Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Moran Family of Brands

FranchiseWorks presents Moran Family of Brands, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

Moran Family of Brands has a clear mission statement of: “creating customer experiences that result in satisfaction and loyalty.” Our Vision is to: “Achieve a strong franchise system through positive franchise relationships and working as strategic partners with our franchisees allowing our brands to gain market share and increased profitability”. Our core values are based on the word DRIVE which stands for : Dedication, Respect, Integrity, Vision and Enthusiasm.

Interview with Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands


How has your company evolved since it got its start in 1958 with Dennis Moran?

Dennis Moran started in the automotive business in 1958. However, Moran Industries was formed in 1990 when he acquired Mr. Transmission, which was the beginning of our entry into the franchising world. After multiple acquisitions of regional companies throughout the 1990’s we had the task of establishing best practices that would be consistent throughout all of the companies we acquired. That meant learning different things from each of the acquisitions based on their successes and formulating that information into a solid operating system and training program to insure consistency throughout the system.

In the early 2000’s we began to focus more on organic growth. That is also when we developed our co-branding programs allowing franchisees to open 2 or 3 franchises under the same roof. This has been a huge differentiator for us as it allows franchisees to scale their business without increasing their overhead structure.

What options do candidates have when looking into your franchise opportunities?

This is where it gets exciting since a candidate can do single brands for Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto Care, Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters or SmartView Window Solutions. They can also utilize our co-branding options and do a Mr. Transmission / Milex center or a Alta Mere / Smartview co-brand. In a few instances we have even tri-branded Mr. Transmission / Milex & Alta Mere under the same roof. Mora Family of Brands truly offers franchise candidates the most innovative options in the automotive after market. They also have the option of adding brands at a later if they choose to start out with only one brand

How many franchised units do you have?

We have a total of 120 locations with 27 sold units in the pipeline

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

We have two international developers in Northern Africa that we signed this year. We are also targeting international development in the Middle East and Asia. We are currently in the process of registering in Canada as well.

What are some competitive advantages of your business?

Moran Family Brands is the only automotive franchise opportunity that can provide all aspects of vehicle repair, maintenance and service to their customers. We are able to maintain a competitive price while offering the driving consumer the most comprehensive model in the industry. For our franchisees this translates into a thriving business model capitalizing on a strong and growing industry opportunity.

We also offer great options for customers to upgrade the vehicles they are keeping for over 11 years through Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters.
  • Our franchises have the capability to provide the technical service for any automotive issue that most independent repair shops don’t have the technical training or equipment to address.
  • Our franchises are able to offer competitive prices, while meeting or exceeding the services, of new car dealership service departments.
  • Our franchises provide a one-stop-shop experience with the most comprehensive repair model available while maintaining a complete history of a vehicles repair and maintenance records.
  • Our franchises operate within a proven business system, and necessary tools, that provide a strong competitive advantage in the market place. 
  • Our Alta Mere franchisees offer exciting “upgrade” products such as window film, paint projection film and a full line of electronic and safety upgrades that customers “want “ to spend their money on.
All Moran Family of Brands opportunities can be combined into a co-branded business.  In fact, we were the originators of co-branding in the automotive aftermarket.

Why co-branding makes sense:
•Comparable overhead expense to a single location but with multiple revenue streams
•Provides the opportunity to reach more customers with greater frequency
•Building a “one-stop” location translates into customer loyalty and tremendous repeat business
•Establishes the franchisee as a complete auto repair facility that can meet the customer’s needs which provides a significant competitive advantage.
•While customers are meeting their maintenance and repair needs , they can also purchase the most complete line of accessories and upgrades through Alta Mere.
Co-Brand Fee = $5,000.00 for each additional brand, after the purchase of an initial brand.

