Calvin McNeely, CEO and co-owner of the Runningboards Marketing franchise, has owned over 30 companies, mainly in the government contracting space related to airports. In 2016, he decided to retire from that field in hopes of starting a business that made a difference in people’s lives. By Nancy E. Williams
Fast Casual Salad Franchise Will Add Recipe Contest Winner’s Original Recipe to Menu This Fall and Donate a Portion of Each Sale to No Kid Hungry.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Saladworks, the nation’s leading fast-casual create-your-own salad franchise and part of the WOWorks family of brands, announced today the winner of its Flavor Your World Original Recipe Challenge is Amy Sarli-Prelle. Building off the successful launch of its new globally inspired Flavor Your World menu, the challenge invited Saladworks Rewards members across the nation to demonstrate their originality by helping Saladworks create its next great Flavor Your World menu item with a chance to have it featured on the menu for a limited time in the form of a themed Salad, Warm Grain Bowl, and Wrap with a link to Saladworks 35th Birthday and donation to No Kid Hungry.
Sarli-Prelle’s winning Flavor Your World recipe, called Amy’s Fall Fest, is a creation that includes radiatore pasta, romaine/iceberg blend, roasted turkey, smoky bacon, diced apples, diced red onions, applewood smoked gouda cheese, walnuts and apple cider vinaigrette.
Over 1,000 entries were received by Saladworks during the Call for Entries and, per the judging criteria outlined in the Official Rules, these recipe concepts were culled down to a Top 10 list. From there, Saladworks Rewards members had a chance to vote on those Top 10 recipes to help narrow it down to a list of four finalists. At this point, a Blue-Ribbon Panel of judges that included Hope Cohen of CravePhilly, Keith Rudolf, Executive Chef of the Philadelphia Phillies, Josh Moore, Philadelphia Food & Lifestyle Blogger and WOWorks’ Executive Chef Katie Cavuto, deliberated over the Recipe Challenge’s four finalists to select the winner and runners-up who also walked away with special prizes:
Grand Prize: Amy’s Fall Fest (Amy Sarli-Prelle, Clementon, NJ)
2nd Place: Dusty’s Taco Sensation (Dusty Watts, Johnson City, TN)
3rd Place: Honolulu Hawaiian Chicken (Michelle Rogovich, Cherry Hill, NJ)
4th Place: Thanks, Giving & Comfort (Lyndsay Pocorobba, Langhorne, PA)
“It was truly an honor to serve alongside such an esteemed panel of celebrity judges to help select the winner of our Flavor Your World Original Recipe Challenge,” said Katie Cavuto, Executive Chef of Saladworks. “The recipe concepts from the four finalists were all very creative and any one of them could have won; however, the consensus among our judges was that Amy’s Fall Fest recipe concept hit on all of our criteria and we expect these new limited-time menu items will be a huge “WOW!” for our guests.”
As the Grand Prize winner, Amy will receive a $5,000 travel voucher and get a Saladworks swag bag. In addition to those prizes, Amy’s recipe will be featured on the menu and will be a key component in Saladworks’ fundraising efforts for No Kid Hungry, part of the WOWorks ‘High Five’ Challenge. For every purchase of Amy’s Fall Fest, $0.35 will be donated to No Kid Hungry during the ‘High Five’ Challenge, which runs August 30th – October 17th in commemoration of Saladworks’ 35th Birthday.
“After dining at Saladworks for the last 15 years, I’m truly honored to have my original recipe be named after me and offered on the Saladworks menu. It’s even more thrilling that Amy’s Fall Fest salad will raise funds for No Kid Hungry,” said Amy Sarli-Prelle. “While I’m really grateful to win the Flavor Your World Original Recipe Challenge and receive a wonderful getaway, a proceed from every sale to No Kid Hungry is what it’s really all about. I’m one of six kids who grew up in an urban city and know how valuable a meal can be.”
