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“It’s not you, it’s me” …Why breaking up has gotten easier.

NORWELL, MA…

In 2009, there are now more ways for couples to get together than ever before—online dating, speed dates, chat rooms, blogs, etc. Yet, with all the new ways and technologies available to help singles meet, it has also made it that much easier to break up with the person you are casually dating. And with all due respect and copyright to Seinfeld’s George Costanza, you don’t need the “it’s not you, it’s me” to get out of a relationship.

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating–one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide—has paired thousands of clients during more than 35 years in business. He has also seen more than his fair share of matches not go the distance as well. So, is breaking up with somebody easier now?

Said Falzone, “Yes. Though it’s really not about being easier as much as being up front with people. If you have invested time and money in a dating service or online account, you generally have a pretty good idea about what you want. If dating somebody for a short period doesn’t produce that, most people feel they owe it to themselves to end things and that makes it easier to be direct and say ‘I don’t see this going anywhere’ instead of using a lame excuse.”

Continued Falzone, “Does that mean breaking up with somebody doesn’t hurt. Not at all. Even if you look at it intellectually, it is still a form of rejection, even on a smaller level. So, even though you may have met online and agree, you still should be sensitive to the other person.”

Here are some guidelines Falzone recommends in ending things amiably:

●        Stay away from “it’s not you, it’s me” and other clichés – Most people will take the “it’s not you, it’s me” as “it’s all you”. So, just do not use it. If you are not feeling the relationship is going or can go anywhere, just say that. It leaves you both with your dignity.

●        Avoid e-mail and text – Sure, it is easier and safer and spares you the hurt look you might see. Do not do it. Even if you write a polite and courteous note, think about how you would feel receiving it—especially in that form.

●        Do not say you will call or stay in touch if you will not – Really, all that’s left to say is it was nice meeting you (if it actually was) and best of luck. Unless you really want to remain friends.

●        Remain on the high road, even after you break up – Don’t bad mouth or talk derogatively about some one you broke up with to friends, family or other people you know whose paths that person might cross. Even if it was things about his or her personality you did not like, it truly will become about you if you are trashing them after the breakup.

●        Be honest but diplomatic – Being honest does not mean being unkind. Remember the old motto, if you cannot say something nice…

Said Falzone, “What you absolutely don’t want to do in any breakup situation is play the blame game. Because in actually, when you decide to breakup with somebody, it really is more about you than the other person. And that is okay to be a little selfish. It’s all part of finding the right one for you, which is a good thing.”

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region. 
Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in:  Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg);Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio) and Virginia (Falls Church).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include:  California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Rockford and Normal); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); Nevada (Las Vegas); New York (Manhattan); Pennsylvania (King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas and Austin); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

“It’s not you, it’s me” …Why breaking up has gotten easier.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Staff Adopts Meals on Wheels Route and Challenges Businesses to do the Same

The staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton that provides valuable programs and services to elders, their families and caregivers, really goes ”above and beyond” to help ensure that seniors who need a nutritious meal every day, receive one.

OCES has adopted a Meals on Wheels route in Brockton and 33 staff members from OCES are now volunteering their time to deliver between 15 to 20 meals a day to frail and home bound elders.

The agency is challenging local businesses to do the same – adopt a Meals on Wheels route and encourage their employees to get involved delivering meals to elders in need.

“The need for Meals on Wheels volunteers is quite significant.  As it stands now, we don’t have enough volunteers so many of them have taken on additional meal routes. We are encouraging Brockton area businesses and their employees to get involved in the community by adopting a meal route and taking on the responsibility of delivering meals to elders who are on that route. It’s a great way for businesses to give back to the community.” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “We must take action to ensure than no elder goes hungry.”

