Tatyana Stemkovski, Author at Franchise Dictionary Magazine

20 02, 2020

Local Entrepreneurs to Open Two Big Blue Swim Schools in North Atlanta

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-20T14:42:00-05:00February 20th, 2020|Tags: Big Blue Swim School, child care franchise, child education franchise, child engagement specialists, swim school franchise|

Abhay Shinde, Tanmay Dharmadhikari and Sagar Laghate Will Open Pools in East Cobb and Roswell.

ATLANTA — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, is partnering with Abhay Shinde, Tanmay Dharmadhikari, and Sagar Laghate to bring two pools to North Atlanta over the next two years. The trio signed on to be Big Blue franchise partners because they were drawn to the high-quality investment opportunity and best-in-class consumer offerings.

“Abhay, Tanmay, and Sagar make a powerhouse team as franchise partners and we are excited about the expansion they will bring to Atlanta,” said Scott Thompson, Big Blue’s Chief Development Officer. “Sagar, Abhay, and Tanmay have always wanted to own a business together in the child enrichment space, and we know they will live the Big Blue mission and create inspiring moments for kids and families throughout the greater Atlanta area.”

This is the first franchise partnership for the trio and they look forward to the services and expertise provided by Big Blue’s leadership team, including full support in site location, lease negotiation, construction, and facilities management.

“As part of the Big Blue Swim School family, we will help the youth and families in our community with this vital life skill,” said Dharmadhikari. “Big Blue teaches children how to be safe around the water and grow in confidence as they learn to swim. Most importantly, they have fun while learning. We are proud to have the opportunity to deliver Big Blue’s mission to the families in Atlanta.”

Atlanta is the home to Level 5 Capital Partners, who invested in Big Blue Swim School in 2017 to grow the company through franchising. Big Blue Swim School will open its first pool in Atlanta this spring in Johns Creek.

Since launching in 2009, Big Blue has approached swim instruction holistically, imparting confidence and self-esteem in students while providing parents with feedback on their child’s progress. Started by five-time National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue Swim School is emerging as one of the dominant players in the $3 billion swim school industry. The brand’s semi-absentee business model supports franchise partners with proprietary enterprise technology, a recession-resistant business model, and strong unit economics. With 66 franchises locations sold in 14 states, Big Blue is positioned to be the market leader in an underserved and fragmented industry valued at $3B annually.

ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.

19 02, 2020

FASTSIGNS® Marks 35th Anniversary with Celebratory Franchise Fee of $35,000

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-19T11:09:56-05:00February 19th, 2020|Tags: FASTSIGNS International Inc., FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers, sign and graphic solutions, sign and visual communication franchise|

Leading Sign, Graphics, and Visual Communications Franchise Reported Exceptional Results in 2019, Including Signing of over 40 Franchise Agreements in North America.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, is marking its 35^th year in business by offering qualified franchisees in the U.S. a celebratory franchise fee of $35,000 — a savings of $14,750. The limited opportunity will be available through April 30, 2020, and applies to franchise agreements for new, co-branded, and conversion centers.

This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign over 45 franchise agreements in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor. The brand’s aggressive growth comes on the heels of a strong 2019 where FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results, including the signing of over 40 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations. FASTSIGNS also acquired Long Island-based Sign Me Up Signs & Advertising, adding seven locations to its network.

“As a brand and franchise opportunity, FASTSIGNS has never been stronger. To capitalize on our strong performance in 2019 and mark our 35^th anniversary, we’re excited to offer this special franchise fee to enable prospective franchisees to join the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development.

“We liked the sign industry and where it is heading technologically, and FASTSIGNS is the top dog in the category. It was important to me that I have an experienced team of professionals behind me that were dedicated to achieving my success,” said Clint Ehlers, a FASTSIGNS franchisee in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “There’s no better system than FASTSIGNS if you’re looking to get into the business.”

