Franchise Consultant Magazine - November 2022

Letter

Years in the Making

For almost four decades, Benetrends has been making entrepreneurial dreams come true.

Franchising's Love for Veterans

We celebrate veterans in franchising with a look at ownership from both the franchisee and franchisor perspective.

10 Life, Chapter 2: After years in the military and police force, Rodney Fentress started a new chapter with Keyrenter Property Management.

12 Suiting Up: This Air Force retiree puts on a new uniform with Men in Kilts.

14 A Perfect Partnership: Veteran franchise ownership at Midas is a win-win for all.

IFPG Retreat 2022: Growing Together

A look at the biggest and best IFPG Retreat to date.

Q&A: 9Round

Shannon "The Cannon" Hudson, former International Kickboxing Federation Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World shares the benefits of the 9Round franchise.

Season's Pass

For Mosquito Sheriff franchise owner Mikal Abdussalaam, flexibility is everything.

Mission Franchising

Meet veterans Richard Beyer and Nancy Delgadillo, two amazing IFPG consultants who served our country.

FRANCHISE CONSULTANT

Years in the Making

As Benetrends reaches its milestone 40th anniversary, the company celebrates its successes and is enthusiastic about what's ahead.

CEO Rocco Fiorentino and new Vice President of Marketing, Ali Kraus, pose together to illustrate the company's rich history and bright future. We also hear from four franchise owners who — through Benetrends — secured the funding to achieve business ownership.

PLEASE NOTE

The articles featured in this magazine are considered

Every Picture Tells a Story

They say a picture paints a thousand words and I couldn't agree more. While words have staying power, images are indelible. To me, the pictures on this page speak volumes. Each one makes me smile. Everyone shown here was featured in our Retreat issue. By posing with the magazine, their stories come to life. At a glance, I can recount every one. Although I know all of these folks personally, I know their stories

is at the heart of Franchise Consultant Magazine.

designed to help IFPG members get to know each other

you closer to your fellow members and

inspiration.

This issue is full of

pictures and stories. Our special veterans

featuring two amazing vets who started a new

On page 16, you'll find coverage of the recent

If you missed the event, don't worry. The photos will make

there. With every image, you can see IFPG’s story of

friendship come through. Enjoy!

Over the past four decades, countless business owners have realized their entrepreneurial dreams thanks to Benetrends. A leader in franchise and small business financing, Benetrends is acclaimed for its signature Rainmaker Plan that enables borrowers to use their qualified retirement plan to purchase, or re-capitalize a business or franchise — taxdeferred and penalty-free.

Benetrends provides guidance and navigation for a comprehensive suite of small business solutions including SBA loans, securities-backed lines of credit, equipment leasing, commercial insurance, individual and group health care, payroll services, and more.

This has been a milestone year for Benetrends. The company was named the

International Franchise Association’s preferred vendor for ROBS financing and was also ranked No. 1 in the banking and finance category on Entrepreneur magazine's Top Supplier list.

Benetrends created new partnerships this year, too, including a relationship with Hireology, a comprehensive recruiting, hiring, and management platform used for human resources and payroll needs, plus the acquisition of DCV Franchise Group, the franchising industry’s leading resource for SBA financing.

ROBS FUNDING

Benetrends founder and CEO Len Fischer is the original architect of the ROBS funding strategy. Under his guidance and leadership, the company has grown to more than 100 employees who have

helped fund more than 20,000 entrepreneurs. Benetrends enjoys a reputation for being the company that “wrote the book on rollover funding,” and recently that statement has become a literal truth. Fischer recently released his new book, “Make it Rain,” which has quickly become a best-seller.

FRANCHISEE SUCCESS

To illustrate the company’s impact and value proposition of Benetrends, here are four success stories from franchise owners who — through Benetrends — secured the funding necessary to realize business ownership. Each of these franchise owners was initially referred by an IFPG Consultant.

For more information, contact Eric Schechterman at eric@Benetrends.com.