“Every day Saladworks celebrates the originality of our guests through the tremendous number of ways our meals can be customized to meet their individual flavor, health, wellness, and convenience needs,” said Mark Mears, Chief Marketing Officer of WOWorks. “Our Flavor Your World Original Recipe Challenge offered our Saladworks Rewards members with an exclusive opportunity to help us create our next great flavor profile that will be offered in all Saladworks restaurants this fall.”
Saladworks, throughout its 35 years, has always placed a focus on guest originality through its array of over 60 fresh, flavorful and healthy ingredients. In addition to its 12 Signature recipes, Saladworks offers Create-Your-Own options — including Salads, Warm Grain Bowls, Wraps — as well as Soups and a Kids Works menu – plus, new Signature Sandwiches and Panini Melts in many locations.
For more information about its menu, current offers, or to become a Saladworks Rewards member, visit www.saladworks.com or download the Saladworks Rewards app.
ABOUT WOWORKS:
WOWorks was formed in 2020 with a mission to help guests pursue their passions and live their best lives by serving healthy, nutritious and flavorful meals along with first-rate hospitality. Fully owned by Centre Lane Partners, LLC, WOWorks’ portfolio consists of: Saladworks, the nation’s leading fast-casual salad brand; Frutta Bowls, a unique restaurant franchise serving a variety of superfood bowls, fresh fruit smoothies, protein bites and more; Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, a popular Mediterranean restaurant concept; and most recently, The Simple Greek, which offers a fresh and healthy take on traditional Greek recipes in a fast-casual setting. WOWorks seeks to drive explosive growth across all of its brands through a variety of channels, both traditional and non-traditional, including ghost kitchens, food trucks, grocery retail and more.
ABOUT NO KID HUNGRY:
No child should go hungry in America. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 1 in 6 kids could still face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.
SOURCE Saladworks
ABOUT SALADWORKS:
Founded in 1986, Saladworks is the nation’s leading fast-casual create-your-own salad destination, with over 150 locations across 18 states and two countries. Part of the WOWorks family of brands, which also includes Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Frutta Bowls and The Simple Greek, Saladworks encourages guests to be original, giving them the option to choose from salads, warm grain bowls or wraps, along with an endless array of fresh vegetables, fruits, proteins and delicious dressings. Ranked #7 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2021, Saladworks has been delivering the most original and incredible salad experience to guests for more than 30 years. For more information, visit www.saladworks.com.
Leading marketing and print solutions provider also ranked in Franchise 500® earlier this year.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of Top Global Franchises for 2021. The franchise came in at No. 174.
Earlier this year, AlphaGraphics ranked in the Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Inclusion in both the highly competitive Franchise 500® and the global franchise list highlights the company’s commitment to providing best-in-class service at its more than 285 worldwide locations.
“The past year has been tumultuous, to say the least,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “Through it all, we have remained committed to our customers all around the world. Being recognized as a top franchise just cements for us that we are focusing on the right things.”
Entrepreneur determines its global rankings based on a formula similar to the one used for the Franchise 500®. However, in the global ranking, international size and growth are weighed more heavily. Other evaluation criteria include costs and fees, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability.
“We are proud of all that we’ve accomplished so far,” McPherson said. “We couldn’t do it without our amazing team of partners all around the world. We’re looking forward to another successful year as we maintain our focus on delivering value for our customers.”
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www.alphagraphics.com.
For a complete list of the Top Global Franchise rankings, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/topglobal/2021.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), a privately-owned company based in Milan – Italy, is a third-party provider of shipping, fulfillment, print and marketing tech-enabled solutions to small and medium enterprises and retail consumers via a Network of mainly independently owned and operated locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution Network and customized services and products delivered with a distinguished and unique level of customer service. MBE presently operates under multiple brands: Mail Boxes Etc. (excluding the US and Canada), AlphaGraphics, PostNet, Spedingo.com, Print Speak, PACK & SEND and Multicopy and its global Network counts currently more than 2,800 locations in 53 countries, with 11,000+ associates and FY2020 System-wide Sales of €879 Million (US$1,004 Million).
