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31 03, 2025

Huffman Family Brands Announces 100th Location Milestone: A Franchise-Owned Celebree School

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-31T16:21:32-04:00March 31st, 2025|Tags: Celebree School, early-childhood education, preschool, summer camp programs, toddler care|

Milestone Marks Development Achievements, Fueling Entrepreneurship Across the Country
Celebree School of Northbrook Honored with the Company Milestone
Celebration Includes Formal Ribbon Cutting and Local Book Drive, Reinforcing the Brand’s Commitment to Early Childhood Education

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Huffman Family Brands (HFB), a unified umbrella company committed to a shared vision of social development, innovation, and empowerment, is proud to announce a significant milestone with the opening of its 100^th location at 1200 Shermer Rd. in Northbrook, IL. This landmark achievement is driven by Celebree School franchisee, Magdalena (Maggie) Pisarczyk, who will be introducing the brand’s first Illinois location soon. To commemorate HFB’s 100^th location milestone, Celebree School of Northbrook invites the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, April 7 at 11 a.m., featuring a book drive to support early childhood literacy in the local area.

Originally from Poland, Pisarczyk found her true calling in early childhood education after a successful career in finance. While teaching in Highland Park, IL, she discovered her passion for nurturing young minds, leading her to Celebree School. Drawn to the brand’s mission and strong support system, she is now dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive.

“Owning a Celebree School is truly a dream come true,” said Pisarczyk. “Opening the 100^th Huffman Family Brands location makes this milestone even more special, and I am honored to play a role in the company’s incredible growth. I believe children are the most incredible gift, and early education is essential for instilling kindness, compassion, and strong values. I look forward to serving new and familiar families in the North Shore community soon empowered by Celebree’s mission.”

As part of the ribbon-cutting celebration, Celebree School of Northbrook will host a community book drive, aiming to collect 100 children’s books in honor of the school becoming the 100^th HFB location. These books will be donated to the Northbrook Public Library during National Library Week (April 6-12), reinforcing Celebree’s commitment to early childhood education and literacy development. Local families are invited to join the celebration, meet the team, and contribute new or gently used books to help provide young learners with greater access to reading resources.

“Books are the building blocks of literacy, and libraries are where the love of reading flourishes. During National Library Week, we celebrate how libraries connect communities with the transformative power of books,” said Kate Hall, Executive Director of Northbrook Public Library. “Celebree School’s generous ‘100 Books for 100 Locations’ initiative shows a deep understanding of how important early access to books is for developing young minds. As we welcome this new educational partner to Northbrook, we’re inspired by their commitment to literacy right from the start. Together, we can ensure that every child in our community discovers the joy and wonder that books bring to our lives.

The milestone opening highlights the remarkable growth of Huffman Family Brands’ expanding portfolio, comprising six brands. Together, they provide early childhood education, enrichment programs, franchise opportunities, and philanthropic support to communities across the United States. As the company continues to scale nationwide, this achievement underscores its commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and enrichment programs while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Reaching 100 locations is an extraordinary achievement, and it is a testament to the dedication and passion of our network of entrepreneurs, like Maggie, who bring our mission to life in communities nationwide,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Huffman Family Brands. “Whether opening a preschool, establishing enrichment programs, or supporting educational institutions, Huffman Family Brands guides individuals and families to professional and personal success.”

Huffman Family Brands is deeply committed to empowering communities through its platform, leveraging expertise and resources to drive meaningful change across the nation. At the heart of this mission are Celebree franchisees, who are more than business owners—they are dedicated community members with a passion for making a difference.

Celebree School of Northbrook is committed to serving the local community and supporting parents by offering flexible and accommodating childcare solutions. The school welcomes children from 6 weeks to 12 years old and provides a range of enrollment options designed to meet the diverse needs of families. Operating from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Celebree School offers full-time and part-time enrollment options. Drop-in care is available for families who need occasional support, while before and after school care includes reliable transportation. Additionally, the school offers an engaging summer camp program to keep children active and learning during the summer months. With a focus on creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment, Celebree School of Northbrook ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive while giving parents peace of mind.

