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12 09, 2024

Neighborly® Empowers Veterans Through Franchise Ownership Opportunities at Upcoming Military Thriving™ Convening

2024-09-12T20:53:56-04:00September 12th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

Kick-off event in Hampton Roads, VA, in partnership with ZeroMils, supports the region’s new Military Thriving initiative. 

WACO, Texas — Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services company, is proud to support the upcoming Military Thriving™ event, taking place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at “The Hive” in Virginia Beach. Organized by ZeroMils, the event aims to empower Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on franchise ownership opportunities available through Neighborly’s extensive network of home service brands.

This all-day convening will unite local government officials, corporate and nonprofit partners, regional economic development centers, Veteran employment centers, and educational institutions to drive impactful solutions that meet the needs of Veterans and military spouses, fostering a more resilient and thriving military community. Neighborly’s participation aligns with its broader mission to support Veterans transitioning to civilian careers through franchise ownership.

Event Highlights:

  • Date & Time: September 17, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EDT
  • Location: The HIVE, 140 Independence Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462
  • Focus: Building Military Thriving cultures and empowering Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurship

The event will feature panel discussions that will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of Veteran employment, strategies for leveraging diverse partnerships, and innovative solutions to bridge skills gaps. Breakout sessions will cater specifically to aspiring Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs offering attendees in-depth, practical insights on franchising, starting and purchasing businesses, and securing financing for business growth led by franchise professionals and current Neighborly Veteran franchise owners.

For more than 32 years, Neighborly has been dedicated to helping Veterans transition to small business ownership through its Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran) program, offering franchise opportunities and financial incentives to honorably discharged Veterans. With over 5,500 franchise locations, Neighborly operates more than 30 brands and currently has existing franchise availability in the greater Hampton Roads area across the following established brands:

  • HouseMaster®
  • Junk King®
  • Lawn Pride®
  • The Grounds Guys®
  • Window Genie®
  • Five Star Painting®
  • Mr. Appliance®
  • Aire Serv®
  • Mr. Electric®
  • Rainbow Restoration®
  • Real Property Management

Neighborly’s Veteran incentive programs make franchise ownership more accessible, supporting Veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Interested prospects can find out more information here.

For more information about the Military Thriving movement and to register for this event, please visit ZeroMils at zeromils.com/nbly_pr

About Neighborly®: Neighborly® is the world’s largest home services company with more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchises collectively serving 12 million+ customers in six countries, focused on repairing, maintaining, and enhancing homes and businesses. Through Neighborly.com and the Neighborly mobile app, Neighborly connects consumers to local service providers that meet rigorous franchisor standards across 19 service categories. More information about Neighborly®, and its franchise concepts, is available at Neighborlybrands.com.

About ZeroMils: ZeroMils is a term of both science and art, used in the military to describe a state of perfection that accounts for accuracy and effectiveness. Once attained, ZeroMils allows you to achieve maximum impact on a target. ZeroMils’ mission is to create Military Thriving cultures and communities by serving alongside their partners and clients in the places where they live, work and serve. ZeroMils is intentional in its efforts to serve alongside organizations and leaders who focus on what they know to be true: that although Veterans and their families face unique challenges, the vast majority of us overcome them and thrive as a result of our service and not in spite of it.

12 09, 2024

Re-Bath Franchisee Reinvests in the Brand with New Signed Agreement in Palm Springs

2024-09-12T20:45:41-04:00September 12th, 2024|Tags: , , , |

America’s Largest Bathroom Remodeler Offers ADA-Compliant Remodeling Services to Palm Springs Residents. 

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Re-Bath, the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise, has announced a signed agreement in Palm Springs, CA. With its growing population and need for home renovation services, Palm Springs is a prime area for growth. The bath remodeling market is expected to reach $88.4 billion by 2032, and first-time and existing entrepreneurs are looking to stake their claim with Re-Bath’s franchise opportunity.