For additional information please visit MBE Worldwide Group websites at www.mbecorporate.com – www.mbeglobal.com – www.postnet.com – www.alphagraphics.com – www.spedingo.com/en – www.printspeak.com – www.packsend.com.au – www.multicopy.nl – www.mbe.it – www.mbe.es – www.mbe.de – www.mbefrance.fr – www.mbe.pl – www.mbeportugal.pt – www.mbe.co.uk
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 6 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
Independent Research Identified FASTSIGNS as One of the Top 100 Franchise Brands with the Best Culture Based on Surveys of Over 25,000 Franchise Owners.
CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, was recently named to Franchise Business Review’s second annual Culture100 list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in a 2021 report on the Best Franchise Cultures.
“To have FASTSIGNS named to the 2021 Franchise Culture100 list is an honor, especially since this is direct feedback from our franchise owners,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “The past year has been challenging, but through the perseverance and dedication of our network of franchisees and the support teams, we have emerged stronger than ever. This recognition is a reflection of the world-class products, services, and training and support we provide our franchisees to better serve their customers.”
Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in special interest reports throughout the year that identify the top franchises in specific sectors.
FASTSIGNS was among 224 franchise brands, representing nearly 25,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 12 questions specifically focused on leadership, core values, whether they enjoy being part of the organization, and would they recommend their franchise to others.
“The impact of the pandemic this past year on small businesses has put the spotlight on franchise culture more than ever,” said Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review. “Our research into hundreds of brands really shows which ones held up the best when rated by their franchise owners. The franchise companies that have the honor of being named to our Culture100 list are clearly among the best of the best franchise opportunities.”
Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2021 Best Franchise Cultures.
For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679).
About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/. To learn more about FBR’s research, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.
About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 750 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in 9 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touchpoints.
FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500® ranks FASTSIGNS as #44 overall — the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 — for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. In 2021, FASTSIGNS was named one of Franchise Direct’s Top 100 Global Franchises and Franchise Gator recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the Top 100 Franchises. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise and one of the Top Franchises for Veterans. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was ranked on Franchise Times’ annual Top 200+ list and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers and Top Franchises for Veterans. In 2019, the brand was named to America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as one of its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. FASTSIGNS has also received the Canadian Franchise Association Franchisees’ Choice for 8 consecutive years.
In 2021, Propelled Brands was formed, the corporate umbrella that includes FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE® in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand, and NerdsToGo®, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020. With a focus on business-to-business franchises and the people behind those businesses, Propelled Brands will help each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose.
Learn more about sign and graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns, Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
World’s Leading Blow Dry Bar Franchise Struts the Catwalk with 19 New Agreements to Date.
TORONTO — Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America’s original blow dry bar and the world’s largest blow dry bar franchise, heads into the post-pandemic era with high growth numbers and exciting plans for the remainder of 2021. Already having locked in 19 signed agreements so far this year, the brand is ahead of its 2019 and 2020 development numbers. With this significant growth, Blo Blow Dry Bar projects 35 total units to be sold by year-end. With more than 130 bars across North America and its 2021 development to date, the brand is on pace to achieve its goal of 300 – 500 locations open in the next three to five years.
Kickstarting this year’s growth was a multi-unit deal out of New Jersey that will bring two additional units into the state. Husband and wife duo, Shar and Alichia Pourreza will open their first location in Morristown by the end of Q4 and plans for the second location to open a year later. In May, Blo Blow Dry Bar hit a new record by inking the largest individual deal in company history. Heather Stankard, owner and operator of the Blo Blow Dry Bar in Jacksonville, signed a six-unit franchise agreement to expand the brand into northern Florida. Rounding off its latest growth, Blo solidified a multi-unit deal in Indiana, marking the entrance into its 24th state through three locations. Behind the deal is Theresa Shadley, a seasoned franchisee in the boutique and fitness industry who will expand the brand’s presence into the Midwest.
