TennesseeNew York, and Miami.

In addition to new locations, attendees were excited by the announcement of new products and flavors, including Ginger Chocolate and Banana Chocolate Macarons, and Yogurt Strawberry Gelato. In addition, Guillem said more seasonal flavors will be announced at a later date.

“Our new products and flavors reflect our commitment to continuous innovation so that we can continually treat our guests to new and exciting flavors,” said Guillem.

ABOUT LE MACARON

Founded in 2009 by Rosalie Guillem and her daughter Audrey, Le Macaron French Pastries is an elegant French patisserie that offers guests the finest, authentic French macarons and pastries. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the brand began franchising in 2012 and has since grown to more than 70 locations across the U.S. Le Macaron French Pastries is ranked on Inc. 5,000 2016, #17 on the 2019 Top Emerging Franchise List as well as ranking on the Top 100 Food and Beverage category by Entrepreneur and holds a No. 9 ranking in the baked goods category.

10 10, 2023

NBA CHAMPION AND ENTREPRENEUR KYLE KUZMA FORGES A DYNAMIC FRANCHISE DEAL WITH MAHANA FRESH FOR NATIONAL EXPANSION

2023-10-10T14:34:24-04:00October 10th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Basketball star to further expand Mahana Fresh nationwide through multi-unit franchise deal

ATLANTA Mahana Fresh, the fast-casual restaurant dedicated to the idea that a good mood starts with good food, is thrilled to announce a major franchise expansion deal with NBA champion and entrepreneur Kyle Kuzma. This partnership is set to bring the fresh, healthy, and flavorful dining option to fans and food enthusiasts nationwide, as Kuzma and Mahana Fresh have set their sights to open first in Tysons Corner, VA, with a second location in Scottsdale, AZ to follow.

“I eagerly anticipate the growth of our brand alongside Kyle and embarking on this journey together,” said Dave Wood, CEO of Mahana Fresh. “This partnership signifies our commitment to making healthy food accessible to everyone, and Kyle’s passion for health and wellness perfectly aligns with our brand values.”

At its core, Mahana Fresh is committed to providing its customers with a wide variety of delicious and nutritious meal choices, all while upholding a strict gluten-free policy and also proudly providing dairy-free alternatives.

By joining forces with Kuzma, the brand seeks to further champion a lifestyle centered around well-being and staying active while offering a taste of culinary innovation. This partnership exemplifies Mahana Fresh’s dedication to delivering high-quality food experiences that align with the values of today’s health-conscious consumers.

Kuzma is known for his trailblazing spirit and his ability to make a cultural impact. His dedication to cultivating strategic, transformational ventures extends well beyond his basketball career; he’s dedicated to building and investing in businesses that can generate long-lasting prosperity for future generations. He is applying this same innovative approach to his partnership with Mahana Fresh.

“The franchise expansion with Mahana Fresh represents my commitment to creating opportunities, fostering growth, and making a meaningful impact,” said Kuzma. “I’m looking forward to working with Mahana Fresh to help strategically scale their business so we can bring delicious, nutritious options to more neighborhoods across the country, promoting a healthier lifestyle for everyone.”

Mahana Fresh’s menu thrives on the build-your-own-bowl model, allowing diners to choose their base, protein, toppings, and sauces. The Mahana Fresh menu even has a few dessert bite options, including zucchini brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and snickerdoodles — all gluten-free.

To learn more about Mahana Fresh, including their menu and locations, visit www.MahanaFresh.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

About Mahana Fresh
Headquartered in Sarasota, FL, Mahana Fresh follows the build-a-bowl QSR concept with all gluten-free menu items. The company, which started in 2019, believes that a good mood starts with good food, and everyone has a place at the table when it comes to conscious eating. Each restaurant design channels Hawaiian culture with bright, tropical colors delivering a one-of-a-kind dining experience. With recipes developed by world class chefs, Mahana Fresh has something for everyone to Eat Well, Live Better.

Mahana Fresh is currently in its expansion period with restaurants in FloridaGeorgiaIdahoMinnesotaNew Jersey, and North Carolina.

10 10, 2023

City Wide Facility Solutions Expands Presence in New York with Nassau County Office

2023-10-10T13:46:34-04:00October 10th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Industry Veteran Brings Premier Facility Solutions to Long Island

NEW YORK — City Wide Facility Solutions, the leading management company in the building maintenance industry, continues its record-breaking growth with the opening of its newest location in New York, making it the fourth location to serve the state. The new office will serve commercial properties in Nassau CountyQueens County, and Brooklyn.

Local building owners and property management companies in Nassau County now have access to a single-source solution for all their facility management needs. Managed and operated by industry veteran Ryan Sklar, City Wide of Nassau opened its doors at 2702 Grand Avenue, Bellmore, NY.

“Having been a part of City Wide for over 3 years it has given me an opportunity to learn and understand the franchise side of our industry and all the benefits that come along with local ownership,” said Sklar. “Adding that to the decades of my previous industry practice has me fully recharged in terms of this new and exciting opportunity. There is no reason why this part of the country can’t be a huge contributor on our path to $1 billion dollars in revenue by 2026.”

Prior to working at operating City Wide of Nassau, Sklar joined City Wide in 2019 with a background of 15+ years in the janitorial industry. As a field manager and then senior executive for two prominent North American facility maintenance organizations, he held many different responsibilities and was instrumental in leading them through mergers and acquisitions, account solicitation, development and onboarding, corporate blueprinting and strategizing, team building, and employee development. Sklar has experience and valued relationships with suppliers, independent contractors, clients, and other industry professionals and possesses a knowledge and understanding of clients in a wide range of industries, including retail, commercial and industrial, automotive, fitness, banking, healthcare, and grocery. Ryan successfully led and developed City Wide’s National Division for three years before transitioning into his current role.

City Wide Facility Solutions made a name for itself in major U.S. cities and Canada by streamlining facility solutions for more than 20 interior and exterior services for commercial facilities, including janitorial, disinfecting, and handyman services along with parking lot maintenance. Taking the onus from building owners and property management businesses that typically choose separate companies for each task, City Wide eases the selection and management processes for its clients.

For more information about City Wide Facility Solutions in the Nassau County area and the services it offers, please visit Nassau.GoCityWide.com or call (516) 636-6300

About City Wide Facility Solutions
Founded in 1961, City Wide Facility Solutions is the largest management company in the building maintenance industry, managing janitorial services, commercial cleaning, disinfecting, and more than 20 additional facility solutions for every client. City Wide simplifies the facility matters that mean the most to building owners, operators, and management companies, easing the time, stress, and resources typically required to oversee an entire facility. City Wide is proud to do more than just manage facility solutions and services for commercial facilities – they pride themselves on being a partner that helps clients save time and solve problems. Their mission is to create a Ripple Effect by positively impacting the people and communities they serve.

For more information about City Wide Facility Solutions and the services it manages, please visit www.gocitywide.com. For information about franchising with City Wide Facility Solutions, visit www.citywidefranchise.com.