Franchise Journal March 2022

FRANCHISE Journal LEARN Finding Your Niche as a Woman in Franchising p. 180

THE SCOOP Why Are Women Investing in Franchises? p. 16

HOW TO Lead The Next Generation Of Franchise Owners p. 36

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contents

MARCH 2022

64

SEMINOLE WOMEN MAKE HISTORY AT ‘INAUGURATION DAY’

16

42

Nadine Bowers of the Seminole Tribe

by Rob Petka

20

44

What Is A Chahtapreneur?

by Jeff Alexander

24

48 KICKHOUSE Going Against the Grain: How Jessica Yarmey Built A Fitness Franchise During the Pandemic

by Rick Morgin

Why Are Women Investing in Franchises?

by Seth Lederman

PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS® New Franchisee Vows to Make Her Mark in This Male Dominated Industry

by Rhonda Sanderson Q&A with Marilyn Ehrhardt

30 Women Are on the Move in The World of Franchising

by Rich LeBrun

36 How Women Are Leading The Next Generation Of Franchise Owners

by Ken Boyce

38 “Emmy-Award Winning Filmmaker Jennifer Loren”

by Jeff DeGarmo

6

116

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52

PAUL DAVIS From Temporary Help to Owner: Paul Davis Franchisee Climbs the Ladder

by Rhonda Sanderson

56

GUIDANT Join Guidant as We Empower Women and #BreakTheBias

74

110

124

132

64 Seminole Women Make History At ‘Inauguration Day’

by Damon Scott

70

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Interior Designer Uses Experience and Knowledge To Start Her Launch Her Own Business with Floor Coverings International

by Rhonda Sanderson

74

KIDCREATE STUDIO Rocio Vale a Successful Professional From Venezuela Who Reinvented Herself in the United States

by Leonor Clavijo

78

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

102 AUTHORITY BRANDS Meet the Fantastic Female Team

by Colt Florence

110 FRANDEVCO SOUTHWEST Strong Women and Family Values Blaze a Path to Success

by Kinsey Cooper

116 TIERRA ENCANTADA Longtime Friends and Now Business Partners, Women Fill Niche with Spanish Immersion Childcare

by Rhonda Sanderson 120 COSTA OIL Tough Jobs for Tougher Women: From Merchandising to Quick Lube

by Abi Pepin

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

7

124 TIDE CLEANERS How to Be a Change Agent in An Industry Begging For Innovation

128 PEACHWOOD FLOOR COVERINGS Tough Jobs for Tougher Women: Jack of All Trades

by Abi Pepin 133 BEAUTY BUNGALOWS Trailblazing: Traci Hawkins of Beauty Bungalows

by Greg Tuthill

168

142 KITCHEN SOLVERS The Empowered Women of Kitchen Solvers

by Kali Morgenthaler

148 BRITISH SWIM SCHOOL Ashley Gundlach: Mother and Brand President

152 ZAXBY’S The Future is Bright for Fast-Growing QSR Zaxby’s and Chief Development Officer Vanessa Fox is Helping Light the Way!

176

156 Nourhen and The E2 Visa Process

by Greg Mohr

160 ELLIE MENTAL HEALTH There's something about Ellie

by Jen Wherrell

168 PINCH A PENNY Renee Bonnard experiences success with Pinch A Penny

American Family Care Reconnects a Florida Mother with Her Passion for Healthcare

188 EUPHORIC HERBAL APOTHECARY

Woman and Veteran Owned Euphoric Herbal Apothecary is changing the world, one herb at a time.

by Jen Wherrell

180 Finding Your Niche as a Woman in

192 RODACHALFANT

176 AMERICAN FAMILY CARE (AFC)

Franchising

184 CLOZETIVITY

Q&A Michelle Taber, Owner of Clozetivity of East Valley

by Greg Tuthill 8

188

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New Year, (Re)New You!

by Drew Chalfant

194 TUTOR DOCTOR Tutor Doctor’s Rising Star

by Rudy Frederico

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welcome I n Ancient Greece, the Olympic flame was lit by the high priestess with the aid of a parabolic mirror reflecting the sun’s rays, a timehonoured method that guarantees the purity of the flame. During this Olympic year, despite the turmoil of the world around us, in the month of March, we honor Women’s History Month.

Throughout history, women have led and we are fortunate in franchising to have strong, capable women all around us. They have built companies, share in the joy and pain of wins and losses. Been there to inspire, lead and lend a hand. This issue is dedicated to them all and to the future generations who will be able to stand upon the shoulders of the giants we write about in this issue.

Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s

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MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

NOTES

History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.

In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians—led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women's History Alliance)—successfully lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week.

There have been strong women around all of us from the very beginning of our lives and there are too many to even begin to adequately praise in the few pages of this magazine but this speech by Sojourner Truth encapsulates the reality that we are all equal and that the

From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.

President Jimmy Carter's Message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women's History Week

differences between men and women are paltry.

Born into slavery in Swartekill, New York, she escaped to freedom with her infant daughter in 1826. Six feet tall, with a powerful voice and driven by deep religious conviction, Truth was an ardent abolitionist and women’s rights activist.

Among many of Truth’s legacies, the tone and substance of her language looms large. She stumped the country speaking on emancipation, politicians, political action, racism, women’s rights and segregation. In her famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” she eloquently pointed out that women, black or white, are the equal of men and that the rights they deserve are the same as those deserved by all. While we have come a long way since Sojourner Truth crossed the country sharing her vision, there is still more to ground to cover. However, the message she shared rings as true today as it did then. “...that man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere.

Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I

have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ‘cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him. If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it.

The men better let them.”

And the modern high priestess on the cover who lights the Olympic flame? She is none other than my cousin, Maria Nafplioutou, connecting ancient rituals with modernity in a way that honors the strength of women and the history of their achievements.

Nick Neonakis

Editor, Franchise Journal

FOUNDER

NICK NEONAKIS DESIGN DIRECTOR

Pete Neonakis DIGITAL DIRECTOR Chantae Arrington ART DIRECTOR Brenda Lesch

SENIOR EDITOR Bill Polk ONLINE EDITOR Seth Lederman STAFF WRITER Megan Neonakis SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Ted O'Shea ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mariel Miller ONLINE EDITOR Mike Ciccarelli VIDEO PRODUCER Matt Panepinto

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CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Alexander Ken Boyce Leonor Clavijo Drew Chalfant Kinsey Cooper Jeff DeGarmo Colt Florence Rudy Frederico Rich LeBrun Seth Lederman Greg Mohr Kali Morgenthaler Rick Morgin Abi Pepin Rob Petka Rhonda Sanderson Damon Scott Greg Tuthill Jen Wherrell

FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

If you want to get ahead in franchising, The Franchise Journal has the most concepts and tactics to help you become a business owner.

Share with your friends. franchisejournal.com

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Why Are Women Investing in Franchises?

by Seth Lederman, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

T "I NEVER DREAMED ABOUT SUCCESS. I WORKED FOR IT.” — ESTÉE LAUDER

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he number of women entering into franchising is on the rise. A study conducted by the International Franchise Association's Franchise Education Foundation found female-owned franchises increased by about 10% between 2007 and 2012 alone.

What's more, according to the 2021 Women in Franchising Report, 32% of all franchises opened in the past two years are being led by women.

Other important figures the study revealed include: • 8% of women franchise owners say they enjoy owning and running their businesses.

• Three out of four women would recommend their franchise to other would-be entrepreneurs.

• Women franchise owners earn an average annual income of $95,000 from their franchise business, nearly double the annual income of the average 45-year-old female employee in the U.S (nonbusiness owners).

• Child services, travel, fitness, and education are four of the most popular business

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

sectors for women franchise owners.

This is excellent news for entrepreneurial-minded women, but there is still room for growth. The pandemic is expected to have impacted some of these numbers, particularly in terms of decreasing earnings and slowing the number of businesses that opened. Why are more women turning to franchising than ever before?

TOP REASONS WOMEN ARE INVESTING IN FRANCHISES Franchising appeals to women for many reasons. But for many, the main draws to franchising are the opportunity it provides, its flexibility, and their current level of dissatisfaction with corporate America.

Let's start with the opportunities franchising presents to women in the workforce. Not only does franchising eliminate the need to have business connections for loans and more, but it also allows women to completely circumvent the glass ceiling and be the boss from day one. Built into franchising supports all owners and operators, regardless of their gender. From help finding real

estate and location buildout to marketing to managing human resources, franchisors are there to provide support and guidance every step of the way. They want AND need their franchisees to succeed.

Next is the flexibility that franchising affords women, especially women with families. Many working moms effectively perform two jobs— their paid employment and their unpaid work as a mother.

In fact, in dual-income homes, 54% of parents surveyed by the Pew Research Center reported that the mother performed more childcare tasks than the father. Finding a job that allows women a better work/life balance is paramount for many working moms. A franchise with a semi-absentee owner model is an ideal answer to this dilemma, offering working moms more time to spend on childcare and other household priorities.

Finally, more and more women are dissatisfied with corporate America and are turning to franchising as a result. Inequality at every level continues, as does the pay gap.

Franchising offers women a way around the sexism they encounter in corporations.

Owning their own business removes all of the obstacles they might have previously encountered in the workforce, allowing them to go as far as they want in their careers and putting them squarely in charge of their success.

It often will enable them to increase their income, as well significantly.

WHY DID YOU INVEST IN A FRANCHISE? Anyone interested in owning a franchise should reach out to existing franchise owners to get their perspective as part of their due diligence. Hearing from people in similar industries and people in the franchise systems you are investigating helps provide valuable insights. These people have already walked the path you are considering— they know all the benefits and drawbacks. This information can go a long way towards helping you narrow down your selections and, ultimately, make the right decision for you, your family, and your goals.

I

had reached the "right time" in my career to become a business owner.

After looking into the franchise option, I quickly realized the advantages of investing in a franchise: Investing in a franchise provides exceptional marketing and advertising support, established relationships with suppliers of high-quality products and favorable pricing, and technology platforms that would have taken much more time and money for me to establish on my own. In addition, a franchise provides proven processes and the ability to draw on the experience of other franchise owners."

— Beth B., Franchise Owner

No matter your reason for considering franchising, it is an excellent way for women to pursue their dream of owning and operating their own business. Not only does it allow you to be the boss and call the shots in terms of your schedule, but franchising also lets you hit the ground running, with no one to hold you back from achieving whatever you want for your business. Owning a franchise puts you in charge of your future and livelihood in a way that is simply working in corporate America never can.

If you think that owning a franchise might be in your future, there's no time like the present to learn more. A franchise consultant offers a fresh perspective and the opportunity to explore emerging franchises or brands you might never have considered on your own.

They can help you determine which franchise opportunities align best with your lifestyle goals. See how Frannexus can help you find a franchise business that matches your hopes and dreams. Start the conversation today to learn what opportunities are available to you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Seth Lederman, CFE, a Franchise Acquisition, and Development Specialist, is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in small business success, including ownership and sale of his own business enterprises.

He is a frequent contributing author to The Franchise Journal and is on the exclusive Forbes Business Council. Contact Seth at 312-307-1297 or at seth@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®

New Franchisee Vows to Make Her Mark in This Male Dominated Industry

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

O

ne thing I know for sure,” says Coree’ Rivers, a new franchise owner with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®, the No. 1 home inspection company in North America.

“Don’t skip your home inspection during this seller’s market.” The former executive assistant to three CEOs is celebrating the January 2022 launch of her franchise and serves homebuyers, sellers, and realtors throughout Los Angeles County.

While researching various franchise opportunities, Rivers was drawn to Pillar To Post Home Inspectors because there seemed to be “a lot of room for cutting edge technology” in an industry that the franchisor already leads in that area.

“Things have been done the same way for decades and that presents a great opportunity for me – particularly as a woman – to be very successful,” Rivers said. “I chose Pillar To Post Home Inspectors for the integrity the brand displays as a whole and its commitment to providing a professional and

20

high-quality home inspection for everyone.”

Rivers formerly spent eight years as an executive assistant to CEOs in three different industries: retail, finance, and hospitality. The experience prepared Rivers to “think of my own business as a CEO would,” she said. “I have learned organizational, sales

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

and marketing skills from high-level executives that are invaluable. I am focused on working on my business and not just in it.”

And, indeed, technology coupled with Rivers’ invaluable skills, allows her to provide an exceptional home inspection with unique and innovative features that are all delivered

within a seamless brand experience. All developed pre-pandemic and ready to be utilized when the pandemic struck, the new features further highlight Pillar To Post Home Inspectors’ standing as a visionary in its industry: PTP360 is available with every home inspection and provides an interactive, 360-degree visual inspection summary that brings the inspection report to life and includes every room and a home’s exterior. It can be accessed anywhere, anytime from any device and shared with family or contractors.

PTPEstimates provides a cost estimate for inspection summary items. This upgrade is extremely useful for sellers who do a pre-listing inspection, letting them learn what recommended repairs will cost based on prices charged in their area. Estimates can be requested with one click.

PTPFloorPlan provides an accurate floor plan of the entire home. This useful upgrade can be used to determine furniture fit and placement, and also provide exact dimensions to contractors for estimating purposes.

PTPHomeManual is an upgraded service that provides a digital owner’s manual for a home, letting users download manuals/warranty information, find safety recalls on

appliances, learn the age and useful remaining life of systems and much more.

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors has achieved the highest standing in various rankings of “Best in Category,” “Top 20 Franchises to Buy,” “Top 10 Global Franchises” and “Top Franchises for Veterans,” in addition to achieving 5-Star status with VetFran, a program offered by the International Franchise Association that provides discounted franchise fees to veterans. A professional evaluation both inside and outside the home is at the core of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors’ service. Pillar To Post Home Inspectors input data and digital photos into a computerized report. All information is provided to clients in a customized binder for easy reference, allowing homebuyers or sellers to make confident, informed decisions.

Rivers, who has a creative side that she expresses through sculpting and hyper-realistic pencil drawings, is relishing the opportunity her small business offers her. “My goal is to create a team that delivers a result that is greater than the sum of its parts,” she said. “And I

“I CHOSE PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS FOR THE INTEGRITY THE BRAND DISPLAYS AS A WHOLE AND ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING A PROFESSIONAL AND HIGHQUALITY HOME INSPECTION FOR EVERYONE.” — COREE’ RIVERS

would say I lead by example. I delegate when necessary and allow each person a chance to do what they’re best at.”

ABOUT PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS® Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are nearly 600 franchises located in 49 states and nine Canadian provinces. They’ve ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise500® for 25 years. Long-term plans include adding 500 to 600 new franchisees over the next five years.

For further information, please visit www.pillartopostfranchise.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/ WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Q&A with Marilyn Ehrhardt

M

arilyn Ehrhardt was an immigrant girl that came from Communist Cuba with her mom and landed in Miami with a widow mother and a suitcase in 1970. Who became a Software Engineer for NASA in the space shuttle program, top executive in two of the most important technology companies of her time, an entrepreneur of five startup companies, and a women business owner.

As a management consultant she has led Fortune 500 companies and startup companies around the world into successful business

ventures and outcomes. She has been a key note speaker of numerous college events and business conferences around the world. She is a digital strategist, an executive mentor, leading ideation sessions into actionable paths to success.

She has developed her own methodology Here2There to transition companies into the digital era. She is the author of two books, “In the Valleys of the Shadows of Success” where she encourages immigrant women to put diversity on steroids and her upcoming book “Christian Women Navigating Success” Ehrhardt shares advice to the coming generation of business leaders, as well as the steps to

be taken in order to address the Hispanic Technology' pipeline shortage and how Latino representation in this industry can be improved.

Q: How did you arrive to your current position?

A: The road to arrive at my

current position was long and arduous, as I describe in my book From Leaning in to Kneeling Down, but what I consider the most important asset to move up and down the glass ceiling are character traits, not skills, such as determination, endurance, patience, courage, leadership, trust worthiness and integrity.

I started my career as a NASA Engineer for the Space Shuttle Program, and continued in the Information Technology path of Corporate America at Digital Equipment Corporation and then Oracle. I moved to the side and started my own company and then became an

"I CONTINUOUSLY MENTOR AND COACH WOMEN TO WALK IN THEIR OWN LANE, SEEKING THEIR TRUE VALUE, AND FIND THEIR GIFTS." — MARILYN EHRHARDT

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MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

entrepreneur--and through the all ups and downs, I never gave up my dream.

Q: What was given to

you in terms of advice or mentorship that pushed you to where you are today?

A: I have always sought out the advice of experts in the area I want to make progress in, and in that path I have found key people that inspired me when I was looking for the next step, people that encouraged me when I had a kneel down moment. People that believed in me when things were foggy, and people that allowed me to be on the spotlight and get the visibility required to move forward. I am forever grateful for these people in my path.

Q: Now that you have made

it — what advice would you share with the upcoming generation?

A: I would say 4 things: First, to focus on the Character Ladder and not on the Career Ladder because it is in the first ladder you find treasures that last forever in your life, that is why I state in my book that women are more precious than rubies. The second advice is consider having your own business because it gives you the flexibility and freedom to fulfill both family and your gifts and dreams, and last we are always compelled to have a purpose bigger than us, so make sure that you find your purpose, and that it impacts the lives of others in a positive manner. No reward is greater than that.

Q: How can we improve

Latino representation for small women owned business?

A: With organizations like the Franchise Consulting Firm where visibility and opportunities for the Latino community are exposed. The pull up and push up strategy of this organization is a perfect model to use in the work place, in conferences, in education starting in High School and all the way to Diversity Circles in Corporate America. We need to inspire our Latino population to climb both the Character Ladder and the Education Ladder, side by side.

Q: What role do you see

Latinos playing for SabiaNet's future both as customers and collaborators?

A: My hiring strategy is based solely on Character and Skills. I hope that more Latinos join the Technology and Management Consulting paths so that I can chose from a bigger pool and hire more Latinos in my Company-and become a role model for Diversity Strategies. I have designed my own methodology to coach Latno women minority owned businesses to success and it is called Here2There.

Q: Which is your main

strategy to ensure success in your operations?

A: Vision, you have to know where you are going, what is your future address, Innovation how to use it to attract clients, and decrease

the cost of operations, and execution wrapped around knowledge, integrity, truth integrity and loyalty.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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mentor and coach women to walk in their own lane, seeking their true value, and find their gifts. I encourage women throughout the entire journey, starting with college, their resume, their brand, their talents and gifts, In my book in the Valley of the Shadows of Success I give them a roadmap of my journey, through all the phases women go through, in my book “Christian Women navigating success” I give them a set of tools to help them through the journey. .

Thank you Marilyn!

Q: Which advantages do

you see in working with organizations such as Franchise Consulting?

A: Franchise Consulting is a one of a kind platform, it is unique, it is a great model for Latinos in the small business to follow, and it extends its arms into coaching and mentoring like no other organization in the U.S.

Q: What are your most

important work and professional values?

A: Work Values: Knowledge and Experience, which go hand in hand, Professional Values: Integrity, honesty, commitment — my yes always is yes and my no always is no.

Q: How do you see the

challenges ahead for your company and in the industry?

A: The challenges for my company are the burden of

26

taxes currently forced upon small firms, I am hopeful that this burden is released and small companies have the opportunity to be more competitive in the market place. In the Tech Industry I think the biggest challenge for the future is the digitalization of all--the Internet of things will change all existing processes and products, and in this opportunity lies the biggest challenge which is local talent and education.

Q: What is the philosophy

you lead your teams with?

A: Leadership is not a title, the desire to tell others what to do, or your own ambitions imposed upon a team of people. Leaders are nominated by their teams because they are recognized by their knowledge, their integrity and their sacrificial love for the mission at hand, as I detail in my books. I continuously

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

MORE ABOUT MARILYN Marilyn Ehrhardt is a Managing Partner for Sabianet Inc. Over the last 30 years she has transformed global organizations through technology innovation, new business models and change management such as: U.S. Department of Defense, Pentagon, AT&T, OPENET, SAIC, US Web.She has also incubated several health startup companies from Ideation to M&A. She has led these companies through innovation, business processes and talent management to success. Led healthcare, media, technology and recruiting companies through new business models via technology transformation.

Earlier in her career, she was a VP for Oracle Consulting Services for the Americas which includes U.S. and all of Latin America, working with global customers in Digital Transformation consulting engagements. Mrs. Ehrhardt started her career as a Software Engineer in the Space Shuttle Program for NASA.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Women Are on the Move in The World of Franchising

by Rich LeBrun, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

M

ore and more women are embracing the world of franchising.

They may be considered a business minority for now, but the number of female business owners have grown significantly. Women have taken a big chunk in the pie for business ownership, about 32% in total. Last year alone, 42% of newly opened franchise businesses were female owned.

and companies that host the vending machine. This is a semi-passive business model allowing the franchise owner to free up time and great should you choose to continue with your day job.

Naturals2Go owners sell healthy snacks through beautifully designed vending machines where this franchise operates in a business to consumer model. The franchise generates revenue when customers purchase products through the vending machine.

WOMEN HAVE TAKEN A BIG CHUNK IN THE PIE FOR BUSINESS OWNERSHIP, ABOUT 32% IN TOTAL. LAST YEAR ALONE, 42% OF NEWLY OPENED FRANCHISE BUSINESSES WERE FEMALE OWNED. It would be worthwhile to mention a couple of brands women are well inclined to start up with.

Xpresso Delight machines brews high-end, café-quality drinks with environmentally friendly coffee pods allowing franchise owners to operate on a B2B model. The franchise will be paid by businesses

30

Mathnasium has a #1 rating

by Franchise Business Review and with proprietary curriculum developed through 40 years in classroom testing and expertise to help children advance quickly in math. Their anti-onesize- fits-all approach made the system emerge as one of the fastest-growing educational franchises in the world.

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

EcoMaids: Green Cleaning Services franchise represents a fresh approach to the always-in- demand cleaning services space.

EcoMaids utilize safe, allnatural, biodegradable cleaning solutions dispensed by reusable and recyclable equipment. This concept makes it very appealing to customers with young children or elderly parents to look after back home.

There are many more promising franchises to check, and it would be best to check with us to help you find and choose the right franchise model based on your preference and ideals.

WHY FRANCHISE MODELS APPEAL TO WOMEN When leaving their corporate world and investing in business ownership, there are concerns such as will the product or service get a hold of in the market, and what are the risks associated in starting a business? This is true for women considering switching from employment to empowerment.

A recent survey shows that women are capable and willing to take risks and they have better multi-tasking skills.

Considering those two things; risk-taking and multi-tasking, is greatly addressed by franchise models making it appeal to women more than ever. The two reasons which make it appealing would be Openness with Collaboration, and Control with Flexibility as part of the world of franchising.

Openness with Collaboration is built into the world of franchise ownership. When investors enter the franchise industry, they are provided with support from other business owners that are in their franchise system.

Franchisors and franchisees can turn to other franchisors and franchisees for advice or mentorship, providing women with the unique opportunity to start their business with access to a large network of

experienced individuals who have been in the same boat previously. This helps eliminate risk and concerns of women if starting and managing a franchise business would be difficult.

Control with Flexibility allows women greater access to financial security and flexibility in their newly switched careers.

As women strive to move from Employment to Empowerment this allows them to have a steadier stream of income without the fear of being laid off.

Franchising follows a set system of procedures and operations, this enables franchisees to better structure their time, allowing them to spend more time with their friends and families while maintaining control of their business simultaneously.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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EMPOWERING WOMEN IN FRANCHISE INDUSTRY There are three types of franchise ownership we can refer to, and all these business models are appealing to women. Giving them the chance for immediate career change is through the Owner/ Operator model where one person is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business. This is a good choice if you want to maintain total control over your investment and become immersed in the chosen business. Individuals who choose the Owner/ Operator model also have the advantage for lower cost of staffing since they are the ones running and overseeing the operation management.

Not all women investors are readily leaving their corporate job or they are still raising their children and have a minimum amount of free time and therefore the Absentee and Semi Absentee Ownership models greatly appeal to women.

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Executive Absentee’s time commitment is minimal in managing the business. Think of it as a passive investment with minimal involvement to none in day-to-day operation.

This allows women franchisees to allocate their time with their corporate job, families, and other interests.

Semi-Absentee is a model that blends aspects of both owner/operator and executive absentee model. The Great Clips franchise falls into this category. This model is ideal for those looking for additional income to diversify their current income and build equity while keeping a day job. The franchisee will hire a qualified manager to run the day-to-day operations and then they would manage the manager. The time allocated to run a semi absentee business varies from 10 to 20 hours per week.

These franchise models give the flexibility, control, and security that women look before switching careers.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF EMPOWERED WOMEN WHO DIVED INTO THE WORLD OF FRANCHISING Heidi Powell: Owner since July 2018 of NextHome in Freeport, Pennsylvania. As a real estate agent, she wanted to support her community in finding their next homes. She believes “It’s not about the houses, the land, the numbers – it’s about the human factor,” Heidi initially started her career with a different franchise, but quickly found that her morals clashed with the numbers-driven goals of corporate. When

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

her agreement ended, her research led her to NextHome and in July 2018 she became the 300th business with the franchise.

