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

Check out the interview with Pete Baldine as a podcast episode!

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

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.

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!

Still Unsure Of The Millennial Generation?

It’s not set in stone, but generally “millennials” are said to be born somewhere between 1982 and the early 2000's. The exact dates may not be consistent, but the words used to describe this young group of individuals are. Millennials are said to be lazy, narcissistic, living with their parents, incapable of following rules, unemployed, unprepared and (here’s a popular one) in debt. These are just a few descriptions that encompass the people entering or participating in the modern workplace. Also, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that millennials will make up approximately 75% of the workforce by 2030. 

These harsh accusations are how the professional community imagines this generation. It is understandable why some millennials could feel defensive or angry, yet what should trouble them even more is the truth those words carry.

A study by PNC Financial Services Group confirmed millennials carry an average $45,000 in debt. Pew Research Center’s analysis of the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau data shows 36 percent of the nation’s young adults (ages 18 to 30) live with their parent’s. Forbes explained 68 percent of corporate recruiters say it’s difficult for their organizations to manage millennials because they don’t like red tape, arbitrary hierarchical structures, or being forced to follow a specific process. There is no denying the facts and it’s clear why companies feel the need to arm themselves with articles on “how to deal with them.”

In response, here are a few tips about millennials:

·      Keep an open mind. Not every young person to come before you will have the aforementioned qualities. You might find them to be very open to feedback, tech savvy, creative, flexible and ambitious.

·      Come to terms with the fact that millennials are going to move on. Instead of focusing on stopping them, look for ways to optimize the time they spend with your organization.

·      In a recent Deloitte poll, 70 percent of millennials say they'd reject traditional business to work independently. They are more likely than other generations to study majors related to entrepreneurialism, which shows their entrepreneurial spirit.

·      They look for immediate satisfaction and live heavily in the moment. Instead of trying to change this, integrate their energetic and participatory personality into your workplace.

·      They are optimistic, have high expectations and want to forge their own path. Use their drive and perspective to inspire positive company culture for your business.

The worst thing you could do is fear this generation of excited, hopeful young people. It’s fear and a lack of encouragement, challenges, open minds and lowered expectations that enforce the notion that it’s okay for millennials to have this reputation. It’s not okay.

To the millennials I say: prove you’re a hard worker and strive for success. To everyone else: Let them.

Franchising doesn’t have an age barrier. Out of the thousands of franchises to choose from, there is one that is right for you. Call about a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. 

Five Must Ask Questions Before Investing in a Franchise

There are so many opportunities in franchising that it’s tough to know which ones are worth further investigating and which ones may not be a good fit for your personal and financial goals.  Before you sign anything with a franchisor, here are five questions you must ask (and answer) yourself.

When potential candidates begin talking with franchise systems, they tend to ask pretty standard questions: How much money can I make? How much will I have to spend? How big can I get? Is the franchise territory exclusive? But the deeper you go in your research, the more pointed and detailed the questions get, and they’re critical for a franchisee candidate to ask before signing the franchise agreement.

What does your first-year support look like?

Most good franchise systems, understanding how important the first year of franchise ownership is and how likely a new owner is to struggle, provide extra support and coaching. It could mean the home office assuming all responsibility for marketing, or using customer service reps in a call center to schedule jobs while the franchise owner concentrates on executing the baseline work.

There are all kinds of ways of offering support. But it’s important for any franchisee to know what kind of help they’ll be getting at a time when they’ll really need it.

What are the most common problem areas for franchise owners in your system, and how do you help solve them?

The test of a good franchise system isn’t how well it works when business is going strong. It’s how it helps its franchise owners when they struggle. Even the smartest and hardest-working business owners in rock-solid systems run into challenges every now and then.

When that happens, the franchisor’s operations staff should be prepared to help the owner respond to the problem effectively. In the best systems, they’ve seen and can anticipate many of the pitfalls the business may face.

What kind of insurance should I have?

Don’t overlook this. Some businesses even require certain types of insurance (this would be addressed in the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document).  It’s important to be protected in case of accident or natural disaster, and you need to make sure you’re including the ongoing expense in your business plan.

What kind of ongoing training is available?

Smart franchise systems understand that their franchisees need to keep their skills honed, and franchisees in the system need to stay up-to-date on best practices. Ongoing training opportunities are great for a secondary reason: they send the message that the franchisor cares enough about its franchise owners to give them the tools to succeed.

What’s the relationship among franchisees like?

A culture of cooperation among franchise owners can make the difference between success and failure, and good franchise systems go out of their way to foster good will. Incentives help: franchisors can single out especially helpful veteran franchise owners in internal communications, or they can give monthly “helping hand” awards for the franchisee who most helped first-year owners.

