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IRVINE, Calif. — Building on two decades of enhancing the quality of life for seniors, Comfort Keepers unveiled a major rebrand that sets a new standard in homecare. The newly-crafted brand refresh and positioning – Elevating the Human Spirit^SM – focuses on what matters most to seniors and their families: elevating mental and emotional health in addition to physical wellbeing.

Comfort Keepers is a market leader in caring for seniors and other adults wishing to live independently at home. The company is evolving its brand focus to elevating the lives of elders by transforming everyday moments into opportunities to enhance connectedness, happiness, purpose and meaning. By adopting the Elevating the Human Spirit philosophy into its messaging, Comfort Keepers is placing those daily interactions with clients, its caregivers and overall philosophy of care front and center.

“For 20 years, Comfort Keepers has been an innovator and leader in senior care. But today that means doing more than simply providing reliable everyday services; it requires caring for the whole person…physically, mentally and emotionally” said Carl McManus, CEO, Comfort Keepers North America. “As the population of older adults in the U.S. grows, we believe now is the time for a shift in how people think about their later years. Our new branding is the expression of how we deliver care, with positivity, joy and purpose.”

Numerous studies, including extensive company-sponsored research, have illustrated that the mental outlook of seniors plays a major role in their overall health and longevity. A study cited by AARP suggests that social isolation and loneliness has the equivalent effect of smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

“We undertook in-depth research and listened to what was important to our clients,” stated Saudia Gajadhar, Director of Marketing & Communications for Comfort Keepers North America. “A family’s deep desire for their elder loved one is care that goes beyond in-home services. They’re looking for care that impacts daily interactions that will lift their spirits, provide meaning and purpose, and to keep them active and connected to help fight isolation or loneliness.”

To bring this new approach to life, the organization is focusing in on how they deliver care and engage clients.  From recruiting to training, the entire company is being educated in the corporation’s Interactive Caregiving™ method. This unique care approach assures individualized care plans, incorporating specialized services, an emphasis on cognitive engagement, and team care that includes in-person and technology-based interactions.

“We are changing the conversation about caring for our elders. Elevating the human spirit is an expression that represents the very essence of who we are as a company,” said Gajadhar. “No matter what service we’re providing, Elevating the Human Spirit will be woven into everything we do. This message will be at the center of our national and local brand communication, as well as individual interactions.”

Comfort Keepers caregivers, called Comfort Keepers^®, focus on providing a unique, individualized approach to care and socialization that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing. By fostering positive moments and connections, caregivers help older adults achieve a more joyful and purposeful life, no matter their age or acuity. Comfort Keepers can help older adults with everything from daily routines, like help around the home, nutritious meals, dressing and grooming, to togetherness tasks like shopping and running errands. Private duty nursing and home technologies are also available through Comfort Keepers.

“We’ve spent 20 years perfecting the fundamentals of our care delivery system. Now it’s time to set a new standard for what active senior care means in the lives of elders and their families and to referral sources. By focusing on the mental and social wellbeing of clients, combined with  individualized care, we will make an impact on their lives like never before,” stated McManus.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Oasis Senior Advisors is all about providing guidance and support. That’s exactly what the newest member of the company’s leadership team will be doing for franchisees. Sarah Price, a registered nurse with 30 years of experience and a background in upper management, has joined the Bonita Springs-based franchisor as its new operations administrator and trainer.

Price’s role will be to guide new and existing franchisees on how best to help seniors and families find the right senior housing and resources to fit their needs. She comes as the company continues its rapid expansion, with 75 franchises spread across 26 states.

“I’m here to help everyone on the Oasis team as they encounter challenges by providing coaching, support, motivation and advocacy in their quest for solutions,” Price said. “Together, we’ll find success, and I’m very much looking forward to celebrating our accomplishments and applauding jobs well-done.”

