VETERANS IN FRANCHISING JANUARY 2021

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Veterans in Franchising january 2021

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

UFC GYM

a franchise that’s fighting fit

the dripbars’ first franchisee continues lifelong mission to help others

oxi fresh

how franchising can help military veterans achieve their goals Franchising USA

Leadership.

Teamwork.

Executing SOPs. Connecting veterans with education, resources and opportunities at vetfran.org

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V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g S u ppl e m e n t january 2021 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 On the Cover

Q&A

46 UFC GYM: A Franchise That’s Fighting Fit

46 A Franchise That’s Fighting Fit Adam Sedlack, UFC GYM

48 THE DRIPBaRS’ First Franchisee Continues

Life-long Mission to Help Others 50 Oxi Fresh: How Franchising Can Help Military Veterans Achieve Their Goals

48 THE DRIPBaRS’ First Franchisee Continues

Life-long Mission to Help Others Dr. Cedrick Spears, THE DRIPBaR

Veterans Profile Veterans News 44 PJ’s Coffee, Curio Wellness

50 Oxi Fresh: How Franchising Can Help Military Veterans Achieve Their Goals Douglas Green, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning

45 RNR Tire Express, Dream Vacations

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veteran news

PJ’s Coffee Celebrates Veterans, Awards Military Veteran a Franchise License PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, a New Orleans-based coffeehouse, has awarded U.S. Army Veteran, Michael Adams, the winner of its annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway.

PJ’s Coffee received more than 35 applications from veterans across the United States interested in becoming the next PJ’s Coffee franchisee winner.

After a thorough interview process of all applicants, Adams was chosen as the lucky winner, becoming the third overall recipient of this giveaway.

Adams served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and has been a federal government employee for the past 14 years. In his free time, during active duty and as a civilian, Adams volunteers with the local youth by coaching little league teams, both here in the states and overseas. Adams’ military experience, mixed with his love for giving

back to the community, is what makes him the ideal PJ’s Coffee franchisee.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities to serve my country and all that they have taught me. However, I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life,” said Adams. “Being born and raised in Louisiana, I couldn’t think of a better business to get involved with. This endeavor isn’t just for me, but it is to support my family and allows me to get further involved in my community.”

“We are looking forward to working with Michael and welcoming him into our franchise system as the third winner of PJ’s Coffee’s franchise license giveaway. There are certain characteristics we look for in franchisees, and Michael checks every box,” said Ryan Stansbury, PJ’s Coffee Vice President of Franchise Development. www.pjsfranchise.com/vets

Curio Wellness to Fund Women, Minorities and Disabled Veterans in the Cannabis Industry Medical cannabis and wellness company Curio Wellness has established an investment fund that will connect diverse investors with up to 50 aspiring women, minority and disabled veteran entrepreneurs, providing $30 million in capital funding—and helping the company to further its goal of serving patients with safe, effective and reliable cannabis-based medicine in multiple states.

“In looking at the systemic barriers that women, minorities and disabled veterans face in accessing capital, we decided to develop a solution that directly addresses this massive economic disparity,” said Michael Bronfein, CEO. “The Fund provides qualifying entrepreneurs with the investment capital they need to become a

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Curio Wellness Center franchisee, while ensuring their success through our best-inclass business operations.”

Through the support of committed and diverse investors, the Fund will eliminate the most significant barrier preventing diverse participation in this burgeoning, rapidly growing industry: a lack of capital.

The $30 million Private Equity Fund will expand diversity and enable economic empowerment by providing up to ninetythree percent of the start-up capital needed to launch a branded dispensary. Eligible entrepreneurs, through partnership with the Fund, will be enabled to launch a franchise as the majority owner from day one and enjoy a clear pathway to full ownership as a franchisee. www.curiowellness.com

RNR Tire Express Honors Breast Cancer Survivors RNR Tire Express (RNR), the nation’s leading tire and custom wheel franchise, surprised three women in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recognizing them for their strength and resilience. Each woman has served as a light in her community: fighting, championing for the cure and in two uplifting cases, beating breast cancer.

After hearing their inspiring stories, (RNR) teamed up with a few of its franchise owners to give back and celebrate these strong women.

At surprise events, Sandra Arredondo (Sebring, FL) and Kimberly Anderson (Anderson, IN) were surprised with a VIP spa day, new tires and $1,000 in cash. Carrie Hodge (Springfield, MO) was surprised with a brand-new Buick Encore on behalf of RNR Tire Express.