“The blow dry bar sector is white-hot and intelligent investors are jumping at the chance to get in on the ground floor,” said Patrick Pantano, Vice President, Franchise Development, Blo Blow Dry Bar. “Interest in owning a Blo is at an all-time high and we love showing off our proven business model, strong culture and exceptional franchise owners. Our sector is still in its infancy and will continue to grow exponentially over the next few years.”
To top off the significant growth and success to date, Blo Blow Dry Bar will be unveiling a new Look Book on August 26. The revamped Look Book will combine all hair and makeup looks in one place, showcasing the brand’s iconic styles on diverse hair types, skin tones and face shapes to represent all the people who make up their community. With the addition of one new hairstyle, Blo Blow Dry Bar will include an array of inspiration pictures for guests to create their own customized looks and updos.
Blo Blow Dry Bar is dedicated and determined to create a space where people of all ages, ethnicities and orientations are welcomed, represented and made to feel gorgeous while emphasizing the need for self-care and wellness. Combining a sophisticated design with a fun and energetic environment, Blo cultivates a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests upon their arrival, during and after their services. Expertly trained bloers are available for consultation seven days a week to meet the needs of all guests. The brand’s hair menu includes their signature styles, ranging from sleek and straight to lively and bouncy curls, with customizable options such as braids, ponytails and updos for any occasion.
Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers makeup services from expert artists on-hand to help guests look and feel amazing for any occasion.
The growing franchise is just at the start of the runway, staking its claim as a leader in the $47 billion a year industry and continues to expand at a rapid rate. Every year, more cities across the globe are painted pink. Every day, a new guest discovers how wonderful the Blo Blow Dry Bar experience is. Superior service and consistent results are a top priority for all guests as well as franchisees. The brand goes beyond beauty – it is strategically positioned to meet growing customer demands within the wellness and self-care industries with an established foundation for business success.
“We walked into 2021 with some big goals and have been delivering on every single one,” said Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar. “We’ve expanded through existing franchisees and added a number of strong new ones to our roster this year. This has allowed Blo Blow Dry Bar to enter key markets, making our catwalk-quality blow outs accessible to more women across the country.”
Blo Blow Dry Bar is currently seeking single- and multi- unit operators to join the growing team and further expansion across North America with a key focus on development in Florida, Texas and Colorado. For more information about franchise opportunities visit https://franchise.blomedry.com/.
About Blo Blow Dry Bar
Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America’s original blow dry bar and the world’s largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the “no cuts, no color” concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 130 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.
Leading Senior Care Franchise to Expand Services in State of Massachusetts.
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today the launch of its third territory in Massachusetts with the opening of its location in Greater Worcester. Located at 65 James St., Ste. 8A, Worcester, Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is owned and operated by franchisee originally from Ghana, Kingsley Asare-Mensah and his wife Eva and will provide award-winning senior care services to Greater Worcester including the communities of Worcester, Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Leominster, Holden, Auburn, Boylston, Grafton and Dudley, among others.
“We are pleased with the expansion of our services into the Greater Worcester community, and we welcome Kingsley, who will be well suited for the brand with more than 15 years of experience as a registered nurse caring for patients internationally,” said Jake Brown, President & CEO of Always Best Care. “As we continue to expand our network across the nation, we look forward to continuing to build alongside those with healthcare backgrounds and a strong entrepreneurial mindset.”
Asare-Mensah is a registered nurse with over 15 years of practice in both the United States and internationally. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in public health from the University of New England in Portland, Maine. Asare-Mensah formerly worked as a home health aide assisting clients with activities of daily living in the comfort of their homes with compassion and respect. Over the years as a registered nurse, he has worked in various health care settings including surgical organ transplant units, acute care facilities, long term care facilities, and in biotech industries. An immigrant from Ghana and a longtime resident of Worcester, Asare-Mensah values family, traveling and cooking and brings the enthusiasm he has for these passions to work with him to work each day.
