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Co-Founder & CEO
Sabai Thai Spa
Franchising the Feeling
earReaders,
Foryears,thefranchisingworldhaschasedscalabilityandsystems.Itwasagameof numbers,ofreplicatingaprocessflawlesslyfromonecitytothenext.Butaquietand powerfulshifthastakenplace.Thenewfrontierisn’taboutfranchisingaprocess anymore;it’saboutfranchisinga feeling Today’smostsuccessfulleadershaverealizedthatconsumers aren’tjustbuyingaservice;theyarebuyingintoanethosofwell-being,trust,andconnection.This evolutionisthedrivingforcebehindourmostanticipatedissueoftheyear,“The10MostInfluential Wellness&FranchiseLeadersof2025.”
Thereisnobetterexampleofthisprincipleinactionthanourcovervisionary,NutthaGoutier,the Co-founderandCEOofSabaiThaiSpa WhatNutthahasdoneisfranchiseafeelingofsanctuary ShehasbottledtheessenceofThaihealing—itsauthenticity,itswarmth,itspowertorejuvenate—and createdasystemtoshareitwithoutlosingitssoul.ACertifiedFranchiseExecutive,sheunderstandsthe mechanicsofgrowth,buthergeniusliesinensuringthateverylocation,newandold,deliversonthe corepromiseof“Sabai”:astateofdeepcomfortandpeace.Sheisn’tjustbuildingspas;sheisbuilding accessiblehavensforpersonalrenewal,makingherthedefinitiveleaderforourcover.
Thispowerfulideaoffranchisingacorehumanvalueisathreadthatconnectsallourhonorees.Wesee itintheworkoftheotherexemplaryleadersonourlist.WecelebrateTomRichterofJAN-PROof Utah,whofranchisespeaceofmindthroughreliableservice;JustinLorenczofHomeJoy,who franchisesdignityandcompassionatecareforourlovedones;andPaulAllenofWoofGangBakery &Grooming,whofranchisesthepurejoythatdefinesthebondwesharewithourpets.
Theleadersinthisissuehavecrackedthecode.Theyprovethatthemostdurablebrandequityandthe mostpassionatefranchiseesarebuiltonafoundationofgenuinecare.Theirworkisamasterclassin modernleadership.Studythem,learnfromthem.Thefuturetheyarebuildingisoneweshouldallbe inspiredby
PaNKAJ GHOLAP Managing Editor
PUBLISHER VIKRAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mirror Review Media & Tech
NUTTHA GOUTIER
Nuttha Goutier
The Quiet revolutionary of the Wellness Industry
Honor where you have been, stay grounded in what you are doing now, and keep your heart open to what lies ahead.
Co-Founder & CEO
Sabai Thai Spa
the world of wellness, Nuttha Goutier is building a franchise, Sabai Thai Spa, on principles learned not in a boardroom, but in the quiet, demanding partnership of a family farm in northern Thailand. Her business is a testament to grit, cultural respect, and the profound power of feeling cared for
Longbeforethecuratedcalmofherspas,beforethe gentlescentoflemongrassandthesoftglowof candles, understoodtherhythmof NutthaGoutier purposefulwork.Shegrewupinasmallvillagein northernThailand,wherelifewastiedtothelandand theseasons.Duringharvesttime,sheandherfather wouldventureintothefieldstoruntheirseasonal tapiocabusiness.Theworkwasdemanding.Eachday, theycarriedtwotonsofrootvegetablesfromthe earth—justthetwoofthem,asturdybamboobasket, andasilent,synchronizedunderstandingthatdevelops betweenpeoplewhoshareadifficulttask.
Herfatherdidnottreatherlikeachild;hetreatedher likeapartner.Theydecidedtogether,sharedthe physicalburden,andwhentheday wasdone,hesplit theprofitswithher.Inthoselong,sun-drencheddays, shelearnedthe valueofgrit,theimportanceoftrust, andthepowerofasharedpurpose.Thesewerenot abstractlessons;theyweretruthsearnedthroughsweat andeffortthatbecamethefoundationalpillarsofthe mindsetthatwouldleadhertoanewcountryand inspirehertocreateanempire.
Eventhen,theworldofbeautyandwellnessattracted her.SheopenedsmallsalonsinThailand,always appreciatinghowthesesmallspacesofferedbusy peopleamomentofrespitefromtheoutsideworld, givingthemafeelingofbeingseenandcaredfor WhenshearrivedinCanada,herjourneytookher throughawiderangeofexperiences—fromworkingon aranchtocontributingineleganthotelspas.Each chapterbroughtvaluablelessons,butsheoftensensed thatsomethingwasmissing.Whiletheenvironments wereprofessionalandpolished,shefoundherself longingforadeepersenseofconnectionandmeaning. Theseearlyroleshelpedherclarifythekindof wellnessspaceshetrulywantedtobuild—one groundedinwarmth,culturalrespect,andasincere commitmenttocare.Thatvision,bornfrompersonal reflectionandalongingfordeeperalignment,became SabaiThaiSpa.
ASanctuaryBuiltonaSimpleIdea
SabaiThaiSpabeganin withasingle 2005 locationandamissionthatwas,atthetime,quietly revolutionary.Ms.Goutierbelievedself-care shouldbeanaccessiblepartofabalancedlifestyle, notaluxuryreservedforspecialoccasions.This corebeliefshapedeverydecision.Shedidnot designthespatobeintimidatingorexclusive; insteadchoosingtofocusoncreatingasanctuary. Aplacewherepeoplecouldcometodiscoverthe ritualandwarmthofThaiinspiredwellness.
Fromthebeginning,theexperiencewascentered aroundthefivesenses.ThisbecameSabaiThai Spa skeydifferentiator.Everydetailwas ’ considered:thecalming,ambientmusic;the signaturearomasofThaiherbsandessentialoils thatgreetyouatthedoor;thewarm, complimentaryherbalteas;theserene,uncluttered surroundings.Thegoalwastocreateamultisensoryimmersionthatengagedsight,sound, smell,taste,andtouch.
Thecuratedmenuofservicesdrewdirectlyfrom herheritage,offeringtraditionalThaimassage, aromatherapy,naturalfacials,bodytherapies,and reflexology.Butwhattrulysetthespaapartwas notjust theydid,but theymadepeople what how feel.“Weprioritizetheemotionaltoneofthe entireexperience,”Ms.Goutierexplains. “Ourguestsreturnbecausetheyfeelcalm,seen, andrenewed.It’snotjustatreatment,it’sa wholemindandbodyreset.”
Thisapproachresonateddeeply Asthespagained traction,clientsreturnedagainandagain. Word-of-mouthbecametheirmostpowerful marketingtool.Theconsistentdemandwasnot justforthehigh-qualitymassages,butforthe peaceful,groundingatmosphereshehadso intentionallycultivated.Itwasthenthatsheknew shehadcreatedsomethingscalable,somethingthat couldexistbeyondthewallsofherfirstlocation.
TheChallengeofBuildingaReplicableSoul
ThedecisiontogrowpresentedMs.Goutierwith hermostsignificantleadershipchallenge.Turning hersuccessful,deeplypersonalspaintoa franchise-readybusinesswasaformidabletask.
You can’t change the past, but you can do good in the present— and by doing so, you shape your future.
“Runningasinglelocationisverydifferentfrom buildingasystemthatotherscanreplicatewith consistencyandconfidence,”shereflects.Thesuccess ofthefirstspareliedheavilyonherpersonalpresence, herintuitiveunderstandingoftheguestexperience,and herhands-onmanagement.Tofranchise,shehadto translatethatinstinctintoastructured,repeatable process.
Thisrequiredafundamentalshiftinherthinking.She hadtodeconstructeveryelementofher business—whatworkedandwhatdidn’t—andrebuild itasaclear,teachablesystemthatcouldguideanew ownerfromtheveryfirstday.Itmeantcreating comprehensivetrainingmanuals,refiningoperational procedures,anddesigningsupportstructuresthatcould delivernotjustconsistentperformance,butalsothe intangiblefeelingof“soul”thatmadeherspaunique.
“Itwasn’teasybutIleanedonthe mindset—stayfocused,bepatient,andtrustthe process,”sheadmits.Thelessonsfromthetapioca harvestreturnedtoher: the value of a clear, shared purpose and the discipline required to see a difficult task through.Sheunderstoodthatclarityand consistencyarethebackboneofanysuccessful franchise.Thatmindsetallowedhertotransform herhands-onbusinessmethodicallyintoascalable brand,readyforexpansion.
ATurnkeyModelwithaHumanTouch
Today,the Sabai Thai Spa franchisemodelisthe resultofthatdisciplinedwork.Theturnkeysystem providesfranchiseeswithcomprehensivesupport fromthemomenttheyjointhenetwork.Thevalue propositionisbuiltonthisuniquecombinationof structureandsoulwherefranchiseesreceiveclear, logicalsystemsforeveryaspectofthebusiness fromoperationsandmarketingtotraining,and thesignaturecustomerexperience,alldesigned tomakeiteasierforthemtostartstrongandgrow withconfidence.
Thesupportbeginswithcomprehensivetraining thatcoverseverythinganewownerneedstoknow toopenandoperatetheirspasuccessfully.Butit doesnotendafterthelaunch.Ms.Goutierhasbuilt acollaborativenetworkdesignedtofostermutual supportandcontinuousimprovement.Sheholds regularmeetings,providesongoingbusiness coaching,andmaintainsopenchannelsof communicationtoensureeveryonefeelsaligned andsupported.Thesetouchpointsallowthe networktosharebestpracticesandaddressany challengeslongbeforetheybecomesignificant roadblocks.
