Franchising USA - Veterans Supplement - January 2015

january 2015

Veterans in Franchising www.franchisingusamagazine.com

Veteran’s Success as

Cartridge World Franchisee

Franchising Gives Back

Leveraging

Military Experience for Franchise Success

Franchising USA

feature

Page 31

To work independently To your workown independently To set work schedule To work independently To set your own work you schedule To work at something enjoy To set your own work schedule To To work at something you enjoy control your own salary To To work at something you enjoy control your own salary To control your own salary

Want To Be Your Want To Be Your Want Be Your OwnToBoss…

Own Boss…

Own Boss…

“BUILDING AMERICA WITH AMERICAN HEROES”

www.VeteranFranchiseAdvisers.com www.VeteranFranchiseAdvisers.com www.VeteranFranchiseAdvisers.com “BUILDING AMERICA WITH AMERICAN HEROES”

© ASUKA Inc. 2014

Veterans make great franchise Veterans make greattraining franchise owners!

Your military has Veterans make great franchise owners!

Your military training has taught you many things that transfer owners!

Your military training has taught youthe many things that transfer well into world of franchising. taught youthe many things that transfer well into world of franchising. well into the world of franchising.

Take Control Of Take Control Of Take Of YourControl Future…

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Take Advantage of Our Take Advantage of Our Take Advantage of Our Free Expert Help Free Help Free Expert Expert Help Today!

Today!

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Now its time to build a future for you and your family.

You served your country proudly.

You served your country proudly.

You served your country Now its time to build a future for you andproudly. your family.

Now its time to build a future for you and your family.

V eterans in F ranchisin g S upplement january 2 0 1 5 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the next issue, please contact Vikki Bradbury, Publisher Phone: 778 426 2446 Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Contents Cover Story

News & Expert Advice

34 Veteran’s Success as Cartridge World

Franchisee

40 Leveraging Military Experience for Franchise

Success

Jim Mingey, Veterans Business Services

Profiles

42 VetFran News

Franchising Gives Back

44 Cartridge World

2015 Volunteer Event to Support Veteran’s Village in Las Vegas

Focus 36 JDog Junk Removal & Hauling 38 Sherpa Kids International Franchising USA

V e t erans in Franchising

C over S tor y - Cartridg e Wo rld

Veteran’s Success as

Cartridge World Franchisee

Veteran John DeBroux has mastered many things over the decades, but the one thing he just can’t manage to figure out is retirement.

DeBroux has retired multiple times from both military and civilian careers and instead of kicking back and enjoying his twilight years, he’s gone ahead and opened a successful Cartridge World franchise instead.

Located in Conyers, near Atlanta, GA, DeBroux’s Cartridge World opened its doors in June of 2007 after he retired from a 27-year career at Eastman Kodak.

John DeBroux

Franchising USA

Cartridge World sells printers and printing supplies for home and business use. Unlike the superstores, they’re printing experts,

offering advice on printers and supplies that help customers “save time, save money and print great.” In fact, customers can save as much as 30 percent off the price of superstore cartridges.

Cartridge World is great value for home and business customers. Combining the right printers with high-yield printer cartridges can save hundreds of dollars for business customers. Plus, the company offers free delivery to local businesses.

One of the biggest selling points for Cartridge World is recycling.

The company sells both new and remanufactured printer cartridges. They can remanufacture printer cartridges several times before they send them to an actual recycling facility where they are disassembled so the metals and plastics in the cartridges can be recovered.

The company remanufactures cartridges to the original printer manufacturer’s

“The cartridges printed with the same color and quality as the original manufacturer’s cartridges, and he was sold on the product and service.” standards. And contrary to what the printer companies say, using a remanufactured cartridge won’t void the warranty on their printer, DeBroux said.

“We don’t toss them in the trash can when we’re done with them,” DeBroux said during a recent interview from the Buford, GA Cartridge World where he was helping out a fellow Cartridge World franchisee.

“We send them on to the recyclers and keep them out of the landfill.”

DeBroux said he was actually surprised that customers are often more focused on the recycling rather than the cost savings, which is what he first focused on when he started.

Serendipity DeBroux discovered Cartridge World while he was working with Eastman Kodak. About a year before he retired, he was thinking about what he should do when he finally retired from the company.

At lunch one day, he was listening to a local consumer advocate show on the radio in Atlanta hosted by Clark Howard.

A caller to the show asked Howard what he does about the high cost of printer ink and Howard said he takes his cartridges to Cartridge World and trades them in for a fresh set, saving a bunch of money in the process.