What is the desired background/qualities of your ideal candidate?
Management / Sales Experience
Independent thinking, with adherence to process
*Net Worth of $250,000 for automotive brands and $150,000 for Alta Mere/Smartview
Liquid Assets of $60,000
Entrepreneurial spirit
Committed to superior customer service
Significant Drive
Confident, ambitious, and self-assured
Committed to building a successful legacy
Automotive / Technical experience helpful

What they want:
Leverage past experience
Provide opportunity for others
Build legacy business
Pride of business ownership
Contribution to their community
Financial growth opportunity
Solid, Proven Business Systems
Control financial and lifestyle expectations
Franchisor support and guidance
Proven concept, system and process
Comprehensive support system
Belong to a community

What we want:
Driven to succeed
Hands on attitude
Passionate about helping others
Open-minded and collaborative
Confident, ambitious, self assured
Subscribes to MFB philosophy and values (D.R.I.V.E)
Utilizes resources available
Honesty and integrity
Dedication to the system and brand
Positive demeanor
To be financially qualified
Business experience, automotive experience is not necessary
Takes accountability for their own success
 


What do you hope for the future of Moran Family of Brands?

At Moran Family of Brands we hope to achieve good steady growth that is established on quality service to our customers and quality support to our franchisees.  As we gain market share we hope to assist our franchisees in gaining greater profitability, and the achievement of the goals they established when they entered the business.

Are there any milestones, events or awards you would like to highlight?

Two great milestones from 2015 were our first two International Master franchise agreements

Another milestone for 2015 was the signing of a new area developer for the Houston Texas market.

What are ways to learn more about Moran Family of Brands and how to become an owner?

For our franchise candidates we have an outstanding virtual brochure that helps us take a candidate through our entire 6 step sales process.  It highlights some great information about our company, our industry, and why the automotive business is such a good opportunity in todays market.  It includes many PDF’s, videos and audios from our support staff and our franchisees. For the broker community Ben Reist or Pete Baldine are available at any time to discuss our models and candidates in detail. 

Ben can be reached at 630-608-3065       breist@moranbrands.com
Pete can be reached at 708-297-2240      pbaldine@moranbrands.com




Friday, October 23, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Pet Supplies Plus

FranchiseWorks presents Pet Supplies Plus, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.
Franchise 500 Ranking – 2013-2015
Franchise Times Top 200 – 2014 and 2015
VetFran Discount of $6000 off franchise fee

At Pet Supplies Plus, we’re crazy for pets, too. With more than 320 franchise and company locations in 26 states, Pet Supplies Plus is America’s favorite neighborhood pet store. Each location offers a wide array of pet food, pet products, grooming services and animal expertise all at a great value, allowing customers to spoil their pets even more. Friendly, knowledgeable staff get to know each pet and their owner by name and provide playful store experiences to remind them just how fun it is to own a pet. Pet Supplies Plus stores are large enough to house an incredible variety of food and equipment, yet small enough to still feel neighborly. 

Interview with David Leonardo, Senior Vice President of Franchising with Pet Supplies Plus.
Check out the interview with David Leonardo as a podcast episode!

How has your company evolved since the first store opened in Redford, MI in 1988?

When we first opened in 1988, we had some pretty revolutionary ideas:
  • Locate our stores in neighborhoods, so they were convenient to get to.
  • Build on a smaller, more efficient footprint (5,500 to 10,500 sq. ft.) to make our stores easier to shop and less expensive to run.
  • Locate our stores around distribution centers so that we could offer customers a wider selection at more attractive prices and quicker inventory turns.
  • Over the years, those ideas have served us well. We can tout our wide array of pet food, supplies and toys, services like grooming, self-service pet washes, and adoptions. But what really sets us apart is the retail experience itself. We're neighborly, we're knowledgeable, and our customers trust our advice.

Neighbor's loved Jack and Harry's novel retailing concept. Within five years of opening their first Pet Supplies Plus pet center in Redford, Michigan, they had 30 locations. Soon, they were joined by a third partner, Harvey Solway, and the business continued to grow. In September 2010 PSP was bought by a private equity firm called Irving Place Capital. Today, there are over 320 Pet Supplies Plus pet centers in 26 states. Our goal is to grow the PSP brand significantly over the next 5-years and beyond.

What are some common misconceptions about being an owner in the pet care industry?

