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July 2022 Articles
Departments
Ace Handyman Services: Increased Growth Brings More Ways to Give Back
Looking back, Ace Handyman Services has experienced impressive growth, from 119 territories in 2019 to 311 territories today. This also has led to increased hiring at the corporate office during the pandemic. Even with its significant growth, Ace Handyman Services has not jeopardized its culture of giving. By Jennifer Callender
Assisting Hands® Home Care: Numbers Tell the Story, but Passion Moves the Mission
As the chief financial officer of Assisting Hands® Home Care, Tyler Moss uses facts to analyze success. With this information, he’s able to chart the company’s future prosperity clearly. By Lizzy Yeserski
N-Compass TV: In the Business of Supporting Local Business
There are plenty of reasons to patronize small businesses within your community, whether it’s to support the local economy, be more environmentally friendly, or to enjoy a more personalized experience. Unfortunately for small businesses and emerging brands, one of the greatest growth challenges can be establishing awareness among a target customer base. By Tamara Rahoumi
Bitbox ATM: Upgrading to Meet Rising Crypto Demands
As a Bitbox ATM franchisee, buyers deposit cash into your machine then scan the code provided, and cryptocurrency (crypto) is immediately uploaded into their virtual wallet. The user now fully owns and controls the cryptocurrency. And now, all Bitbox ATM machines have been upgraded to offer two-way functionality, so buyers can also sell their cryptocurrency in exchange for cash. By Cindy Charette
Franchisee of the Month: Greg Alan, Tint World
For as long as he can remember, Greg Alan has loved cars. “TransAm, GTO – that’s what put a twinkle in my eye,” Alan said, thinking back to his youth in the Midwest. When it came to venturing out on his own after years in marketing and development for the restaurant industry, it’s no wonder Alan gravitated toward his first love. By Tamara Rahoumi
Mr. Transmission/Milex: A Day in the Life of a Franchisee
For years, Steve Sargent would board a plane for work on an early Monday morning, return home Friday and prepare for his next trip, losing valuable time with his family. Then, he started to notice a shift in corporate America and found himself on the outside looking in. Although he had found success in the medical and pharmaceutical sales industry, he knew something had to change. By Brianna Bohn
Astrawatt Solar: Making it Easy to Own a Solar Franchise
When Keith Murphy, founder and CEO of Astrawatt Solar, and Tyler Tucker, co-owner and chief development officer, began working in the solar industry a decade ago, the industry was relatively unknown to the general public. Today, the proven potential of the solar power industry is widely discussed and growing at a steady rate worldwide. By Elice Morgenson
Taking the Leap
You became a small-business owner and made a success of your independent, local brand. Now you ask, “Is franchising next?” If one of these align with your unique story, it is time to start your franchise journey. By Dawn Abbamondi
Southpaw Gym: Shaping Champions Inside and Outside of the Ring
Growing up, Vic Lashley ate, slept and breathed boxing and mixed martial arts. He trained with renowned masters, grandmasters and senseis all over the world. The skills he had developed – including self-defense, discipline and dedication – have stayed with him, even through his service as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army and a correctional officer. By Brianna Bohn
Runningboards Marketing: A Top Emerging Brand
Runningboards Marketing (RBM) is the fastest-growing digital mobile billboard franchise in the U.S. Therefore, it’s no surprise that RBM was recently ranked by Entrepreneur magazine as a Top 100 New and Emerging Franchise. By Nancy E. Williams
Eight Turn Crêpe: The Taste of the Future
Who would think a casual stroll down a bustling street in New York could change their life? That is precisely what happened to Marleen Zhik and Steve Kogan, president and vice president of franchising at Eight Turn Crêpe. By Heidi Lubrani
Sheenco Travel: Creating Lifelong Memories
Since franchising Sheenco Travel in 2021 and branching out to the U.S. to secure an international presence for her Ireland-based agency, Genevieve Sheehan has maintained a strong focus on lead generation and growth. By Jessica Petrucelli
Mosquito Mary’s: A Safer Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
After years of settling for low-quality, ineffective mosquito sprays for his lawn, Nick Spencer, Mosquito Mary’s founder and CEO, decided to find a better solution. Spencer wanted to create a spray that was not only effective but also safe for families and pets to use all summer long without worrying about hazardous chemicals. By Kelsi Trinidad
Überrito: A Rare Opportunity in a Booming Industry
Established in 1996, Überrito offers a rare opportunity to partner with a brand that is well established in fast-casual fresh-Mex dining. Supported by its parent company, Mexican Restaurants, Inc., which has five restaurant brands with 38 total units, Überrito has steadily become a front-runner in the flourishing industry. By Elice Morgenson
Floor Coverings International: Stability Found Through Franchising
For 20-plus years, Matt Moten had a successful career working for one of the top-five commercial material sales companies in the world. However, his job responsibilities offered little to no work-life balance. While Moten was grappling with his less-than-ideal work situation, his wife, Tracy, was preparing to re-enter the workforce after taking time off from her teaching job to raise their children. By Jennifer Callender
SMB Franchise Advisors: Building Brands Through Relationships
An expert in the growth and operation of businesses, Steve Beagelman began helping others achieve their dreams of business ownership over 30 years ago. After offering guidance to a colleague’s client, he quickly received more requests and realized he had created something truly special. In 2009, SMB Franchise Advisors was born. By Brianna Bohn
1-800 WATER DAMAGE®: The Key to Operating Smoothly
In February 2019, Tod and Joanne Sandberg opened their 1-800 WATER DAMAGE® franchise in the Seattle area, with territories in Tacoma and Olympia, Washington. Unlike some couples who must adjust to a new business with a life partner, the Sandbergs had years of experience. By Nancy E. Williams
