FRANCHISE NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025
In This Issue:
P1. Welcome to 2025
P1 2024 Highlights
P1. Meeting Reminder
P2. A Culture of Vigilance
P2. Nashville Event Line Up
P3-5. Featured Franchise
P6. GSC Outreach
P6. QuickBooks Online
Welcome to 2025 GSC family!
As the calendar turns and we step into the new year, we find ourselves facing endless possibilities and opportunities. To our esteemed family, welcome to a year filled with potential and purpose.
The past year brought its share of triumphs, challenges, and lessons, each shaping us into stronger, more resilient teams. As we embrace this new chapter, we will continue to carry on the spirit of innovation that defines our industry. Together, we have been able to achieve remarkable milestones, and there is no doubt that this year holds even greater promise.
A new year can be more than just a mark on the calendar; it is a chance to set fresh goals, revisit ideas, and strengthen connections. Let’s all commit to supporting one another, and tackling every challenge with determination and unity.
To help set the tone for success, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on what they hope to achieve— both personally and professionally in the months ahead. Your contributions make a difference, and together we can continue to create a culture where everyone thrives.
Welcome to the new year, Team GSC!
2024 Franchise Highlights
• GSC broke ground into two new states: Washington and Wisconsin
• 5 new Franchises were awarded
• We held grand opening ceremonies in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indianapolis, and Texas.
• The Corporate Franchise Operations team welcomed 9 new employees to enhance overall Franchise Support efforts *Reminder*
Call tomorrow Jan 7th
Generator Supercenter Franchise will be conducting a Teams call on January 7th at 2pm Central time. This will be a 45-minute call with two separate goals in progress. The first 15 minutes will be with Derik Gatzke to discuss the Generac Conference being held in Nashville January 20th – 23rd, 2025.
Topics to Include:
• Franchise Gala
• Conference Overall
• Yearly Franchise Business Meeting
The last 30 minutes will be with Mike Sherman for a discussion, with QnA, about the Revlinq Software to discuss the following:
• What has been accomplished to date.
• General Overview of Software.
• Expectation for Testing phases.
• Timeframes for eventual rollout to the Franchisee Network.
This invitation is being rolled out to all Owners and General Managers. You may invite anyone to attend with you, but we ask that all Questions come from the Owners or General Managers. Thisisnotmandatory,butyouwill receivealotofinformationhelpfulforyouand yourteams.
Join the meeting now https://generatorsupercenter.us13.listmanage.com/track/click?u=eb58d29cc1733 21091a458aa7&id=01451a915b&e=6df0a9e5 9a
Meeting ID: 283 301 153 335
Passcode: 4C7wys
Building a Culture of Vigilance
The Importance of Reporting Safety Hazards: See Something; Say Something
In every workplace, community, and public space, safety hazards pose a risk to individuals and operations. Yet, their impact can be significantly reduced through proactive reporting. Recognizing and addressing safety hazards is crucial for maintaining a secure and productive workplace
Safetyhazardscanshowupinnumerousforms,some examples are: exposed wiring on a job site, unusual noises and smells, or oil spills in a warehouse. When left unreported or unattended to, these hazards can leadtoaccidents,injuries,orevenfatalities.According to the National Safety Council, most workplace accidents stem from hazards that were either ignored or unaddressed in time. We urge you to instill the See Something;SaySomethingmotto in your Franchises. This approach engourages workers to report unsafe conditions or situations they may observe.
Reportinghazardsisnotjustamoralresponsibilitybut often a legal one. Employers, local authorities, and others rely on timely information to identify and mitigate risks. Prompt reporting ensures that action can be taken swiftly, safeguarding individuals and preventing liability. Make sure your employees know who to report a possible risk to in your organization. It isencouragedtoestablishclear,anonymousreporting channels and to emphasize the importance of contributions.
Creating a culture of safety starts with awareness and communication. By taking safety hazards seriously and acknowledging their importance, we protect not only ourselves but everyone around us. Small actions can save lives, proving the power of vigilance and responsibility.
It’s that time again! We are busy in Tomball getting everything ready for the Generac Conference at the end of January and cannot wait to see you all soon! Below is a brief outline of the daily events.
-> Monday January 20th : GSC attendees arriveandcheck-inattheGaylordConvention Center in Nashville
-> Monday January 20th : Busses to the GSC Gala Dinner arrive at the Gaylord at 5pm with a departure time of 5:30pm. GSC Gala runs from 6 to 11pm Busses back to the Gaylord will be leaving periodically after 830pm.
