In the past two years, the world has changed in ways it never has before. COVID-19 changed many perceptions of what work and life balance should be. Many people have realized that they are tired of being a “hamster on a wheel,” working for a large corporation or a private company. By Chris Fuller
Only about 7% of U.S. citizens have served in the armed forces. Of those, 82% are enlisted and have an average joining age of 21. I was only 17 years old when I signed up to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. Looking back, I didn’t understand how big of a deal that was. By Jon Skroder
CEOs of most middle- and large-sized companies rely on a leadership team of experienced managers to help them succeed. As a small-business owner, you don’t have the luxury of hiring managers to focus on Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, Finance or even Operations. You are in charge of everything associated with your business. By Chris Mangum
A few years ago I visited London with my wife and kids and one of the highlights for me was our visit to Churchill’s War Rooms. In this time of uncertainty and stress, it calms me to think about what others have endured and overcome. When things happen that are completely out of our control, all we can control is how we react. By Tom Spadea
Beth Trivett honored with prestigious award at ComForCare’s annual franchise conference
DETROIT — ComForCare Home Care, a franchised provider of in-home caregiving services, announced their Caregiver of the Year at the company’s national conference. Beth Trivett, a ComForCare caregiver in Hendersonville, TN, was awarded the 2019 Caregiver of the Year from over 125 nominations.
“Beth represents the gold standard of our ComForCare values,” said Mike Sluder, franchise owner of ComForCare in Hendersonville — a suburb of Nashville. “She is attentive, caring, efficient and confident in her abilities, which all make her a superior caregiver. The families she cares for trust her unconditionally. There is no value you can put on her heart and compassion for others.”
Through this award, Beth was recognized for her years of extraordinary commitment, hard work and dedication. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, while also juggling caring for her own family at home. She is particularly sensitive to caring for clients at the end of their life and supporting the family during that difficult time.
“Caregivers are the heart of the ComForCare franchise system across the U.S. and Canada,” said Mark Armstrong, founder and president of ComForCare and At Your Side Franchise Systems. “And it’s stories like this one that remind us why caregivers are so important. We are honored to have Beth as a part of our ComForCare team and recognize the impact she has had on so many lives.”
ComForCare of Hendersonville provides home care to the area’s older residents and those who are disabled or recovering from injuries or surgery. Services include companionship, personal care, mobility assistance, medication reminders and more. The Hendersonville office is also DementiaWise®-certified, meeting the corporate office’s high standards for dementia education and caregiving excellence. DementiaWise is also recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.
Beth has been with ComForCare of Hendersonville since 2013 and is part of one of the fastest-growing franchise business sectors in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people 65 and older is expected to increase to 55 million in 2020, and demand for businesses like ComForCare will continue to increase as people prefer to age in place.
About ComForCare:
ComForCare is a premier provider of in-home caregiving services with nearly 200 independently-owned and operated locations in the U.S. and Canada helping older adults live independently in their own homes. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best life possible and offers special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Founded in 1996, ComForCare was acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2017 and now is part of Best Life Brands, which has plans for continued expansion of service brands across the continuum of care for aging adults. ComForCare operates as At Your Side Home Care in Houston. For more information, visit www.comforcare.com.
Offers $15,000 referral bonus to the public for recommending qualified candidates
NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Allstate Insurance Company announced a boost to its sales force in Illinois to keep pace with growing consumer demand for insurance and financial products and services in the state.
“We are seeing increased demand for all types of consumer protection, ranging from auto and home insurance to financial advice and planning to smartphone and identity theft products,” says Allstate’s strategic deployment leader, Matt Stevens. “We are seeking driven professionals and offering comprehensive training and resources to support the success for each of them.”
The 750 professionals Allstate is seeking in Illinois is comprised of three roles: agency owners and exclusive financial specialists, with the remaining hired by those small business owners as sales professionals. For the agency owner and financial specialist opportunities, Allstate is seeking individuals with a strong entrepreneurial drive and passion to help others in their community. These candidates embrace risks and challenges and are able to invest in a small business to ensure its stability and growth.
The search spans the entire state as Allstate is seeking approximately 250 individuals in the Chicago area, 250 amongst the northern and western suburbs, and 200 in the southern region. The addition of the new agency locations will have a compounding effect on each city’s job market, as each new agency opens with several employees to ensure customers are well-served with courtesy and efficiency.
To recruit more agency owners, Allstate is offering a $15,000 award to any member of the general public who refers an eligible candidate to Allstate. The referral award is payable after the candidate has completed 90 days of Allstate agency ownership. [1]
“Allstate is a trusted brand and an excellent wealth-building opportunity for a small business owner. We are unique among all other insurers because the agent owns the economic interest in their business,” says Stevens. “Allstate agents can sell the economic interest in their agency or pass the business they build on to a family member as part of their legacy.”
