No Rules! No Royalties!
“No Rules! No Royalties!” That’s the motto of Signworld, a national organization for more than 30 years with over 340 companies providing commercial custom signage and graphics. By Nancy E. Williams
31
05, 2020
21
05, 2020
Sandler Names Dave Hiatt Director Of Franchise Development
Sandler Also Named to FranServe, Inc.’s Fran-Tastic List.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Dave Hiatt, who started as a Sandler franchisee almost 27 years ago, has been named the new Director of Franchise Development for Sandler (www.sandler.com). His career has included involvement with Sandler’s Leadership for Organization Excellence program as well as his role as International Training Director of Global Accounts. In addition, he authored the popular book From The Board Room To The Living Room: Communicate With Skill For Positive Outcomes.
“Franchise Business Review named us one of the Top 50 Franchises for Women, Entrepreneur Magazine named us a Top Franchise Opportunity, and now FranServe, Inc. has named us one of the Fran-Tastic 500,” Hiatt remarked. “Choosing Sandler as one’s next life choice, one’s next life adventure, can be a life changing and rewarding experience. Sandler is not just a vehicle to help others, but because of our strategies, philosophies, and the people involved in the organization, the personal growth curve just goes through the roof for most individuals.”
About Sandler
Sandler is the world’s largest professional development organization, dominating the global industry through an unparalleled network of more than 270 local offices worldwide in more than 30 countries, as well as an award-winning Corporate Development Division at the world headquarters. Serving global enterprise organizations as well as small to medium-sized businesses, Sandler’s experts offer leading-edge expertise on a wide range of sales, sales management, leadership, and management topics.
19
05, 2020
ActionCOACH Texas Continues to Expand
Opened seven new firms across the state to drive success in local business communities.
ADDISON, Texas — ActionCOACH Texas has recently added seven more firm locations around the state of Texas. Each of our firms are localized to fit the business needs of their market and business community while leveraging our proven framework.
With the opening of the new ActionCOACH Firms across the state of Texas we have broadened our capability to guide owners and their businesses to create more jobs and achieve greater success. “ActionCOACH Texas has engaged thousands of businesses across the state during this COVID-19 health and economic crisis to ensure they survive and ultimately thrive to contribute to Texas’ economic recovery. We consider it an honor and privilege to serve the business community,” said ActionCOACH of Texas CEO, Kevin Alft.
In addition to the recent firms added in East Texas, The Golden Triangle, Lake Houston, Conroe and Corpus Christi, we will be opening more than a dozen additional locations across the state. “ActionCOACH Texas has given us the opportunity to serve our local community in a way we have been looking to do for a long time. We are making a massive impact in East Texas! The 26 years of Proven Tools & Results plus the collaborative culture in Team Texas allows us to impact a lot more businesses in a bigger way,” said ActionCOACH East Texas Owners, Robert & Kelly Belt.
We are hosting presentations in the next month to share why joining ActionCOACH Texas can allow you to take control of your professional and personal life goals. Visit us on LinkedIn to get registration details.
About ActionCOACH Texas
ActionCOACH Texas, founded in 2006, is backed by more than 26 years of globally proven business coaching experience in all industries. We are on a mission to keep Texas businesses in business and guide entrepreneurs to reach their professional and personal goals. Our coaching services provide more than 3,500 tools and solutions and are backed by an Industry-Exclusive 17-week guarantee. ActionCOACH, the world’s largest business coaching franchise, founded by Brad Sugars in 1993, when the concept of business coaching was still in its infancy. Today, ActionCOACH spans 80 countries on 6 continents with clients experiencing a 700% return on their investment. For more information, visit actioncoachtx.com.
11
03, 2020
Express Employment Professionals Survey: 87% of U.S. Workers Agree Education Revolution is Needed to Prepare Students for Workforce
OKLAHOMA CITY — Nearly 9 in 10 employees (87%) say a whole new approach to education, skills training and learning, or an Education Revolution, is needed to better prepare people for the workforce.
This is according to a newly released survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. An expanded analysis of the full results, including survey methodology, can be found here.
Regardless of generation, majorities agree that what is taught in school does not always translate to career success. More than half of U.S. employees (54%) say schools are not doing a good job of preparing the next generation of workers for what their needs are after school, and 4 in 5 (80%) say the education system has failed to evolve to the needs of the workforce.
