Brian Windschitl, COO of Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, has brought his talent and passion for the hospitality industry to the Hofbräuhaus of America franchise. Windschitl has been overseeing the Buffalo, New York, location for the last two years, successfully navigating the challenges of COVID-19. By Cindy Charette
For over 20 years, Lapels Cleaners has continued to build a greener future for communities by embrac- ing ecologically sustainable practices. In addition to the environmental benefits, Lapels supports and encourages each location to participate in community initiatives. By Elice Morgenson
Premier Lighting vertical opens integral new warehouse.
OMAHA, Neb. — Horse Power Brands, an owner and operator of a growing portfolio of service-based franchise systems, has recently opened a 55,000 sq. ft. warehouse in La Vista, Nebraska to create a storage facility supporting Horse Power’s outdoor lighting vertical Lights for Christmas.
Lights for Christmas serves as the direct product and services support arm of Blingle, Horse Power Brands premier outdoor lighting brand. This new warehouse solidifies the supply chain for Blingle franchisees creating a direct source of professional grade products without waiting on extended global lead times, creating more efficient design and project implementations for clients.
“With over forty-three hundred pallet positions, twelve docks, and three stories, we house over $20 million of the best holiday, event and outdoor lighting products for our franchise business partners. It gives us a full scope on the management and inventorying of supplies year-round” says Lights for Christmas and Blingle Founder/President Mike Marlow.
Current plans are in development to create offices, product training rooms, a showroom, and future R&D labs. With rapid territorial expansion of the Blingle brand across the U.S., the need for such a facility is critical to ensure the supply of products and service offerings remain seamless and uninterrupted for both franchise owners and end consumers.
“As the Blingle brand continues to scale, Lights for Christmas can scale with them. Our new warehouse provides us with buying power enabling us to provide competitive pricing, product development as well as continued innovation for our franchisees for a long time to come.”
Since launching earlier this year, Blingle has awarded fifty franchise territories across the U.S. and continues to emerge as the nation’s premier exterior lighting franchise.
About Horse Power Brands
Horsepower Brands is a portfolio company comprised of service-based franchisors and franchise brands delivering first class customer service and experiences. Founded in 2019 by franchise veterans Josh Skolnick and Zach Beutler, the team was determined to disrupt the franchise industry to responsibly grow and support franchisees through a platform that focused on operational excellence and accountability. For more information on Horse Power Brands and their various franchise opportunities, visit https://horsepowerbrands.com/.
CARROLLTON, Texas — Propelled Brands, the corporate umbrella of FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo® and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza, has all brands ranked on FranServe’s FRAN-TASTIC 500 2022 list.
“We are proud to have all three of our brands recognized as top franchises of 2022,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands. “The recognition is proof of our business model’s efficacy in providing business ownership opportunities and the quality of support provided to our franchisees to help in their success. We look forward to our continued growth in the years to come.”
The FRAN-TASTIC 500 recognizes 500 of the franchising industry’s leading brands that open the doors to business ownership through franchising. Brands are chosen based on criteria including brand identity, turnkey model, superb training, and scalability.
“Franchising helps people change their lives and take control of their future,” said Alesia Visconti, CEO and President of FranServe Inc. “A brand that makes our annual “FRAN-TASTIC 500″ list shows that it values a fun and rewarding lifestyle and emphasizes people fulfilling their dreams of business ownership through franchising.”
Additional information on the FRAN-TASTIC 500 full list of brands can be found at https://franserve.com/frantastic500/.
For more information about Propelled Brands, please visit https://www.propelledbrands.com.
About Propelled Brands®:
Propelled Brands is the corporate umbrella of FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE®, NerdsToGo® and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza. Focused on service-oriented franchises, the Propelled Brands team assists each brand in its portfolio to confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose. Propelled Brands advances the strategic path for each brand, offering support, guidance and a clear vision to fully equip every franchisee, helping them maximize success.
Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts that align with its forward-thinking growth objectives. For more information or to learn about opportunities with Propelled Brands, visit propelledbrands.com. To learn about franchise opportunities with FASTSIGNS, NerdsToGo, MY SALON Suite or Salon Plaza franchise opportunities, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
Upgraded National Automotive Styling Centers™ franchise reopens to continue serving Illinois’ second-largest metro area
LOVES PARK, Ill. — Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, announces the renovation and re-opening of its Love Park location serving Illinois’ second-largest metropolitan area.
Under owner Danny Shenko, Tint World® Loves Park provides the greater Rockford area with premier automotive aftermarket accessories and styling and window-tinting services.
Shenko, Tint World®’s 2017 Franchisee of the Year, has extensively renovated the location and installed state-of-the-art equipment to enhance Tint World®’s industry-leading service and customer experience.
“I’m proud not only to expand Tint World®’s presence in Illinois, but to offer this newly upgraded facility for customers and neighbors in the Loves Park and Rockford community,” Shenko said. “The effort and vision we’ve put into this space have transformed it into the ideal environment to experience Tint World®’s comprehensive range of auto styling and performance products and services. It reflects our commitment to our community and Tint World®’s dedicated support of the success of its franchisees.”
Tint World® Loves Park is located at 1510 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about what the store offers, call (815) 940-8000 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/il/loves-park-055/.
“Danny has shown a passion for providing the best products and services to drivers and vehicle owners in the Loves Park and Rockford communities,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “This is his fourth Tint World® location, and he and his teams are important parts of Tint World®’s continuing success and growth.”
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 coating, 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 www.TintWorldFranchise.com.
92% of employees in America and 82% of employees in Canada agreed that ComForCare/At Your Side Home Care is a great place to work.
TROY, Mich. — ComForCare, a franchised provider of in-home caregiving services, has recently received the honor of being named one of the 2022 Best Workplaces™ by Great Place To Work® in both the United States and Canada. This marks the second consecutive year ComForCare has earned this prestigious certification.
This award confirms the positive workplace culture ComForCare/At Your Side franchisees have cultivated, as well as the brand’s emphasis on helping others live their best lives.
“It’s an immense honor to be certified on the 2022 Best Workplaces in both the U.S. and Canada,” said J.J. Sorrenti, CEO of Best Life Brands, parent company to ComForCare/At Your Side Home Care. “Our franchisees put a great deal of effort toward caregiver satisfaction, which leads to increased loyalty and client peace of mind. Caregivers are the heart of everything we do and it’s important that they feel valued and truly enjoy the crucial work they do. This recognition validates our franchisees’ efforts.”
Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture, certifies employers based on how fairly employees are treated. In addition, companies are assessed on how well they create an exceptional employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, or any other aspect of an employee’s character or role.
Earning Great Place to Work Certification proves that a company has an excellent employee experience, validated by their own staff. Certification is entirely based on what employees say, especially how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Being Certified™ provides a company with a literal badge of excellence. It denotes to current employees, jobseekers and other companies within their industry that their organization is the best of the best.
Learn more about careers at ComForCare and At Your Side Home Care today, or refer someone to join this vital field.
About Great Place To Work®
Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a Great Place To Work™ for all.
Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About ComForCare Home Care:
ComForCare is a premier franchised provider of in-home caregiving services with more than 215 independently-owned and operated locations in the U.S. and Canada helping older adults live independently in their own homes. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best lives possible and offers special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Founded in 1996, ComForCare was acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2017 and now is part of Best Life Brands, which has plans for continued expansion of service brands across the continuum of care for aging adults. ComForCare operates as At Your Side Home Care in Houston. ComForCare has earned a ranking of 291 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list. For more information, visit http://www.comforcare.com.
The home care company will work with the privately-owned veterans advocacy group to ensure qualified veterans receive the benefits they need to age in place.