Cheryl Glover: Owner of Wingstop in Maryland since 2013. Cheryl Glover and husband Eddy were having a night on the town with their friends when the idea of franchise ownership first crossed their minds. “We knew it had to be something that we both loved,” she recalls. “It couldn’t just be an investment.”

Cheryl and her husband are no strangers to business ownership. Prior to Wingstop, the pair started a computer consulting company. Eddy’s time primarily revolves around this business while Cheryl focuses on Wingstop. “With the other company, our employees already know their trajectory in life and know what they want to do,” says Cheryl. “I wanted to offer a job entry opportunity – a space for people to grow and learn job skills.”

The f ranchise industry is poised perfectly to embrace women as owners and we at the Franchise Consulting Company would love the opportunity to help you navigate through the process of deciding which one would best fit for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rich LeBrun is the founder and CEO of LeBrun Advisory group Inc. and owner in the Franchise Consulting Company, working with clients around the US and many parts of the world. Rich is an author of “What’s My Next Move”. Rich is a certified franchise broker (CFB) and commercial investment manager (CCIM). Contact Rich at 847-912-4310 or at rich@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

How Women Are Leading The Next Generation Of Franchise Owners

by Ken Boyce, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

W

omen are joining the franchise industry in large numbers. A report produced by The Franchise Business Review (www. franchisebusinessreview.com/page/womenin-franchising-report) In the last decade, the number of women that have opened a franchise business has gone from 24% to 36% of new franchise openings.

In fact, the last two years 41% of all franchises opened are by women. This is a dramatic increase over the past two to three decades. I went on the journey of calling on 25 female franchise owners to find out why. The journey dived into a number of topics. I created a survey for each franchisee.

We will cover the topics and results. The goal was to better understand the reasons why women are now wanting to be self-employed.

THE LAST TWO YEARS 41% OF ALL FRANCHISES OPENED ARE BY WOMEN. WHY DID YOU OPEN A FRANCHISE BUSINESS? The most common response was to control their lifestyle. Most were unhappy with their work environment and the amount of work hours.

DID YOU OPEN A FRANCHISE TO MAKE MORE INCOME? 58% said yes. The other main reason was to have more family time WHY A FRANCHISE AND NOT ON YOUR OWN? Wanted a proven system, support team, found an industry they would enjoy and were able to have more control of their time.

DO YOU MISS CORPORATE AMERICA? 10 women said yes. The reason was they missed the relationships. They did follow up that they would never go back unless forced.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR DECISION? 23 of the 25 said yes. The 2 that said no did not pick the right industry and ended up not liking their choice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ken Boyce has 25 years of experience in franchising and 20 years of business ownership. He focuses on working with C-Level professionals helping them with franchise ownership and creating wealth with The Wealth Builder Strategy.

Contact Ken at ken@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com or visit his website at www.americasfranchiseexpert.com.

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MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

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promoting sustainable living

ecomaids is the leading innovator of environmentally responsible, nontoxic residential cleaning services for families throughout the country.

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BUILD YOUR BUSINESS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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Why PrideStaff?

A Thriving and Essential Industry • The staffing industry consistently outpaces the growth of the U.S. GDP and generated nearly $150 billion in annual revenue last year.

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Ongoing Training and Back Office Support • We’re fully committed to your success by providing ongoing training, back office support to help your business run smoothly, and more than a 1:1 ratio of offices to corporate support staff.

Best-in-Class Satisfaction and Service • According to ClearlyRated, an independent staffing industry satisfaction firm, PrideStaff consistently ranks in top 1% for Client and Talent satisfaction.

For more information: 559.449.5878 | franchisedevelopment@pridestaff.com | pridestaff.com/franchising Our Mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH MEINEKE? When you join the Meineke franchise network, you automatically inherit a recession-resistant business system with over 48 years of experience under its belt. No automotive experience is needed, as we offer knowledge and experience on business plans, management techniques and repair best practices – everything you need to become a successful multi-unit Meineke owner.

IMMEDIATE BRAND NAME RECOGNITION 7 out of 10 Americans know our brand

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Using statistics to drive top line sales and corporate coaching to drive and enable multi-unit ownership.

READY TO GET STARTED? Shoot US AN EMAIL or visit us ONLINE! Franchising@Meineke.com

MeinekeFranchise.com

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

“Emmy-Award Winning Filmmaker Jennifer Loren”

by Jeff DeGarmo, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

J

Jennifer Loren Executive Producer, Director and Host of OsiyoTV Cherokee Nation

38

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

ennifer Loren is an Emmy-award winning filmmaker and the director of Cherokee Nation Film Office. Evolving from an investigative reporter and producer to a documentarian and host, she has been in the television and film industries since 2001.

She started her career in television news, moving around the country as an anchor, producer and investigative reporter. In 2014, she joined Cherokee Nation Businesses where she co-created the highly acclaimed documentarystyle show Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People. As the executive producer, host and show-runner of the docuseries, she also produces and directs many of the short documentaries in the show. Jennifer is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and takes great pride in sharing her tribe’s stories with the world.

In 2019, Jennifer helped to create and roll out the Cherokee Nation Film Office. A first-of-its

JENNIFER HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR MORE THAN 30 EMMY AWARDS, WINNING 10 TIMES - NINE AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND HOST OF OSIYO, VOICES OF THE CHEROKEE PEOPLE AND ONE FOR INVESTIGATIVE NEWS COVERAGE IN 2012. kind endeavor by a tribal nation, the mission of the Cherokee Nation Film Office is to increase the presence of Native Americans in every level of the film and television industries, while creating opportunities for economic development and jobs in the Cherokee Nation. Also in 2019, she was named a Woman of the Year, Pinnacle Award winner by the Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and the Tulsa YWCA. Recently, the Cherokee Nation Film Office announced a $1 million incentive that begins on March 1, 2022 to create new opportunities for more film and television productions to shoot within the Cherokee Nation borders. Jennifer said, “Encouraging productions to film within Cherokee Nation’s many vast and beautiful locations, as well as to hire Indigenous people and utilize Nativeowned businesses, offers an immense amount of opportunity for tribal citizens, families and businesses to benefit from the rapid growth of these industries within our state.” Efforts

like this are one of the many reasons we chose to highlight her in our March Women’s Issue of the Franchise Journal.

Jennifer has been nominated for more than 30 Emmy awards, winning 13 times - as an Executive Producer and Host of Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People and for investigative news coverage. Jennifer has won several AVA Digital Gold and Telly Awards for her work on OsiyoTV - https:// osiyo.tv/ . The show has been the recipient of several other awards including the Association for Women in Communications’ 2016 and 2017 Clarion Awards.

During her time in news, Jennifer won several awards for investigative reporting, including a Society of Environmental Journalists’ award and the prestigious Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ First Amendment Award.

While all of the accolades are validating, Jennifer says the most rewarding part of her job is working with and learning from citizens of the Cherokee Nation.

Jennifer’s favorite job of

all is as a wife and mother.

She has two daughters who keep her busy with after school activities and Jennifer volunteers with their PTA and school foundations, and serves on multiple other Boards in the Tulsa and Oklahoma communities. Jennifer is a graduate of the Gaylord College of Journalism at the University of Oklahoma and an active member of the Native American Journalists Association and Society of Environmental Journalists.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR A former Naval Flight Officer and Cherokee Nation citizen, Jeff DeGarmo has experience as a business owner, successfully starting and exiting both a startup and franchise business, and now operating a multiunit franchise concept. Now, as a coach with The Franchise Consulting Company, Jeff works with individuals across the country who are considering business ownership as the next stage of their careers or as a secondary income stream, and investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Contact Jeff at (918) 853-6310 or jdegarmo@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany. com. To learn more, visit https:// jdegarmo.com/franchiseconsulting/.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

39

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Nadine Bowers of the Seminole Tribe

by Rob Petka, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

O

n June 7 the Seminole tribe held its inauguration day ceremony. What made this inauguration day so special was that it highlighted the faces of seminal women three newcomers and one incumbent who were voted in at the tribes May 10 election.

The tribe has never had four women serving in leadership

42

positions at the same time the most at any one time has been two. This inauguration was the first public events the Seminole nation held in the past 15 months as COVID-19 halted most gathering.

One of these women was representative Nadine Bowers representing Big Cypress. This marked the first time since the tribes federal recognition in

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

1957 were four seminal women were honored to become part of the council. Nadine Bowers is also the first female to represents Big Cypress in her respective position. Nadine Bowers was quoted as saying “ We did it we have many women owned businesses within our tribe so it is natural that women should serve on the board of directors I hope through working together that we can serve as role models for young girls and women who want to pursue a role in the tribal and government business environment”.

The Seminole tribe has become a powerhouse in business in Florida involved with everything from cattle companies, trading posts, citrus groves, banking, hotels and casinos. They are a proud nation that is looking to elevate women in business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rob Petka is a member of The Franchise Consulting Companies Native American Council. Rob has been in franchising for over 20 years and loves helping people recognize their dream of business ownership. Contact Rob at 561-234-5500 or at robpetka@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany. com.

Franchise Opportunity FastLabs is a leading point-of-care (POC) company founded with the mission to provide fast and accurate medical testing for easy and safe lab-quality health results. POC services have altered the way people approach their health, bringing faster solutions for quicker treatments and action plans.

FastLabs has a consistent, reliable, and transparent business model with a proven formula for success. Gain the independence you seek with guidance from trusted professionals that thrive in collaborative environments.

Contact 305-741-2655 www.fastlabsmedfranchise.com franchise@fastlabsmed.com

BUSINESS ADVICE

WHAT IS A CHAHTAPRENEUR?

by Jeff Alexander, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

C

hahtapreneur is the name given to entrepreneurs utilizing the Choctaw Nation’s Small Business Development program.

The program provides a single source entry point to Choctaw tribal entrepreneurs (Chahtapreneur) that want to start or expand their businesses. Built to primarily support small businesses within the Choctaw Nation’s 10 ½ county territory, the program additionally offers online coaching and training to entrepreneurs outside of Oklahoma.

These Chahtapreneur’s receive specialized assistance through one-on-one business counseling, training workshops, an extensive

44

network of business assistance programs, and access to other educational networking opportunities.

In 2016, the Choctaw Nation Division of Commerce was formed to generate revenue and accelerate the success of tribal members and the Tribe as a whole.

The Commerce team, comprised of more than 5,000 driven, accountable optimists, carry the Choctaw heritage of determination and self-sustainment by providing a revenue stream to support not only the programs that assist tribal members including health care, education, housing, senior care, and other social services, but enable Choctaw

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

to support a multitude of community programs and charities.

Choctaw Nation’s diverse portfolio of businesses include construction, commercial real estate and leasing, business and economic development, tourism, small business development services, government contracting, defense services, agriculture, retail, gaming, hospitality, grocery stores, restaurant franchises, printing, eCommerce, and wildlife management.

We are excited to work alongside the many Indian Nations across the United States. The Native American Franchise Council’s focus is helping tribal nations

DEVELOPING SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHOCTAWS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ESTABLISHING A SELF-SUFFICIENT LIFESTYLE IN THE CHOCTAW NATION. I WANT TO PROVIDE THE TOOLS OUR TRIBAL MEMBERS NEED TO START, GROW AND MAINTAIN THEIR SMALL BUSINESSES.

Chief Gary Batton

­—Chief Gary Batton purchase franchises and/or create new franchise brands.

We strengthen tribes and their citizens by supporting their efforts to grow and thrive with dignity, further enriching our country with the continued contributions from our Native American heritages.

By providing education and advocacy surrounding franchise opportunities, our ultimate goal is to help tribal nations build an empire of businesses that create revenue and jobs within Native American communities through entrepreneurial ventures.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeff Alexander presently owns multiple business interests throughout a variety of different sectors to include retail, real estate, medical, and franchising. He has a passion for building the entrepreneurial spirit into future generations.Contact Jeff at 719-964-3284 or at jeffalexander@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

Sourced: ChoctawNation.com

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Going Against the Grain: How Jessica Yarmey Built A Fitness Franchise During the Pandemic

by Rick Morgin, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

2. Prior to starting The KickHouse Fitness Franchise, what was your biggest accomplishment?

Prior to starting KickHouse, I was Chief Marketing Officer at Club Pilates where I oversaw the marketing function of the franchise as it grew to over 600 domestic locations plus international locations in Canada, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

I’m anxious to bring that same momentum to the KickHouse family.

1. How did you get into franchising, tell us about your journey?

My first exposure into the franchising business model was back in 2008 when I was working on the Burger King business at an advertising agency. I presented at market

48

level meetings and learned the ins and outs of the coop advertising structure.

While it was a deep dive into working with franchise owners, it also exposed me to the force of nature that exists in a collaborative franchise model.

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

3. You started KickHouse in the middle of 2020 which was the start of the pandemic. Tell us about this bold move?

I started KickHouse in July of 2020, right in the middle of the first year of the pandemic. The media was focusing on the popularity of at-home workouts and the headlines predicted the downfall of gyms. The greatest entrepreneurial opportunities come from contrarian moves that are

unexpected, so I leaned into the space when others were leaning out.

I’ve worked in the in-person fitness industry since 2012 and I’ve seen the impact coaches can have on people’s lives by helping them make real, sustainable changes. There is nothing that compares to the motivation, accountability and results people achieve with coach-led fitness.

4. What are your long term goals for The KickHouse?

I am very excited about the next 12-16 months in KickHouse Nation as we look to double our studio footprint!

We have momentum built already and as the fitness industry bounces back, even more entrepreneurs are exploring KickHouse franchise ownership. We will be at 500 locations within the next 5 years. Don’t blink!

We also just recently opened our second fitness concept, called Pryme Yoga. We’re anxious to get that brand established and growing quickly as well.

5. What are the characteristics of an ideal franchise owner?

I’ve worked with thousands of franchise owners throughout my career and the unifying characteristics of all great franchisees is an entrepreneurial spirit and

a collaborative approach. Those characteristics could be seen in opposition, but they can come together beautifully in a franchise.

The entrepreneurial spirit is the desire to be your own boss, run your own business and control your own career path. And the collaborative approach is a complementary realization that we can go far when we go together. As a franchisee, you own your business, but you’re never on your own. You’re consistently working together with other people.

6. Our readership includes business owners who may want to franchise. What advice can you give them?

The greatest benefit of a franchise model is the speed at which you can grow. If your concept is strong and your financial model provides a fast track to breakeven, there will be plenty of franchisee partners who will want to work with you.

The greatest risk around a franchise model is the control you give up as a business owner. Franchisees are partners in your business.

There must be mutual trust within that partnership, or your business may start to deteriorate.

7. What is your competitive advantage?

What makes KickHouse different?

KickHouse is a super collaborative system with resilience running through our

veins. Because we launched during the pandemic, we’ve been running uphill from Day 1 and have built up a resistance to operating in challenging times.

Running fitness centers during the pandemic has been challenging, but that is our super-power. We fought daily to thrive during a pandemic, so we’re set up for great success as the world approaches a return to normalcy.

8. How can people contact you?

Anyone interested in opening their own KickHouse studio can reach out via our franchise page. We have open territories across the country.

Or if you’re simply interested in following along on our journey, you can connect with me on Linkedin.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Morgin is a Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and alumnus of Santa Clara University.

We assist clients with the educational process of researching and selecting available franchise businesses that best suit desired lifestyles and financial goals. The research, qualification, and application service we provide is free; our fees are paid by the Franchise company when a client opens their business.

Contact Rick at 925-324-6371, rick@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany. com or visit www. franchisematchmakerserver.com

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

49

America's Premier Kitchen Remodeling Franchise PROVEN

39-YEAR

CONCEPT RE-ENERGIZED

for TODAY'S ENTREPRENEURS

AFFORDABLE START-UP

NO REMODELING CASH-BASED EXPERIENCE BUSINESS NEEDED

RECESSION RESILIENT

CUSTOMIZED BUSINESS PLAN

A L L - S TA R C U LT U R E 80.8 70.9

FBR Average Rating

INVESTMENT RANGE $88,031-$113,292

Kitchen Solvers Rating

SBA APPROVED

kitchensolvers@frandev.co

•

VETFRAN DISCOUNT

704.207.0643

Now is the time to get into a GREAT franchise: People still need haircuts.

www.greatclipsfranchise.com Great Clips, Inc. • 4400 West 78th Street, Suite 700 • Minneapolis, MN 55435 • 800-999-5959 or 952-893-9088 • State of MN Reg. #F-928 This advertisement is not an off ering. An off ering can only be made by a prospectus fi led fi rst with the Department of Law and the State of New York. Such fi ling does not constitute approval by the Department of Law of the State of New York.

THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING.

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

From Temporary Help to Owner: Paul Davis Franchisee Climbs the Ladder

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Sharon Green is a #Differencemaker

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MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

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haron Green made an immediate impact on her first day at Paul Davis Restoration and has continued to do so almost 20 years later. Her dedication took her from a temporary office worker to a successful franchise owner with one of the most trusted brands in the insurance restoration industry. Paul Davis of Greater Asheville restores residential and commercial properties throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood, Madison, and Polk counties.

Green first became acquainted with Paul Davis in April 2002 when former franchise owners Jim and Shari Buening hired her as a temporary office worker before they left on a two-week vacation. They gave her one day of training and when Jim checked in with Green after being gone for two days she had cleaned, rearranged, and organized their office and warehouse. Green then leaped at the opportunity to assist on a water damage job. She was smitten from the start. “That was the end of my temporary

job. Once I caught the bug, I was hooked. I loved the business, loved helping people and being able to make a living doing it,” Green said.

In short order, Green learned every aspect of the insurance restoration business. She became part of a mitigation team; cleaning, mitigating, and helping rebuild damaged properties.

She even learned to write estimates. Her dedication and perseverance paid off when she became general manager in 2009 before purchasing the franchise in 2016. “The business was a great fit,” said Green, whose husband, Hugh, also works with her. “There is always a need for help. We serve people who are really in a tough situation and help to put their lives back together.”

Green and her team are clearly Difference Makers®, a title and honor going to certain franchisees and team members by Paul Davis USA in 2022.

As her Paul Davis career approaches 20 years, Green gives an excellent example of making a difference. Her first onsite job remains her

GREEN LEARNED EVERY ASPECT OF THE INSURANCE RESTORATION BUSINESS. SHE BECAME PART OF A MITIGATION TEAM; CLEANING, MITIGATING, AND HELPING REBUILD DAMAGED PROPERTIES. favorite restoration project. It was for an 88-year-old woman whose house had flooded.

She was despondent and crying because she had no idea what to do. Green and her co-workers put the woman at ease, went to work, and several hours later the woman was doling out homemade cookies and hugs in appreciation of their efforts.

“It has been a wonderful road and I am still happy to do this every day,” Green said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Join Guidant as We Empower Women and #BreakTheBias

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his International Women’s Day, join Guidant as we #BreakTheBias by celebrating and empowering women small business owners.

The pressures of the pandemic and soaring costs of childcare have disproportionately affected women, forcing 2.4M women to leave their jobs between February 2020 and February 2021. Women are struggling just to return to the workforce, let alone start their own business.

The SBA has already shown their commitment to increasing women in business by dedicating $1.5M to creating

GUIDANT: EMPOWERING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WOMEN TO CREATE THE LIFE THEY WANT. 56

new Women’s Business Centers. Now, it’s our turn.

Like the SBA, Guidant is dedicated to supporting your women candidates: • Through bespoke franchise financing solutions for women of all backgrounds.

• By enabling their ongoing

success with in-house business admin services.

• By believing in and cheerleading women candidates. In the words of one successful Guidant client, “Guidant helped me realize I do have worth — and not only that, it’s tappable.”

ABOUT GUIDANT Guidant Financial helps business owners secure financing to start, buy, or grow a business or franchise through industry leading financing. Visit Guidant at guidantfinancial.com.

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

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What excites you right now about entrepreneurship and the path that is being created for Women?

The Women Behind SPENGA There are ultimately three pillars to fitness being cardio, strength, and flexibility.

SPENGA is the first studio of its kind to put equal focus on all three components in one 60-minute workout, through a combination of spin, strength, and yoga.

SPENGA prides itself on delivering a workout that will maximize your results without breaking down the body. Experienced instructors stay with members every step of the way to personalize the experience, improve form, and to make any necessary modifications. SPENGA’s multisensory experience offers space dedicated to specifically to each element of the workout, invigorating aromatherapy, and workouts fueled by energizing DJ-inspired playlist. SPENGA is a community of like-minded individuals looking to make the most out of their workouts and lives.

How did you three get started in Franchising?

We all worked together at a traditional health club chain for many years. The boutique fitness space was developing within the industry and we believed that there was a unique opportunity to create a new concept that focused equally on cardio, strength and flexibility. We had the great concept of SPENGA as a workout for the consumer, and we wanted to make it available to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Everyone should have

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access to the Best. Workout. Ever! The decision was made to share SPENGA through franchising. We recognized the unique strengths and business experience we each have and, when combined, we know we make The. Best.Team.Ever! It’s also one thing to like the idea of franchising, and another to do it well. Having the right partnerships are essential! We knew enough about it to get started, but partnering with Franchise Fastlane was the game changer. They’ve taught us so much and deserve a lot of credit for our growth.

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Entrepreneurship in general is exciting (and scary!) but seeing more women in that role is really inspiring. As we were creating SPENGA, we weren’t focused so much on being a “femaleled company”, rather “let’s start this amazing fitness company.” But the fact that three founders are women, is absolutely worth noticing and celebrating. We knew of other female CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the industry which gave us confidence that there was space for us.

We’re seeing less resistance and more acceptance as women entrepreneurs and we believe that trend will continue as more women are inspired to make their dreams into reality.

What was it like to start a new fitness concept in a male dominated industry?

That question is interesting because when you look at the fitness industry, specifically boutique fitness, the consumer is predominantly female. It’s shifting, which is great to see, but even if the participation of male clients is on the rise, it would seem logical to have women leaders in a heavily

female industry. Across the board, in every area of fitness, participation is shifting away from the stereotypes.

More women are into heavy lifting, more men are taking yoga classes, etc. We address the consumer side of it because it translates to the business side. There needs to be more female leadership across the industry, not just boutique. Balance on a corporate team is important to serve the target consumer. There always needs to be a female voice.

Directly, we’re starting to see less resistance as women business leaders. At trade shows, vendors aren’t waiting for a decision-making male counterpart to show up to have serious conversations, and we’re being invited to round tables and networking groups. We still have to muscle our way into important conversations and opportunities sometimes, but it’s getting better and we’re proud to be part of the change.

What advice would you give other women looking to make the leap into business ownership?

Do it with courage and confidence!

We all have different skills and strengths and women have just as many as men. However, recognize your skills and strengths and make those your superpowers. You’re not going to be great at everything and going into business with an “I can do everything” attitude because you feel like you have to prove yourself (especially as a woman), will set you up for disappointment, wasted

time, and probably less respect as a businessperson. Hire consultants and team members to excel in the areas you do not, and be their leader.

Why do you think women make great franchise business owners?

Women are great franchise business owners because there is a playbook to follow, yet we encourage feedback and suggestions. At least, that’s how SPENGA operates. Here’s the proven playbook, follow it to be successful, but if you think there’s something we can do better, we’d like to hear about it.

Successful business owners are always learning, growing and pushing to do better. We think women appreciate and embrace that opportunity to give feedback and improve the business.

What is new with SPENGA this year?

We can’t tell too many of our secrets ;), but SPENGA is always evolving. We never stand still. We have some exciting technology plays in the works for the studio/ client experience as well as on the corporate side, improving some backend processes. And growth is always a priority! We plan to open ~20 more studios this year, award >50 new territories, and add more talent to our corporate team.

What do you love most about SPENGA and the role you play?

All of the founders are involved in growth decisions and it’s important that we’re all on board when a change is made. Besides the business side, the thing we love most about SPENGA is the impact it has on people’s lives. It’s such a cliche thing to say, especially in the fitness industry.

How many times do you hear fitness professionals talk about changing people’s lives? Lol! Of course it was an intention when we created SPENGA, but we had no idea to what degree it would happen. The testimonials we have received from members are truly inspiring. They love SPENGA for not only their physical transformation, but the impact the brand has had on them mentally and emotionally as well. They are stronger and more confident. They feel a sense of family when they come through the doors. They’re sending those messages to the top because it’s so important to them. We couldn’t be prouder of the franchisees and team members we have out there representing our brand.

What is something you are excited for in the coming year with SPENGA? Sharing the SPENGA Brand with more communities! As we continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to painting all communities SPENGA GREEN!

To learn more about the franchise opportunity available with SPENGA, email spengaleads@ franchisefastlane.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Seminole Women Make History At ‘Inauguration Day’

by Damon Scott

E

very two years the Seminole Tribe of Florida holds elections where the people’s voice is heard and in 2021 a historic event occurred with four women being elected to tribal leadership positions.