Q&A: An Interview with Andrew Cox, SVP of Business Development at Medi-Weightloss®
Medi-Weightloss is based upon a clinical-medical protocol, and the science has been done by the professionals. We’re teaching patients what to eat, how to eat and portion control on a real food diet, plus behavioral changes to keep weight off. We’re the only ones with a wellness component. By Lizzy Yeserski
Features
Naturals2Go: The Dream Team
Over the last several years, Naturals2Go has assembled a group of the industry’s top innovators to guide the company’s owner-operators and offer valuable support and guidance. The addition of Paul Ihn, who was recently named vice president of product strategy and operations, proves that the company’s mission to attract the vending industry’s brightest minds and entrepreneurs is working. By Jessica Petrucelli
30 Minute Hit: Building a Community That is More Than a Gym
When Deanna and Jackson Loychuk founded 30 Minute Hit in 2004, they saw the need for a kickboxing gym for women. “Jackson owned a competitive world-class kickboxing and martial arts gym,” said Stacey Firth, vice president of franchise development. By Elice Morgenson
L.A. Bikini: A Unique Concept
Since founding L.A. Bikini in 2012 and franchising the concept in 2014, Clay Haley has grown the hair removal and sugaring studio exponentially. Originally established in Birmingham, Alabama, the business quickly spread to 12 franchised locations in seven states within its first few years of operation and even maintained growth during COVID – a fact in which Haley takes great pride. By Jessica Petrucelli
Hudson Valley Swim: Swim Lessons That Aim to Save Lives
The Hudson Valley Swim concept started in the backyard pool of founders Jeff and Joan Gartner while their children were receiving private swim lessons. Jeff noticed the care and attention the instructor was giving his children and knew there was a business to be had there. By Kelsi Trinidad
Grand Welcome: Riding the Vacation Rental Wave
There’s no denying that the short- and long-term rental industries took a hit in 2020 after the start of the pandemic. But in the years since, the numbers have shifted, as emerging trends like remote work have created an environment of increased mobility and location flexibility. By Tamara Rahoumi
1Heart Caregiver Services: E-2 Easy
In 2015, Gino Villamor traveled from the Philippines to Los Angeles to visit his brother-in-law. While he had never owned a business, Villamor was captivated by the success his brother-in-law had been experiencing shortly after opening his 1Heart Caregiver Services franchise. By Brianna Bohn
Signworld: Valuable Training Sessions and Awards Given at Recent Convention
After pausing in-person events for two years, Signworld was finally able to have a successful convention in Louisville, Kentucky, this spring. Over 60 new Signworld owners have joined Signworld since the last in-person convention, and they were in attendance alongside 112 veteran owners. By Nancy E. Williams
Schooley Mitchell: Discussing Exit Strategy
Schooley Mitchell, the largest independent cost-reduction consulting firm in North America, is a well-respected and innovative franchise opportunity. The brand offers a comprehensive training program, state-of-the-art support systems, software tools and databases, a multimillion-dollar intranet environment, an innovative client protection system and something many franchisors don’t offer: a successful exit strategy. By Cindy Charette
FranServe’s Annual Convention and Franchise Expo 2022
One of the many benefits that FranServe, Inc. offers to franchisors, funding partners and franchise consultants is its annual convention and franchise exposition, filled with opportunities for sharing, learning fun and surprises. After hosting the last two years on a virtual platform, FranServe, Inc., the largest franchise consulting and expansion organization in the world, is excited to be returning to an in-person event. By Cindy Charette
strEATS: Street to Table
No matter where in the world you travel, chances are you can find a unique culinary experience on the streets of any city. From arepas in Venezuela to bánh mì in Vietnam, street food is the great unifier – even if what’s on the menu is different everywhere you go. By Tamara Rahoumi
Shop Talk
Legal: Early-Stage Equity Investors
Many of our early-stage emerging franchisor clients have been getting calls from private equity groups looking to make an investment. The reaction ranges from skeptical: “What would private equity want with me?” to irrational exuberance. A middle approach is warranted. The key is to understand the rationale of the caller. By Tom Spadea
Financing Options for Your New Franchise
You have decided to step into the world of entrepreneurship and become a franchise owner. You will soon be faced with what can seem like an overwhelming number of choices – everything from how to market your business to where to find employees. By Dan Pace
MFV Expositions: How to Find Franchise Prospects and Create Connections
In order to grow, franchisors look for entrepreneurs who fit the brand to become franchisees. This is a constant part of franchise development. Perhaps the leads come to them through online inquiries, or they seek them out through lead-generating strategies that include franchise expos. By Sheila Fischer
BELIEVE
“BELIEVE … Such a great word. It’s often used in sports for fans as their team chases a championship, but it applies to life as well. You have to believe in yourself to achieve the goals you’ve set. There will always be challenges along the way, but you have to believe in yourself.” By Don Clayton
Telling Your Client’s Story
I’ve spent the last month listening to a lot of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers albums. And, as the joke goes, so have my neighbors! During this binge, it hit me that Petty was one of the greatest American storytellers. The reason is that he wrote songs not about himself, but about you, the listener. By Jack Monson
Franchise Law
Franchise Business Radio: Tune into Franchise Business Radio to listen and learn from Franchise Attorney, Tom Branch. Below are some interview excerpts.
The ABCs of Franchise Relationships: G-H-I: Continuing the Alphabet of sales
These easy, fun ways to share tips, ideas, skills and techniques will help you. By Nancy Friedman