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS offers co-brand and conversion programs to help owners diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for comprehensive signage and visual communications solutions. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, add a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully convert their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive ongoing training and support to stay ahead of the competition and exceed the needs of their local business community. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and #55 overall on its annual Franchise 500^® list, making it the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans and the brand also was recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans report, was named to the America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review also has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. celebrates its 35^th anniversary in business in 2020 as the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 725 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in 9 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, France and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and visual 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 touch points. FASTSIGNS has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past four years, a 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans by Franchise Business Review and a 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine.

Learn more about sign and visual 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.

18 02, 2020

AtWork Group Adds New Location in East Houston

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-18T14:52:40-05:00February 18th, 2020|Tags: AtWork Group, franchise growth, staffing franchise, temp-to-hire and direct-hire services|

Leading Staffing Franchise Breaks Further Ground in Houston Area.

HOUSTON — AtWork Group, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing staffing franchises, announced today the addition of a new office in Houston, Texas. The new branch, located at 11811 East Freeway, will offer staffing solutions for the communities of Harris, Galveston and Montgomery counties.

The new East Houston branch will be led by entrepreneurial couple and Texas natives, Peter and Melissa Dancy. The Dancy’s have more than 50 years of healthcare, nursing and senior leadership experience in the military, private sector and county and federal government. With AtWork, they are looking forward to a new career journey and the opportunity to serve their local communities around Houston.

“We are ecstatic to see AtWork grow to three locations in the Houston market under the Dancy’s topnotch leadership,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork Group. “The success of AtWork in Houston is a testament to the area’s hardworking franchise owners and the expertise, tools and resources of AtWork’s national franchise network. It is no mystery why the company continues to rank among the best staffing franchises in the nation and thrive in the country’s largest cities like Houston.”

The new office will provide staffing assistance to the industrial, health care and hospitality industries as well as distribution centers, environmental services and call centers, facilitating executive placements as well as temporary, temp-to-hire and full-time placements. The business may be reached at 713-485-5696 or via AtWork.com/East-Houston.

AtWork Group was recently ranked in: Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2019 report on the Largest Staffing Firms in the United States, Franchise Business Review’s Top Innovative Franchises, Forbes’ America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms and America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500®, Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious, Franchise Times’ Top 200+ and Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000.

For more information please visit https://www.atwork.com.

About AtWork Group

AtWork Group is an industry leading staffing franchise, based in Knoxville, Tenn. Providing temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire services across industries, AtWork specializes in three lines of service – AtWork Personnel, AtWork Medical and AtWork Search. There are locations across 27 states, with the goal to reach 325 by 2029. AtWork franchisees execute region-based decisions that make a difference in their local economies to strengthen their communities. The company facilitated 50,000 hires last year. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.AtWorkfranchise.com.

18 02, 2020

Premium Service Brands Acquires Three Brands, launches into 2020

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-18T14:39:29-05:00February 18th, 2020|Tags: 360° Painting, Handyman Pro, Kitchen Wise, Maid Right, Premium Service Brands, ProLift Garage Doors, Renew Crew|

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Premium Service Brands has been recognized by the Franchise Times for their growth in the last 18 months. The Franchise Times named Paul Flick, CEO and founder, and his team at Premium Service Brands as winners of their 2020 Dealmakers Award, an annual recognition of franchises with outstanding growth. In the last 18 months, Flick has closed on three acquisitions of home services brands Maid Right, Kitchen Wise, and Renew Crew. With these recent deals, Premium Service Brands is launching into a new decade and blazing a path forward that is turning heads and bolstering growth.

Since July 2018, Premium Service Brands has acquired three new brands with a combined revenue of approximately $20 million. Each acquisition brings new franchise owners, new growth, and new possibilities to Premium Service Brands. The exchange goes both ways: these three new brands have benefited from a seamless integration into the technological systems that have made the existing Premium Service Brands companies – 360° Painting, ProLift Garage Doors, and Handyman Pro – successful. 360° Painting has consistently been ranked as one of the fastest growing franchises by the Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 and spent two consecutive years ranked as the #1 paint franchise.