For those who share this vision, Celebree School offers an unmatched opportunity. With over 30 years of experience, a proven business model, and a strong culture of support, franchisees gain access to the tools and systems needed to excel in the rewarding field of early childhood education. Whether pursuing single-unit or multi-unit ownership, Celebree provides the perfect foundation for individuals eager to create lasting, positive impacts in their communities.

For more information on Huffman Family Brands, please visit, https://huffmanfamilybrands.com/

For more information on Celebree School of Northbrook, please visit, https://www.celebree.com/northbrook-il/

For more information on Celebree School franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising/.

About Huffman Family Brands
Huffman Family Brands (HFB) is a unified platform company dedicated to fostering social development, innovation, and community empowerment through its portfolio of powerful and beloved brands. Led by founder Richard Huffman, HFB builds on decades of success with brands like Celebree School, Caliday School Age Programs, Celebree Enterprise, and more. Together, all operating brands under HFB provide early childhood education, enrichment programs, franchise opportunities, and philanthropic support to communities across the United States. With over 150 locations open or in development in 15 states, Huffman Family Brands continues to lead the way in supporting families, entrepreneurs, and communities. For more information, visit huffmanfamilybrands.com.

About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

31 03, 2025

Always Best Care Senior Services Names Todd Hillman as VP of Franchise Development

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-31T16:08:59-04:00March 31st, 2025|Tags: Always Best Care, Exclusive Programs, Senior Assistance, senior care|

Franchise Industry Veteran to Lead Strategic Growth and Expansion Efforts

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, has appointed Todd Hillman as its new Vice President of Franchise Development. Hillman, an accomplished franchise executive with over two decades of experience in franchise sales, development, and operations, will lead the company’s expansion efforts across key U.S. markets.

Bringing a strong track record in franchise growth, Hillman has successfully scaled multiple franchise brands in diverse industries, including health and wellness, home services, and quick-service restaurants. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in expanding brands by hundreds of locations and strengthening their franchise development strategies. At Always Best Care, Hillman will focus on targeting new markets, optimizing franchisee recruitment efforts, and strengthening relationships with brokers and consultants to drive continued system growth.

“Joining Always Best Care is an incredible opportunity to be part of a mission-driven brand that is making a real difference in communities across the country,” said Todd Hillman, Vice President of Franchise Development for Always Best Care. “Senior care is one of the most recession-resistant and essential industries, and the demand for in-home care services continues to grow as our population ages. I look forward to working with the team to attract passionate franchisees who are eager to make a meaningful impact while building successful businesses.”

Hillman’s franchise career began as a franchisee, giving him firsthand experience of what it takes to successfully own and operate a franchise. His early days as a business owner taught him the value of strong franchisor support, a lesson he carries into his leadership philosophy today. Since then, he has held franchise development leadership roles at Massage Envy, Hammer & Nails Grooming, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, and Central Bark, where he was instrumental in driving system-wide growth.

“Our franchise system has experienced tremendous expansion over the past few years, and we are confident that Todd’s leadership will help propel us even further,” said Jake Brown, President & CEO of Always Best Care. “His deep expertise in franchise development, combined with his personal understanding of the importance of senior care, makes him the perfect fit to lead our next phase of growth. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will make.”

As part of his growth strategy for Always Best Care, Hillman will focus on expanding the brand’s footprint in high-potential markets throughout the US, with an emphasis on Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arizona, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. With an aging U.S. population and increasing demand for quality senior care services, Hillman believes the brand is well-positioned to expand its footprint exponentially over the next several years.

For more information about franchising opportunities with Always Best Care, visit https://alwaysbestcare.com/franchise/.

About Always Best Care

Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs for over 28 years and currently provides thousands of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.