Behind the Signed Agreement – Current Franchisee, Niko Zavala:

  • Prior to joining Re-Bath, Zavala worked for his family’s construction company before starting a 20-year career at Lowe’s, where he worked his way up to Director of Services. During his time at Lowe’s, he became familiar with the Re-Bath brand.
  • Zavala opened his first Re-Bath in Temecula in 2020 and decided to reinvest in the brand because of the supportive corporate team, strong franchise system, and growth potential.
  • Zavala’s extensive background in home improvement, construction, and project management made his transition to Re-Bath franchisee a natural and successful progression.

“When I opened my first Re-Bath in Temecula, my goal was always to expand into Palm Springs,” said Zavala. “While my previous experience provided a solid foundation, it was the support from the corporate team and network of fellow franchisees that empowered me to achieve success. With their ongoing guidance and resources, I’m excited to continue expanding throughout Southern California.”

With more than 150,000 franchise businesses and an output of $161.9 billion, the western region of the U.S. marks a great opportunity for aspiring franchisees.

“Niko’s proven success in Temecula, combined with his extensive background in home improvement, makes him the perfect fit to bring our top-notch services to the Palm Springs area,” said Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath. “His decision to open a second location is a testament to the value of Re-Bath’s franchise opportunity, and we’re confident that his expertise and dedication will drive continued growth and deliver exceptional results for our customers.”

As the largest bathroom remodeling company in the United States, Re-Bath has established a proven business model, unparalleled franchise office support, and an infrastructure for growth as it continues to seek strategic franchise partners to expand its footprint nationwide.

The impressive growth achieved by the brand has not gone unnoticed as Re-Bath recently earned the No. 192 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2024 Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Re-Bath also ranked No. 2 on Qualified Remodeler‘s Top 500 Nationals List and was recognized as No. 1 in the “Best Bathroom Renovations” category on Bob Vila’s 2022 Best Home Improvement Contractors of 2022 Ranking. The franchise is building off this momentum for repeated success throughout 2023, with a goal of awarding 25 franchise agreements while strengthening performance and same-store-sales.

For more information on Re-Bath and franchise opportunities, visit www.rebathfranchise.com or call 888-454-8842.

About Re-Bath
Re-Bath is the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise that has grown to more than 100 locations across the country. The parent company’s first entry in the bathroom remodeling industry occurred in 1978 and focused on the hospitality sector. In 1991, Re-Bath launched its first franchise location to focus on the residential market. The company offers complete bathroom remodels, tub and shower updates, plus aging and accessibility solutions. From simple bathtub replacements to complete bathroom redesigns, Re-Bath makes bathroom remodeling effortless, convenient and affordable, all with professional, friendly and factory-trained installers. Re-Bath is a one-stop service that covers the entire process – from design to done – in three easy steps: consultation, removal, and installation. Re-Bath assembles its own exclusive line of products at its headquarters located in Phoenix, Ariz., and offers best-in-class products from national brands for its customers. For more information, please visit www.rebath.com or www.rebathfranchise.com for more details on the franchise opportunity.

12 09, 2024

Clean Eatz Debuts New Café Menu Revamp Nationwide

2024-09-12T20:40:27-04:00September 12th, 2024|Tags: , , , |

Health Food Franchise Plans Fresh Initiatives to Bring America’s Youth into the Clean Eating Conversation

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Clean Eatz Foundation, which acts as the charitable arm for the award-winning Clean Eatz health food franchise and meal delivery brand, is on a mission to raise awareness and money for efforts combating childhood obesity. Funds are raised through a series of nationwide campaigns and initiatives, and earmarked for purposes meant to further the foundations mission.

After raising $45,000 at their annual franchise conference late last year, a partnership was formed with Camp Pocono Trails, a health and wellness summer camp, wherein Clean Eatz financed the camp fees for 10 kids from around the country. And this month marks the foundation’s 2nd annual Go Bananaz smoothie campaign; a month-long fundraiser that commits a portion of sales from the limited-edition smoothie to the foundation’s efforts, which in 2025 will include helping to pay for the college tuition of five different students entering into health and wellness-related fields of study.