As a small business owner with Allstate, hard work is rewarded with a higher earnings potential, and there’s no cap on what an individual can make. The majority of Allstate agency owners earn between $170,000 and $450,000 gross annual revenue. [2]
Allstate agency owners can leverage one of America’s most recognized brands without ever having to pay a franchise or licensing fee. Candidates interested in becoming an Allstate agency owner need a minimum of $100,000 of liquid capital to invest in their agency. This money does not go to Allstate; it helps ensure the agency can successfully fund the normal day-to-day costs associated with opening and running a business. Sales professionals do not need liquid capital to apply.
[1] Subject to all terms and conditions as outlined in the Allstate R3001 Exclusive Agency Agreement and Exclusive Agency program materials. Allstate agents are not franchisees; rather they are exclusive agent independent contractors and are not employed by Allstate. Agency staff opportunity is not an employment opportunity directly with Allstate Insurance Company but rather employment with an Allstate Exclusive Agency owner who is an independent contractor. The referral award is payable forty-five (45) days after appointment and signing of an Allstate Exclusive Agency Agreement by Allstate and the referred candidate. No payments are made to you if the referred candidate is not appointed by Allstate. The name of the person making the referral must be on candidate’s Allstate agent application in order for such person to receive a payout. A referral award will not be paid to former Allstate Exclusive Agents (EA) and Exclusive Financial Specialists (EFS) and referrals of Allstate Field Sales Leaders transitioning to EA or EFS position. The referral award is subject to change. Referral award is not available to the applicant. Allstate’s recruitment team, human resources employees and Allstate employees whose responsibilities include recruitment are not eligible. The recipient of the referral award is solely responsible for all taxes and reporting of award. Allstate is an Equal Opportunity Company. Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.
[2]Based on a majority of Allstate Agents’ gross revenue earned during 2017 for agents with 12 months of affiliation who were active during the entire year. Compensation information includes actual fixed plus variable commissions (including Allstate Financial) and total bonus earnings. Excludes brokered businesses such as Ivantage. Also excludes Allstate New Jersey Exclusive Agents, Allstate Independent Agents and Dealership Agents. Individual results will vary. Past results are no guarantee of future performance.
For More Information
Interested candidates can learn more about becoming an Allstate agency owner by logging onto www.allstateagent.com or by calling 847-402-4535 or midwestrecruiter@allstate.com. Those interested in the sales professional opportunity can apply at www.allstate.com/careers/agency-staff.aspx. Those with referral suggestions can call 847-402-4535 or midwestrecruiter@allstate.com.
Number includes both new agency owners and licensed sales professionals
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the U.S. but the most densely populated, according to U.S. Census data. With more than 9 million residents, there is a constant demand for insurance and financial services in the Garden State, and Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company intends to meet that need by expanding its agency force in 2019 through the appointment of more than 200 sales professionals – with 20 to 25 of that number being agency owners and the remaining being licensed sales professionals to work for Allstate agency owners.
For the agency owner opportunity, Allstate is seeking people with a strong entrepreneurial drive and passion to help others in their community. These candidates embrace challenges and are able to invest in a small business to ensure its stability and growth. Candidates don’t need an insurance background. Allstate provides them with comprehensive education, coaching and resources.
To help with agency owner recruiting efforts, Allstate is offering a $2,500 bonus to anyone who refers a qualified candidate to Allstate in New Jersey. The referral bonus is payable upon the appointment of the candidate as an Allstate agency owner.1
“Allstate is a trusted brand and an excellent wealth-building opportunity for a small business owner. We are unique among all other insurers because the agent owns the economic interest in their business,” said Jack Clarke, Territorial Sales Leader for Allstate New Jersey. “We’re dedicated to opening new agencies throughout New Jersey as the need for comprehensive protection services grows alongside our population.”
As a small business owner with Allstate, hard work is rewarded with a higher earnings potential, and there’s no cap on what you can make. The majority of Allstate agency owners in New Jersey generate between $310,000 to $618,000 in gross annual revenue.2
Allstate agency owners can leverage one of America’s most recognized brands without ever having to pay a franchise fee. Candidates interested in becoming an Allstate agency owner need a minimum of $100,000 of liquid capital to invest in their agency. This money does not go to Allstate; it helps ensure the agency can successfully fund the normal day-to-day costs associated with opening and running a business. Sales professionals do not need liquid capital to apply.