Always Best Care also offers exclusive programs such as Always in Touch, Balance Tracking System, remote patient monitoring and a 24/7 Virtual Care. For more information regarding Always Best Care’s solutions, visit www.alwaysbestcare.com.

31 03, 2025

Workplace Hostility Pushes Employees to Seek New Jobs: 30% Report Higher Confrontation

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-31T16:02:33-04:00March 31st, 2025|Tags: business services, Express Employment Professionals, professional education, staffing solutions|

Recent Survey Shows Toxic Behaviors Eroding Workplace Culture

OKLAHOMA CITY — New data reveals a troubling increase in toxic behaviors within the workplace, underscoring the critical need for companies to take immediate action to prevent employees from becoming job seekers.

This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

With 30% of employed U.S. job seekers reporting employees at their company are more confrontational than they were three years ago, the urgency to address these issues has never been greater. The trend is particularly pronounced among male job seekers, with 34% noting increased confrontational behavior compared to 23% of female job seekers.

Furthermore, more than one in five employed job seekers (22%) have observed a rise in employees being mean to others at work over the past year. This escalation in toxic behaviors is not only damaging workplace relationships but also undermining the overall company culture, prompting many employees to seek new job opportunities.

Personal Accounts of Toxicity

Several personal accounts from survey respondents shed light on the specific toxic behaviors they have experienced:

“I remember when some workers got physical with each other because one of them made offensive and disrespectful comments about the other’s personal life. It created a hostile environment and affected everyone on the team.” — Employed 36-year-old male job seeker
“I had a coworker who consistently tried to make me do tasks that weren’t in my job description and actively tried to sabotage my work. I reported her multiple times to management, but nothing was done about it until I had to quit due to needing to take care of my parents and my deteriorating mental state.” — Unemployed 30-year-old female job seeker
“When I was employed as an RN on an inpatient hospital unit, I experienced bullying by senior nurses toward younger nurses. They were envious because they did not hold the same accreditations as the incoming graduates. When I started to display mental health issues, there were opportunities for the others to target me, as well.” — Employed 59-year old female job seeker

Company Culture and Adaptation
The findings underscore the significance of company culture in addressing toxic behaviors. More than half of job seekers (54%) believe that company culture should adapt to changing times and employee desires rather than expecting employees to conform to existing culture. This sentiment is stronger among female job seekers (59%) compared to males (49%).

Additionally, 55% of job seekers agree that it is inappropriate for employees to demand the same boundaries from their coworkers that they set with their family and friends. Nearly 3 in 5 (57%) find it difficult to distinguish between a hostile work environment and a clash of coworkers’ personalities in today’s workplace.

Hiring Managers’ Perspective
Hiring managers also report a troubling increase in toxic behaviors. Half of U.S. hiring managers (50%) have observed more instances of poor employee behavior being reported now than they did three years ago. Nearly three-quarters (74%) have witnessed toxic traits regularly, with gossiping (39%) being the most common, followed by unprofessional communication (27%), employees avoiding collaboration (24%), micromanaging direct reports (19%) and employees taking credit for another person’s work (19%).

Specific Incidents Reported by Surveyed Hiring Managers

“An employee constantly gossiped about colleagues, spreading negativity and undermining team morale, which created unnecessary tension and damaged trust within the workplace.” — 44-year-old male hiring manager
“During a team meeting, one employee repeatedly interrupted others to push their ideas, disregarding everyone else’s input. They made dismissive comments like, ‘That is not going to work,’ without offering constructive alternatives.” — 36-year-old female hiring manager
“An employee was sending inappropriate texts and threats.” — 26-year-old male hiring manager

Proactive Measures Needed
While 84% of employed job seekers say their company implements measures to manage conflicts, more proactive approaches are needed. This includes:

Providing resources on conflict resolution: 53%
Encouraging open communication with supervisors: 52%
Mandating training on appropriate workplace behavior: 36%
Displaying signs or other materials regarding appropriate workplace behaviors: 27%

Additionally, 62% of job seekers agree that companies need to have signage to remind people to be nice to one another. This sentiment is particularly strong among Gen Z, millennial and Gen X workers (78%, 64% and 56%, respectively) compared to boomer/senior job seekers (44%).