SAN ANTONIO — Caring Senior Service, a non-medical home care services franchise, announced today it has entered into a national partnership with Veterans Care Coordination™ to raise awareness for veterans and their families who may be eligible for the Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Our mission is to allow all seniors to stay healthy, happy and at home, and the Aid and Attendance benefit is in keeping with that mission,” said Caring Senior Service founder and CEO Jeff Salter. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our nation’s veterans and are honored that we can repay their service by raising awareness about this benefit. Caring is an organization dedicated to assisting veterans and their surviving spouses, and we are looking forward to providing them with the home care services they need.”
The Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit provides an increased pension for home care or other medical expenses for Veterans and surviving spouses who meet eligibility requirements. Conditions of eligibility include active duty during wartime, honorable discharge, non-service-related medical conditions, as well as income and asset limits.
The partnership will allow Caring Senior Service to connect eligible veterans and surviving spouses with VCC’s experienced team, who can assist with the application process and with monitoring and maintaining eligibility requirements once approved. VCC also assists in connecting veterans who are not eligible for Pension with Aid and Attendance with resources and care options which provides Caring Senior Service with opportunities to serve more veterans through this partnership.
“This partnership with Caring provides an opportunity for veterans who may not otherwise receive home care to benefit from home care services,” said VCC President Jeff Schweikert. “We appreciate the commitment of Caring Senior Service to helping veterans and their families.”
VCC was founded in 2011 by CEO Kyle Laramie after he discovered a little-known benefit called the Pension with Aid and Attendance. VCC’s mission is driven by the memory of Laramie’s late grandfather, Norbert Laramie, a World War II Veteran who unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits simply because his family wasn’t aware of the opportunities that were available to assist him in his golden years. For more information, visit https://vcchc.com/.
Caring Senior Service provides home care services which can include companionship, meal preparation, personal care, medication reminders, assistance with errands and appointments, light housekeeping, and respite care. For more information, visit www.caringseniorservice.com/.
About VCC
Veterans Care Coordination™, LLC., is a healthcare-based organization, not associated with any government agency, that assists eligible veterans and surviving spouses in application, monitoring and maintenance of the Pension with Aid & Attendance benefit to help cover medical expenses and home care services. VCC partners with home care agencies and referral sources nationwide to serve veterans and surviving spouses. For more information, visit https://vcchc.com/.
About Caring Senior Service
Caring Senior Service is a non-medical home care services company based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by CEO Jeff Salter in 1991, the company provides assistance to seniors, the disabled population and any adult who may need help with the tasks of everyday living such as bathing, running errands and preparing food. After adding locations throughout Texas in the 1990s, the company extended its reach through franchising in 2002. It now boasts nearly 50 locations in the United States. Its non-profit “Close the Gap in Senior Care” program started in 2021 to raise awareness of the overlooked and underserved aspects of senior care. This program was launched when Salter rode an electric bike more than 9,000 miles to each Caring Senior Service location nationwide to raise awareness of home modifications needed to avoid fall risks among the senior population. For more information on Caring Senior Service, please visit their website at https://www.caringseniorservice.com/.
Locally-Owned Home Improvement Franchise Meets Increasing Demand by Targeting New Territories Across North America.
BLUE ASH, Ohio — Handyman Connection – North America’s premier business liaison connecting customers to local craftsmen in their home community– is announcing plans to continue its expansion through the offering of new franchising opportunities. Handyman Connection provides over 430+ different services staffed by a top-tier team of professional craftsmen who are eager to assist with almost any home improvement or repair need. The brand currently operates in 60+ different service areas throughout North America and aims to open 20 new locations by the end of 2022.
Since its founding in 1991, homeowners across North America have been calling on Handyman Connection for its professional craftsmanship and exemplary customer service. Each Handyman Connection franchise is locally owned, operated, and backed by the brand’s integrated operating platform that allows for seamless customer and employee management, routing, and scheduling.
“If there is one thing for certain in our industry at this point in time, it’s that there’s no shortage of demand when it comes to home improvement job opportunities,” said President and CEO of Handyman Connection, Jeff Wall. “We look to meet this demand by adding on to our world-class franchise system of committed entrepreneurs and craftsman through the opening of new territories in the U.S. and Canada.”
