Tatyana Stemkovski, Author at Franchise Dictionary Magazine

4 04, 2023

Soccer Stars is Bringing Innovative Youth Athletic Programs to Pennsylvania

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-04-04T10:09:00-04:00April 4th, 2023|Tags: early childhood development, low kid-to-coach ratios, Soccer Stars, youth soccer brand|

Youth Athletes United brand, Soccer Stars, is expanding their soccer curriculum across the BucksMont area and bringing new programs to the Mainline, Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA — As warmer weather approaches, getting kids active and moving is a priority for parents everywhere. Soccer Stars, the premier youth soccer brand educating kids ages 1-12+ about the fun and basics of soccer, is coming to the Mainline, Philadelphia area, and is expanding class offerings and programs across Bucks County, Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia. Franchisees Liz and Bill O’Shea are thrilled to be bringing the fun and innovative program to their community. The spring season officially begins on April 1st, 2023 at their flagship location in the Oxford Valley Mall in Langhorne, PA, along with other partner locations across the area. Enrollment can be completed at https://soccerstars.com/pa/bucksmont/ or by calling (610) 737-4764.

Liz and Bill O’Shea both come from professional backgrounds in business and sales, and with two active young kids who love soccer, Soccer Stars was the perfect fit for the team when embarking on a new franchise business venture. The pair lived abroad in Switzerland for a long period of time and when they came back to the United States, the passion and love for soccer came back with them.

“Soccer Stars really grabs every kid, and each lesson is age-appropriate and helps them to learn developmental soccer moves,” said Liz O’Shea. “The program is for every kid, regardless of soccer ability, which is one of the things we loved most about the Soccer Stars’ curriculum. As it develops and changes with kids through ages and stages, you realize you’re impacting kids who never thought they would get involved with soccer.”

Liz and Bill are taking over ownership of Soccer Stars programs in the BucksMont area, which has helped thousands of young players learn the joys of soccer for over 8 years. They plan to expand the curriculum and program offerings across the area, including at a state-of-the-art indoor turf field located within the Oxford Valley Mall, which will now offer additional evening and weekend classes. Weekly classes, camps, and enrichment programs will also be available soon on the Mainline. The couple knows that Soccer Stars will bring an immense sense of community to the area as the program is truly more than just kicking around a soccer ball.

“There is a demand for getting kids active, and Soccer Stars provides that and so much more,” said Liz. “After the last three years of COVID-19 and a sense of isolation, this gives us a great opportunity to bring kids and parents together to socialize and be part of a bigger community.”

To learn more about Soccer Stars in Bucks and Montgomery County, visit https://soccerstars.com/pa/bucksmont/ or visit https://soccerstars.com/pa/mainline to learn more about programs in the Mainline, Philadelphia. You can also call (610) 737-4764 for more information.

About Youth Athletes United

Established youth sports and activities brands Amazing Athletes, Soccer Stars and TGA Premier Sports come together under parent company, Youth Athletes United. With 15 – 20 years of success for each individual brand, a total 250+ units and 200,000+ children instructed nationwide each year, Youth Athletes United has earned trust in each community they touch. The brand’s overarching mission is to help the world understand that every kid is an athlete and ultimately impact the lives of over one million children. To learn more about Youth Athletes United and their franchising opportunities, visit https://www.youthathletesunited.com/franchising-opportunities/.

About Soccer Stars

For over 20 years, Soccer Stars has delivered a best-in-class, age-specific curriculum, designed by soccer and early childhood development experts, that teaches both fundamentals and life skills. Certified coaches lead weekly classes and camps with low kid-to-coach ratios so that every child gets individual attention and can progress at their own pace. Programs are available for children ages 1-12+ of all experience levels, with a player pathway that includes Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, and Advanced Development. Private Groups and Birthday Parties are also available. To learn more, visit https://soccerstars.com/.