“Addressing toxic behaviors in the workplace is crucial for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent,” Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller said. “A toxic environment not only drives employees away but also tarnishes a company’s reputation, making it more difficult to recruit skilled professionals. By fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture, companies can enhance their appeal to skilled professionals, reduce turnover and strengthen their overall market position.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals Nov. 11 – 26, 2024, among 1,001 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 21 to Dec. 10, 2024, among 1,039 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Bill Stoller
William H. “Bill” Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

31 03, 2025

Executive Home Care 2025 National Conference Elevates Leadership and Franchise Success

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-31T15:55:04-04:00March 31st, 2025|Tags: Evive Brands, Executive Home Care, in-home care, Strategic Expansion|

PRINCETON, N.J. — Executive Home Care, a premier provider of in-home care services and member of Evive Brands, hosted its 2025 National Conference, the Elevate Leadership Summit, from March 26-27 at The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village in Princeton, NJ. Themed “Elevate: Leadership Summit 2025”, this year’s event focused on inspiring franchise growth, operational excellence, and leadership development within the home care industry.

The conference featured a keynote address by Jeanette Weinz, Executive Home Care’s new Brand Leader, who brings over 25 years of experience in home care and franchise operations. Weinz emphasized the importance of strategic growth, franchisee support, and operational excellence to ensure continued success in providing high-quality home care.

“Elevating leadership is the key to expanding our impact in communities nationwide,” said Weinz. “This conference reaffirmed our commitment to empowering franchisees with the tools, training, and strategies needed to enhance client care and drive sustainable business growth.”

Attendees participated in dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities focused on caregiver recruitment and retention, sales strategies, and industry best practices. The event also celebrated outstanding franchise achievements through the Executive Home Care Awards Ceremony, recognizing top-performing locations in 2024.

Honorees included Executive Home Care of Palm Beach County, Richmond, Fort Myers, and Morristown, which received Silver Club Awards for generating revenues between $500,000 and $999,999. Gold Club Awards were presented to Executive Home Care of Princeton, Bergen County, and Freehold, recognizing revenue between $1 million and $2.4 million. The Platinum Club Awards were awarded to Executive Home Care of Stratford and Toms River for surpassing $2.5 million in revenue. The highest honor, the Diamond Club Award, was presented to Executive Home Care of Southern Ocean, celebrating its outstanding success and growth. Additionally, Landris Johnson of Executive Home Care of Fort Worth was recognized with the Rising Star Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership and business growth.

“Our franchisees raise the standard of in-home care, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and compassion,” said Evive Brands CEO Ryan Parsons. “This conference celebrates the meaningful impact they are making to clients and communities across the country.”

As Executive Home Care looks toward the future, the company remains dedicated to supporting franchise owners with comprehensive resources and business strategies to help them thrive in the competitive home care industry. For information about franchise opportunities, visit: www.executivehomecare.com.

About Executive Home Care

Executive Home Care, part of the Evive Brands family, is a trusted provider of in-home care services dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors and their families. With a commitment to compassionate care and operational excellence, Executive Home Care offers franchise opportunities for individuals seeking to make a positive difference in their communities.

28 03, 2025

PuroClean Expands Expert Restoration and Remediation Services Across California

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-28T01:29:25-04:00March 28th, 2025|Tags: biohazard cleanup, Fire and Smoke Damage Mitigation, mold removal, property restoration, PuroClean, water damage remediation|

The Paramedics of Property Damage® Target the Golden State for Additional Franchise Growth Opportunities

TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, one of the nation’s top franchise brands in property restoration and remediation, is actively seeking expansion opportunities in California. The award-winning franchise brand was recently named one of the 10 Best Franchises to Buy by Franchise Times. 10 conversion and new ownership territories are available specifically in Sacramento, Roseville, Fairfield, Chico, and Santa Rosa.