1 Subject to all terms and conditions as outlined in the Allstate New Jersey R3001 Exclusive Agency Agreement and Exclusive Agency program materials. Allstate agents are not franchisees; rather they are exclusive agent independent contractors and are not employed by Allstate. Agency staff opportunity is not an employment opportunity directly with Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company but rather employment with an Allstate Exclusive Agency owner who is an independent contractor. The referral award is payable forty-five (90) days after appointment and signing of an Allstate Exclusive Agency Agreement by Allstate and the referred candidate. No payments are made to you if the referred candidate is not appointed by Allstate. The name of the person making the referral must be on candidate’s Allstate agent application in order for such person to receive a payout. A referral award will not be paid to former Allstate Exclusive Agents (EA) and Exclusive Financial Specialists (EFS) and referrals of Allstate Field Sales Leaders transitioning to EA or EFS position. Existing agency purchases excluded. The referral award is subject to change. Referral award is not available to the applicant. Allstate’s recruitment team, human resources employees and Allstate employees whose responsibilities include recruitment are not eligible. The recipient of the referral award is solely responsible for all taxes and reporting of award. Allstate is an Equal Opportunity Company. Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2019 Allstate New Jersey Insurance Co.
2 Based on a majority of Allstate New Jersey Agents’ gross revenue earned during 2017 for agents with 12 months of affiliation who were active during the entire year. Compensation information includes actual fixed plus variable commissions (including Allstate Financial) and total bonus earnings. Excludes brokered businesses such as Ivantage. Also excludes Allstate Independent Agents and Dealership Agents.
Individual results will vary. Past results are no guarantee of future performance. Total eligible written premium is the sum of your last 12 months of written premium.
To learn more about becoming an Allstate agency owner, visit www.allstateagent.com or call 877-470-8180. Those interested in the sales professional opportunity can apply at www.allstate.com/careers/agency-staff.aspx.
Insurance company seeking 18 new agency owners and 72 licensed sales professionals
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is the third fastest-growing state in the U.S., according to Census data.
To keep pace with growing population and consumer demand for insurance and financial services in the state, Allstate is looking to expand the Utah agency force. Of the 90 sales professionals Allstate is seeking, 18 will be agency owners and the remaining 72 hired by those small business owners will serve as licensed sales professionals.
For the agency owner opportunity, Allstate is seeking people with a strong entrepreneurial drive and passion to help others in their community. These candidates embrace challenges and are able to invest in a small business to ensure its stability and growth. Candidates don’t need an insurance background. Allstate provides them with comprehensive education, coaching and resources.
To help with agency owner recruiting efforts, Allstate is offering a $6,000 bonus to anyone who refers a qualified candidate to Allstate in Utah. The referral bonus is payable upon of the appointment of the candidate as an Allstate agency owner.1
“Allstate is a trusted brand and an excellent wealth-building opportunity for a small business owner. We are unique among all other insurers because the agent owns the economic interest in their business,” said Brandon Nelson, strategic deployment leader for Allstate’s Southwest Region. “We’re dedicated to opening new agencies throughout Utah, one of the fastest growing states in the country.”
As a small business owner with Allstate, hard work is rewarded with a higher earnings potential, and there’s no cap on what you can make. The majority of Allstate agency owners earn between $170,000 and $450,000 gross annual revenue.2
Allstate agency owners can leverage one of America’s most recognized brands without ever having to pay a franchise or licensing fee. Candidates interested in becoming an Allstate agency owner need a minimum of $100,000 of liquid capital to invest in their agency. This money does not go to Allstate; it helps ensure the agency can successfully fund the normal day-to-day costs associated with opening and running a business. Sales professionals do not need liquid capital to apply.
1 Subject to all terms and conditions as outlined in the Allstate R3001 Exclusive Agency Agreement and Exclusive Agency program materials. Allstate agents are not franchisees; rather they are exclusive agent independent contractors and are not employed by Allstate. Agency staff opportunity is not an employment opportunity directly with Allstate Insurance Company but rather employment with an Allstate Exclusive Agency owner who is an independent contractor. The referral award is payable forty-five (45) days after appointment and signing of an Allstate Exclusive Agency Agreement by Allstate and the referred candidate. No payments are made to you if the referred candidate is not appointed by Allstate. The name of the person making the referral must be on candidate’s Allstate agent application in order for such person to receive a payout. A referral award will not be paid to former Allstate Exclusive Agents (EA) and Exclusive Financial Specialists (EFS) and referrals of Allstate Field Sales Leaders transitioning to EA or EFS position. Existing agency purchases excluded. The referral award is subject to change. Referral award is not available to the applicant. Allstate’s recruitment team, human resources employees and Allstate employees whose responsibilities include recruitment are not eligible. The recipient of the referral award is solely responsible for all taxes and reporting of award. Allstate is an Equal Opportunity Company. Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.