Handyman Connection services a variety of home improvement and repair needs from carpentry, flooring, and electrical work to painting, plumbing, and remodeling. Even if Handyman Connection can’t provide a specific service for any reason, the brand’s expansive network of local craftsmen allows them to refer one who can get the job done right. Handyman Connection’s core values of delivering on its commitments, respecting its connections, practicing continuous improvement, and having pride in what they do has allowed the brand to uphold its set standard of quality assurance for more than three decades.
“At Handyman Connection, we’ve always prided ourselves on upholding a certain quality of craftspeople within our system, which has led to the success we are experiencing today,” said President and CEO of Handyman Connection, Jeff Wall. “However, delivering high-quality projects is not necessarily our primary goal. We ultimately work to create lasting, life-long connections with our customers in the communities where we operate.”
Handyman Connection is now actively seeking driven individuals looking to start their own business in the multi-faceted home improvement and repair industries. Potential franchisees can benefit from Handyman Connection’s already-existing franchise network with an established reputation, image, proven management and work practices, access to national marketing and advertising, and ongoing business owner support. The initial investment to open a Handyman Connection location, which includes the first 3 months of start-up, typically ranges from $99,369 – $148,756.
For more information about Handyman Connection or its franchising opportunity, please visit https://franchiseopportunity.handymanconnection.com.
About Handyman Connection
Ranked as the #1 Handyman Company by Qualified Remodeler for the past 11 years, Handyman Connection operates in more than 60 locations throughout 25 states and Canada. Since 1991, the brand has offered homeowners across North America a complete resource for professional craftsmanship and exemplary customer service. Handyman Connection provides over 430+ different services ranging from traditional home repairs and painting to remodeling, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Each local office is supported by a team of qualified craftspeople and is always seeking talented professionals to join them in helping customers improve their homes. For more information, please go to https://handymanconnection.com.
Key leaders of corporate umbrella company for leading franchise brands to attend annual franchising expo to share and gain insight to drive success
CARROLLTON, Texas — Propelled Brands, the corporate umbrella of FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE®, NerdsToGo® and MY SALON Suite will be attending the International Franchise Expo (Booth #214) in New York, NY, taking place June 2-4 at the Javits Center. Catherine Monson, chief executive officer; Mark Jameson, chief support and development officer, Scott Krupa, vice president of franchise development and Clint Ehlers, FASTSIGNS franchisee and member of the IFA Board of Directors will all be in attendance.
“It is incredible to once again be able to attend the International Franchise Expo in person,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands. “The International Franchise Expo is a wonderful opportunity to network, share best practices and create new opportunities for everyone within franchising. That every one of our brands is attending is just improving our overall opportunity to connect with new businesses.”
The International Franchise Expo 2022 is the world’s leading event where potential franchisees can network and connect with large, medium-sized and emerging franchise brands. The International Franchise Expo brings together attendees, exhibitors, expert speakers and sponsors for information sharing, education and business development.
“We are excited to represent all three of Propelled’s Brands at the 2022 International Franchise Expo,” said Mark Jameson, chief support and development officer of Propelled Brands. “With all of our brands meeting new, potential franchisees in person, the International Franchise Expo is an amazing chance to share the opportunities within the Propelled Brands network.”
During the event, Catherine Monson, Mark Jameson, and Clint Ehlers will be joining panels of experts to discuss the current relevant topics in franchising. Catherine will discuss how women can be successful in today’s franchise marketplace. Mark will participate in a session alongside Ron Bender of Threshold Brands/Men in Kilts on Franchising 101, focusing on veterans and diversity in franchising. Finally, Clint will be providing his thoughts on the state of franchising with a focus on an economic and community outlook.
For more information about Propelled Brands franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.propelledbrands.com/franchising-opportunities/
For more information about the International Franchise Expo, visit https://www.franchiseexpo.com/ife/.