PuroClean has an established presence in several communities across California. The brand now aims to expand its reach even further in response to the increase in both severity and frequency of natural disasters. In addition to PuroClean’s quick response and continued efforts on the front lines of the recent wildfires that ravaged homes and communities in Los Angeles, their everyday emergency response services are a core component of the business. With the state’s diverse climate and rapidly growing population, PuroClean is positioned to leverage emerging market opportunities in a key area.

“Expanding throughout California presents incredible opportunities for growth,” said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean. “With each new location, we’re bringing trusted remediation and restoration services to more communities, helping families and businesses recover quickly and effectively from unexpected property disasters.”

Beyond residential services, PuroClean is a reliable partner for commercial property restoration. Offering a comprehensive range of solutions — including water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup services — PuroClean is dedicated to restoring properties and providing peace of mind after emergencies.

“We’re excited to expand our presence across California, a state experiencing an increasing need for quality remediation services, as part of our ongoing franchise development strategy,” said Tim Courtney, PuroClean Vice President of Franchise Development. “With California’s unique challenges, we’re looking for passionate entrepreneurs who are eager to make a real impact by helping communities recover and rebuild through expert restoration and remediation services.”

For more than 20 years, PuroClean has helped home and business owners with their restoration and remediation needs, serving communities across the United States and Canada through a network nearing 500 offices. With franchises anticipated to grow 2.4% in 2025, faster than the broader U.S. economy, the brand is seeking potential franchise owners to join their growing network, including individuals in the home service industry, such as construction professionals, home remodelers, property maintenance technicians, and more, who may be looking to add a restoration component to their business.

For more information about PuroClean, call 800-351-2282 or visit www.PuroCleanFranchise.com.

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of nearly 500 North American franchise locations, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand. For more information about PuroClean, call 800-775-7876 or visit www.PuroClean.com.

28 03, 2025

Bob Funk, Jr. Promoted to President of Express Employment International

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-28T01:23:22-04:00March 28th, 2025|Tags: business services, Express Employment Professionals, professional education, staffing solutions|

OKLAHOMA CITY — Express Employment International is pleased to announce the promotion of Bob Funk, Jr., to President, effective immediately.

As President, Funk Jr. will lead the company’s Sales and Marketing teams, along with his current role leading international efforts and business intelligence, ensuring ongoing innovation and expansion.

“Bob is the perfect fit to step into this role because, having grown up with Express, he is deeply connected to our brand and mission,” Express International CEO Bill Stoller said. “His passion for empowering entrepreneurs and his drive to provide hope through employment to millions of individuals and families are core to who he is. With his innovative mindset and strong leadership, I am confident that Express will continue its growth and success.”

Funk Jr., a seasoned leader within the organization, earned his bachelor’s degree in international business from Oklahoma Baptist University. He began his career with Express Employment Professionals at the franchise level in 1996 and joined Express International in 2013. Over the years, he has served in key roles such as Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development and Vice President of Sales and Corporate Development.

In addition to his role with Express International, Funk Jr. is an accomplished entrepreneur and the Managing Partner of Oklahoma Temporary Services, overseeing 58 Express-affiliated franchise locations. A dedicated community leader, he actively supports numerous causes, including Habitat for Humanity and Palomar, among others.

A dedicated advocate of career and technical education, Funk Jr. champions the importance of technical education in shaping the future workforce and empowering individuals to reach their full potential through his involvement with the Association of Career Tech Educators.

He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Greater Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, is a Board Member of Express Employment International, a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class XXXI, and an active member of Downtown Rotary Club 29.