4 04, 2023

Two Maids Celebrates 20 Years of Letting Life Shine

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-04-04T09:56:26-04:00April 4th, 2023|Tags: multiple cleaning packages, professional-grade cleaning supplies and products, residential cleaning franchise, Two Maids|

Leading Residential Cleaning Brand Marks Two Decades of Success with Revenue Records, Charitable Initiatives, and Domestic Expansion.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two Maids, the leading residential cleaning franchise and part of Home Franchise Concepts, marked today their twentieth year in business. In two decades since the brand’s inception, Two Maids has opened doors to franchise owners across more than 100 markets in the United States. The cleaning leader currently has a franchise network of over 70 franchisees domestically and employs a total of over 1,000 professional house cleaners systemwide, all while offering franchisee support and continued education for cleaners.

Two Maids joined the Home Franchise Concepts family of home-service brands in September of 2021 and in 2022 they saw a 22% increase in sales leading a network-wide revenue total of over $52 million. Two Maids also celebrated the opening of their 100^th franchise location in the United States in Q3 of 2022 with additional openings in the following quarter and marking a 20% total unit increase from 2021. The cleaning franchise is currently eyeing expansion in throughout the United States this year.

“We’re so excited to officially mark twenty years of success and sparkling clean service at Two Maids this year. Over the years our company has continued to pivot with the times and evolve to achieve the greatest success possible, but our mission has always been clear: we are here to serve our customers, cleaners, and community of franchise partners,” said Paul Ebert, president of Two Maids. “As we look ahead to the next twenty years I’m optimistic about our continued upward trajectory of success and my team is confident that we will continue to expand our network and help more customers than ever let life shine.”

Some key highlights from Two Maids’ twenty years in business:

2003: Founder Ron Holt purchased a small cleaning business that would someday become the Two Maids franchise giant
2005: Ron’s company is rebranded as Two Maids & a Mop and ramps up operations
2005: Two Maids opens doors on two units in Florida, sparking an idea for greater franchise reach
2006-2013: The cleaning company expands geographically across the Southeast with a dozen new stores
2013: The first Two Maids franchise location is opened in Tampa, Florida and a systemwide franchise program is rolled out
2016: Seeing unstoppable success, Two Maids is named the Fast Growing Franchise Cleaning Company in America
2018: Two Maids celebrates the opening of its 50^th location
2022: The company marks their 100^th franchise opening as well as a record-shattering revenue month in June of 2022
2023: Two Maids refreshes their brand and enhances their people-first mission while celebrating their impressive twentieth year in business.

In addition to revenue records and domestic expansion, Two Maids has executed numerous charitable partnerships in the last twenty years in order to give back to the communities in which they operate. Their longstanding relationship with Cleaning for a Reason alone has enabled Two Maids to serve more than 1,700 patients by providing over $500,000 of free cleans over the last decade. Earlier this year Two Maids, formerly Two Maids & a Mop, refreshed their brand and enhanced their mission to focus on the people at the core of the brand’s success: cleaners, franchisees, and clients.

To learn more about the Two Maids brand and franchise development opportunities, visit https://www.twomaidsfranchise.com/.

About Two Maids

Founded in 2003 in Pensacola, Florida, Two Maids™ currently operates in more than 100 markets across the United States. Designed to provide greater flexibility for customers, the brand offers multiple cleaning packages ranging from one-time cleans to routine services and takes pride in providing safe and reliable professional-grade cleaning supplies and products. Two Maids™ has received numerous accolades including being ranked on the 2021 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, for the third consecutive year, and named 2020’s fastest-growing cleaning company in America by Inc. Magazine for the fifth time in the past seven years. For more information, visit https://twomaidscleaning.com/.

About Home Franchise Concepts

Home Franchise Concepts® , is one of the world’s largest franchising systems in the home improvement goods and services space, among the world’s largest franchise businesses and a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships. Home Franchise Concepts’ nine brands including Budget Blinds®, The Tailored Closet™, PremierGarage®, Concrete Craft®, AdvantaClean®, Kitchen Tune-Up®, Bath Tune-Up®, Two Maids® and Aussie Pet Mobile®, are consistently rated at the top of their categories and supported by more than 2,400 franchise territories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For information on franchise opportunities, please visit homefranciseconcepts.com.