Going into business for yourself requires careful consideration and due diligence – and it’s not a decision to be taken lightly.  But it can be the most rewarding things you can do for your career.  FranchiseWorks.com features some of the best franchises in their respective industry and is a great introduction to those brands.

Franchise Trade Show: Get Your Free Pass To The Philadelphia Franchise Expo

Franchise Trade Show: Get Your Free Pass To The Philadelphia Franchise Expo.

Philadelphia Franchise & Business Opportunity Expo
January 25 & 26, 2014 @ Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

FREE ADMISSION Compliments of FranchiseWorks.com
Please print and bring this e-mail to the show to receive 1 free admission. No cash value.

MEET the country's best Franchises and profitable businesses looking to expand in Philadelphia!
LEARN how to bring your dreams to life at free business, legal & financing seminars.
DISCOVER full and part-time opportunities - owning a franchise is more affordable than you might think!

Free Admission To See Subway Founder Fred DeLuca Deliver Opening Remarks at International Franchise Expo

FranchiseWorks.com | Franchise Icon and Subway Founder Fred DeLuca to Deliver Opening Remarks at International Franchise Expo. Founder of the Fastest-Growing Franchise to Attend New York City Franchise Event. Get your free admission pass compliments of www.FranchiseWorks.com to attend the franchise trade show.



Paramus, NJ – The International Franchise Expo (IFE) will welcome the founder of Subway restaurant, Fred DeLuca, to kick off the industry’s premier annual event. DeLuca will share personal remarks during the IFE’s opening ceremony that begins at 9:50 a.m. June 20 at the Javits Center in NYC.

“We are elated to have Fred Deluca as part of the IFE this year,” said Tom Portesy, President and CEO of MFV Expositions, producers of the show. “Fred brings an incredible perspective on franchising, one which he is uniquely qualified to offer. We are extremely grateful Fred agreed to participate and look forward to his contribution to opening ceremonies along with the thousands of current and future entrepreneurs from across the United States and from around the world who will join us.”

The billionaire cofounder of the Subway sandwich restaurant chain was born in 1948 in New York City. At the age of 17, DeLuca created his first sandwich store after an idea came to him from ... Read More


If you would like more information about attending the international franchise expo, go to http://www.franchiseworks.com.

About www.FranchiseWorks.com 
FranchiseWorks.com was established in 1999 with the goal of providing qualified prospective entrepreneurs with the right franchise or business opportunity that meets his or her needs. We showcase hundreds of franchise and business opportunities in a variety of industries including new start-ups to established companies. www.FranchiseWorks.com also has information on franchise financing sources, business opportunity and franchise trade show schedules along with the latest franchise news. For additional franchise information visit http://www.franchiseworks.com or the franchise blog - http://franchiseworksblog.blogspot.com. For more information visit the International Franchise Expo

5 New Franchises and Business Opportunities To Own

5 New Franchises and Business Opportunities To Own. Here are newly listed franchises and business opportunities for you to research and see if they are a business that can fit your lifestyle. There are franchises and businesses in the market in almost every industry that can meet your investment level, whether you are seeking a retail business or a home based franchise or business.

Planet Beach Contempo Spa

Planet Beach Contempo Spa Franchise. Join The #1 Spa Franchise In The World. Own The Hottest Franchise Concept In The Multi-Billion-Dollar Spa, Wellness and Beauty Industry. Tanning Salon Franchise, Planet Beach contempo spa franchise is a unique, innovative, membership-based automated spa franchise.

Street Corner
Street Corner Convenience Store Franchise. A mini-convenience store franchise... right in the mall! Your Opportunity Could Be Just Around The Corner. The Street Corner convenience store franchises, located in more than 40 of the largest, most popular shopping malls and other high traffic hospitals, office buildings and college campuses around the country, bring Franchise ownership to a whole new level.

Home Video Studio
Home Video Studio Franchise. Home Based Video Production Business. No Experience Needed, Home Video Studio® (HVS) is a family-friendly, turnkey, home-based video services franchise business that virtually anyone can run, full or part-time. If you like video and computers and the idea of working from your home and/or office/store front, then this franchise business is for you!

Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Dickey's Barbecue Pit Restaurant Franchise. It's Not Just Business. Ready for an easy to operate, quick service barbecue franchise that generates great profits? It's Family. Dickey's Barbecue Restaurant Franchises have been serving up some of the most mouth watering, lip smacking, great tasting barbecue since 1941. Today, Dickey's BBQ franchises are opening up all over North America.

College Prospects of America
College Prospects of America Franchise. High School Sports Recruiting Franchise. Join College Prospects of America franchise, the nation's most trusted sports marketing service for high school athletes, continuously serving athletes and college coaches since 1986. Assist young men and women as part of the growing sports recruiting industry.