DeBroux just happened to have a bunch of empty ink cartridges in his car at the time. He was planning to buy all new cartridges, but when he got back from lunch, he looked up Cartridge World and he found out there was one just down the street. So, when he got off work, he took his cartridges in, got a new, full set of remanufactured cartridges and used them on the photo project he was doing at work.

The cartridges printed with the same color and quality as the original manufacturer’s cartridges, and he was sold on the product and service.

As retirement from Eastman Kodak

approached, DeBroux was talking with his daughter Renae Adams who also wanted a career change. So, father and daughter went into business together.

Later, DeBroux’s other daughter, Kimberly Cassidy came on board.

“Renae is the manager, Kimberly is the counter salesperson and she’s also the production manager,” DeBroux said. “It’s actually ended up being a great family business.”

Military Service Out of high school, DeBroux joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964. He didn’t know what he was going to do so the Air Force did an aptitude test on him and decided he would perform best in a mechanical field.

So, they trained him as an electrician. He went to Vietnam as an electrician and after he came back, he was discharged in 1969.

Later, DeBroux got a job with the City of Atlanta and worked for them for 13 years before he got a job with Eastman Kodak where he worked as a Facilities Maintenance Supervisor.

While he was with the City of Atlanta, DeBroux decided he wasn’t yet done with military life and joined the Georgia National Guard for weekend duty. He stayed with them for 26 years and retired as a senior master sergeant in 1996.

DeBroux said he enjoyed his time in the military immensely and it was there he learned the value of doing the very best you can at whatever job you’re doing. He also learned the value of creating longlasting relationships with people built on friendship, something he’s carried over into his civilian careers, including Cartridge World. And it’s paid off for the business.

“I really enjoy the people, the customers that come in,” he said. “And overtime, the friendships that develop. I have customers who come by and they don’t need anything, but they’ll just stop by and

say ‘Hello, how are you?’ It’s just a really pleasant atmosphere.”

It also helps that he and his daughters go above and beyond selling printer cartridges. They help customers troubleshoot problem printers and help them decide which printers are best for them when they need a new printer.

Franchising Process When Cartridge World originally met DeBroux and Adams, they mutually agreed that the father-daughter team would be a good fit for the franchise. It also helped that the two already had their funding in place.

They signed their agreement and worked in one of the local Cartridge World stores to get training for a week. They then went to California for further training in all aspects of the business.

A unique aspect of Cartridge World is the monthly newsletter the company publishes and distributes to all its franchisees. Plus a franchise-wide intranet. The company also holds two meetings per year for owners so they can network with each other. If you have an over supply of cartridges, you can advertise them in the newsletter and some other store owner may need them and take them off your hands, DeBroux said. The ideal situation is to trade and swap products between stores. It’s a very co-operative franchise environment.

Another Retirement Now that his daughters are operating the business pretty much on their own, DeBroux is planning to step away from the store so he can pursue his other interests: more work. But this work is decidedly different. DeBroux works with Partners for Christ building churches and also works with the Rockdale Rotary Club building handicap ramps for people. He is also active with Honor Flights for veterans, among other pursuits.

As DeBroux says, he believes he has another 30 years in him and no matter how many more times he retires, he’ll always find a new interest to keep himself busy.

For more information visit: www.cartridgeworld.com

Franchising USA

V e t erans in Franchising

Page 35

V e t erans in Franchising

J Dog Junk Removal & H auling

Veterans Only Need Apply JDog Junk Removal & Hauling is Building a Business for Those with Military Skills

“We liken JDog to personnel a foundation o Franchising USA

Jerry knew he wanted to create a life that would not only utilize the work ethic and disciplinary skills he acquired in the Army and suited his personality, but would also withstand the recession so he could continue to support his wife and two daughters.

Jerry Flanagan

The transition from active duty military to civilian life is not easy for anyone.

All too often enticing corporate programs and direction from career advisors muddy the workforce landscape and veterans end up in a career path that does not suit the skills and work ethic learned during years of military training.

This was a similar path for Jerry Flanagan.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1989 and achieved the rank of E-4 Specialist. After the Army, he attended college and technical school on the GI bill. But after leaving the Army, he found himself filling various management positions in the retail and corporate world that did not suit his training and background, nor did they offer the type of active work environment in which he could thrive.

“I experienced first-hand the difficult decisions that come with the transition from military to civilian life. After many trials, I discovered the successful connection of military skills with small business ownership that is often overlooked when veterans try to find the best next step in their careers,” said Jerry.