For Paul Flick, this rapid growth is all part of the plan. “With our strong systems – like our intensive training process and specialized marketing team – we thrive in incorporating new brands and boosting them to success.” The monster growth of Premium Service Brands in just 18 months is a sign of a driven system with strong goals and an even stronger vision for the future.

The three brands – Maid Right, Kitchen Wise, and Renew Crew – were strategic additions. “We want to be able to offer wrap-around services to homeowners. Anything that provides an additional home service boosts our company overall,” Flick said. “Each of our brands is oriented around the same end user,” he added.

The Franchise Times will honor Flick and Premium Service Brands at the Franchise Times Franchise Investment Conference at the beginning of March.

About Premium Service Brands

To learn more about Premium Service Brands and their opportunities for growth and business ownership, visit www.premiumservicebrands.com.

18 02, 2020

Big Blue Swim School Wraps Up a Strong First Year of Franchise Sales and Plans to Hit the 150-Unit Mark by the End of 2021

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-18T09:43:42-05:00February 18th, 2020|Tags: Big Blue Swim School, child care franchise, child education franchise, child engagement specialists, swim school franchise|

With best-in-class consumer offerings, strong leadership support, and a recession-resistant business model, Big Blue has grown to five corporate-owned pools and 66 sold franchise units across 14 states.

CHICAGO — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, is wrapping up its first year of franchise sales with 66 units sold. Big Blue Swim School has received recognition as a Top 100 Game Changer according to Franchise Dictionary Magazine, expanded its leadership team and further developed its stellar local marketing support. Fueled by its incredible momentum in 2019, the brand is well on its way to signing 150 pools by 2021 and becoming the dominant swim lesson brand in America.

Since last year, Chicago-based Big Blue has staked its claim within the lucrative $3 billion swim school industry, establishing an ever-growing footprint with signed franchise agreements in strategic markets including Chicago, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Raleigh, and Austin, as well as in the states of New Jersey, Florida, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. The brand has also signed leases in Colorado, Virginia, and Maryland, and is nearing an Atlanta area opening this spring.

“As an emerging franchise brand, we accomplished the 50-units sold mark in less than a year,” said founder and U.S. competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. “Because of our strong leadership team, proprietary enterprise technology and consumer focused differentiators in the space, we know that our 2021 goal of 150 locations is completely achievable. Every Dive-in Day brings in five to ten buying groups, and they’re typically purchasing multiple units, so we’re feeling confident about reaching our growth goals.”

In March of 2019, Big Blue opened a new pool in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, marking the company’s best opening and strongest first month sales. The company attributes that success to its New Pool Opening process. This proven weekly process includes a robust marketing plan ensuring that each location will operate on day one like it is year five.

Last year also saw an expansion of Big Blue’s leadership team with the hiring of former PepsiCo exec Brooke Mallick and franchise industry veteran Justin Waltz to lead marketing and operations, respectively.

“Brooke and Justin have hit the ground running, focusing on developing strong marketing and operations programs for our franchise partners as we grow the brand,” said CEO Chris Kenny. “The goal of every person on our corporate team is to provide hands-on support to our franchise partners to get them to profitability more quickly so they can open more locations to provide families across the country with a valuable life skill.”

In addition, the brand has built an impressive board of directors, including franchise industry veterans like 2020 International Franchise Association Chairperson and FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson, who are helping position the brand for explosive success with strategic guidance and operational expertise.

Big Blue’s white-hot franchise growth can be attributed to semi-absentee franchise partners looking to maximize their time and their capital. Among other consumer-facing features, the company’s cloud-based enterprise system, LessonBuddy™ is designed so franchise partners can operate successful pools without needing a daily presence.

Plus, Big Blue leverages its team of real estate professionals to assist in site selection, construction, and facilities management . The team uses market knowledge and data-driven real estate assessment methodology to identify prime locations in trade areas across the country that are in a parent’s path of least resistance. Each location is analyzed to fit the brand’s member profile. This allows franchise partners to scale quickly across multiple units and, ultimately, contribute to Big Blue’s rapid franchise growth.

