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19 10, 2023

Gotcha Covered Named a Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise by Franchise Business Review

2023-10-19T15:50:57-04:00October 19th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

Independent research firm announces fifth honor of 2023 for the leading custom window treatment provider

DENVER Gotcha Covered, the leader in custom window treatment across the U.S. and Canada, continues to earn recognition from Franchise Business Review with placement on the independent research firm’s 2023 list of Most Innovative Franchises.

Gotcha Covered has also been named to Franchise Business Review’s lists of Top 200 Franchises, Top Low-Cost Franchises, Top Recession-Proof Franchises, and Top Franchise Cultures. Each list is based on extensive surveys of franchise owners, reflecting their continuing satisfaction with the company.

“We’re especially proud of this recognition, which directly reflects the success of Gotcha Covered franchise owners,” said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered. “We have a relentless drive to support our owners with the industry’s most advanced franchise support systems, based on cutting-edge technology and the latest best practices. Our strategy is based on empowering franchise owners to thrive and deliver outstanding experiences to their customers and communities.”

With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, Gotcha Covered provides homeowners and businesses with the best in soft and hard window treatments, including a variety of blinds, draperies, and smart solutions. Gotcha Covered is part of the Five Star Franchising platform of home service brands.

“Gotcha Covered and Five Star Franchising are committed to providing franchise owners with unique tools to help them grow their businesses,” said J. Andrew Mengason, chief growth officer for Five Star Franchising. “Investing in innovative strategies and solutions for owners distinguishes Five Star’s brands in today’s market. We understand that our franchise owners are the foundation of our success, so it’s essential for us to equip them with everything they need to elevate their performance and achieve their dreams.”

Franchise Business Review, a research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes annual rankings of the top franchises in its Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

To identify the companies on the list of this year’s Most Innovative Franchises, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months’ worth of data from nearly 38,000 franchisees representing more than 385 brands. Franchise owners were asked about their brand’s innovation and creativity as well as their trust in the franchisor, overall satisfaction with the brand, and likelihood to recommend it to others.

Gotcha Covered franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

“For prospective franchisees, understanding which brands are the most innovative can help you make a confident and smart investment,” said Michelle Rowan, president & COO of Franchise Business Review. “Each of the companies on our list of the Most Innovative Franchises has developed and implemented products, processes, or services that enable and sustain growth and long-term relevancy. We are proud to recognize the franchises that prioritize and value innovation to support their franchisees’ success and the long-term resiliency of the brand.”

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2023 Most Innovative Franchises.

For more information on franchising with Gotcha Covered, visit gotchacoveredfranchising.com.

For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit http://fivestarfranchising.com/.

About Gotcha Covered
Gotcha Covered is the premier provider of custom interior window treatments in North America, offering solutions including blinds, draperies, shutters, smart systems and much more. The company provides end-to-end consultation inspired by customer’s needs and goals, and proudly celebrates 99% positive customer reviews. Franchising since 2009 and acquired by Five Star Franchising in 2021, Gotcha Covered is quickly growing across North America with more than 150 franchise locations. For more information, visit gotchacovered.com. To learn about franchising with Gotcha Covered, visit gotchacoveredfranchising.com.

About Five Star Franchising
Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of seven home service brands with more than 800 franchises collectively, across North America. The company empowers franchise partners’ success with industry-leading tools and support while maximizing profitable growth for their franchise owners. Five Star Franchising’s brands include Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, 1-800-Textiles, and Mosquito Shield as well as ProNexis, a leader in growth and customer experience solutions for home services franchises. Five Star’s commitment to its core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — ensures its brands are top performers in technology, marketing, operations, local market success, and people. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures the satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,200 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/digital-guides/.

18 10, 2023

FirstLight Home Care Honors Award Recipients During National Conference

2023-10-18T16:21:49-04:00October 18th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Annual event offers a wealth of education, networking, camaraderie and celebration

CINCINNATI — FirstLight Home Care recently honored franchisees, caregivers and team members at its annual conference in Orlando, FL. This year’s theme was “Living Our Values,” a message intended to highlight the core values the company lives every day, without compromise.

“We love coming together to help guide our franchisees and their businesses into the future and to celebrate all that they’ve done throughout the year for their clients, caregivers and communities,” said FirstLight President and CEO Glee McAnanly. “This was an incredible event with outstanding engagement among our franchisees and team members.”