There seems to be three misconceptions:
  1. "Since it’s retail, I’ll need to be in the store all the time.” Not so. Our “investor model” allows franchise owners—particularly the 65% who are multi-unit owners—to supervise remotely while an on-site operations manager runs the business day to day.
  2. “Retail is a grind.”  Many retail concepts have earned that reputation. At Pet Supplies Plus, it’s not a grind; it’s a grand time. We’re Petcentric—we love pets and pet people. Our neighbors come in our stores happy and leave happier. We make the shopping experience FUN: fun for our team members, our neighbors and their pets. (Yes, pets are welcome in our stores.)
  3. “You can’t make any money—not fast food money—in the pet business.” The October 2015 issue of Franchise Times lists its Top 200 Franchise Chains by worldwide sales. Pet Supplies Plus ranks #102 noticeably ahead of many well-known food franchises. And according to the ITEM 19 in our 2015 Franchise Disclosure Document financial performance representation, the average annual gross sales of a Pet Supplies Plus store is $2,548,565*. Compare those numbers to any other franchise to see if you can make money as a Pet Supplies Plus owner.

What options do candidates have when looking into your franchise opportunities?
  • Single unit – franchisees focus on the day to day operations; staffing, marketing, inventory management, customer engagement, etc.  This is more of a hands-on roll.
  • Multi-unit – franchisees focus on working with their store managers and growing their business.  Emphasis on marketing, financial management, real estate and growth. Each store manager handles the day to day operations.


How many franchised units do you have?

148 franchised units and 175 company units.

What are some competitive advantages of your business?
  • Buying power of 320+ stores allows the stores to offer a greater variety of products at lower prices
  • Smaller stores and local ownership allows for a much greater level of customer service and engagement, building relationships with our neighbors and their pets
  • Smaller stores mean lower rent, lower labor costs, lower prices to neighbors, higher profits.
  • Twice the selection of natural, holistic and organic foods.
  • According to the American Pet Products Association report, pet industry spending is at an all-time high with overall spending for 2015 expected to exceed $60 billion.
  • Recession resistant - More families are getting pets and they are spending more on them as pets take an increasingly more prominent role in our lives.
  • Convenience, value and fun.

What are the desired qualities of your ideal candidate?
  • Must align with PSP mission and culture: to be America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store. 
  • Has strong values, is hard working, fair, honest, and caring. 
  • Should have prior retail experience customer service, food service, banking, or other service based industries. 
  • Has an intrinsic, service orientation and a natural desire to provide excellent customer service.
  • Train and lead their employees in providing and meeting exceptional service standards. Is 
  • comfortable marketing their products to customers using a product knowledge expert approach.
  • Multi-Unit franchisees should have strong management background with a history of consistent career growth achieving or exceeding business goals.

What do you hope for the future of Pet Supplies Plus?

Our goal is to grow the PSP brand significantly over the next 5-years and beyond.

What are ways to learn more about Pet Supplies Plus and how to become an owner?

Visit us at www.pspfranchise.com, or contact us directly:

Steve Olson
Franchise Development Manager
734.793.6532 | solson@petsuppliesplus.com

David Leonardo
Senior Vice President, Franchising
734.793.6608 | www.pspfranchise.com


*Item 19 of PSP Franchising, LLC’s 2015 FDD provides that $2,548,565 is the average gross sales achieved by 119 franchised PSP stores during the measurement period beginning 12/29/13 and ending 1/3/15. Your results as a new franchisee may differ. Of the 119 franchised PSP stores, 44 PSP stores, or 37%, exceeded the average annual gross sales.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Homewatch CareGivers

FranchiseWorks presents Homewatch CareGivers, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

The vision of Homewatch CareGivers is to be recognized as the premier provider of home care services. The mission is to preserve dignity, protect independence, and provide peace of mind for our clients and their loved ones by providing exceptional home care.


Tom Ryan, Director of Franchise Development


How has your company evolved since 1980 after Paul Sauer founded Homewatch CareGivers?