“We have always known that Big Blue is a special opportunity thanks to our mission-driven business focused on creating big, life-changing moments for kids and our strong support infrastructure for franchise partners. After our successful 2019, we are proud to be recognized for our achievements,” said DeJong. “We are uniquely positioned to go from game changer to industry leader.”

By combining a data-driven business model, growth-oriented franchise partners, and the insight of an expert leadership team, Big Blue is ready to make an even bigger splash in 2020.

Multi-unit opportunities are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big opportunity, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $75,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new Big Blue Swim School is $1,825,500 to $3,687,000 (refer to item 7 in FDD). To learn more or inquire about Big Blue Swim School, visit https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/.

ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.

14 02, 2020

SPAVIA – Countdown to Launch: Spavia 2.0 and New Urban Millennial Brand

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-14T17:19:39-05:00February 14th, 2020|Tags: body wraps and scrubs, facials and skin care, spa massages, Spa Services, Spavia Day Spa, waxing|

DENVER — The innovative team at Spavia is pushing the industry forward once again as the national franchise announces updates to the brand along with the reveal of a new spa brand targeting the millennial market. The new look and feel, colloquially known as spavia 2.0, will be revealed on February 20, 2020 along with the new brand concept from the company.

After a nationwide search and intensive vetting, the Spavia team integrated the best creators and designers in the country to create new and original work that pushes the industry forward. At its core, Spavia 2.0 is focused on further improving the guest experience to create an environment that rejuvenates the body and soul.

“We’ve identified a continuing need to fill a market gap by delivering a higher level of service. Our goal is to have the right balance of design and technology with focus on a multisensory experience,” said CEO Marty Langenderfer. “The new Spavia multisensory experience will focus on blending art & technology to create a seamless guest experience. Spavia 2.0 will feature new designs, music, scents, and technological innovations to make booking appointments, selecting music, and purchasing memberships even easier.”

For the company’s new brand, which will be revealed on the 20th, the Spavia team took inspiration from the emergent cultural centers of Barcelona, New York, and Southern California. For Marty “finding the right team of millennials who understood where the culture was going was very important to us to get it right”. The brand blends the art, culture, and relaxed environment of millennial brands with the expertise and experience of Spavia’s national team.

Fifteen years ago, when Spavia founders created the first concept, they saw a strong need in the marketplace as membership massage clinics started to enter the market with lower priced massages without the consumer deserving key elements of guest services and experience. “We know the educated, spa consumer wants more and with this in mind designed the Spavia spa with real, tranquil retreats, luxurious robes, and spa sandals.”

About Spavia

Spavia delivers a luxurious spa experience at an affordable price and provides a variety of spa massages, facials and skin care, body wraps and scrubs, waxing, lash extensions, make-up, and an opportunity to celebrate with a spalebration™ all in a relaxing and tranquil setting. Spavia’s spa boutique provides products for home-care regimens to achieve optimal results or beautiful selections for gift giving.

In 2005, the first Spavia opened in Centennial, CO with a mission to make a positive difference in the world, one guest at a time. Spavia founders, Marty and Allison Langenderfer, have 30+ years combined experience in the spa industry providing core knowledge to deliver an exceptional guest spa experience, along with strong systems and a scalable structure. In late 2019, Spavia opened its 45th location, and continues to grow.

Spavia was born out of a passion for spa and entrepreneurship. Anyone interested in learning more about opening a Spavia day spa franchise, please visit the Spavia website at https://franchise.spaviadayspa.com

14 02, 2020

Signarama Ends the Decade Strong with Addition of More Than 60 New Owners in 2019

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-14T12:02:28-05:00February 14th, 2020|Tags: advertising and marketing services, branding and messaging solutions, business signs, comprehensive sign and graphic services, digital signs, sign franchise, Signarama, UFG, United Franchise Group, vehicle wraps|

Family-Owned Sign and Graphics Franchise Celebrates Momentous Growth, Looks to Continue in 2020.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Signarama, the world’s largest, family-owned sign and graphics franchise, finished the end of the decade on a high note. In 2019 alone, Signarama acquired 63 new owners and further expanded into international markets, pushing the brand to total more than 700 locations in 43 states and 60 countries.

