Columns
Regimen: Investing in Self-esteem
Inspired by her grandmother and encouraged by her deep faith, Natalie Craig has had an innate desire to help others since she was a young girl. Her interests first led her to nursing, where she served in hospitals and learned about many dire cases, including those experienced by at-risk children. By Brianna Bohn
Wicked Lick: From Change Orders to Toppings
When John Smotryski left his esteemed position in construction management to start an ice cream shop, much of his community was shocked. “A lot of people looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe you’re leaving this great job to go to Key West and open an ice cream store.’ People were really surprised because it’s risky,” Smotryski said. By Sarah Lindauer
A Franchise In Fitness + Wellness
Have you been thinking of creating opportunity for others to join you in your brand? Are you thinking of opening your own business, and joining an established franchise brand? Fitness and wellness are two trending industries in franchising! By Dawn Abbamondi
Body20: Unleash Your Potential
BODY20®, a technology- enhanced fitness concept, is taking the boutique fitness franchise world up a notch. Providing a maximally efficient workout in just 20 minutes, BODY20 uses electro-muscular stimulation (EMS) to deliver a safe, effective and efficient experience. By Elice Morgenson
Southpaw Gym: A Pillar of Strength
Vic and Stephanie Lashley, the husband-and-wife team behind Southpaw Gym have created a no-frills space for members ages 4 and up. Dedicated to strengthening all aspects of a person, including their body, mind and soul, the Lashleys created a unique boxing and mixed martial arts gym that provides training while offering educational classes and seminars for members. By Elice Morgenson
L.A. Bikini: A Revolutionary Concept That Attracts Long-term Customers
When Clay Haley, CEO and co-founder of L.A. Bikini, discovered sugaring, he was surprised by the number of benefits the sugaring process had over the standard waxing experience. “I just couldn’t believe that a product of any kind could claim that many benefits over a rival product,” he said. By Kelsi Trinidad
Franchisee of the Month: Kristin Shute, Home Helpers® Home Care
Before becoming a Home Helpers® Home Care franchisee in Bergen County, New Jersey, Kristin Shute came from a long line of family entrepreneurs and grew up in a family business that started in 1895. By Cindy Charette
Naturals2Go: Achieving Work/Life Balance With Heart & Hustle
Shelley McCauley knows a thing or two about juggling responsibilities. As a mom to six kids, ranging in age from 9 months (twin boys!) to 16 years, McCauley’s days are jam-packed. Her Naturals2Go vending business is perfect for her lifestyle. By Lizzy Yeserski
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Frios Pops: A Simple Model That Sells Happiness
Giving people a reason to smile since 2017, Frios Pops is known for its happiness-inducing frozen pops. The brand’s gourmet treats are hand-poured and made with the freshest ingredients, and the experience of eating one (or many) is nothing short of magical. By Brianna Bohn
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Paisano’s: Reinventing Quality Italian Takeout
Paisano’s has built its reputation on 25 years of quality Italian food, providing options that everyone in the family will love. The business focuses on a convenient takeout and delivery model that keeps costs low and the quality of the ingredients high. By Kelsi Trinidad
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NEXClean: Quality From Top to Bottom
While attending West Chester University, college buddies Dan Nestor and Mike Quinn started NEXClean. Their side hustle developed into a successful business with 40-plus employees and a growing network of franchisees. By Brianna Bohn
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Features
Astrawatt Solar: Providing the Fuel of the Future
Astrawatt Solar aims to reinvent the solar installation experience completely, and that starts with educating customers about the benefits of solar power by a team of knowledgeable salesmen. Even though solar power is not a new concept, some customers aren’t aware of all the environmental and financial benefits that solar has to offer. By Kelsi Trinidad
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Floor Coverings International: Bringing the ‘Wow Factor’ To the Flooring Industry
Amy Schlosser, senior director of franchise development at Floor Coverings International, never considered the flooring industry sexy. That is, until she worked in the flooring industry. By Sarah Lindauer
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Mobility City: A Feel-good Business Model Validated in a $5 Billion Industry
Vinny and Diane Baratta’s love story is movie script material. They first crossed paths in 2015 when Vinny fixed the mobility scooter of Diane’s late husband in the pouring rain. Fast forward to 2016, and they found themselves sitting across from each other at dinner after connecting on a dating app. Vinny and Diane fell in love and now co-own the cupid of their love story, Mobility City. By Sarah Lindauer
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Speedy Patch Drywall Repair: Commitment & Craftsmanship
When you talk to Christian Cagle, owner and founder of Speedy Patch Drywall Repair, you can hear passion and pride in his voice for the company and its services. By Lizzy Yeserski
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Hofbräuhaus of America: An Award-winning Eatery Offering Authentic Bavarian Flavors and Ingredients