In 1980, Paul launched Homewatch CareGivers to provide people in the Denver Metro area with the companion and personal care services they needed to remain living at home.

Paul continued to refine his business and in 1994, Homewatch CareGivers added its first franchise in Boulder, Colorado. Paul and his growing staff stayed true to his founding principles and the core values he established as the foundation of the company: integrity, compassion and a commitment to delivering the highest quality service. 

By the early 2000’s, Homewatch CareGivers had a handful of locations and Paul knew he was going to have to bring in some help and reinvest in the business if he was going to truly build this into a large national and international franchise brand.   Paul’s eldest daughter, Leann Reynolds, invested in and opened our Portland, OR franchise location in 2003 as a critical step to her succession plan.  Leann very quickly became one of our top performing franchisee’s and moved back to Denver in 2006 to take over the day-to-day leadership as our company President.  When I joined the company in 2010, we had about 100 locations and here we are nearing the end of 2015 and we have nearly 250 locations throughout the America’s. 




What are some common misconceptions about home care ownership?

Many people think they need experience in the healthcare industry in order to own a senior care business. Most of our franchisees had never worked in health care before home care franchise ownership. There is no perfect background to start this type of business; we look for people with careers as leaders and managers in all types of business, who have a passion for caring for individuals in their community.

Another common misconception is that potential franchisees think the market (their market) is already too saturated by other providers/competitors. The need for home care services, through home-based initiatives driven by the Affordable Care Act, as well as by the growth of the aging population, is far outpacing the number of competitive senior care franchises nationwide. In fact, direct care workers – such as Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides – are expected to be the largest occupational segment by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How many franchised units do you have?

We have just over 230 franchised units and are projected to grow to over 250 in 2016.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

We are available in Canada currently, and have 7 Canadian units in Ontario. We’re really focused right now on growth in the United States and Canada and are not entertaining international inquiries in Europe or Asia at this time. We do have master franchisees in Central America focused on increasing the footprint there.

What are some competitive advantages of your business?

We provide full-service care for people of all ages. By full-service, we mean that while we don’t cross the boundary of providing skilled nursing services, we provide a full continuum of care up to that threshold.  90% of our services go above and beyond companion care so our clients can stick with us as their care needs grow over time.  

Our clients see the value/differentiating factors of our business to be largely in the quality of our team and our approach to care. We have always believed that “caregivers are the heart of this business” and have tremendous systems and training in place to ensure our staff is responsible for the highest level care to our clients and that we don’t get stuck solely focusing the “tasks” being delivered.  At Homewatch CareGivers, we employ a person-centered approach to care by understanding the social and emotional needs of our clients.

What are the desired qualities of your ideal candidate?

We really look for business-savvy leaders who are good at managing teams, delegating tasks, and are focused on the strategic direction of their business. We also know that our most successful owners have a passion for helping others in their communities, and many have personal experience with a loved one needing extra care in the home.

What do you hope for the future of Homewatch CareGivers?


I would love to see the company grow its footprint in the United States and Canada so that we can continue to provide the in-home care services that people need in their communities. I also look forward to helping build more awareness of the home care industry itself, so that consumers and other health care providers fully understand the quality services we can provide and the impact we can make to help people stay healthy and in their homes as long as they desire.

What are ways to learn more?

We have a very robust, informational website, including a franchise blog. Once you’ve gathered some information and you’re ready to take the next step you can fill out the Request for Information form and we will contact you to begin discussions about franchise ownership. You can also reach out and give us a call at (800) 472-2290 and we can start our conversation right away!

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

So You Want To Make It Big? Here's How.

The fact is, many of today’s wealthiest, most successful entrepreneurs or small business owners did not follow a specific plan that led them to their riches. Life is not predictable and no matter how much you wish for something, crossing your fingers can only do so much.

This doesn’t mean you can’t make it big. A six-figure income is not just handed out, but real people have attained their ideal paycheck and so can you. It just takes a dream, some curiosity, and self-trust.