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Mariann Billie was elected Big Cypress Councilwoman and to follow her path it is no wonder that she is looked up to by her tribe. She has given back to her community throughout her life and when hundreds of tribal members

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and guests gathered under a large tent in front of the historic Council Oak Tree on the grounds of the Hollywood Reservation’s Classic Casino on June 7 to swear in the Seminole Tribe’s newly elected leaders at “Inauguration Day”

Mariann

Billie

ceremonies it was a proud day for Seminole members throughout the United States.

The tribe has never had four women serving in leadership positions at the same time and this Inauguration Day also marked the tribe’s first

sit-down public event in about the past 15 months as the Covid-19 pandemic halted most in-person gatherings and limited the few that were held to drive-thru arrangements.

Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. said. “We live today in a historic moment. Today demonstrates where the tribe is going by having four women serve at the same time.

Women who had the courage to stand up and say ‘I’ll run.’”

In addition to her work on behalf of the Seminole Tribe, Mariann also supports female entrepreneurship

throughout the community and is regarded as an up and coming leader in Florida.

She is also a major figure as a Board Member at the Ahfachkee school which holds a long lineage in Florida education. Community members founded Ahfachkee School in in the beginning of the 20th centure as Big Cypress Day School. In the 1940’s the name of the school was changed to Ahfachkee Day School representing an on-going goal for the students who attend there.

Ahfachkee means ‘happy’ in the Eláponke language.

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LEFT: The Tribal Council and Board of Directors gather in f ront of the Council Oak Tree after the inauguration ceremony June 7, 2021, in Hollywood. From left are Hollywood Councilman Christopher Osceola, Brighton Councilman Larry Howard, Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie, Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola, Jr., President Mitchell Cypress, Brighton Board Rep. Helene Buster, Hollywood Board Rep. Christine McCall and Big Cypress Board Rep. Nadine Bowers. (Photo Beverly Bidney)

After building changes and the addition of upper grades, Ahfachkee School now serves students and families from the Seminole Tribe and the Big Cypress Community with an academically oriented Pre-Kindergarten for four year olds through all grades of high school. In addition to the core curriculum of reading, math, language, science, and social studies, a dominant emphasis is placed on teaching and integrating the Seminole cultural heritage and the Eláponke language throughout the student’s years here at Ahfachkee.

All students who attend Ahfachkee School regularly participate in programs both in specially designed culture and language courses as well as their regular classroom to enhance their

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knowledge about and pride in their culture, heritage, and language. In the early 1990’s, upon the direction of the Seminole Tribal Council, Ahfachkee School gained Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS) accreditation making it one of the few BIA or Hendry County schools, which has achieved the recognition.

With their eyes firmly in the future, the Ahfachkee School community also honors it’s long celebrated roots. The Traditional Preservation Department is located on the Big Cypress reservation and provides on campus classes that focus predominately on teaching the Seminole Tribe of Florida native language to students in grades K-12th.

Proficiency in the native language is evaluated

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through informal and formal assessments. The Elaponke I and II courses offered fulfill the Florida high school world language credit for high school students. Along with language classes, traditional teachings of the Seminole people are also taught within a camp setting.

Students learn to prepare Seminole food, how to cultivate seeds, plant and harvest a traditional garden, as well as, how to clean and prepare traditional food such as garfish, turtle, deer and hog.

The importance of culture and family has always been a hallmark of the Seminole Tribe and with Mariann Billie working alongside the tireless tribal council and Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. the future of this storied tribe and proud people has never been brighter.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Interior Designer Uses

Experience and Knowledge To Launch Her Own Business with Floor Coverings International

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

W

hen you have a knack for design, switching mediums is like putting on a different pair of shoes. You’re comfortable in both and you seamlessly carry on with what you do best.

That can be said for Brittany Miles, who after a 17-year career in interior design –

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specifically kitchens and baths – recently became a franchise owner with Floor Coverings International, the brand that’s consistently ranked No. 1 in the mobile flooring category, visiting customers’ homes in a Mobile Flooring Showroom stocked with thousands of flooring samples from top manufacturers. Her Floor

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Coverings International of Metro Louisville serves customers throughout St. Matthews, Mt. Washington, Highview, Lyndon, Downtown Louisville, Okolona, Audubon Park, Shepherdsville, and surrounding areas.

Miles has always worked for small, family-owned businesses, so owning and

operating a small business of her own was a natural transition.

“I used a franchise consultant and she introduced me to Floor Coverings International. I had helped my previous employers build and grow their companies and I had my hands in areas such as marketing, networking, backend operations and, of course, sales,” Miles said. “I wanted to stay in the design field, and it seemed like an easy transition for me. It still incorporates my love for design; I am just focused on flooring.”

In Floor Coverings International, Miles found a company that has tripled in size since 2005 by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its impressive operating model, growth ability, marketing, advertising, and merchandising. Floor Coverings International further separates itself from the competition through its customer experience, made up of several simple and integrated steps that exceed customers’ expectations.

For this, Floor Coverings

International was given the Innovation Award for Customer Response from Franchise Update Media in 2020, and the same award again in 2021 for Best Use of Technology. Franchise Update is the benchmark publication and conference entity that is the Gold Standard of Franchising.

“Having always worked for small companies, I finally wanted something for myself and to be able to grow something of my own,” Miles said. “I also have three kids and would love to have flexibility down the road, so Floor Coverings International seemed like a great partner to be able to build and grow with. I love working with my clients and taking a space they wanted to change or dislike and transforming it into something they love.”

With the home improvement industry booming, the flooring market is also keeping pace.

The global flooring market was estimated to reach $409 billion in 2021, according to Grand View Research. The

market is expected to grow at an annual rate of more than six percent through 2028, reaching overall sales of $621 billion. .

About Floor Coverings International Norcross, GA-based Floor Coverings International has ranked consistently as the No. 1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America

by Entrepreneur Magazine.

The 181 franchisees and their Design Associates offer a unique in-home experience with a mobile showroom that comes directly to the client’s door. More than 3,000 flooring choices are available to view in the home with and alongside the existing lighting, paint, and furniture. The company will open several more locations throughout the U.S. and Canada through franchise expansion in 2022. For franchise information, please visit www.flooring-franchise. com and to find your closest location go to www. floorcoveringsinternational. com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/ WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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Own a Creative, Dynamic Business in the $100 Billion Flooring Industry INDUSTRY TOTAL INVESTMENT: $180K-$200K Mobile Flooring Showroom We bring the showroom to the customer and bring her an experience the Amazon Way – where she wants it, when she wants it; IN HER HOME, with her own lighting and home décor.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Rocio Vale a Successful Professional From Venezuela Who Reinvented Herself in the United States

by Leonor Clavijo, International Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

children’s faces every day as they create art, make messes, and go home with big smiles on their faces.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Rocio and recently had the chance to ask her about her experience with opening a franchise with the help of The Franchise Consulting Company.

What is your professional experience?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, and worked for over7 years in a company in Venezuela in the oil sector.

R

ocio Vale came to the United States four years ago to start a new adventure with her husband Federico and two children. Joining in partnership with her mom. Rocio is passionate about her two children-their

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happiness, their education, and giving them the best life experiences. All this lead her to the opportunity of opening a franchise for Kidcreate Studio. She and her mom love working side by side, getting to know their customers, and seeing the delight on

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Where did you live and what did you do before settling in the United States?

After Venezuela, I went to live in Colombia, where I also had the opportunity to work in the oil sector. After the impressive drop in the barrel, we moved from the country to the US to look at new options. We have been here for almost 4 years.

are from Latinos. I tell you that it has been long and difficult because you have to move, sometimes slowly, but there is not a day where I get up and do not say: "this is a stage and if I work today, I anticipate a great tomorrow", so let's go!

Rocio Vela

How long have you lived in the United States and how has the experience of having a franchise been?

We have lived in the United States, specifically in Atlanta, GA, approximately 4 year.

During this time, we were dedicated to looking for the ideal Franchise, hired Lawyers for the visa process, and asked locals about opening the franchise. It was important for us to start with a Franchise that was aimed at children, which is what we like. My Mom and I dreamed of a place to take care of children, teach them, and have fun with them.

Having a franchise has been WONDERFUL. Particularly at Kidcreate Studio Franchise, we've done very well. They, from day one, have been a very open Corporate, very human, and they understood our visa processes and times.

What have been your greatest achievements as an entrepreneur?

She laughs! Take that step, jump into the void, get out of the comfort zone, learn more of the culture every day, not only the language, which I tell you was a giant challenge and still is, because I arrived without speaking English, but of how different Americans

Do you think that being part of an experienced business made the process easier for you as a new entrepreneur in the United States? And why?

TOTALLY! When you work in Venezuela or Colombia in an established company, with many years of experience and processes, you enter their system and it is easy and wonderful. When you come here and you want to have your business and have legality in the country, and start from scratch, that way of doing it is huge and scary.

What do you like most about what you do now?

What I like the most is that many times I can work with my children in the Studio. I enjoy owning a business. I am pleased that the children and mothers are happy, that our birthday parties are easy for parents and fun for children, and that it becomes a positive voice to voice about our work, which is rewarding.

How can we motivate other women entrepreneurs to realize their entrepreneurial vision through a franchise?

The power of an individual goes far beyond a vision, so we cannot sit and wait for everything to happen. If we do it today, tomorrow we will see the result. If we visualize it,

we achieve it. I think there is a starting point which is ACT. If you already have a plan, if you already know what you want, find a way to go for it and achieve it. It will take time and be arduous, but if you know where you are going, the road is easier.

A franchise gives you many more possibilities than a start-from-scratch business does. Especially if it is your first business or a new beginning, going hand in hand with the one who knows is always better, and franchises are designed to make your path easier.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Website: kidcreatestudio.com/ johns-creek Facebook: Kidcreate Art Studio Johns Creek Instagram: @kidcreate_ johnscreek ABOUT THE AUTHOR A Bilingual Communications Specialist, offering an international background in business and nonprofit management. Trained as a Journalist, demonstrates expertise in creating effective bilingual communications and building strong relationships with city, state, national businesses and corporations.

Proven track record in providing strategic marketing, identifying community priorities and creating progressive solutions. Contact Leonor at 919-308-1162 or email: Leonor@ TheFranchiseConsultingCompany. com

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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CREATE YOUR OWN SUCCESS STORY WITH CERTAPRO PAINTERS® Build your own business with the largest residential and commercial painting franchise in North America. By becoming a CertaPro Painters® franchise owner and leading a professionally managed business you’ll: • Join a brand that has proven system-wide growth. In 2019, the average gross sales for a CertaPro Painters® business was $1,544,808.* • Get support every step of the way with field and online training, technology and resources that position you for a successful start.

Take the Next Step Today!

800-693-5859 OwnACertaPro.com *These are average Gross Sales for US CertaPro Painters® franchisees who were in operation for the full 12 months of 2019. All figures are based upon information provided to CertaPro® by US franchisees, who operated a CertaPro Painters® business for the full 12 months of the respective year, including those that are certified to perform commercial services. Some franchisees own more than one territory. The financial performance of a CertaPro Painters® business will vary depending upon a variety of factors. Please see item 19 of our FDD for complete details. Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.

The

WOMEN of FRANCHISING Women Have Been an Integral Part of the Fabric of Our Country and in Building Franchising Around the World.

This Section Highlights the Extraordinary Women Who Make a Difference Every Day in the World.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

RHONDA SANDERSON

ELLEN ROHR

Sanderson PR | Founder CEO

Zoom Drain | President

www.sandersonpr.com

www.ZoomDrain.com

Rhonda is one of the most accomplished PR practitioners in the business and she launched the Original Franchise PR in 1985. She built the franchise PR model for franchisors and has continually been innovating the craft of PR. There is no women or men in franchise PR more respected than Rhonda.

Ellen is simply ENERGY! Her straightforward, open book marketing, treat people fairly mindset is refreshing! She captivates a crowd and always asks a better question. She invests her time, experience and talent into others and is also has a bootstrap history that would inspire anyone!

She is wonderful and would be an incredible addition to your publication. She is also a published author.

CARRIE ROBINSON Color World Housepainting | Director Of Franchise Support ColorWorldHousepainting.com She started writing for the Color World blog in college and then has grown up in the Franchising with CWHP and now is working underneath Authority Brands as a key female in operations as Color World‘s number two to Jon Boston Vice President of operations.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

CHRISTY FORD

SUSIE MATHESON

The Scout Guide | Co-Founder

The Scout Guide | Co-Founder

thescoutguide.com

thescoutguide.com

Christy Ford turned her passion of supporting local businesses into a thriving national brand that employs over 25 women at headquarters, and 70 women franchisees across the nation—all representing and supporting each other, and the small businesses within their communities.

With a vision to bring on new women as franchise owners across the nation, it's apparent that her dedication to the brand— and the expansion of it—is top priority. I love being on her team!

Susie's business oriented mind and care for others are huge reasons why The Scout Guide is where it is today. In over 70 cities in the US, Susie has spearheaded the charge in growing TSG and our member network. Always looking for ways to improve, Susie asks thoughtful questions and creates strategies that help the company succeed.

She values the people on our teams and makes employees feel supported and see.

JEANETTE BONFIGLIO CFO | Tint World Franchise LLC www.tintworld.com She is not only our CFO, but she also has the warmest heart and makes our office whole! Tint World has a very family-oriented culture and Jeanette and Charles (my CEO) embody that culture. It starts from the top down! The company culture allows all of the employees to be productive and efficient every day at work.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

AMANDA HALL

CANDICE WEETER

ISI® Elite Training | COO

Tilted Concepts | Founder

www.isielitetraining.com

www.tiltedconcepts.com

Amanda is the definition of a true leader. She has over 6+ years of experience in the franchise industry and has taken a brand from 16 open doors to 270. She has a passion for growing franchises and pouring into all of the members of her team. She has made such an impact on so many individuals in the franchising industry from her team to franchisees and mentoring other franchisors.

Developed and consistently employed over 700 people ( mostly single mothers) through Covid and significant market downturns. Over 6 years she has developed three concepts and sold over 150 units nationwide. Personally she has adopted 3 children all under the age of 12 Very special person.

SARAH VAN AKEN BrandONE | VP of Franchise Development brandonefd.com Sarah is a dynamic and seasoned entrepreneur.

Her expertise makes her an incredible asset to the BrandONE team. She's an inspiring role model, especially to women in the industry. She's a team player and regularly lives by her mantra: "You don't have to go it alone.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

JIL ELZEY, STEPHANIE EADDY, CHANISE PRICE

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ERIN PASH

Mosquito Hunters | Franchise Owners

Ellie Mental Health | MA, LMFT CEO Co-Founder

mosquitohunters.com

www.elliementalhealth.com

Chanise Price, Stephanie Eaddy and Jil Elzey are helping fight two misconceptions: the attitude that other unit owners are competing with you for business and that Mosquito Hunters is often thought of as a business ownership opportunity for men.

Price, Eaddy and Elzey have combined to develop some serious brand awareness through their combined local presence, and their collaborative efforts have displayed Mosquito Hunters as a fast-growing, simple to manage business opportunity.

This teamwork has allowed the brand to grow in Atlanta with high regard, which has only magnified Mosquito Hunters’ presence. Each franchisee can anticipate sustained growth with this increased demand, and the future outlook in Atlanta is tailored for this partnership to develop even further.

Erin Pash not only sees the big picture, she understands that truly innovating systems requires challenging the status quo and generating in-house solutions to overcome complex barriers. Like many, Erin started her therapy career as an employee of county-based and non-profit agencies. Due to the nature of publicly funded business structures relying upon tax-payer dollars/grant funding—along with the associated salary caps across employees— Erin realized that such systems are prone to rigidity and organize around a work culture that often fails to inspire disinhibited creativity and innovation. Erin's vision started with realizing that barriers ahead would be best overcome through a nimble, private, for-profit business structure that maintains a sincere commitment to social responsibility by keeping the employee and consumer experience at the forefront of operations and growth.

Today, Ellie Mental Health has established itself as one of the country’s fastest growing mental health companies.

MONTH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

CAREY GILLE

MEGAN ALLEN

Franchise Fastlane | President & Co-Founder

Frannet and FranPromise | Franchisee

www.f ranchisefastlane.com Carey Gille is an accomplished serial entrepreneur who has co-founded four start-ups and awarded over 240 locations in only 18 months for her last franchisor prior to co-founding Franchise FastLane. Paving the way for women in franchising, Carey’s leadership has helped explode Franchise FastLane in five short years to be the #1 FSO in the country, recently ranking #182 in 2021’s Inc. 5000 List and #2 in Nebraska. Her mission to find The Next Big Thing in Franchising has allowed the FastLane team to impact OVER 3,600 communities and changing thousands of lives through franchise ownership.

www.f ranpromise.com/services Megan honed her executive skills at American Express Business Finance working with franchisors and franchisees. As COO grew Camp Bow Wow side by side with Founder Heidi Ganahl. Owner of FranNet Colorado recruits franchise owners and with FranPromise consults with franchisors on their growth plans. And is and has been a tireless charity cause advocate with The Fight Back Foundation and The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation amongst others.

JENNIFER BLAIR Deka Lash | CEO www.dekalash.com Eleven years ago, Jennifer Blair took a part-time job doing lash extensions in a day spa in Pittsburgh, PA. Today she has built one of the fastest growing franchises in North America, Deka Lash. Her company empowers and helps women find their confidence, whether they are owners, clients or Lash Artists providing our services. Deka Lash, founded by a woman with services for women has opened more than 112 studios in less than five years. Jennifer Blair passionately leads Deka Lash with the purpose of changing lives, one lash at a time!

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

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AIMEE COIA

ROSE BAMBACH

Lawn Doctor | Franchise Owner

Fibrenew — Ponte Verda | Owner

www.lawndoctor.com

www.f ibrenew.com/pontevedra

Aimee Coia is a model franchise owner in the Lawn Doctor system. She and her husband embarked upon this journey four years ago and have since built an incredible operation under her leadership. Aimee spent much of her career working in education, while her husband was moving up the ladder as a marketing executive. As a mother of two, she decided she wanted her children to see what female entrepreneurship looked like. She left her teaching job, took the leap and committed to building a business that now services over 1,500 customers in the Cleveland market.

Her business has also provided numerous employment opportunities to people in the Cleveland community.

"Fibrenew gave this former stay-at-home mom a fast track into business ownership along with a new “franchise family” When Rose Bambach suddenly became a widow in 2014, her 15-year stint as a stay-at-home mom came to a screeching halt. All at once, she needed flexible work that would allow her to remain available for her children plus an income that could support her family. To align with her kids’ schedules, she worked different jobs at her kids’ schools, but none of them quite cut it.

“I was lost,” she said. “I was practically starving and I had no idea what to do,” she says. Then a friend suggested she look into Fibrenew the Experts in Leather, Vinyl, and Plastic Restoration.

From there it was simply a matter of taking the Fibrenew proven system for success and to build a business that not can only provide for her family but also allow her to be successful in her new career as a Fibrenew business owner."

MONTH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

NATALIE WATTS

TONISHA BRYANT

A Place At Home — Little Rock | Owner

Zoup! Eatery | Owner

www.aplaceathome.com

zoup.com

A Place At Home has many incredible womenowned franchises, and one of the early adopters was Natalie Watts. She gained media attention for building the first hugging booth for Memory Care Residents in Arkansas, allowing families to hug their loved ones. As one of the first FAC members, she’s seen as a leader in our franchise community.

She won the 2021 Founders Cup, APAH’s most prestigious award. Home Care Pulse named her the fourth-rated agency in the nation for Best of Home Care Top 100.

As a registered nurse, restaurant owner and mom, franchise owner Tonisha Bryant always has put others first. Tonisha operates her locally owned restaurant by serving up empathy and pride of ownership alongside our Good, Really Good™ soup, salad, sandwiches and bowls. "Being a mom and a nurse really helps [with business ownership], because a lot of times, you are a mom to a lot of your workers and have to show compassion and be understanding," Shares Tonisha.

ASHLY LOZA FranDevCo | VP of Operations www.f randev.co One of the most professional and educated individuals in franchising today, Ashly raises the bar on a daily basis. Ashly is a visionary leader with excellent management skills and a knack for directing company operations in a growth-minded direction. Ashly has been helping franchise companies reach their true potential in all areas of franchising for over 5 years. As the current Vice President of Operations, she leverages her leadership and teamwork expertise to ensure that objectives are thoughtful, efficient and completed on time.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

BRIDGETTE KNIGHT

LAUREN O'DESKY

Options for Senior America | Community Relations Director

Oasis Senior Advisors | Owner

optionscorp.com Bridgette started her franchise with Options for Senior America acquiring the entire Lake County, IN in June 2016. Having been a Registered Nurse for 8 years working in multiple acute-care settings such as MedicalSurgical, Acute Rehab, and Case Management, Bridgette was well-positioned to hit the ground running. She took the tools available to her from Options, applied them to her operation, and built a very solid and profitable business.

She is attuned to new opportunities and has been successful in concluding a contract with Veteran Affairs Administration and providing services to hundreds of veterans in the past few years. She has become a leading home care agency in her County.

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www.oasissenioradvisors.com Simply put, Lauren O’Desky overachieves at being an overachiever. As owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Milwaukee, Lauren received the Oasis Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and Franchisee of the Year award in 2018. Four of the last five years, she’s been the top revenue earner in the Oasis f ranchise system. Last year, she and her team helped more than 350 families navigate senior living options.

She is a contributing editor of senior-focused issues in many local publications and is known throughout Wisconsin as a speaker, educator, and advocate for seniors. Lauren and her husband are raising three children.

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

KATIE MACKENZIE

KATHLEEN BUCKLAND

GYMGUYZ | CEO/Franchisee

ARCpoint Labs | Owner

www.gymguyz.com

www.linkedin.com

Katie opened her GYMGUYZ business in 2016 becoming one of the first female owners in the franchise system. She is a dedicated mother, wife, and professional who is determined to change people's lives through health and fitness. Katie has a natural ability to connect with people, making them feel comfortable while sharing some of their most personal stories as they relate to why they contacted GYMGUYZ for help. She has a great sense of leadership which is evidenced by the retention of her team who continue to help their clients reach their goals every day.

Kathleen has been an ARCpoint owner since 2020. Kathleen's background in Human Resource Management gives her an advantage when helping her clients write, implement, and maintain compliant drug and alcohol programs.

Kathleen exemplifies a true servant heart and a love for helping others. She enjoys being a pillar in her community and being able to help nonprofit organizations in her area.

VINNY SAINI Payroll Vault | Owner www.payrollvault.com/172 She loves to help small businesses because they run various functions without the luxury of a big team. Payroll Vault provided me with this exciting opportunity, especially during these unprecedented and challenging times. Payroll is necessary and most small business owners find it complicated as they lack the expertise and skills needed to run payroll. She leverages her strong expertise in Compliance and Audit to help business owners save time and money by taking over complex payroll activity while staying complaint at the same time. She feels grateful that our community can rely on and trust Payroll Vault.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

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KAREN VICK

CHRISSY VANDERWYDE

PuroClean | Internet Marketing Manager

PuroClean | VP of Franchise Relations

www.puroclean.com

www.puroclean.com

Throughout her tenure at PuroClean as Internet Marketing Manager, Karen has moved the company forward to achieve several milestones, including building one of the most impactful and engaged franchise marketing support programs in the country. In 2019, The PuroClean Marketing Department earned a Gold Stevie® Award in Achievement in User Interface Design in the Web Awards category of the 17th Annual American Business Awards®.

Karen was a key player in the company’s improvement of its website interface, mobile site functionality, and live chat feature to accelerate the ability to communicate with customers online 24/7.

Since joining PuroClean in 1988, VanderWyde has steadily risen the ranks within the national restoration and remediation leader and has served the PuroClean network in nearly every department or capacity. Her responsibilities have continued to grow as part of PuroClean’s leadership team, and today, she is an Executive Team member who manages the Home Office f ranchise management systems, all benefits, and human relations activities, vendor relations, and the coordination of all team and f ranchise events. Chrissy is a key player in all decisions related to team member development.

MONTH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

KELLY WILSEY

VICKIE STORM

Oasis Senior Advisors | Owner

iTrip Vacations | VP, Franchise Development

www.oasissenioradvisors.com

itripf ranchise.com

Kelly Wilsey owned her first business, a live music venue in Colorado, at the young age of 25. She holds an MBA with a focus on operations and project management, and today is owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Maine & the Seacoast. In 2021, she set a revenue record for a sole operator in the Oasis franchise system — and more importantly helped more than 100 families navigate senior living options. Kelly is a single mom and a triathlete that completed an Ironman in 2005. Somehow, she still finds time for skiing and backpacking in the mountains.

Vickie is an outstanding leader to all who encounter her. She is personally one of the biggest influences on my own approach to leadership and inspires me with her actions every day.

