Columns
FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH: Robert Harman, Tint World Automotive Styling Centers
After earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration and finance and handling operations for a national chain of vision care centers, Robert Harman never imagined he’d be working in the automotive industry. However, after witnessing the success his uncle and cousin, David and Cameron Pelletier, had with their Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ franchise in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Harman became an enthusiastic proponent of the fast-growing national brand. By Jessica Petrucelli
Nailed It: Turning a Franchise Into a Force for Good: Ace Handyman Services
Mike Geisler is using his business to strengthen the community around him – not with grand gestures but with consistent, heartfelt actions. Owner of Ace Handyman Services® in Asheville and Cashiers, North Carolina, Geisler has transformed his franchise into a beacon of hope and support for those around him. By Tamara Rahoumi
Featured Franchise Consultant: Karen Lavin: FranServe, Inc.
Karen Lavin spent the better part of her corporate career in brand marketing, managing and consulting for big name companies like Kellogg’s, Timex, Pepperidge Farm, John Frieda, Playtex and more. But after years of working in the same industry, she began seeking change and started exploring the world of franchising. By Jessica Petrucelli
From Restaurants to Restoration: How One Entrepreneur Found Freedom with Franchising: Blue Kangaroo Packoutz
After a decade in the restaurant business, Ari Brownstein was ready for a change. He closed his restaurant just before the pandemic and took a commission-based job, only to have his earnings cut with no clear explanation. “I decided that I wanted to get in control of my own destiny again,” he said. By Tamara Rahoumi
Revolutionizing the Addiction Services Industry: Simple Solutions Behavioral Health
Simple Solutions Behavioral Health fills the holes that traditional recovery programs tend to create. This includes intensive outpatient therapy to long-term sober living, with case team management and a recovery peer support specialist. Compassion is the most important skill in becoming a Simple Solutions Behavioral Health franchisee, but how does one gain the other necessary skills? By Nancy E. Williams
What is Fun & Fresh? Emerging Franchise Brands!: Dawn Abbamondi
From Main Street to the fastest growing cities, franchise brands are in demand more than ever before. Now may be the best time to create your legacy, whether you join an emerging brand as a franchisee or become the newest concept that will encourage people to become an entrepreneur. By Dawn Abbamondi
Using Technology to Customize Skincare: GLO30
With the rise of the express and subscription-based skincare treatments, GLO30 stands out from the crowd with its science-backed and customizable approach to the monthly facial. With the brand’s monthly facial subscription, clients don’t just choose from a standard pre-set menu of facials, they get one customized to the condition of their skin on that given day. By Kelsi Trinidad
A Mission to Empower Kids Through Sports: Just Play
Larry Wilkins has witnessed the positive impact an encouraging adult can have on kids. Wilkins’s father played that role for him and some of his peers growing up, and he knew that he wanted to be a positive influence in his own community as an adult. Just Play was born out of this aspiration, having started as a local basketball camp program. It has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar location in Houston, Texas, offering a wide range of basketball activities, such as classes, clinics, private lessons and birthday parties. By Kelsi Trinidad
An Emerging Force in the Fitness Industry: RX30
Established in 2019 in New York City by fitness enthusiasts Billy and Carolin De La Rosa, RX30 was created to offer a fitness solution for individuals with demanding schedules. The concept, which focuses on 30-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, is designed to deliver maximum results in less time, and the company has even dubbed it the “shortest, no fluff, efficient, challenging 30-minute workout you will ever do.” By Jessica Petrucelli
Big Flavor, Bigger Vibes: Fat Patty’s
The second guests step inside Fat Patty’s, they join a full-blown party of energy and excitement, complete with soft dart boards, games, shuffleboard and more. Designed to feel like a gathering among friends, Fat Patty’s invites you to kick back and relax. By Lizzy Yeserski
Dedicated to Educating Children for a Global Future: WorldKids School
When Nicole Chaudry founded WorldKids® School in 2016, her goal was to develop an early childhood education franchise dedicated to preparing children for a global future. By Jessica Petrucelli
Born on the Back Nine: How a Personal Passion Became a Victory: The Back Nine Golf
Wil Bangerter and his brothers could often be found in a competitive round of golf, betting money along the way. Always an avid golfer, Bangerter was often looking for ways to get in a quick round of practice, but he found it hard to make it to the course between his demanding job as an attorney and looking after his young kids. As a solution, he came up with The Back Nine® Golf, a golf simulator business concept that catered exactly to this demographic, where golfers could come any time, day or night, to squeeze in a bit of the game they love. By Kelsi Trinidad
Features
From First Deal to Lifelong Support: Homevestors
With more than two decades of franchising success and over 150,000 houses purchased, HomeVestors® of America, Inc. continues to be a standout brand in residential real estate investing. In March, the brand executed 13 franchise agreements and welcomed nine new franchisees into the system. Owners are welcomed into a collaborative network where experienced franchisees mentor and support newcomers, creating a deep sense of community from day one. By Shelby Green
The Climb to $1 Billion: Empowering Franchisees Through National Growth: City Wide Facility Solutions
City Wide Facility Solutions is a building services management brand that manages over 20 different services to keep any commercial property looking and running effectively. The company’s National Business Development (NBD) team is in place to help franchise owners grow, and they shared what they are doing to reach City Wide Facility Solutions’ goal of becoming a $1 billion organization in 2026. By Nancy E. Williams