The native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has spent her career focusing on home care for seniors in addition to Level 1 trauma emergency medicine, acute care, long term care and hospice. As the owner of a concierge service that helps seniors handle in-home care needs, she knows Oasis as a source of help for her clients when it comes time for them to transition to senior housing.

“Oasis is very unique in its approach,” Price said. “That was a selling point for me. It takes a lot of stress away from seniors and their families to have someone lead them through the process hand-in-hand. It’s very comforting.”

Oasis Senior Advisors are there every step of the way, and seniors never have to pay for their services. The goal of every advisor is to help navigate a maze of options and make senior housing simple.

“Sarah gained an intimate understanding of the need for compassionate, personalized service through her decades of health care experience,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said. “Her contributions will empower all of our advisors and help us touch even more lives.”

Price graduated from Hope-Calvin College with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and she was one of the first to earn a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Eager to share her knowledge with others, she became a nursing professor at Hope-Calvin and at Nova Southeastern University, as well as a clinical educator at Lee Health.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it has signed 32 franchise agreements so far in 2018 to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers across the U.S. in cities such as Manhattan, Orlando, and Portland, Oregon. The company also signed agreements to develop centers internationally in Alberta, Canada, and the United Kingdom, in addition to a Master Franchise Agreement to expand the brand to Spain.

“To continue our leadership position as the top-ranked sign and graphics franchisor in the world, validation by franchisee signings at this pace is our greatest compliment,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “The brand continues to garner a strong image worldwide, contributing to our ability to grow in new and existing markets.”

To continue this momentum, FASTSIGNS will be attending and sponsoring Franchise Expo West Nov. 1-3, 2018, at the Los Angeles Convention Center to recruit qualified franchisees. FASTSIGNS has experienced strong growth throughout Southern California and sees more opportunity for expansion. Entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand’s franchise development team at booth #306 to learn more about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity.

As part of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program, FASTSIGNS offers veterans a 50-percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $23,750. FASTSIGNS is thrilled to be the only franchisor in its segment to offer a development incentive specifically to veterans and first responders.

FASTSIGNS is projected to open over 40 locations centers this year across the U.S. Internationally, FASTSIGNS is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including New Zealand, Brazil, Quebec, North Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 70 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2018 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also has been recognized for its franchisee satisfaction by being named a World Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute for five consecutive years and has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) recently recognized FASTSIGNS International, Inc. with a special six-year Franchisees’ Choice designation for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

BURLINGTON, N.C. — In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Always Best Care of Burlington, in partnership with Brookdale Burlington and Jan’s Pet Rescue, will host a free pet adoption event for local seniors from 11am-4pm on Nov. 2, 2018, at Brookdale Burlington located at 3615 S. Mebane St. Burlington, NC 27215. The senior care agency plans to cover all qualifying adoption fees up to 10 adoptions for all pets adopted by seniors 65 and older during this time. Refreshments will be served during the event.

“In our local community there are so many shelter dogs and cats in need of loving homes, and we’ve found that the seniors we care for experience immeasurable benefits from pet ownership,” said Joanne Pizzuto, Always Best Care of Burlington franchisee. “Studies continue to prove that pet ownership helps lower stress levels, blood pressure and depression. By teaming up with Brookdale and Jan’s Pet Rescue, we plan to cover pet adoption fees in an effort to combat the ongoing issue of depression in Americans over the age of 65. We’re excited to help connect seniors and their loved ones with pets in need of a home.”

By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care now being phased in throughout the country.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. —A national television audience will soon see what Oasis Senior Advisors is all about. The Bonita Springs, Florida-based franchisor will be featured on “Designing Spaces” airing on Lifetime at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9. The episode of the award-winning home improvement show follows Oasis Senior Advisor Beth Friesen as she guides a mother and daughter through the Oasis Process to find a senior living community that’s the right fit.

“We’re very grateful to ‘Designing Spaces’ and Lifetime for helping us share our story,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said. “Compassionate, personalized service to seniors and their families is at the heart of our business. We exist to help them find the right place and guide them every step of the way.”

