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New Speakers added to Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS) speaker roster for May 2-3 Boston Summit.

Jason Larson, vice president of operations for BizUnite, and Larry Thibodeau, managing partner of Flexecution, Inc. have added as speakers for the Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS) in Boston. Franchise OPS takes place May 2-3 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

BOSTON AND WOBURN , MA…

Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS), the only franchise executive conference dedicated to operations performance excellence, recently expanded its roster of speakers to continue to expand on their focus of technology in the field. Jason Larson, vice president of operations for BizUnite, and Larry Thibodeau, managing partner of Flexecution, Inc. have joined the speaker list. Franchise OPS takes place May 2-3 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

“We are focusing on technology and how it can be used to enhance the role of the franchise field consultant,” said Evan Hackel, a fellow speaker at Franchise OPS and the founder of sponsor Ingage Consulting. “Jason and Larry both bring considerable franchise operations and technology experience to the table and will greatly add to the discussion of how franchise operations executives can prepare now for the evolving field consultant role.”

Larson, is the vice president of operations for BizUnite, one of CCA Global Partners’ most profitable and fastest growing divisions.  BizUnite, founded in 2007, is the leading business services marketplace for small and medium sized businesses.

“Franchise field consultants will need to know how to use technologies like Skype, handheld cameras, more interactive, and private franchisee websites as part of their interactions with franchise owners,” said Larson. “What those technologies will do is increase the number and the frequency of interactions between field consultants and franchisees and that will place a premium on consultants also possessing superior communications and interpersonal skills. I’m delighted to be part of Franchise OPS so we can delve deeper into what it will take field consultants in the future to succeed.”

Thibodeau is the managing partner of Flexecution, Inc., a leader in retail store execution. His franchise operations track record of success extends to all facets of retail store execution, including installation, construction, merchandising, warehousing and consolidation.

“The franchise field consultant of the future will have access to online training 24/7. Part of the evolving role of the field consultant will be to help them utilize these training tools to become better owners. So the field consultant role will become more like a business coach than big brother from corporate checking up on them,” said Thibodeau. “With this two-day event, we have literally hundreds of years of franchise operations experience available to attendees to brainstorm and discuss how field consultants can best work with franchisees down the road.”

Topics to be covered over the two days of workshops include:

  • Technology for Field Consultants
  • Benchmarking
  • The Field Consultant of the Future
  • Better Onboarding
  • FDD Item 19 – How to Do It Right

In addition to Hackel, Larson and Thibodeau, the Franchise OPS speaker roster includes Bob Gappa of Management 2000, Deb Binder of Ingage Consulting, Rupert M. Barkoff of Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton; Keith Gerson of FranConnect; Eric Stites of Franchise Business Review; Stacey Ruth of Actio Marketing; Mindy Golde of Listen360; Matt Talbot of GoSpotCheck; Cordell Riley of Tortal; and Steve Abercrombie of Profit Soup.

In addition to the educational benefits, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities with C-level franchise executives, the Franchise OPS offers the added bonus of being approved for 300 CFE credits by the International Franchise Association.

Interested parties can register for the Franchise OPS before March 25 for $599. After that, the fee increases to $699.

Franchise OPS is sponsored by FranConnect, Franchise Business Review, Kilpatrick Townsend; Actio Marketing, BizUnite, Ingage Consulting, Listen360, Management 2000, GoSpotCheck, ProfitSoup and Tortal. For complete information on Franchise OPS, please visit http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com. 

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with franchisors and franchisees to improve performance through engagement which increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits.

The company helps solve the problems of franchise organizations by offering services that range from partnership creation and vibrant intranet community creation to trust building, improved communication and strategic planning to customized online education training programs.  Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of both franchisors and franchisees.  Evan Hackel, Ingage founder and management expert has more than two decades of experience in best practices, turnaround strategies and team dynamics.  He is often engaged to analyze franchise businesses, provide recommendations and facilitate strategic planning.  He is a member of the International Franchise Association and New England Franchise Association.

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.

New Speakers added to Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS) speaker roster for May 2-3 Boston Summit.Read More

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. Relocates to Crown Colony in Quincy

Quincy City Council President Michael E. McFarland with Paul N. Barbadoro, Esq., Partner at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys catering to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, South Shore and metro Boston areas, has recently relocated from 50 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree to 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s relocation to the expansive 3,000 sq. ft. suite at 300 Crown Colony, within the South Shore’s premier business park, comfortably accommodates their legal team of 13 lawyers as well as clerks and administrative staff.

The firm recently celebrated their move with an Open House. More than 150 people were in attendance, among them were Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, Norfolk County Registrar of Probate Patrick McDermott, Quincy City Council President Michael E. McFarland and Quincy Health Commissioner Andrew Scheele.