AQUILA MENDEZ-VALDEZ Haute in Franchising, LLC | Founder & CEO hauteinf ranchising.com Aquila founded the Haute In Network Agencies' flagship location in Texas in 2011. The business has grown to a full-service PR and Marketing agency with an impressive 30% YOY growth for the last three years in a row. She launched the brand's franchise model in January 2022 with the vision of giving fellow female founders the opportunity to grow their own agency location in the rapidly expanding PR and Marketing world, while simultaneously having the flexibility we all crave. She is the recipient of a Stevie Award for Women in Business, a PRSA Del Oro Award, and was named a 2021 Top Brand by Franchise Journal.

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MEG ROBERTS

BRANDI KLOOSTRA

The Lash Lounge & Franworth | President & CMO

Franworth | Director of Digital Marketing

www.thelashlounge.com

www.f ranworth.com

Meg Roberts joined Franworth as an Operating Partner in 2018 where she serves as CEO and President of The Lash Lounge and Chief Marketing Officer for Franworth. Meg brings a proven track record of leadership, growth and marketing expertise to The Lash Lounge. She is most proud of her franchisee relationship skills and looks forward to building a system of success and satisfaction. Meg began her career in franchising at Service Brands International where she served as the Vice President of Marketing overseeing both Molly Maid and Mr. Handyman where her primary focus was on national brand marketing and digital strategy.

In 2012, Meg became the youngest President to lead the Molly Maid brand, a system of over 200 franchisees, where she built a team of Operations and Marketing experts to lead the brand into a new era of success. Meg was named to Crain’s Detroit Magazine 40 under 40 and was featured in an episode of the A&E series “Be the Boss.” She serves on The Women’s Franchise Committee, the NextGen Committee and on the International Franchise Association Board of Directors. Prior to entering the franchising industry, Meg spent eight years in marketing and television advertising with BBDO Chicago.

Brandi started her career as a graphic designer and began creating websites in 1994. In the late 90's she worked directly with the Google Adwords team to develop campaigns with the "new" GAW tool. Since then, she's helped large and small f ranchise businesses grow with data-driven digital marketing strategies in various verticals (home services, restoration, fitness, and beauty). Brandi is a strong leader, mentor and a brand builder. She cares about people and leads with purpose. Today Brandi leads digital marketing strategies for emerging f ranchise brands and established brands.

Brandi has lead digital projects to support both small brands and brands with with over 3500 units. Brandi is a member on the IFA Marketing & Innovations committee.

MONTH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

VALERIE BROWN-DUFOUR WSI | President wsiworld.com Valerie joined WSI back in 1999 when the Internet was still in its infancy. Since then, she has taken the helm as WSI's President and has helped build a franchise network that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Through her leadership and vision, she has helped WSI become a thriving business opportunity for female entrepreneurs, many of which grace WSI's top 25 franchise list each month. Summed up, Valerie's role is to communicate, support, listen, innovate, and make sure that as an organization, WSI is helping franchisees fulfill their lifelong dreams and goals.

KELLY BIGGS WSI | Consultant wsiworld.com Kelly is a female powerhouse in the WSI franchise network. She is actively involved in CEO Netweavers – an organization whose foundational pillar is servant leadership. As a member, she serves as a mentor to second-year Executive MBA students to answer their questions about their journey into Executive Leadership. In addition, she works with mentees to provide long-term career perspectives on various career topics. She also volunteers as an adjunct professor of Social Media Management at Morris Brown College.

Representation matters to Kelly. Having her students see her as a professor, AND business owner shows them what is possible with hard work and dedication.

MELANIE GARD WSI | Consultant wsiworld.com Mel is a WSI franchisee based in South Africa. She is the past Chairperson of KZN Women in Business and Committee Member of the Durban Branch of Business Women's Association (BWA). She conceptualized, designed and continues to run the KZN Women in Business mentoring program, aiming to pair members in need with an appropriate business mentor. Her franchise business is heavily involved within their local community. Some of the organizations they have volunteered at include The Robinhood Foundation, Hearts in Hands Food Bank, and CROW Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

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CARIN SKOWRONSKY

FELICIA FORTUNE

Franchise FastLane | Senior Director of Franchise Development

Your Kids Urgent Care | VP Franchising

www.f ranchisefastlane.com Carin Skowronsky is an accomplished and experienced sales, marketing, and content professional with over nineteen years of sales and brand building experience. Joining FastLane in 2018 as the 8th employee, Carin has certainly made her mark and paved the way for Franchise Directors at FastLane. Currently a Senior Director of Franchise Development for All Dry and SPENGA, Carin has awarded over 500 territories and changed hundreds lives through franchise ownership in less than 4 years. Franchise Consultants love her process and franchise candidates appreciate her thoroughness, honesty, and genuine passion.

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www.yourkidsurgentcare.com Felicia Fortune is a an exemplary business woman who has a proven, successful track record in transforming businesses into viable companies positioned for solid growth. She is highly experienced in Business & Franchise Development and Strategic Marketing, helping companies to become sustainable, effectively scale, and positioned for short and longterm profitability. Her positive impact in the business and medical world has introduced technological advancements in medical care to communities across the nation through Telemedicine and Pediatric Urgent Care services. Through her leadership she has successfully led companies to pivot, adapt and overcome their internal and external challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. She strategically led them to profitably sustain their operations while preserving the integrity of servicing the community with quality medical care services.

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

DAWN ERICKSON

SONIA GONZALES

PuroClean | Franchise Owner

PuroClean | Franchise Owner

www.puroclean.com

www.puroclean.com

Dawn and her husband Mark launched their business in 2009, relocating from Plymouth, Massachusetts in pursuit of their American dream. Dawn specializes in Business Development and is a certified Continuing Education Instructor for insurance agents.

She hosts free CE classes monthly and is IICRC specialty certified for Water, Fire, Mold & certified in Trauma Clean-up.

Sonia joined PuroClean after 8 years at Procter & Gamble. She believes in staying on top of industry trends and knowledge. That’s why she is certified by the IICRC to perform Property Damage Restoration in Denver, with 8 certifications. She also has many hours of continuing education on insurance, property management, and sales. She's married to Tomas, and have been together since 2011.

Sonia moved f rom Colombia to the US after finishing her master’s degree in marketing.

JULIA JONES PuroClean | Franchise Owner www.puroclean.com Julia Jones is the owner and operator of PuroClean of Bradenton and Sarasota. As owner, Julia's focus is operations, building relationships and sharing the services PuroClean of Bradenton provides. She has lived in Bradenton since 2019, after moving f rom Orlando after a career in theme parks and recruiting. She had her own firm, which served different clients in the insurance, government and the IT realm.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

JAMIE DASKALIS

JEN CAIN

Johnny D's and Company LLC | CEO

Franchise FastLane | VP of Franchise Development

johnnydsandcompany.com Jamie and her father, John Daskalis started this company as a dream with our first location in January of 2014 in Myrtle Beach SC. The father daughter duo took the Myrtle Beach Breakfast scene by storm introducing a menu and dedication like no other in the area. After 8 years of success we recently opened the third location and are now working to franchise. Jamie has shown over the years that she is hands on, committed and motivated. She has grown so much over the years to be our fearless leader and help us bring Johnny D's Waffles and Benedicts in a neighborhood near you.

www.f ranchisefastlane.com Having been in franchising for over ten years, Jen Cain is a talented, dedicated, and fearless leader at Franchise FastLane- coaching her team of Directors, helping strong brands grow and blanket the country, and changing candidates lives through entrepreneurship. Recently achieving a huge milestone, Jen has awarded over 1,000 franchises that are positively impacting communities across the United States. She has led several explosive franchise development runs. Jen is one of the most trusted franchise development professionals in the industry.

NATALIE CRAIG REGIMEN™️ Men's Fine Grooming, Inc | CEO www.regimensalon.com | www.nc-designs.com Natalie is a strong business woman and a leader in her city. She has lead a very successful business the last sixteen years in her community. Pioneering the importance of new clothes and sporting gear for children in shelters; alongside, her commitment to end trash bags in foster care will be witnessed in every franchise with her branded duffel bags for retail. I look forward to her entrepreneurial spirit as she brings community, nonprofit, local businesses, and a higher standard to the barber industry all under one roof.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

NICKY MCKENNA

HEIDI SCHWENDE

WSI | Consultant

WSI | Consultant

wsiworld.com

wsiworld.com

Nicky joined WSI in January 2021 and has quickly become one of our top up-and-comers. She is an avid local networker and actively seeks out other franchisees who could be "power partners."

Being on the radar of Business Coaches, Virtual Assistants, and HR Providers is particularly fulfilling as networking brings her into contact with startups or micro-businesses who inspire her and that she can make a difference with. She'll often offer these companies some insights into what they can action internally to get their businesses found online.

For Nicky, it's all about adding value every step of the way.

Heidi is an esteemed member of the WSI f ranchise network. As a WSI f ranchisee, she has contributed to many WSI internal training initiatives geared at helping other f ranchisees grow and excel in their business.

Heidi is also highly involved in educating the business community on the benefits of digital marketing. Over her 8+ years with WSI, she has helped educate thousands of businesses and provided them with free audits to show them how to get more f rom their online marketing efforts.

DAPHNE ANDERSON WSI | Consultant wsiworld.com Daphne recently became a WSI f ranchisee, joining our network in early 2021. Through her local BNI chapter, she has raised awareness and knowledge of digital marketing solutions to help businesses grow and achieve their goals, many of which are other f ranchises.

Through her innovative ideas and advice, she helps companies uncover growth opportunities that they would not have thought of on their own and, in turn, is making a difference to the businesses in her local community.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

ELIZABETH HAWKINS

KAREN ARGUS

PuroClean | Director of Franchise Development Marketing

PuroClean | Franchise Owner

www.puroclean.com Since joining PuroClean in 2018, Elizabeth Hawkins has been responsible for marketing efforts for the brand's Franchise Development division, driving recruitment and lead creation for the division. Elizabeth is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having previously served as a Naval Officer. In her current role as Director of Franchise Development Marketing, Elizabeth has been a key part of driving PuroClean’s growth from 150 office locations to more than 375 in the United States and Canada.

www.puroclean.com Karen Argus is the owner of PuroClean of Stuart.

With both a nursing degree and a law degree, Karen has gained valuable experience working with customers who are dealing with stressful situations that require solutions and help.

MARGARET CHEBAT PuroClean | Vice President of Account Management www.puroclean.com As the youngest female Vice President at PuroClean, Margaret is an inspiration to women striving to lead in a sector that is predominantly male-oriented. Under Chebat’s leadership, PuroClean’s Business Development team has become the fastestgrowing division in the company, undertaking large projects that have a hand in the brand’s exponential growth, securing contracts with major national accounts and launching new initiatives like the company’s very own internal call center earlier this year.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

CARLIE WILMES

BRETTANY SCHOVANEC

Fischer & Company | Senior VP, Tenant Advisory Services

Fischer & Company | Senior VP, National Tenant Advisory

Fischercompany.com

Fischercompany.com

Carlie specializes in representing franchise brands and their franchisees across the country with their real estate site selection and negotiations. She's very hard working, kind, energic, and all of her franchisee clients love her. She gives 110% to her franchise clients.

These are people who in many cases have put their life savings in to a new business and she is there as a real estate consultant and a therapist. She gives them white glove experience while addressing all of their concerns.

She passionately handles national site selection and consulting for a variety of f ranchisors and their f ranchisees. She works tirelessly to find the perfect location and negotiate a deal utilizing best in practice strategies. She makes herself available to her clients 24/7. Her business is largely built on referrals due to extremely satisfied clients.

DENISE RADCLIFF EventPrep, Inc. | Executive Vice President www.EventPrep.com Leading an Event Planning company in the midst of a pandemic is not for the faint of heart... Denise did just that. She is a wellbalanced, technically proficient, trusted servant-leader, who is able to seamlessly switch between sales and operations, driving unit level economics and compassionately coaching Franchisees to both personal & professional success! She also found time to volunteer in her community, earn her CFE and be an amazing, wife, mother and grandmother to her family!

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

KARINA OLIVER

AUDRA ARMSTRONG

PuroClean | Franchise Owner

PuroClean | Franchise Owner

www.puroclean.com

www.puroclean.com

Karina Oliver and her husband Ivan were honored at the 2021 PuroClean International Convention for being the recipients of the 2021 Franchise of the Year recognition.

Throughout the last year, the Olivers earned the highest points in annual revenue, sales, work completed, and other metrics that determined their performance to be the best across the entire franchise network. Through her work at her PuroClean of San Antonio Northwest, Karina leads a team that provides dedicated support to home and property owners in need.

Audra Armstrong has been an Army spouse for almost 30 years. Throughout those years, she has served her military community through many leadership roles such as Family Readiness Leader and volunteering with the spouses club. She has also served military families with her work with the Family Advocacy Program and Exceptional Family Member Program. She is organized and very passionate about her work. She looks forward to this new adventure and serving Boerne and the surrounding communities.

BETH NILSSEN Great Clips | Director of Franchise Development www.greatclips.com Beth Nilssen, CFE joined the Great Clips franchise development department in 2007. She has been the Director of Franchise Development at Great Clips since 2013. She is the first female to have this role and is currently the youngest director at Great Clips. Beth has helped grow Great Clips to nearly 4500 salons in the US and Canada.

Standing a striking 6’2” tall, she has been recognized as one of the brightest rising stars in franchising.

When asked, her peers rarely comment on her multiple professional achievements, but rather on her willingness to help lift others within the franchising community.

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For over two decades, WSI has helped women establish their own digital marketing businesses. Our franchising opportunity provides a global network of continuous coaching, training and support, and access to leading partnerships you can use to join the ranks of women who truly mean business.

www.wsifranchise.com/women-of-wsi

Toll free: 866-363-3525

contact@wsifranchise.com

Did You Know?

72% of people say they wouldn't alter their pet spending regardless of their current financial situation.

Now is the time to get in on a $103B industry!

Pet Boarding

Doggy Daycare

Pet Grooming

Bakery & Market

The Ark was created to provide a safe, fun, and loving environment for guests and their pets, by ensuring the highest trained crew members, the best facilities, and the latest in pet care techniques and products.

INVESTMENT RANGE: $357,891 - $651,700

SBA APPROVED

VETERAN DISCOUNT

theark@frandev.co 704.209.4310

Funding Your Dreams 5-Star Reviews FranFund consistently receives 5-star reviews from our clients. We believe it’s not just what you do, but how you do it.

" Working with FranFund to get our corporation and 401k plan setup has been an amazing experience. They guided us through the process every step of the way, making a complicated process very easy to navigate. .” - Brenda C.

" I can't imagine attempting to navigate the SBA loan process without FranFund! " - Charlie B.

FranFund designs flexible, all-in-one funding plans that fit perfectly, no matter how much your franchise grows. With the right funding partner, you'll be able to fund your dreams and float through every step of the process with confidence.

www.franfund.com/schedule-consult

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Meet the Fantastic Female Team of

Authority Brands!

by Colt Florence

Kristen Schrass

Los Angeles, California

Franchise Development Representative – Ben Franklin Plumbing / STOP Restoration A dreamer herself, Kristen loves getting to set entrepreneurs in the direction of their dreams.

When she isn’t connecting with potential franchisees, Kristen loves to write and spend time laughing with her husband and three-yearold son.

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Karen Riker

Memphis, TN

Franchise Development Manager – STOP Restoration Walking alongside entrepreneurs when they step through the door of financial freedom is a game-changing career. Helping people to take their talents, skills and passion and build a business that matters provides a daily reward.

We win together, that’s the Authority Brands and the Karen Riker way.

Jennifer Tucker

Rachel Poulin

Chief Operating Officer – HomeWatch Care Givers Passion for empowering people, for expanding wellness for clients/families and for the creation of meaningful employment for caregivers are what drive her and her all-female executive team forward. Exceptionally supporting existing and bringing on new franchise owners from diverse backgrounds are key to the growth and success of the brand.

Franchise Development Manager – The Cleaning Authority Well-rounded in the industry having been a franchise owner, financing consultant, a broker, as well as spending most of her career in franchise development. Rachel is passionate about changing the lives of her clients through franchising and entrepreneurship. She enjoys spending her days with her daughter, Jaiden (away at JMU) and their 2 chihuahuas. .

Dawn Wilson

Ericka Tynan

Paralegal – Authority Brands Dawn supports sales by drafting legal contracts for two brands under the AB umbrella – Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority - and is extremely excited about the footprint and revenue growth within Authority Brands, Inc. for our Franchise Owners!

Paralegal – Authority Brands After year of working directly in Franchise Development, Ericka transitioned to working in the Legal department. She was privileged to transition to the wonderful Legal team at Authority Brands in October of 2020 and cannot think of a better place to progress in her career.

Denver, Colorado

Centennial, CO

Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA

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Donna Gosciej

Denver, CO

Marissa Rosenfeld

Lani Binnie

Senior Paralegal – Authority Brands Marissa supports sales by drafting legal contracts for the two newly acquired brands under the AB umbrella – Color World House Painting and Woofie’s, along with department wide process and procedures relating to sales transactions. Marissa assists the franchise legal team with the yearly update of the Franchise Disclosure Documents.

Legal Counsel – Authority Brands Lani started her career in franchising in a nontraditional sense as in-house counsel with an NFL franchise. She feels that she has found her calling in franchising with having the opportunity to support thousands of owners in their entrepreneurial journey.

Lani’s father spent 30 years as a small business owner and attributes much of her greatest personal and professional accomplishments to what she learned from watching him.

Chief Human Resource Officer – Authority Brands Donna is a businessperson who happens to support and help drive growth of the company through people and culture. Her expertise lies in high growth companies like AB and promoting a culture of engagement

Columbia, MD

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Shae Ananda

Columbia, MD

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Franchise Development Manager – Mister Sparky Electric Shae Ananda is a mover and shaker that is really making waves. As a former business owner herself, Shae understands the challenges that come with starting one’s own business. She guides her franchise candidates through the discovery process with a deft sense transparency and collaboration that provides ease and security to a life changing decision.

Jacksonville, FL

Heather McLeod

Jenna Spadaccino

Chief Marketing Officer – Authority Brands Heather has spent the last 12 years focused on helping home service franchise brands grow and adapt to the ever-changing marketing landscape. Part of the launch and build out of the Authority Brands platform from one brand to twelve, her strength lies in scaling and building high-achieving marketing organizations. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Authority Brands, she oversees a team of 50+ marketers across a variety of technical focuses.

Franchise Development Representative – The Cleaning Authority / Monster Tree Jenna has nearly a decade of sales and marketing experience with six years being in franchise development. Jenna is passionate about building relationships with franchise consultants and of course entrepreneurs who are looking be in control of their own destiny.

Kelly Stevens

Caroline Rhode

Franchise Development Admin Analyst – Authority Brands Kelly is new to the franchise world upon taken this position with AB. Since stepping in, she has quickly become the glue that holds the AB Frandev department together. She is passionate about ensuring all processes are done with efficiency and organization.

Franchise Development Manager – Mosquito Squad Caroline has worked within the franchise industry the past several years handling both resales and new development. She is passionate about helping ordinary people following their dreams with business ownership and it shows through her work. In her free time, she is an avid SC Gamecocks Alumni.

Baltimore, MD

Severn, MD

Bristol, Pennsylvania

Charleston, SC

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Amy Reed

Leanne Stapf

Chief Operating Officer – Woofie’s Mobile Pet Care Amy Reed is the Co-Founder of Woofie’s, LLC based in Ashburn, VA. Woofie’s is the first mobile franchise system to offer the combined services of pet sitting, dog walking and mobile grooming. Woofie’s was acquired by Authority Brands in January 2022.

Chief Operating Officer – The Cleaning Authority Leanne Stapf leads an all-female corporate operations and marketing team, providing direct support to 227 The Cleaning Authority locations. She is dedicated to bettering the brand’s infrastructure through new technology, marketing, and support initiatives. She is also a franchisee at The Cleaning Authority of Harrisburg, PA.

Ashburn, VA

Columbia, MD

Kim Hergenrather Columbia, MD

Executive Assistant – Authority Brands Kim currently handles many roles with the AB family. One of her largest contributions to Frandev is through mapping and territory design for reach one of the franchisees that enter our brand systems. She ensures all territories meet the demographic / geographic viability requirements for all new owners, and all systems are up to date as owners launch their business.

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Jamie Lavigne

Center Ossipee, NH

Franchise Development Manager – HomeWatch Care Givers Jamie is full of energy and passion. She has been on the HomeWatch team the past 5 years and is a total rockstar. She lives on 31 acres in northern NH on a lake. Her family consists of two daughters, 4 dogs, and a husband.

Kimberly Diaz Las Vegas, NV

Franchise Development Representative – HomeWatch Care Givers / Woofie’s Mobile Pet Care Walking alongside entrepreneurs when they Kimberly has 3 lovely children, Jaelyn, Emma and Alessandro. She is new to the franchising world, coming up on my 1st year and she is absolutely loving it, this is not just a job, this is a career..

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, AUTHORITY BRANDS HAS QUICKLY BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST HOME SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE US AND A TITAN IN THE FRANCHISE INDUSTRY. THIS MONTH, WE FELT IT IMPORTANT TO SHOWCASE NOT ONE OR TWO, BUT MAJORITY OF THE FANTASTIC WOMEN WITHIN OUR ORGANIZATION THAT HAVE PLAYED A LARGE ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF AB. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, MEET THE POWERHOUSE FEMALES AT AUTHORITY BRANDS!

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Strong Women and Family Values Blaze a Path to Success

by Kinsey Cooper, Content Writer, FranDevCo

B

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usiness success is often measured in numbers but the foundation for it is built on commitment, values, and culture. When FranDevCo chooses brands as partners, we not only look for those that have competitive advantages

and strong differentiators, we also look for teams and leaders that can create a winning culture and keep the path to success clear for anyone who is ready to show up with drive and commitment. These stories highlight Owners who were drawn in by the

leadership and core values of three FranDevCo brands and are now leading their own successful locations.

Mona Javier, DumpStor in Manassas, Virginia Mona was born in the Philippines and migrated to the United States when she was two years old. In 2006,

she started in the trucking industry as an owneroperator, driving tractortrailers. Since she was young, Mona has always trended towards “traditionally male” roles and it only pushes her to work harder at her job.

When job searching in 2014, Mona discovered DumpStor. She wanted to continue trucking, but also wanted to negotiate her working conditions. Mona said that the leadership from Joe Martino, CEO and Founder of DumpStor, is what lured her in.

At DumpStor, Mona has been able to work in a fast, but self-paced environment.

Mona said when she’s driving, she has the freedom to make her own choice and fulfill deadlines and duties on her own.

“The best part about this job is that I get to push myself to be the best that

I can be,” Mona said. “I am responsible for my own career progression.”

Mona said she can confidently say that she is a valuable asset to DumpStor, just as much as they are to her. Mona brings a fresh perspective through her vast experience in the industry, in life, and as a woman. She enjoys offering new ideas whenever she sees fit and often brainstorms how they can fit into and improve the business processes.

“DumpStor has fostered an excellent working environment for me and will continue to for the many women that decide to take on employment with them,” said Mona.

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Linda & Mike Munger, Rad Air Complete Car Care in Strongsville, Ohio Linda has worked beside her husband Mike for the past 17 years since they were awarded their first Rad Air Complete Car Care location, in 2005.

Their family-based teamwork approach is a clear reflection of Rad Air’s homegrown values and it is also a success story: Linda and Mike operate the largest Rad Air location, with 8 bays for repairs and 10,200 square feet.

Pointing to her and Mike’s foundation of trust and commitment as reasons for their success under this cutting-edge concept, Linda says they each can rely on the other to take care of a task or pick up where someone left off.

“We know we are going to get the job done,” Linda says.

But Linda and Mike both acknowledge the support and mentorship they have received from the Rad Air corporate team as a key component for their growth, especially the personal support offered by Founder Andy Fiffick, noting: “We are so very lucky to have him behind us.”

And the personal touch is something that they work to uphold in their Strongsville shop, as well, including thank you cookies for customers. A truly familyrun business, Mike works beside his technicians and runs the business with Linda joining him for a few hours every day to tackle administrative tasks like accounting and customer service, and generally just pitching in wherever she can–from picking up parts to answering phones. Even Linda’s 88-year-old mother stays involved, coming in regularly to inspect the lobby and make sure everything is looking its best!

“This is a dream in his life,” Linda says of Mike and their business. “He has always wanted to do this and he loves it. And I’m happy to work with him and help it grow.”

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Kenia Miller, Corporate Cleaning Group in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Kenia has been a Corporate Cleaning Group franchise owner with her husband Tom for about five years.

She fulfilled her dream of becoming a business owner after 17 years as a stay-athome parent. She chose CCG because she felt inspired by Founder Len Yakuber and CEO Devin Dollar. "We liked them and what they are all about: being transparent, helpful, and

honest," said Kenia.