“Having always believed in the power of our work to create lasting change, I’m passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and providing hope through meaningful employment to millions of individuals and families,” Funk Jr. said. “Our work isn’t just about creating jobs; it’s about changing lives and building stronger communities. I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to continuing our work to make a lasting difference.”

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Express Employment International
Express Employment International supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and affiliated brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Express Employment International boasts a team of more than 500 professionals in Oklahoma City and a network of sales and support teams internationally. For more information, visit www.ExpressPros.com.

28 03, 2025

Jim Howe Named as President of FASTSIGNS® by Parent Company Propelled Brands®

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-28T01:17:57-04:00March 28th, 2025|Tags: Custom Signs, Custom Visual Communications, FASTSIGNS, Franchise Business Review, Franchisee Satisfaction and Performance|

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Poised for New Growth and Innovation with Howe at the Helm

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today the appointment of Jim Howe, former president of Propelled Brands’ company NerdsToGo^®, as president of FASTSIGNS, effective immediately.

“Jim is the perfect fit to lead FASTSIGNS, bringing his strategic vision and deep expertise in franchising to drive the brand’s objectives and large-scale initiatives forward,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands. “I’ve witnessed Jim’s positive impact firsthand across the Propelled Brands network for over a decade, and I’m honored to appoint him to this role.”

Howe brings more than 30 years of franchising experience to his new role, including 11 years as vice president, leading operations and franchise support at FASTSIGNS. Most recently, he served as president of NerdsToGo^®, the managed IT services brand for small businesses under the Propelled Brands^® umbrella. During his tenure, Howe demonstrated exceptional brand stewardship, leading NerdsToGo’s transformation into a Managed Service Provider (MSP), positioning him for success in his new role as FASTSIGNS president.

“It’s an incredible honor to return to FASTSIGNS as president,” said Howe. “Having been part of the brand’s journey for over a decade, I’m eager to build on its legacy of innovation and drive continued growth by empowering our franchisees and strengthening our network.”

As president of FASTSIGNS, Howe will be responsible for increasing franchisee profitability through effective leadership, innovation, new revenue streams, and operational efficiencies, as well as driving growth in the number of franchise locations. He will focus on franchisee/franchisor collaboration, sharing best practices, optimizing processes, increasing franchisee profitability and satisfaction, as well as deepening customer relationships to bring the brand promise to life.

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS^® is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With 40 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps customers bring their vision to life and achieve more than they ever thought possible. As the largest service-oriented business within the Propelled Brands® family, FASTSIGNS spans over 785 independently owned and operated centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE^®).

FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and with awards that include being ranked #1 in its category on ENTREPRENEUR’s highly competitive Franchise 500^® List in 2025 for the ninth consecutive year, and being named a 2024 Best-in-Category Franchise by Franchise Business Review for the sixth consecutive year.

For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).

About Propelled Brands^®

Propelled Brands^® is a multi-brand platform company dedicated to accelerating the growth of service-oriented businesses with an unrelenting focus on franchising best practices and franchisee profitability and satisfaction. We have a robust franchise business model that provides a clear growth trajectory for the unique position, purpose and momentum of each brand. While there are many paths to success, there’s only one direction we know: forward. Our portfolio includes highly recognized and award winning brands: FASTSIGNS^®, MY SALON Suite^®, Camp Bow Wow^® and NerdsToGo^®. Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts.

For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit propelledbrands.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).

23 03, 2025

PrideStaff Celebrates a Third Consecutive Year on ClearlyRated’s Best Staffing Firms for Women List

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-23T19:49:09-04:00March 23rd, 2025|Tags: Commercial Staffing, Pridestaff, Staffing Organization|

FRESNO, Calif. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that it has once again been named to ClearlyRated’s list of Best Staffing Firms for Women for cultivating an exceptional workplace environment where female employees thrive. Through dedicated support for development and leadership, PrideStaff enables women to achieve their career goals.