OCES staff members who work on a rotating schedule in delivering meals to seniors each day include: April Panos, Beverly Ferris, Brenda Carrens, Christine Silveira, Diana DiGiorgi, Diane Witkus, Elizabeth DosSantos, Erin Maki, Glenda DeVincentis, Guerdy Baron, Isabel Sims, Jill Getchell, Jim Mileski, Judy Eldridge, Julie Clark, Kristina Gardiner, Lauren Murphy, Lucille Dallaire, Maria Janvier, Marie Rateau, Michele Wall, Nicole Welch, Phyllis Martin, Rick Alvarnaz, Rochelle Sugarman, Sally Sacchetti, Sara Gassett, Sharon Sheehan, Susan Weiner, Susan Willis, Terri Henshaw, Terri Kourtz and Tim Valentine.


Meals on Wheels drivers typically deliver meals between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage.  Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday.

“What many people don’t realize is that Meals on Wheels purpose is twofold; it not only ensures that elders receive a nutritious meal, but also serves as a safety check. The elders who receive Meals on Wheels are homebound or disabled and usually don’t have anyone to make sure they are okay. A Meals on Wheels volunteer’s responsibilities include delivering meals and making sure that every elder is OK. If they are not, we need to know about it right away,” continued DiGiorgi.


OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enhance elders’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

Businesses interested in adopting a Meals on Wheels route should contact Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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How owning a DAWG of a Driveway can win you $500… BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier driveway maintenance company, launches its “America’s Ugliest Driveway” Contest

GOFFSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE…

 

For every cracked, beat-up, worn-out driveway, there’s a story. Perhaps it’s a tale of neglect, winter storms, glacial movement, a meteor crash or an unfortunate incident involving a monster tractor pull looking for a place to turn around. With its “America’s Ugliest Driveway” Contest, BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT’s Founder, Jack Child, is in search of America’s Ugliest Driveway and is willing to put $500 in the pocket of its owner to ease the sting of their misfortune.

 

Starting April 15 (a date chosen for its own “eyesoreness”), homeowners from all 50 states may submit their photo or video along with a caption or story making their case to win the prize. Besides just plain being ugly, points will be given for creativity and cleverness in the form of captions (e.g. here’s my driveway after aliens landed on it) and brief stories (e.g. cracks that resemble celebrities or world leaders).  Funny videos will receive extra consideration.  The winner, to be selected on June 15, 2009, will receive $500, courtesy of BLACK DAWG FRANCHISE GROUP, parent company of BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®.

 

One driveway from each state will be chosen as that state’s Ugliest Driveway and the owner will be sent a jug of real New Hampshire Maple syrup, courtesy of Parker’s Maple Barn, Mason, New Hampshire.  From that not so elite group of uglies, one Grand Prize winner will be selected and hailed as owner of “America’s Ugliest Driveway” and collect $500. 

 

Homeowners wishing to submit their “ugly driveway” entry should visit www.AmericasUgliestDriveway.com.  Entries are limited to one per household.  By submitting their entry, contest participants agree to allow BLACK DAWG FRANCHISE GROUP LLC to use their names, likenesses and any items submitted for marketing purposes and publication on the web.  Void where prohibited by law.

 

Serving both residential and commercial markets, BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® Franchises use only the finest materials to preserve, protect and restore asphalt to its original, black-as-night finish.  Besides a better look, the sealant employed by BLACK DAWG slows oxidation and other damaging effects of the sun and ultraviolet rays while creating a protective barrier against gas, oil, chemicals and, your driveway’s worst enemy, water.  Unfortunately for contest lovers, using BLACK DAWG to maintain their driveway will inevitably keep it looking great and drastically lower their odds of winning.

 

Renowned for its professional and courteous customer service (real people actually answer the phone), BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® also offers Hot Rubber crack sealing services as well as line striping marking services for commercial parking lots. BLACK DAWG’s service area includes central and southern New Hampshire, the seacoast of New Hampshire, north central Massachusetts, Fairfield County, Connecticut and is looking to award franchises and expand into New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maine and other locations.

BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® is a member of the Souhegan Valley, Manchester, Salem and Exeter Chambers of Commerce and each franchise is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.  In addition, BLACK DAWG supports local and national non-profit organizations such as the PLUS Company, the Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club, Fisher House for Disabled Vets, the Red Cross, Bedford Little League, Londonderry Youth Soccer, Londonderry Fire Department, Windham Baseball/Softball League, New Hampshire Fire Marshall’s Arson Investigation Canine Division, Nashua Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club of Nashua, the New Outlook Teen Center of Exeter, Girls, Inc. of Nashua, the Veterans Count Auction, The Cancer Society of Connecticut and the Weston, Connecticut Historical Society.

For more information on BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® and to see pictures of Olive, “the Boss”, please visit www.BlackDawgSealcoat.com or call 1-(800) 998-DAWG (3294).  For information regarding franchise opportunities, visit www.BlackDawgFranchise.com.  And, to order some delicious maple syrup, visit www.ParkersMapleBarn.com.

How owning a DAWG of a Driveway can win you $500… BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier driveway maintenance company, launches its “America’s Ugliest Driveway” ContestRead More

Curves International Recognized as 2009 Franchisor of the Year

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Curves International, Inc., as AAFD’s Franchisor of the Year for 2009. 

Curves International is the franchisor of Curves fitness centers, the world’s largest fitness network with nearly 10,000 franchisee-owned fitness clubs serving four million women worldwide.  Curves is also one of the fastest growing franchise companies in history.

Notwithstanding the challenges of rapid growth and dynamic involvement in multiple channels of distribution, the Company has embraced a collaborative culture with its franchise network and has enjoyed a very positive relationship with its members as a result. 

AAFD Chairman Robert Purvin cited Curves’ exemplary franchise culture as the primary focus of the AAFD’s recognition.  “Curves management has encouraged and supported the organization of an independent franchisee association, including a willingness to engage the association’s elected leadership.” 

“In the 15 years that I have been representing franchisee associations, my experience with Curves International has been utterly unique,” said Ron Gardner, the attorney for Circuit Fitness Association (CFA). “The company has supported a completely independent association, both financially, and through open and continuous access to Curves’ senior management and have embraced the CFA as a valuable source of information. That’s contributed to noticeable improvements in the system for both the franchisees and the franchisor—exactly how a healthy franchisor/franchisee relationship should work.”

“Curves International, under the leadership of Gary and Diane Heavin, as well as Mike Raymond, has shown tremendous support for the Curves Franchisee Association. This has been done through funding as well as an open dialogue with not only top leadership, but with the various department heads,” said Mary Ella Young, president of CFA. “Curves has always asked for complete honesty and has been very open to criticism when the CFA felt it was necessary. This never dissuaded them from their support of the CFA. Quite the opposite; they are interested and support the transition to being a completely independent and autonomous group.”

Under the wise leadership of company founders, Gary and Diane Heavin, Curves has defined itself as a franchise system built upon a culture of collaboration with and respect for its franchisee network, as well as setting a high standard for customer satisfaction and commitment.

Said CEO Gary Heavin, “We have always made every effort to work hand in hand with our franchisees—as partners and as friends. The CFA is an indispensable resource, providing invaluable feedback that allows us to serve our franchisees at a higher level. I am pleased to accept this award in recognition of the collaborative efforts of our corporate employees, our franchisees and the CFA.”   

The Heavins opened the first Curves in 1992, and sold their first franchise in 1995. The company is headquartered in Waco, Texas.  All Curves fitness clubs are independently owned and operated.

The AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards will be presented during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

About Curves

Curves works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to 4 million women. With nearly 10,000 locations in 70 countries, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising.   Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

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Creating momentum for Moving Professionals.

Moving professionals can either choose to be victims of a difficult real estate market or be proactive as interest rates continue to be favorable and opportunity presents itself.  In recognition of the challenge for the moving and storage industry, a targeted seminar on sales and marketing is slated for Tuesday, April 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Vinny Testa’s Meeting Facility, 233 Elm Street, Dedham, MA.

 

The presentation is sponsored and led by Al Schrade, CMC and Steve Dubin, PR Works, two professionals with more than three decades of moving and storage experience. Cost for the day long presentation is $75.