“I am thrilled to now be opening my own business where I will continue to care for the senior population,” said Asare-Mensah. “And thanks to Always Best Care’s experienced and dedicated team, the entire process has been very streamlined – the exact kind of peace of mind and assurance a new franchisee needs.”
Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and assisted living referral services. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.
By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living placement and referral services, with skilled home health care in some limited markets.
For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Greater Worcester, or for a free evaluation, please call (914) 312- 5227, email kmensah@abc-seniors.com or www.alwaysbestcareworcester.com.
About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs, and currently provides millions of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.
Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is a national telephone reassurance program offered in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-In-Touch.com.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork franchise owner Josephine Suryono of Roseville, California was identified by franchise research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of 2021’s Franchise Rock Stars.
Suryono was selected from nearly 25,000 franchisees, representing 224 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research in the past 18 months.
The Franchise Rock Stars recognized were nominated by their franchise brand leadership in one of eight categories as franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community. Categories included: Giving Back, Women, Millennials, Veterans, Family-Owned, “Freshmen”, Top-Performers, and Multi-Unit Owners.
“Josephine is one of our top performing franchisees and a rock star within our system,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork Group. “It’s an honor to see Josephine recognized in this way and we look forward to seeing her continue to be AtWork for all of her clients and employees!”
“Our journey of opening an AtWork office in a very saturated market to experiencing the success we have now, despite the pandemic, has been very humbling and fulfilling,” said Suryono. “And now, to be nominated and selected as one of the year’s Franchisee Rockstars makes it even more exciting! Our success is truly the product of consistent delivery, excellent customer service, and a great team who are passionate and love what they do!”
About AtWork Group
To learn more about AtWork, visit AtWork.com.
Independent Research Identified NerdsToGo as One of the Top 100 Franchise Brands with the Best Culture Based on Surveys of Over 25,000 Franchise Owners.
CARROLLTON, Texas — NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services franchise brand, was recently named to Franchise Business Review’s second annual Culture100 list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in a 2021 report on the Best Franchise Cultures.
“To have NerdsToGo named to the 2021 Franchise Culture100 list is an honor, especially since this is direct feedback from our franchise owners,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “We continue to seek ways to increase our franchisees’ profitability, introduce new products and services and excel in customer service. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our network of franchisees and the support teams.”
Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in special interest reports throughout the year that identify the top franchises in specific sectors.
NerdsToGo was among 224 franchise brands, representing nearly 25,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 12 questions specifically focused on leadership, core values, whether they enjoy being part of the organization, and whether they would recommend their franchise to others.
“The impact of the pandemic this past year on small businesses has put the spotlight on franchise culture more than ever,” said Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review. “Our research into hundreds of brands really shows which ones held up the best when rated by their franchise owners. The franchise companies that have the honor of being named to our Culture100 list are clearly among the best of the best franchise opportunities.”
Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2021 Best Franchise Cultures.
For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679).
About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/. To learn more about FBR’s research, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com.
About NerdsToGo, Inc.®
NerdsToGo, Inc. launched its original location in Guilford, CT in 2003 and quickly became the emerging leader in providing computer and technology-based services to both the small and medium-sized business market and the residential market. NerdsToGo began franchising in 2017 and quickly grew to 25 independently owned franchise locations in 16 states. In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC, the parent company of NerdsToGo.
In 2021, Propelled Brands was formed, the corporate umbrella that includes FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE® in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand, and NerdsToGo®, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020. With a focus on business-to-business franchises and the people behind those businesses, Propelled Brands will help each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose.
NerdsToGo locations provide the total solution in computer and technology support to customers, and the company’s signature service is delivered by sending a Nerd onsite to customer locations in a well-branded, eye-catching Nerd Van. Customers can also receive service through remote support or by visiting a local NerdsToGo service center. NerdsToGo acts as the IT department for small to medium sized businesses by helping to design, implement and support IT networks, provide data backup & continuity services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, remote support, vendor management services and overall routine maintenance.
