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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — FirstLight Home Care, an award-winning provider of non-medical home care, announced today it will open a new location in the Kansas City area in Overland Park, Kansas, in February 2019. The office will be owned and operated by brothers Michael and Andrew Brainerd.

FirstLight Home Care of Overland Park will be serving the Overland Park area, including Lenexa, Prairie Village, Leawood and Shawnee. Qualified caregivers — Supportive Care Workers — interested in FirstLight career opportunities are encouraged to email either Michael Brainerd at mbrainerd@firstlighthomecare.com or Andrew Brainerd at abrainerd@firstlighthomecare.com.

FirstLight serves seniors, adults with disabilities, new mothers, veterans, those recovering from surgery and other adults in need of assistance. Their caregivers help with many needs – from personal hygiene and household duties such as cooking, cleaning and running errands to mobility assistance and dementia care.

“This Kansas City-area office will help meet the increasing demand for home care in the area as baby boomers choose to age at home,” said Jeff Bevis, FirstLight Home Care co-founder and CEO. “We are eager to extend FirstLight’s culture of care to meet this growing need and help improve the well-being of members of the community.”

Since opening its first franchise location in 2010, FirstLight Home Care has experienced steady growth and is now operating more than 250 locations in 34 states throughout the U.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — American Family Care (AFC), the nation’s leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, announced today it will offer military veterans free flu shots on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11. The announcement is an extension of AFC’s ongoing effort to promote flu prevention in the United States and comes on the heels of the company’s annual National Flu Prevention Week campaign.

FLUSHING, Mich. — In honor of those who serve in the U.S. Military, Coffee Beanery would like to invite our country’s veterans and active duty military this Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11^th and Monday, November 12^th to enjoy a free cup of coffee.

Participating Coffee Beanery locations across the country will offer a free tall cup of fresh brewed coffee all day on November 11^th & 12^th (one per customer). Veterans and active duty military will need to provide their military identification for the offer. Call ahead to make sure that your local Coffee Beanery is participating.

Participating Coffee Beanery locations include:

Michigan – Flint (Miller Road-12^th Only), Saginaw (Fashion Square Mall)

New Jersey – Eatontown (Monmouth Mall), Jersey City (Hudson Mall)

Kentucky– Paducah (Lourdes Hospital)

Texas– Killeen (Killeen Mall, Clear Creek and Splawn Ranch locations), Corpus Christi (La Palmera Mall)

Pennsylvania – Wyomissing (Berkshire Mall)

Indiana– Dyer (The Galleria)

Wyoming– (Gillette)

MCHENRY, Ill. — When it comes to running a small businesses, technology troubles aren’t just bound to occur – their guaranteed. Whether it’s due to a lack of an IT department or the result of just getting a small business off the ground, technology catastrophes can be frequent and frustrating. In an effort to help small business owners reduce common tech mistakes, Cartridge World, a global franchise network and recognized leader in printers, printer services and cartridges, is offering their top insights for tech success.

Whether it be optimizing your printer settings or installing protective firewall, Cartridge World’s network of more than 300 stores are known as the local experts here to help. By taking the time to understand each customer’s specific needs, Cartridge World seeks to help consumers save both time and money.

• Upgrade Your Wi-Fi – Nothing is as frustrating as a Wi-Fi crash when sending an important email, giving a presentation, uploading important documents, etc. Upgrading your Wi-Fi is one of the simplest ways to take office technology to the next level and ensure less hiccups. Furthermore, place routers as close to computers as possible for optimal strength and speed.
• Invest in a Multi-Function Printer – Whatever the function of a small business, odds are printing, scanning and copying documents are taking place, and there is no need to have three different machines to handle each of these tasks. Invest in a multi-function printer to have all this functionality in one device while increasing efficiency and saving space.
• Explore Money-Saving Options: Small businesses can further explore budget-saving printer options such as Cartridge World’s ‘Why Buy A Printer?” program to ensure quality equipment while not breaking the bank. This program allows for companies to receive a business class printer(s) and multifunction devices with all printer maintenance and on-site service included at no additional cost in exchange for the purchasing of toner cartridges at Cartridge World.
• Increase Security Firewall – Most small businesses have anti-virus software, but the protection shouldn’t stop there. With one in three Americans hacked in the past year, it’s now more important than ever to protect your business. To keep sensitive work documents and communications safe, add different smart internet firewalls to your space to help ensure safety.
• Evaluate Laptops/Desktops– The average lifespan for desktops and laptops are painfully short (three to eight years for a desktop, two to five years for a laptop). If a desktop/laptop hasn’t been upgraded, is slow, lacking space to store files and is a hassle to install the latest software, it’s most likely time to invest in a new system.
• Invest in a Backup Drive – To ensure the safety and protection of important documents, operating systems and programs, invest in a backup drive to give your small business piece of mind. Be sure to keep this equipment up to date as this vital tool does have a finite lifespan.