These values align with Kenia and Tom and reflect in how they run their business: with a focus on customer service, teamwork, support, and employee recognition.

Kenia credits her team for all the success, and the company values have helped attract

and keep the right people.

She expresses gratitude for the large percentage of her team who stayed with CCG Grand Rapids and helped her navigate many of the demands of running a small business.

Kenia and Tom's journey hasn't been without challenges. Kenia has been thankful for the support from the CCG Corporate Team.

They helped connect them to their first group of clients and continue to provide client leads, answer questions, and provide best practices and knowledge–generally helping her feel confident even during unprecedented situations, like COVID. As the business grew, CCG Grand Rapids had to adjust and scale up its processes using the support of its team and the corporate office.

"It's different when you grow 20% year after year," Kenia said.

"You take something small, and as it grows, it stretches your abilities."

For other women who are considering franchising, Kenia has simple advice: "Don't be afraid to learn and to put yourself out there and surround yourself with solid people."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR FranDevCo's Content Writer Kinsey Cooper has spent her career in marketing, public relations and strategic communications. She uses her skills to help brands showcase what makes their business unique.

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TURN YOUR PASSION INTO RESULTS BECOME A PART OF ONE OF THE HOTTEST BRANDS IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY

20+

states & expanding

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locations

structured to generate

SALES

STRONG item 19

HIGH

customer retention

Investment Range: $243,993 to $463,900

4 SBA Approved

4 Veteran Discount

4 Low Overhead

For franchising information contact: rockboxfitness@frandev.co • 704.659.1816

MAKING WAVES IN THE POOL SERVICE INDUSTRY

Pool Scouts is a refreshing take on the pool service industry, meeting the need for a more professional pool cleaning and maintenance solution in a booming home services industry. Pool Scouts is growing fast with 32 territories awarded last year, more than doubling the overall total. There are now 65 Pool Scouts territories awarded across 8 states. With a strong pipeline of qualified candidates, demand is not slowing down. Call today to secure your preferred territory!

Ranked One of Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises in 2021 Recurring Revenue Business Model World-Class Marketing & a Fun Brand

Full Training & Support No Experience Needed

$

Low Cost of Entry A Fast Growing Industry

“Pool Scouts provides processes and systems along with a phenomenal support team to

”

help me grow my business. Together we will professionalize the pool maintenance industry!

David Muirhead, Franchisee (Northern Virginia)

POOLSCOUTSFRANCHISE.COM 844-40-SCOUT

BRANDS POWERED BY

Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC | 2829 Guardian Lane, Suite 100 | VA Beach, VA 23452. This information is not intended as an offer to sell a franchise or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is for informational purposes only.

The filing of an application for registration of an offering prospectus or the acceptance and filing thereof by the New York Department of Law as required by New York law does not constitute approval of the offering or the sale of such franchise by the New York Department of Law or the Attorney General of New York.

©

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Longtime Friends and Now Business Partners,

Women Fill Niche with Spanish Immersion Childcare

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

M #FranchiseStars Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains and is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@sandersonpr. com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin. com/in/rhondasanderson-a6b658/

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ariela Pineda and Natalia Pretelt have a lot in common.

They are longtime friends, both are working moms and both have two children – who, of course – are the same ages, 9 and 5. And now they have another thing in common… they are business partners and franchise owners.

In July 2021, Pineda and Pretelt opened Tierra Encantada in Minnetonka, recognized as the leader in Spanish immersion early education.

Tierra Encantada is a premier daycare and preschool program that provides care for children ages six weeks through six years, while also featuring cloth diapers in its infant classrooms and on-site commercial kitchens to provide fresh-cooked organic meals designed to expand young palates.

“Going on this venture together has been incredible, but also challenging since we opened in the middle of a pandemic,” Pineda said.

“We have learned so much about being entrepreneurs and running our own business, which has been very gratifying.”

With 6 locations in the

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Minneapolis/St. Paul market and others nationwide, Tierra students are immersed in a natural, dual-language learning environment with teaching, songs, games and conversation all occurring in Spanish. Children learn a second language similar to how they learn their native language through immersion.

Such qualities were what Pineda and Pretelt sought while looking for highquality daycare for their own children, particularly one with a curriculum that aligned with their culture and background.

Unfortunately, Pineda was unable to find a Tierra location that was convenient to her, but Pretelt enrolled both her children. When the two friends started discussing going into business together their thoughts immediately focused on Tierra. But the Minneapolisbased franchisor headed by CEO & Founder Kristen Denzer had not yet begun franchising.

That all changed in 2019.

“We had approached Kristen earlier, but franchising was not an option, or at least she was not contemplating it at the time,” Pineda said. “About two years later we received an email from Kristen communicating

Natalie is pictured at left and Mariela at right.

programs beginning in kindergarten, so we know we complement the districts and parents always like the idea of starting as early as possible in language immersion programs.”

ABOUT TIERRA ENCANTADA Tierra Encantada was founded in 2013 by Kristen Denzer, a growing entrepreneur in Minneapolis, who after adding "mom" to her resume, saw a need for better and more enriching daycare for young children. The first location opened in 2013 and quickly grew to become 6 centers in the twin cities metro- many with extensive waiting lists

“GOING ON THIS VENTURE TOGETHER HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE, BUT ALSO CHALLENGING SINCE WE OPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC,” PINEDA SAID. “WE HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT BEING ENTREPRENEURS AND RUNNING OUR OWN BUSINESS, WHICH HAS BEEN VERY GRATIFYING.” ­—Mariela Pineda that she was going to be franchising Tierra Encantada and it was such great news.”

Conveniently located near the intersection of 394 and 494 on Plymouth Road in Minnetonka, Pineda said Tierra’s programs and curriculum meet a growing

need in the west suburbs.

“There is a huge demand for immersion programs,” said Pineda, whose Tierra center already has 20 employees and 80 families enrolled. “The Minnetonka and Hopkins school districts and others already offer immersion

to enroll for the Spanish immersion early education the program offers. TE currently has 5 active franchisees.

Plans are to expand further throughout the nation in the next 3 years. For franchise information, visit franchise. tierraencantada.com.

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Open a NOW Massage Boutique in Your Neighborhood New Concept Reimagines Massage Experience The NOW Massage, a new concept massage boutique, was founded on the principle that self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

Designed to serve as an oasis from today’s digitally driven society, The NOW offers high-quality, affordable massage services in an inspired setting. The brand has recently signed franchise agreements representing 100+ locations in over 25 cities.

Territories are available across the country.

Learn more at thenowmassage.com/own-a-boutique

Do what you love with an essential business everybody loves.

Lori Nebel | Multi-Unit Franchise Owner

Fetch the retail pet franchise that outruns the competition with a $2.4M AUV*.

Now’s the time. Get in on an award-winning franchise that’s growing fast — giving pet lovers and their pets the supplies and services they need. 2020 was a banner year, and the momentum continues with markets available nationwide.

Omni-channel options keep pet lovers shopping.

Online ordering

Same-day delivery from store

Curbside ready in 1 hour

In-store with social distancing

In-store grooming services

Ready to get in on our 30+ years of success?

Learn more at petsuppliesplusfranchising.com *This information can be found in Item 19 of the 2021 Franchise Disclosure Document issued by PSP Franchising, LLC. The data reflects the calendar year beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020, and shows the data for 220 Reporting Franchised Stores which were open and operating for 12 months as December 31, 2020. There is no assurance you will do as well. If you rely upon our figures, you must accept the risk of not doing as well. This is not an offer to sell you a franchise. Franchises are offered by prospectus only. Franchises are not currently offered in MN, SD, and VA. ©2021 Pet Supplies Plus. All rights reserved. Pet Supplies Plus is a trademark of PSP Franchising, LLC.

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Tough Jobs for Tougher Women: From Merchandising to Quick Lube

by Abi Pepin, Content Writer, FranDevCo

W

ith 27 years of experience in leading teams, developing and designing seasonal product lines, innovating with denim mills, meeting with retail buyers to help sell product lines, Holly Lavender was an expert in Product Development and Merchandising. However, after the company she worked for decided to relocate, Holly stayed in Kansas City to pursue other opportunities.

After receiving a message from Tom Sampson, a Franchise Consultant for the Franchise Consulting Company, Holly took an assessment to gauge her interests and Costa Oil was one of the five companies

that came up. Holly’s initial phone call with Costa Kapothanasis, the Founder of Costa Oil, is what sealed the deal for her, as he was so passionate about the business.

Holly was also drawn to the innovative concept behind the Franchise from a consumer’s perspective.

Holly has always loved cars and as a teenager her father taught her how to take care of her cars, but never considered a career in automotive services. Holly believes, as a woman, she will bring a new and different perspective to the industry. She knows how easy it is for women to be taken advantage of in the automotive repair industry and she believes it’s important to represent other women

throughout the industry!

As this business venture is extremely different from her previous experience, Holly couldn’t be more excited about her upcoming two locations in the Kansas City area. Holly wants to incorporate her background and experience to better understand and address the needs of customers to make Costa Oil a success!

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Costa Oil is a hassle free, 10 minute oil change service. The locations are prefabricated buildings that turn 8 unused parking spaces into a revenue source for the landlord, with a business model that allows manageable overhead costs to optimize their system and

HOLLY HAS ALWAYS LOVED CARS AND AS A TEENAGER HER FATHER TAUGHT HER HOW TO TAKE CARE OF HER CARS, BUT NEVER CONSIDERED A CAREER IN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES. HOLLY BELIEVES, AS A WOMAN, SHE WILL BRING A NEW AND DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE TO THE INDUSTRY. 120

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giving Franchise Owners more time to focus on perfection their system and delivering exceptional customer service.

High lease costs are one of the major expenses Costa Oil’s competitors face with profitability. However, Costs has the ability to pre-assemble the kiosk on a manufacturing floor from pre-set designs. The prefabricated mother provides a faster start-up period and an opportunity to depreciate the cost of building; this makes the return on investment capital provides the Franchise Owner the opportunity to leverage a lower lease payment on the structure and gain profitably.

With the consistent advancement and development of the brand, Costa Oil is looking for potential Franchise Owners that are excellent with interacting with people, developing and coaching a team and growing the brand.

Do you fit the description for an ideal Franchise Owner?

Visit https://franchise.costaoils. com/ or reach out to costa@ frandev.co to get started today! enhance customer service.

Costa Oil runs their locations strategically by only offering oil change services, working around space restraints and only training two employees, they’re able to simplify payroll and utilize time and space efficiently.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

The quick lube industry is valued at $8 billion in the United State and the annual rate of growth has averaged to 1.5% since 2012. With no decline in sight, Costa Oil is in the perfect position for growth. As an oil change only service, their system is streamlined and simple,

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Abi Pepin, of FranDevCo, is a graduate of Appalachian State University. With a degree in communications, journalism, she is using her writing skills to create content that promotes brands.

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TACTICAL LASER TAG FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES LASER TAG REDEFINED FOR ADULTS AND TEENS Team Combat combines cutting edge interactive immersion technology with a complete, turnkey franchise system to offer unique entertainment opportunities.

TACTICAL LASER TAG LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Team Combat creates realistic combat simulations for fun, sport, or tactical training purposes. This is a new concept of fun and entertainment. Each Team Combat site has a 8,000-10,000+ square foot facility and offers a Tactical Laser Tag experience that is immersive, stimulating, and satisfying for adults and teens.

Our laser combat system is state of the art and contains the same technology used by the US Military. Many area SWAT teams, the US Navy, the Army National Guard and the Drug Enforcement Agency all use our equipment and facilities. This isn’t kiddie laser tag but it doesn’t require participants to have any specials skills or to be athletic. Everyone can enjoy the competition.

TACTICALGAMINGSYSTEMS.COM | (219) 200-5010 | JACK@TACTICALGAMINGSYSTEMS.COM

First & Only High-End National Paint Company

Why Own A LIME Franchise?

Looking for more freedom and flexibility in your career? In need of a new entrepreneurial challenge? Want to become part of a values-driven business that allows you to make a great living while making a difference in your community?

These are the values that make us LIME Painting. We are a values-based, high end painting franchise that focuses on custom residential and commercial interior and exterior painting while acting as a contracting service provider. LIME is the first and only high-end painting franchise company. We are a premium brand that serves an affluent demographic who wants quality, we are a unit of business owners who deliver a world-class product and service consistently.

WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

How to Be a Change Agent in An Industry Begging For Innovation “Life, not laundry.”

A simple phrase with a powerful message about enjoying life and not letting the to-do list get the best of you. This is the mantra of Katie Kool, CEO, effective leader, and a woman with a heart of gold.

“Life should be about the things that truly matter,” says Katie. “Tide Cleaners has a tag line we believe everyone should live by: ‘Life, not laundry.’ While people need their clothes clean, no one wants to spend hours doing laundry after a long day at work or driving the “mom” taxi or completing the many other life “to do’s”. That’s where we step in. We want to make your life easier!”

Katie is the definition of an agent of change within her industry. Katie launched her career with Procter & Gamble more than 25 years ago as a summer intern. Her steadfast rise through the ranks would ultimately land her the title of Tide Cleaners CEO. Katie’s nurturing nature and her love of helping others has seamlessly translated into her leadership. She has a proven history of delivering results and a passion for building and inspiring highperformance teams with a visionary approach to evolve

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that has taken dry cleaning to the next level.

Tide Cleaners is a brickand-mortar dry cleaning and laundry concept based in Cincinnati. Tide Cleaners, in partnership with Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc., a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, opened its first Tide Cleaners location in 2008. There are three unique factors that make Tide Cleaners different from the rest: 24-hour access to drop off and pick up clothes, valet service at your car door for efficiency and convenience, and all the proprietary processes and products that make Tide Cleaners the most trusted name in cleaning services.

Investing in Growth As CEO, Katie has made it her mission to turn Tide Cleaners into the nation’s leading on-demand dry cleaning and laundry service franchise. Today, there are over 190 locally owned and operated Tide Cleaners in more than two dozen states and over 1,800 locker locations across the U.S. Throughout her remarkable career, Katie has learned every aspect of being an ingenious leader in the franchising world.

Katie is passionate about helping others learn, grow and flourish as professionals.

“P&G challenged me to step outside of my comfort level, allowing me to learn every aspect of this business,” said Katie. “When you learn each role within a company, you not only understand what’s expected of your colleagues, but also gain the unique ability to help them thrive and succeed.”

In her free time, Katie works as a finance director for a nonprofit. Giving back to those in need holds a special place in her heart. Aside from being a mother, one of her greatest accomplishments was partnering with locals to build a school for more than 300 children in Haiti. Together, they also helped to provide access to clean drinking water for the entire town. Katie knows the importance of education and is grateful she was able to help create a safe place for the community and the tools to provide a future for hundreds of children.

AHEAD OF THE CURVE In a world that continues to change, Tide Cleaners has always been ahead of the curve by investing in new environmentally friendly cleaning solvents, technology, and research to identify and target what customers need.

Katie and her team provide consumers with quality, convenience, and unparalleled customer service.

Even before COVID-19, Tide Cleaners was on the cutting edge with delivery and contactless features to benefit customers and franchisees alike. Research shows more and more people are outsourcing chores

like laundry and prioritizing happiness over money. One service Katie believes was ahead of the game —their wash & fold laundry option.

This service gives people their valuable time back for things they enjoy, like hanging out with family or friends.

Customers can drop off their dirty laundry and pick it up with their belongings washed and ready to be put away.

By changing the way people outsource their cleaning needs, Tide Cleaners is transforming how they engage in their daily lives.

Another feature Katie and her team are proud of — their innovative Locker Drop store design. It’s a location that allows clients to drop off and pick up their laundry through a secure locker system any time of day or night. Through an easy-to-navigate smartphone application, clients can place and track their cleaning orders to fit their own needs and schedules 24/7, making this the perfect dry-cleaning and laundry solution for students, busy professionals, travelers, and anyone else who wants to rely on Tide Cleaners to efficiently handle their cleaning needs.

FINDING GREAT PEOPLE As a recognized change agent, Katie brings creative business thinking into her organization, which helps attract great people to join her team.

Whether that’s an employee or a potential franchisee, Katie makes it her mission to help ensure a safe, accountable, and supportive atmosphere that aims to benefit every aspect of business and growth.

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VETERAN DISCOUNT

WHY CHOOSE A SOLAR GRIDS® FRANCHISE? Owning a Solar Grids® franchise is the fastest way to start your solar business and get a piece of the booming $50 billion clean energy market. Our team of solar professionals will give you access to all the tools and resources you need to become insanely successful in the solar industry.

"Earn the highest profit margins in the industry — 70% !"

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR SALES PROFESSIONAL

Must have a sales background and experience in managing a team

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Must have excellent customer service and communication skills

SELF-DRIVEN LEADER

Must be HUNGRY for success and have steadfast determination

QUALIFICATIONS Franchise Fee: $50,000 Investment Range: $86,600 - $121,500 Liquid: $100,000 Net Worth: $250,000

www.solargrids.com/franchising/

RECORD-BREAKING GROWTH Solar is the fastest growing source of electricity in the world, estimated to reach half of renewable energy generation by 2050

RECESSION-PROOF BUSINESS Whether the economy is up or down, people will always need energy. One of the first bills people pay each month is their energy bill.

NO PREVIOUS SOLAR EXPERIENCE You don’t need any technical degrees, professional licenses, or a solar energy background to become a solar energy business owner.

franchise@solargrids.com

Recruiting Specialists

We’ve added EXECUTIVE SEARCH to our popular model

MORE POSSIBILITIES SAME LOW PRICE

TAKING EXECUTIVE RECRUITING TO THE NEXT LEVEL While we will still maintain our staffing services in our CORE niche, expanding into Executive Search opens up more possibilities, for the same, low price franchise offering, thereby exponentially increasing franchisees ability to maximize ROI in a home based, low overhead, professional model.

With the Patrice & Associates Executive Search channel, franchisees can: Create an additional revenue stream to impact ROI Place professional, management and C Suite positions both in and outside of hospitality Take advantage of industries and job functions that are booming RIGHT NOW! Secure higher fees

Examples of Recent Executive Search Placements include: Multi Store Operations Supervisor, Brand Grocery Store Chain Executive Chef, Hospital Chief Operating Officer, Lawn Care Company Director of Marketing, Nationwide Dry Cleaning Company Director of Finance, Global Entertainment Company

About the Pandemic Patrice & Associates has continued to service its clients throughout the Pandemic and beyond. With more and more businesses beginning to resume operations, they are calling on us to help them re-staff and backfill positions in our CORE niche of Hospitality and Food/Beverage. We’re getting leads for new clients every week that want our help. As the economy rebounds, we’ll be there to help our client’s staff back up!

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Tough Jobs for Tougher Women: Jack of All Trades

by Abi Pepin, Content Writer, FranDevCo

S

andy Toth was raised around construction, with family and friends who all had businesses. In this environment, Sandy was exposed to the inner workings of major construction projects and the business operations behind the projects. The environment left her with an appreciation for quality craftsmanship and an understanding of the specific skill set needed to provide an excellent product.

With a paralegal degree and educational background in finance, Sandy has experience working for a major real estate investment trust and working for the State of North Carolina in the education system as a finance administrator.

When Peachwood Floor Coverings was looking to fill a newly created position, Sandy wasn’t sure if she was a match but agreed to a call, then a meeting with the business.

After meeting the owners, Sandy was immediately interested. She was impressed by the quality of their craftsmanship and work ethic.

Sandy’s biggest reason she decided to work for Peachwood: the conversation she had with one of the owners, Ryan Cornell. She was extremely impressed with how the business handled the COVID-19 pandemic, even ending the year with record high sales. Sandy was

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immediately drawn into their sense of pride for their product and their excitement about the industry’s future.

Now, known as the “jack of all trades”, Sandy is the Chief of Staff. She is very involved in the finances for contracts and accounts, she works closely with the sales managers to facilitate the financial aspects of projects from start to finish, she manages social media and marketing, and she handles human resources items.

Sandy is able to relate and have comfortable conversations with any type of person in the industry.

She is as confident having a conversation with a subcontractor about a problem at a jobsite as she is talking to a potential financial investor looking to franchise, making her a crucial asset and resource to Peachwood Floor Coverings!

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Peachwood Floor Coverings provides superior flooring and tile installation services for both residential and commercial clients. Those clients include: general contractors, home renovators, commercial general contractors, home builders, apartment owners/managers,

residential homeowners and more.

Specializing in hardwoods, LVP, carpet, tile and supporting services, Peachwood has the best in class pricing with the three largest flooring manufacturers in the United States and passes those savings to Franchise Owners. They have state of the art technology and a quality assurance program that allows elimination of errors while saving time and money on jobs.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY The current flooring market is robust and expected to only get better. For residential properties, there has been an increased desire for better noise insulation, which has driven up demand for floor insulation materials.

Consumer preferences for

more aesthetically pleasing designs in low-maintenance flooring products has also created a boost in sales. For the commercial market, the federal government’s multibillion dollar infrastructure plan is expected to contribute to a boost in the flooring industry.

Interested in a franchise that ensures the best execution of flooring delivery and installation due to organized labor processes? Then reach out to peachwoodfloorcoverings@ frandev.co to get started today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Abi Pepin, one of FranDevCo's Content Writer, is a recent graduate from Appalachian State University.

With a degree in communications, journalism, she is using her writing skills to create content that promotes brands.

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MAKE YOUR FUTURE

BRIGHTER OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES with

As North America’s largest full-service outdoor lighting company, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives helps our valued clients enhance the beauty, safety, and security of their homes with the power of low-voltage lighting. The Outdoor Lighting Perspectives business model boasts a quick rampup, strong gross profit margins, and a recurring revenue stream making it an attractive franchise opportunity for franchise operators, investors, and entrepreneurs. For those looking for a business endeavor designed to achieve your personal career, lifestyle, and income objectives, consider building a bright future as an Outdoor Lighting Perspectives franchise owner.

Why Choose Outdoor Lighting Perspectives?

• Low Initial Investment • Lucrative Revenue Streams • Strong Profit Margins

804-500-9865 OutdoorLightingFranchise.com An important part of

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Trailblazing: Traci Hawkins of Beauty Bungalows

by Greg Tuthill, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

W

omen have had to overcome centuries of biases to be where they are right now. The world of business has long been an industry dominated by men. Over the last several decades, we’ve seen a steady rise of women entrepreneurs.

According to the latest estimates, almost a third of all business owners are women. This is a testament that women are not only as competitive and capable as their male counterparts, but in many cases, they far exceed them.

We will be featuring the trailblazing entrepreneur Traci Hawkins, Owner and CEO of Beauty Bungalows and discuss; how she built her brand, what it took to get there, and what the vision is moving forward for this exciting business.

Traci grew up in the small country town of Oakdale, in Central California. There, she grew up riding and caring for horses and living the country life. This taught her discipline and responsibility. Even at a young age, Traci knew she wanted to do something big!

So she set off to Southern California to make it happen in 2004. Now 37, and with several

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locations slated to open across four states, Traci is well on her way to making those dreams a reality.

About you, what is your background? How did you get to where you are today?

I started off going to school for nursing and realized I wanted something different.

I got a job for T3 Micro. I have been in the hair industry since 2004. I started going to hair shows all over the US for T3 micro selling hair tools.

With meeting and being around salon professionals, I realized I had passion for the hair industry and decided to go to cosmetology school. I have been a hairstylist since I graduated from Paul Mitchell in 2006. I worked in a salon right after graduating, learning the ins and outs of owning a salon starting with being a receptionist and assistant while having my own chair and building my clientele. In 2011, I opened my first 13 chair traditional salon, Porcelain Hair Studio. Two years later I decided to start my own hair extensions line to sell out of my salon, Porcelain Hair Extensions. In 2017, I decided to take over the building that was vacant next door to my traditional salon and open the first Beauty Bungalows location. In 2018, we expanded that location and also opened a sister company of salon suites, Porcelain Luxury Salon Suites. Now we have several locations.

How was Beauty Bungalows founded?

Beauty Bungalows was founded in 2017. The landlord next door to my traditional salon came and asked if I would be interested in taking over his building. I checked it out and fell in love with the space. I knew this would be the home of the first Beauty Bungalows location. It was perfect for salon suites and had a beautiful patio, and in Southern California that was a huge plus. The space is in Downtown Huntington beach and is 4 blocks from the ocean.

In what ways did your background lead you to franchising?

I come from a family with an outstanding work ethic and a lot of entrepreneurs. I went to cosmetology school knowing the outcome was going to be owning my own spot. My 18 years being in the hair industry, 16 years being a hairstylist, and 10 years of being a successful salon owner/business owner brought me to the idea of franchising. I always knew I would franchise out the Beauty Bungalows brand because I knew it was the perfect business model for it. I always love seeing people build and grow, and this business allows me to see the hairstylists grow into having their own space and now affords me the opportunity to help other franchisees build their dreams of having their own salon suites business. It's my passion seeing people grow and helping them build

their businesses. So naturally franchising was the next best move for me and Beauty Bungalows.