The event provided opportunities for FirstLight franchise teams to strengthen relationships, build connections and share best practices through expert industry and franchisee panels and special sessions focused on helping franchisees own their communities and make the company’s core values actionable in their business.

Franchisees, team members recognized
Marketa “Kitti” Tikander, FirstLight Home Care of Southern Maine, was recognized as FirstLight’s National Caregiver of the Year for her compassion, integrity and genuine kindness.

FirstLight honored Franchisee of the Year, Mark Paretchan, owner of FirstLight Home Care of Marin County and Sonoma County for outstanding client satisfaction, quality of service, caregiver retention and year-over-year revenue growth.

Dan Paluga of Greater Ann Arbor and Canton, MI, received Rookie of the Year, an award given to a first-time franchise owner who achieves the highest hours per week of care within their first 12 months of operation.

The company’s inaugural Founders’ Award honored Judy DeVincentis of Pueblo, CO, for her ongoing dedication to the mission and values that have made FirstLight what it is today.

Other awards included:
Quality Assurance

  • Lyndon and Marianne Christman, multiple territories in Central Ohio
  • Ken and Mary Ellen Fleming, multiple territories in Greater Charlotte, NC and Rock Hill, SC
  • Keith and Raelene PlummerNorthwest Arkansas and South Tulsa, OK

Top Single Territory

  • Jeremy FellowsDon Fellows and Jeffrey LamborneGrand Rapids, MI

Top Multi-Unit Territory

  • Don and Craig Randall, multiple territories in South CarolinaTennessee and Florida

About FirstLight Home Care
FirstLight Home Care, a leading provider of home care services, is a lifeline for seniors, veterans, adults living with dementia, and anyone 18 and older who needs care where they call home. FirstLight exists to help people have their best day, every day. The company’s mission is to provide compassionate home care so that all families served have peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve. FirstLight’s network of professional caregivers is passionate about creating meaningful relationships and making a difference in the lives of others. The franchise system includes nearly 200 independently owned and operated home care locations throughout the United States. To learn more, or to find a local office, visit FirstLightHomeCare.com.

18 10, 2023

MY SALON Suite Celebrates Continued Network Growth While Honoring Top Franchisees at 2023 Convention

2023-10-18T16:12:19-04:00October 18th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

Salon suite franchise nears the 300th location milestone, announcing plans for continued development and initiatives designed to further enhance business practices

CARROLLTON, Texas MY SALON Suite, a salon suite franchise that focuses on providing stylists and beauticians a personal space to build their business and the beauty industry’s future, recently celebrated its top performing franchisees at its 8th annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Our franchisees and the MY SALON Suite family continually allow our brand to reach new heights, and this year’s convention theme of ‘Next Level’ reflects not only the stellar growth of MY SALON Suite this past year, but sets the stage for more accomplishments in the year to come,” said Stacy Eley, president of Suite Management Franchising. “As we near a milestone of nearly 300 open locations, we were proud to bring our community together to honor the contributions of the MY SALON Suite network in our brand’s growth and achievements and share how we will continue to take MY SALON Suite to the next level.”

Award winners include:

  • Franchisee of the YearMelanie Ludden (Charlotte, NC)
  • Rising Star AwardPatrick Manchi (Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, FL)
  • Fastest to Build AwardJoe Carretta & Aaron Gillaspe (Allentown, PA)
  • Fastest to Fill Award: Sean & Ellie Dunne (Stockton, CA)
  • B.I.G. (“Beauty in Giving”) AwardRandy Gunst (Glen Ellyn and Oak Brook, IL)
  • FLAIR AmbassadorScott Neglia (Long Island, NY)
  • Race to Real Estate Award: Matt & Liz Pontius (Rocky River, OH)

In addition to celebrating the successes of the company’s franchisees, MY SALON Suite’s convention highlighted the nationwide growth of the brand over the last year and plans for further expansion. Following the recent acquisition of six independent salons as part of MY SALON Suite’s ongoing growth strategy, as well as 25 new franchise agreements signed in the first half of 2023 alone, the brand is on pace for another year of record-breaking growth.