“America’s youth have historically been a demographic left out of the conversation when it comes to dietary habits, health risks of improper nutrition, and obesity. To see that reality flipped little by little through each of our foundation’s initiatives makes me incredibly hopeful in the possibility of a more health-conscious future,” said Evonne Varady, Co-founder of Clean Eatz. “The new efforts we have planned ahead will only further that, and just in time to kick off National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in a couple of weeks.”

The success and impact of the foundations campaigns and partnerships each serve as a significant springboard for future endeavors targeting childhood obesity. Endeavors that will only grow in scope and scale as the Clean Eatz franchise continues to expand its reach and develop its footprint in markets nationwide.

In the meantime, those wanting to find their nearest Clean Eatz location can visit https://locations.cleaneatz.com/.

ABOUT CLEAN EATZ
Clean Eatz, which launched in 2011 and started franchising in 2015, was co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady, as a means of helping individuals and families change their lives by providing them with better nutrition options, a steady dose of health and wellness education, and a diverse support community that’s committed to helping each other in becoming their best selves. By supplying such healthy alternatives, the Clean Eatz brand has continued to win over communities with their dine-in, grab-n-go, catering, marketplace, and weekly online meal plan selections. With 94 locations operational and 87 in development, the franchise will likely be coming to an address near you soon.

8 09, 2024

Staying Safe from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): A Comprehensive Q&A with Mosquito Squad® VP – Dr. Kurt Vandock, PhD

2024-09-08T20:45:30-04:00September 8th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

MACON, Ga. — As cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious virus, continue to rise in parts of the Northeast, Mosquito Squad® is helping homeowners stay informed about the virus and the important safety measures to take.

With much still to learn about EEE, Dr. Kurt Vandock, PhD in Cell Biology and Entomology and Vice President of Strategic Growth at Mosquito Squad, is sharing what homeowners need to know about the mosquito-borne virus to help reduce the risk of transmission as mosquito season continues.

How can I tell if my child or pet has EEE versus another mosquito-borne illness?

Infection can cause a range of illnesses. Most people have no symptoms; others get only a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and sore throat. For people with infection of the central nervous system, a sudden fever (103ºF to 106ºF), severe headache, and stiff neck can be followed quickly by seizures and coma. The best way to confirm any illness is with an approved and accurate test administered by a medical professional.

What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family has EEE?

Seeking immediate medical attention is key with any arbovirus. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a serious disease with symptoms occurring fast. If you live in an area with noted EEE activity and have flu-like symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito you should seek medical care immediately.

Are there certain times of the day when contracting EEE is more likely?

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Culiseta melanura is the primary vector of EEE and can bite at any time of the day; however, studies indicate it is most active around dusk.

How can I keep my family safe from EEE as school and extracurricular activities commence?

Avoiding areas where mosquitoes are numerous and EEE has been reported is a great first line of defense. When this is not possible, dressing with long sleeves, pants, closed toe shoes, and defending with repellant can all help mitigate exposure to mosquito bites.

My town is coordinating aerial sprays to help mitigate the mosquito population in the area. Does that mean that I don’t need to take any other measures to protect my yard?

The insecticides sprayed from airplanes and trucks are non-residual broad-spectrum insecticides that kill insects on contact. These products are only effective while they are in the air and can contact a target pest. Targeted barrier sprays such as the ones deployed by Mosquito Squad provide longer term control of mosquitoes and are more selective since they are only applied where mosquitoes rest and harbor. Additionally, local larviciding is completed which helps interrupt the entire lifecycle of the mosquito.

For more information or to find services near you, visit www.mosquitosquad.com.

About Mosquito Squad 
Mosquito Squad’s mission is to be the premier outdoor pest control company in the industry by providing state-of-the-art products and services through its best-in-class technicians and sales teams while bringing awareness to the importance of pest management to help control diseases transmitted by pests. For more information, visit https://www.mosquitosquad.com/ and https://www.authoritybrands.com/.