About Propelled Brands®:
Propelled Brands is the corporate umbrella of FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE®, NerdsToGo® and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza. Focused on service-oriented franchises, the Propelled Brands team assists each brand in its portfolio to confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose. Propelled Brands advances the strategic path for each brand, offering support, guidance and a clear vision to fully equip every franchisee, helping them maximize success.
Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts that align with its forward-thinking growth objectives. For more information or to learn about opportunities with Propelled Brands, visit propelledbrands.com. To learn about franchise opportunities with FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo®, MY SALON Suite or Salon Plaza franchise opportunities, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
Leading Fitness Franchise Brings Affordable Fitness and Health to Black and Brown Communities.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Retro Fitness, one of the fastest growing health club franchises, today announced the launch of Project LIFT, a new company initiative to open 500 health clubs in 50 Black and Brown communities across the country over the next 5 years. In partnership with the BlackRock Impact Opportunities Fund, and James Collins, Managing Partner of Eastwood Capital Partners, 70 Retro Fitness new health club locations are now underway. This program marks the largest development deal in the history of Retro Fitness.
According to a study completed by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, African American and Non-Black Hispanic citizens have a higher obesity rate than other ethnic groups, regardless of socioeconomic status, which leads to side effects such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and many others that have only been amplified during the pandemic. Retro Fitness created this unrivaled program to help spearhead change and bring affordable exercise, health and fitness solutions to Black and Brown communities.
“We are excited to partner with James Collins on our Project LIFT initiative,” said Andrew Alfano, Chief Executive Officer at Retro Fitness. “This investment is the largest development deal in the history of the company, more importantly we are proud that it is about making a significant difference in Black and Brown communities.”
Retro Fitness is looking to incentivize others to take this journey with them. Project LIFT investors will benefit by receiving a waived franchise fee and 50% off year one royalties. Additionally, Retro Fitness will be donating a percentage of their royalties back to an organization within the community for the life of the business. This initiative further supports Retro Fitness’ commitment to making a lasting, profound impact on the health club industry and the communities in which they serve.
“Retro Fitness’ intentionality with Project LIFT greatly appealed to me as there’s an opportunity to make a real impact by providing a true sense of community, expansive job opportunities, and access to a high-quality health club at an attainable price point,” said James Collins, Managing Partner at Eastwood Capital Partners. “This partnership is a huge accomplishment for me, both personally and professionally, as we raise awareness on the importance of physical fitness, while giving back to these Black and Brown communities financially, and I encourage others to join us as we eagerly, and aggressively, expand.”
As a world class franchise, Retro Fitness is one of the few franchisors in any industry that offers a true, full suite of services. In addition to real estate site selection and negotiation, construction and delivery of a true turnkey box, dedicated area managers and a Support Center for training and development, they also offer services that consist of an in-house media agency, call center, and more, all to ensure franchisees and investors are supported from the start.
For more information on Project LIFT and how to become an investor, please visit https://www.retrofitness.com/franchising/project-lift/
About James Collins:
James Collins is an experienced private equity investor. During his 22 years of private equity investing, Collins has been an integral member of deal teams that have invested approximately $0.5 billion of equity capital in several platform investments – consumer products and retail, business services, communications, and transportation and logistics companies. Prior to working as a private equity investor, Collins worked as a strategic management consultant and mergers and acquisitions investment banker at Bain & Company, Inc. and Bowles Hollowell Connor & Co., respectively. Collins earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and his Master in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He currently sits on corporate and not-for-profit boards of directors, including Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, Board of Directors, chairing its Finance, Investment and Audit Committee, and serving as a member of Points of Light’s Executive Committee.
About Retro Fitness:
For nearly 20 years, Retro Fitness has been providing members with a timeless approach to exercise, health and fitness. With 175 health clubs open or in development, Retro Fitness is one of the fastest growing High Value-Low Price franchises in the United States. With a new executive leadership team led by former Starbucks executive, Andrew Alfano, Retro Fitness provides investors and franchisees with a full suite of services including real estate site selection, training, in-club support, marketing services, and operations to deliver a turnkey and operational solution.