What do you love most about your role?

I have the amazing opportunity to see people's dreams come true. I get to witness beauty professionals build and design their own salons. My favorite thing is to see other individuals' artistic abilities come out when they design their salon suites. With franchising, my favorite part is helping other entrepreneurs build successful franchises and help them expand to multiple locations.

What is your vision long term?

My long term vision is to see Beauty Bungalows across the United States as well as Europe and Australia. My plan is to go global. My vision is for us to grow a community of not only franchisees but stylists who feel like they are a part of a family. I really believe in stylists feeling like they are still a part of a salon community and not just a salon suite by themselves.

Do you support any charitable causes?

I support Animal charitable causes. Animals are the greatest and I love all of them. I love to help bring them beds, food, and send money for them to help with vet costs for animals who need homes. Animals love unconditionally and just want love back. I would adopt all animals and have them all live on a big farm together if I could.

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What are you excited about in the coming year?

I'm excited for all the growth that we have coming in the upcoming year. We have several locations opening in California, some also in Virginia Beach, and in the Chicago and Idaho area potentially. It will be a busy year for Beauty Bungalows and we are ready and excited for our franchise family to grow.

Who do you consider female role models?

My female role model would be my mom. My mom has raised 4 ambitious and successful kids. She worked as a registered nurse the whole time while raising us and teaching us to know what hard work is. She taught us what it meant to be kind to others and to stand up for what you believe in. She is the true meaning of a hard worker and an amazing mother. My mom taught me how to ride horses and this is what taught me responsibility with taking care of my horses and other animals we had.

I believe everyone should grow up being responsible for caring for an animal. It really teaches you discipline and responsibility.

How do you look to inspire others?

I look to inspire other beauty professionals and entrepreneurs into showing them that anything they put the work in for and put their mind to they can do.

If they want to rent a suite to own their salon, to own a franchise, to grow in life, you have to work hard. With hard work comes reward, it doesn't

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come by just sitting around dreaming about it... you have to do it and make it happen. I hope that people can see how I have worked hard grinding to build what I have today and I can inspire them to learn the ways of what they need to do in order to be successful at their own business.

What advice would you give other women looking to start their own business?

Do it! Take calculated risks, not just risks. Do your research and plan well. Women are very powerful and intuitive. We can do anything we put our mind and heart to doing and we do it well. Ask questions. Use your network of people you know who are successful in your life to help bounce ideas off of.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for reading about me and I'm looking forward to building this Beauty Bungalows franchise family.

ABOUT BEAUTY BUNGALOWS

Beauty Bungalows is a premium salon suites brand.

We provide clean and upscale salon suites to talented beauty professionals who want to be their own boss and own their own business. Founded in 2017, Beauty Bungalows is a premium salon suites brand that rents spaces to talented beauty professionals who want to be able to be their own boss and have their own business.

Our founder Traci Hawkins, has been in the hair industry for almost 20 years and knows what beauty professionals need to run a successful

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business. We offer our renters a private, clean, fun and upscale working environment to start their business in, while still giving them the feel of being with a salon community.

Beauty Bungalows supplies the premium fixtures and the necessities for the salon suite so that the renters can start working right away. We have a trendy upscale vibe that makes our suites more appealing to superior beauty professionals.

Beauty Bungalows make the process of owning a salon relatively more convenient.

With our franchise, you can easily set up a private space that promotes productivity.

Have a space to foster connections with your clients and team, create your own beauty process, offer your products, earn more profits, express yourself, and become your own boss.

As a franchise owner, you will not only continue to be a part of a community of likeminded beauty professionals.

You will also have 24/7 access to your bungalow and cuttingedge salon equipment.

For more information, please call 209-608-8722 or email us at email@beautybungalows. com. You can also visit our website at https:// beautybungalows.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Greg Tuthill is a Franchise Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in owning and developing multiple successful businesses. Reach out to him at 949.293.3508 or GTuthill@ TheFranchiseConsultingCompany. com

Own a senior living placement service and make a difference in your community.

Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans.

Currently, around 1 million Americans live in some type of senior living community. That number is expected to double by the year 2030.

An estimated 70% of people 65 and older will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime.

Contact us to get started today!

Be a part of our compassionate and dedicated team.

• We provide a vital service at no charge to seniors and their families.

• Franchisees receive unparalleled training, ongoing support, and business marketing.

• Home-based business with low investment and low overhead.

Kim Graham | Director of Franchise Development 239-940-6669 kim@oasissenioradvisors.com oasissenioradvisors.com/franchiseopportunities

The world is taking notice – NuVinAir® is a dealership’s best friend. Our revenue-generating NuVinAir® Support Plus+ Program (NSP+) is disrupting the auto industry through cleaning innovation, patented technology, and world-class support.

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For more information on how NuVinAir® can help your business generate Nu Revenue, visit us online at:

“Telling people I was an entrepreneur was life-changing,” says Desire Stephens, the dynamic owner/operator of Mosquito Shield in northwest Los Angeles. The decision to purchase her franchise in April 2021 has indeed changed her life, allowing Stephens to focus on her personal core values of health, happiness, and service. Now she is encouraging other women to make their own bold statement through business ownership.

Desire: My story is a bit different than others.

When you are young and say you want to start a business, your parents might discourage you and say, “that’s kind of a big leap, are you sure you want to do that?” I grew up around entrepreneurship and franchising. My parents owned and operated their own business, which they then franchised. They encouraged the same. I have always had a desire to own and operate a business and franchising provides the ability to take that leap with a net underneath. You’re not starting something from scratch on your own. You’re using the brand - in my case Mosquito Shield - and the

cumulative experience of their system to give you that net. Making this move was a no-brainer for me, but that’s because I grew up with this mindset. I would encourage others to take the leap, too.

How important have other women been to you in your professional growth and in what ways have they impacted your journey?

Desire: Women have been vital in my growth, personally and professionally. I was a Division 1 gymnast at the University of Nebraska, and

one of my assistant coaches was herself a highlydecorated gymnast. She is now the head coach, so to see her go from a national champion to an assistant coach and now to a head coach at her dream school, has been inspiring.

As another example, I worked for the female founder of a small boxing studio. To work under her, to see her push through all the adversity she faced and to have her help me navigate working in a male-dominated environment is playing a pivotal role for me now. I took her mindset and brought it to what I would call another primarily male-dominated industry - pest control.

But my mother may have been the most impactful.

When I was ten years old, my mother guided me towards buying a vending machine because she felt it was a good investment and because there were life lessons to be had. This was really my first foray into business ownership. I will never forget when I finally received some income from it. We put the money into buckets. Some were so I could replenish the product, some funds stayed in the machine to provide change, and then there was this other fund that I was really excited about for “other stuff.” I quickly came to learn that this included the money I needed to pay back to

my mother for buying the vending machine. Through this experience, I really learned about finances at an early age. Today I take what I have learned from all of my past experiences and injected it into this business.

Mosquito control would not seem like a traditional business for a woman to own and operate, so why did you choose to get into this business?

Desire: It’s true, women are a minority in the pest control industry, so why would I go into it? Everything aligned with my core values, and it gave me a lowcost opportunity to start something new and create my own happiness.

Mosquito Shield and the world of pest control was not sexy, but when you look at the return on the investment and the opportunity for growth and success, combined with seeing that mosquitoes are a real problem in Los Angeles, things lined up with my core values of service, happiness, and health. So I dove into research. There are an increasing number of West Nile and Zika cases in this area and Mosquito Shield offers protection again these, so that aligns with my health driver. Being able to give people the ability to enjoy the outdoors which, in turn, can positively impact someone’s day-today life, is something that you can never replace in a service aspect.

Did you talk to other female owners at Mosquito Shield before becoming a franchisee? If so, what did they tell you that may have solidified the decision for you?

Desire: Yes, there were several women I connected with throughout my exploration of Mosquito Shield. They made themselves available to me and were great resources.

They confirmed my belief that getting into and working this business takes time and extra effort to make it run and run well. Those women saw the opportunity and made it work. Hearing what they went through starting off and seeing their success made it a super easy choice.

It was clear to me that I could do this, too.

If you had the ability to mentor other women, would you? And what are the key points you would make to them?

In mentoring other women, a few things I would focus on are goal-setting and planning. It’s easy to think about what we are doing today but we should be thinking about what is coming a month from now. I would also focus on imposter syndrome or low self-confidence because as women push themselves forward many tend to think they are not good enough – not worthy. It’s important to help them to break out of their shells, to commit to who they are, what they want to do, where they want to go, and to encourage them to not be afraid to ask for what they want.

It took me until August, when I dedicated myself full-time to my new business, to let people know I was an entrepreneur. But when I said it, it was life-changing. It provided the confidence for me to put myself out there and do what I needed to do to build this business that was all mine. But you have to make a bold statement like that to yourself first, so I would like to encourage all women to do that. Whatever that statement is that will get you to believe in yourself and propel you forward.

Where do you want your business to be in the next 5 to 10 years?

Desire: Woo. That’s a long time. I’ve written one-year plans and three-year plans and I swear every time I get to that 5- or 10-year plan, I pause and think that is a long time from now! I can tell you that I want this to be a huge business because that would mean we are servicing hundreds, if not thousands of properties, we’re controlling disease, we’re giving people back their yards so they can enjoy their children growing up without being concerned about mosquito bites. And then there is the notion that I am employing people and allowing them to grow beyond being a technician or a branch manager. If I learned one thing from the employment opportunities I have had, it is that you don’t retain employees because you pay them more. You retain them because you appreciate them and you grow them as people. Thinking about how I go forward to create that culture and system is super exciting to me.

Desire: I would love it! I love motivational speaking. I love connecting with people.

Seeing others grow is what pops the champagne cork for me. Because I am entrenched in the business, I don’t necessarily reward myself as I should. I feel like when we hit a goal, my response is, “what is the next goal?” But when I see other women hitting their goals and growing themselves, I am over here pausing to pop the champagne and celebrate.

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THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN AMERICA AGED 65 AND OLDER WILL HIT 70 MILLION BY 2020 Now is the best time to start a business in this $300 billion dollar industry.

From personal care to privateduty nursing, ComForCare’s mission is to help provide a safe environment for seniors who are aging in place, allowing them the grace, dignity, and pride they deserve. ComForCare is known throughout the industry for developing specialized senior care programs including Alzheimer’s care.

CarePatrol is the nation’s largest senior placement organization.

We take the pressure off families to help them find safer care options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, in-home care and nursing homes. Our senior advisors personally meet with families and serve as their guide -free of charge.

Estate sales often manifest when people find themselves at a crossroads in their lives.

They may be downsizing upon retirement, dealing with the death of a loved one, or moving to assisted living.

We provide an organized and professional way to sell their personal estate.

Visit us at BestLifeBrands.com to learn about each of these unique franchise opportunities in the senior care space.

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

The Empowered Women of Kitchen Solvers

by Kali Morgenthaler, Director of Marketing Kitchen Solvers

Fear, change, risk, and challenge

may be considered negative words to describe what it feels like when an entrepreneur finally decides to make that jump feet-first into business ownership. However, for the many women franchise owners of Kitchen Solvers, these words were used to describe their drive to do more, be better, and succeed. These female owners are determined, fearless, and well-respected amongst the Kitchen Solvers family. For some, Kitchen Solvers was an opportunity to unleash their inner power to make the world a more beautiful place, one kitchen at a time.

For others, Kitchen Solvers was that entrepreneurship outlet to empower others and strive for continuous improvement and success.

Whatever their reason, the women of Kitchen Solvers are strong forces to be reckoned with and we spent some time interviewing them for more information on their “why.”

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Q: Why did you choose

Kitchen Solvers?

A: We saw the opportunity for growth and to make the business scalable. Everyone has a kitchen and likely needs an upgrade or change at some point; the home improvement market is booming. There was an immediate level of comfort and camaraderie amongst the Kitchen Solvers family that was infectious and drew us in.

Leslie Knox

Husband-Wife Duo of Kitchen Solvers of Greater Cleveland (Est. 2021)

Q: What is your background?

A: I’m a Registered Nurse with

my BSN, by education. For years, while our children were young, I was a stay-at-home mom as my husband traveled frequently for work. I have done subbing as both a nurse and teacher in our local school district and have started two successful network marketing businesses.

Q: What would you tell other franchisees at the beginning of their venture?

A: I would tell them to jump in and go for it! When you have a good home office, they are there to support you and work hard to not let you fail.

Q: What continues to motivate you?

A: Growing something for our family and knowing we will one day have the ability to pass it along to them. I also love that our kids see us working together, facing challenges and celebrating successes. Our goal has always been to work to live, not live to work and we are striving for that everyday.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” —Fred Rogers.

I like to add that if you don’t see helpers, or not enough of them, it’s time to step up and be one!

Q: If you were to describe

Kitchen Solvers in one word, what would it be?

A: Rewarding. It's so fun to see someone's dream design come to fruition and hear how happy they are with the changes we've worked to achieve. ______________________________

dairy factory in Venezuela and writer. Valeria worked in a Luxury Brand as a sales manager.

Q: Why did you choose

Kitchen Solvers?

A: We wanted the access to vendors and really appreciated the value of belonging to a community.

Building our own business was also really important to us.

Q: What would you tell other franchisees at the beginning of their venture?

A: It is a bumpy ride and a lot of work, but if you are good and pay attention to the details you can really enjoy it and be successful.

Jill McAdams

Husband-Wife Duo of Kitchen Solvers of Emerald Coast (Est. 2015)

Q: What continues to motivate you?

A: The constant goal of being better.

Q: What is your background?

A: I have a marketing

Q: What is your favorite

quote?

A: “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

Valeria Straziota and Ghislaine Demombynes Mother-Daughter Duo of Kitchen Solvers of Miami (Est. 2016)

Q: What is your background?

A: Ghislaine was CEO at a

IT IS A BUMPY RIDE AND A LOT OF WORK, BUT IF YOU ARE GOOD AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS YOU CAN REALLY ENJOY IT AND BE SUCCESSFUL. ­—Valeria Straziota and Ghislaine Demombynes

background with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. I have owned businesses before, worked in public relations, sales and advertising, event planning, administrative roles and was also an Executive Director of a non-profit business.

Q: Why did you choose Kitchen Solvers?

A: My husband's previous career was extremely demanding and while it was exciting, our focus changed as the years went on. We re-adjusted to find more balance and now I enjoy the freedom and flexibility owning a business gives me to be successful both in my work and personal life. I also like that the franchisees and Home Office are incredibly supportive.

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ALWAYS KEEP LEARNING AND FINE TUNING YOUR BUSINESS, BUT TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE BALANCE THIS CAREER ALLOWS YOU. ­—Jill McAdams

Q: What would you tell other franchisees at the beginning of their venture?

A: Always keep learning and fine tuning your business, but take time to enjoy the balance this career allows you. Owning your own business can be your sole focus if you allow it to overtake you and that isn't the lifestyle I want to choose.

Q: What continues to

motivate you?

A: I once heard that if you are comfortable, you aren't growing. This motivates me

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daily to keep pushing myself to be a better person and business owner.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: "Quality means doing it right when no one is looking."

—Henry Ford Q: If you were to describe

Kitchen Solvers in one word, what would it be?

A: Mindset. I think if you have a positive and goal-driven mindset, you can be successful in anything.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kali Morgenthaler is the Director of Marketing for Kitchen Solvers and works directly with the franchise partners to build and support marketing strategies.

Her extensive corporate marketing experience, along with her Master of Business Administration has allowed her to grow and manage localized marketing plans for each franchise, while also managing national campaigns. Contact Kali at 608-791-5521 or at kali@ kitchensolvers.com.

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WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

Ashley Gundlach: Mother and Brand President

W

omen in leadership positions are always juggling, between prioritizing responsibilities at the office, maintaining life at home and everything in between.

This is the life of British Swim School’s new president, Ashley Gundlach. She’s a self-described “boy mom” who takes a lot of pride in managing both of her important titles.

“It’s not unusual for me to be on an urgent call after hours while shuttling the kids to sports practices or to fit in a Zoom call for a teacher conference during typical working hours,” Gundlach said. “I’ve realized that the traditional notion of work/life balance has evolved, where the boundaries between the two aren’t always crystal clear.

That’s a good thing for anyone – but especially women – who no longer need to feel like they’re sacrificing either career growth OR their family’s needs.”

Gundlach, who is the mother to three young boys, rose to the position of president in December of 2021, becoming the first female president in the history of Buzz Franchise Brands. She replaces Brian Garrison, COO and President of Buzz Franchise Brands, who was serving in the role on

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pandemic.

“We haven’t lost a single person, and that’s been key to the great success and our unwavering focus on supporting our franchisees,” Gundlach said. “We truly are a family, and that shows.”

an interim basis. Gundlach’s rocket ascent started in the summer of 2019 when she was hired as British Swim School’s Director of Marketing.

A job that began with a lot of excitement and energy quickly shifted to new priorities when the pandemic hit in March of 2020. Gundlach played a huge role in a leadership team tasked with helping franchise owners through a very challenging time.

“Our pools had to shut down immediately, and that obviously caused a lot of concern for our owners and for those of us in the corporate office – all experiencing these circumstances for the first time in our lives,” Gundlach said. “This was a great time for use the power of a franchise system, as we were able to come together as a ‘swim family’ to support each of our franchisees. And our efforts have paid off: over the last 12 months, we have seen not only recovery but terrific growth!”

In 2021, British Swim School added 38 new territories and 13 new franchise owners.

Perhaps even more impressive is the lack of turnover in the corporate office. Gundlach is part of a central leadership team that has stuck together from the start of the

FIRST WOMAN IN THE ROLE Gundlach, a graduate of James Madison University, entered the franchising world after 15 years in several marketingbased organizations. During that time, she developed effective management skills and a knack for remaining level-headed during times of tough decision making.

She is honored to be the first woman to hold the role of president for Buzz Franchise Brands but doesn’t want her gender to be the defining quality of her tenure.

“It’s exciting, but I don’t see it as groundbreaking,” Gundlach said. “Thankfully, female leadership is becoming more of a norm in the business world, and I am proud to be part of that movement.”

A CUSTOMER OF THE BRAND All three of Gundlach’s children, now ages 4, 7, and 10, have been students at British Swim School, which focuses on water survival skills. She’s seen firsthand the benefits this kind of franchise brings to the community.

“The programs we offer are second to none,” Gundlach said. “We hear tragic stories about drownings across the country on a daily basis.

In almost every instance these drowning accidents are preventable, and it's reassuring to know our

franchise owners are on the front lines helping families like mine. My kids are more comfortable and confident in the water, and that gives me peace of mind as a mother.”

Under Gundlach’s leadership, British Swim School is on a mission to provide business opportunities to people who have the desire to make a difference in the community and who understand the value of the brand. She’s also eager to use her position to lead by example, showing that women can be great mothers and great leaders at the same time.

Ashley Gundlach is the President of British Swim School, a Buzz Franchise Brands company. Gundlach, who is the mother of three boys, was a successful marketing executive before rising to the position of President. www.britishswimschool.com

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

The Future is Bright for Fast-Growing QSR Zaxby’s and Chief Development Officer

VANESSA FOX

is Helping Light the Way! Zaxby’s 1st Chief Development Officer and Female in the C-suite Shares How the Brand Benefits from Continuing to Focus on Inclusivity

V

anessa Fox was hired as Chief Development Officer for the QSR restaurant franchise in September 2020. The longtime franchise professional packed up her family of four in California and moved

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across the country amid the pandemic to become a first at Zaxby’s headquarters in Athens, Georgia.

“I found it intriguing that I was going to be the first executive woman and woman of color at Zaxby’s,” Fox says.

She’s certain she won’t be

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the last. Since Fox joined the Zaxby’s organization, not one but two more women have become part of the executive leadership team.

A 2019 study of Women in the Workplace found only one in five C-suite executives is a woman. Representation of women of color is even more disproportionate. Just one in 25 C-suite executives is a woman of color. Women in general are less likely to be hired or promoted than their male counterparts, researchers found.

As Chief Development Officer, Fox manages licensing and development teams and fosters continuity with design and construction for Zaxby’s franchises that are popping up quickly across the country.

She has placed an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, both within her department and among the vendors and contractors Zaxby’s hires for projects and buildouts as a growing franchise.

“My team knows that I put a high value on diversity when building teams,” Fox

says. “Diversity also means diversity of skill, diversity of projects and experience, and most importantly, diversity of thought. It does not mean that we need carbon copies of people that have done similar jobs for similar retailers within the QSR industry.

Here we are one year later, and my department has the most diverse group of any department at the company.

The talent is there. Companies facing underrepresentation often just need to look outside some of their normal networks.”

Bringing women and minorities into the fold at every level is key to long-term success for any business, asserts Fox. Multi-cultural and multi-racial teams thrive on the diversity of each other.

Collaboration among people from different backgrounds

yields creative and proficient teams that leverage each other’s strengths in day-to-day problem-solving and minutiae.

Particularly in franchising, Fox says, women add a unique touch that can make or break a new franchisee’s experience as they get their small business up and running.

“Diversity and Inclusion is really needed when joining a franchise organization, and it’s an important quality to have on any leadership team.

Creating an environment that feels like a comfortable and safe space is important.”

“In my experience, women are excellent franchisees,” she adds. “They’re usually great mentors, they have longevity with their staff. They look at it as more than dollars and cents, and they know that keeping the right people in place is crucial to their success.

I’ve seen more women who are great franchisees than not, and we should be making every effort to welcome them and other underrepresented groups to the franchising industry.”

There has been only a slight increase in the number of female franchisees in the past

decade, from around 28% in 2010 to 32% by 2019, according to recent industry research.

There is a huge opportunity for continued success and growth, and Zaxby’s is excited to be at the forefront of that.

“Some of our most successful and long-standing franchisees here at Zaxby’s are women that have been taking the lead,” adds Fox. “In addition, many successful franchises are built on great partnerships between men and women.”

While her own professional journey has come with its challenges, Fox continues to be optimistic about the future.

Like Zaxby’s, she believes most companies want to foster a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.

She’s empowered to lead the charge, and proud to leave the door open for others like her.

As Zaxby's first-ever chief development officer, Vanessa Fox is helping light the way for the fast-casual chicken franchise's rapid expansion.

The Georgia-based QSR has more than 900 locations in 17 states and plans to open hundreds of more restaurants nationwide.

“SOME OF OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL AND LONG-STANDING FRANCHISEES HERE AT ZAXBY’S ARE WOMEN THAT HAVE BEEN TAKING THE LEAD,” ADDS FOX. “IN ADDITION, MANY SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISES ARE BUILT ON GREAT PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN.” ­—Vanessa Fox WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Nourhen and The E2 Visa Process

by Greg Mohr, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

G

reg is amazing! He helped me to find the right franchise in such a short time. His advice was always helpful. I enjoyed working with him and I really recommend his expertise.

I couldn’t imagine a better franchise consultant!

NOURHEN HAOUAS FINANCE DIRECTOR, ECE Nourhen found me on LinkedIn. She had visited San Diego a couple of years earlier, and she absolutely fell in love with it. She was a finance director in Germany but really loved that sunny West Coast city. For two years she had no idea how she was going to get

here, but obviously she needed a visa. She saw on LinkedIn that I was a consultant and decided right then and there to reach out to me. We had a few nice conversations and she asked, “Greg, do you have an idea how to get me to California?” I answered, “Yes indeed. I certainly do.” And this is how we did it. …

THE E-2 VISA When you’re looking at an E-2 visa, that is an investor visa, it allows foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in the U.S. through investments in a U.S. business. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany investors to the U.S. Investor visas are for treaty nationals only. There are probably more than eighty different countries that have treaties with the U.S. If you contact me, I’ll email you a link

to where you can find the list.

You can also go to my website franchisemaven.com and look under E-2, EB-5 visas. You will find a list of the countries that the U.S. has treaties with that allow people to come here.

What’s the minimum investment? First off, you need to make a substantial investment in a qualifying business in the U.S. In practice, if you’re looking at an E-2 visa, you need about $100,000 to have a strong E-2 visa case.

A small investment may be possible depending on the nature of the business, but from what my attorneys tell me, about $100,000 makes a strong E-2 case.

Qualifying businesses include new or existing businesses.

They can absolutely be new franchises. That’s what Norma is doing in San Diego. You must have a minimum of

WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING AT AN E-2 VISA, THAT IS AN INVESTOR VISA, IT ALLOWS FOREIGN ENTREPRENEURS TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE U.S. THROUGH INVESTMENTS IN A U.S. BUSINESS. 156

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

50 percent of controlling ownership and any type of business can potentially qualify.

Immigration officials will want to confirm that you can generate sufficient income to provide yourself and your family with a comfortable living in the U.S. You also have to create jobs for U.S workers— usually hiring at least two employees, not including the owner. They do give you time.