As MY SALON Suite continues to grow its footprint across the country, company leadership also announced during the convention three major initiatives in the works aimed at further improving the experience for the MY SALON Suite community. Among these initiatives is further enhancements to the brand’s CRM, Suite Force 3, that will include flow payments and service tickets, as well as an app for Members.

“Coming together to celebrate our accomplishments and the future of the brand alongside the MY SALON Suite community, as well as being named the 2023 Franchisee of the Year, was a truly unforgettable experience,” said Melanie Ludden, MY SALON Suite 2023 Franchisee of the Year. “My husband and I decided to join MY SALON Suite because we liked the idea of a no-employee model and saw opportunities for growth, and we have since been able to grow to four locations with the support of the network and resources the brand provides. From Franchise Partners to the corporate team, everyone in the MY SALON Suite family is positive, encouraging and excited about the direction of the company.”

The initial investment for a MY SALON Suite franchise is approximately $823,344 – $2,241,800, including a $50,000 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $1.5 million, of which $500K is liquid. Additionally, MY SALON Suite 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 $25,000.

MY SALON Suite is currently seeking qualified franchise candidates as it targets continued nationwide growth. For more information about MY SALON Suite franchise opportunities, visit https://www.mysalonsuite.com/franchise.

About Suite Management Franchising

Suite Management Franchising, the parent company of MY SALON Suite, is a salon suite franchise created for entrepreneurial-spirited individuals interested in diversifying their portfolio while living a semi-absentee lifestyle. Founded to inspire and empower the modern-day salon owner, the company offers a unique opportunity for a diverse range of beauty and health professionals to run their businesses successfully. Salon members are provided ongoing training, support, and a strong referral network to help their business. Ranked #66 on Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive 2023 Franchise 500® List, the brand is widely recognized for its rapid expansion and noteworthy success. A strategic alliance partnership with Propelled Brands, the nation’s largest family-owned collection of salons, continues to propel the brand’s growth. With more than 275 and soon over 300 open locations in 35 states across the United States and Canada, the franchise concept plans to add 200 franchise partners and 500 salons in the next three years.

For more information about Suite Management Franchising, visit mysalonsuite.com/franchise. To learn more about MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza, visit mysalonsuite.com and salonplaza.com.

18 10, 2023

Top Rail Fence expands its footprint in Georgia with a new location north of Atlanta

2023-10-18T16:01:25-04:00October 18th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

Local owner Ryan Van Epps said he saw a need for a reliable and transparent fencing company in the Kennesaw area

KENNESAW, Ga. Top Rail Fence, the on-time professionals in fence design, quality, installation and service, announced today that it is expanding its services in the Peach State with the opening of Top Rail Fence North Georgia. The location is owned by Ryan Van Epps.

“It’s my goal to provide the homeowners of North Georgia with beautiful fencing that improves their property values and provides them with security and peace of mind,” Van Epps said. “I worked construction during the summers when I was growing up in Roswell, Georgia. It was great to be able to step back and actually see the physical product of my hard work. This sense of accomplishment inspired me to open my own fencing company.”

Top Rail Fence North Georgia’s territory is northwest of Atlanta and is growing rapidly with families who are leaving city life to settle in more suburban communities.

“These families are going to need fencing for their new homes,” Van Epps said. “The metro Atlanta area has been growing steadily for years, and Woodstock, a city in our service area, has been listed as the second fastest growing city in the state. With all this development, separating spaces and adding privacy is a top concern. Top Rail Fence North Georgia is here to meet that demand.”

Van Epps is from the North Georgia area but went to college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics. He has spent the last 18 years working in the life insurance industry as a business analyst.

“As an analyst, I’ve spent my career providing my clients with a focused attention to detail,” he said. “I believe this will serve me well as I build my career in the residential services industry. This area needs a company that will deliver quality fencing at a transparent price with excellent customer service.”

Van Epps and his wife have been married for 13 years and have two boys, ages 12 and 10.

Top Rail Fence is a part of HomeFront Brands, a family of emerging, franchised residential and commercial property service brands that includes Top Rail Fence, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, The Designery, Window Hero Exterior Cleaning Services and Mozzie Dome.

Top Rail Fence North Georgia serves clients in AcworthBufordCantonCummingDuluthFlowery BranchGainesvilleKennesawLawrencevilleSuwaneeWinder and Woodstock, Georgia.