“Whatreallybringsthenetworktogetherisa sharedmindsetthatvaluesclarity,consistency, andcommunity,”shesays.“Ourfranchisees knowthey’repartofsomethingbigger,andthat we’reallworkingtowardthesamegoal.To createmeaningfulwellnessspacesinevery communityweserve.”Thissenseofshared purposemakesthenetworkresilientandpoisedfor growth.ItalsogivesSabaiThaiSpaadistinct advantageinamarketincreasinglyhungryfor culturallyrich,emotionallygroundingwellness experiencesthatgobeyondfleetingtrends.
TheLeader’sDiscipline
Astheleaderofagrowingfranchise,Ms.Goutier srole ’ nowinvolvesadelicatebalancebetweenhigh-level strategicvisionandstayingconnectedtothereal-world needsofherfranchisees.Tomanagethesedemands, shereliesonadisciplineddailyroutinethatbeginswith centeringherself.Eachdaystartswithaphysical activitythatgroundsherfromahikeinnaturetoayoga session,aswim,oraworkout. “Those moments help me reset and start the day with clarity and intention,” she explains.
Muchofhertimeisnowdedicatedtovision-building: exploringnewmarkets,refiningthebrand spositioning, ’ andensuringthebusinessmodelremainsagileand alignedwithlong-termgoals.Shestaysconnectedto thefranchiseexperiencebylisteningcloselyto feedback,remainingcuriousaboutwhatisworkingon theground,andmakingspaceforinnovationsthat reflecttherealneedsofherpartnersandtheirclients.
Shemeasuressuccessintwoways.Therearethe operationalperformancemetrics:spautilizationrates, clientretention,andrevenuegrowth.Theseindicators trackthehealthofthebusiness,andwithmany thrivingcorporatelocations,shehasseenfirsthand whatafullybookedcalendarandaloyalclientbase looklikewhentherightsystemsareinplace.Butshe alsopayscloseattentiontoadeepermetric:the long-termimpactthebrandishavingonthewaypeople viewself-care.
“What excites me most is the growing shift in lifestyle,” shesays,“seeingmassageandwellness becomeanormalized,accessiblepartofdailylife, notjustanoccasionalindulgence.Whenpeople prioritizetheirwell-being,itchangeshowtheyshow upintheirwork,relationships,andcommunities.”
AFutureShapedbythePresent
Thoughstillintheearlystagesofitsfranchising journey,SabaiThaiSpahasalreadyachieved significantmilestones.Theevolutionfromasingle locationintoaproven,scalablesystemwithbrand consistencyandstrongguestloyaltyacrossmultiple corporatelocationsisanachievementMs.Goutieris deeplyproudof.Theteamhasdevelopedandrefined everyaspectofthefranchisemodel,creatingalasting foundationforthevisionahead.
Thatvisionisambitious.Professionally,theprimaryfocusis onexpansion.InCanada,havingbuiltastrongandscalable foundation,thegoalistoreach100locationsnationwide IntheUnitedStates,thecompanyispreparingfora thoughtfulandstrategiclaunchwithinthenextyear,building therightpartnershipsandsystemstoensurelong-term success.
Onapersonallevel,Ms.Goutier smissionofempowerment ’ isalsoexpanding.Asinterestinherstoryhasgrown,shehas beenpolishingherpublicspeakingandstorytellingskillsby writingabookaboutherjourney;tracingherpathfroma smallvillageinThailandtobuildingawellnessbrandwith globalpotential.
Herinspirationforthisrelentlessdrivecomesfromsimple, groundingexperiences.Spendingtimeoutdoorswithher familyandfriendsiswhatkeepsherreconnectedand inspired.Thesemomentsofpresenceandconnectionto natureandlovedonesrechargeher
Onebeliefservesasherguidingprinciple,asimplemindset thathascarriedherthrougheverychapterofherjourney “Youcan’tchangethepast,butyoucandogoodinthe present—andbydoingso,youshapeyourfuture,”she says.
“I velearnednottodwellonwhatIcan tcontrol. ’ ’ Instead,Ifocusonshowingupfullyeveryday. Idomy best,staytruetomyvalues,andmakedecisionsthatalign withwhereIwanttobeinthefuture.”
Itisaphilosophythatechoestherhythmoftheharvestfrom herchildhood:afocusonthetaskathand,atrustinthe process,andaquietconfidencethatdedicated,purposeful worktodaywillyieldafruitfulfuture.Foranyonebuilding somethingmeaningful,hermessageissimple: Honor where you have been, stay grounded in what you are doing now, and keep your heart open to what lies ahead.
JUSTIN LORENCZ
CEO HomeJoy
Instigating Transformations in the Homecare Industry
Thehomecareindustryisrapidlygrowing duetofavorablefactorssuchastheaging population,theneedforpersonalmedical carecosts,andmanymore.Owingtothelatesttrends andindustrialscenario,theindustryispredictedto flourishintheupcomingyears.
Cateringtothegrowingdemandsofthehomecare industry,HomeJoyhasbeenprovidingin-homecare needsandservicesinthecomfortofindividual’s homes.Aidingcaringanddependableservices,the companyharborsfriendlyandprofessional relationshipswiththeclientswhiletakingcareof theirneedswithsupportivecareservices.
JustinLorencz(CEOatHomeJoy)hasbeenspearheadingthe companywithhisexcellentleadershipskills.Justinhasbeen incrediblyinvolvedintheday-to-dayoperationsandisleading HomeJoyintoapositive,healthyfuture.
MirrorReview’steamrecentlyhadtheopportunitytointerview Justin,whereheistalkingaboutthecompany’sgrowth,factors distinguishingitfromthecompetitors,aswellasthechallenges andopportunitiesinthehomecarefranchiseindustry.Hereare someofthesnippetsfromtheintriguingconversation.
WhenwasHomeJoyestablished?Whataretheprimary servicesprovidedbyyourcompany?
HomeJoywasestablishedin2005byDanielStory Wecan offeraidintheeventyouareunabletostayathomedueto illnessorinjury.OurHomeCareAides,HCAs,workclosely withclientstoprovidetheIn-HomeCareyouneed. Ourservicesareavailableatyourconvenience.Wewillserve andprovideyouwithnecessaryservicessuchaspersonalcare andhomemakingwhileyoustayinthecomfortofyourhome.
HowdidyoustartyourjourneywithHomeJoy?Canyou briefusaboutyourrolesandresponsibilitiesinthe company?
Tenyearsago,IstartedasaninternwithHomeJoydoing part-timereconcilingfunctionswhilepursuinggraduationat FerrisStateUniversity.Iwasofferedthepostofschedulerand workedforacoupleofyearsbeforebeingpromotedtoa managerialrole.Simultaneously,IalsopursuedmyMastersin BusinessAdministrationandFinanceandwasofferedtherole ofCFO.Afterwedecidedtofranchisein2019,Iwasoffered ownershipofthefranchisorcompanyaswebegantocreateour newsystemtohelpotherentrepreneursstarttheirown HomeJoyfranchise.AstheCEO,Iamactivelyinvolvedinthe day-to-dayoperationshelpingpushHomeJoyintoapositive healthyfuture.
Whatisthenicheofferedbyyourcompanythatmakesit standoutfromitscompetitors?
HomeJoy’sCoreValuesandRN-basedmodelcontinueto transcendusandmakeusstandoutfromourcompetitors. Manyotherin-homecareagenciesareownedandoperatedby peoplewithbusinessbackgroundsorsocialworkerswhodo nothavetheskillsorknowledgeunlikeourfounder,Daniel Story.Asaregisterednursefor20years,Danielbringsgreat valuetoourclientseveryday,fromtrainingourHCAsto communicatingwithclientsandimplementingasuitablecare plan,goals,anddesiressotheymayremainathome.
‘‘
The franchise industry is vast and continually growing. It is important to be passionate and confident with the brands and services you are trying to sell, not for exclusivity but to instil a sense of loyalty.
ConsideringtheaftermathoftheCOVID-19 pandemic,whatweretheimpactsexperiencedby yourcompany?
COVID-19presentedmanychallenges.Thehardestpart wastheconstantchangeweexperiencedandthe uncertainexpectationsasbusinessesandbusiness owners.TheStateofMichiganreleasednewguidelines everyotherdaythataffectedussignificantly Wecreated andimplementedmultiplepoliciesandproceduresfor ourfranchiseestoprotectbothourclientsand employeesduringthecrisistopushusforwardasa brandthatvaluesthehealthandsafetyofthosearound us.Anotherchallengingaspectwasremoteworking. About95%ofouraidesworkinsidethehousepremises ofagingresidents,providingone-on-onecare.
Whatarethemajortransformationsthatyouare anticipatinginthehomecareindustrywithrespectto thecurrentscenario?
Theprivatein-homecareindustryhaswitnessedalotof growthbecauseofCOVID-19.Familieswanttheir lovedonestostayathomeinsteadofmovinginto facilities.Itisdifficultandstressfultoshiftfromplaces whereyouhavecreatedmemoriesandlivedyourentire life.WithadiseaseasinfectiousasCOVID-19, itbecomesfurtherdifficulttoleavehome.Thistrend willpersistbutourindustryofferssolutionsforthe elderlytostayandageintheirhomes.