In 2011, Jerry started hauling junk around the Philadelphia area and JDog Junk Removal & Hauling was born. His new business offered an outlet for his career change from the retail to service industry while avoiding the risks of a downturn in the economy from the ongoing demand and the high margins of the business model. The fast success of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling came from customer service and a business model built on the core values learned in the military – respect, integrity and trust.

“With my success using this business model, I realized there was something bigger I could do to help other veterans like me, and the increasing veteran unemployment cycle, achieve the American dream of small business ownership,” said Jerry. “We liken JDog to a ‘movement’ among military personnel

and their families, built on the foundation of respect, integrity and trust – values veterans and their families relate to.”

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling began franchising in 2012 and has since staked its claim as the only U.S. franchise business devoted solely to military veterans and their families.

The franchisees that have joined the movement have found sustainable income opportunities and a better work-life balance for their families as they transitioned into civilian life. This movement appeals to veterans who prefer to be entrepreneurs, where they can operate according to a proven business manual and maintain an active, flexible work schedule that revolves around the sound values and work ethic that are established in a military career.

Because of military downsizing, veterans are especially in need of work and career opportunities. The transition from military to civilian life is tough and competition is steep. Military veterans are successful franchisees because they are comfortable following structured systems and understand how to operate within teams.

Jerry adds, “The main goal driving the success of JDog is our desire to support other veterans and provide them opportunities for professional and personal success.”

For more information visit: www.jdogjunkremoval.com

a ‘movement’ among military and their families, built on the of respect, integrity and trust.”

Franchising USA

V e t erans in Franchising

Page 37

V e t erans in Franchising

Sher pa K ids I nter national

Sherpa Kids International

Launches in Ireland St. Joseph N.S Sets Trend for After School Care with Sherpa Kids St. Joseph’s National School, Clonakilty has become the first school in Ireland to set the trend in offering primary school going students after school care with Sherpa Kids Ireland.

Sherpa Kids Ireland aims to roll out the service throughout Ireland within the next 10 years through over 50 franchisees, creating more than 2,000 new jobs servicing over 10,000 families.

Sherpa Kids International was founded in Australia in 2011 off its sister company

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from New Zealand which was founded in 1996, in response to the huge demand for professional outside school care services which promotes and caters for each individual child. Since its inception it has expanded to eight countries with Ireland becoming the latest to roll out the successful model under the directorship of Clonakilty based John Miles who has become Country Master Franchise, Managing Director of the Sherpa Kids franchise in Ireland.

The Sherpa Kids service operated in St. Joseph’s NS school grounds provides care to participating students Monday to Friday from 3-6pm and is led by fully qualified and trained childcare professionals. The service is run on site at the school with its own management system which is wholly

independent to the running of the school itself.

Speaking of Sherpa Kids Ireland, Managing Director John Miles said, “I am thrilled to launch Sherpa Kids Ireland with St. Joseph’s NS as the pilot school. As a dad myself, it is important for me to know that children will be safe and happy among trained professionals and classmates. Not only will they experience an array of fun and educational activities, they will also have the opportunity to complete their homework while attending Sherpa Kids.

For parents, the model takes the stress out of leaving work early or arranging to have your child catered for elsewhere. We offer a professional on site after school service and look forward to working with other schools throughout West Cork in

the weeks and months ahead that would benefit from our service.”

He continued, “Sherpa Kids Ireland also

offers a unique opportunity to those who have a passion for childcare and want to

become their own boss with franchising opportunities.”

Vicki Prout, Co-Director, Sherpa Kids

International who is based in Australia was also on hand to officially launch Sherpa Kids Ireland at St. Joseph’s

NS. Speaking at the launch she said,

“Thousands of parents are frantic for

affordable, high quality outside school

hours care. More than ever, more parents are employed or are working more

demanding hours and transport issues can make the school-to-work, work-to-school transition a stressful daily chore. Sherpa Kids has answered the demand for care

with a franchise model that offers school communities the best of both worlds;

strong expertise in childcare and a local

heartbeat with local leaders that puts kids and families first.”

Ms. Adrienne Downes, Principal, St.

Joseph’s NS also spoke of her delight with the new service saying, “I am thrilled that St. Joseph’s has become the first

school in the country to introduce Sherpa Kids Ireland. It is fantastic to have such a professional service available in the

school with its own management system to

support its structured programmes through activity based themes that supports the school’s curriculum. It means that the children can remain in a setting they

are familiar with, with their friends, and experience a fun learning environment while parents have peace of mind. It is

certainly a service that will aid many more families throughout the country.”