Listen– Don’t ever think your view on something is the only good opinion out there. Your co-workers, friends, family and everyone in between have value. Respecting those opinions will get you far.

Make your own luck– An opportunity can appear at any time, which means you have to be prepared. “Luck” is nothing you can control, but how you track down and prepare for opportunities is all up to you.

Trust your gut BUT make smart decisions– Sometimes you just know, and that gut feeling could be the golden ticket. Still, there is a good reason why smart people do well in this world. Good things come to people who make good calls.

Don’t fear risk- You need to make good calls and part of that is understanding when to take risks and when not to. Don’t take the easy way out or follow the path of least resistance. You don’t make it big that way. Ever.

When you feel like saying no…say yes-There is no moving forward when you or anyone else thinks you can’t do the work. Even if you think you can’t, figure it out. Your limits are self-created. You can thank the word “no” for keeping you where you are.

Work hard– This one may seem obvious, but people with wealth work their tails off. Let go the expectation that mediocre work equals mountains of money. Mediocre work is just that. You have to do the work well.

Lastly, just do it. Success is not accomplished through a lack of action. What did we just get done saying? Work hard, value knowledge, listen, trust your gut, take (thoughtful) risks and make yourself say “yes.” Apply these to your life and your bank account will thank you.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Anago Cleaning

FranchiseWorks presents Anago Cleaning, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

Anago’s vision is to be the very best in all aspects our services while being the superior choice of our clients by providing a clean, safe and healthy environment.
As the name Anago implies, our mission is to ”lift up” our Franchise Owners to achieve financial freedom and security as they provide superior service to our clients. Anago Cleaning Systems’ comprehensive systems and people work together to guarantee success for our Franchise Owners, as well as total satisfaction for our clients.

Judy Walker, CFE for Anago Cleaning Systems:

How has your company evolved since 1991?

In addition to our significant growth over the years, Anago has evolved into the technology leader for our industry. We perfected and implemented proprietary, cloud-based software systems to manage every aspect of the business, which enable our Master Franchise Owners to run their operation from wherever they are. We also have a proprietary mobile app used for janitorial quoting and customer service. 

What are some common misconceptions about being an Anago Master Owner?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Master Franchise Owner is in the cleaning business. A Master Franchise Owner is NOT in the cleaning business – their Unit Franchisees are. This is an Executive model franchise and the Master Owner is in the sales and marketing business.
Another misconception is that the Master Franchise Owner must spend time cold calling and knocking on doors for cleaning contracts. Anago has completed years of research and identified the businesses within a Master territory that contract with a cleaning service and produce higher revenue for both the Master and Unit Franchisees. These leads are pre-loaded into our proprietary cloud-based software systems for the telemarketer to call and set an appointment for the Master or his/her salesperson to bid on.

How many franchised units do you have?

Anago Cleaning Systems currently has 37 Master Franchise territories located in the U.S., Canada, and South America with over 2,400 Unit Franchisees.  Entrepreneur Magazine has recognized Anago multiple times as one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

Yes, we have available territories in Canada and internationally.

What are some competitive advantages of your business?

  • 12 primary revenue streams.
  • No royalty payments for the first 6 months of operation, so the Master can concentrate on building his or her business.
  • One of the lowest franchise fees in the industry.
  • 20+ page fully search engine optimized (SEO) website, specific to the territory is included in the franchise fee.
  • Technology leader in the industry – proprietary mobile app used for janitorial quoting and customer service.
  • Name brand with over 25 years of experience in the franchised commercial cleaning

http://www.anagocleaning.com/


What is the desired background/qualities of your ideal candidate?

Anago’s ideal Master Franchise candidate is a mid-to-senior level executive with a strong background in sales and marketing. Many of our Master Owners are former CEO’s Directors and VP’s of large, nationally recognized companies. The ideal candidate will also have the ability to recruit, direct and manage highly motivated sales personnel.

What do you hope for the future of Anago Cleaning?

Anago Cleaning Systems plans to expand substantially in the next several years, both in the U.S. and internationally. We plan to stay on the cutting edge of the latest in technological advances in our industry as well. 