Theissueofminimumwagealsocausesmajor challengesintheindustryasmostofour clientspayprivatelyforourservices. Weprovideservicesonanindustryaverageof $26anhour,whichistentativedependingon theamountofcareoneneedswhilstathome. Ibelieveourindustryrunsslimmermargins forbetteraffordability.Butwithanincreasein wagesandhourlyrates,ourserviceswillbe affordableonlyforpeoplewithstablefinancial backgrounds.
Howdoyouenvisionthecompany’sgrowth intheupcomingyears?
Whileprovidingauniqueopportunitytohelp othersstayathomeswithcompanionship, technologybindsfamiliesclosertotheirloved oneswithoutbeingphysicallypresent. Itisimportantthatourindustrylearnsand growswiththistechnology. Findingahealthy balancebetweenwhattechnologycandofor familiesandwhatiseconomicallyefficientfor ourfranchiseesandclientsisabigfocusforus andourindustry
HomeJoyhasalwaysfocusedonitsprimarycore value—Caring.Theaveragedistancebetweenfamilymembers is280milesandgrowingandthesupportbasewillshrinkfrom 7:1to3:1by2050.Ascaregivers,itisourjobtoattendto familiesamidstthegapwhileensuringthesafetyandcomfortof theirlovedones.
Ibelieveourcontinuedgrowthandexpansioncomesdirectly fromourowners’satisfaction.Weareconstantlylookingfor waystoimproveoursystemandprovidemoreopportunitiesto ourfranchiseesforbetterqualityservicesandgrowthofcurrent earnings.HomeJoy’staglineis Dedicated. Passionate. Homecare. Ifwestaytruetothesewords,ourfutureislimitless!
WhyBecomeaHomeJoy’sFranchise?
● 18yearsofexperienceandhealthyrecognitioninthe market
● Operatinganindividualin-homecarebusiness
● Continuoustrainingandeducation—humanresources, marketing,finance,andmore
● DedicatedSupportTeamaroundtheclock
● IntensiveTrainingwithweeklycommunicationand leadershipcoaching
Best Language Learning Apps
Bonjour,Hola,Konichiwa,andhello!Imaginethis:you’ve justlandedinanewcountry.Insteadoffumblingwitha phrasebook,youwalkuptoacaféandconfidentlyorder yourcoffeeinthelocaltongue.
Thatfeelingofconnection,oftrulybeingthere?It’s absolutelyelectric!
WhatifItoldyouthatthisincredibleexperiencedoesn’t havetocostyouasinglepenny?Youheardthatright!
Inourhyper-connectedworld,speakinganotherlanguageis morethanjustacoolpartytrick;it’sasuperpower.It unlocksnewfriendships,amazingtraveladventures,and careeropportunitiesyouneverevendreamedof.
Butwhereonearthdoyoustart?Righthere,rightnow. We’reabouttodiveintotheabsolutebestlanguage learningappsthattransformyourphoneintoapersonal, pocket-sizedlanguagetutor—allforFREE.Let’sgetyou talking!
Firstly,Let’sSeetheBenefitsofMultilingualMastery WithTheseBestLanguageLearningApps
So,areyoureadytoturnthatsmartphoneofyoursintoa language-learningpowerhouse?Beforewejumpintothe appsthemselves,let’stalkabouttheamazingperksthat comewiththejourney.It’smorethanjustwords;it’sa wholenewwayofexperiencingtheworld!
You’lllearnalltheessentialphrasestonavigatenew destinationslikealocal,notatourist.Howcoolisthat?
It’safantasticworkoutforyourbrain!Learninganew languagesharpensyourfocus,boostsyourproblem-solving skills,andkeepsyourmemoryrazor-sharp.
Yougettomastervocabularyandbasicgrammar,whichis yourtickettoconnectingwithnewpeopleandbreaking downthosefrustratinglanguagebarriers.
Andifyou’reafanofhardfacts,checktheseout.They provejusthowvitaltheseappshavebecome!
●UnlocktheWorld:
Awhopping83%oftravelersfeelworldsmoreconfident whentheyhavesomebasiclanguageskillsundertheirbelt.
●BoostyourBrainPower:
Believeitornot,beingmultilingualcandelaytheonsetof Dementiabyanaverageof4years.That’sincredible!
●SpeakwithConfidence:
Didyouknowthat60%ofpeoplearemorelikelytodo businesswithsomeonewhocanspeaktheirlanguage?It’sa game-changer.
Everyonelearnsdifferently,right?Someofuslovea structured,classroom-likefeel,whileothersneedgames andinteractiontostaymotivated.That’swhywe’vebroken downourlistofthetop10bestfreelanguagelearningapps basedontheiruniqueteachingstyle.Let’sfindtheperfect fitforyou!
●GamifiedLearning
Whatis‘GamifiedLearning’?Thinkofitaseducationindisguise!It’s anapproachthatcleverlyuseselementsfromvideogames—likepoints, levels,andfunchallenges—tomakelearningfeellesslikeachoreand morelikeplay Theentirepointistogetyousohookedonthefunthat youdon’tevenrealizehowmuchyou’relearning!
1.Duolingo
Everwonderaboutthename‘Duolingo’?It’sactuallyprettyclever!
‘Duo’pointstotheapp’stwomaingoals:helpingyoulearnanew language(duallanguages)anditsfamousmascot,thefriendlygreen owlnamedDuo,whoisalwaystheretocheeryouonandremindyou topractice.It’simpossibletoforgethim!
OneofthemostexcitingpartsofDuolingoisits‘hidden achievements.’Theappdoesn’ttellyouaboutthemupfront;youjust stumbleuponthemasyoulearn!Theyhavequirkynameslike ‘Champion’forfinishingacertainnumberoflessonsor‘BigSpender’ forusingalotofthein-appcurrency.It’safunlittlesurprise!
FunFacts:
Thatfamous‘streak’featureispuregeniusfor buildingaconsistentlearninghabit.
Ithasaspeechrecognitionfeaturethatletsyou practiceyourpronunciationoutloud.
Itwascreatedbyabrilliantcomputerscientist andserialentrepreneur.Talkaboutbrainpower!
2.Memrise
Memriseisallaboutonething:vocabulary, vocabulary,vocabulary!Initsearlydays,it usedabeautifulgardenmetaphortohelpyou visualizeyourprogress.You’d“plant”new wordsasseeds,andby“watering”themwith regularpractice,you’dwatchthemgrowinto flowers.Howamazingisthatformaking learningfeelrewarding?
What’sevenmoreimpressiveisthat oneofitsco-founders,Dr.Ed Cooke,studiedcognitivescience andneuroscience.Hisexpertisein howourmemoryworksisbaked rightintotheapp,influencingitsuse ofsmarttechniqueslikespaced repetitionandmnemonicstohelp yourememberwordsforever.
ItwasawinnerattheLondonMiniSeedcampCompetitionwaybackin July2010.
Youhavethepowertocreateyour ownpersonalizedcourses!
EvenactorAshtonKutcheronce tweetedaboutusingMemriseto learnRussian.Nowthat’sacelebrity endorsement!
3.Drops
Dropsisbuiltonthebrilliantideaof‘micro-learning.’ Thephilosophyissimple:short,dailypractice sessionsarewaymoreeffectivethanlong,infrequent ones.That’swhyeverysinglelessoniscappedatjust 5minutes!Thisclevertrickhelpsyoustaysuper focusedandpreventsyoufromfeelingoverwhelmed.
Plus,itusesauniquevisuallearningstrategywhere everysinglewordispairedwithasimple,clear illustration.Why?Becauseourbrainsprocessimages muchfasterthantext,itmakesitsomucheasierfor youtorememberandrecallnewvocabulary.It’s simple,butitworkswonders!
FunFacts:
Itoffersvocabularylistsforover45languages.Wow!
Itfeatureslisteningcomprehensionchecksandhasa fullvisuallibrary
There’sevenasearchfunctiontolookupwords you’vealreadylearned.
4.Tandem
Getthis—Tandemactuallyhostsvirtuallanguage exchangeparties!Usersfromallovertheglobecan jumponvideocallstogethertopracticetheirtarget languages.It’sanincrediblysocialandfunwayto haverealconversationsandmeetnewpeoplewithout everleavingyourhome.
Italsoletsyousendvoicemessagesbackandforth withyourlanguagepartners.Andthebestpart? Nativespeakerscanlistentoyourmessagesand correctyourpronunciation.Thiscreatessucha wonderfulsenseofcommunityandisafantasticway toimproveyourspeakingskills,makingTandemone ofthebestfreelanguagelearningappsforreal-world practice.
FunFacts:
Itsupportsamind-blowing300+languages,including signlanguages!
ItwasnamedoneofApple’s“BestAppsof2015.” TheappwasdevelopedbyTripodTechnologyGmbH.
5.
Busuu
Thename‘Busuu’hasapowerfulstory.Itcomesfroman endangeredlanguagespokeninCameroon.Whentheapp waslaunched,therewereonlyeightfluentspeakersof Busuuleftintheworld!Thenamewaschosentoreflectthe app’sheartfeltmissiontopromotelanguagelearningand celebrateculturaldiversity.
Inareallysmartmove,Busuupartneredwiththeeducation giantMcGraw-Hilltoofferofficiallanguagecertificates. Thisaddsaseriousacademiccredentialtoyourlearningand givesyousomethingvaluabletoshowforallyourhard work.