About Authority Brands 
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands’ companies include 16 leading home service franchise brands: America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, Color World Painting, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic Restoration Services, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, STOP Restoration, and Woofie’s. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 2,000 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology, and operational support. See https://www.authoritybrands.com/ for more information.

8 09, 2024

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Sets Record Attendance at 14th Annual Outside Sales Summit

2024-09-08T20:38:55-04:00September 8th, 2024|Tags: , , , , |

Franchisor Achieves New Milestones, Issues Highest Number of Sales Achievement Awards.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the world’s leading custom sign and visual solutions franchisor with more than 770 FASTSIGNS centers worldwide, hosted its 14th annual Outside Sales Summit August 22-24 in Schaumburg, Ill. The event achieved record attendance with over 600 participants, including franchisees, sales professionals, corporate staff and exhibitors.

“Our 14th Outside Sales Summit in Schaumburg was an exhilarating experience for FASTSIGNS attendees. This year’s event was the highest attended for the network, and I am proud to say we issued the most sales awards given to date for individual sales excellence,” said FASTSIGNS President Andrea Hohermuth. “We also unveiled our new Value Selling System emphasizing the value we bring to our customers and the ongoing relationships we have with them.”

With the theme “Lead With Value”, the FASTSIGNS 2024 Outside Sales Summit celebrated the network’s sales achievements between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, and added two new awards: The Diamond Award for Outside Sales Professionals who achieved over $2 million in sales, and The Rising Star Award, recognizing an outstanding Outside Sales Professional, promoted from within the center in 2022 or 2023, who achieved the highest total sales in their first full 12 months as an Outside Sales Professional.

At the awards event, 307 Outside Sales Professionals were recognized, including nine individuals who received the new Diamond Sales Award for achieving over $2 million in individual sales during the 12-month period, 46 Platinum Sales Award winners for sales between $1 million to $1.9 million, 64 Gold Sales Award winners for sales between $700,000 to $999,999, 63 Silver Sales Award winners for sales between $500,000 to $699,999 and 125 Bronze Sales Award winners for sales between $300,000 to $499,999.

Shelly Wells from FASTSIGNS® of Tigard, Ore., was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award, marking the sixth year for this honor. With this award, FASTSIGNS recognizes one Outside Sales Professional who best represents the concept and the spirit of the brand, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network.

Additional awards included The National Sales Achievement Award for the highest total sales, The CRM Ambassador Award for outstanding proficiency, dedication and innovative use of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Ten center employees received the Circle of Excellence Award recognizing their daily commitment to the success and growth of their FASTSIGNS center. The Rookie of the Year Award was issued to an individual with the highest total sales in their first full 12 months of employment. An additional 63 individuals became Certified FASTSIGNS Sales Executives after completing an extensive certification program.

Featured speakers included FASTSIGNS President Andrea Hohermuth and Damon Dunn, a Dunkin’ brand operator and the founder and CEO of Lagunita Franchise Operations. Jay Baer, bestselling author and sales growth catalyst, also spoke at the event. Speakers also covered a variety of topics, including AI, creating proactive inside sales cultures, managing personalities for sales growth and more, along with informative roundtable discussions.

FASTSIGNS® franchisees and their employees, vendors and FASTSIGNS International, Inc. corporate staff participated in the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback “Breakfast with a Purpose” event to assemble 200 care packages for teachers and single-parent families in the Chicago area with the nonprofit Brightpoint. This giveback event was also made possible by the generous support of the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback sponsors, including Colex Finishing, Epson, Graphic Image Flooring, Grimco, iZone imaging, Kapco, Retreva, Specialty Tapes Manufacturing (STM), Plasticade and WS Display.

Some 90 vendors participated in this year’s Outside Sales Summit, including Diamond sponsors Epson, Fellers, Grimco and Signs365 as well as Gold sponsor 3M and Silver sponsors 4Over and Avery Dennison. The Opening Night Networking Party was sponsored by Retreva.