The celebration included a custom cake from Montilio’s Bakery of Quincy and catering provided by Front Street Gourmet of Scituate.

“We’re absolutely delighted with our expanded space which will better accommodate our growing legal team. We had a wonderful turnout at our Open House and feel very welcome in this great City of Presidents,” noted Paul N. Barbadoro, Esq., Partner at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro.

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm provides legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, South Shore and metro Boston areas. Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s practice areas include litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law. Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA. For more information, contact (781) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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South Shore Skin Center Announces “A Smooth Affair” Jane Iredale Event on March 26th

South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive medical and cosmetic dermatology practices in Massachusetts, will hold “A Smooth Affair” showcasing Jane Iredale products. The event will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2013 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at their Plymouth office located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3.

This event will showcase a selection of Jane Iredale Cosmetics’ newest products, including Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream and Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener. South Shore Skin Center’s knowledgeable cosmetic staff, as well as their representative from Jane Iredale, will offer individual color matching. Guests may enjoy samples, special offers and light refreshments.

Space is limited. RSVP to South Shore Skin Center at 508-503-8590.

About South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is an award-winning progressive dermatology practice for medical, surgical and cosmetic services. Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is a unique team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, surgical assistants, and licensed aestheticians who are all specialists in dermatology and share a passion for excellence and a commitment to providing the highest level of care to both children and adults in the greater Boston area.

South Shore Skin Center offers cosmetic dermatology treatments for wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, birthmarks, hair removal, tattoo removal and more using the Fraxel re:store DUAL and Fraxel re:pair lasers, ePrime (Evolastin procedure), Candela VBeam, Gentlelase, Gentle YAG, and Alex lasers. The practice also offers therapeutic massage and a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Clear + Brilliant, Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and other wrinkle fillers; volumizers such as Radiesse and Sculptra; Thermage; microdermabrasion; medical grade facials, micropeels and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center has been awarded South Shore Living’s Best of the South Shore in 2011 and 2012. They are located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3, in Plymouth, Mass. (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202, in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center Announces “A Smooth Affair” Jane Iredale Event on March 26thRead More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces St. Patrick’s Day Bagels

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop, will feature green-colored bagels.

The St. Patrick’s Day green bagels will be available beginning Sunday, March 10th through March 17th. It is recommended that customers place their order at the store ahead of time, as they sell out quickly. Between Rounds locations are South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffees and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. For more information about their unique Area Developer Program franchise offering contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Staging a lake house – How to prepare a lakefront home for sale

Scott Freerksen, owner of Lakefront Living Realty

MANSFIELD, MA…

When you buy a lake house, it’s about more than just the physical structure and easy access to the water. You really are buying a lifestyle. And that’s precisely what you’re selling when you deem it time to sell your lakefront property. And that takes a certain expertise that many selling agents who specialize in more traditional properties don’t necessarily possess.

“When you’re shopping for a house, the first thing prospective buyers want to see varies—bedrooms, baths, ‘man cave’, etc. People buying lake houses want to go to the water first to check out the view, where they can launch their boat, place their fire pit or hang a tire swing.  So, it makes sense to spruce up that path to the water and make it as attractive as possible,” said Scott Freerksen, owner of Lakefront Living Realty, LLC, a Massachusetts-based brokerage that specializes in properties that are directly on lakes.

Freerksen recommends a number of other enhancements and “staging” techniques prior to putting your lakefront property on the market:

  • Define the destination – Lakefront buyers will first want to go right down to the water. Be sure there is a welcoming, defined and well-lit pathway leading to the water’s edge/dock.
  • Dock and Deck Safety – If you have docks, decks and/or shoreline walls, be sure they are sturdy and safe. Replace / repair any loose boards. Floating docks should be roped off…not everyone is used to walking on them.
  • Shoreline Curb Appeal -Clean all debris, leaves and dead fish from shoreline. Rake all aquatic weeds and bottom muck as far out into the lake as you can reach. Have photos displayed on a flyer that show the shoreline conditions in ALL seasons, particularly summer.
  • Lifestyle Staging – Buyers are buying a lake home for the lifestyle it will provide them. Help them understand by neatly staging your shoreline and lakeside yard with lifestyle items: kayaks, fishing equipment, swim towels, fire pit, etc. Don’t overdo it, but let them know how they will be spending their days. Provide a great lakefront “experience”.
  • Lake Tours – Have a kayak, canoe or pontoon boat at the ready (with life jackets). There’s no better way to secure a lakefront sale then to get the buyers out on the water! Again, reinforce the lifestyle.
  • Market the Lake – Create flyers that have EVERY detail on the lake itself. Size (in acres), depth (maximum and average), allowed recreation, boating rules & regulations, Lake Association information, aquatic weeds, public access, boat launches, fish type, etc.
  • Lake Visibility – If a buyer enters the home first, they will immediately walk to where they can see the lake. So be sure any window glass and/or sliders are perfectly spotless.
  • Marketing Materials – 95 percent of buyers start their search online. Photos and video must “tell the story” of the home and lakefront location. Assume the buyer knows nothing about the lake and area. Walk them through your location virtually. Panoramic shots of the lake, as well as photos showing the home from out on the water, are critical.
  • Share Your Experience – One of the most powerful tools you can create is a letter to the future owner. Talk about your lakefront experiences, raising your children, the benefits of that particular location of the water, the wildlife, the neighbors, your favorite lake activity, etc. It also helps you to remove yourself from your own emotional attachment. This will be critical to the future success of the sales process.