 

The morning session “Selling in the Current Environment” presented by Al Schrade, CMC addresses a wide range of topics including Get Your Head “In the Sale”, Prospecting for Sales, Sales Call Prep, More Than a Survey, Listening to the “Customer”, Selling “On or Off” Price, Working with Objections, Closing Sales Techniques, Handling Challenging Customers, Multiple Decision Makers, Persuasive Sales Presentations, and Sales Motivation and Goals.

 

Al Schrade is a twenty year veteran of the transportation industry with a concentration in moving and storage products and services.  He has held positions in operations, sales, sales management, account management, interstate and international relocation, van line management and, during the past eight years, the director of a Massachusetts moving and storage trade association.  Al has presented and overseen numerous seminars on a variety of important topics over the past several years.

 

The afternoon session focuses on marketing and outlines how to STAND OUT from the crowd, how to generate leads now and on an ongoing basis.  Included are online secrets to traditional gems, this marketing/PR workshop provides the ammunition to drive new business today and tomorrow.  Specific topics include Targeting Low Hanging Fruit, Email for Essential Savings, Search Engines are the “New” Yellow Pages. Case Studies / Testimonials, Pitching the Press, and News Releases to full feature stories.

 

Steven Dubin, President of PR Works based in Kingston, Mass., knows marketing and the “news” business.  He started his newspaper career by covering the Boston Celtics.  From there Steve progressed to editing and marketing positions in several publishing companies, including Mariner Newspapers. 


 

Seating is limited. To reserve or to obtain more information, please contact Al Schrade, 401-245-5440 or email alschrade@aol.com.

 

Creating momentum for Moving Professionals.Read More

Online Lead Generation Service Launched by MediaRight.net, Hanover, Mass.

WORKING HEADLINE: Online Lead Generation Service Launched by MediaRight.net, Hanover, Mass.

 

For many plumbers, electricians and other home improvement providers were spoiled until recently. There was so much new business that customers would patiently wait weeks for projects to commence.  In today’s economy that lead flow has gone from a gusher to an unpredictable drip.

 

A new Online Lead Generation Service has been launched by MediaRight.net, based in Hanover, Mass., to respond to that challenge.  Utilizing a variety of techniques including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of website pages, headlines and body copy; scrutiny of Google ad words and targeting key words and phrases; and a WordPress platform, MediaRight.net is transforming how service providers are finding motivated customers.

 

“This recession had me more than concerned,” noted John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing, Boston, Mass.  He added, “I was skeptical about the validity of the Online Lead Generation Service approach, but I give it a shot by borrowing from my Yellow Pages budget.  Well, now I can sleep comfortably knowing that when I arrive at my shop in the morning we will have new customers who have found us and are ready to do business.”

 

Jack Child, founder and President of Black Dawg Sealcoat, a national franchise based in Nashua, NH, remarked, “Our driveway preservation business is very seasonal and we have to make hay while the sun is shining.  As a new brand, we needed to be easily found not by name, but category.  The Online Lead Generation Service is keeping our crews – both in New England and beyond – very busy.”

 

Due the competitive nature of the service industry, the Online Lead Generation Service is exclusive to each service providers market area.  Pricing for the service starts at $5,000.

 

The lead capturing system maintains a high level of accountability.  New customer information is sent via email to both the service provider and also archived on their website.  The customer also receives a confirmation email. 

 

Roland Lacey, the architect of The Online Lead Generation Service and President of MediaRight.net, asserted, “Our system and our client’s websites address three critical customer questions.  Do you have what I am looking for? Do I trust your company and site?  How do I get it?  By answering these questions with relevant content, professional design and user friendly navigation, we convert visitors to customers.”

Lacey continued, “Our stable of talented ghost writers and graphic designers create pages that search engines – and PEOPLE – really love. Many of our articles have been picked up by high profile sites leading to valuable links for our clients’ sites.”