To learn more about Top Rail Fence North Georgia, please visit https://toprailfence.com/locations/north-georgia/.

About Top Rail Fence

Top Rail Fence got its start in 2014 in Greenville, South Carolina as Brookview Fencing, a veteran-owned and family-operated business. In 2022, the company joined the HomeFront Brands family of companies to serve more communities as Top Rail Fence. Since that time, Top Rail Fence has added locations throughout the United States and is continuing to expand. It strives to be at the top rail in customer responsiveness, quality design and materials, on-time delivery and installation, and in customer satisfaction. The company provides fencing solutions for residential, commercial and agricultural locations and offers wood, aluminum, vinyl, and chain link to provide the right fence to fit the customer’s needs. For more information about Top Rail Fence, please visit https://toprailfence.com/.

About HomeFront Brands:

HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, Top Rail Fence and Mozzie Dome – to transform lives through franchise ownership.

For more information about HomeFront Brands’ current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit HomeFrontBrands.com.

17 10, 2023

POWER MOVE: Retro Fitness Appoints Retail Growth Veteran Larry Strain as Chief Development Officer

2023-10-17T15:17:12-04:00October 17th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Retro Fitness, the leader in high-value, low-price fitness, today announced the appointment of Larry Strain, CCIM as Chief Development Officer. Strain brings more than 25 years of experience in driving multi-unit development for top-tier franchise growth brands such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Most recently, he helped lead the successful transition of Potbelly Sandwich Works to a franchise-focused growth model which showcases his expertise and strong ability to be transformative, effect change and fuel growth.

“Bringing in an industry heavyweight like Larry was a strategic move that adds serious musce to an already strong management team,” said Andrew Alfano, CEO of Retro Fitness. “His proven track record in franchise development, investor relations, and real estate is not only a great compliment to the exciting journey we are already on, but also adds serious horsepower.”

Prior to joining Retro Fitness, Strain earned recognition as a prominent figure and thought leader in retail development and business strategy. He has a proven track record of formulating and implementing strategic growth plans for globally renowned retail brands.

“I’m thrilled to join Retro Fitness at such an exciting time in the brand’s growth,” said Strain. “With its unique value proposition, strong team culture, incredibly attractive business model, and unwavering commitment to its members, Retro Fitness is well-positioned to continue its expansion and become the leading fitness franchise in the world. I look forward to working with our franchisees to bring the Retro Fitness experience to even more communities and help people achieve their fitness goals.”

As Chief Development Officer, Strain will be responsible for the design and execution of Retro Fitness’ strategic growth plan, which includes both domestic and international markets. He will also oversee multi-unit territory development, investor relations, franchise sales and recruitment efforts, and lead all phases of real estate development.

About Retro Fitness

Retro Fitness has been providing members with a timeless approach to exercise, health, and fitness for nearly 20 years. With 200 health clubs open or in development, it is one of the fastest-growing high-value, low-price franchises in the United States.

Led by former Starbucks executive Andrew Alfano, Retro Fitness is very different from most other franchise systems. It provides investors, territory developers, and franchisees with a full suite of services, including:

  • Real estate site selection and lease negotiations

  • Project management and general construction

  • In-house media agency

  • In-house call center

  • In-house accounting services

  • Dedicated regional manager support

Retro Fitness is committed to helping its investors and franchisees succeed. With its comprehensive support system, Retro Fitness is the perfect franchise for entrepreneurs who are passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their health and wellness goals.

For more information on being a Retro Fitness franchisee, please visit http://www.retrofitness.com/franchising

17 10, 2023

Best Life Brands Welcomes Kevin Vesely as Chief Financial Officer

2023-10-17T14:58:41-04:00October 17th, 2023|Tags: , , |

New CFO brings over 15 years of experience in strategic finance, general management and public accounting to the premier franchisor of companies serving people along the continuum of care

TROY, Mich. — Best Life Brands, LLC (“Best Life Brands”), a franchised organization that includes Blue Moon Estate SalesCarePatrolComForCareAt Your Side Home Care and Boost Home Healthcare, announces the appointment of Kevin Vesely as its new Chief Financial Officer. With an impressive track record of financial leadership and strategic accomplishments, Vesely brings a wealth of experience to Best Life Brands.