The national survey of 1,206 U.S. employees ages 18 and older was conducted online by The Harris Poll between Dec. 5 and Dec. 30, 2019.
Work Experience Programs Lacking
Eighty-five percent of workers believe degrees should require on-the-job experience, not just coursework, yet close to half, 45%, say they did not participate in any work experience programs (e.g., internships, shadowing, apprenticeships, co-op placements) while in school.
Few Use Education Daily at Work
Sixty-seven percent of American workers say they are employed in the same field/profession in which they received their degrees or certifications, but more than 3 in 4 (77%) agree that they never learned the majority of their day-to-day job duties in school. Consequently, more than 9 in 10 (92%) agree there needs to be more of a balance in education to match actual career options.
Advanced Degrees Helpful, but Not Essential
Although the majority of U.S. workers, 83%, say their education has been useful to their career, only 18% say it has been absolutely essential. Still, 7 in 10 (70%) appear to equate a degree with success as they say getting any degree is better than no degree at all.
Who Should Pay for College?
When considering who should pay for college, there is no clear consensus.
- Government: (Gen Z, 54%; millennials, 32%; Gen X, 23%; boomers/seniors, 14%)
- The student: (Gen Z, 26%; millennials, 33%; Gen X, 43%; boomers/seniors, 52%)
Continual Learning is Essential
Nearly 4 in 5 (79%) agree anyone who doesn’t continue to upskill in their career will be left behind in the workforce, but only 33% of U.S. employees have returned to school after entering the workforce.
Seventy-three percent feel prepared for jobs of the future, but when asked about specific skills, only half or less are knowledgeable in these areas.
“The jobs of tomorrow won’t wait for workers to take their time to learn the necessary skills,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express. “The sooner we align what is taught in school and upskilling at companies with the demands of the workforce, the easier it will be to create large talent pools of workers necessary for a stable and successful economy.”
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, our international network of franchises offer localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve, employing 552,000 people across North America in 2019. For more information, visit www.ExpressPros.com.
1
03, 2020
This Family Knows How to Read the Signs
Don and Theresa Conklin worked with an experienced franchise consultant to find a business opportunity that was the right fit for them – that opportunity was Signworld. By Nancy Williams
1
03, 2020
Boulder Designs: An Uncomplicated Franchise System
The Boulder Designs system allows anyone to transition from a job into business ownership gradually and integrates easily into existing businesses such as landscaping businesses and general contracting businesses. By Rose Mango
24
02, 2020
Money Mailer® Introduces Affordable Solo Mail – The Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard
Innovative Direct Marketing Program Offers Amplified Customer Acquisition and Business Exposure.
CYPRESS, Calif. — Money Mailer®, a longtime leader in direct marketing, recently announced the launch of the all new Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard.
In working with the United States Postal Service*, Money Mailer® is now able to offer one, stand-alone postcard mailed along with, but not inside, the Money Mailer® shared mail envelope, for a very affordable price. The postcard is the latest addition to Money Mailer’s® growing suite of print and digital marketing solutions and helps businesses gain exclusive exposure in their local community since only one may be mailed at a time.
The Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard is now available to help business owners tell their own unique story to Money Mailer’s® select audience. Since only one postcard is mailed in conjunction with the Money Mailer® Shared Mail Envelope, advertisers can now reach their target audience for a fraction of the price of traditional solo mail.
With its glossy, 2-sided, full-bleed design, the Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard gives an advertiser a unique opportunity to stand out in mailboxes resulting in a higher response from consumers. The exclusivity The Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard provides gives entrepreneurs a clear marketing advantage over their competitors.
“Our specialty for the past 40 years has been executing marketing campaigns directly to the consumer’s mailbox, and for the past 20 years, focusing on supporting the consumer demand that Money Mailer® creates, with a fully-integrated, digital marketing program. It’s the perfect omni-channel marketing program for businesses of all sizes. Now, with the introduction of the new Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard, we’re able to do this at an even deeper level,” said John Patinella, CEO of Money Mailer®. “This new solo mail postcard is a tool business owners can use to create a cohesive and impactful digital and direct mail marketing campaign.”