Signarama offers branding and messaging solutions, as well as comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers. The brand provides customers with a variety of customizable products, from business signs, vehicle wraps and digital sings, to advertising and marketing services. In addition to bringing on over 60 new owners in 2019, Signarama was recognized in a number of prestigious rankings, including Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List, earning the No. 212 spot – an increase of 37 spots from 2018 – as well as being recognized on the publication’s Best Franchise for Veterans list. Additionally, the brand secured a spot on Franchise Direct‘s Top 100 Global Franchises.

“For more than 30 years, our brand has been focused on bringing top notch services to communities around the world and I’m thrilled to see that we are consistently reaching new heights every year,” said A.J. Titus, President of Signarama. “At the end of the day, each and every one of our franchisees are a part of our family and we are celebrating our accomplishments together, from hitting growth milestones, to continuously improving our services, even participating in the World Axe Throwing Championship as a Title Sponsor. We are looking forward to continuing our success in the new year.”

Along with its new owners, Signarama recently on-boarded a Master License Partner in Canada and the United Kingdom, poising the brand for strong growth in those markets. Moving into the new year, the brand is hoping to expand further into additional international markets, such as Germany, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and India. Signarama predicts to open well over 100 locations globally by the end of the year.

“We’re looking forward to leveraging this growth for another year of success in 2020,” adds Titus. “Our team is committed to providing continuous training and support to help each franchisee succeed. Signarama’s fanatical support system and proven business model offers an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to join a family-owned business that positively impacts local and corporate businesses.”

Signarama is a part of a successful system of franchise brands under the United Franchise Group (UFG). Signarama is currently seeking to partner with passionate entrepreneurs to become single or multi-unit franchisees. The average cost for a Signarama franchise ranges from $190,000–$220,000 with our initial investment being approximately $50,000–$55,000.

For more information on the Signarama franchise opportunity, visit https://signaramafranchise.com/

This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by prospects.

In California: These franchises have been registered under franchise investment law of the State of California. Such registration does not constitute approval, recommendation or endorsement by the Commissioner of Business Oversight nor a finding by the Commissioner that the information provided herein is true, complete and not misleading.

In New York: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law.

This offering is made by prospectus only.

ABOUT SIGNARAMA

Signarama, the world’s largest sign franchise, offers branding and messaging solutions in addition to comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers – from business signs, vehicle wraps, and digital signs, to advertising and marketing services. Signarama is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group (UFG). As part of a $49-billion-plus worldwide sign market, Signarama has been at the forefront of the sign industry for over three decades. For more information, visit www.signarama.com. For more information on the Signarama franchise opportunity, visit https://signaramafranchise.com/

14 02, 2020

AlphaGraphics ranked a top franchise in Entrepreneur’s highly competitive 41st annual Franchise 500®

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-14T11:44:39-05:00February 14th, 2020|Tags: AlphaGraphics, marketing products and solutions, print and marketing franchise, printing services franchise, visual communications|

Global leader in printing and marketing ranks 226th in magazine’s elite franchise rankings.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading provider of printing and marketing solutions, recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500^®. Placement in the Franchise 500^® is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, making it one of the company’s most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500^® ranks AlphaGraphics at 226 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability and brand power.

“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Entrepreneur editor-in-chief Jason Feifer. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”

The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500^® in ranking order.

“Our continued placement in the Franchise 500^® is really a testament to the outstanding work and determination of everyone at AlphaGraphics,” said Ryan Farris, President and COO at AlphaGraphics. “We’ve committed ourselves to building an exceptional franchise system for all of our franchisees. With our recent growth and newly developed franchisee tools, we’re confident that we will continue to deliver on the promise of the AlphaGraphics franchise.”

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500^® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. AlphaGraphics’ position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view AlphaGraphics in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.

About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.

About AlphaGraphics

AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 5 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.