“We enthusiastically welcome Kevin to the Best Life Brands family to execute our continued success and financial health,” stated J.J. Sorrenti, CEO of Best Life Brands. “His diverse experience, including private equity success and proficiency in process optimization, makes him an ideal fit for this role. Kevin’s insights from healthcare and audiology align perfectly with our mission to improve the lives of seniors and those in need of care, while his finance and administrative expertise enhances our growth capabilities. With Kevin on board, Best Life Brands is well-positioned to carry out its aggressive growth objectives, including international expansion and acquisitions.”

In his previous role as CFO of Alpaca Audiology, Vesely oversaw all financial matters for the global hearing healthcare leader, managing 450+ US clinic locations, notably implementing cost-saving automated processes and developing clinical-level financial statements. During the COVID-19 crisis, he led reopening efforts, policy drafting and PPE procurement. Before Alpaca Audiology, Vesely had a distinguished career at PwC where he oversaw major telecommunications audits, led tech-enabled audit initiatives and provided consultation on methodology topics.

“Best Life Brand’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and those in need of care aligns perfectly with my professional experience, especially in healthcare and audiology,” said Vesely. “I am honored to bring my financial leadership skills to contribute to the company’s continued growth and success. Best Life Brand’s dedication to excellence and its aggressive expansion strategy, including international expansion and acquisitions, present exciting opportunities, and I look forward to being a part of this dynamic journey.”

Vesely’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Best Life Brands as the company continues to focus on strategic growth, exceptional client care and innovation in the home care industry.

To learn more about Best Life Brands, visit https://www.bestlifebrands.com/.

About Best Life Brands, LLC
Based in Troy, Mich., Best Life Brands, LLC is a holding company that includes ComForCare and At Your Side, premier franchised providers of home care; CarePatrol, the nation’s largest franchised senior care solutions organization; Blue Moon Estate Sales, the leading estate sale franchise in the U.S., and Boost Home Healthcare, dedicated to providing superior in-home nursing, therapy, and home care services, which together include more than 600 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. With a private equity investment from The Riverside Company, Best Life Brands is a platform of award-winning complementary businesses that serve people along the continuum of care.

17 10, 2023

Executive Home Care Expands Strategically to Address Soaring In-Home Care Demand

2023-10-17T14:48:47-04:00October 17th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Executive Home Care, a leading in-home care provider with established operations up and down the East Coast, announces a notable expansion with the recent signing of franchises in Coral SpringsParker, CO, Annapolis, and Tampa. This expansion aligns with the rising demand for home care services, attributed to the increasing preference among older adults to age in place.

With the senior population rapidly growing, more older adults are opting to stay in their homes as they age. According to AARP, this trend is anticipated to drive the escalating need for home care services. “The desire among seniors to age comfortably in their homes presents a substantial opportunity for entrepreneurs,” states Executive Home Care Brand President Kevin Porter. “Our steady and strategic franchise growth ensures that we meet this rising demand effectively, offering quality care to our aging population.”

Executive Home Care places great emphasis on the thorough training and support of its franchisees to maintain the highest standards of care. Each franchisee undergoes extensive onboarding and receives continual operational support, from initial setup to long-term planning, guided by the company’s expert team. “Our robust support system and comprehensive training program are designed to equip our franchisees with the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in the home care industry,” remarks Porter.

Evive Brands CEO, Tim Hadley acknowledges, “Executive Home Care’s attention to detail and unwavering franchisee support are reshaping industry standards for ensuring premium care.”

“For entrepreneurs looking to enter the thriving home care sector, we offer available territories in all 50 states along with a proven business model and unparalleled support,” added Porter.

Executive Home Care’s ongoing commitment to excellence and strategic expansion underscore its role as a frontrunner in meeting the evolving needs of the aging population. “We are enthusiastic about our new franchises,” conveys Hadley. “These additions mark a significant step in Executive Home Care’s mission to deliver top-notch in-home care services to seniors across the nation.”

Executive Home Care is part of the Evive Brands family, providing exceptional support and services to families and communities across the nation. Committed to the well-being and dignity of their clients, Executive Home Care is a trusted partner for families seeking quality in-home care for their loved ones.