6.50Languages
50Languagesprovidesawesomeaudiolessonsrecordedby nativespeakersforeverylanguageontheapp.Thisisahuge benefitbecauseitexposesyoutoauthentic,natural pronunciationrightfromtheverybeginningofyourlearning journey
What’strulyspecialisthatitincludescoursesfor endangeredlanguageslikeFaroeseandCornish.Indoingso, itraisesawarenessfortheselesser-knownlanguagesand helpspreservethembyprovidingpreciousresourcesfor peopletolearnfrom.It’slanguagelearningwitha conscience!
FunFacts:
Youget100freelessonspackedwithbasicvocabulary.
Itcombinesaudioandtextfilesforsuper-effectivelearning.
Youcaneasilytrackyourlearningprogressasyougo.
7.RosettaStone
How’sthisforimpressive?RosettaStonepartneredwith NASAtodevelopaspecializedlanguagetrainingprogram forastronauts!Theprojectwasdesignedtosharpentheir languageskillstoimprovecommunicationduringcritical internationalspacemissions.Talkaboutout-of-this-world!
Asifthatwasn’tenough,formerU.S.PresidentBarack ObamapubliclypraisedRosettaStoneduringhistimein office,highlightingjusthoweffectiveitisforlearninganew language.Anendorsementfromthepresidentdefinitelyputs itintherunningforthebestfreelanguagelearningapps.
FunFacts:
Itspatentedspeechrecognitiontechnology givesyoureal-timefeedbackonyour pronunciation.
It’strustedbyU.S.governmentagenciesand Fortune500companiesforlanguage training.
Themethodisbasedonnaturalimmersion, copyinghowwealllearnedourveryfirst language.
8.LingQ
LingQwasfoundedbythelegendarySteve Kaufmann,apolyglotwhospeaksan unbelievable20languages.Canyou imagine?Stevebuilttheappbasedonhis veryownexperiencesandsuccessful strategiesforlearninglanguages,soyou knowyou’relearningfromatruemaster
OneofthecoolestthingsaboutLingQis thatitallowsuserstoimporttheirown contentandcontributetothepublicgallery. Thisfostersanamazingcommunity-driven librarywhereeverylearnercanshare interestingmaterialsandlearnfromeach other’sdiscoveries.
FunFacts:
Itfullysupportsofflinelearningforon-thegolessons.
Theappdynamicallytracksyourvocabulary progressasyoulearnnewwords.
Itprovidesamassivelibraryofcontentin morethan25languages.
Founder and CEO | Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Paul Allen
A Trendsetter in Pet Care Franchising
Today,leadersaroundtheworldconsider franchisingasaprovenwaytoexpand theirbusinesses.However,beinga franchisebusinessownerisnotaseasyasitwas yearsbefore.Abuddingfranchiseownerhastohave qualitieslikepassion,determination,grit,andhard work.
“Understand that your success means nothing unless your franchisees are successful. A franchisee that fails is 100% on the shoulders of a franchisor. Strong, smart, sound leadership makes for a successful franchise system,”saysPaulAllen (FounderandCEOatWoofGangBakery& Grooming).Thrivingamidtheincreasing competition,Paulhasmadehismarkasoneofthe significantleadersintheU.S.PetCarefranchising industry.
Paul,alongsidehiswifeCara,foundedWoofGang Bakeryin2007withavisiontocreatethetypeofpet retailandgroomingstore—providingpersonalized service—thattheywantedthemselvesandfortheir dogs.Thecompanyprovidesaconvenientsolutionto serveallpetcareneeds—fromtreats,essentialsand accessories,tonutritionandprofessionalpet grooming.Theduoenvisionedabrandthatis“Your neighborhood pet store”andthatconcepthas remainedtheirprioritysincethecompany’s inception.
Today,WoofGangBakery&Groomingisthe leadingspecialtyretailerofpetfood,petsupplies, andprofessionalpetgroominginNorthAmerica. Thecompanyhas150locationsacrosstheU.S.and eachlocationisaone-stop-shopforeverydaypet care,nutrition,andpampering.Asthecompany’s “topdog,”Paulhasplayedaninstrumentalrolein theexponentialgrowthofthecompanyoverthe years.
InanintriguingconversationwithMirrorReview, Paulshedlightuponhowhesuccessfullyledthe companytobecomeoneofthebestinbusiness.Here aresomeofthesnippetsfromtheconversation.
WhatarethefactorsthatdistinguishWoofGangBakery& Groomingfromitscompetitors?
Weknowthatwemuststayrelevantintheever-changingpet industry.Oneexampleofsuchrelevancyinactionisourstrategy toopenfranchiseswithinlocalcommunitiesandestablishing WoofGangBakery&Groominglocationsas“Your neighborhoodpetstore”—atermwetrademarkedasthisconcept isaguidingprinciplethatdistinguishesourbrand.
Ourcustomersandtheirbelovedpetsarethepriorityandour storesareownedandoperatedbymembersoftheircommunities. WoofGangBakery&Groomingfranchiseownersarelocal residents—yourfriendsandneighbors.Theyaretrusted,they providepersonalizedservice,andtheyearntheloyaltyand supportoftheircustomers.
KEY TAKEAWAY
A franchisee that fails is 100% on the shoulders of the franchisor. Strong, smart, sound leadership makes for a successful franchise system.
Customersatisfactionisparamountforasuccessful business.Howwillyoudescribeyourcustomerexperience?
WoofGangBakery&Groomingcustomersare knowledgeablepetownersandwantthebestfortheirpets. Theyunderstandpetwellnessandmakepethealthapriority Ourgroomingclientelegenuinelyappreciatesthepersonal attentionandcaringservicesprovidedbyouramazing professionalgroomers.Ourfranchiseowners,groomers,and retailassociatesareintegralmembersoftheircommunities. Theyshareourcustomer-focusedbusinessapproachandlove dogsasmuchaswedo.Ourgoalistocontinuetogrowwithin thepetsector.
WhatweretheimpactsoftheCOVID-19pandemicon yourbusiness?
ForWoofGangBakery&Grooming,2020wasarecordyear intermsofsales,dogsgroomed,andstoregrowth.The averageper-storerevenuewasupbymorethan23%over 2019.Moreover,in2020,WoofGangBakery&Groominghit anotablebusinessmilestonewithmorethan1milliondogs groomedacrossthesystem.
Howdidyourfranchiseesmanagetotacklethe unprecedentedsituation?
Thispastyear,weturnedthemandatoryadjustmentsinto opportunitiesforimprovement.Asafranchisor,weadapted andrespondedtotheneedsofourfranchiseowners.
Whatfranchiseesneededandwantedlastyear,was differentthanbefore.Thenewday-to-dayhurdlesand immediateneedsneverexistedbefore.Weassistedand supportedourfranchiseesthroughtheseall-new challenges.
Ourfranchiseesareanextraordinarygroup.They managedtopivot,adapt,andleadthepackin implementingnewoperationalproceduresandservice practices.Thisenabledstoresacrossoursystemtostay open,re-open,andservecustomerswithahigh standardofcareandexpertise.
Whatisyourprimaryfocusastheleaderofthe company?Pleasementionsomeremarkablefeats throughoutyourcareer.
Thekeyfocusformeisstayingattunedandresponsive tothemarketdemand.Ialwaysstrivetoevolveand advancetheWoofGangBakery&Groomingmodelto ensureourfranchiseesstayrelevantinthe ever-changingpetcareindustry.Continuingtodevelop andbuildsolidfranchisor/franchiseeplatformsand infrastructureisanongoingpriority.
ItakeprideinhavinglaunchedWoofGangBakery& Groomingwithnooutsidebackerorfinancialinvestor andgrowingthecompanytobecometheeighthlargest petretailerinNorthAmerica.Ourbiggest achievementisreflectedinthesuccessofour franchisees.
Asagrowingfranchise,howdoyoukeepupwith thechangingmarkettrends?
Thedecisiontointroduceprofessionalpetgroomingto ourbusinessmodel10yearsagowasthekeyfactor drivingourexponentialgrowth.Bylisteningand respondingtomarketdemand,werealizedthatthis foundationofservicewouldbeacoreelementin storefrontsuccess.
Weunderstandthatnowisthebesttimeforstorefront franchisestoexpandretailoperations.Werecognize opportunitieswith“momandpop”storesthatare passionateaboutthepetindustryandgreat ambassadorswithintheircommunities.However,due toalackofservices,theyfailtocompetewithonline retailers.Thisallowsustoworkwiththeselocal businesses,enablingthemtothrivewithinthepet industryandbecomeapartofourfranchisesystem.
WhatcanweexpectfromWoofGangBakery& Groominginthenearfuture?
Inthecomingyears,wewillbuildonourgrooming successandhavesightsonopeningstand-aloneWoof GangGroominglocations.Wearelookingatenhanced wellnesscareandveterinaryservicestobetterservethe health,happiness,andwell-beingofpets.Wewill continuetocollaboratewithandgivebacktoourlocal communitiesandlocalpetrescueorganizations.
WhybecomeaWoofGangBakery&Grooming Franchise?