They give new businesses a reasonable amount of time to reach profitability and create jobs. It must be an actively operating for-profit business.

How do you apply for a visa?

You can try to do it yourself, but it’s probably easier to pay an attorney to get it done. We have people who’ll take care of everything for you. Generally, it requires a visa interview. In the past, it took one to three months of processing time.

It may take more than that now. With Norma, we’ve been working on it now for about four months. Plan on being involved in the process itself for a few months.

You can process your application within the U.S., without leaving the country if you’re already here. I worked with another gentleman, Kareem. He and his family were coming over here from the Middle East. It actually took them about a year and a half.

He wasn’t quite ready, but he was getting there.

Fortunately, the franchise he was looking at held his territory for him. He got into a tutoring franchise to get the E-2 visa.

There are many franchises that work with E-2 visa candidates and will hold territories for

them while they’re going through the process.

THE EB-5 INVESTMENT GREEN CARD An alternative to the E-2 visa is the EB-5 investment green card. The requirements recently changed, but it used to take about $1 million to get into the U.S. Now it takes about $1.8 million. There are different requirements if you’re looking to go into a high unemployment area.

If it’s a targeted area, then about $900,000 will do— about half of that is what you need to invest to get into the U.S. on an EB-5 visa.

You also need to create at least ten new full-time direct

employment jobs for U.S. workers within two years.

With Nourhen, we found her a nice visa attorney who does everything, got the business plan set up, and got the visa taken care of. Nourhen is now living in sunny San Diego and running her Focal Point business coaching franchise.

Look her up! She will be a great resource for helping you grow your business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Greg Mohr is a former corporate ladder climber, author and has owned and operated dry cleaners, storage units, rental properties, and franchises. Greg has helped hundreds of people invest in a few hundred franchise units. Contact Greg at 361-772-6401 or gregmohr@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

There's something about Ellie

by Jen Wherrell, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

E

llie Mental Health, an emerging franchise concept breaking down barriers in franchising, is founded on the principle of destigmatizing mental health.

They want the world to know that you’re not alone in this.

Ellie was founded in 2015 on the principles of using creativity, humor and authenticity in the delivery of therapy and mental health services to individuals of all ages.

Designed to serve communities, Ellie strives to fill the gaps in mental health care through innovation and dedication. Ellie Mental Health was born and bred in Minneapolis, Minnesota and quickly became one of the most trusted mental health and family services brands in the area. After just a few short years taking over Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, Co-Founders Erin Pash and Kyle Keller made the decision to franchise and never looked back. Currently, the company operates 15 corporate locations in and around Minneapolis and at the time of this article 106 new franchise locations are planned across the U.S and more are in development.

At the wheel is Co-Founder and CEO, Erin Pash. I caught up with Erin to discuss the evolution of the brand and tips

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for other working moms in finding balance while running a successful franchise business, what makes Ellie different and who the ideal Ellie candidate is.

TELL US ABOUT ELLIE’S HISTORY AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE BUSINESS? “We never set out to franchise, our corporate growth wowed us everyday, we set out to have a place where we loved to show up for work and where we could make common sense decisions on how people could get the best care for their mental health.” After the success of

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your corporate locations, what was the driver to franchise Ellie? “To us it was truly about finding like-minded partners that wanted to make a positive change in their communities.”

Within 6 months of opening up their first location in 2015 they knew they had created something special. People were flocking to their location and they were busting at the seams. The demand for Ellie was so enormous that it was only natural to think of local expansion very fast. Erin & Kyle quickly realized how

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER WORKING MOMS? Being a mom is hard. Building a career is stressful. Creating a Franchise Empire can be daunting. Balancing not just being a working mom, but a Mompreneur can seem nearly impossible to some. I asked Erin to give me her number one piece of advice for working moms or other Mompreneurs out there. “Find one thing every day that you can do to disconnect and connect with your kids! Even if it’s only 5 minutes! The work life balance is hard, but those little things make a difference!”

special Ellie was. Erin said “When I started doing national speaking engagements over the last four or five years, people would say, we need an Ellie here.” Prior to that, Erin and Kyle had assumed that there were other facilities doing what they were doing, but they promptly came to the realization that they were doing something special, there was something different about Ellie, it was clear.

“WE NEVER SET OUT TO FRANCHISE...

WE SET OUT TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE WE LOVED TO SHOW UP FOR WORK."

WHAT LED YOU TO DECIDE TO FRANCHISE ELLIE? Erin and Kyle knew the need for their brand was great, but they also knew that they had families of their own, and jet setting across the country every week to corporate

locations, just wasn’t ideal. They ultimately felt that franchising was the best vehicle to get Ellie into communities across the US, being able to scale their brand through franchising was a key component in their decision to franchise.

WHO IS THE IDEAL ELLIE FRANCHISEE? Erin spoke to vetting out potential Zees and how she, Kyle and team are narrowing it down to the best fit for their brand . “We have had so much interest in Ellie, Kyle and I have something that we’ve used over and over again, if you try to talk someone out of doing something, they will join it for the right reasons.”

The ideal franchisee has to be relatable, interpersonal. She continued to state, “there is a trust that goes into being a franchisee with Ellie. Your therapist has to trust you differently than maybe other organizations' employees.”

When I asked about the vetting process and meeting potential candidates, Erin pointed out, “At our decision days, we are focused on the people and their personalities. We want franchisees to feel connected, we want to know their personal stories with mental health.”

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When I dug deeper into the reason for franchising and the ideal candidate, Erin spoke to their Zees true passions “Mental health needs to grounded by people that are attached to their own community, we are looking for franchisees that are connecting to people who are passionate about bringing healthcare and change to their community.”

and relatable.” Erin said when speaking to the Ellie Brand.

The pandemic starting in 2020 helped dismiss myths around mental health, and Ellie flourished. How does the Elephant reflect this?

“There is so much symbolism behind the elephant, in mental health, we talk about that your feelings are the elephant and your rational thought is

“THERE IS SO MUCH SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE ELEPHANT, IN MENTAL HEALTH, WE TALK ABOUT THAT YOUR FEELINGS ARE THE ELEPHANT AND YOUR RATIONAL THOUGHT IS THE RIDER. AND YOUR RIDER CAN CONTROL THE ELEPHANT EXCEPT FOR WHEN IT CAN'T" WOMEN IN FRANCHISING ANY ADVICE? “People will try to belittle you, especially being a young woman in business, I have developed the mentality of killing them with kindness.”

Erin went on to describe the importance of standing your ground and being assertive, and knowing when to stop and pull back. She explains that there are times that she will stand her ground, but only when it makes sense. Having a strong team surrounding her has been an enormous part of her success.

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Everyone wants to know about your name and logo.

“We have invested in making sure our brand is comfortable

the rider. And your rider can control the elephant except for when it can’t”.

I was surprised to find as we chatted that the elephant has symbolism in many cultures, and that it is related to strength-based healing, family and connections.

You may assume that Ellie is just short for Elephant, however you may be intrigued to find that in searching for a name for their brand Erin and Kyle spent a lot of time reflecting on what would be the best name.

In the end it came down to Ellie, and why? “ We were making lists and watching movies, and I added the name Ellie and Kyle liked it.

He asked where it came from.

I was pregnant at the time, so Ellie was at the top of my

girls names list.” Although she ended up having a boy Graham, they chose Ellie, as their “girl business baby name”.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ELLIE? When I asked Erin what the future looks like for Ellie outside of opening up more locations, her response was incredible.

“We are constantly innovating, we are currently working on web applications to make our services more accessible, we are working on education institutions to help try and reform academia, and break down some of the barriers.”

It's clear that Erin and Kyle are not just building a mental health empire, but they are dedicated to their craft, the franchisees and the technologies that will help to grow the needs in their field.

“People have described us as an innovation engine. We really want to help fill the gaps of the “today” of mental health.” And after spending time with Erin, I have no doubt that they will.

FOR FRANCHISING INFORMATION To learn more about opportunities available with Ellie Mental Health franchising, reach out to me and I will be happy to spend the time it takes to see if Ellie is the right fit for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jen Wherrell is an independent consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company, Jen will put her 15 years of franchise business experience and success at your disposal. Helping you attain the freedom that comes with being a successful business owner in a short amount of time. As well as help in navigating the process of turning your business into a franchise. Jen will get to know you better, and match you with the perfect franchise company to suit your personal and professional goals. Contact Jen at 407-342-1568 or at Jen@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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Meet Carin, Minneapolis All Dry Franchisee, making a splash in a male-dominated industry

wning in Minneapolis and living in Los Angeles, Carin Skowronsky and her business partners have built a local all-star team in Minneapolis that manages and services the day-to-day All Dry business.

This allows them to focus on their full-time roles and more time to spend as they wish. All Dry, the nationally scaling water restoration and mold remediation franchise, with adorable mascot Puddles the duck at the forefront, is making a splash around the country – now in 30+ states!

Carin is no stranger to the Midwest, having grown up in Minneapolis and attending Iowa State University for her two bachelor’s degrees, one in Marketing, the other in Merchandising. She’s had a whirlwind career, the majority

of which has been spent in Entertainment Marketing between Best Buy Corporate and Target Corporation, working with A-list entertainers such as Taylor Swift, Shakira, and Justin Timberlake.

Looking for a change from Corporate America, Carin joined Franchise FastLane, a start-up, in 2018 as their 8th employee and has been in Franchise Development since.

Four years ago, when someone approached Carin about getting into the world of franchising, her first thought was a fast-food chain. However, she learned that there was so much more to the industry. It was quite compelling, with endless options to suit either business goals or personal passions. An entrepreneur many times over at this stage in her life, Carin has owned three other

non-franchise brands, all of which she founded before All Dry. If you asked Carin what keeps her up at night, she’d tell you new and exciting business ideas. She’s a creative business strategist whose wheels never stop turning.

Since Carin and her team launched All Dry Minneapolis in December of 2021, they’ve been off to a strong start. Jobs were rolling in within a couple of short weeks. Across their four territories, while only just getting started, the Minneapolis market has excitedly welcomed the All Dry brand, earning them both insurance and paid lead referrals.

Carin’s Minneapolis team is gearing up for growth and expansion in the coming weeks!

Female leadership at any business level has been an important initiative close to Carin’s heart for many years.

“When you think of the restoration industry, you’re not thinking female ownership or female technician – and that’s a shame, something I hope to continue to influence and change. My goal this year as we continue to scale All Dry Minneapolis is to hire some powerhouse females as part of our local All Dry team, and I know my team is excited about the possibility too.”

Carin is currently living her best life in the sunny state of California.

Why did you want to become an All Dry franchisee?

After getting into franchise development four years ago, I realized that franchising was more than fast-food opportunities. All Dry is such a super simple business model, needing only one truck and two employees to launch, and the low cost of entry and ability to operate from home were highly-attractive. The way I saw it is All Dry is one of the sturdiest businesses one can own. It is recession-proof and is truly a needs-driven business that I could wrap my head around.

Being able to give back in times of need would also be a strong way to support that community.

Not having a background in restoration, I decided working with and learning from a franchise

system would be a good way to have the help and support we needed to get up and running.

What advice would you give other women looking to start their own business?

Don’t wait for someone to give you permission, especially in industries that haven’t been traditionally female. That’s where the opportunity for change lies – and we as females can create so much impact.

What are you passionate about?

Travel, culture, and business. I am passionate about neverending learning and selfdiscovery across all aspects of my life. That comes through new experiences, pushing into new spaces, and ways of thinking.

I’m constantly evolving.

When you can create a business culture that people want to be a part of, that’s a really special thing. Everyone wins and nothing is more gratifying than changing lives by creating strong career paths and teams.

What are you most proud of, so far, when you look back over your career?

Taking chances - each one teaching me something new or putting me on a new trajectory. I am so proud that I’ve taken as many chances on myself as I have. My life would look significantly different otherwise.

Let’s face it, change is scary, but if you never make that leap, you don’t know what’s on the other side or what you’re capable of.

I’ve accomplished a significant amount in my career thus far, but my most rewarding moments are ones that I either had the opportunity to change lives or had a strong hand in building something great. Ultimately, the biggest leaps of faith have always yielded the biggest rewards, and the best investment you can make in life is in yourself.

To learn more about franchising with All Dry, email alldryleads@ franchisefastlane.com

WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Pinch A Penny Franchisee Shatters the Glass Ceiling to Build a Better Future for her Family

A

fter working in corporate America for 15 years, Renee Bonnard felt like she had maxed out in her career. She reached her potential and couldn’t see a clear opportunity for advancement. Renee grew tired of feeling stagnant and dealing with the constant battle between work and home life balance. She was ready to move on to bigger

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and better things, and ultimately create something for her family that they could be proud of.

That’s when a new business opportunity presented itself, giving Renee the ability to revitalize not only her career, but her family life as well.

In May 2021, she and her husband Paul purchased a Pinch A Penny in Tampa, Florida after learning about the franchise opportunity

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

from a close friend, who also happens to be a Pinch A Penny franchise owner.

The friend raved about the success of their store and the immense support they received throughout their journey, from infrastructure to training and marketing.

After looking at the available markets, the couple purchased a store in a thriving area of Florida and decided that Renee would become

the full-time owner-operator.

Although she was completely new to franchising, she felt confident in the venture knowing the guidance and support she would receive from the Pinch A Penny team and family of more than 260 other franchise locations.

“After working in corporate America for so long, I felt I hit a glass ceiling in my career,” said Renee. “Since becoming a business owner, I have found that I am continuing to evolve and gain more confidence every day as I grow our business and interact with our customers.”

In her day-to-day responsibilities, Renee has positioned herself to be hands-on with customers to gain and maintain credibility.

With no prior experience with pools, Renee learned everything from the ground up. After completing her initial Pinch A Penny training, she continued to fine-tune her skills by going into the field with her staff, talking shop with fellow franchise owners and peers, and researching information for her customers.

In just 10 months, her hard work has paid off. Renee’s store is thriving as she continues to build a loyal

"I’VE BEEN ABLE TO LEAN ON AND LEARN FROM SO MANY OTHER FEMALE PINCH A PENNY FRANCHISE OWNERS." — RENEE BONNARD

customer base. With the help of her husband and her team, she has increased revenue by 25 percent and doubled the number of houses they service for pool cleanings on a weekly basis. Today, Renee is able to hire more employees and the store recently added two additional service trucks, giving it more opportunity to grow.

“As I continue to learn about this industry and provide customers with solutions for their pool problems and maintenance, I feel good knowing that they are satisfied with my service,” said Renee.

“My goal is always to build a customer for life and ensure they trust that I will always have a solution or answers to their questions.”

Not only are her efforts in the field building her selfconfidence, but Renee credits the support she received from the entire Pinch A Penny system as being vital to her success.

“As part of training, franchisees go to other Pinch A Penny locations and spend time with the owners,” said Renee. “That’s helped me leverage relationships down the line and gain valuable support. Many people within the system are willing to share ideas to help one another.”

Renee was also pleased to see the number of female owners within the Pinch A Penny franchise system, and especially in her area of Tampa.

“Women in the business have a unique skill set in how we communicate and work. I’ve been able to lean on and learn from so many

other female Pinch A Penny franchise owners,” said Renee.

“As many of us work in similar roles, it’s prudent to share our expertise, and through gaining and sharing our wisdom, we’re able to be a lot more successful.”

It’s not all business, either.

Renee has spoken with many other women owners who are also striving to maintain a work and personal life balance. With two young daughters, Renee is paving the way for her children to build something they believe in. Renee occasionally has her girls come into the store to help move products and familiarize themselves with what their parents are doing.

“I think it’s important to get our daughters involved so they can understand what we do,” said Renee. “It’s important they know Mommy and Daddy are working hard and building this career for our family.”

Renee has acknowledged that making the jump into franchising can be a little intimidating at first, especially for those living comfortably in their careers. However, the benefit of franchising is you’re never alone. In fact, knowing what she knows now, Renee wishes she could have gone into franchising sooner.

“It can be scary to leave the paycheck and go all-in on something, but I’m glad I did it,” said Renee. “If you’re committed and passionate, and put your faith in a good business, you will find success.”

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Top 10

Reasons AROOGA’S is the

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Best

SPORTS BAR IN AMERICA

Fresh and Unique Menu 44 Beers on Draft Award-Winning Wings Signature Cocktails Kitchen of the Future 2019 Certified Green Gluten-Free & Certified Organic Technology Enhanced Experience Plant-Based Options for Veg-Based Diets A View of Every Game from Every Seat 2017

2018

2020

FOR MORE INFO: Please contact Keith Swade at keithswade@aroogas.com for Arooga’s Franchise Opportunities

Building Our Dream Life With Hello Garage the Hello Garage product team.

Heather and her family have been longtime successful business owners and operate their Hello Garage alongside another family business called Dry Zone. As Bill puts it,

Heather Anderson

Kim Marmolejo

Franchise FastLane is so excited to be representing Hello Garage.

This brand is gaining traction with 116 territories awarded and no plans of slowing down!

Franchisees are floored at the opportunities Hello Garage provides including the financial security and proven results of the parent companies, the 18-person training team, the custom proprietary sales software, the simple model, the low initial investment, the national appointment center that is converting 69% of leads to appointments, and the HIGH returns… just to name a few!

away from home, on the road as a truck driver. She had been wanting to do something that would bring her family closer together, as it was in her mind for several years, and the opportunity with Hello Garage checked a lot of the boxes for her. Seeing her and the boys at training in 2021 was exciting. The passion and enthusiasm they brought was infectious and it was clear how important this business was going to be to them.

Kim Marmolejo, of Naperville, IL, joined the Hello Garage family back in April of 2021. She started her business with her four boys after spending a lot of years

Heather Anderson, another Hello Garage franchisee, operates her business with her husband Bill on the Delmarva Peninsula. They were one of the first Hello Garage franchisees and spent time, even before there was the Hello Garage franchise, testing and refining the product alongside

“Heather is the brains behind the operation and without her, the whole thing could fall apart.”

Heather has been willing to talk with other franchisees, specifically women owners as well as spouses, going through the Hello Garage discovery process.

Along with Kim and Heather, Hello Garage has many influential women involved who have all made their mark on this exciting garage renovation brand. Stacey Goodnight is Hello Garage’s onboarding coach. She works with all franchisees after they sign and execute their franchise agreement. Stacey takes franchisees through the first 60 days of onboarding, helping them get everything set up to ensure a successful launch.

Her energy and passion for helping new business owners is contagious. Amanda Green is another leader within the

Stacey Goodnight

Hello Garage family and her role includes all marketing and advertising efforts. She works directly with Hello Garage franchisees in all aspects of marketing and advertising.

Along with working directly with franchisees, she also manages the marketing and creative team at Hello Garage that includes; several content creators, writers, and our digital marketing partner, The Treehouse.

Hello Garage ended 2021 being named a TOP TEN franchise; adding so many new strong franchisees to our network

across 113 territories. We proved franchisees can operate their business successfully semiabsentee, with 35% of current owners living their regular life while building equity and diversifying their income streams with a Hello Garage franchise. If you or someone you know is looking to be their own boss and call the shots without having to develop systems and a new concept, email hellogarageleads@ franchisefastlane.com where a team of Garage Gurus helps you build your dream business while you build dream garages.

Amanda Green

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THE INDUSTRY/SPACE - CycleBar® is a premium boutique fitness model dedicated to offering a dynamic fitness experience - Boutique fitness has 450% growth year over year since 2010 - CycleBar® is the first & only indoor cycling studio offered as a franchise

BUSINESS MODEL - Listed on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list 2019 - Revenue can be generated online 24 hours a day / 7 days per week - Simple human resources: semi-absentee, front desk help and instructors

THE MARKET/FINANCIAL TRANSLATION - Many different markets (urban or suburuban) offer indoor cycling classes - Financial performance representations show net margins over 50% of gross revenue - 250+ CycleBar® studios open in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and The UAE with more coming each month

V 2

I M P R O V E M E N T S

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-

-

No showers, smaller community room Smaller overall buildout, under 2000 sq ft CycleTheatre improvements with same bike footprint Faster open and ramp-up to profitiability

New POS/CRM for greater retail sales New sales based component for employees New marketing strategy for membership based model Now part of the Xponential Fitness family

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

SALESINFO@STGBRANDS.COM EBD CB, LLC (“EBD CB”) is a franchise seller/broker representing CycleBar Franchising, LLC (“CycleBar”). This advertisement does not constitute a franchise offering or the solicitation of an offer to buy a CycleBar franchise which may be made only after your receipt of the CycleBar Franchise Disclosure Document, which first must be registered with certain states. CycleBar franchises are offered solely by means of the franchise disclosure document issued by CycleBar Franchising, LLC, 3185 Pullman Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and at (949) 346-9794. Certain states and foreign countries have laws governing the offer and sale of franchises.

If you are a resident of one of these states or foreign countries, CycleBar will not offer you a franchise unless and until it has complied with all applicable legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Please consult with your franchise seller/broker at EBD CB for an updated list of jurisdictions where franchises can be sold.

Copyright © 2018 EBD CB, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

American Family Care Reconnects a Florida Mother with Her Passion for Healthcare

J

osie Lapidot fuels her passion for healthcare by successfully running an American Family Care franchise in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida. American Family Care (AFC), a pioneer of non-emergency room urgent care, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare networks.

Josie’s love for medicine goes back to her childhood in Mexico. She obtained her medical degree there before moving to the United States with her family. Josie had always hoped to obtain her license to practice medicine in Florida but just did not have the time.

“I was taking care of two babies at the time, but I knew I wanted to reignite my passion in some way,” Josie explains.

“Finding the perfect fit for me took a lot of research, but it was so worth it once I found the American Family Care business model.” After just a few meetings with the AFC franchise team, Josie knew it was a perfect match.

“What really drew me in were the human qualities I found when talking with people associated with AFC,” Josie says. “Finding the right franchise can be really

176

challenging, but I quickly discovered American Family Care was the right choice for me, as it provides the balance I need between my personal and professional life.”

Pursuing a career as an urgent care franchise owner in a new country definitely came with its challenges, but Josie is proud of her staff, community, and herself for navigating the ups and downs of her healthcare clinic for the last five years.

Josie strives to put her patients first each day.

“Some of my patients travel from pretty far distances

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

for our care,” Josie says. “We make it our mission to create human connections and give empathetic care. You’re more than a number when you visit us.”

Josie’s philosophy has only deepened because of the chaos and disarray created by COVID-19. AFC Loxahatchee

JOSIE STRIVES TO PUT HER PATIENTS FIRST EACH DAY. in the world of franchising, Josie encourages them to pursue their passion to find success and realize you can change not only your life, but the lives of those in your community as well.

ABOUT AMERICAN FAMILY CARE:

Groves continues to serve as a place of comfort amidst the confusion. Caring for more than 150 patients on some days, Josie always ensures each person is treated with goodwill while seeking out answers about themselves and their family’s health.

“American Family Care has given me so much. I’ve been guided, supported, and shown kindness by the company,” says Josie, “It’s very exciting to see us continue to grow and gives me hope for the future of healthcare.”

To other women interested

Founded by Dr. Bruce Irwin with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of convenient, patient-centric healthcare. Today, with more than 250 clinics and 800 innetwork physicians caring for over 6 million patients a year, AFC is the nation's leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine.

Ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., AFC's stated mission is to provide the best healthcare possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient.

For more information, visit americanfamilycare.com.

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FASTSIGNS of New Orleans, LA

When Did You See The Sign?™

FASTSIGNS of Arlington, TX

FASTSIGNS provides candidates with an Item 19 including full profitability information. And you’ll enjoy owning a business with these compelling features: • Business-to-business hours

• Professional business clientele

• Low staffing requirements

• Attractive margins

Fast Franchise Facts Franchising Since: Founded 1985 ®

Total Franchise Operating Units: Over 700 in 9 countries Minimum Liquid Capital: $80,000

Franchisor Support

Minimum Net Worth: $300,000

• Site selection and build-out

Total US Investment: $218,596 - $298,679 Total Canadian Investment: $257,626 - $338,718 CAD

• Four weeks of training, including one week of training in a FASTSIGNS center, followed by two weeks at our Dallas Headquarters, and one week of onsite training in your new center

Franchise Fee: $49,750

• Pre-opening marketing blitz to drive your sales and reduce ramp time

VetFran & First Responders Discount: $24,875 Franchise Fee

• Grand opening support and guidance from an Outside Sales Manager and Brand Ambassador

Royalty (per unit): 6% (Reduced to 3% for 12 months)

• Dedicated Business Consultants to assist with business/finances training, marketing and sales, production and staff management

Advertising Fund (per unit): 2% (Reduced to 1% for 12 months) FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide

• Franchisee Mentor Program to guide you and lend support in every aspect of your business • 24-hour web-based learning management system that keeps you and your staff up-to-speed and in-the-know in this fast-paced market

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FASTSIGNS:

214-346-5679 | mark.jameson@fastsigns.com | www.fastsigns.com

START YOUR OWN

CASINO PARTY RENTAL BUSINESS 21fun.com

NOW IS THE BEST TIME! Thousands of Event & Party Planners, and probably hundreds in your area, are looking for ways to entertain their clients, family, and friends with smaller gatherings during this year’s pandemic. At this point, everyone is completely Zoomed out. America wants to get back to celebrating and having fun again.

