Columns
David Dow, Schooley Mitchell: A Philanthropic Force
Giving and gratitude are part of the culture at Schooley Mitchell, a cost-reduction franchise. Many franchisees are drawn in by the opportunity to help reduce expenses for local businesses and nonprofits. By Sarah Lindauer
Ace Handyman Services: Attracting Top Franchisees Across the U.S.
The new year brings exciting news of continued growth for Ace Handyman Services, according to Colette Bell, vice president of franchise development. The franchise, known for being a successful technology-based repair and remodeling company, recently opened in its 45th state, adding to 362 established territories with over 200 owners. By Cindy Charette
Franchisee of the Month: Denise O’Neill, The Alternative Board
The Alternative Board (TAB) offered Denise O’Neill an elegant exit from the corporate world when she and her husband bought the Baltimore Washington location in Maryland 10 years ago. By Lizzy Yeserski
Floor Coverings International: A Solid Foundation
Steve Dipollina worked in sales and upper management for a major paint manufacturer for more than 18 years but eventually tired of toiling for others. “I always wanted to start my own business,” he said. “I always wanted to take my career into my own hands.” He was looking at franchises in the paint world when a friend told him about Floor Coverings International. By Patty Horansky
1Heart Caregiver Services: Determination Leads to Personal Freedom
After earning his business degree and an MBA, Teodorico Azores Jr. knew he wanted to operate his own business. Of all the franchising opportunities available, Azores was drawn to the health service industry – he had grown up in a close-knit family and always enjoyed helping others. When it came time to invest in a franchise, one stood out: 1Heart Caregiver Services. By Brianna Bohn
Endless Options for Franchise Foodies to Unite
Do you have a growing hospitality business that has made a name for itself in the local community? Thinking of opening a second location but not sure you have the time to manage it? Consider franchising your brand and work with aspiring entrepreneurs who can follow your recipe for success. By Dawn Abbamondi
Hofbräuhaus of America: Celebrating 20 Years in America
The history of the Hofbräuhaus brand is compelling and rich, going back 400 years to 1589 in Germany. And the famous German-Bavarian beer hall and restaurant brand just commemorated another milestone, this time in the U.S. By Lizzy Yeserski
Biggby Coffee: Brewing Something Special
The U.S. has a strong coffee culture. With coffee shop chains and cafes scattered throughout cities and towns everywhere, you’re never too far from a fresh brew. So, what makes BIGGBY® COFFEE stand out? By Lizzy Yeserski
Naturals2Go: Build Your Own Empire
Running a Naturals2Go business from home is like having a vending machine empire at your fingertips. As the largest healthy vending machine company in the U.S., Naturals2Go is capitalizing on advancing technology in the unattended retail space, tremendous scalability and a recession-resistant business model in an unbounded industry. By Sarah Lindauer
Rita’s Italian Ice: Delicious New Products, Infinitely More Happiness
For Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, “Ice Custard Happiness” is more than just a tagline – it’s the frozen dessert franchise’s philosophy. Rita’s is taking happiness to the next level by introducing bold, fresh flavors and game-changing products to the menu. By Lizzy Yeserski
Island Fin Poké: Shaking Up the Industry
Island Fin Poké Co., a fast-casual restaurant known for its flavorful Hawaiian-style poké bowls and superior guest experience, is poised for explosive growth over the next year. Founded in 2017 and franchised in 2018, the Florida-based brand currently has 28 locations open, with another seven opening this year and 63 sold, including a recent three-unit deal in Sacramento, California. By Brianna Bohn
Features
Grand Welcome: Limitless Possibilities
With the rise of vacation rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO, interest in property management companies also has grown. For many property investors, it’s easy to see the return potential, but they don’t always know how to set up their property for success. By Kelsi Trinidad
Signworld: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Each year, Signworld hosts a conference and trade show. Given that “No Rules, No Royalties” is Signworld’s motto, attendance at the annual conference is not mandatory for owners. However, over 35% of owners still choose to participate, with most bringing their staff. By Nancy E. Williams
Wize Computing Academy: Impacting the Community
Wize Computing Academy® is more than just an educational franchise. The brand has become a staple in over 100 schools and community centers in the U.S. and Canada, with its innovative project-based curriculum catching the attention of parents, students, educators and nonprofit organizations. By Brianna Bohn
Clozetivity: Custom Solutions
Overstuffed, cluttered and disorganized storage spaces in homes across the country are leading a boom in spending on custom closets. Over 41% of America’s women say they can’t find an item in their closets at least once a month, and one in nine is late to work because they can’t find what to wear, according to Clozetivity, the franchise experts in custom closets. By Kelsi Trinidad
All Med Search: A Healthcare Recruiting Franchise Makes Sense
According to the U.S. Census, more than 55 million Americans are 65 years of age or older, and that number is expected to exceed 70 million by 2030. With a population that steadily is aging, the need for healthcare professionals is growing as well. By Kelsi Trinidad
Caring Senior Service: The Caring Hub Takes the Load Off
One challenge in the booming in-home senior care industry has been finding qualified, nurturing caregivers upon whom franchisees and families can rely. Caring Senior Service, one of the longest-running, nonmedical in-home care franchises in the country, is meeting this challenge head-on. By Patty Horansky
Hawaii Fluid Art: Low Startup Costs, High Profitability
When Maya Ratcliff began toying with acrylic paints in her garage three years ago, she never dreamed she would soon be the founder of one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. By Patty Horansky
FranServe, Inc.: Franchise Consultant Fathers Reflect on Their Roles
With Father’s Day around the corner, we asked FranServe Affiliate Franchise Consultants, who also are fathers, what it’s like to be FranFathers. While the consultants have different backgrounds, they’ve found the following to be true: Being a FranServe Affiliate Franchise Consultant has afforded them the flexibility and freedom to be present with their families while growing their businesses. By Nancy E. Williams
Shop Talk
Back to the Basics
While the country is experiencing corporate downsizing and layoffs, we highly advise companies not to neglect the staff they have retained. Unfortunately, there are companies who while experiencing the emotional trauma of laying off staff, that forget they still have employees and those are the ones that must have customer service training. By Nancy Friedman
Half Full
Recently I had a candidate who’d get real excited about an opportunity but the very next day it’d be inevitable that he’d contact me with something negative or what I call “stinkin’ thinkin’.” In other words, instead of seeing the glass half full, he saw it as half empty. By Don Clayton
Storytelling and Sticking to It
Sergio came to America from Europe 21 years ago to take a logistics position at a Fortune 100 company in the Northwest. Several years later, cutbacks and layoffs occurred, and he needed to make a change. There were no similar corporations in the region and very few good job opportunities. Furthermore, Sergio saw that starting over with another company would probably lead to more of the same. By Jack Monson
When to Sell Your Franchise System? Timing is Everything
Founders of franchise systems spend time, treasure and pain to get their system to the point that it has significant enterprise value. Many have a numerical goal for that value and a timeline for when they want to harvest their years of hard work. By Tom Spadea