Fewer than .1% of staffing firms qualify for this elite designation, which is based on stringent criteria that include the following:

A firm must invite feedback from 100% of its internal staff on their overall experience within their organization.
Women must comprise at least 47% of the workforce, rate the firm highly, and be highly represented in leadership roles.

This year, PrideStaff also earned its second consecutive Best of Staffing ® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards from ClearlyRated for providing superior service to their clients and candidates, as well as ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing ® Employee 5-Year Diamond Award for providing an exceptional experience for their employees.

“Being named to ClearlyRated’s Best Staffing Firms for Women list for a third consecutive year is so much more than another professional accolade. This is objective proof of PrideStaff’s unwavering commitment to creating a collaborative and empowering workspace,” stated PrideStaff Co-CEO Tammi Heaton. “We are proud to have many women in leadership roles at all levels within our organization. This distinction makes it clear that here, each employee has the opportunity to rise to their greatest heights.”

Heaton added, “The most important aspect of this award is that it’s based on anonymous feedback from female employees. I’m grateful for every individual in the PrideStaff system who contributes to this welcoming, rewarding work culture. Their tireless efforts have made us a leader in client and talent service excellence and have also made PrideStaff a great place to work.”

“I’m excited to unveil the companies recognized on the third annual Best Staffing Firms for Women list,” stated Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. “As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, these exceptional firms deserve applause for championing and empowering their female employees. Despite persistent challenges like pay disparity and limited advancement opportunities, these firms are at the forefront of fostering growth and elevating women in the workforce. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to these outstanding organizations for their unwavering commitment to gender diversity and equality.”

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards two years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.

About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for staffing & recruiting firms. We offer firms a sophisticated alternative to manual processes and basic survey tools, then pair that with world-class customer care and support. Ours is an efficient, industry-focused solution that provides data-driven insights to equip service teams with a real-time understanding of client and internal employee interactions and satisfaction.

About Best of Staffing
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

23 03, 2025

Be Here Salon Named Finalist for 2025 NAHA Most Inspiring Salon, Redefining Inclusivity, Innovation and Luxury Self-Care

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-23T19:40:40-04:00March 23rd, 2025|Tags: beauty industry, My Salon Suite, salon suite franchise, Suite Management Franchising|

Recognition highlights founder Vee Vargas’s commitment to promoting self-care through personalized experiences, community empowerment and sustainability

CARROLLTON, Texas — MY SALON Suite®, a salon suite franchise focused on providing beauty, health and wellness professionals a personal space to build their business, announced today Be Here salon, a luxury, inclusive salon experience founded by industry veteran Vee Vargas, has been named a finalist for the prestigious “2025 Most Inspiring Salon” award by the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). This recognition highlights Be Here’s commitment to the level of care and service that MY SALON Suite® champions for professionals.

A seasoned hairstylist of 13 years, Vargas joined the MY SALON Suite network when she founded Be Here in Oakland, California, launching her dream to create a suite space that offers a tranquil, customized salon experience that prioritizes relaxation and personalization. Beyond hairstyling, Vargas has dedicated her career to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the beauty industry. In 2022, she launched Be Infinite, a non-profit cosmetology apprenticeship program designed to provide marginalized communities with pathways to economic empowerment and creative expression. The program integrates trauma-informed teaching and an inclusive curriculum, ensuring the next generation of beauty professionals is equipped with both technical skills and emotional intelligence. Donations to the cause can be made at https://givebutter.com/c/beinfinite333.

“Creating a salon environment where patrons can take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life has been extremely rewarding for me, and MY SALON Suite has given me the freedom to build a business that truly reflects my vision of self-care and inclusivity,” said Vargas. “Beyond the service experience we provide, I’m deeply grateful to have a platform that allows me to extend my impact beyond hairstyling and support my community through Be Infinite. This recognition from NAHA reinforces the importance of community involvement and investing in future industry leaders and it is a tremendous honor to be a finalist.”