“Designing Spaces” travels the country to remodel, redecorate and redesign the spaces we call home. Each episode is made up of segments that profile innovative decorating ideas, do-it-yourself projects and step-by-step transformations.

The Nov. 9 episode will focus on seniors and the many options they have when it comes to safe, viable living options. For many seniors, staying at home is not a safe choice, but they are faced with overwhelming options when they need to transition outside their homes for care. Thousands of senior living communities across the country create an unwieldy maze of choices, but Oasis Senior Advisors are there to alleviate that confusion at no cost to seniors and their families.

The service has proven popular and effective as Oasis has grown rapidly since its inception in 2014. The company now has 75 franchises in 26 states, and GrowFL recently named Oasis Senior Advisors to its 2018 Florida Companies to Watch list. National TV producers are taking notice.

“Designing Spaces” cameras went with Friesen to the home of the mother and daughter for an initial consultation. The cameras observed them getting acquainted, talking about senior housing and discussing the best available options. Friesen was filmed setting up a community tour and joining the mother and daughter for an up-close look. Finally, “Designing Spaces” interviewed the mother and daughter to hear just how helpful the experience was for them.

“‘Designing Spaces’ did an excellent job documenting the Oasis process and showing how attentive and responsive our advisors are to every senior and family we meet,” Evankovich said. “I think watching this episode will give viewers an excellent idea of what sets Oasis apart.”

PHOENIX — AlphaGraphics, Inc., a global leader in print, marketing, signage and technology solutions, is pleased to announce the ranking of nine Phoenix metropolitan area business centers among the 2018 Printing News’ Top 100 Quick and Small Commercial Printers list. AlphaGraphics centers throughout the United States represented the largest percentage of any one franchise network nominated to the list of print communications leaders.

“I am thankful for the amazing team I have the opportunity to work with,” said AlphaGraphics Chandler Owner Brandon Bagley. “I’m also grateful for the clients that continually support our operations as we keep growing by putting their faith in our team to help solve their businesses’ printing and marketing challenges,” he added.

The Printing News Top 100 ranking criteria is based on the state of the industry and the overall sales performance and growth of the franchise in the preceding year. The publication also takes other factors into consideration, including financial stability and the extent to which the franchise has integrated emerging technologies into their operations.

“Having four owners representing nine AlphaGraphics Business Centers in the Phoenix metropolitan area recognized as industry leaders among the Top 100 print service operations across the United States is a testament to the expertise of the Phoenix area owners’ group, the strength of the region’s economy and the overall operational excellence of the AlphaGraphics system,” explained AlphaGraphics Mesa Owner Steve Adams.

AlphaGraphics has continually remained at the forefront of the industry’s latest high-performance equipment and software to strategically address the branding challenges of our customers. “It is with great honor that our team accepts this recognition in such a competitive environment,” said AlphaGraphics Phoenix Owner Larry Furlong. “Our customers’ success remains our number one priority as we continue to seek new ways of doing business profitably,” he added.

The following AlphaGraphics Phoenix metropolitan area business centers were ranked among the 2018 Printing News Top 100 Quick and Small Printers List:

#27 – AlphaGraphics Tempe
Contact: Mike Sparaco
Phone: (480) 968-7821 | Email: msparaco@alphagraphics.com
Address: 815 W. University Dr., Suite #101, Tempe, AZ 85281
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/tempe-arizona-us004.html

#54 – AlphaGraphics Phoenix
Contact: Larry Furlong
Phone: (602) 263-0122 | Email: lfurlong@alphagraphics.com
Address: 2120 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/phoenix-arizona-us011.html