Memberships That Power Community and Franchisee Revenue: The Swing Bays
In a booming indoor golf market, The Swing Bays™ has crafted a franchise model that blends operational simplicity with powerful revenue potential. At the heart of its growing success is a newly launched tiered membership structure that’s equal parts revenue engine and community magnet. By Tamara Rahoumi
Peace of Mind: Tiger Adjusters
Ted Patestos has found that when disaster strikes, insurance companies often shortchange customers by minimizing payouts and using tactics to reduce risk, sometimes delaying the settlement process entirely. Because of this, he built a business to fight back. By Jessica Petrucelli
Transform Spaces and Your Life: Spartan Floor Coatings
You’ve seen pictures posted all over social media: dirty, oil-stained garages transformed into sleek, luxury floors with glittering gold flakes. While the results are picture-perfect, the franchise that makes it happen is even more appealing. By Brianna Bohn
Local Recognition for Positive Contributions: Best Option Restoration
As a trusted leader in the disaster restoration industry, Best Option Restoration helps homeowners and businesses recover from damage caused by mold, sewage, fire, smoke, water or storms. By Jessica Petrucelli
Insuring Your Future: A Franchise Model Built to Win: Goosehead Insurance
For those seeking recurring revenue, long-term security and a relatively low initial investment, Goosehead Insurance provides a steady and reliable business opportunity. Unlike many franchise opportunities that require significant investment in physical infrastructure, Goosehead Insurance’s model is focused on sales, service and support, enabling franchise owners to scale efficiently without worrying about operational overhead. By Shelby Green
Bold Moves Make for a Game-Changing Year: Local Handyman
The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of transformational for Local Handyman, a growing home-improvement franchise that provides reliable, high-quality handyman services to homeowners throughout North America. By Jessica Petrucelli
A Business Model Built for the Modern Entrepreneur: Let’s Move
In a crowded industry where most franchises blend together, Let’s Move stands out for all the right reasons. This emerging brand isn’t just expanding rapidly across North America; it’s rethinking what a service-based franchise can be. With a model that simplifies ownership, prioritizes operational focus and helps retain customer loyalty, it’s redefining how modern franchise systems are built for growth. By Tamara Rahoumi
Helping Dreams Come to Life: That 1 Painter
Founded in 2011, That 1 Painter has been a family-owned and operated company from the start, built on strong values and its commitment to giving back to the community. This approach to business has made That 1 Painter stand out in the industry. In 2021, the company started franchising its business model and then began operating under ResiBrands. By Kelsi Trinidad
Meet Your New BFF: Bizfundingfinder
According to Mike Kappel of Forbes, there are 33 million small-business owners (SBOs) across the U.S., forming the backbone of the economy and epitomizing the American dream. However, where do they turn when they don’t qualify for traditional bank financing? That’s when it’s time to contact Bizfundingfinder, a fintech platform that connects SBOs with working capital via a vast network of commercial finance providers. By Lizzy Yeserski
From Sales to Cybersecurity: A Scalable Franchise Model for the Modern Entrepreneur: CyberGlobal
Ken Boyce knows franchising. With three decades of experience, including time as a franchisee and a consultant, he has helped countless brands grow, but when it came time to make a move to his next opportunity, he set out to find something rare: a business model that broke the mold. He found it in cybersecurity. By Tamara Rahoumi
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: BrightStar Care
Heather Logelin spent 20 years in solution sales, where she gained expertise in helping people solve problems. During her time in sales, she began working with franchisees, and through doing so, she developed a deep appreciation for franchise models as well as the entrepreneurship of the franchisees themselves. Her background in sales felt like a natural skillset to support her dream of becoming a business owner and franchisee. By Kelsi Trinidad
Serving Up Smiles: A Sweet Franchise Opportunity: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
If you’re looking for a feel-good business with a proven track record, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt should be your top choice. With more than 400 locations worldwide and counting, the company is the largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise in the world and is poised for growth in the coming years. By Shelby Green
Do You Have Life-Work Balance? A Three-Part Series: FranServe, Inc.
Here it is! Part three of our series on life-work balance. In May, Alesia Visconti – CEO and President of FranServe, Inc. – introduced the concept of life-work balance and explained why she chooses to put life first. Then, in June, two seasoned FranServe consultants shared how this principle has impacted their lives and businesses. After receiving such a positive response, we spoke with more FranServe Affiliate Franchise Consultants to get their perspectives. By Nancy E. Williams
Nominate Your Favorite FEMALE Franchisors for WOW: 50 Women of Wonder!
It’s that WOW time of year again! Get ready for our annual special section in the October edition: WOW: 50 Women of Wonder! This is our moment to celebrate and honor 50 outstanding women franchisors who make a significant impact. These trailblazers forge ahead, no matter the obstacles, shaping the future of franchising with their resilience and vision. By Rose Mango
Shop Talk
Waffles & Paint
What is the real reason people invest in franchising? Perhaps it’s all about finding the “perfect” business? Laura Blackmore, CAFC with the world leading franchise consulting organization, FranServe, Inc. recently was quoted the following: “Investing in a franchise is not about waffles or paint but rather about deciding that one wants control of their life, schedule, income and most importantly control over how one’s effort translates into results!” By Don Clayton