LEFT: Benetrends Chief Development Officer, Eric Schechterman. CENTER: Benetrends Founder, Len Fischer with his wife and Vice Chair of the Board, Cheryl Fischer. BELOW: CEO Rocco Fiorentino and VP of

For almost four decades, Benetrends has been making entrepreneurial dreams come true

40 Years in the Making

IFPG-BENETRENDS SUCCESS STORIES

Eric A. Holmstedt Express Employment Professionals

Gregory Gallman Metal Supermarkets

Like millions of other Americans, Gregory Gallman was downsized when the pandemic arrived. The former top-level executive spent a year trying to find work and was forced to sell his home.

Things looked bleak until he gave franchise ownership a try, eventually settling on the Metal Supermarkets metal supply store franchise. But without income or collateral, a business loan was a long shot. Thankfully, a referral to Benetrends helped Gallman tap into his 401(k) funds. As a new franchise owner, Gallman broke the company's records as the fastest franchisee to top $100,000 in sales. He now plans to expand operations with two additional locations.

Ryan Dent Ellie Mental Health

Ryan Dent was a hard worker who always gave his all, yet time and time again, he was let go from work. The last instance was one too many, and he began researching his entrepreneurial options. A desire to help others in his community led him to Ellie Mental Health, a therapy franchise.

In January 2023, he’ll open the doors for business, but launch day probably wouldn't have happened if Benetrends hadn't helped. “Without Benetrends, a franchise wouldn’t have been possible for me. I know it sounds cliché, but fortune does favor the bold. If you have a retirement fund and still have many years before you want to retire, take a look at Benetrends to accomplish your dreams.”

Jason Dixon ecomaids

Who says you can’t have a second act to your career? Not Eric Holmstedt. He was 60 years old and not looking to start a business from scratch when he turned to franchising and found that the Express Employment Professionals staffing franchise was a fit for his situation and commitment level.

To fund the purchase, Benetrends helped Holmstedt tap into his ample retirement funds with a ROBS 401(k) rollover loan. Approaching his first full year in business, he’s already seen 200% growth and now has a staff of four full-time employees.

“Benetrends ROBS program allowed me to fund the business with no debt and minimal hassle. I think it was a good option, as it can help people get a business launched much faster than going after a smallbusiness loan.”

With assistance from Benetrends, the Dixon and Roman families joined forces to create joint company ownership of an ecomaids cleaning franchise in one of the fastest-growing areas of their home state of North Carolina.

Utilizing the 401(k) rollover funding option, Dixon had help navigating a normally complex process that’s now led to the generational protection of a new business venture. “Benetrends helped us work through all of the nuances of the rollover process, the issuance of common and preferred stock, the initial reporting requirements, and offered a solution for our SBA loan needs. We’ve learned that there’s nothing more powerful in protecting our small business growth than being free from the burden of taxes. You have to do what the rich do — protect your earnings.”

love for FRANCHISING’S

VETERANS

Even though veterans comprise about 7% of the population, they account for 14% of all U.S. franchise owners, according to the International Franchise Association. Veterans excel at franchise ownership, and more than 500 franchise brands offer discounts to recruit them. Those stats are not surprising, given the qualities that veterans bring to the table: leadership, tenacity, drive, and the ability to follow a system, just to name a few. On the following pages, we celebrate veterans in franchising with a look at ownership from both the franchisee and franchisor perspective.

Rodney Fentress KEYRENTER Life, Chapter 2

After years in the military and on a police force, Rodney Fentress started a new chapter with Keyrenter Property Management

Rodney

Fentress, a Keyrenter property management franchisee in Virginia, has given his life a makeover with his second-act career in real estate. Before that, Fentress served as a policeman for 20 years and was in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1989-1995, with a call up to active duty for about a year during Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the Middle East.

“I had been all-in as a police officer in the Norfolk Police Department,” says Fentress, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. But he was burned out, and he describes his personal life as a mess because of a costly divorce, some alcoholism, health challenges and anger issues.

Fentress looked into various career opportunities and decided that investing in real estate was a way to quickly fix his finances. “I jumped in with both feet. I am the type of person who jumps off a cliff and learns to fly when I’m in the air.” Fentress became a real estate agent in 2013, working with two firms before starting his own Rodney Fentress Real Estate brokerage in Chesapeake, Va., four-plus years ago.