#96 – AlphaGraphics Mesa
Contact: Steve Adams
Phone: (602) 234-2944 | Email: sadams@alphagraphics.com
This multi-center organization’s three operations are located at:
8027 N. Black Canyon Hwy., Suite A, Phoenix, AZ 85021.
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/phoenix-arizona-us106/contact-us.html 
535 W. Baseline Rd. Suite 104, Mesa, AZ 85210.
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/mesa-arizona-us291.html 
720 W. Elliot Road, Suite 104, Tempe, AZ 85284.
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/tempe-arizona-us436.html

#97 – AlphaGraphics Chandler
Contact: Brandon Bagley
Phone: (480) 289-5480 | Email: bbagley@alphagraphics.com
This multi-center organization’s four operations are located at:
15455 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop, Suite #C13, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/scottsdale-arizona-us037.html 
4215 N Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/scottsdale-arizona-us039.html1451 E. Williams Field Road, #102, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/gilbert-arizona-us613.html 
2221 W. Pecos Rd. #10, Chandler, AZ 85224
Learn more at https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/chandler-arizona-us714.html

CINCINNATI — FirstLight Home Care, a leading national provider of non-medical home care, was listed by Franchise Business Review as one of the Top 100 Franchises for Veterans and one of the 100 Most Innovative Franchises for 2018.

The lists feature award-winning franchises whose franchisees have shown a high level of satisfaction with the business, considering factors such as training and support, leadership, and financial opportunity, both with veterans and with all franchisees.

“This recognition holds a special place in the franchise world because it is based on the direct feedback of the franchisees,” said Jeff Bevis, CEO of FirstLight Home Care. “We have always made it a priority within our system to equip our owners with the tools necessary to run a meaningful, service-focused business, and earning each of the Franchise Business Review accolades tells us that we’re truly setting our brand up for success and continued industry leadership.”

No stranger to Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 lists, this is the second consecutive year FirstLight has made the Top 100 Franchises for Veterans. The company offers a franchise fee discount of $12,500 for veterans. Additionally, FirstLight regularly attends and presents at regional and national events that are created to assist transitioning veterans to highlight both business ownership and employment opportunities that exist within the franchise industry for veterans and their spouses.

“We have long been a proponent of veteran leadership within our franchise,” Bevis, who is also the current committee chairman of the International Franchise Association (IFA) Education Foundation VetFran Committee, said. “Veterans have a strong sense of duty and service, and their leadership skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances make them ideal owners for us. Making the Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 Franchises for Veterans list is an important accolade, as it says to other veterans: ‘FirstLight truly appreciates the service each of our military veterans gives to our country.’ In turn, when the veteran is transitioning out of their service, FirstLight is one of the top business ownership opportunities to consider.”

The recognition from Franchise Business Review adds to the recent awards FirstLight has been receiving lately. In recent months, the company has also made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing, privately held companies, as well as the Franchise Times Top 200+ of the 500 largest franchise companies for the fourth and sixth consecutive times, respectively.

Complete results of Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans 2018 can be found at https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top/top-franchises-veterans/.

The full list of the Most Innovative Franchises can be seen at https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top-innovative-franchises/.

CHICAGO — BrightStar Care, the nation’s leading in-home care franchise, today announced a key addition to its senior leadership team. In an effort to continue to drive nationwide expansion, Pete First joins the BrightStar Care executive team as the new Vice President of Franchise Development.

With extensive experience in the franchise industry, coupled with his goal of expanding the brand to new, untapped markets across the country, First will be primarily responsible for the brand’s domestic franchise development. Prior to joining BrightStar Care, First spent 14 years at Winmark Corporation, the franchisor for brands such as Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, Style Encore and Music Go Round. During his tenure at Winmark, First awarded dozens of new franchise agreements annually and helped build the system to over 1,200 locations across North America. With his expertise in growing franchise brands, First plans to immediately step in and assist in achieving BrightStar Care’s goal to develop the brand through strategic and targeted growth.

“Pete has a rich history in franchising and he is a crucial addition to our Senior Leadership Team as he brings with him decades of experience and knowledge that will be pivotal in driving BrightStar Care’s expansion strategy in the years to come,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Founder of BrightStar Care.