4 04, 2023

FASTSIGNS to Showcase its Expanding Co-Branding, Conversion Initiatives at ISA International Sign Expo 2023

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-04-04T09:50:29-04:00April 4th, 2023|Tags: FASTSIGNS International Inc., FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers, Propelled Brands, sign and graphic solutions, sign and visual communication franchise|

Industry leader offers independent sign and graphic owners a proven support network that drives next-level growth.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS® – the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation – will attend the 2023 ISA International Sign Expo (Booth #1871) at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on April 12-14 to showcase upcoming franchise opportunities amid expansion of the brand’s co-brand and conversion programs. The programs offer independent businesses in the sign or adjacent industries opportunities for expanded revenue streams and the support of an established network, while still maintaining their initial business.

“We’re helping those who have experienced slow and steady growth reach a new level of success with greater revenues and profitability through our co-brand and conversion program,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer of Propelled Brands. “As the industry leader, we offer brand recognition, powerful local and national marketing, improved buying power and relationships with vendors, up-to-date technology and digital services, a nationwide network of franchisees, and top-of-the-line training and support.”

Last year was the brand’s most successful year-to-date with FASTSIGNS building on a growing sales track record and surpassing $700 million in network sales for the first time in company history. The impressive growth underscores FASTSIGNS’ adaptability to a rapidly-changing business environment and economy and the continued demand for signage and graphics making it a recession-resistant business.

“With an uncertain economic landscape, having the largest, most sophisticated and recognized brand by your side can be tremendously helpful navigating those challenges,” added Jameson. “We’re here to support our franchise partners at whatever level they desire.”

FASTSIGNS co-branding program allows those in a complementary space, such as photo, promotional products, awards/engraving and printing, to keep their independence and control of their existing business, while growing a whole new category to expand revenues with diverse product lines and services at a minimal cost. The owner’s core business is exempt from royalty structure.

“Co-branding with FASTSIGNS has changed my business. As an independent entrepreneur in the photo business, coming into the sign business and seeing what FASTSIGNS provided for us is completely game-changing,” said Gaby Mullinax, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Fullerton, CA. “When you become an entrepreneur, you are on your own, everything falls on your shoulders. FASTSIGNS takes that on for you in a sense and delivers opportunities.”

The FASTSIGNS conversion program allows business owners to convert their existing sign shop and gain brand recognition and ongoing training and support from the franchise system for a $15,000 starting investment on franchise fee. FASTSIGNS offers support throughout each stage of the franchising process, including when it’s time to sell the business or establish a succession plan.

“When FASTSIGNS pursued us to convert our business, we decided to make the leap after seeing what we could do and what potential support there was for our business growth,” said Karrie Brock, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Toledo and Maumee, OH. “The network of other FASTSIGNS owners has been the biggest key to our success. Being a part of a larger network that can share ideas, help with solutions and even help produce or install anywhere in the world is priceless.”

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $233,555 – $307,308 including a $49,750 franchise fee. Additionally, FASTSIGNS offers a special incentive for veterans and 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.

To date, FASTSIGNS operates more than 765 locations in 46 states and eight countries. Of these FASTSIGNS franchisees, around 14% are veterans.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, fill out this brief form, or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679).

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS is a leading national visual ideas company that creates a wide variety of comprehensive sign and graphics solutions. With over 35 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps you achieve more than you ever thought possible. We are the worldwide franchisor of more than 765 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers. FASTSIGNS locations span across the United States, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and through franchising awards which include being ranked #1 on Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500® List for the Seventh Consecutive Year for 2023 as well as being named a 2023 Best-in-Category Franchise by Franchise Business Review.

In 2021, Propelled Brands was formed, and is now the multi-brand franchisor for FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo®, MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza® brands.

To learn more visit 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@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679).

3 04, 2023

Le Macaron Mania Spreads As #1 Authentic Macaron Franchise Announces Multiple Locations Throughout the U.S.