As a real estate agent, he picked up some property management experience before investing in his Keyrenter Property Management of Hampton Roads franchise in 2018. “I chose Keyrenter for the people. The founders are great people, and we have a very intentional culture that aligns well with me.” Fentress’s business has four fulltime employees.

Business success for Fentress has intertwined with contentment on the personal front. “I have a lot of freedom because I choose to own a business rather than a job. The purpose of business is to fund the perfect life. Mine is not 100% perfect, but it is pretty close. I lead and facilitate so that my staff can be successful.”

When not working, Fentress

spends time boating, camping and relaxing at the beach with his family: wife, Samantha; three sons, Jacob, Conner and Jordan; and stepdaughter Estella (left). Fentress says he strives for a blend, not a balance, in his work and non-work commitments. “I should be able to be present at my kids' events and still play my role in my businesses. As long as I get to live my life without my businesses getting in the way, it's a win.”

He credits his military background with aiding his business achievements. “I value reliability and dependability, which are crucial in the military. Those traits work well in business.” He advises veterans to “take skills you developed in the military and use them in business. You’ll be surprised at how valuable and rare those skills are in the real world.”

Fentress enjoys mentoring others – sharing his life lessons, encouraging them to shed limiting beliefs and to adopt a can-do attitude. “Business ownership can be a tremendous blessing if done right. Begin with the end in mind. Decide how you want your life to feel and work backward from there. Choose a business that will allow you to live!”

Keyrenter Services

Keyrenter Property Management is a full-service professional property management company offering investors and property owners cost-effective and stress-free management services.

The Keyrenter franchise model allows franchisees to build their own residential property management business using a comprehensive suite of proprietary systems and technology.

Keyrenter franchise owners provide the following services:

• Tenant screening

• Virtual property tours

• In-person property showings

• Tenant move-ins

• Routine inspections and photo documentation

• Lease agreements

• Property maintenance

• Eviction services

• Accounting and monthly statements

• Rent collection

• 24/7 emergency response

• Property advertising

• Customer service and tenant relations

For more information, visit www.keyrenterfranchise.com or www.franchiseconsultnatmagazine, company code 17537.

—Mary Vinnedge

“I value reliability and dependability, which are crucial in the military. Those traits work well in business.”

Patrick Smith MEN IN KILTS

Suiting Up

TOP: Men in Kilts franchise owner Patrick Smith (right) went into business with his son Garrett a decade after retiring from the U.S. Air Force (in uniform above).

OPPOSITE: Smith’s two other children plan to join his operation.

Franchiseowner Patrick Smith is no stranger to wearing a uniform. Before he donned a kilt for his Syracuse-based Men in Kilts business, he spent 25 years in the U.S. Air Force working on rescue helicopters and as part of the Air Force's Fire Department.

After retiring from the military in 2010 and before investing in the home cleanup franchise in September 2022, Smith worked as a special education teacher. But after more than a decade, he was ready for a change. He and his son, Garrett, teamed up on a new adventure as franchise business owners. They looked into several different opportunities and landed on Men in Kilts. “We felt the concept and services were a perfect fit for our area,” Smith says.

The father-and-son team have been operating the business themselves but will add employees as it scales. “I wanted to get a handle on operations

From camouflage to plaid: This Air Force retiree put on a new uniform with Men in Kilts

before hiring more people,” Smith says. They plan to bring on a new technician in March, 2023.

Smith’s wife and three kids (right) love the business and brand. “They have totally bought into the ‘kilt,’” Smith says. “My daughter graduates from business school in a year and plans on starting with us. My oldest son is in the Navy and plans to put on the kilt after he retires in seven years.”

Smith’s time in the service prepared him for business ownership. “In the military, you are

put into situations and tasks that you must complete. There is no saying, ‘I don't want to do that.’ The military pushes you into leadership roles and helps you become an effective leader and manager.”