RNR Tires said they were honored to have the opportunity to play a small part in bringing a smile to these remarkable women during this challenging year.

fighting breast cancer all while putting herself through college.

Today, she is known by her friends and family for putting everyone else’s needs before her own; on top of being known for her optimistic outlook on life and commitment to advocating for breast cancer awareness, radiating positivity for those around her.

Featured in this photo is breast cancer survivor Kimberly Anderson—an art teacher at her local elementary school and a single mom of two boys, one with special needs. Kimberly was

Find out more: www.rnrtires.com/virginia/specials/military

Discounts for Veterans - RNR Tires offers a 10% discount on any purchase or service for military and first responders.

Nine Military Veterans and Community Heroes Win Free Dream Vacations Franchise Dream Vacations—the number one travel agency franchise for veterans— recently awarded nine military veterans and community heroes with free travel franchises as part of its annual business plan contest “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General.”

Currently more than 35 percent of franchise owners within Dream Vacations are military veterans and in the past nine years, the travel agency franchise has awarded 51 free franchises since 2012 valued at more than $637,000 to deserving military veterans.

“While this year was filled with so much uncertainty and budget cuts, eliminating our ninth annual Operation Vetrepreneur program was non-negotiable,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “In fact, this year we actually expanded the program

beyond military veterans to include community heroes. This year’s winners have devoted their lives to helping others – whether serving in the armed forces, working on the COVID-19 front lines as a first responder or healthcare professional, or expanding the minds of future generations as an educator.”

This year’s winners are Army Veteran Alecia Kimball of North Augusta, S.C.; Air Force Veteran Darrell Klassy of Pass Christian, Miss.; Army Veteran Jackie

Cox of Fowler, Ind.; Marine Corps Veteran Gamie Ollivierre of West Melbourne, Fla.; Air Force Veteran Robert Earl of McKinney, Texas; and Army Veteran Veronica Loewy of Chicago. The community heroes awarded with a free franchise include Gloretha Mackey, a nurse in Winter Haven, Fla.; Kyle Kiper, a school counselor and retired first responder in Booneville, Ark.; and Bakhtawar Ghaffer, an educator in New Rochelle, N.Y. www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com

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Q& A: Adam Sedlack | President | UFC GYM

A FRANCHISE THAT’S FIGHTING FIT Adam Sedlack explains how UFC GYM is surviving – and thriving - during hard-knock times.

Tell us more about yourself and your professional background.

I’m the president and co-founder of UFC GYM, the first major worldwide brand extension of the premier MMA organization. I joined UFC GYM back in 2008 after holding various sales and managerial roles for over 14 years at 24 Hour Fitness.

How have you been helping your franchisees navigate the COVID-19 pandemic?

With locations spanning across 37 countries, UFC GYM has the unique perspective of a global mindset, observing how each country has handled the impacts of COVID-19. We have seen it all, from navigating new safety practices to enduring forced closures. We also see the immense value in what our industry has to offer society during these times and feel a sense of responsibility to save our industry from decline and have been working closely with each of our franchisees to make sure they have the proper support from our corporate team and that we are communicating with them on a consistent basis. Since the beginning of the pandemic, UFC GYM has provided it’s franchisees with virtual training offerings, marketing support and operational safety recommendations.

What are your 3 communication tips for any business owner dealing with a crisis?

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1. Listen with Empathy – Caring and truly being heard will establish a trust between the ranks in the field through the executives at the corporate office.

2. Show and demonstrate transparency – Manufacturing the narrative never leads to a result that happens the right way. Continue to be honest with team members and trust/ loyalty follow.

3. Surround yourself with experts – In today’s world it is more about surrounding yourself with experts versus being the expert! The responsibility of the end decision still sits with you but by following listening and personally allowing your paradigm to be shifted will lead to the best outcome.

Why is it so important to get people back into the gym during the pandemic?

During the COVID-19 era, people are especially concerned about their health and wellness and are paying close attention to their physical and mental well-being.

Society is facing isolation, illness, job loss, and economic downturn that affects the overall mental health of individuals.

UFC GYM is founded on empowering the fighting spirit and ensuring our members ‘train different’. Our approach has always been to mirror the disciplines that shape a successful fighter, meaning we aim to provide the support of a unique community of like-minded individuals, technique focused training, nutritional guidance and post-workout treatments. This holistic

“We’re proud members of the International Franchising Association’s (IFA) VetFran program and offer qualifiying veterans 25% off their initial franchise fee.”

approach we take to training not only empowers the body but also empowers the mind.