2 Based on a majority of Allstate Agents’ gross revenue earned during 2017 for agents with 12 months of affiliation who were active during the entire year. Compensation information includes actual fixed plus variable commissions (including Allstate Financial) and total bonus earnings. Excludes brokered businesses such as Ivantage. Also excludes Allstate New Jersey Exclusive Agents, Allstate Independent Agents and Dealership Agents.
Individual results will vary. Past results are no guarantee of future performance. Total eligible written premium is the sum of your last 12 months of written premium.
To learn more about becoming an Allstate agency owner, visit www.allstateagent.com or call 877-470-8180. Those interested in the sales professional opportunity can apply at www.allstate.com/careers/agency-staff.aspx.
New location to offer non-intimidating Judgement Free Zone®, extremely low prices, free fitness training included in all monthly memberships, and more
MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa. — Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, today announced it will open its first location in Mount Pleasant, at 123 Crossroads Rd in the fall of 2019.
The 10,000 square foot Mount Pleasant Planet Fitness will offer state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat screen televisions, HydroMassage loungers*, massage chairs*, tanning beds, a Total Body Enhancement booth*, and more.
“We’re excited to bring a Judgement Free experience to Mount Pleasant, where residents can break a sweat for just $10 a month,” said Sharon Lomasney, Franchise Partner of United PF Partners, a leading Planet Fitness Franchisee Group that currently operates 115 locations across ten states.
Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment, for only $10 a month. Membership includes a variety of other benefits, including free small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the PE @ PF® program. In addition, as a member appreciation gesture, Planet Fitness provides free pizza on the first Monday of every month, and free bagels on the second Tuesday of every month while supplies last, as a reminder that it’s okay to treat yourself.
“This new club will provide the Mount Pleasant community a comfortable environment with top-notch, brand-name cardio and strength equipment, where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built,” added David Lomasney, Franchise Partner of United PF Partners.
The PF Black Card® membership, which is $21.99 a month, includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to all 1,600+ Planet Fitness locations, as well as access to massage beds and chairs and tanning, among other benefits*.
*PF Black Card® amenities may vary by location but are included in Mount Pleasant.
United PF Partners is the largest Planet Fitness franchise group with over 115 clubs across Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. United PF has development rights to build new clubs across the Midwest, South, Mid-Atlantic, and Southwest regions.
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2018, Planet Fitness had more than 12.2 million members and 1,646 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
Strengthens career pathways for students
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Massage Envy, the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skin care services, has entered into a partnership with Cortiva Institute, the country’s largest group of dedicated massage therapy and skin care schools, with 29 campuses in 12 states.
This partnership paves the way for broad collaboration between Massage Envy franchisees and their local Cortiva Institute campuses to both enrich the student experience and support strong employment outcomes. Creating opportunities for students to interview for positions in Massage Envy’s 1,150+ franchised locations in 49 states—including Stretch Service Provider positions after students have completed 300 hours of their program (where allowable by state law)–is just one way this partnership creates more employment opportunities for students before and after graduation.
“Our growth is fueled by talented, caring therapists and estheticians, and this national partnership gives Massage Envy franchised locations access to graduates who have received an outstanding education,” said Joe Magnacca, Massage Envy CEO. “We’re dedicated to helping professional service providers build rewarding, long-term careers in the industry, and we look forward to working with Cortiva Institute to provide students with more support to do just that.”
In addition, Cortiva Institute will promote Massage Envy’s commitment to self-care as part of their curriculum, introducing students to the importance of self-care early on. “For years, Cortiva has provided our students with the highest level of training and the best career opportunities, so partnering with Massage Envy franchisees who are collectively the industry’s largest employer makes perfect sense,” said Steve Salzinger, President of Cortiva Institute. “With an alumni network over 100,000 strong, Cortiva Institute prepares more Licensed Massage Therapists and Estheticians than any other school. Our commitment to excellence helps ensure that students are confident and ready to meet Massage Envy’s standards for quality and professionalism.”
In the coming year, Massage Envy franchised locations are expected to hire more than 3,500 professional massage therapists and estheticians.
Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians, with more than 35,000 dedicated wellness professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,150 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy.
Cortiva Institute is among the largest health and wellness schools in the country with a focus on graduating licensed massage therapy and skin care professionals for placement into the $3 trillion healthcare industry. Cortiva Institute is a subsidiary of Steiner Leisure – a portfolio company of L Catterton, one of the largest consumer-focused private equity firms in the world, with over $15 billion under management. For more information please visit http://www.cortiva.edu/ or follow us on Instagram at #CortivaInstitute.