—Jill Abrahamsen

DON’T LET THE NAME FOOL YOU

Men in Kilts President Rachel Southard (right) proudly wears a kilt to represent the brand. Despite the company's name, Men in Kilts is not just for men. Women make great franchise owners and play a big role in corporate leadership and support.

Southard describes the corporate culture as supportive and friendly. “We have more swag than any other brand. We’re almost always sporting our kilt or some swag in person or on video calls. There's lots of pride in our uniform,” she says. She describes the franchise opportunity as friendly with a flexible business model that provides an ideal work-life balance. “We are a fun group that really embraces a work-hard, play-hard mentality.”

Men in Kilts has many differentiators, including:

• Stand out, unforgettable brand

• Friendly and flexible business model

• Multiple territories available in key markets nationwide

• State-of-the-art technology with national sales center

• Dynamic digital and print marketing

• Comprehensive and results-focused initial and ongoing training programs

• Experienced business and marketing coaches

• Employee recruiting specialist

• Call center so franchisees can focus on the business

• Recruiting specialist on staff

• Great culture and franchisee community

• Strong positioning statement with target personas and messaging

For more information, visit www.meninkiltsfranchising.com or www.franchiseconsultnatmagazine, company code 17766.

A PERFECT

Partnership

Theteam at Midas is always happy to enlist veterans for franchise ownership because they possess all the qualities needed for success.

Midas actively recruits veterans through the International Franchise Association's VetFran initiative and sweetens the deal with a generous military discount: 50% off the $35,000 initial franchise fee.

But the discount isn't the only thing that attracts veterans to Midas. Former service people appreciate the highly structured and team-oriented environment. They also value the proven business model and respected name.

At Midas, veteran franchise ownership is a win-win for all. Not only does the Midas franchise system benefit from finding ideal franchise partners, but so do the veteran franchise owners and their customers.

Veterans excel as Midas franchise owners for a variety of reasons. For example, some of the key skills taught in the military are leadership, management and communication. These traits translate into a lucrative business that delivers exceptional service. Veterans are also known for their pride and dedication related to their work — intangible qualities that make all the difference in the overall prosperity of a business and the respect and longevity of a franchise system.

Veteran franchise ownership at Midas is a win-win for all

IDEAL FRANCHISEE

While previous automotive or veteran experience is always welcome, it is not required for Midas franchise ownership. Here are some key skills that Midas seeks in a franchise partner.

Leadership: Midas looks for franchisee candidates who are leaders and are prepared for managing a team.

Communication: Ideal Midas owners are good communicators and great listeners.

Commitment: Midas owners go all-in and are committed to giving back to the local community.

Passion: Midas franchise owners are passionate about delivering exceptional service.

THE MIDAS OPPORTUNITY

INDUSTRY LEADER: When it comes to automotive service, Midas is an industry leader. Midas franchise owners can leverage a proven business model that’s at the heart of a robust and recession-resistant opportunity.

EXPERIENCE: With more than 60 years in the industry, Midas has decades of automotive repair franchise leadership and innovation. The company is known for its dedication and experience. Midas franchise owners become part of a brand with a proven track record.

BRAND RECOGNITION: Midas is a name people know and trust, making it far easier for franchisees to hit the ground running and attract customers.

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS:

With Midas locations in all 50 states, the company developed a fleet program that can supplement franchise owners' businesses and boost the bottom line.

MARKETING SUPPORT: The Midas marketing team creates some of the best and most memorable marketing materials in the industry for both local and national campaigns.

For more information, visit www.midasfranchise.com/ or www.franchiseconsultnatmagazine, company code 17710.

We laughed, we learned and we had a blast. Most importantly, we connected. The IFPG Retreat 2022 was our biggest and best ever with more than 650 members in attendance. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you, members!

TOGETHER Retreat 2022

TIME TO CELEBRATE

There was a lot to celebrate at IFPG Retreat 2022, including IFPG's 10th anniversary and strategic partnership with Princeton Equity Group. We also honored IFPG Consultant Karol Mercurio (right) with a lifetime achievement award. Our #GrowingTogether theme couldn't be more appropriate as IFPG grows and thrives right along with our members.

Retreat 2022

CONNECTING, LEARNING AND...INFUSING!