NOW, is the perfect time to build relationships with Event Planners and local businesses. Today smaller parties are the safe trend, and in 2021, there will be a steep increase in demand for entertainment accommodating larger gatherings.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Hi, Welcome to 21 FUN, we are very excited to offer franchise opportunities for a very unique & niche business Casino Party Rentals.

It means it’s a great time to get in, and be the first in your area to start this high growth potential niche franchise. There is no limit to the type of events and revenue opportunities we offer, including; Weddings & Anniversaries Celebrations, Birthdays & Graduation Parties, Fundraiser & Charity Events, Team Building & Employee Appreciation gettogethers, Poker Tournaments & Poker Nights, Holiday Parties, Private and Social Events, all types of Corporate Events, Tradeshows & Conventions, Bachelor(ette) Parties, and more. The list goes on and on!

17 years ago, I started 21 Fun

POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH

so much growth potential

The 21 Fun team will offer unrivaled training and support to each franchisee as they join our 21 Fun family. The company’s operating model is simple and has been structured with well-defined processes and growth systems in place, allowing for ease of replication.

Initial training will be held at the headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area or Las Vegas. Summer training is available in Lake Tahoe, as well. For almost 20 years, we have mastered the ability to market, sell, and execute private & corporate Casino Parties & Events. 21 Fun is poised to expand operations in major metropolitan areas across the United States.

that is not only stress-free,

MAKING CONNECTIONS 21 Fun has an A+ Better Business Bureau Rating and an impressive reputation with Event & Party Planners. Event Planners are VERY particular who they bring on to represent them for events. 21 Fun will guide you with the ins and outs of securing the event planning business and will reach out to introduce ourselves on your behalf, if you wish. Generally, Event and Party Planners will not risk their reputation of bringing onboard any new contractor without knowing about their history. 21 FUN has the experience and reputation to help you succeed.

INCREASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY From photo booths, to prop rentals, and the latest trend of piping hot mini donuts for all kinds of events. We’ve done it all. There are so many fun ways to increase your earnings potential to the max! Ask us about high value potentional add-ons to your 21FUN Franchise.

Pitboss@21funcasino.com

Casino Party as a hobby and here we are today offering franchises. I just love it!

Truly, this is a business with

but is FUN! Please feel free to browse our page, imagine the FUN and if you have any questions, please contact us.

John Scarborough

WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Finding Your Niche as a Woman in Franchising

F

ew women are more influential in the franchising world than Robin Gagnon. Robin is the CEO and CoFounder of We Sell Restaurants, the nation’s largest restaurant brokerage firm and the only business broker franchise specializing in restaurant sales.

The rapidly growing company facilitated nearly $40 million dollars in restaurant sales in 45 states in 2021.

Robin prides herself in being part of a dynamic duo, working side by side with her husband, Eric. Eric’s financial knowledge paired with Robin’s expertise in marketing and branding created the incredibly successful business journey they’re now on. With their experience and drive, the husband-and-wife team

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became the nation’s foremost restaurant brokers.

Robin and Eric both spent more than a decade building trust as a brand for their startup company before making the decision to franchise. Among her many achievements, Robin holds the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) from the International Business Brokers Association. CBI offers the most experienced professional representation available during the process of selling or buying a business. Robin has also achieved the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the IFA. Robin is one of the most prolific restaurant brokers in the industry and a franchise resale specialist. Licensed as a real estate salesperson in both Georgia and Florida, she is a well-known power player in both the restaurant and franchise communities.

Robin oversees the development and training of restaurant brokers nationwide and has created the industry’s only certified restaurant broker coursework and testing program. Known for her expertise, Robin is an author, entrepreneur, and award winner.

She’s the author of an award-winning book on buying restaurants, Appetite for Acquisition.

With unmatched

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

experience, Robin has found being a revered author has increased her company’s credibility. Many times, she’s learned the company’s agents will bring their book to listing appointments, as evidence they are experienced professionals. That immediate trust and confidence in We Sell Restaurants has served as a gamechanger. A veteran industry expert, Robin professionally guest hosts, blogs, trains, and presents on buying and selling restaurants.

Earlier this year, Robin was named Chair of the International Franchise Association’s Women’s Franchise Committee. A member of the IFA for a decade, she served as the Vice Chair of the committee in 2021. The Women’s Franchise Committee is an organization created to inspire and connect women in franchising. It is prominent in the franchising community, as they create programs and resources in order to motivate women and provide them a guide for success.

Robin’s role in the Women’s Franchise Committee is to lead several initiatives in the group. This includes The Women’s Franchising Network, which are local networks to develop relationships with

professional franchising women and annual leadership conferences, which work in conjunction with the annual International Franchising Association conference. An additional responsibility of Robin’s will be leading Her Success podcast, which highlights the contributions of women in franchising.

One of Robin’s initiatives is of her own design: The Women in Franchising Clubhouse, which is a weekly meet up of franchising women held weekly, was an idea championed by Robin and extremely well-received in the Women’s Franchise Committee.

Robin is a pioneer of the industry, carving a unique and

unparallel niche as the nation’s only business broker focused entirely on restaurants. Today, We Sell Restaurants, operates in 45 states nationwide and delivers the founder’s vision to sell restaurants more than anyone else.

A pivotal moment in Robin’s career was acquiring her MBA. Before her MBA program, she had an undergraduate degree in Communications, but no real business experience.

However, she was holding her own operating three small businesses in her college town. After successfully managing those businesses for a decade, she decided to receive more formal training.

After graduating, she joined Fortune 100 companies in

finance and marketing. With her previous experience of small business ownership and real-world experience, Robin soared up the corporate ladder. Robin credits her receiving her MBA as the career move that launched her success story.

Driven, disciplined, and determined, Robin Gagnon has blazed the path for “finding your niche.” One of the most influential women in franchising to date, she encourages others to hold her accountable. She relies heavily on her instincts and real-world experience, and is determined to let nothing stop her as she continues to trailblaze in franchising and the restaurant industry.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Q&A

Michelle Taber, Owner of Clozetivity of East Valley

by Greg Tuthill, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company kid and that stayed with me through adulthood. I didn't necessarily have all that much guidance as a youngster, so my path through the road of life took some pretty varied business paths while I figured out just what my passions were and are. I have 20 plus years in real estate and the mortgage industry.

Prior to that sales and accounting. And sandwiched in between , I have had some start up companies of my own.

MICHELLE TABER After taking several different career paths over the years, Michelle Taber has found something to scratch that creative itch. Michelle is the new owner of Clozetivity of East Valley. Based in the Phoenix area, Michelle started working with us at The Franchise Consulting Company in mid 2021 to find a franchise and she is off to a fast start! Clozetivity is a fast-growing custom closet franchise that is fueled by mostly women owners.

Q: Tell us about you, what is your background?

MICHELLE: I guess that depends on how far back you want to go. I was a gregarious 184

Q: How did you get to where

you are today?

MICHELLE: I fortunately ended up getting an accounting position shortly after leaving school and made my way to accounting manager over time.

While this was a very "smart" job, it was not feeding my creative/entrepreneur side. After several years, I took a huge leap and I went into a commission only sales position in a few different arenas, before ending up in the mortgage world.

Believe it or not, mortgages take a lot of creative thought to work your way through loans and helping clients, sales, you name it, this career covers it.

But over the 20 plus years in the mortgage business, I have also had a side hustle of some

MARCH 2022 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

sort. A creative business that I tried to get off the ground myself. I have always been a believer of nothing ventured, nothing gained. That does not always equate to a business working out, but sometimes it takes all of those lessons learned, to get you to the perfect one!

Q: How did your background

lead you to buy a Clozetivity franchise?

MICHELLE: As I mentioned, I have always had moxy and tenacity. I learned the meaning of those two words for the first time when I was at a job interview in my early 20's. The interviewer said I had both. I went home, looked it up and thought it was an awesome description and decided to continue to live my life that way. That many years ago, it was somewhat frowned upon to change jobs and try different things. I have just always been the type of person to say that I don't want to be in a box and I didn't let other people define what I could do and not do. I played by my own rules, within reason. In other words, while I may have listened to some advice, in the end, I made my own decisions. As early

as Jr. High I was taking my allowance, buying Bazooka Gum and Jolly Ranchers with it and reselling it out of my locker for a profit. So, the background of thinking for myself, feeling the fear and doing it anyway and the constant desire to have something of my own has really driven me to find the ultimate franchise business that feeds all aspects of myself as a person and that is Clozetivity.

Q: What were the elements

of Clozetivity that helped you move forward?

MICHELLE: First and foremost for me, it was the simplicity of the business. The DNA of how to run it is pretty simple. As simple as running a business can be, of course. Franchising in general was of interest to me because I had been there and done that with trying to start up my own companies.

You have to do everything for yourself, fall down, scrape your knees and get back up. With a franchise, they have done most of that for you. Especially with Clozetivity.

Q: Were there any hurdles

you had to overcome during the process?

MICHELLE: Whenever you get into a franchise that is in the early stages, and even with seasoned franchises, you will have some bumps in the road, that is only natural. We were going through some software upgrades, working out some

kinks here and there. But for the most part, it has been fairly seamless. There is still a lot to do and learn. With any business you are going to have to put the time in to get the results you desire.

several times to entrepreneurial groups, real estate professionals and lunch and learn events. So, one day I hope to be able to do that again for women to help inspire them into action. That would be amazing!

Q: What is your vision for your business long term?

MICHELLE: My vision for the long term is to scale by no less than ten territories. I have 3 territories now. That will cover a pretty large area and I think keep us pretty busy.

Q: When you look back over your career, what are you most proud of?

MICHELLE: I am most proud of my resilience. Honestly, that is so true. I have maneuvered and pivoted throughout my business career and I am proud of my ability to do so. That experience has really brought me to Clozetivity. It is definitely the best decision that I have ever made and I am super proud of getting to this point.

Q: What are you excited about in the coming year?

MICHELLE: Since this is my first year in business, I am excited at just about everything! I really love my new business and I expect nothing less than to crush it my first year. I am looking forward to engaging with people, using my creative skills and most of all transforming all of those closets, pantries, garages, etc. out there into beautiful spaces.

Q: Where do you see the future for women in franchising?

MICHELLE: I think there will be a definite increase in women in franchising in the coming years, for sure. I believe as of this interview, that it is mostly women buying into va, which I love to see.

Q: How do you look to inspire other women?

MICHELLE: I will always share my experiences, what I know, etc. with the best of intentions to help others along their path. I have been a speaker

Q: Any advice you would like to give other women looking to start their own business?

MICHELLE: Do your due diligence on whichever business you are looking into.

Do not take things too lightly, but leave yourself a good amount of light to guide you along the way. Let your gut speak to you. Seek advice from trusted sources, but let your own intuition guide you.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

MICHELLE: Feel the fear and do it anyway!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Greg Tuthill is a Franchise Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in owning and developing multiple successful businesses. Reach out to him at 949.293.3508 or GTuthill@ TheFranchiseConsultingCompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MARCH 2022

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Start Building Your Future

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As North America’s largest and most-trusted deck building franchise, Archadeck Outdoor Living is a proven franchise model that boasts a 40-plus year track record and nearly $1 billion in projects completed. In addition to offering you a business model built on proven best practices in the thriving outdoor living industry, Archadeck also has you “covered” with the support you need to have booming business, including innovative technology & programs, robust marketing & lead generation, business & financial support, production management, and more.

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Woman and Veteran Owned

Euphoric Herbal Apothecary is changing the world, one herb at a time.

by Jen Wherrell, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

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Cindy Collins

omen-owned businesses are growing, and they’re growing fast. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), more than 11.6 million businesses are owned by women, generating $1.7 trillion in sales nationwide. In fact, women are starting an average of 1,821 new U.S. businesses every day, according to a commissioned report by American Express.

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Euphoric Herbal Apothecary, an emerging brand out of Milford, Delaware , was founded in 2010

by Cindy Collins with an Etsy shop. Cindy then opened her first brick and mortar location in 2018. Since 2010 Euphoric Herbal Apothecary has served thousands of families, friends and sisters to naturally increase milk supply, and support their health through herbal products. Since the start in 2010, Cindy’s products have served over 30,000 customers in 59 countries.

Founder, certified herbalist and certified lactation counselor Cindy Collins developed her first lactation blend after giving birth to her third son, then expanded the line with new blends, herbal teas and salves for the childbearing year.

What began as a way of healing for her community and doula clients, morphed into a place to help even more people along their journey to holistic health. After the rapid success of her first location, brining people in from thousands of miles away, just to visit the store, it was only natural the decision to franchise soon followed. “People wanted to not

only buy the products, but see and feel the herbs, create their own blends, we needed a place for them to go” said Cindy.

TELL US ABOUT THE EUPHORIC HERBAL APOTHECARY’S HISTORY AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE BUSINESS? “We have customers traveling from all over Delaware and surrounding states. Every day it’s someone new who has never been there before,” she said.

“Opening a retail store has really expanded our customer base. . .’ I wasn’t expecting that.” Cindy first started out carrying herbal salves and jewelry on an online platform around 2009. She sold things she liked to create.

“Euphoric Herbal Apothecary has become a destination, people are coming from thousands of miles everyday to see, feel and experience us”.

The demand of her online shop grew so much that she built a warehouse next to her own house to expand her business. She quickly grew out of that location and opened her Milford store where she can now carries over 800 products.

“Having the ability for people to have access to all of these ingredients in their community, instead of having to shop online, not knowing where you're going to shop online, trying to figure out if the product is good quality and from a good resource? ‘ “Its much more suitable to shop local”. Bringing Euphoric Herbal Apothecary to communities through franchising became the best way to have sustainable growth.

WHO IS THE IDEAL EUPHORIC HERBAL APOTHECARY FRANCHISEE? Cindy is looking for franchisees that have a heart for their community. “One thing I really love about having a business is I love having people to work with and having the autonomy of being a business owner, but also creating jobs, but where could you be in two years, five years... Where do you want to grow with your company?”

She said.

When I asked her if franchising was always on her mind her answer was comical “ When people started asking me if I would franchise, my first thought was ‘hell no’.” Not being familiar with the ‘f word’ was at first a bit scary. But, then the more she researched the more she realized that the ‘f’ word wasn’t so much a dirty word but more of a freedom word. A way for people who were traveling thousands of miles to visit her store, to be free to have a location in their own communities. Finding Franchise Genesis researching, listening to podcast, changed her view of franchising.

She started to get excited about the way franchising could bring Euphoric Herbal Apothecary to communities across the country.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR OTHER WORKING MOMS? “I would encourage them just to start, really. And that they’re going to make mistakes. They have to be open to making mistakes, and they have to be open to learning. They’re

not going to get it right, and they have to be okay with that.

We can’t control everything either. I’m okay with making mistakes,” she said. When I asked her specifically for advice for working moms, and she said “I’ve built my business while raising 3 boys and being a stay at home mom, having a work life balance to me, is having contentment in what you are doing. Balance means that you are giving yourself the ability to say yes and no to things.” Its clear from our conversation that Cindy is more than just an entrepreneur but a focused mother, who truly cares about her community and her families place in it.

Cindy is a powerhouse and a trailblazer, not only for the holistic community, but for women in business in general.

Look to see Euphoric Herbal Apothecary popping up in a local plaza near you soon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jen Wherrell is an independent consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company, Jen will put her 15 years of franchise business experience and success at your disposal. She can help you attain the freedom that comes with being a successful business owner. She is looking forward to getting to know you better, and matching you with the perfect franchise company to suit your personal and professional goals. Contact Jen at 407-342-1568 or at Jen@thefranchiseconsultingcompany. com.

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EXPERT ADVICE

New Year, (Re)New You!

by Drew Chalfant, Co-Founder, RodaChalfant

F

DD renewal season is in full swing for franchisors across the country and thus begins the annual game of “who’s gonna work with our franchise lawyer on this”. While you’re working out who’s going to handle the hot potato of renewal responsibilities, here are some ways you can view your FDD renewal as an opportunity to do a bit of spring cleaning in your FDD and really get going with your updated 2022 documents.

FIRST – A BIT OF HOUSEKEEPING. FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND THE “PHASE-IN” I know you’re all very busy diligently keeping to those

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New Year’s resolutions you made, but if you haven’t engaged your CPA yet, pause right now and call them.

Seriously, I’ll wait – call them and get your franchisor financial statements going today, as in today today.

Audited financial statements are often the biggest holdup in getting a renewal completed by the standard renewal deadline of April 30 each year.

A quick note on the “phasein” available to emerging franchisors. For most states, in your second year of franchising your financial statements must include: (i) the opening Balance Sheet from when you first began franchising, and (ii) an audited year-end closing Balance Sheet for the period ending 12/31. If your opening Balance Sheet was audited at

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the outset, you are required to provide full audited financial statements moving forward. Year 3 is the final year of the “phase-in” period for new franchisors.

For most states, your financial statements must include: (i) Year 1 opening Balance Sheet, (ii) Year 1 audited yearend closing Balance Sheet, and (iii) full audited financial statements for Year 2 that include an income statement, cash flow statement, and year-end Balance Sheet. If you are interested in registering in California, New York, Virginia, or Washington – note that they all require audited financial statements, though you may phase-in your first year with just an audited opening Balance Sheet. Like I said, CALL YOUR CPA TODAY! FDD UPDATES THAT ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED. We’ll get to some of the updates to your FDD that you can or possible should make down below, but let’s hit the compulsories first. Certain portions of your FDD will naturally go stale through the passage of time. Your updated financial statements fall into this category, but those are in the works already because you just called your CPA a moment ago, right? Your Item 19 data will also need to reflect 2021 operations if you are doing an

Item 19 for 2022. Last on the required list is your Item 20 franchise system information.

You’ll need to omit the 2018 data from your Item 20 and replace it with information about your franchisees and corporate stores from the 2021 fiscal year.

CH-CH-CHCHANGGGGEESSSSS. Other items that typically need to be updated are those that result from events that happened in the previous year.

Here are a few to consider: Item 1 – did we reorganize our corporate structure, move offices, drop any affiliate entities, or learn about new regulations in our industry?

Item 2 – did we add or lose any executive personnel. Item 3/4 – Any litigation or bankruptcy information to disclose about the franchisor OR people in our Item 2? Item 7 – do we have better information about our franchisee’s initial investment costs to open their business (ahem, supply chain, labor market factors, inflation), and lastly, have we engaged any franchise sellers that should make their way onto our Item 23 receipt pages.

ENOUGH WITH THE STANDARDS, LET’S PLAY SOME JAZZ. Once you have all the required updates out of the way, the real work begins. What do we want to change about our FDD, Franchise Agreement, and overall franchise system structure in the new year. A word of caution, just because you could change something

doesn’t necessarily mean you should change something.

Unless there is a compelling reason to do so, we typically don’t recommend that our Franchisor clients modify major pillars of their franchise system, namely the Royalty rate, topside cap on your Marketing/Brand fund, Term length of your Franchise Agreement, and your Territory sizes. So what are some opportunities for beneficial changes….ask your team! The FDD renewal process isn’t just a mandatory administrative exercise that your franchise lawyer should do on their own – it’s an opportunity to get some pebbles out of your shoes and hit the ground running for 2022. With our background in franchise sales and development, and as former owners of major franchise systems, we view FDDs as a sales tool that comes with compliance obligations – not a compliance tool that ends up being used in the sales process. To that end, FDD renewal season is a great time to assess any roadblocks or sticking points that came up frequently in the sales process.

Is your training up to snuff with your competitors? Do we have better data that will allow us to do an Item 19 that goes all the way to a net profit/ EBITDA figure? What parts of the franchise agreement were always flagged as problematic by our candidates? To do an

FDD renewal well, you need to engage everyone on your team who touches franchisee candidates. The first step in fixing any problems is admitting that one exists – find out what those problems are – and work with your franchise attorney to fix them!

I LOVE THE SMELL OF A FRESH FDD IN THE MORNING. Assuming you have your FDD update complete in advance of the deadline, (*cough* call your CPA *cough*) you may find yourself a bit confused as to what to do with your pipeline that was already disclosed under the 2021 FDD. You’re not alone, this issue has perennially perplexed franchisors and their attorneys for years and is beyond the scope of this article.

Unfortunately, the answer is usually the forever frustrating “it depends” attorney response – mainly because, well - it depends. Work with your franchise attorney to determine the best course of action for pipeline disclosure. If you’re franchise attorney isn’t sure or is struggling to come up with creative solutions, please give me call. Happy renewal season everyone, we’ll see you on the other side!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR With a background in franchise sales, development, and franchise systems operations, Drew Chalfant is a franchise attorney who's been there before. www.RodaChalfant.com

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The WOMEN of FRANCHISING

Tutor Doctor’s Rising Star

by Rudy Frederico, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

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hen I heard the March issue of Franchise Journal was about women in franchising, I immediately thought of my friend Sandy Tutwiler, franchise operator for Tutor Doctor in Frisco, TX. Her story is a great example of how women excel in business.

Sandy’s journey starts in El Paso, TX growing up in a loving home with rich, Mexican traditions. She was the first grandchild to go to college and get a degree before joining the ranks of Southwestern Bell (later AT&T). Here she spent 25 years in a variety of leadership roles, including managing teams and completing projects.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Sandy admits it was a great ride but climbing the corporate ladder takes its toll on your personal life and affects your family. Family means everything to Sandy and being away from her husband Travis and her godchildren was hard.

Like many of us in life, when opportunity knocks, we don’t always have the courage to answer the door. In 2019, AT&T asked her to identify people to be laid off of work. This wasn’t the first time this had

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happened. After some serious soul-searching Sandy and Travis agreed it was time for a change and she added herself to the list of employees to be severanced out of the corporate world. She felt the time was right.

So, what next? Deep down Sandy has a love for helping children, caring for animals, and serving her community.

Her next move was to seek guidance from a professional franchise consultant who introduced her to several concepts including Tutor Doctor. Tutor Doctor is a franchise organization based in Toronto, Canada that currently has approximately 740 territories operating in 16 different countries. Their unique approach to helping students with white-glove service, customized solutions and personal care was all Sandy needed to know this was right for her. She bought in by acquiring 3 new territories and almost simultaneously acquiring 2 existing territories already in operation. Way to go all in Sandy! Unfortunately, this all happened in January of 2020 right at the beginning of a global pandemic. The first few

months were tough, and Sandy questioned whether or not she had made the right choice, but to know Sandy is to know she is not a quitter. Tenacious, a builder, a problem-solver. This is Sandy Tutwiler.

As of the end of 2021, Sandy’s territory posted its second consecutive year of 20% growth in sales. In 2021 she was named Best Tutoring Company in Frisco, TX by the readers of Frisco Living Magazine. She was also nominated by Tutor Doctor for their annual spirit award which recognizes franchisees who care and contribute to the success and development of other franchisees within the system.

Diane Wilson, Vice President of Franchise Development for Tutor Doctor tells me “Sandy is just amazing.” She went on to say that “Sandy is a builder and is successful because of her care for other people. She’s having an impact on people’s lives.”

So how did Sandy make all this happen? Commitment.

Commitment to her students, her team, her community, and her family. She told me about a recent student that had completely checked out of school. How her team was able to redirect this student by using the proven systems provided by Tutor Doctor to help re-engage a young man who had lost his way is a testament to the process. Sandy also engages with her community as a member of three chambers of commerce. She is a member of the Little Elm Rotary Club,

Vice President of Development for the Little Elm Education Foundation (an affiliate of the school system), a member of Women Enhancing Business (women’s auxiliary to the Frisco Chamber of Commerce), and Master Networks. All of her community efforts have proven fruitful as her staff has doubled to keep up with the demand for help.

Kimberley Wartell, franchise owner of Housewarmers Frisco and Housewarmers McKinney and successful business owner in her own right, tells me “Sandy is incredible.” She goes on to say that “Sandy is reliable yet humble and great at what she does.” Housewarmers is very selective in who they will work with, and Kimberley has every confidence in Sandy that she’ll respond and deliver on her service.

Diane Wilson also told me that “Tutor Doctor is not just about tutoring but also mentoring and skill development. Sandy is successful because she follows the model and delivers.” The industry is expected to grow 60% in the next 5 years and Sandy Tutwiler is looking to grow along with it while enhancing the lives of children along the way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rudy lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth suburb of Oak Point, TX with his wife Tracy, daughters Alexis and Jenna and three dogs. Let him and his family assist you and your family achieve your entrepreneurial dreams. Contact Rudy at 214-725-4867 or at Rudy@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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