“Leading With Value is not just our theme, but our commitment to our customers, our community and our network,” said Hohermuth. “By focusing on delivering exceptional value, we ensure that our growth is sustainable and that our impact is meaningful. This summit has reinforced our dedication to these principles and has inspired us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence.”

About FASTSIGNS®:

FASTSIGNS® is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With nearly 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 770 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 2024 for the eighth 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.

8 09, 2024

Assisted Living Locators Celebrates National Assisted Living Week, Highlights Franchise Opportunities

2024-09-08T20:33:19-04:00September 8th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , , |

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As National Assisted Living Week approaches (Sept. 8-14), Assisted Living Locators, a nationwide senior placement and referral service, is marking the occasion by spotlighting its franchise opportunities. The company aims to expand its network of care advisors to meet the surging demand for senior living solutions.

The assisted living industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, approximately 1 million Americans live in assisted living facilities. The U.S. Census Bureau projects the 65-and-older population will nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060.

“National Assisted Living Week reminds us of the critical role assisted living communities play in caring for our aging population,” said Angela Olea, RN, Founder and Brand President of Assisted Living Locators. “As the demand for these services grows, so does the need for compassionate, knowledgeable advisors to guide seniors and their families through the complex process of finding the right care solution.”

Assisted Living Locators offers a unique franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the booming senior care industry. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to an extensive network of senior care providers nationwide to help them succeed.

“Our franchisees are more than business owners; they’re vital community resources,” Olea added. “They combine their local knowledge with our national network to provide personalized, expert guidance to families during a often stressful time.”

The company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has recently been recognized, with Assisted Living Locators being named to Entrepreneur’s 2024 Top Franchises in Diversity, Inclusion & Equity list. This accolade underscores the company’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for franchisees and clients alike.

With its established brand recognition, Assisted Living Locators provides franchisees a solid foundation for success. The company’s home-based business model offers the perfect balance of independence and support, allowing franchisees to manage their own schedules while benefiting from a proven system and ongoing corporate assistance. This flexible structure enables franchisees to build their business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com.

About Assisted Living Locators

Assisted Living Locators, a member of Evive Brands with 150 franchises across 39 states and Washington, D.C., offers no-cost senior placement and referral services for in-home care, independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

8 09, 2024

Veteran NFL Kicker Brett Maher to Open Lincoln’s First Mathnasium Center

2024-09-08T20:28:25-04:00September 8th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Brett and Jenna Maher Bring Their Passion for Education to Home State, Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb.Mathnasium Learning Centers, an internationally known franchise with over 1,100 math-tutoring centers worldwide, is thrilled to announce its first location in Lincoln, Nebraska. The new center, located at 2901 Pine Lake Road, Suite E, is on track to open later this fall, and will be owned and operated by NFL veteran Brett Maher and his wife Jenna, who has a strong background in education.

Brett Maher, a five-year NFL kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams, transitions from the gridiron to the classroom with this new venture. The couple, originally from Kearney, Nebraska, has deep roots in education. Jenna is a former elementary school teacher who actively participates in her children’s PTA and serves as the communications coordinator for the local elementary school. Brett’s father is the Commissioner of Education for Nebraska, and his sister also works in the education field.

The Mahers were introduced to Mathnasium two years ago by a friend of Brett’s who had prior experience with the brand. Having lived in Lincoln for over a decade with their three daughters, they recognized Mathnasium as a perfect fit for their backgrounds and community needs. With the vital support of their Center Director and former LPS teacher Taylor Kieser, the couple is excitedly preparing to open their center this fall.

“Opening this Mathnasium center in Lincoln is a thrilling new chapter for us. As someone who’s experienced the dedication and discipline required in professional sports, I understand how important a solid foundation is for success, said Brett Maher. “I’m excited to bring that same level of commitment to helping local kids excel in math to prepare them for their future education and professional careers. It’s a fantastic way for Jenna and I to give back to our community and support the future stars of Lincoln.”