Have you celebrated any particular milestones in the past 12 months? And what’s your focus for the year ahead?

While the past year has certainly had its share of ups and downs, we’re most proud of our continued growth, having opened 35 locations across the globe – including a multi-million dollar facility in Midtown Miami in partnership with MLB superstar, Alex Rodriguez, earlier this summer.

In the next six months we will open up more gyms than any six month period throughout the history of our company.

I’m also really proud of our advocacy work we’ve been doing in multiple fitness alliance groups, in an effort to restore reasonable access to safe indoor fitness throughout the U.S. Our industry has come together, and it is an electrifying feeling.

Yet, our industry isn’t alone, as you’ll see many getting involved from restaurants all the way to Disneyland. We all play a part to join the conversation and help find solutions that serve everyone to the best of our ability.

Does UFC GYM offer any veteran discounts or participate in any veteran incentive programs?

Yes, we’re proud members of the International Franchising Association’s (IFA) VetFran program and offer qualifiying veterans 25% off their initial franchise fee. www.ufcgymfranchise.com

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Q& A: Dr. Cedrick Spears | THE DRIPBaR

THE DRIPBaR’s

First Franchisee Continues Life-Long Mission to Help Others At a time when health and wellbeing is front of mind for most Americans, Franchising USA spoke to entrepreneur, Airforce veteran and franchise owner Dr. Cedrick Spears about the emerging IV therapy business.

What peaked your interest in a franchise and particularly THE DRIPBaR? About 15 years ago I started my own home care agency, Quality Personal Care Inc., in Clarksville, Tennessee and later expanded it to Texas and then Atlanta. I was able to gain a lot of experience in the franchise world by building my own from the ground up and serving around 200 patients at a time, and now I want to broaden my horizons by becoming a franchisee of THE DRIPBaR. In order to become a better mentor and business leader, I know I need to work in both positions to be able to better help others.

I decided to start Quality Personal Care Inc. with the ultimate goal of helping others. THE DRIPBaR also provides me with the opportunity to continue to help my current patients and also expand that support to a wider population in a similar,

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health-related way. Plus, I believe the IV therapy business is similar to how the home care business was 15 years ago.

Home care was rarely talked about, which gave me an edge when I first started in the industry. Now, I have an established agency because I got in at the right time. That’s how IV therapy is today – 15 years from now, everyone is going to want a piece of the pie.

What are your plans with your franchise location in Atlanta and why do you think THE DRIPBaR is seeing interest all over from prospective franchisees?

In the short-term, I’m opening an amazing location in Atlanta and I can’t wait to start servicing people in the Metro Atlanta area. In the long-term, my goal is to have three operating and successful DRIPBaR locations and I want to keep expanding. I would love to continue to help more and more people with new locations.

THE DRIPBaR is seeing interest because the concept offers people a chance to maximize their health at a time when people are being more proactive about leading a healthy lifestyle. The brand is cutting-edge, effective and innovative with everything it does and offers one of the largest selections of IV drips. From my experience, THE DRIPBaR is fully dedicated to ensuring the success of their franchisees and providing them with the proper support.

Explain to us why this franchise is unique and what THE DRIPBaR offers to consumers.

THE DRIPBaR is particularly unique because the brand and the people behind it use modern technology to advance efforts in the overall industry – they aren’t just focused on the brand but rather the whole IV therapy community. The concept uses the new digital age to its advantage in everything to the systems put in place and the training processes to the education of both guests and wider audiences on the benefits of IV therapy. THE DRIPBaR team truly wants to help as many people as they can with their IV therapy drips, and this is how I knew I had made the right choice when I was looking for franchises to become a part of.

For consumers, THE DRIPBaR has one of the larger selections of IV therapy drips so there’s something that works for everyone. For clients with cancer we have the High C, which is our 50g high dose vitamin C infusion and is offered with the Mistletoe drip subcutaneously. For anyone undergoing surgery we have the PreOp and PostOp drips, while our Jetsetter drip is perfect for anyone traveling and the Allstar drip is for those who train, weight lift and pursue athletic endeavors.

How has your past experience in the Air Force and as a Veteran prepared you for this new career venture?

The Airforce prepared me with three core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do. These values are what I live by and how I lead by. I believe that to be a great leader, you need to be all about honesty and to serve others first. In everything you do, strive for excellence and not perfection. If your goal is perfection, then you are instantly setting yourself up for failure because you won’t be able to achieve it. But, if you shoot for excellence instead, you’ll be able to rest soundly at night knowing you gave your all.