What are ways to learn more about Anago Cleaning?

Please visit our brand new franchise development website, www.AnagoMasters.com which is full of great information and answers to most of the frequently asked questions about our business model. There are also great video testimonials from some of our Master Franchise Owners. You can also reach our office directly at 800-213-5857.

Learn more about Anago Cleaning Systems!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Is Podcasting The New Pastime?



What are you listening to right now? Is it the radio, your iTunes, Pandora, or Podcasting? Out of over 2,000 Americans, a little over 52 percent of them listened to the radio for 4/5 hours a day. This is followed by your owned music at 20.3 percent, internet radio/music at 11.6 percent, satellite radio at 7.7 percent, T.V. music channels at 5.2 percent and finally podcasts at 1.7 percent. Surprised that podcasts are so far down the list percentage wise? Don’t be, see Edison’s explanation on that number:




Podcasts have only been around 10 years, and each year they evolve into even more of a thriving mini-industry. There are several genres of podcasts to keep the audience engaged: politics, comedy, sports, literature, educational and opinion. It is possible that there are too many podcasts to snatch away your attention? According to Edison Research, 39 million people listened to a podcast 2014, which was the highest number on record at that time. Are we in the “golden age” of podcasting?

Why does it seem to be growing in popularity? For starters, it can be accessed virtually anywhere thanks to our mobile devices. At the gym, while you cook, as you commute, at work – the number of listeners has tripled. RawVoice, which tracks 20,000 shows, said the number of unique monthly podcast listeners went from 25 million to 75 million in five years. Listeners are building relationships, so to speak, with their favorite podcasts across every demographic. Since many of them are free and easy to find, the shows are available to virtually everyone.
radio-tower-set

“Our culture is so niche-oriented now (that) you don’t need 3 million people to listen to your podcast,” says Chris Hardwick, Nerdist producer and celebrity. “If 10,000 people listen, which isn’t a hard number to achieve, then 10,000 people listen to your podcast. You can do something with that, you can build a community, and literally change the world, just recording into a recorder.”

What does all of this have to do with your business? Marketing. This is a very useful and impactful tool that will get your business noticed, especially in the realms of social media. Your podcast could be in the conversations people share at work or the educational tidbit they were searching for. If you are struggling to get noticed, the best thing you can do is send your brand out across every available channel, and this is a very big channel.

Podcasting is the new pastime. Let it not only enrich your personal life, but your business too.





Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Mentors are Invaluable


The course of your day is full of problem solving, meetings, spreadsheets and emails. With each passing week, you grow more connected and skilled at what you do, yet there was a time when it was a long way until you reached this level. One thing that builds a solid road to success for anyone is the guidance of a strong mentor.

To get things straight, there are no boundaries in the world of mentorship. Anyone, at any age and stage of their professional career, can benefit from another. You do not have to forge ahead alone, there are professionals inside and outside your network that can offer valuable pieces of advice. When you are looking for a mentor, it is good to start with your current surroundings. Think of those you admire and respect and if several people come to mind, don’t be afraid to seek counsel from more than one. Decide what you need from these relationships, what skills you would like to see further developed and match yourself accordingly.

Mentors will not only provide you with the tools to grow and expand on your strengths and work on your weaknesses, they also have the potential to open doors. As you cultivate a relationship with your mentor, you will find that they too have a strong network. Through your learning experience, you might also be led to new opportunities that could further your professional career. Apply attention to developing this relationship so your mentor knows which direction you see yourself going.

Not only will you learn from a mentor and potentially be introduced to new opportunities, they should also keep you honest and give unbiased advice and criticism. Let your mentor illustrate to you how others perceive you and your work ethic. Listen to their feedback and keep yourself honest.

Having a more experienced helper by your side could do wonders for your business. If you are experiencing any difficulties in your workplace, let you mentor advise you on potential ways to overcome it. Whatever you’re going through, chances are they have been through it themselves. Not only that, but they could help you when planning ahead. It is crucial for a business to think of their goals and create a business plan that evolves with the company. Their experience can help guide you to realistic goals.