· Fast-growingpetcaremarket
· Aremarkablyhighdemandforproductsand services
· AProvenbusinessmodelforsuccess,support,and infrastructure
· MentorshipandAssistanceeverystepoftheway
· Substantialincentives
· Opportunitytooperateastoreinyourneighborhood
Cleanest Cities in the World
Airpollutionaffectshowwelive,breathe,andfunctioneverysingleday.Whilemany citiesarestillbattlingharmfulemissions,afewhavequietlysetthebarforwhatclean, breathableairshouldlooklike.In2025,citieslikeZürich,Perth,andUppsaladidn’t justperformwellinairquality—theyoutperformedmostoftheworld,consistently recordingsomeofthelowestPM2.5levelsglobally Thisbloghighlightsthecleanest citiesintheworldbasedonairqualitydatafromPSSRemovals’2025CleanAir Report. Itbreaksdownnotjustwheretheairiscleanest,butwhy,throughsmarturban planning,greenmobility,circularwastestrategies,andcitizen-drivenaction.Andwhile rankingsmayshiftovertime,thesecitieshaveprovenonething:cleanerairisn’ta dream—it’saresultofdecisionsmadeeveryday.Here’showtheydidit—andwhat othercitiescanlearnfromthem.
UnderstandingAirQuality:WhatDotheNumbersMean?
AirqualityiscommonlymeasuredusingPM2.5,whichreferstofineparticulatematter smallerthan2.5micrometers.Thesetinyparticlesareinhalableandcanpenetratedeep intothelungs,leadingtohealthissueslikeasthma,heartdisease,andrespiratory infections.Theunitusedismicrogramspercubicmeter(µg/m³)—thelowerthe number,thecleanertheair
BasedonPSSRemovals’2025CleanAirReport,therankingsreflectannualaverage PM2.5concentrationsacrossglobalcities.WhilepollutantslikeNO andOzone(O ) alsoaffectairquality,PM2.5istheprimarybenchmarkforhealthrisk.
It’simportanttonote:airqualityisdynamic,influencedbyseasons,wildfires,traffic, andindustry Thoughdailyfluctuationsoccur,thecitieslistedhereconsistently maintainexceptionallylowPM2.5levelsthroughouttheyear,highlightingtheir successinsustainableurbanplanningandpublichealthefforts.
Herearethe10CleanestCitiesintheWorld
1.Zürich
Zürichusesnearly20%ofitsurbanlandforgreenspaces.Withover70publicparks andgardens,theseareashelpkeeptheaircleanandthecitycool.Onesuchplaceis BelvoirPark,whereyoucanenjoyfreshair,lakeviews,andcolorfulspringblossoms likeJapanesecherrytreesandmagnolias.
Thecityisalsohostingglobaleventsin2025.The 27thEuropeanForumonUrbanForestryfromJune 3to7willexplorehowtreeshelpcitiesstayhealthy InDecember,theInternationalConferenceon UrbanForestryandStatisticswillfocusonusing dataforgreenerplanning.TheSustainabilityWeek Zurich,happeningfromApril7to11,involves universitiesencouragingmeat-freemealsandlocal produceintheircafeterias.
AlltheseeffortsprovewhyZürichcontinuestorank amongthecleanestcitiesintheworld.Itsgreenery isnotjustforbeauty—itplaysadirectrolein climatecontrol,airquality,andpublichappiness.
Zürich’sgreenculturealsoreflectsinsmallthings. Publicbinsforrecyclableandcompostablewaste areeverywhere.Evenchildrenlearnthevalueof sortingwastecorrectlyinschools.Clearly,when planningandpeopleworktogether,sustainability becomessecondnature.
Thisapproachnotonlyimprovesurbanhealthbut alsosetsastandardforothercleanestcitiesinthe worldtofollow.
2.Perth
Perthisworkinghardtoearnitsplaceamongthe cleanestcitiesintheworld,andit’sdoingitwith realactionontheground.
TheCityofPerthhaslaunchedtheUrbanForest Plan,whichismorethanjustplantingtrees.From ApriltoOctober2025,thecitywillplanthundreds ofnewstreettreesundertheInfillStreetTree PlantingProgram.Thisprogramfillsemptyspots, lowersstreettemperatures,andimprovesgreen pathwaysacrossthecity.
Meanwhile,theCityofSouthPerthisbuildinga newurbangreeningstrategy.Itincludesplanting urbanforests,shrubs,vegetation,andunderstory plantstocreatecooler,morelivablespaces.
Atthesametime,thePerthandPeelUrban GreeningStrategy—ledbythestate government—focusesonincreasingtreecanopy acrossgovernment-ownedland.Thisprojectuses consistentdigitaldatatotracktreegrowthand manageurbanforestsmoreeffectively
InFebruary2025,over100expertsandurbanplanners gatheredattheWALGAUrbanForestConferencetoshare ideasandboostgreeningefforts.Laterthatyear,PerthDesign Week2025willalsofeatureurbangreeningasakeytheme.
Inaddition,PerthNRMworkswithover50community groups,schools,andlocalcouncilstorestorebeachesand protectthecoastline.
Becauseoftheseactions—supportedbydata,technology,and communityefforts—Perthisbecomingastrongcontender amongthecleanestcitiesintheworld.Greenstrategiesareno longerjustplans;they’rehappeningnow,streetbystreet.
3.Hobart
Hobartistakingclearstepstobecomeoneofthecleanest citiesintheworld.In2025,itlaunchedacommunitytreeplantingprojecttoincreasewildlifecorridorsandimproveair quality Thecityalsogatheredpublicinputthroughsurveys closedinFebruary2025aspartofitsUrbanTreeStrategy
Currently,HobartishometokeygreenspaceslikeFranklin Square,StDavidsPark,andtheUniversityRoseGardens. Thecityhasplanstodevelopsevennewparksfromempty greenpatchesby2026.Theseeffortsaimtoexpandnatural coolingareasandpromotebiodiversityinurbanzones.
Inthe2025–26budget,Hobartoutlinedstrategiesforclimate resilience,waterconservation,andheritagepreservation. Thesearealignedwithlong-termgoalstosupportcleaner living.Forexample,Hobartaimstoachievezerowasteto landfillby2030andreduceemissionsbyatleast70%by 2030from2020levels.
Toenhancesustainabilityfurther,Hobartencourages communityparticipationthrougheventsliketheFestivalPark clean-upheldonMay10,2025.Thecityalsoinvolves citizensinshapingclimatepolicyviatheClimateReady HobartStrategy.
ByJuly2025,Hobartwillexpandgreenareaswhile introducingsustainabilityprogramsinschoolsandlocal communities.Withthesedata-backedplans,Hobartissteadily movingtowardbecomingoneofthecleanestcitiesinthe world.
Whensmallercitiesleadwithvisionandscience,theresults speakforthemselves.Hobartshowshowcombiningsmart governancewithpublicengagementcreatescleaner,greener futures.
4.Uppsala
Uppsalaissettingthebenchmarkforcircularurban developmentamongthecleanestcitiesintheworld.Itplans toachieveclimatepositivityby2050,supportedbystrong communityinvolvementandinnovativeinfrastructure.
By2033,Uppsala’scircularconstructionsiteinUlleråker expectstorecycleupto6,670tonnesofbuildingmaterials annually.Thiscouldcutemissionsby1,534tonnesof CO eandgenerate€1millioninrevenueseachyear
NewdistrictslikeRosendalandUlleråkeraredesignedfor 80%oftripstobeonfoot,bybike,orbypublictransport. Uppsala’scyclingsharealreadyexceeds25%ofdailytrips. Consequently,itwasnamedSweden’sBestCyclingCity fouryearsinarow(2018–2021).
Moreover,50%ofitspublicbusesrunonbiogasmadefrom localfoodwaste.Uppsalaalsoplanstotransitionitsentire busfleetto100%biogas.
Inrenewableenergy,theCarpeFuturumbiofuelplant,with aheatcapacityof110MW,powers76,000householdsand cuts200,000tonnesofCO yearly.TheFyrskeppet offshorewindprojectwilladd2.8GWofcleanenergyby 2030.
Waste-wise,Uppsalagenerates320,000–350,000tonnesof wasteannually,yetmeets60%ofdistrictheatingneeds fromwaste-to-energy.Itsbiogasplantproduces6.7million Nm³peryear,fuelingpublictransportandtaxis.
Finally,citizen-backedinitiativesliketheUppsalaClimate Protocol,withover40memberorganizations,andthe ClimateMadeEasycampaigncontinuetodriveprogress.
Withitsdata-backedplansandgrassrootsinvolvement, Uppsalastandsstrongamongthecleanestcitiesinthe world,provingthatcirculareconomiescanthriveinurban life.
5.Launceston
Launceston,Tasmania’ssecond-largestcity,isfast becomingoneofthecleanestcitiesintheworldthrough circularplanning,emissionscuts,andpublicinnovation.
Despitewinterpollutionfromwoodheaters—causing PM10levelstospike20–40timesyearly—Launceston reducedrespiratorydeathsby28%andcardiacdeathsby 20%throughitswoodsmokeprogram.
Thecitymanages253parksacross980hectares, ensuringeveryhouseholdiswithin400metersof greenspace.
Urbangreeningincludesgreenroofs,edible gardens,andstormwater-smartlandscaping.The newInvereskcampusfeatures6.5kmofrecycled pipelines,solar-readybuildings,andcommunity compostsystems.
Publictransportisgreenerandcheaper.Fareswere halveduntilJune2025,withsmartcardsreducing studenttripsto$0.80.Thecityistrialingfour electricbusesandintroducingthreehydrogen buses.Cyclingisgainingtractionthrough infrastructureupgradesandsaferon-roadbike lanes.