-> Tuesday January 21st - Thursday January 23rd : Generac Convention (classes and meetings) Closing talk by Generac CEO will be held Thursday morning
-> Wednesday the 22nd (evening): Generac team building event more details TBD.
-> Thursday the 23rd : GSC yearly Franchise meeting 1:30-3:30pm at the Gaylord Convention Center
-> Thursday the 23rd : Flights home for most Conference attendees in the late afternoon
Featured Franchise: Generator Supercenter of Broward
The first Featured Franchise interview of 2025 takes us down to Broward, Florida located in the southern most tip of the USA.
GSC of Broward and GSC of Miami Dade are owned and managed by Isack Merenfeld Born in Venezuela to European Jewish immigrants, Isack has lived a journey that spans continents first emigrating to Israel, and then to the United States in 2001. He and his wife are proud parents of three wonderful children, and as they’ve blossomed into successful professionals, they find themselves playfullyencouraging them to settle down andstart their own families (no pressure, of course! – Isack teases)
Isack’s background includes a degree in Architecture from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and a Master's in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. He started in construction and over the years has had the privilege to work as both a developer and a general contractor. Isack witnessed firsthand the construction boom of the early 2000s, followed by the devastating crash of mortgage-backed securitiesin2009.Thatdownturnbroughthimback to square one a place he had been before, but each time and more resilient.
As an immigrant, Isack has learned to adapt, seize new opportunities, and find open doors when others seem to close. Generator Supercenter came into his life at a time at just the right time. He was seeking to begin a new business with a recurring revenue model, something sustainable that would align with his experience in construction. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Please read on to learn more about Isack’s Generator Supercenter story.
Q. How did you initially hear about Generator Supercenter, and when did you know you wanted to be part of the Generator Supercenter family?
In 2017, at the height of hurricane season, Florida was struck by Hurricane Irma. While I was holed up in a hotel in Orlando, having evacuated Miami, I opened my emails to find a message that would change my course. It was an invitation from the legendary Doug Dixon (who somehow managed to track down my email address in mysterious fashion), inviting me to meet and explore an exciting opportunity.
With my background in construction and experience in the franchise world, I quickly saw the potential for a strong fit. We agreed to meet in Miami, and I had the privilege of sitting down with Doug, along with the late Wes MetCalfe God bless his memory. The sheer drive of Mr. Dixon, coupled with Wes’s unmatched charm, clear vision and expertise, made it an easy decision to join Generator Supercenter. The energy and alignment of that meeting sealed the deal.
Q. Which leadership skills do you find most beneficial operating a successful GSC?
I believe that every leader has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and for the areas where we fall short, it’s essential to surround ourselves with people who complement us.
As a manager, I focus on two key principles. First, I place a strong emphasis on building and maintaining the right company culture. In our case, that means fosteringanenvironmentofmutualrespectandopen collaboration a place where everyone feels valued and part of a team. This is crucial in making the companyfeel like a "home awayfrom home" for allof our staff.
Second, I proudly wear the title of SHFO (Shit Hits the Fan Officer), which reflects my “buck stops here” attitude. I believe it’s vital for a company to take full accountability for its actions—especially when things don’t go as planned. Customers need to know that they’re working with a company that stands behind its commitments, no matter the circumstances.
Q. What is one important thing you make sure is done every day to ensure success at GSC of Broward?
Customer service, customer service, and customer service. While it's always a work in progress, it's the cornerstone of our business. Exceptional service buys you the time to correct mistakes when they happen, and more importantly, it helps build a reputation that drives growth. A company known for its commitment to service earns the trust of its customers, creating lasting relationships and paving the way for long-term success.
Q. Please explain some of the biggest obstacles you faced getting your Franchises up and running. How were you able to overcome them?
The South Florida territory presented some of our greatest challenges. Starting with the permitting process, legal hurdles, lack of natural gas, and the diverse customer profiles were just a few of the factors that made the generator business here very different from what we had experienced in Houston. These differences led to a new set of challenges, including project timeframes, crew assembly,
licensing, and insurance costs, among others. It took us a couple of years to fully understand the unique aspects of our territory and develop a system that allowed us to not only navigate these challenges but also turn them into advantages.
Embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities
Q. Generator Supercenter of Broward has been open for nearly 7 years. What “words of wisdom,” tips, or lessons learned can you share to help Franchisees who are still getting started?
Embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities. Whenever we hear that a competitor is frustrated with the difficulties of the Miami-Dade area, we see those verychallenges as opportunities to gain a competitive edge. As the generator business continues to grow, attracting new competitors to the market, leveraging these obstacles becomes one of the few ways to stand out. By mastering the unique challenges of the region, weposition ourselves to not justsurvive,but thrive.
Q. What does GSC of Broward do differently that might be helpful for other franchises to incorporate into their operations?
We meticulously analyze every aspect of the installation process, constantly testing ways to bring more of it in-house. From concrete slab production to propane tank installation, we explore opportunities to streamline and reduce costs. We also partner with local manufacturers to create cost-effective aluminum stands and innovative storage solutions, minimizing our store footprint. Only after thoroughly testing a new task or process do we decide whether to integrate it or not into our operations. (continued)
Q. We truly believe that People are our greatest asset at Generator Supercenter. Can you tell us a bit about your team in South Florida?
We take immense pride in our team and their continuous drive to improve. Whether it's earning new technical certifications, adopting cutting-edge software to streamline processes, or enhancing communicationacrosstheboard,ourstaffisalways pushing for growth. We're especially proud of our minimal staff turnover, and the positive energy that fills the office from the morning when everyone pours their first coffee, to the late afternoon as they leave with high spirits. It’s a testament to the strong, motivated culture we’ve built together.
Q. Your team is widely recognized for embodying the Generator Supercenter Mission Statement, which led to GSC of Broward receiving the esteemed Mission Statement Award for 2023. Can you share some insights into what your team has done to uphold and implement the Mission Statement in 2024?
Each morning, our team enters the building with one clear mission: todeliverexceptionalcustomer
service . This goes beyond simply responding to requests it’s about understanding the root of our customers’ concerns and addressing them with empathy and insight. By embracing these challenges with an open mind, we’re able to find creative solutions, even when options seem limited.
We’re especially proud when customers call to share their feedback, often starting with comments like, "Jessica was great," "Desiree was veryprofessional,"or "Carloreallyknows hisstuff." Thesekindsofresponsesreassureusthat,despite the occasional challenges that come with any project, the positive attitude and professionalism ourteamdemonstratesgiveusthetimeandspace to resolve issues and build lasting trust with our customers.
Q. What is your favorite memory from your times spent with fellow GSC family members?
As a young organization, I have always been able to find that there open lines of communication where I can express my concerns and provide feedback both positive and negative. On the light side, the extremely silly golf games with below average skill and above average expectations makes for a great laughing opportunity.
Generator supercenter community outreach
Every December, the holiday spirit comes alive through our Power Up Christmas Promotion at GSC of Houston. As part of this tradition, we host a heartwarming toy drive where our incredible customers bring the magic of giving to life. When youdonatea new children’s toy, you not only brighten a child’s holiday but also get the chance to pull a stocking from our tree for extra savings on a new generator.
This year, the generosity of our community has been nothing short of amazing. The outpouring of love and kindness grew so much that we were able to support not one but two wonderful charities! On December 20th, Entrusted Houston, a local church ministry dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families, picked up an incredible collection of gifts. But the giving didn’t stop there.
Between December 20th and 31st, the donations kept rolling in, overflowing our hearts and donation bins. With this abundance, we partnered with the MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital downtown. Thanks to our customers, we are able to provide enough toys to bring happiness and entertainment to children undergoing cancer treatment throughout the entire year.
We sincerely hope that every Generator Supercenter that participated in the Power Up Christmas initiative experienced the same uplifting joy and had the opportunity to bring smiles and holiday cheer to children in their communities.
Time to make a ‘quick’ move
Franchisees using QuickBooks Desktop now have the opportunity to seamlessly transition to QuickBooks Online Advanced! This cloudbased solution is designed to meet the growing needs of modern businesses. QuickBooks Advanced Online will empower Franchisees with enhanced flexibility and access to their financial data anytime, anywhere It also offers features such as advanced reporting, automated workflows, and multi-user capabilities.
This version of QuickBooks also integrates with a wide range of apps, helping to simplify your day-to-day operations. With the ability to scale as businesses grow, Franchisees can benefit from real-time collaboration and improved decision-making, making it an ideal upgrade for those looking to modernize their financial management processes.
Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutgetting startedwithQuickBooksAdvanced,please reachouttoHaleyMossat: Hmoss@generatorsupercenter.com