Mathnasium Learning Centers specializes in math-only tutoring and is committed to providing the world’s best instruction. The goal: teach children math in a way that makes sense to them. For decades, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids learn math — building students’ understanding of math concepts through personalized instruction and a customized learning plan — all while producing tremendous results and helping students achieve their full potential in math and in life.

“With my background as a former elementary school teacher, where I developed a deep understanding of educational challenges and successes, this opportunity allows me to leverage the connections I’ve built with schools and educators to offer a valuable resource that fosters academic growth,” said Jenna Maher. “We’re passionate about giving back to our community, and opening this center will enable us to make a meaningful impact in Lincoln by helping students thrive and succeed.”

The fast-growing brand has observed a substantial increase in student enrollments due to the ongoing rise in supplemental education, coinciding with a concerning drop in math scores since the pandemic. With recently released data from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) indicating that growth has slowed to levels below pre-pandemic rates, achievement gaps are not only widening but, in some cases, surpassing what was previously considered the lowest point.

“It’s our goal to create a fun and positive culture for both our team and students,” Brett added. “During my football career, I’ve had the privilege of working with teammates from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal. We aim to bring that same team spirit and collaborative mindset to our Mathnasium center, ensuring we support kids in their math journey with enthusiasm and unity.”

Mathnasium has prime territories available and provides franchisees with comprehensive training and support, including an initial training program, ongoing training, a balanced approach between corporate and locally driven marketing to capture the addressable market, and access to proprietary software tools and resources.

“Launching the first Mathnasium in Lincoln is a major milestone in our national expansion,” said Tyler Sgro, Chief Executive Officer of Mathnasium. “The involvement of NFL veteran Brett Maher and his wife Jenna as franchisees represents a remarkable opportunity for us. Their strong dedication to education and deep ties to Nebraska make them perfect ambassadors for our brand. We’re eager to see how their leadership will drive a significant and positive impact in the Lincoln community.”

For information about Mathnasium’s franchise opportunities, visit — https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/.

About Mathnasium

Mathnasium Learning Centers is North America’s leading math-only supplemental education franchise. Since 2002, the Mathnasium Method™ — the result of decades of hands-on instruction and development — has been transforming the lives of children in grades K-12 by offering comprehensive assessments, fully individualized learning plans, and teaching true math comprehension. With more than 1,100 learning centers worldwide in 9 countries, Mathnasium has been ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of top 500 franchises 16 times since 2004. For more information about Mathnasium franchise opportunities, visit https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/.

4 09, 2024

The Designery widens its North Carolina footprint with a new location in Concord

2024-09-04T17:16:18-04:00September 4th, 2024|Tags: , , , , |

Owner Carolina Preciado wants to help local residents turn their houses into homes with expertly designed kitchens, bathrooms and closets

CONCORD, N.C. — The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will celebrate its newest location at 96 McGill Avenue, NW, Concord, North Carolina, with a grand opening event from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the outlet’s showroom.

The event will feature music from local artist David Gibson, a “Taste of Concord” event featuring a sampling of dishes from the area’s favorite restaurants, and a chance to win prizes, such as an Amazon Echo and gift cards to local eateries.

“In an age of morally ambiguous corporations, we are incredibly excited to bring a sense of local, personalized and care-oriented customer service that goes beyond the mentality of profit over people,” said The Designery Concord owner Carolina Preciado. “By prioritizing the well-being of both our clients and our employees, we plan to use our location as a source of good in the community while creating a path for generational wealth and family legacy.”

Preciado said she plans to establish relationships with local nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Future Business Leaders of America, and with area schools and other local businesses to create a professional community. She wants to be able to provide employment and training opportunities, excellent products and services, and support to the people of Concord.

Preciado is originally from BogotaColumbia, but moved to Florida when she was 2 years old. She moved to Huntersville, North Carolina, in 2006. She lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, prior to opening her location in Concord.

North Carolina is not only visually stunning for nature lovers, it also has towns like Concord that have managed to retain their small town charm despite their recent growth,” she said. “I just can’t wait to start helping the good people of this community turn their house into a home.”