The launch of the Money Mailer® + One™ Postcard comes right at the time where Money Mailer® is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and a time where innovation and marketing engineering is at its highest in the company’s history. With four decades of experience helping businesses find success, Money Mailer® aims to continue providing a dynamic, multi-channel marketing program helping business owners achieve their goals.
To learn more about Money Mailer’s® suite of marketing products and solutions, visit moneymailer.com.
*Money Mailer® is a non-exclusive partner of the U.S. Postal Service.
About Money Mailer®
Money Mailer® is a leader in the U.S. direct marketing industry, has been certified for 12 consecutive years as a World-Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute and was Entrepreneur Magazine’s #1 Business Services/Advertising Services franchise in 2016. Money Mailer® delivers hyper-local savings to consumers through shared direct mail, postcard solo mail, mobile, online, email and social media, and helps businesses affordably and accurately reach these consumers. For more information, visit www.MoneyMailer.com
14
01, 2019
Venture X Plans Continued Aggressive Expansion During 2019
New President, Additional Resources Announced
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Venture X®, a member of the United Franchise Group (UFG), and a premium membership-based workspace community for entrepreneurs and businesses, enters 2019 with an aggressive agenda for continued expansion to meet the expected demand. In doing so, the brand is enhancing its leadership team with the appointment of a new Brand President, Jason Anderson, and with Tom Weber shifting to Executive VP of Operations, a role that plays to his strengths in real estate and finance.
Anderson has held various leadership roles within UFG over the years, most recently serving as President of Accurate Franchising, another UFG brand. Previously, he served as UFG’s Director of Franchise Development and Chief Technology Officer. Before joining UFG, he founded Premier Property Marketing Group in Dallas where he was named to the coveted Forbes Magazine “30 Under 30” list.
“The growth of the Venture X brand has been tremendous, and we are committed to moving more resources to support expansion,” said Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group. “Venture X has quickly become a top tier player in the shared workspace environment because we meet the needs of more seasoned professionals and established brands.”
As we start 2019, Venture X has a dominant presence in Texas, developing upscale coworking office spaces in Las Colinas Village, Harlingen, Brownsville, Dallas (Alpha Road), Plano (Legacy West), and Richardson and is also expanding its successful San Antonio location to meet the area’s demand. In addition, two new offices were opened in Florida at CityPlace in West Palm Beach, and City Centre in Palm Beach Gardens. Venturing west, a new facility recently opened in Denver, CO. The first franchised Venture X location in Mississauga, Canada has reached capacity and plans are underway to build another location nearby.
“Venture X is unlike any of the other shared workspace concepts out there,” said Anderson. “The upscale, premium environment provides a workplace for professionals who want to project an image of success to their clients. We consistently focus on quality, and our value-added offerings are the cornerstone of the membership experience.”
During the first quarter of 2019, eight Venture X locations will open in six states. These include: Campbell Center-Dallas, TX; Orlando and Doral (including an expansion of the West Palm Beach offices) in Florida; Farmington, UT; Richmond, VA; Marlborough, MA; and Indianapolis, IN. During the remainder of the year, plans call for three more new shared office spaces to be built in Texas: Frisco-Stonebrook, Houston, and One McKinney-Dallas. Others include Ann Arbor, MI and Pleasanton, CA.
Members can use any of the Venture X locations and there will soon be more to choose from around the globe as deals are in negotiation not just throughout the United States, but also internationally, with options in London, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Panama, Dubai as well as other countries in the Middle East. The goal is to have 100 locations open by the end of 2019. Working together, Anderson and Weber plan to fast track market growth in these regions.
Additional details on workspace options and services are available at www.venturex.com/plans. For franchise ownership opportunity information, visit www.Venturexfranchise.com.
About Venture X
Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. We are designing beautiful spaces and developing an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Venture X is part of a successful group of affiliated companies and brands under the United Franchise Group (UFG) and has been recognized by Inc. as one of the best co-working spaces in the United States. The brand anticipates having 100 locations operational by the end of 2019. For more information about locations, visit www.VentureX.com, and for information about franchise opportunities, visit www.venturexfranchise.com.