For further enquiries please contact Vicki Prout at: E: Vicki@sherpa-kids.com T: +44 7760 436405 I: www.sherpakids.ie or

www.sherpa-kids.com

Franchising USA

V e t erans in Franchising

Page 39

V e t erans in Franchising

Jim Mingey, Veterans Business Services

Leveraging Military Experience for Franchise Success Lieutenant Colonel David Robinson completed his due diligence and selected ARCpoint Labs as his franchise of choice.

David Robinson

There couldn’t be a more suited military candidate for this franchise opportunity.

David’s 23 years of military experience as a communications officer with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and his current position as a Reserve Battalion Commander at Ft. Carson, CO made him more than qualified to run a successful medical testing franchise.

His history of supporting military members through his role as a Unit

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Prevention Leader (UPL) and through his involvement with the Army Substance Abuse Program(ASAP) has also helped him to see the importance of utilizing drug testing services for the military through his new franchise in Boulder, CO. Not only has David’s military experience complimented his franchise choice, his civilian sector experience has also greatly positioned his company to offer services and solutions which will benefit the community.

Currently, David is very involved in the civilian sector through his position as a Reserve Peace Officer in which he volunteers his time two to three shifts a month. He is actively involved on the board of Colorado Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). His training includes

conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE). David anticipates that his new franchise will address the needs of the law enforcement community and the possible need for DNA & Forensic testing in the future.

David was able to make the decision of selecting ARCpoint Labs through the support of Veterans Business Services (VBS) and will continue to receive support with his goals to capture government contracts as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOB). As a Service Disabled Veteran he is capable of bidding on any drug testing contracts and is eligible for government set aside contracts as well.

His MBA and 15 years’ experience in government contracting within the Satellite Operations industry is sure to compliment his business plans with ARCpoint Labs. David was able to work with the ARCpoint Labs National Accounts group, who have supported his plans to attempt to capture government contracts in the Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, and local government agencies.

David was able to finance this opportunity through a home equity loan, personal saving and a VBS Grant that was provided to assist him in the startup costs of the franchise. VBS is very proud to be able to promote his success and continue to support him with his government contracting efforts in the future.

ARCpoint Labs is a full-service national

“His new franchise will address the needs of the law enforcement community and the possible need for DNA & Forensic testing in the future” third-party provider/administrator providing Accurate, Reliable, and Confidential drug, alcohol, DNA and steroid testing, employment/background and wellness screening and corporate wellness programs. The company is nationally recognized and affiliated with the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) and Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA) and has developed a comprehensive program incorporating the many aspects of federally mandated and non-mandated testing. ARCpoint Labs has been in the drug and alcohol testing business for over eighteen years and has over sixty years of combined staff experience.

market. Jim participated in the EBV Program at Purdue University, is a mentor at American Corporate Partners, developed the first approved franchise training program for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment(VR&E) Program at Veterans Administration, and was instrumental in forming the first equity fund in the United States exclusively for Veteran owned small businesses and franchises: The Veterans Opportunity Fund. Jim intends to keep on ‘advocating’ for Veterans in franchising.

For further information visit: www.veteransbusinessservices.us

For additional information about ARCpoint Labs please visit: www.veteransbusinessservices.us/ product-item/arcpoint-labs VBS’ Founder and Managing Director, Jim Mingey, is a decorated Vietnam Veteran raised from a proud military background. An entrepreneur for more than 35 years, Jim can relate on a personal level to the needs of the Veteran small businessperson, and possesses the practical knowledge to implement his experience in today’s

Jim Mingey

Franchising USA

V e t erans in Franchising

Page 41

V e t erans in Franchising

VetFra n N ews

economic activity and support for local organizations.

Franchising Gives Back volunteers will donate their time and efforts in a special project to assist veterans at the Veteran’s Village in downtown Las Vegas on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., to kick off the IFA’s 55th Annual Convention, February 15-18, 2015.

Veteran’s Village is a transitional and permanent housing residence for U.S. veterans, and provides an on-site crisis intervention center, medical and mental health services, job referrals and training, food bank, clothing, and other supplemental services to promote independent living.

This event is being organized by the IFA Educational Foundation, VetFran Committee and other volunteer leaders.

The Roark Capital Group is a founding sponsor of Franchising Gives Back.