Connecting and educating is what IFPG is all about. From speed networking to expert panels, IFPG Retreat 2022 had it all. There were tons of opportunities to learn about brands and build longlasting relationships. Some members even brought samples, including wellness franchisor 4EverYoung. The 4EverYoung team administered vitamin infusions (above, left) that not only helped members learn about the brand, but also gave members more stamina to keep pace with all the Retreat activities.

Q& A

9ROUND Shannon Hudson

Shannon "The Cannon" Hudson, founder and CEO of 9Round Franchising LLC, is a former International Kickboxing Federation Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World. He trained under legendary boxing trainer Xavier Biggs, brother of 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Tyrell Biggs. After over 70 bouts in the ring, Hudson could not find a place where the average person would be able to get the exclusive training of some of the best fighters in the world. That is where his vision for 9Round began. He knew that if he took the grueling workouts he did in the ring, and created a non-intimidating, convenient circuit workout format, then the average person could enjoy the benefits of boxing and kickboxing that were once only available to professional athletes.

Shannon and his wife, Heather, opened their first 9Round studio in 2008 in Greenville, S.C. Since then, the brand has grown to more than 600 locations across 41 states and 18 countries, plus many more in various stages of development – all delivering on the promise of making members physically and mentally stronger in 30 minutes. Hudson is fully involved in the day-to-day operations of the business and constantly works to bring the best support to 9Round franchisees and the best workout experience to 9Round members. Here, Hudson shares the benefits of membership and franchise ownership with 9Round.

WHAT MAKES THE 9ROUND WORKOUT APPEALING?

At 9Round, we offer a kickboxing-themed fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regimens. The programs consist of a proprietary system of nine challenging workout stations developed by a professional fighter. A huge plus to our program is that there are no scheduled class times. Members can come in to work out any time during our hours of operation that fits into their busy schedule. Each time a member comes in, he or she is greeted by a trainer and guided through the entire workout, which changes every day.

In 2020, 9Round expanded its offerings to provide on-demand workouts that can be done anytime, anywhere. With new workouts launching every week, members can supplement the time they spend in the studio without needing equipment at home. It’s just one more way 9Round is evolving to help people transform their lives without disrupting their routines.

In 2022, 9Round launched its newest innovation, Daily Workout Screens, which further helps members get a killer workout by demonstrating exactly what to do on each station with proper form. This allows the franchise owner and trainers to run the studio more effectively, as members have a visual aid to refer to while working their way through the exercise circuit.

WHAT SETS 9ROUND APART AS A FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY?

Several factors that distinguish 9Round from other franchise opportunities. First and foremost, 9Round has low overhead; the convenient circuit model requires only 1,500 to 1,800 square feet. There's also a low entry cost, with the average investment ranging from $113,300 to $266,400. A major benefit is the flat monthly royalty rate set at $600.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE IFPG CONSULTANTS TO KNOW ABOUT 9ROUND?

9Round is a very attractive opportunity, especially for first-time entrepreneurs as we have the systems set up to support them through their initial setup and beyond. Our franchise business coaches guide franchisees through every step. It's an amazing opportunity for fitness-minded businesspeople.

WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE?

The ideal candidate for 9Round is someone who has business acumen, is passionate about fitness, has a drive to bring something positive to his or her community and is good at building relationships.

For more information, visit www.9round.com or www.franchiseconsultnatmagazine, company code 17495.

9ROUND OWNERSHIP

SEMI-ABSENTEE

You can become a 9Round owner while maintaining your current job or occupation. This model fosters a close partnership between owner and manager to create a great experience for members and a potential return on investment for both owner and manager.

OWNER-OPERATOR

In this model, you own and operate your own 9Round studio. This model is designed for a passionate entrepreneur who is ready to wake up and do what they love — make people stronger and crush business goals along the way.

9Round also offers initial training and onboarding support as well as dedicated ongoing support, with daily workouts and fitness challenges, marketing, technology, regional training sessions and more.