“The concept offers people a chance to maximize their health at a time when people are being more proactive about leading a healthy lifestyle.” - Dr. Spears

What do you hope to accomplish as the first franchisee for THE DRIPBaR? I hope to be the prime and ideal model of how a successful IV infusion bar should operate. I want other people to look at my location and my work and see me as the standard to aspire to. For THE DRIPBaR, I want to be a trailblazer and show other potential franchisees, the corporate team, and the industry that this is a valuable and successful venture that is capable of helping a great number of people, whether they are seeking IV therapy for health conditions or just to improve and maintain their maximum health.

What would you like consumers to know about THE DRIPBaR? Now more than ever people are actively looking for new ways to improve and maintain their health and this franchise is set to see tremendous growth because of this. THE DRIPBaR cares about your health and well-being and wants to see people achieve their optimum health. We want to see you be your best self with the help of our healthy lifestyle alternatives. We are here for our guests and local residents and we want to see them be as healthy as they can be. https://thedripbar.com/ own-a-dripbar/a-dripbar

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PROFILE: Douglas Green | Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning

How Franchising Can Help Military Veterans Achieve Their Goals New Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning Franchisee Douglas Green Shares His Experiences In 1995, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent eight years serving our country.

During that period of service, I was deployed multiple times around the world.

I spent 18 months in Japan, 12 months in Thailand, and was engaged in multiple tours of duty throughout the Middle East.

I served in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

During that time, I learned a lot of valuable things, skills that would help me serve not only as a better Marine but also as a competent business owner when I returned to the United States. These leadership and organizational abilities would become especially important after I experienced numerous injuries.

I received multiple spine injuries, knee injuries, and even had to have one of my shoulders completely reconstructed. My experiences also left me suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

An Unwavering, Entrepreneurial Spirit However, these issues didn’t stop me from pursuing my future. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and these injuries were another obstacle I would seek to surmount. So, after coming home, I opened two businesses and ran them for 11 years.

I’m proud I was able to do that, but I also had to face the fact that, due to my injuries, there were limitations to the physical work I could do.

But, like I said, I learned a lot during my time as a Marine, and chief on that list was the value of persistence. Never once did I feel like I couldn’t be a successful business owner, and that’s a truth I hope other disabled military veterans will embrace.

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So, while I could no longer run my other businesses, I wasn’t going to give up on my entrepreneurial dreams. I began to search hard for opportunities where I could be a business owner and a job creator within my community. That’s where Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning comes in; they are an eco-friendly, fast-drying franchise concept with a history of helping military veterans become business owners.

Though I am a 100% disabled veteran, Oxi Fresh’s model provided me with a roadmap to pursue growth and allowed me to run my business despite not being able to physically go out and do the work. I hope that my becoming a franchisee with this brand serves as an example to other disabled veterans that they too can pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams, and I believe that franchising is a great means by which to do just that.

The Benefits of Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning Having a franchisor like Oxi Fresh has been a great help opening my business amid the pandemic. They have been there to assist me along every step of the way. On top of that, Oxi Fresh has systems and processes in place that are designed to help me grow my business.

The brand provides franchisees with access to a whole suite of new systems, protocols, and technology. Oxi Fresh also assists with things like scheduling jobs and marketing, all of which empowers a franchisee like me to focus on building my business, rather than just running it.

Since my business provides an eco-friendly carpet cleaning service, we have been busy during the pandemic as people look to create a clean environment at home. Demand has really risen during this time, which has been an especially valuable boost for a new business.

A Future with Franchising I’d advise other military veterans to look at achieving their business ownership goals through franchising, especially with Oxi Fresh. Not only does Oxi Fresh offer a discount to military veterans, but the structure of the franchise system pairs perfectly with those who have military experience.

In the military, you are part of an organization that has systems and processes in place to help you achieve your goals, and the same can be said with franchising. The franchisor provides you with a system to help you open, operate, and own your own business.

By becoming a franchisee of Oxi Fresh, I was able to achieve my goal of owning my own business, proving to myself and, I hope, other disabled military veterans that we can be entrepreneurs.

After all, military veterans are some of the most hard-working, skilled, and dedicated individuals out there. Their familiarity with following a plan and structure can really help them excel in a franchise system.

I strongly encourage veterans to utilize the skills they learned in the military to become their own bosses, and I encourage them to pursue franchising as one of the ways they can achieve their business ownership goals.

“Having a franchisor like Oxi Fresh has been a great help opening my business amid the pandemic. They have been there to assist me along every step of the way.”

www.oxifresh.com

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