Franchising Gives Back is designed to highlight the strong commitment of service and leadership of franchising in local communities to build vibrant communities through both local

IFA volunteers participate in a Franchising Gives Back Day to help a local charity in the city where their annual convention is being held

Franchising USA

Volunteers will be transported from the hotel to Veteran’s Village where they can choose between a mix of hands-on projects that include painting, landscaping, or minor building; or an assembly project putting together toiletry kits for the residents of Veteran’s Village.

To participate in the Franchising Gives Back event, volunteers will need to preregister and present a credit card number as a guarantee of attendance. No shows will be charged $100 which will be donated to the Veteran’s Village.

This year’s event will launch a new multi-pronged Franchising Gives Back program organized by IFAEF that celebrates the community leadership of franchise businesses in local communities.

A Franchising Gives Back website, an awards program to recognize community leadership displayed by franchise businesses nationwide, and a national registry will promote and recognize the numerous community and philanthropic programs, service activities and events of franchise businesses.

For more information about the Franchising Gives Back event, please contact Gionne Jones at 202.662.0772 or email gjones@franchise.org.

You will notice some innovative changes at IFA's 2015 annual convention! We've upped the ante with new enhanced features and paramount educational and networking events. You don’t want to miss franchising’s biggest and best event of the year!

V e t erans in Franchising

Page 43

DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST FRANCHISE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

HERE’S WHY:

Unique networking opportunities will connect you with other franchise executives to expand your portfolio of contacts and cultivate partnerships that will help you and your brand get to the next level.

Registering online is now easier than ever with our newly improved and streamlined process!

Informative educational sessions focus on hot topics that impact your bottom line – everything from operations, technology, franchise relationships, sales & development and more. This is the perfect event to showcase your innovative brand in the exhibit hall!

Interactive roundtable discussions led by experienced and savvy franchise leaders will give you an array of new and exciting information that will help you grow and evolve your brand.

REGISTER NOW

convention.franchise.org THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE SAVINGS!

IFA Members: Register before October 24 and save $50!

Contact Lynette James at 202-662-0782 or ljames@franchise.org if you are interested in exhibitingFranchising or sponsoring.

USA

V e t erans in Franchising

Ca r tr idge Wor ld

Entrepreneur Magazine ranks

Cartridge World

as One of Top Franchises for Veterans program which rewards WWII veterans with a free trip to visit their memorial in Washington DC,” said DeBroux.

“Many veterans mentioned the trip was the highlight of their life. It’s always a pleasure to help them enjoy this unique opportunity to connect with fellow veterans and share their stories.”

Supporting veterans’ entry into the Cartridge World franchise system, the company offers a special 15 percent discount on the franchise fee when veterans join the organization. Cartridge World is actively seeking veterans and business professionals who are looking for opportunities to run their own business in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry.

In 2014, more than 30 persons joined the Cartridge World business system.

With more than 500 stores in the North America, Cartridge World is expanding its presence with high-performance printers, printing products, service and supplies for both business and residential customers.

Cartridge World, one of the world’s leading retailers of printing services and supplies, was recently recognized for more than helping customers save money.

“We’re honored to be included in Entrepreneur’s list this year, as Cartridge World has always offered a thank you to those who have served our country,” said William Swanson, CEO of Cartridge World North America. “Whether it’s providing a discount to veteran customers or attracting more veterans to join our franchise system, our support for those who have served continues to grow.”

In November 2014, the company was named in Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of America’s Top Franchises for Veterans.

The local home and office printing experts were listed at No. 59 in the country.

Franchises ranked were evaluated and listed based on their incentives for veterans. Cartridge World has been wellknown for offering numerous benefits and discounts for current and retired members of the military ranging from customers to franchisees.

John DeBroux, owner of Cartridge World in Conyers, Georgia is one of the many reasons why Cartridge World received such praise. He served as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force from 19651969, as well as a senior master sergeant in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1975-1995. Now serving as a Cartridge World franchisee, DeBroux continues to give back to military veterans.

Cartridge World is the leading ink and toner retailer and franchisor in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry. The company sells printers, paper, printing supplies and services, and uses state-ofthe-art manufacturing processes to build high quality ink and toner cartridges.

Cartridge World stores provide a tremendous cost-saving alternative to buying new printer cartridges, offering up to a 30 percent discount over full-priced cartridges. Cartridge World also offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and free delivery to business customers.

“I’ve had the privilege to be a guardian on the Ninth Honor Flight out of Convers, a

For more information visit: www.cartridgeworld.com

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