“At Cartridge World, we understand that running a small business is no easy task, which is why we want to help owners and entrepreneurs any way we can,” said Mark Pinner, CEO of Cartridge World North America. “With technology now a vital part of running a business, Cartridge’s Worlds experienced and impartial staff is committed to helping owners and employees prevent complex tech issues from occurring, but are ready to be of assistance when they do.”

In 2003, Cartridge World opened its first store in the United States and now has over 300 stores in North America and over 600 worldwide in 30 countries. With its sights set on adding nearly 3,000 stores to its system by 2019, Cartridge World is looking to expand its presence and clearly define itself as the global leader in ink and toner cartridge sales, printers, printing supplies, and printer maintenance for home and office customers.

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Local entrepreneur and BrightStar Care of Roseville, California owner, Ignacio Cespedes, was recently recognized at the BrightStar Care national conference as the distinguished recipient of the company’s most prestigious award—2018 Franchisee of the Year.

Surrounded by fellow BrightStar Care owners at the franchise’s national conference in Chantilly, Virginia earlier this month, Ignacio Cespedes was recognized for embodying the very best the company has to offer. Cespedes continuously demonstrates impressive achievements in sales and is a shining example of how to run a successful location. He has also served as a BrightStar Care advocate through the company’s committee participation and validation calls.

“Ignacio continues to be a tremendous brand ambassador and represents BrightStar Care in an exceptional manner,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Founder of BrightStar Care. “His dedication to excellence, willingness to participate and volunteer for company committees and mentorship to other franchisees helps us drive our brand forward. We are so lucky to have him as part of the BrightStar Care family.”

BrightStar Care of Roseville is part of a national franchise network of more than 330 locations which provide medical and non-medical care to private clients within their homes, as well as supplemental care staff to corporate clients. Care and staffing services include companionship and personal care to assist seniors in their homes with activities of daily living, sick child care and transitioning patients safely home from the hospital. 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 system with more than 330 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

U.S. Army Veteran Grant Springer Enjoys Heartwarming Moment During Surprise Presentation; Military Makeover: Operation Career Airing Springer’s Story at 7:30 a.m. EST Nov. 7 on Lifetime Network

TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, a leading restoration and remediation franchise, today announced the winner of its first-ever PuroVet free franchise giveaway.  Washington, D.C. resident Grant Springer, a 26-year veteran of the United States Army, was surprised with his free franchise during an emotional presentation earlier this month.  The moment was captured as part of Military Makeover: Operation Career and will air at 7:30 a.m. November 7^th on the Lifetime Network.

“While studying entrepreneurship at Georgetown University, I was introduced to the world of franchising and companies like PuroClean, who are helping military veterans find their perfect second career,” said Springer.  “PuroClean stood out to me and I was really impressed by their PuroVet program.  Owning my own business has been a personal goal for many years and I’m incredibly thankful to PuroClean for helping turn my dreams into reality!”

The first-ever PuroVet free franchise giveaway launched earlier this year and was open to all veterans including active duty, reserve, honorably discharged or retired personnel. Each applicant was required to submit a resume and business plan demonstrating how they would successfully run their franchise. PuroClean executives evaluated submissions based on preparedness, business acumen and more. The most impressive candidates were offered a phone interview with PuroClean President and Chief Operations Officer Steve White, a veteran U.S. Army Captain and member of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran committee.

Springer was flown to PuroClean’s corporate headquarters in Tamarac, Florida for what he thought was a final interview.  Instead, he was surprised with a reception honoring him as the winner. In attendance at the event were Browad County Commissioner Michael Udine and PuroClean’s entire home office team, including Steve White, president and chief operating officer; Mark Davis, co-chairman and chief executive officer; and Tim Courtney, vice president of franchise development, who created the PuroVet program. A film crew captured the experience for Military Makeover: Operation Career, which will air Springer’s story later this month.

In 2019, Springer will return to Florida for an intensive three weeks at PuroClean’s newly renovated state-of-the-art training facility.  He will then relocate to Kansas City to open his business, which he will operate with his family.

“Veterans are strong leaders who push tirelessly toward success and today, many veteran franchise owners are among the top performers within our network,” said White. “I am honored to be part of this unique initiative, supporting my fellow veterans and helping contribute to their success after service.”

As a result of its PuroVet program, which offers qualifying veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces a $12,500 discount off their initial franchise fee and negotiated savings with key equipment vendors, PuroClean is consistently recognized as a top veteran franchise.  This year, the company was named to Military Times’ Best Franchises list.  In addition, the company has received accolades for its growth through innovation – including offering the largest territories in the industry – most recently earning the No. 258 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500^® list.

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.