To flip sides, if you are the mentor in this situation, you will learn a good deal of the same things. You will get to see how others in your field (or outside your field) are innovating and communicating. Discover what new technologies are being used in and outside the office and learn new marketing techniques that are being utilized by other companies. Having another’s perspective is never a negative.

The exchanging of advice and ideas is nothing new to the workplace. However, having an intentional mentor will go a step further. Reach out to others and you might be pleasantly surprised by how many people reach back.


Looking for advice on franchise business ownership? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Embrace the Business Setbacks



Because life is so unpredictable, no matter your career or influence, there will always be a point in which things do not go as planned. Curveballs will always be thrown your way, and these surprising moments can actually be the turning point your business has been waiting for.

Arguably, the main reason why some thrive when setbacks hit versus those who do not is left up to how the issue is perceived. A person’s mindset contributes greatly to whether or not the setback is viewed as an opportunity. These unexpected moments could range in level of intensity, such as taking tough criticism from a superior or dealing with the loss of a deal.

No matter the setback, accepting it gracefully and using it as a way for honest self-evaluation will give it a positive spin and an element of wisdom. Setbacks are gentle reminders that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Look at them as an invitation to approach a challenge differently and you will find more peace and profit in your career.

As you figure out how to overcome these inevitable setbacks, keep in mind that no one can go it alone. No person goes through life as a one-person show. Look to your friends, family and co-workers when you need a little extra support. Their caring, thoughtful advice will carry more than emotional support – it will offer you the chance to remain vulnerable. Vulnerability is often reinforced as a weakness; however, expressing this side of yourself will show others humility and humanity. Embracing this quality will not only offer you more professional and personal support, it will show your co-workers and customers your human.

As soon as you stop equating setbacks with failure, you will have the confidence to forge ahead in the pursuit of a happier, more open-minded you. Knock the curveball out of the park and encourage those around you to do the same. Life is unpredictable, but we should be thankful that things do not go as planned. As they say, “When nothing is certain, anything is possible.”


Facing a turning point in your life? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.



Check out FranNet GoodWorks to learn how FranNet consultants are lending a hand for others in their community!


Monday, August 31, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Supercuts

FranchiseWorks presents SuperCuts, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

Supercuts has been in business since the late 1970’s.  We are the brand that started it all in the value segment of the hair care industry, Supercuts has gone through a lot of change in the last 40 years. What makes us different and unique has never changed, and that is our commitment to our stylists and the guest experience.  Our proprietary training program is the best in the industry, and our training is what ensures a positive guest experience, which is how our franchisees build successful businesses, one guest at a time!  Supercuts was acquired by Regis Corp. in 1996.  Regis Corp. is the global leader in the hair care industry with over 9,000 salons worldwide.  We bring the strength and resource of Regis Corp. to the relationship to help Supercuts franchisees be successful. Our goal in the Regis Corp. Franchise Division is to help franchisees build successful businesses, one salon at a time.


Kurt Landwehr, Vice President Franchise Development for Supercuts:

How are you more than just haircuts?

At Supercuts we do more than just haircuts. We provide haircuts, color, and other miscellaneous services to meet the needs of both our male and female guests, of which 70% are male, and 30% are female. We feel that it is a big differentiator from our competitors and gives our franchisees a unique advantage.


How many franchised units do you have?

We have over 1,400 franchised location and nearly 1,100 corporate locations, combined Supercuts is a brand of approximately 2,500 salons and growing quickly. We anticipate that we will open 250+ salons in FY2016.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

Supercuts is an international brand with salons in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. We are growing aggressively in Canada.

What are the competitive advantages of your business?

There are many things that make Supercuts unique.  From our Hair Stylist Academy Training Program, our range of services we provide our guests, to our hot towel finish, all are points of differentiation between us and our competitors.  In addition, Regis Corp. signs all Supercuts leases, giving us a big advantage in securing the best sites for franchisees. Finally, Supercuts is backed by Regis Corp., the global leader in the hair care industry with unmatched expertise and resources that help franchisees build successful businesses.