Launcestonaimstouse100%renewableenergyfor counciloperationsby2025.Nearbyprojectslikethe NorthernMidlandsSolarFarmwillpower70,000 homeswith288MWofcleanenergy Theproposed CellarsHillWindFarmadds350MW,supporting Tasmania’sgoaltobeagreenenergyhub.
Inwaste,kerbsideFOGO,recyclinghubs,and methanecapturesupportazero-landfillvision.The councilalsofunds$2millioninrecoverygrantsand runscommunityeducationcampaigns.
Launcestonwasnamedthe2025nationalTidy Townswinner,provingthatsmartpoliciesand citizenpridecanplaceithighamongthecleanest citiesintheworld.
KeyTakeaways
Cleanairisn’tjustaboutluck—it’saboutlong-term planning,toughdecisions,andpublicparticipation. CitieslikeZürich,Launceston,andUppsaladidn’t makethislistbyaccident.Theyinvestedinurban forests,sustainabletransport,andwastesystems thatdon’tjustmanagepollution—theypreventit.
Whatstandsoutistheblendofdata-drivenpolicies andcommunitybehavior Whetherit’s Switzerland’scircularwasteeconomy,Finland’s cycling-firstinfrastructure,orAustralia’spushfor hydrogentransport,eachcityshowsthatwhen governmentsandcitizensalign,resultsfollow
Butthisisjustthebeginning.
Tom Richter
CEO and Co-Founder
Steering Success within the Cleaning Industry with Ardent Leadership
Theongoingglobalpandemicacceleratedthevitality ofcleanlinessandhygiene—makingitatoppriority. Itfurthermadepeoplerecognizetheimportanceof cleaninganddisinfecting.Thisresultedinanincreasing interestinthecleaningindustryandtheflourishmentofthe franchisecleaningbusiness. Moreover,ascleaningservice providerscontinuedofferingqualityandpremiumcleaning services,therequirementofadaptableleaderswithinthe industryalsoincreased.
In1999,TomRichter(CEOandCo-Founder)alongwithhis wifeCarol(Co-Founder)establishedtheJAN-PROofUtah Theorganizationwasestablishedtocarryforwardthelegacyof JAN-PRO Systems International—providingpremiumcleaning andfranchisingopportunities.Presently,theJAN-PRO SystemsInternationalfranchisesystemhasgrowntoover 8,000CleaningFranchisees,over125RegionalDevelopment Franchisees,andmarketleadershipin41statesthroughout9 countries.JAN-PROSystemsInternationalhasbeenoffering electro-statictechnologyforover10years.Ithasbeenranked asthe#1Fastest-GrowingCommercialCleaningFranchisefor 13years,asrankedinEntrepreneur.UnderTom’sardent leadership,theJAN-PROofUtahwasawardedasthe‘Office of the Year, JAN-PRO International’in2002and2009.
DuringarecentconversationwithMirrorReview,Tombriefed aboutthevariousservicesofferedbytheorganization,his opinionsonleadership,andthefutureaspectsofthe organization.Herearesomesnippetsfromtheinsightful conversation.
Whatarethesolutionsandservicesofferedbyyour organization?
JAN-PROSystemsInternational’smissionistohelppeople realizetheirdreamsofbusinessownershipthroughservice industryfranchising.Moreover,italsohelpstocontinually innovateareliable,best-in-classmentoringandsupport frameworktohelpourfranchiseesgrowandprosper.The organizationalsohelpsmaintainaprofessionalenvironmentof integrity,trust,andmutualrespectwhichnurturesstrong, lasting,andmutualrelationshipswithinournetworkofowners andassociates.
Canyoubriefusaboutyourrolesand responsibilitiesattheorganization?Whatare someofyournotableachievements?
Beingatthehelmoftheorganization,Icaterto severalrolesandresponsibilities.Iamentrustedwith developingthevisionandstrategyofthe organization.Additionally,Iamalsoinvolvedinthe marketingandthepublicpersonaoftheorganization.
Ihavereceivedseveralawardsandearnedvarious recognitionsformycontributiontowardsJAN-PRO SystemsInternational.In2020,Iwasnominatedfor the US Chamber Small Business Council Member and am currently a member. I was also nominated for their 2021” Dream Big Award.” In 2020 I was awarded to the Gold Circle for JAN-PRO Systems International,the Associate Member of the Year, BOMAUtahin2018.Additionally,in2010,Iwas rewardedwiththeprestigious“Sustainability Award,” RioTinto.Moreover,Ihavealsobeenelectedasa nomineeofthe“Small Businessman of the Year”–SandyChamberofCommerce,Sandy,Utahin2018.
Howdoyouensurethatyourcustomersare satisfiedwithyourservicesandofferings?
AtJAN-PRO,weknowwhatittakestoseethebig pictureandallthesmalldetailsin-between. Ouraccountretentionlevelisconsistentlyatgreater than98.5%—withagoalofbeingat99%.Ithinkthat thisspeaksvolumesaboutourcustomer’shappiness andsatisfactionwithregardstoourbusiness.
Inordertoensurecustomerretention,wefollow certainprocedures.Wetakeinputfromourcustomer auditsandsurveystoenhanceandmodifyour programsandservices.Wetakenoteofthesechanges andimplementthemintothetrainingofourteams.
Asanindustryleader,whatmajortransformations areyouanticipatingwithintheindustry?
Asanindustryleader,Ibelievethatwewillobserve severalmajortransformationswithintheindustry Ibelievethatthegeneralpublic,employees,and tenantswilldemandthatbuildingsarecleaned properlyusingtheappropriatechemicalsand equipment.Moreover,thesegroupsofpeoplewill onlyworkandfrequentthefacilitiesthatarecleaned properly
Additionally,buildingownerswillneedtoeducateand marketontheconceptofcleaningtoattractandretain peopleintheirbuildings.Thischangemayresultinsome consolidationswithinthecleaningindustry.However,the smallermaandpacompaniesmaynotbewell-equipped tomanageanddealwiththisincreasingdemand.
Whataretheupcomingservicesbyyour organization?
Ourproductandserviceofferingswillcontinueto evolve.Moreover,wewillincreaseourfrequencyof customertouchpointsviathevarioustoolsandplatforms whichareavailabletous.
Inaddition,wewillcontinuetoseekcustomers’opinions regardingwhatmorewecandotomaketheirliveseasier. Thesesuggestionswillbeincorporatedintoourservice offering.Moreover,beingasinglesourceofsupplyto customerslowerstheiroverallcostofprocurement.
Beingarecognizedentrepreneur,whatmessagewould youliketoconveytotheaspirants?
Iwouldliketoremarkthatbeinganentrepreneurisnot forthosewiththefaintofheart.Oneneedstobe risk-tolerant.Youalsoneedtounderstandthat entrepreneurshipisalong-termplayandthingsdonot happenovernight.Whileyoubuildyourbusinessand organization,youmusthirepeoplewhofitintoyour cultureonaprioritybasis.
Ifyoufindaqualifiedpersontodoataskwhichyouare doingforlessthanyourtimeisworth,Iwouldadvise youtodoit.Iwouldalsorecommendhavingagroupof trustedadvisorswithwhoyoucanmeetregularly ThiscanbeaCPA,banker,attorneyandbusinesscoach, mentor,orothers.
WhyBecomeaJAN-PROSystems’International Franchise?
● Training,Sales,andMarketing
● Cleaningcontracts
● Accountstart-upservices
● Audits,Invoicing,Collections
● On-linesurveys
● CustomerServiceCalls,ElectronicSurveyof Clients
● ProblemResolution,InsurancePrograms
● SupplyProgramsforfranchiseesandtheircustomers
‘‘
ReadytobecompletelycharmedbySacramento?Forgetwhatyouthinkyouknowabout California’scapital.Thiscityisanincrediblesurprisepackage,wheretheechoesofthe GoldRushminglewiththebuzzofoneofthemostexcitingfarm-to-forkmovementsin thecountry
It’s a place with a real soul and a thriving arts scene that’s just waiting to be explored.
We’reabouttodiveintotheabsolutebestthingstodoinSacramento,sharingallthelocalsecrets andinsidertipsyouneedforanunforgettableweekend.Trustme,you’regoingtoexperiencethis cityinawaythatstayswithyou,feelingitshistory,tastingitsfreshness,andcatchingitsvibrant energy
Let'sgetthisadventurestarted!
Let’sDiscoverAlltheThingstoDoinSacramento
1.TheUltimateSacramentoWeekendItineraryforAdults
GetreadyfortheperfectadultweekendinSacramento!We’vemixedadashofhistorywithamazing foodandfunnightlifetocreateanitineraryyou’llbetalkingaboutforyears.
●FridayNight:ArrivalandCulinaryImmersion
-Firstthingsfirst,checkintoyourhomebase.Foratouchofhistoriceleganceandamazingviews, youcan’tbeatTheCitizenHotel.Ifyouwanttoberightinthemiddleoftheactionwithgreatfood anddrinksjuststepsaway,the Fort Sutter Hotel inMidtownisyourspot.
-Fordinner,you’restartingwithatrueSacramentolegend: Frank Fat’s.Youjusthavetotrytheir honeywalnutprawnsandbananacreampie.It’sadeliciouspieceoflocalhistoryonaplate!
-Readyforanightcap?Headoverto The R Street Corridor Youcanslipintothespeakeasy atmosphereat Shady Lady Saloon orgrabaspritzonthepatioat Ro Sham Beaux onJStreet.What aperfectendtotheday!