Franz Krondorfer, vice president for Hofbräuhaus of America, LLC, has over 30 years of experience in the kitchen. A native of Linz, Austria, Krondorfer received a master chef degree in culinary arts in Germany. By Cindy Charette
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N-Compass TV: Shaking Up the Advertising Industry
N-Compass TV is at the forefront of the booming digital out-of-home advertising industry. With over 3,000 digital screens in restaurants, gyms, hair salons, car-repair shops and dozens of other businesses across the U.S., N-Compass TV meets consumers where they eat, shop, work and play. By Patty Horansky
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Schooley Mitchell: The One Franchise Every Business Owner Turns To
Founded by Dennis Schooley, Schooley Mitchell provides services in business-to-business cost reduction consulting. This unique franchise has little competition, especially in the small- and medium-sized marketplace. By Cindy Charette
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BrightStar Care: Study Delivers Results for Future Franchisees
BrightStar Care® wrapped up 2022 with an investment in research resulting in a better understanding of Medicare Advantage plans and their enrollees. Shelly Sun, BrightStar Care founder and CEO, described the importance and relevance of the study. By Heidi Lubrani
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HomeVestors: Never Fear: The normalization of the real estate market has little effect
Alan Washer has been a Chicago-based HomeVestors® of America franchisee for over 20 years. Washer’s years of experience have helped him identify trends in the investment real estate industry, and this insight has helped him build success with HomeVestors, even during today’s tumultuous market. By Heidi Lubrani
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Boulder Designs: A Franchise That Is Leaving Its Mark
Jeff Humbard first noticed Boulder Designs in 2019 when he and his wife, Kim, attended a trade show in Las Vegas. Kim spotted a booth with a firepit and hoped to buy one. As it turned out, the booth wasn’t marketing fire pits but franchises for Boulder Designs. By Patty Horansky
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MindChamps: An Innovative Program
Founded more than 20 years ago as a research center in Sydney, Australia, MindChamps grew into an early education group designed to help children meet the ever-changing demands of the 21st century. By Patty Horansky
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Assisting Hands Home Care: The Tools & Expertise For Recruiting Caregivers
Hiring and retaining great talent has been challenging for almost every industry. Over the past 15 years, Assisting Hands® Home Care, a leading in-home care franchise, has leveraged its talent and experience to tackle hiring challenges head-on, providing franchise owners with invaluable tools. By Nancy E. Williams
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Hawaii Fluid Art: A Model That Wields the Power of Art
Hawaii Fluid Art has finally solved the problem that many of us face: what to get the person who has everything. The studio creates an uplifting blend of retail and art studio space, where customers can create something unique and take home a memory that will last a lifetime. By Elice Morgenson
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FranServe, Inc.: Resilience
FranServe, Inc. is the world’s largest franchise consulting and expansion organization, with over 1,500 active FranServe Affiliate Franchise Consultants, franchise brands and professional suppliers in its portfolio. Alesia Visconti, CEO and President of FranServe, Inc., stepped into the role armed with 20 years of business experience as a C-level executive, driving organizational development and taking companies to the next level, both domestically and internationally. By Nancy E. Williams
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Shop Talk
Choices
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. However, investing in a franchise is a lot easier than going at it alone. The concept, materials, plans, systems, brand, etc. are all in place for you. Therefore, hundreds of people every day make the choice to invest in their future and dreams of becoming their own boss through the franchise ownership option. By Don Clayton
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Culture & Core Values
I recently sat down with a panel of business professionals on the Social Geek Podcast to discuss building a great culture in a company or small business. Joining me were Derrick Ableman, marketing manager of Northeast Color, Liz Solar, voice actor and host of the Embark podcast, and Heather Anderson, Vice president of operations at Eulerity. By Jack Monson
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Legal: What Does Winning Look Like?
Franchising is about creating a community of business owners working out of the same system and sharing the same goals, metrics, brand, system, etc. It is franchise malpractice to not have your franchisees reporting their numbers in a uniform way, which starts with a standard chart of accounts for your franchisees. If you don’t have a standard chart of accounts, then how do your franchisees know what winning looks like? By Tom Spadea
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Franchise Boothmanship
There are many articles on this topic. But very few on the specifics that we are talking about. Bear these in mind, while in the booth. By Nancy Friedman