What are the desired qualities of your ideal candidate?

Supercuts is not about cutting hair, it’s about building a business. Our franchisees are not technicians. They hire full-time managers that run the day-to-day operations and leave the servicing of our guests to the manager and team of well trained, professional stylists. The role of our franchisees is to work on their business not in their business. The franchisee is behind the scenes running the business side of their business, working on: marketing, real estate, operations and finance issues. The qualities we look for in evaluating a franchisee is their ability to manage, motivate and lead teams of stylists. We also look for people who have a strong desire to succeed and who can have a positive impact on their community. 

What do you hope for the future of Supercuts?

At Supercuts we are growing very quickly.  We have added approximately 400 new franchisees in the last four years.  We opened 200 new salons in our most recent fiscal year and hope to exceed that number in 2016. We have franchisees who own as many as 60, 80 and even 100 units. Many of our franchisees are now multi-generational and are grooming not only their children but also their grandchildren to take over the Supercuts business.



Learn more about Supercuts and how to become a part of the Supercuts franchise!


Monday, August 24, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Young Rembrandts

FranchiseWorks presents Young Rembrandts, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

The vision and mission of Young Rembrandts is to combine our love of art and children. We teach art to empower them and build self-confidence. Children learn the fundamentals and value of art as they delight in the artistic process, they also acquire tools for successful learning and develop increased academic abilities. This drives everything we do, especially in building a culture of like-minded franchisees- joined together by a powerful mission. We are raising generations that value the power, the passions and the significance of art.

Interview with Young Rembrandts Director of Marketing, Liz Fetter:

How has your company evolved since the first class founded in 1988 by Bette Fetter?

The first class in 1988 was just 8 neighborhood kids around Bette’s kitchen table. It was something she did as a favor to friend and eventually it morphed into “Bette’s Art Class” that took place in the living room because it held more kids. We still have her original roster of those classes. Since then it has changed dramatically; Bette, and her husband Bill, ran the business for years together. Operating out of a home office they, along with a part-time teaching staff- taught thousands of kids in the Chicagoland area. They started franchising in 2001- and now Young Rembrandts is a global franchise. Serving children and communities in the US, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the Middle East.


Why is Young Rembrandts a significant part of education for children?

There is a significant correlation between involvement in the arts and achievement in the classroom. Children who learn to draw using the Young Rembrandts method develop spatial reasoning and fine motor skills, order and sequencing abilities, visualization, and self-discipline as well as fundamental art skills. Our original curriculum introduces concrete ideas and techniques that enlarge their visual vocabularies, enrich their imaginations and their minds. "There are visible academic and art benefits for children that participate in our program. Young Rembrandts' students have fun while developing fundamental art literacy and improved academic abilities," notes Bette Fetter. "We are passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to be successful."

How many franchised units do you have?
99 North American units.


Are you available in Canada and Internationally?
Yes.

What are the competitive advantages of your business?

Our business is home-based and all in, an under $50k investment. The Young Rembrandts business opportunity allows franchisees to create jobs in their community, become a thought leader in their network and create a lifestyle that reflects what they want for themselves. The Young Rembrandts method is a fun activity that kids flock to- drawing- that helps kids develop socially, emotionally and academically.


What is the desired background/qualities of your ideal candidate?

• Strong leadership and people skills.
• Committed to quality.
• Networker and connector in the community.
• Management experience with the desire to grow a profitable business.
• No artistic or teaching background necessary.
• Sales and marketing insight.

What do you hope for the future of Young Rembrandts?


We have a lot of growing to do. North America alone has many territories still available. In the next 5 years we hope to open another 100 units. We want to impact education in a profound way- by reaching kids where they are comfortable, in the art classroom, we’re able to assist them in ways that reach far beyond crayons and markers. We are calling out to those individuals with the same passion. Reaching as many kids as we can, while creating a positive lifestyle for our franchisees.

Learn more about Young Rembrandts and find classes near you!