About UFG
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, Venture X, and the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
21
12, 2018
Cartridge World Offers Top Tips to Reduce Spending
Global Printing Experts ‘Gifts’ Advice for Shredding Printing Cost This Holiday Season
MCHENRY, Ill. — As the year comes to a close, businesses nationwide are looking for ways to trim down spending –deciphering how to decrease overhead expenses and increase the bottom line to prepare for 2019. In hopes of helping small businesses efficiently cut costs, Cartridge World, a global franchise network and recognized leader in printers, printer services and cartridges, is offering their top insights on simple ways companies can invest in the right products for their business and reduce wasteful spending.
Whether it be investing in a multi-functional printer or implementing a printing policy, Cartridge World’s network of more than 300 stores, recognized as the local experts, are here to help. By taking the time to understand each customer’s specific needs, Cartridge World strives to help consumers save money while investing in dependable products that won’t hike spending in the long run.
- Invest in a Multi-Function Printer – Most small businesses are doing more than just printing. Scanning, copying and faxing are also crucial aspects of running a business and there is no need to have three different machines to handle each of these tasks. Invest in a multi-function printer to increase efficiency while decreasing the cost of maintenance for multiple devices.
- 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 multi-function 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.
- Understand Your Printing Needs – Matching the right printer to a business’s needs is also essential in reducing print-related expenses. Inkjet printers are best for low-volume and color printing. However, laser printers are generally less expensive to operate – as much as 70 percent less – and can print at higher volumes.
- Create an Office Print Policy – Office print policies can help employees become more aware of their printing habits. The best print policies will create user guidelines to print less and spend less where possible. This can include anything from encouraging double-sided printing to promoting digital copies over paper copies.
- Don’t Overpay for Delivery – Often what may appear to be a lower-priced printer cartridge can end up being more expensive after inflated delivery fees. Make sure you aren’t overpaying for delivery and that cartridges will still be reasonably-priced even after delivery.
“At Cartridge World, we understand that with the chaotic nature of running a business, it can be easy to miss what may seem like ‘small expenses.’ Yet, these small changes can make a significant difference on your business’s bottom line,” said Mark Pinner, CEO of Cartridge World North America. “With the new year right around the corner, our goal is to help small businesses optimize their printing to help them save money and start 2019 off with a little extra change in their pockets.”
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.
About Cartridge World
Cartridge World is the global leader in high-quality cartridges, printers, printer services and advice for both the home and office customer. Stores offer customers a tremendous cost-saving alternative to printing, offering a 30-percent discount over full-priced OEM cartridges and a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. Cartridge World has more than 600 franchised retail locations in over 30 countries. Cartridge World was recently ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2016 Franchise 500 list and No. 78 on Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Global Franchises and listed by the Silicon Review as one of the ’50 Most Admired Companies’ of 2016.
5
12, 2018
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Named One of Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s Top 100 Game-Changer Franchises of 2018
Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Recognized for Its Award-winning Franchise Opportunity That Fills a Niche in the Market
CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it was named one of the top 100 Game-Changer Franchises of 2018 by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. FASTSIGNS was recognized for its award-winning franchise opportunity that has filled a niche in the market by offering aspiring business owners a unique product, while raising the bar on service and its commitment to helping the community.
“We’re thrilled that Franchise Dictionary Magazine has recognized FASTSIGNS as a game-changer in the industry,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to make FASTSIGNS the top-ranked sign and graphics franchisor in the world and this recognition further solidifies our unmatched strength and leadership in our space.”
“Franchise Dictionary Magazine believes franchising — by its very nature — is a game changer. Some brands, however, excel in such a way that special recognition is in order,” Alesia Visconti, Publisher & CEO, Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “FASTSIGNS is one such brand, and my team felt strongly about including this dynamic company in our ‘Game Changer’ issue. Providing deep discounts for veterans and first responders so they can become business owners, FASTSIGNS cares about people and communities. Going the extra mile is what being a game changer is all about — and FASTSIGNS meets the criteria in every way.”
FASTSIGNS has reported exceptional results this year, including the signing of over 30 franchise agreements to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers throughout the U.S. 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. 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.
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 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 was named to the Franchise Times Top 200+, a ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems according to global systemwide sales. FASTSIGNS 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.
About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of almost 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the U.S., Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Chile, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).
FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.