Outside of Be Infinite, Vargas is committed to social responsibility through Be Here’s status as a Certified Sustainable Salon, operating under the mission of “Keeping People and the Planet Beautiful.” The salon is dedicated to diverting over 95% of its waste from landfills. In 2024 alone, Be Here successfully prevented more than 45 pounds of beauty waste from ending up in landfills.

“Vee has gone above and beyond to build a salon that prioritizes wellness and community impact,” said Susan Boresow, president of MY SALON Suite. “I’m proud that NAHA has recognized Vee and Be Here for their impact beyond providing beauty services and look forward to how she will continue to grow in her mission.”

For over three decades, NAHA has honored the visionaries shaping the future of beauty and wellness. As the industry’s most prestigious competition, NAHA celebrates the artistry, skill and innovation of North America’s top hair professionals. Be Here is among five finalists selected for the “Most Inspiring Salon” category. Hosted by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), winners will be announced on June 1, 2025, at the awards ceremony at Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

To view the 2025 NAHA finalists, visit https://www.probeauty.org/north-american-hairstyling-awards/?utm_source=naha&utm_medium=2025.

To learn more about Be Here Salon or book an appointment, visit https://www.beherewithvee.com/.

For more information about the MY SALON Suite franchise, visit https://www.mysalonsuite.com, or contact Mark Jameson at mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679.

About MY SALON Suite®:

MY SALON Suite is a nationwide network of turnkey beauty salon suite studios designed to empower independent salon professionals to provide beauty services to their own respective clients. The co-working style space represents the latest concept in the beauty services industry, bringing together a community of independent beauty professionals in one luxurious location. Founded in 2010, MY SALON Suite has since expanded to more than 350 locations across the U.S. and Canada, providing entrepreneurship opportunities to over 10,000 Members.

With industry-leading knowledge, operational processes, and support services, MY SALON Suite provides Members with the tools and resources they need to build, open, and manage upscale private salon suites. This supportive environment allows established beauty service professionals to invest in themselves and their professional success by running their own salon business.

For more information about MY SALON Suite, please visit: https://www.mysalonsuite.com/.

23 03, 2025

Gotcha Covered to serve west Denver with new center

Paul Zboichyk2025-03-23T19:31:13-04:00March 23rd, 2025|Tags: Custom Interior Window Treatments, Gotcha Covered, home improvement, Window Treatment Consultation|

Owners Travis Sulstrom and Chris Weir want to add beauty and value to area homes

DENVER — Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the opening of Gotcha Covered Denver West. The new location is owned and operated by Travis Sulstrom and Chris Weir.

With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, the new center provides the best in soft and hard window treatments to property owners in Arvada, Evergreen, Genesee, Golden, Greenwood Village, Ken Caryl, Lakewood, Littleton, Morrison and Westminster by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.

“Travis and Chris both have experience in the corporate world, which provides them with the critical skills in leadership, operational efficiency and customer service that will make them excellent new center owners,” said David Dunsmuir, president of Gotcha Covered. “The west Denver area is home to a variety of neighborhoods and communities that will benefit from Gotcha Covered’s window treatment solutions. We know that Travis and Chris will provide those communities with the first-class service they deserve.”

Prior to joining Gotcha Covered, Sulstrom worked as a business analyst for DIRECTV and product owner for AT&T. Weir worked in community and business banking for more than 25 years.

“We spent years working for the corporate machine and share a dream of never working for anyone ever again,” Sulstrom said. “Gotcha Covered Denver West gives us a chance to work hard for ourselves and build a company that Denver can be proud of.”

Both Sulstrom and Weir have lived in the Denver area for about 15 years and enjoy everything the community has to offer.

“We love this community and want to be able to add beauty and value with our custom window treatments,” Weir said.

Adding 30 new franchise locations in 2023, Gotcha Covered currently has more than 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.

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 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

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