●Saturday:MarketFreshMorningsandMidtown Exploration
-Goodmorning!Grabanamazingcoffeefrom The Mill or Temple Coffee tokickstartyourday.Then,getready todiveintothebuzzingatmosphereofthe Midtown Farmers Market.Freshflowersandartisanal goodies—it'safeastforthesenses!
-Spendthedayjustwanderingandsnackingyourway throughMidtown.Maybegrabacasuallunchat La Costa Café orsomeseriouslyphoto-worthytacosfrom Cantina Alley.
-Fordinner,treatyourselftotheelevatedcomfortfood at Camden Spit & Larder.It’sasleek,modernspotright neartheGolden1Center,perfectifyou'recatchinga gameorashow
-Stillgotenergy?Awesome!Grabalate-nighttikidrink at The Jungle Bird (itfeelslikeamini-vacation!)or catchaliveshowat Ace of Spades orthe B Street Theatre.
●Sunday:BrunchandCulturalDeepDive
-Let’sdoSundaybrunchright.Headto Tower Café—yes,theremightbealine,butitissoworththe wait! Bacon & Butter isanotherfantasticchoice.
-Afteryou’refueledup,it’stimeforadoseofculture. Wanderthecobbledstreetsof Old Sacramento,where the1860scomealive.It’sahugetouristattractionfora reason,withhistorictrainandpaddlesteamerrides.
-Youabsolutelymustvisitthe California State Railroad Museum.It'sincrediblycool,withinteractiveexhibits andfullwheelchairaccessibility,includingramps, elevators,andevenanaccessibletrainride.
-Or,youcouldexplorethe Crocker Art Museum, California’soldestartmuseum!It’stheheartof Sacramento’sculturalscenewithover15,000piecesof art.Plus,it’scompletelywheelchairaccessiblewith automaticdoorsandspaciousgalleries.
2.TopThingstoDoinSacramentoforAdults
Nomatterwhatyou’reinto—amazingfood,deephistory, orthegreatoutdoors—Sacramentohassomethingthat willblowyouaway
●FortheFoodie
You’reinforatreat!Sacramentoproudlywearsthecrownof America’sFarm-to-ForkCapital.Why?Thecityissmackdabinthemiddleofamassiveagriculturalregionwith1.5 millionacresoffarmland.Thismeansourrestaurantsand marketsgetthefreshest,highest-qualityingredientsyoucan imagine.
-LocalRootsFoodTours:Theseguidedwalkingtoursare thebestwaytomeetthechefsandshopownersbehindthe foodscenewhilelearningaboutthecity'shistory
-Mulvaney’sB&L:ImaginediningonincredibleNew Americanfoodinsideahistoric1893firehouse.Theirmenu changesdailybasedonwhat’sinseason.Socool!
-GrangeRestaurant&Bar:Simplyafantasticspotfora greatmealandagreatdrink.
-Allora:AmodernItalianseafoodandwinebarwithan elegantvibeandamenufocusedonsustainability.It's seriouslyexquisite.
-TowerCafe:Famousforitsdreamybrunch.Youmight havetowait,butyouwon'tregretit.
-UrbanRootsBrewery&Smokehouse:They’vemastered theartofpairingamazingcraftbeerwithmouthwatering smokedfood.Theflavorcombinationsareoutofthisworld!
-AlaroCraftBrewery,Restaurant&CocktailBar:This placeservesupfoodthat’swaybeyondyourtypicalpub fare,alongsidetheirawesomecraftbeer
●FortheHistoryBuff
Oh,ifthesestreetscouldtalk!Sacramento’sstoryisdeeply tiedtotheGoldRush.Thecityitselfwasfoundedwayback inDecember1848byJohnA.Sutter,Jr.,growingoutof Sutter’sFort,whichwasestablishedbyhisfather
-OldSacramentoWaterfront:Strollalongcobblestone streetspastbuildingsfromthe1860s.Withover125shops andrestaurants,plustheRailroadMuseum,it'saliving museum.
-CaliforniaStateRailroadMuseum:Anabsolutemustsee!Theinteractiveexhibitsarefascinating,andit’sfully accessibleforwheelchairusers(justbookthetrainride ahead!).
-Sutter’sFortStateHistoricPark:Getarealfeelfor GoldRushlife.Thedirtandgravelterraincanbeabit trickyforstandardwheelchairs,butit’sapowerfulstep backintime.
-OldSacramentoUndergroundTours:Thisissocool! Yougettoexploreexcavatedfoundationsandtunnels beneaththecity They’veaddedramps,butsomesurfaces arestillabituneven.
-CaliforniaStateCapitolMuseum&Park:Incredibly accessiblewithstep-freeentryandwidehallways.The surroundingparkisbeautiful,withsmoothpathsand plentyofshade.
-LelandStanfordMansionStateHistoricPark: ExploreastunninglyrestoredVictorianmansion.It’s fullyaccessible,fromthegardenstotheupperfloorsvia anelevator.
●FortheArts&CultureAficionado
Sacramentoisburstingwithcreativity!Fromtouring Broadwayshowstomassivestreetmuralsandinspiring museums,there’sarteverywhereyoulook.
-CrockerArtMuseum:Astheoldestartmuseumin California,itholdstheworld’stopcollectionof CaliforniaartfromtheGoldRushtotoday.Impressive, right?Andit’scompletelyaccessible.
-WideOpenWalls(SacramentoMuralFestival): EveryAugust,artistsfromallovertheworldtransform thecity’swallsintomonumentalworksofart.Renamed in2017,thefestivalhasleftalastinglegacyofpublicart, includinga15-storyJohnnyCashmuralbyShepard Fairey!Youcanfindthesemuralsonawalk,run,orby usingthefestival’sapp.
-SAFECreditUnionArtsCenter:Thisiswhereyougo forthosebig-cityexperiences,likelivemusicand amazingartevents.
-SacramentoArtsFestival:Awonderfulcelebrationof creativitywhereyoucanfindeverythingfrombeautiful ceramicsandjewelrytostunningpaintings.
●FortheOutdoorEnthusiast
Withtworiversandover200parks,gettingoutsidein Sacramentoiseasyandfun!
-AmericanRiverParkway:ThisishometotheJedediah SmithMemorialTrail,a32-milepavedpathperfectfor bikingorhorsebackriding.Someslopescanbesteep,but DiscoveryParkoffersanaccessibleentrypoint.
-KayakingandPaddleboarding:Asuperpopularwayto cooloffontheSacramentoandAmericanRiversinthe summer Thereareevenadaptivekayakingprogramsfor veteransthroughTeamRiverRunner
-HikingandBikingTrails:You’llfindtonsoftrails,with accessibleoptionslikethepavedpathsandfishing platformsatWilliamB.PondRecreationArea.
-Birdwatching:Justwestofthecity,theYoloBypass WildlifeAreaisamassivewetlandthat’saparadisefor wildlifeviewing.Youcanevendoanautotourthat'sgreat forwheelchairusers.
-FloatingtheAmericanRiver:Isthereanythingbetter thanalazyfloatdowntheriveronahotsummerday?I don'tthinkso!
-CapitolPark:Perfectforapeacefulwalk,especiallyin thespringwhenthecherryblossomsareinfullbloom.
3.SacramentoAfterDark:AGuidetotheCity’s Nightlife
Whenthesungoesdown,Sacramento’senergyjustkeeps going.Whateveryourvibe,there’saspotforyou.
●CraftCocktailsandSpeakeasies
Ifyou’relookingforaperfectlymadedrink,you’vecome totherightplace.
-ShadyLadySaloon:Thisdowntowncraftcocktailbar hasbeennamedoneofAmerica’sbest.It’sgotthatperfect, moodyspeakeasyfeeling.
-MIXDowntown:Afantasticrooftopbarwhereyoucan sipcraftcocktails,enjoysnacks,andsoakinthelively atmosphere,oftenwithDJsandchampagneshows.
-TheRedRabbitKitchen&Bar:Knownforhavingone ofthemostcreativecraftcocktaillistsintheentirecity
-RoostandTrophyClub:Askanylocal,andthey’lltell youtheseareamongtheabsolutebestcocktailbarsin Sacramento.
-JungleBird:Escapetoatikiparadise!Thevacationvibeis stronghere,andthedrinksarepurefun.
●LivelyBarsandBreweries
Thecraftbeerscenehereisexploding!Ourbrewersare alwayspushingthelimitswithnewflavorsandtechniques.
-Track7BrewingCompany:AlocalfavoriteinCurtis Park,pouringeverythingfromfruitybeerstorichstouts.
-GoldenRoadBrewing:YouhavetotrytheirMangoCart. It'spartofanexquisiteselectionoftantalizingbrews.
-KingCongBrewingCompany:Acommunity-focused breweryknownforitsreallyuniqueandimaginativebeers.
-BigSexyBrewingCompany:Tuckedawayinanindustrial area,thisaward-winningbreweryhasanamazingselectionof hoppyIPAsandstouts,oftenwithlivemusic.
-NewGloryCraftBrewery:Amustforanybeerlover.You can’tmisstheirGummyWormIPA—it’swild!
-SacYardCommunityTapHouse:Asuperfamily-friendly spotwitharotatingtaplist,firepits,games,andlivemusic.
-DiveBar:Thisisanexperience!Whereelsecanyouwatch mermaidsswimwhileyouenjoyadrink?