Preciado is no stranger to serving the public. She has worked as a realtor and spent 20 years in the culinary industry before opening her own business. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her partner, her nieces and nephews, and her three cats.

The Designery Concord will serve clients in AlbemarleBadinChina GroveConcord, Endy, Enochville, FranklinGold HillGranite QuarryHarrisburgKannapolisLandisLocustMidlandMt. PleasantNorwoodOakboroSalisburySpencerTroy and Yadkin.

The Designery’s in-house design expertise and extensive selection of products, including more than 100 cabinet styles, provide advantages to both homeowners and contractors. Its showrooms provide the ideal setting for personal design consultation, material and finish selection, and a virtual reality design view.

For more information about The Designery Concord, visit https://thedesignery.com/locations/concord/.

About The Designery

The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery’s immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit https://thedesignery.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, Top Rail Fence and Yard Patrol Pros – to transform lives through franchise ownership.

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

29 08, 2024

This Labor Day, Workers and Companies Face Irrelevance Without Immediate Reskilling

2024-08-29T19:09:03-04:00August 29th, 2024|Tags: , , , |

The Jobs of Today Are Not the Jobs of Tomorrow, but Training Opportunities Are Abundant

By Bill Stoller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Express Employment International

OKLAHOMA CITY — A few years after one of the hottest job markets in decades, which led to soaring wages and opportunities for job seekers, stabilizing economic conditions are allowing businesses to reassess their operations, including headcount.

Job seekers are feeling the shift: 31% fear losing their jobs before finding new ones, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. A similar study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York also shows rising job seeker uncertainty, with fewer people employed, a record number looking for work, and a higher likelihood of unemployment.

So, if unemployment remains relatively low at 4.3% and the U.S. currently has 8.2 million open jobs, why are so many job seekers saying they aren’t receiving offers?

The skills mismatch.

The jobs of yesterday are not the jobs of tomorrow, especially considering the new kid in town — generative AI.

According to the World Economic Forum, 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years with cognitive skills at the top of the ideal candidate wish list for recruiters. A similar 2023 Express-Harris Poll survey found hiring managers deem dependability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn absolutely essential.

Just as I tell myself the 1970s were “only” 30 years ago, the next five years will be gone in the blink of an eye, and the skills mismatch will either continue to worsen or businesses and individuals can invest in reskilling today.

I’ll be the first to admit that finding the time to reskill or upskill can be daunting, especially heading into the busyness surrounding the end of the year. Kids’ activities, work obligations, and holidays dominate schedules. But with increasing competition for employment, job seekers can’t afford to wait.

Fortunately, short, focused certificates or courses, known as microcredentials, are flexible and efficient training options widely available in-person and online. Instead of, or in addition to, higher-education degrees, microcredentials focus on specific skill sets such as accounting, business management, anatomy and physiology essentials, and drilling basics. Some are even stackable to achieve associate and bachelor’s degrees.

Several companies also offer certificates and microcredentials for the general public, like Google and LinkedIn. For example, Google offers certificates for data analytics, cybersecurity, IT support, and more through the Coursera platform.

At Express, we are proud to be part of the skills mismatch solution by offering our own training and certifications:

Before committing to microcredential coursework, research how to demonstrate proof of completion for a future employer. Often, programs will issue a unique digital badge from third parties such as Credly or a competency-based transcript. Digital badges can be added to your LinkedIn profile or resume.

Microcredentials appear to be gaining traction as 77% of hiring managers in the 2023 Express-Harris Poll survey said they are just as valuable or more valuable than traditional degrees, and 81% agree they provide the workforce with skilled workers in a timely manner.

On the employer side, shrinking budgets are elevating reskilling urgency, providing a way to fill roles without hiring new talent.

Sixty-eight percent of hiring managers say they plan to reskill employees this year—a 13% increase since 2021. The most popular reskilling option is to offer company-led training programs (71%) followed by on-the-job training by other employees (62%) or third-party training courses (46%).