For Mosquito Sheriff franchise owner

Mikal Abdussalaam, flexibility is everything

Season’s Pass

After

20 years of working for a telecommunications company, Mikal Abdussalaam decided it was time to be his own boss and create generational wealth for his family. He chose franchise ownership with Mosquito Sheriff because it offered a business that was easy to start, recession-resistant, and offered thorough support and training.

Abdussalaam likes that the business is seasonal with the flexibility to add additional services if and when he wishes.

Since he started Mosquito Sheriff of Northeast Washington, D.C., in April, 2022, he

has been running it as an owner-operator with no employees. He plans to scale the operation in time, but for now he is focused on building a customer base. To do that, he participates in community events and activities to promote the business and build awareness about his services (above).

On a typical day, Abdussalaam organizes his route, communicates with customers and spends time investigating customer properties for potential mosquito breeding areas.

ON HIS OWN TERMS

Abdussalaam enjoys fully controlling his schedule and having more time to be with family and friends. He says his experience from start to finish has been great. “The training process was simple with easy to understand information and hands-on experience,” he says. “From the friendly environment to the call and support centers, Mosquito Sheriff has proven to be a great business. Brian, Patrice and Marcus from the corporate team have made my experience awesome.”

—Jill Abrahamsen

For more information, visit www mosquitosherifffranchising.com or www.franchiseconsultantmagazine.com, company code 17823.

WHY MOSQUITO SHERIFF?

SEASONAL APPEAL

With Mosquito Sheriff, franchise owners can build a business on their own terms. They can run their locations with little to no employees or go big with several trucks and a large team.

Because pest removal is a seasonal business, there's opportunity for downtime. However, franchise owners can add on services to generate more revenue. For example, there's both residential and commercial holiday lighting services.

Franchise owners can also choose to offer pest removal services at special events such as weddings and community fairs. The possibilities are unlimited.

Seasonal business with add-on services

Great work-life balance

Call center to answer phones, sign clients, and take payments

Annual digital marketing

Truck routing system

Unlimited growth potential

Feel-good business with in-demand service

Proprietary, non-toxic products

training and support

Home-based business

and residential clients

Mission Franchising

Meetveterans Richard Beyer and Nancy Delgadillo, two amazing IFPG Consultants who served our country. They are no longer in uniform but leverage their military experience to guide candidates. Here, they share their perspectives on veterans and franchising.

Richard Beyer

U.S. Army veteran Richard Beyer knows firsthand what it takes to reinvent yourself. It's something he has done many times himself and now helps others do as a franchise consultant.

After a distinguished career in the military, he held several leadership roles in corporate America until he began his franchising career in 2017. He started as a franchise consultant and also became a franchise owner with The Brothers that just do Gutters, a home-services franchisor.

Beyer says his time in the military helped him be an effective franchise consultant and franchise owner. “I learned patience in the military, which is a key virtue to the franchise discovery process. As a consultant, it helps to know that not every candidate is the same or has the same goals or time lines. It also helps you tailor exceptions for each candidate,” he says.

Beyer believes the demands of the military make veterans ideal candidates for business ownership. “Veterans have the courage and experience to take on the challenge of business ownership with high expectations of themselves,” he says.

Nancy Delgadillo

Nancy Delgadillo joined the U.S. Army as a senior in high school immediately after the 9/11 attacks. She was deployed to Kuwait for training until the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. She spent the remainder of her service in Germany.

Delgadillo's military experience helps her relate to candidates. “In the service, I was able to work with many people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Being in an environment where you’re expected to look out for and help each other makes it easy to find common ground with everyone you connect with.”

She believes that veterans excel at franchise ownership because they are mission-driven. “I know firsthand that veterans always get it done! Veterans have been trained to adopt systems and processes, then execute on them under constant pressure, and during critical times,” she says. “We’ve proven that we can show up for our country in the battlefield, so it’s only right to do the same for ourselves and our families when we exit the military and start building a future.”

SERVING OUR HEROES, SO THEY CAN SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY

The PuroClean system is full of military veterans who bring their heart of service and strength in team leadership to build a successful business they’re proud of.

Find out what else makes our system rank as the #1 restoration opportunity for veterans!

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