●LiveMusicVenues
Fromintimateclubstohugearenas,Sacramento’slivemusic scenehasitall.
-AceofSpades:Amajorvenuethatgetssomeofthebest touringacts.
-Harlow’s:ThisplacehasbeenaMidtownstapleforover 30yearsandisalwaysvotedoneofthecity’sbestvenues.It hasagreatbar,stage,anddancefloor
-TheTorchClub:Ifyoulovebluesmusic,thisisyourspot.
-Golden1Center:Themassivearenaformajorconcerts andsportingevents.
-Channel24:Abrandnew,2,150-capacityvenuethat openedin2025inMidtown.Itwasdesignedforperfect sightlinesandhasmultiplebarsandanawesomeopen-air patio.
●UniqueEveningExperiences
Lookingforsomethingalittledifferent?
-TipsyPutt:Aminigolfbarwithareallyfun gamecalled‘1-2putt.’
-Coin-OpGameRoom:Letyourinnerchild runwildatthisarcadeforadults.
-TheEdgarAllanPoeSpeakeasy:A mysterious,literary-themedbarwithahidden entrance.Howcoolisthat?
-OishiiSushiandKaraokeRooms:Enjoy somedelicioussushiandthenbeltoutyour favoritetunesinaprivatekaraokeroom.
4.DowntownSacramento:TheHeartofthe City
Downtowniswhereit’sallhappening!It’s packedwithhistoricallandmarksandsome amazingspotsthatflyundertheradar.
●Must-VisitLandmarks
-OldSacramentoWaterfront:Thisisthe historicheart,hometoiconicspotslikethe1849 EagleTheaterandthe1855BigFourBuilding.
-CaliforniaStateCapitolMuseum&Park:Abeautiful andaccessiblelandmarkwhereyoucanlearnallabout California’sgovernmentandhistory
-CrockerArtMuseum:Aculturalgemwithanincredible collectionofart.
-CaliforniaStateRailroadMuseum:LocatedrightinOld Sacramento,it’soneofthemostpopularattractionsfora reason!
-Golden1Center:Themodernhubforsportsand entertainment.
-TowerBridge:Takeawalkacrossthisiconicbridgefor stunningviewsoftheSacramentoRiverandthecity skyline.It’sfullywheelchair-accessible!
●HiddenGemsinDowntown
Readytoexplorebeyondtheobvious?Let’sfindsomelocal favorites.
-OldSacramentoUndergroundTours:Getoffthebeaten pathanddiscoverthecity’shiddenfoundationsandtunnels. It’safascinatinglookatadifferentsideofSacramento’s history
-MidtownMuralsandArtWalks:Goonatreasurehunt forpublicart!TheWideOpenWallsfestivalhaslefta stunningoutdoorgallery.Youcantakeaguidedtourorjust wanderanddiscoverthemyourself.
-TheSecretTrailatAmericanRiverParkway:Alesserknownspotthat’sperfectforapeacefulwalkandalittle quiettime.
-CaliforniaStateIndianMuseum:Animportantmuseum thatoffersdeepinsightsintothediverseculturesof California’sNativeAmericanpeople.
-Enchambered:SacramentoEscapeRoom:Grabyour friendsforasuperfunandchallenginggroupactivity.It’s oneofthehighest-ratedescaperoomsaround!
5.BeyondtheCityCenter:WorthwhileDayTripsfrom Sacramento
OneofthebestthingsaboutSacramentoisitslocation. You’rejustashortdriveawayfromsomeincredibleday trips.
●AppleHill
-JustunderanhourawaynearPlacerville,AppleHillisa beautifulareawithover50farms,wineries,bakeries,and more.
-It’sespeciallymagicalinthefall.Thinkapplepicking,hot appleciderdonutsfromRainbowOrchards,andthose amazingWalkin’PiesfromDelfinoFamilyFarms.
-It’snotjustapples!Youcanalsofindotherfruits,veggies, andevenChristmastrees.Somespotsareopenallyear.For theadults,checkoutBoegerWineryforredwinetastingor JackRussellFarmBreweryforarelaxingbeer. A little tip: try to go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
●Napa/SonomaWineCountry
World-famouswinecountryisrightonyourdoorstep!
-NapaValley:KnownforitsincredibleCabernets, everythinghereisabitmorecondensed,soyoucanseealot inaday.Tomakeitsupereasy,bookatourwithacompany likeNapSacWineTours.Theyhandleeverything!Or,fora trulyspecialexperience,theNapaValleyWineTrainisasixhourjourneythroughvineyardswithamazingfood.
-SonomaCounty:Sonomahasamorelaid-backvibethan Napa,withover400wineriesfocusingonPinotNoirand Chardonnay.Youcaneasilywalktoseveraltastingrooms rightintown.CheckoutRocheWinery(theyhave charcuterieboards!),WaltWines,orSigh,auniquesparkling winebar Thebesttimetovisitisfromlatespringtoearly fall,especiallyduringtheharvestseasonfromSeptemberto November
●GoldCountryTowns
Takeatripbackintime!Just45minutesfromSacramento, thehistorictownsalongHighway49feellikeyou’ve steppedontoamovieset.
-Coloma:Thisiswhereitallbegan!Inearly1848,James WilsonMarshallfoundgoldflakesintheriverhere,kicking offtheCaliforniaGoldRush.YoucanvisitMarshallGold DiscoveryStateHistoricParktoseewhereSutter'sMill oncestood.
-EmpireMineStatePark:Canyoubelievethisparkhas over367milesofundergroundtunnels?That'smindblowing!
-HistoricFolsom:Acharmingareawith accessibleparkingandrestrooms,rightonthe LakeNatomaLoopTrail.
-OldSacramento:Eventhoughit’sinthecity, it’sacrucialpartoftheGoldRushstory,bornasa bustlingboomtown.
MyOpinion
Afterdivingdeepintoalltheincrediblethingsto doinSacramento,it’sclearthisisn’tjustanother city;it’sanexperience.
Whatmakesitsospecialisitsauthenticity. Sacramentodoesn’thavetopretend.It’sthe genuineheartofCalifornia,wheretherichsoilof its‘Farm-to-Fork’identityisjustasimportantas thegolddiscoveredinitsrivers.
Thiscitycombinesitsdeephistorywithaforwardthinkingpassionforpublicartandaremarkable commitmenttobeingaccessibletoeveryone.It’s thisrareblendofunpretentiouscharm,agricultural pride,andculturalvibrancythatmakesatriphere sorewarding.
Youleavefeelinglikeyou’veconnectedwitha realplace,withrealpeople,andastorythat’sstill beingwritten.It’stheCaliforniayou’vealways wantedtosee.
●HereAreSomeFactsWeCanLearnFrom Sacramento’sJourney
-ItReallyIStheFarm-to-ForkCapital!
Thisisn’tjustacatchyslogan.Sacramentois officiallyrecognizedforitsmovementthat championslocal,sustainablefood.With1.5 millionacresofsurroundingfarmland,it’saglobal leaderthatshowshowfocusingonlocalfoodcan boosttheeconomyandourhealth.
-TheArtisHeretoStay.
Thecity’sWideOpenWallsmuralfestivalis brilliantbecausetheartisn’ttemporary.Ofthe90 muralscreatedinitsfirstthreeyears,86arestill standing!It’sapermanent,open-airgalleryfor everyone.
-ALeaderinWelcomingEveryone.
Sacramentohasquietlybecomeatrailblazerinaccessibletourism. Somanyofitsmainattractions,liketheCaliforniaStateRailroad MuseumandtheCrockerArtMuseum,arefullywheelchair accessible,provingthathistoryandculturecanandshouldbeopen toall.
-MarkTwainWasaLocalJournalist.
TheSacramentoUnion,foundedin1851,wasoncetheoldestdaily newspaperwestoftheMississippibeforeitclosedin1994.Andget this—theoneandonlyMarkTwainwroteforitbackin1866!
-TheBirthplaceofthe‘CaliforniaDream.’
Thatideaofstrikingitrichandfindingfastsuccessinanew world?ThatconceptbecameforeverlinkedwithCaliforniaright here,duringtheGoldRush.The‘CaliforniaDream’startedin Sacramento.
●WhatYouShouldKnowBeforeVisitingSacramento
Afewfriendlytipstomakeyourtripabsolutelyperfect!
-BestTimetoVisit:Forperfectweather,aimforApriltoJuneor SeptembertoNovember Thetemperaturesaremildandgreatfor beingoutdoors.Summersgethot,butthat’swhattheriversarefor! Wintersaremildandlesscrowded.
-GettingAround:DowntownandMidtownaresuperwalkable, butacarishandyforexploringfurther.TheSacRTlightrailand bussystemisaffordable($2.50forabasicfare!)andcoversthe downtownareawell.Youcanalsousebikesandscooterstozip around.
-WhattoWear:Keepitcasual!Nicejeansandasweateror button-downareperfectformostplaces.Nightclubsmighthavea dresscode(nobaggyclothesorsandals),butotherwise,comfortis key.
-MakeReservations:Forpopularrestaurants,especiallyon weekends,it’salwaysagoodideatobookatable.Itsavesyou fromwaitingandhelpstherestaurantplanbetter.It’sawin-win!
Doesn’tSacramentosoundamazing?It’sacityfullofhistory, flavor,andsurprises.
Ifyoufoundthisguidehelpful,pleaseshareitwithyourfriends, family,andanyoneelsewhoneedstodiscoverthevibrantspiritof California’scapital!