14 02, 2020

Franchise Gator selects Tint World® as one of the top 100 franchises in the U.S.

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-14T11:31:07-05:00February 14th, 2020|Tags: automotive styling, Automotive Styling Centers, award-winning franchise, Tint World, window tinting and security film services|

Top auto accessory and window tinting franchise recognized for fifth consecutive year.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tint World^® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has been named to Franchise Gator’s influential Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list.

Tint World^® ranks 29^th in its fifth consecutive appearance on the annual list.

“Being part of this exclusive list for five years in a row is an important recognition of the Tint World^® family and the hard work we all put in to growing the brand,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO of Tint World^®. “Our franchisees are dedicated, passionate and hard-working, and they value the support and resources we provide them. As this Franchise Gator ranking shows, that formula gets results.”

Franchise Gator, an online franchise database and directory founded in 2002, evaluates franchise systems around the United States for its Top 100 Franchises rankings. An expert panel reviews information from franchise disclosure documents and ranks the top companies based on financial stability, growth, transparency, engagement, continuity and sustainability.

“With all the options entrepreneurs have these days, selecting the right franchise can be intimidating,” Bonfiglio said. “Franchise Gator is making that process easier. Tint World^® offers great value and opportunity for franchisees, and connecting that information with the right people is key to our sustained growth.”

For more information about Franchise Gator, visit https://www.franchisegator.com/.

Tint World^® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto and marine 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® has grown to become an award-winning franchised provider of automotive styling, residential, commercial and marine window tinting and security film services. With Automotive Styling Centers™ in the U.S. and abroad, each franchise location houses approximately 20 profit centers, ranging from in-store accessory installations to off-site sales and installation of residential, commercial and marine window tinting and security films. To find out more, please visit www.tintworld.com and tintworldfranchise.com.

14 02, 2020

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Hosts Community Giveback Project

Tatyana Stemkovski2020-02-14T11:19:57-05:00February 14th, 2020|Tags: FASTSIGNS International Inc., FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers, sign and graphic solutions, sign and visual communication franchise|

Group assembles 20,000 meals during the 2020 FASTSIGNS® International Convention in Phoenix.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS® franchisees and their employees, vendors and FASTSIGNS International, Inc. corporate staff participated in a “FASTSIGNS Community Giveback” by assembling 20,000 meals for local children and their families with the organization, Feeding Children Everywhere. This event occurred during the 2020 FASTSIGNS International Convention held January 15-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Through our FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Projects, our meeting attendees and vendors come together to support a local cause and make a positive impact in the cities that host our events,” said Tracy Lake, Director of Events at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We are so grateful for organizations that work to end hunger. With the help of our partners in giving, we were honored to join Feeding Children Everywhere to help make a dent in hunger for Phoenix and the surrounding areas.”

Under the direction of Feeding Children Everywhere leadership, attendees measured, weighed, packaged and boxed 20,000 meals by forming 16 assembly lines. This was accomplished in 45 minutes during the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Breakfast with a Purpose event.

“Our partners are Hunger Heroes,” said Sarah Davila, Public Relations Manager at Feeding Children Everywhere. “Our partnership with FASTSIGNS creates the opportunity to impact thousands of families struggling with hunger. Together we are able to provide over 20,000 meals to children and families in need.”

This event was also made possible by the generous support of the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback sponsors including Avery Dennison, Click2Sell, CoreBridge Software, Faces, Grimco, GSG, Ornamental Post & Panel, Pocket Folders Fast, Ricoh, Sign Source, Steel Art, Vision Engraving and Routing Systems, Window Film Depot, Summa and JDS.

ABOUT FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE:

Feeding Children Everywhere is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the vision of a hunger-free world in our lifetime. Since 2010, FCE has activated more than 760,000 volunteers to package and distribute over 126 million meals to children and families in need.

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. celebrates its 35^th anniversary in business in 2020 as the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 725 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in 9 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, France and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and visual 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 touch points. FASTSIGNS has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past four years, a 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans by Franchise Business Review and a 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine.

Learn more about sign and visual 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.

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