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-04-03T10:21:55-04:00April 3rd, 2023|Tags: authentic French macarons and pastries, Emerging Franchise, French patisserie, Le Macaron French Pastries|

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron, the leading French Pastries and Macaron franchise in the United States, announced the upcoming openings of three new locations this spring in Traverse City, Michigan, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Tampa, Florida, with an additional 8-10 locations planned by the end of summer. As the #1 macaron franchise with more than 70 locations nationwide, the popular French patisserie is enjoying steady expansion as successful franchisees scramble to open multiple locations and new owners hold grand openings for shops, kiosks in malls, or food trucks.

“We are thrilled with our accelerated growth, and we are fortunate to have inquiries from interested franchisees all over the country,” said Le Macaron spokesperson Greg Guillem. “At our current pace, we are on track to have up to 20 new locations within the next year.”

Le Macaron locations planned for summer openings include Columbus, Ohio, Tucson, Arizona, Long Beach, California, Sacramento, California, Pembroke Pines, Florida, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, New York, and Miami.

The upcoming grand opening scheduled for mid-May in Traverse City at 332 Front Street is the second location for owner Bobbi Jo Blanton, who also owns a Le Macaron store with her husband, William, in Grand Rapids. Blanton is so enamored of her experience as a Le Macaron franchisee that she is scouting for a third location to open in the future.

“It’s extremely rewarding to bring the taste of authentic macarons to these communities,” Blanton said.

New owners Natalia Mejia and Camito Beltran are preparing to open their store at RIO Lakefront at 9841 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg, Maryland while owners Sanjam and Karam Chawla will open a mobile kiosk at International Plaza in Tampa. All the new franchisees are banking on the fact that interest in delicious, bite-sized macarons is trending throughout the country. Le Macaron co-founder Rosalie Guillem says prospective franchisees and consumers are learning about why quality, authenticity, and freshness define Le Macaron as a premium brand and the leader in its category.

“What sets Le Macaron apart from competitors is that we are a best-in-class brand with authentic macarons prepared fresh daily by our French pastry chefs,” said Guillem. “We have more than 20 delicious flavors as well as seasonal flavors to delight customers of all ages, including those who are looking for a Parisian café experience.”

Le Macaron treats customers to a taste of Paris, including vibrant, colorful décor, traditional music, and a menu featuring freshly prepared macarons, pastries, gelato, coffee, gourmet chocolates, cakes, éclairs, European style beverages and more. Macarons are also available in seasonal flavors to commemorate holidays and special occasions, and the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business year-around.

For more information about the Le Macaron French Pastries franchise opportunity please visit http://lemacaronfranchise.com/.

About Le Macaron French Pastries

Founded in 2009 by Rosalie Guillem and her daughter Audrey, Le Macaron French Pastries is an elegant retail specialty French patisserie that offers guests the finest, authentic French macarons and pastries. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the brand began franchising in 2012 and has since grown to more than 75 locations across the U.S. Le Macaron French Pastries is ranked on Inc. 5,000 2016, #17 on the 2019 Top Emerging Franchise List as well as ranking on the Top 100 Food and Beverage category by Entrepreneur and holds a No. 9 ranking in the baked goods category. Le Macaron was recently named to the FranServe 2022 Fran-Tastic 500 list, which recognizes the top franchises in the country. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com/.

31 03, 2023

Hidden Treasure

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-03-31T10:45:21-04:00March 31st, 2023|Tags: franchise attorney|

Great unit economics will drive a franchise system to growth and profitability. Each franchised location is a building block to the overall financial metrics. Having advised hundreds of franchisors over the years, one area that many franchisors neglect is encouraging low performing franchisees to transition the business to a new owner. By Tom Spadea

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31 03, 2023

Personal Branding

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-03-31T10:15:36-04:00March 31st, 2023|Tags: Brand Journalists, business identity, franchising, Social Geek|

Franchising is a highly competitive and dynamic business environment. With so many brands and concepts vying for entrepreneurs’ attention and so many local business owners competing for consumers’ attention, it’s essential for all of us to establish our own personal brands to stand out and succeed. By Jack Monson