“Perhaps the biggest thing is working with a selling agent who has experience selling lakefront properties and knows the presentation aspect of selling a lakefront property,” said Freerksen. “Just like buying a lakefront property, selling a lakefront property can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’re an older homeowner or if it’s your parents’ home and you need some of the money to fund their care, getting your asking price is critical. These fairly simple steps can have a great impact in getting that price and how quickly the home sells.”

Lakefront Living Realty, LLC routinely holds information seminars for prospective sellers and buyers of lakefront property. Their next seminar, “Keys to Lakefront Buying”, takes place on Saturday, March 16, from 10am to noon. The seminar is $29 and seating is limited to the first 50 people. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for a free kayak. To register, please visit http://www.lakefrontliving.com/seminarKeys.asp  or call 508-377-7167.

About Lakefront Living Realty, LLC

Based in Mansfield, Massachusetts, Lakefront Living Realty, LLC is a full service real estate brokerage specializing solely on the purchase and sale of pond and lakefront property in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Owner Scott “The Lake Guy” Freerksen, a Real Estate Broker and Realtor, founded Lakefrontliving.com in 2003 as way to support his real estate practice and to bring to potential buyers and sellers a website that features direct lakefront homes. All the “riverfront”, “oceanfront”, “across the street”, “within walking distance” homes are taken out of the site.

Lakefront Living Realty has one mission: To passionately unite Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property. For complete information, please visit www.lakefrontliving.com or call Scott at 508-377-7167.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. as Program Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has recently promoted Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. to Senior Care Options (SCO) Program Manager.

In her new position, Ms. Kosovske will oversee the OCES SCO Program (primarily Senior Whole Health, United Health Care and NaviCare plans) and manage the SCO supervisory staff. Barbara has extensive knowledge and experience with this program working as Care Manager and most recently as SCO Program Supervisor.

A former Registered Nurse, Ms. Kosovske has worked in the non-profit sector for many years. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia College, South Carolina and a Master of Education from University of South Carolina. She is a resident of Canton.

Senior Care Options is a partnership between MassHealth and Medicare that provides an integrated and complete package of health care and social services for low-income seniors.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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South Weymouth dentist celebrates National Tooth Fairy Day with ice cream?

: Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss” (far left) poses with Friendly’s Chris Lund, Kelsy Bannon and Owner Bobby Arruda. Dr. Wolfert and Friendly’s locations in Weymouth are celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day the week of March 4.

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

For most children and their parents, the celebration for losing a tooth involves a visit from the Tooth Fairy and some monetary reward. Left out of the equation is the person who cares for your children’s teeth: your dentist. That’s why South Weymouth Dentist Richard Wolfert, DMD, decided to join the celebration of National Tooth Fairy Day, February 28, with local Friendly’s restaurants in Weymouth.

Dr. Wolfert, who goes by the nickname of The Toothboss at his 1121 Main Street practice, donated 200 toothbrushes to the two Friendly’s Restaurants in Weymouth. The toothbrushes were given out to customers under the age of 12 who visit Friendly’s at 1021 Main Street and 415 Washington Street in Weymouth the week of March 4.

“It may seem kind of an unusual alliance, but an occasional sweet like ice cream isn’t the end of the world as long as you are consistently taking care of your teeth,” said Wolfert. “That means brushing, flossing and regular checkups at the dentist.”

In addition to toothbrushes, the gift bags given out included a coupon for a free checkup with Dr. Wolfert. That exam includes X-rays and a cleaning and can be used by any member of the family, not just the kids.

“On behalf of our younger customers, we’d like to thank Dr. Wolfert for his generous donation of the toothbrushes and free exam. It’s a great reminder for kids and their families to brush their teeth and get regular checkups at the dentist,” said Bobby Arruda, owner of both Friendly’s locations in Weymouth.