For information on franchise opportunities, please visit www.executivehomecare.com/franchise.

About Executive Home Care

The Executive Home Care experience is steeped in understanding of aging, and it comes from a place of genuine compassion for our fellow human being. With every interaction we have with our clients, we express our desire to improve their lives however we can. We are guided by a unified mission and set of three core values. These principles are communicated throughout our organization, from our home office throughout our network of local caregivers.

17 10, 2023

Business Partners team up to open Gotcha Covered Denver West

2023-10-17T14:15:02-04:00October 17th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

New franchise provides community with end-to-end window treatment services.

DENVER Gotcha Covered, a leading provider of custom window treatments in the U.S. and Canada, welcomes business partners Divo Catozzo and Mike Windemuller to the franchise family. The duo owns and operates Gotcha Covered Denver West, the newest location in Colorado.

Serving the western suburbs of the Denver metro area, Gotcha Covered Denver West offers a variety of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, outdoor awnings, and more for both residential and commercial projects throughout Greenwood VillageLittletonKen Caryl, Morrison, Lakewood, Golden, Evergreen, Genesee, Westminster, Arvada and Wheatridge. The business prides itself on client satisfaction, from initial consultation to final installation, and both owners are actively involved in all aspects of sales and service.

As a team, Catozzo and Windemuller have an extensive background in business development and growth, bringing a combined 50-plus years of experience in product development, manufacturing, sales and international distribution. While Catozzo has previous expertise in marketing strategy and distribution management in the consumer electronics industry, Windemuller’s career has focused primarily on home building products.

After relocating to Colorado in 2015, Catozzo joined long-time resident Windemuller to purchase a struggling manufacturing company.  In three short years, the team grew the business exponentially and sold it. It was their previous success and great working relationship that influenced Catozzo and Windemuller to go back into business together.

“Mike and I enjoy working together, and this franchise opportunity with Gotcha Covered seemed like a good fit,” said Catozzo. “We enjoy working with people, and we’ve always had an interest in the home improvement industry. This allows us to do both.”

Windemuller said it was his experience in the window and door industry, as well as the flexibility, that helped make Gotcha Covered the perfect business venture for the team.

“Window treatments are a natural fit with our backgrounds and interests,” Windemuller said. “Plus, the Gotcha Covered model affords us the valuable time to spend with our families, while also building a business.”

Adding 40 new franchise locations in 2022, Gotcha Covered currently has over 155 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.

“The Denver community always holds a special place in our hearts because that is where our headquarters are located,” said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered. “We want to provide the best services to our customers in the area, and we know Divo (Catozzo) and Mike (Windemuller) will do just that. They have a proven track record of building successful businesses. We are excited to have them join our franchise family.”

To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered Denver West, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/denver-west/.

About Gotcha Covered

Gotcha Covered is a leader in custom soft and hard window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada. Flying under their Gotcha Covered flag since 2009, they offer custom window treatments including blinds, draperies, shutters and much more. They offer end-to-end consultation with the customer’s specific needs and goals in mind. The company currently has over 155 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

16 10, 2023

Five Star Franchising ranks #39 on MWCN Utah 100 list of the state’s fastest-growing companies

2023-10-16T13:32:30-04:00October 16th, 2023|Tags: , , , |

Statewide business networking organization MountainWest Capital Network recognizes the innovative home service franchise platform for the second consecutive year with a place on its exclusive annual list of top-performing companies

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Five Star Franchising, an innovative, growing platform of home service brands, has been named to the 2023 MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100 list of the state’s fastest-growing companies for the second consecutive year.

Five Star Franchising ranks #39 on the prestigious annual list, up from #61 in 2022. The Utah 100 recognizes Utah-based businesses according to a weighted average of percentage and dollar growth.

“It’s an honor to appear alongside the top-performing companies from a competitive region,” said Scott Abbott, CEO and co-founder of Five Star Franchising. “Five Star is committed to setting franchise owners up for success by sharing the most advanced and reliable home service offerings. Our owners are the foundation of our accomplishments, and this is further evidence that our proven franchise systems deliver the support entrepreneurs need to achieve their dreams.”