For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679).
Bob Scopinich Named Chief Financial Officer Upon the Retirement of Jim Emmerson.
ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider with approximately 300 locations nationwide and a growing roster of online programs, has announced its new Chief Financial Officer, Bob Scopinich, with the retirement of Jim Emmerson, who served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer for 24 years. In this role, Scopinich will be tasked with building on Huntington Learning Center’s 44-year track record and strong foundation helping students and franchisees succeed.
“I am thrilled to welcome Bob Scopinich to the team. His unique experience working in the franchise industry, and specifically the franchise education space, qualifies him as the right fit to succeed Jim. The company is currently going through meaningful transformations on all fronts and I am confident that Bob will add value, innovation and leadership to get results,” said Anne Huntington Sharma, President of Huntington Learning Center.
Scopinich joins Huntington after serving as the Goddard Systems, Inc. Chief Financial Officer for 18 years. During his tenure at Goddard, Scopinich was involved in all aspects of the business, with a particular emphasis on financial performance, information technology, unit growth, and human resources. During his tenure, Goddard grew from 110 franchised locations to over 550 locations while improving margins. Franchisee financial performance and multi-unit ownership also increased significantly during this time.
“This is an exciting new chapter for me. I look forward to making a positive impact and fulfilling Huntington’s mission and vision. As a leader, I strive to create high-performing teams that seamlessly integrate their work across all stakeholders, from corporate staff to franchisees and vendors. I have always been results-driven, and Huntington is the industry leader. I believe this will be an exciting and successful journey for us,” said Scopinich.
As CFO, Scopinich leads multiple departments including finance, accounting and HR, and franchise development, in addition to being an integral member of the executive team.
Scopinich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Interested in franchise opportunities? Contact www.HuntingtonFranchise.com // 1-800-653-8400.
About Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. We offer customized programs in-person, online, and hybrid options. Our certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and, for franchising opportunities, visit www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.
Demand for caregivers grows nationwide as parents return to work.
DENVER — From coast to coast, and hundreds of cities in between, College Nannies + Sitters is putting out the call for more caregivers. College Nannies is already the largest employer of nannies and sitters in the United States, and the company is hiring to meet increasing demand.
“With the return to the office or hybrid work, families need care solutions now more than ever,” says Joe Loch, Brand President of College Nannies + Sitters. “If you are passionate about children, we are looking for you to join our care team.”
College Nannies is hosting a series of national virtual career fairs starting July 28th. Anyone who loves working with children is encouraged to upload their resume and meet with their local office at collegenanniesandsitters.easyvirtualfair.com.
“Whether someone brings experience as a camp counselor, neighborhood babysitter, education major or a lifetime of experience as a caregiver, joining our team rounds out their work experience and lets their skills shine — all while making a difference for children and families,” says Laura Davis, Franchise Owner for College Nannies + Sitters.
All of College Nannies’ locations across 30 states have immediate full-time and part-time positions available. Caregivers are employees of College Nannies and receive a consistent paycheck, supportive management team and professional development opportunities. Families are fully vetted for a safe work environment.
The virtual career fairs will be held July 28th, August 25th and September 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Advanced registration is recommended but not required.
For more information or to arrange interviews about the virtual career fairs, please contact Allison Ortiz at allison@media-minefield.com or 612.924.3788.
With over 180 territories in 30 states, College Nannies + Sitters is the nation’s most respected, complete and professional resource helping busy families raise smart, confident, well-adjusted kids. Since 2001, local professional teams across the country have helped thousands of busy parents carve out time for themselves with a sitter or have help on hand with a part-time or full-time nanny. College Nannies is a wholly owned subsidiary in the Bright Horizons Family of Childcare Solutions and is ranked as one of the top 100 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2020. For more information, visit: Collegenanniesandsitters.com.