Jumping on the AI train, 16% say they will use artificial intelligence to help train workers.

Whether you choose to completely overhaul your skill set or close gaps in knowledge, as H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said, “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” The future of work is here, and you don’t want to get left behind.

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., CanadaSouth AfricaAustralia 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., CanadaSouth AfricaAustralia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

29 08, 2024

PuroClean Joins National Veteran Business Development Council as Corporate Member, Launches Initiative to Support Veteran Business Owners

2024-08-29T19:02:59-04:00August 29th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, a leader in the disaster restoration services industry, proudly announces its new corporate membership with the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC). This strategic partnership underscores PuroClean’s commitment to supporting veteran business owners and promoting opportunities in the rapidly growing disaster restoration industry.

Through this collaboration, PuroClean aims to increase awareness among veteran entrepreneurs about the lucrative and essential services provided within the disaster restoration sector. As part of this initiative, PuroClean is excited to introduce the PuroVet program, designed specifically to empower veterans transitioning into business ownership.

Veterans who choose to franchise with PuroClean will benefit from a substantial 25% discount on their franchising fee, offered under the PuroVet program. This discount is a gesture of gratitude and recognition of the skills, discipline, and leadership qualities that veterans bring to the table—qualities that are invaluable in the restoration industry.

This initiative is spearheaded by Frank Torre, a passionate advocate for veterans and a descendant of a proud military family. Torre’s father was a U.S. Marine during World War II, serving with distinction in the elite Carlson’s Raiders unit. His dedication to supporting veteran business ownership is deeply personal and driven by his family’s legacy of service.

“We are honored to join forces with the NVBDC and to support our nation’s heroes as they transition into successful business ownership,” said Frank Torre. “The PuroVet program is our way of giving back to those who have given so much to our country. We believe that veterans, with their unparalleled work ethic and commitment to excellence, are uniquely positioned to thrive in the disaster restoration industry.”

Retired US Marine Colonel Gerhard, a long-time friend of Frank Torre, expressed his support for the initiative, saying, “Having known Frank for many years, I can attest to his deep commitment to supporting our nation’s veterans. Veterans possess a unique set of skills and experiences that make them ideal candidates for entrepreneurship. PuroClean’s PuroVet program is an exceptional opportunity for our veterans to leverage those strengths in a field that values leadership, resilience, and dedication. It’s inspiring to see Frank and PuroClean not only recognizing these qualities but also actively supporting our veterans as they transition to civilian life.”

The NVBDC is the leading third-party certification organization that ensures credible documentation of veteran status, ownership, and control. By becoming a corporate member, PuroClean is furthering its mission to provide meaningful opportunities for veterans and to strengthen the veteran business community.

General Dick Miller, President of the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC), added his endorsement of the initiative, saying, “The PuroVet program is a shining example of how corporate America can play a pivotal role in empowering our veterans. Frank Torre and PuroClean are setting a standard for what it means to truly support those who have served our country. By offering veterans a significant discount on franchising fees and opening doors in the disaster restoration industry, they are not just providing opportunities—they are building a foundation for long-term success. We are proud to have PuroClean as part of the NVBDC family.”

Veteran business owners interested in learning more about the PuroVet program and the opportunities within the disaster restoration industry are encouraged to visit PuroClean’s website or contact their local PuroClean representative.

Keith King, Founder and CEO of the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC), also praised the initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome PuroClean as a corporate member of NVBDC, their participation exemplifies the growing recognition among top companies of the value that veteran-owned businesses bring to the table. We look forward to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with PuroClean as we continue to open doors for veterans in business.”

About PuroClean:

PuroClean is a leading franchise in property damage restoration, specializing in water, fire, mold, and biohazard cleanup. With a network of franchise offices across the U.S., PuroClean is committed to providing top-tier service to its customers and offering valuable opportunities to its franchisees.

About the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC):

The NVBDC is the premier third-party veteran business certification organization, dedicated to certifying veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and connecting them with corporate partners that value veteran-owned businesses.

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