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31 03, 2023

Pulse

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-03-31T10:11:15-04:00March 31st, 2023|Tags: business ownership, certified franchise consultant, franchise consulting, FranServe|

It has been said that if you still have a pulse, then you still have a purpose. FranServe Certified Franchise Consultants (CFCs) are specifically trained and skilled at helping others realize their purpose in this life. Many miss out on their destiny because they sacrifice their destiny for “security.” By Don Clayton

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30 03, 2023

Alternatives To Saying “NO”

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-03-30T14:12:19-04:00March 30th, 2023|Tags: keynote customer service speaker, Telephone Doctor Customer Service Training, Zoom programs|

Here’s an important announcement from some of the many and varied surveys Telephone Doctor Customer Service Training has conducted over the years. A while back I wanted to find out how people felt when they were rejected. What came out of those interviews and surveys was no one wants to be told “no” at the start of a sentence. By Nancy Friedman

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30 03, 2023

FranServe: The Best Tactics of Successful Franchisors

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-03-30T14:01:39-04:00March 30th, 2023|Tags: franchise owners, franchisee profitability, franchisor partners, FranServe|

The best franchisors have strong leadership skills and are passionate about their brand while being supportive and flexible for their franchise owners. But that’s not all. CEO and President of FranServe Alesia Visconti added important components to that list. By Nancy E. Williams

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30 03, 2023

City Wide Franchise Donates More Than $600,000 to Florida-Based Organization, LiFT

Tatyana Stemkovski2023-03-30T11:42:56-04:00March 30th, 2023|Tags: City Wide Facility Solutions, commercial facility management company, managing interior and exterior services|

LENEXA, Kan. — City Wide Facility Solutions of Tampa Bay, the nation’s leading commercial facility management company, raised $621,000 for Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) at its annual franchise convention this past March.

City Wide’s mission is to create a Ripple Effect by positively impacting the people and communities it supports. Franchisees from nearly 95 City Wide franchise locations came together to support the Tampa Bay location as part of its ongoing partnership with the nonprofit. Opened in 2010 by local entrepreneurs Steve Howerton and John Duffy, the Tampa Bay franchise location has a long-standing track record of supporting neurodiversity and LiFT through the nonprofit’s microbusiness program.

“Many of the educational and support systems that someone with neurodiversity requires aren’t readily available. Unfortunately, this means people with neurodiversity are isolated and not given the resources to survive,” said Howerton, “LiFT provides these life-saving resources that allow these individuals to learn and succeed. I’m humbled by the support from the City Wide system to come together and help spread a massive ripple.”

LiFT’s mission is to inspire and empower people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive, and succeed. The organization’s goal is to level the playing field for individuals with learning differences and neurodiversity by providing them with exceptional academics, life skills, career training and opportunities to strengthen social skills and building meaningful friendships.

“LiFT was overwhelmed and incredibly humbled by this level of support from City Wide. To see a company make it part of their culture to give back, to recognize an organization improving the lives of an underserved population, and to promote a national mobilized effort to support a united cause was truly awe inspiring,” said Shawn Naugle, CEO of LiFT. “Having recently celebrated our 10^th year in operation, LiFT has never seen this kind of philanthropic support from a community partner and could not be more thankful and proud to have a team like City Wide standing shoulder-to-shoulder to promote the LiFT Motto of ‘Change a Life, Change the World.'”

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

For more information on LiFT and how you can support this organization, please visit liftfl.org.

About City Wide

Founded in 1961, City Wide has a proven reputation for being the go-to resource for commercial facility solutions in its home Kansas City market and nearly 95 locations across the U.S. and Canada. By uniquely representing the client, professional management teams serve as a single-source solution by managing dozens of interior and exterior services through independent contractors. City Wide simplifies the janitorial, disinfecting and maintenance issues most critical to building owners, operators and management companies, saving them time, solving their problems and reducing stress typically associated with facility management.

For more information about City Wide Facility Solutions or to find a location near you, please visit www.gocitywide.com.

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About Tatyana Stemkovski