In his new position, First’s day-to-day responsibilities will include providing leadership, strategy and direction to the franchise sales team in addition to putting systems in place that will improve the overall franchise sales process. First’s growth goals include adding successful franchisees to the brand in an effort to rapidly expand to new and currently underserved markets.

“BrightStar Care franchisees and their caregivers make a difference in the lives of their clients every day,” said First. “I look forward to working with the BrightStar team to further expand the brand and provide an opportunity for our franchisees to serve new clients across the country.”

BrightStar Care offers both medical and non-medical private duty home care services, as well as medical staffing and each BrightStar Care location employs a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing who tailors unique, personalized plans of care for each client and oversees a professional care team of well-qualified, experienced caregivers. The company began franchising in 2005, and has since grown to a $400 million company with more than 330 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

WACO, Texas — Painting your home is harder than it looks, and keeping it looking nice is even harder! From the wear and tear of unruly kids and pets to the less-than-professional DIY attempts, if your walls could talk, they would definitely say you need some help. In hopes showing homeowners everywhere they are not alone in this struggle, Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company and North America’s leading residential and commercial painting franchise, is launching a #WallFails photo contest, to give North America’s homeowners a chance showcase their most ridiculous wall fails.

To enter the #WallFails Facebook contest, visit https://contest.app.do/wall-fails-story-and-photo-contest and submit a photo or detailed story of your best wall fail by Friday, November 16, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Five Star Painting will reward five random winners with a $200 Sherwin Williams gift card.

“Although we don’t always think about it, the walls of our home are the silent observers of our daily lives. They endure everything we throw at them, hang on them and put in front of them,” said Five Star Painting President Mary Kay Liston. “We are so excited to debut our #WallFails contest to show homeowners across North America that they are not alone, and Five Star Paining is here to help!”

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron French Pastries, an elegant French patisserie that offers guests the finest, authentic French macarons and pastries, has announced a new mobile kiosk franchise opportunity. Folded into its overall growth strategy, the brand looks to launch this new opportunity with strategic franchise partners who are seeking flexibility with their business and a lower cost investment.

The new franchise opportunity aims to lean into the growing quick-serve and snack brand trend of kiosks, mobile carts, and express locations. As consumers’ on-the-go lifestyle continues to accelerate, Le Macaron French Pastries seeks to capitalize on these captive audiences at malls, airports, sporting events, festivals and other gatherings.

“We wanted to create an opportunity that allows our franchise owners to work in nonconventional environments and offer guests a sweet treat when they are unable to access one of our locations,” said Rosalie Guillem, CEO and co-founder of Le Macaron French Pastries. “Our products can easily be eaten on the go, so a mobile kiosk aligns perfectly with our brand. This will only accelerate our growth as we welcome a new group of franchisees looking to enter the fast-casual industry.”

The mobile kiosk investment ranges between $91,000 to $127,000—making it an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to enter the space at a lower investment with a simple business model and unlimited growth potential. Le Macaron French Pastries operates through a simple business model that requires zero on-site baking from franchisees. All products are made by French Chef Didier Saba in the kitchen headquarters, allowing café owners to focus on customer service.

Le Macaron French Pastries was founded by France National and mother-daughter team Rosalie Guillem and Audrey Saba. The brand now has more than 50 cafés open and operating with two mobile kiosks open in Sarasota, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most known for providing guests with a light dessert with lesser calories, the brand offers more than 20 flavors of macarons, as well as seasonal flavors, and the menu extends to include pastries, gelato, coffee, cakes, éclairs, and more.

“We opened a Le Macaron French Pastries mobile kiosk because of the simplistic business model, reduction in overhead costs and finding real estate for the cart is easier since it has a smaller footprint,” said Luke Freshwater, owner of Le Macaron French Pastries in Pittsburgh. “We are seeing incredible success because the French macarons are a high-quality product and we are able to connect with our customers since we have such a small and passionate staff.”