As the original independent business networking group in Utah, MountainWest Capital Network celebrates and recognizes achievements in the business community to foster ongoing success; educate, enlighten and provide expertise to business owners, investors and service providers; and facilitate strong business relationships for our members. The Utah 100 has been MWCN’s flagship event since 2001.

In addition to the Utah 100 ranking, Five Star Franchising ranks #11 in the 2023 Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and #12 in the Utah Business Fast 50 lists of fast-growing companies.

Five Star Franchising offers industry-leading tools and support to empower and inspire franchise owners throughout North America. With more than 800 franchise locations, Five Star Franchising’s brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, 1-800-Textiles, and Mosquito Shield, are top performers in technology, marketing, operations, local market success and people.

For more information about the MountainWest Capital Network and the Utah 100, visit https://www.mwcn.org/utah-100/.

For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit http://fivestarfranchising.com/.

About Five Star Franchising
Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of seven home service brands with more than 800 franchises collectively, across North America. The company empowers franchise partners’ success with industry-leading tools and support while maximizing profitable growth for their franchise owners. Five Star Franchising’s brands include Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, 1-800-Textiles, and Mosquito Shield as well as ProNexis, a leader in growth and customer experience solutions for home services franchises. Five Star’s commitment to its core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — ensures its brands are top performers in technology, marketing, operations, local market success, and people. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

16 10, 2023

FASTSIGNS Gains Recognition With Three Additional Awards From Franchise Business Review

2023-10-16T13:15:10-04:00October 16th, 2023|Tags: , , , , |

Leading Sign and Graphics Organization Named to Prestigious Rankings of Top Franchises for Veterans, Most Profitable Franchises and Most Innovative Franchises

CARROLLTON, Texas FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, was named by Franchise Business Review in its 2023 report as a Top Franchise for Veterans, among the Most Profitable Franchises and one of the Most Innovative Franchises. Adding to the brand’s growing list of accolades, FASTSIGNS also earned recognition from Franchise Business Review as Best in the Business Services Category, a Top Franchise for Women and a Top Recession-Proof Franchise earlier this year.

Franchise Business Review (FBR) provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review analyzed data gathered in surveys from nearly 38,000 franchise owners representing 385 brands regarding their brand’s innovation and creativity as well as their trust in the franchisor, overall satisfaction with the brand and likelihood to recommend it to others.

FASTSIGNS’ recognition on these lists is a testament to the brand’s extensive network and resources to foster franchisee success, such as robust co-brand and conversion programs that allow existing businesses to expand their revenue streams and gain access to the support of FASTSIGNS’ network, as well as significant incentives for veterans and first responders. Through expansion of such programs and ongoing strategic development, FASTSIGNS is committed to furthering its innovation and profitability and providing opportunities for veterans.

“When it was time to renew our franchise agreement with FASTSIGNS, we didn’t hesitate. The brand recognition, franchise support and collective strength of the franchisee network made the decision a no-brainer,” said Mike Godby, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Casselberry/Winter Park, Florida. “What I value most about owning a FASTSIGNS is helping other businesses and creating a positive environment for our employees. Our top points of pride are our customer satisfaction and employee retention.”

FASTSIGNS franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations and financial opportunity.

FASTSIGNS’ survey data showed the following:

  • 92% of franchisees “strongly agree” or “agree” to respecting the franchisor
  • 95% of franchisees are likely to recommend FASTSIGNS to others
  • 95% of franchisees rate their local market competitiveness above average, 20% higher than the industry benchmark

“FASTSIGNS has seen tremendous growth this year, and these recognitions from Franchise Business Review underscore the strength of our brand as we continue to expand and create further opportunities for our new franchisees to join our award-winning brand for their future,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer at Propelled Brands. “We are honored to see FASTSIGNS being recognized for its dedication to excellence and innovation, and we remain committed to offering unparalleled resources that empower our franchisees to thrive.”

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $240,080 – $310,569, including a $49,750 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $300,000, of which $80K is liquid. The brand offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875.

For more information about FASTSIGNS®, visit https://www.fastsigns.com.

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full lists of the 2023 Most Profitable Franchises2023 Most Innovative Franchises and 2023 Top Franchises for Veterans.

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 StatesPuerto Rico, the United KingdomCanadaChileGrand CaymanMalta, 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® and MY SALON Suite®.

To learn more visit fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns, Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS.

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