As part of his Tooth Fairy Day, Dr. Wolfert is also handing out Friendly’s coupons to younger patients with one stipulation: you must brush after every meal.

“You are never too young to start taking proper care of your teeth,” said Wolfert. “With all the studies linking dental hygiene or lack thereof to serious conditions, it’s critical for everybody to take better care of their teeth.”

Dr. Wolfert’s practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and accepts most insurance plans. The Toothboss also accepts payment from most insurance companies, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental.

For more information on the Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

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Rodman & Rodman Recognized as the “Go To” Alternative Energy CPA Practice by Accounting Today Magazine

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm with a specialized green energy and clean technology practice known as the “Green Team”, has been featured in Accounting Today in recognition of their work with alternative energy producers.

Accounting Today featured Rodman & Rodman in a “Practice Profile: Meet the Green Team” article. Named as one of the 100 “Best Accounting Firms to Work for” by Accounting Today for the third consecutive year, Rodman & Rodman garnered further attention from the publication for their unique alternative energy niche.

“We’re honored to be featured in Accounting Today for our work with biomass, wind and solar farm developers and clean tech companies in New England and across the country,” noted Steven P. Rodman CPA, MST, the firm’s president.

The Rodman & Rodman team is led by four partners: Steven P. Rodman CPA, MST, president; Kathy Parker CPA, MST; John P. McGovern CPA, ABV, CVA and Thomas Astore CPA, JD.

Astore, who leads the firm’s Green Team, talked about the complexities and commitment involved in serving renewable energy clients. “You have to be knowledgeable about the electric industry and the technology,” said Astore. “You also have to be ready to reach into your pocketbook for traveling to conferences and becoming a member of one or more renewable energy associations.”

Parker spoke about her Green Team role ensuring that renewable energy clients stay the course on grant application guidelines and processes (in particular, the 1603 Grant Program) and conducting complex audits reports for them.

To read the full article, visit:

http://www.accountingtoday.com/ato_issues/27_2/practice-profile-Meet-the-Green-Team-65549-1.html.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified and has been named by “Accounting Today” as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in 2010, 2011, and 2012. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Zoomin Groomin® of Palm Bay Expands & Is Hiring

Zoomin Groomin® Mobile Pet Services of Palm Bay has been in business for only 18 months and has just reached a milestone – their 1,000th new customer.

Cathy Evans, a resident of Palm Bay, FL is the Franchise Owner of the fast growing Zoomin Groomin® of Palm Bay. The company provides traditional dog and cat mobile grooming service, as well as in-home pet care and grooming, residential services for the Space Coast area. Ms. Evans caters to clients with her team member and head groomer, Pat White of Palm Bay. Ms. White has been in the dog grooming industry for more than 30 years and has been working in pet care management for over 15 years.

Due to their rapid growth, Zoomin Groomin® of Palm Bay is hiring additional staff. Groomers, assistants, dog walkers and pet sitters who are interested in applying should visit the Pet Jobs section of the website at ZoominGroomin.com.

Zoomin Groomin® of Palm Bay was a nominee for Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “2012 Business Champion of the Year” Award. The company participates in many community outreach events including: Bark in the Park for the Central Brevard Humane Society; Purina’s Adopt-A-Thon; Whiskers, Wags & Wine for a benefit for the Central Brevard Humane Society; Paws in the Park and Paws on the Pier for the Central Brevard Humane Society.

According to Donna Sheehey, Zoomin Groomin® CEO, “Cathy is our first franchisee to attain this scale this quickly. She has done an amazing job of acquiring 1,071 customers to date. Cathy actually had the largest month of growth volume thus far this past February.”

“This has been a dream come true. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to cater to pet parents in the Space Coast area while doing what we truly enjoy which is pampering pets,” noted Ms. Evans.

About Zoomin Groomin®
Zoomin Groomin® Mobile Pet services, with corporate offices in Hingham, Massachusetts and locations throughout the East Coast, is a mobile pet service company that provides convenient, professional, door-to-door pet grooming, dog walking, and residential services, at participating locations.. Zoomin Groomin caters to clients living in single family and town homes, as well as those residing in retirement communities, assisted living communities, apartment and condo complexes.

Owned and operated by a team of professionals with copious experience in sales, marketing, management and pet care, the company is franchising new locations to pet enthusiasts throughout the country.

Zoomin Groomin® is committed to using products that will not harm pets or the environment. By providing traditional dog and cat grooming mobile spa services, as well as in-home pet and residential services in an environmentally responsible manner, Zoomin Groomin® can help protect the world for generations of pets and pet parents to come. For more information, please visit www.ZoominGroomin.com.

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