ABOUT MEDIARIGHT.NET

Roland Lacey Jr. founded MediaRight.net in 1995 with the goal of helping small to medium sized businesses use the Internet and its associated technologies to grow their business online.

A Marketing major in college, Roland went on to a 28 year career in software design concluding that chapter as a Vice President at State Street Bank where he was a leader of development staffs of several European branches. Over the last 15 years Roland and the MediaRight.net team have built hundreds of successful web sites for businesses in all kinds of markets.

Lacey served as the Technical Editor of “The Essential Online Solution: The 5 Step Formula for Small Business Success” as well as the recently released second edition of “Retail Business Kit for Dummies” both published by Wiley and Sons. He serves as the Technical Editor and is a frequent presenter on “The Retailer’s Advantage” membership web site.

For more information about MediaRight.net, visit the website, email Roland@MediaRight.net, or call (781) 924-1141.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Lead Generation Service Launched by MediaRight.net, Hanover, Mass.Read More

The Price is Right. Seminar outlines how to price your service and collect for it.

South Shore Ad Club hosts event on May 11, 6 p.m. at Asian C, Hingham, Mass.

 

What is my time worth?  What is my product worth?  Many businesspeople are paralyzed by these thoughts.  In response, the South Shore Ad Club is hosting a panel discussion entitled “The Price is Right” on May 11, 6 p.m. at Asian C, 48 Whiting Street, Route 53, Hingham, Mass.

 

The panel of two seasoned accountants and business development gurus will explore the many factors involved in determining pricing and will also outline tactics to collect from clients.

 

Panelists include John Topham, a CPA and co-founder of Damon, Topham & Company, LLC of Marshfield, a full service multi-disciplined firm of Certified Public Accountants, providing accounting, taxation, business development and financial services and Larry Rice, a CPA and business development consultant with Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists of Newton, Mass.  Steve Dubin, founder of PR Works of Kingston, a full service public relations firms will serve as moderator.

 

The price of admission is $25 for  non-members, $20 for members. Buffet dinner will be served.  Members and the general business community are welcome.

 

“Most service professional are too modest with their hourly fees and billing structure and leave money on the table or diminish their credibility via low pricing,” noted Steve Dubin, owner of PR Works and member of the South Shore Ad Club’s board of directors. He added, “This seminar explores simple methods to determine reasonable pricing and how to collect it.”

 

About The South Shore Ad Club

The South Shore Ad Club is a non-profit organization committed to the personal and professional development of communications professionals located south of Boston. It’s the club’s  mission to improve, strengthen and advance career goals through learning and networking opportunities; and to serve as a resource for local and Boston-area businesses  requiring marketing, advertising, public relations and/or communications services.

 

Space is limited. To RSVP, please contact Mary McElroy, McElroy Associates, (781) 383-0505 or info@mcelroyassoc.net.  Payment for this function can also be made on-line at www.SouthShoreAd.com.  Cash or checks will also be accepted at the door.

The Price is Right. Seminar outlines how to price your service and collect for it.Read More

DirectBuy of Tinley Park owner celebrates 35 years in business

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Ed Sell purchased his DirectBuy franchise back in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating his 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Sell is still sold on the DirectBuy concept of providing members the opportunity to purchase name brand products at direct insider prices.

“My first experience with DirectBuy was as a member back in 1972. So I experienced the kind of savings you can only get by buying directly from the manufacturer firsthand. You could say I was impressed with the company from the very start because shortly after I joined applied for a job there and eventually wanted to buy my own franchise,” said Sell.

Sell opened his DirectBuy in Calumet, Illinois back in March of 1974. He ran his franchise in that location until 2000 before expanding his territory and opening the current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. About seven years into his ownership, Sell acquired a business partner when he married I.J., the current Mrs. Sell.

“Ed didn’t have to, pardon the pun, sell me on DirectBuy. It was clear to me from the start that this was a great company and a great business. Twenty-nine years later, for me, and 35 for Ed, we still take a tremendous amount of satisfaction in seeing people get more for their money and avoiding retail markups,” says I.J.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tinley Park Estates offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“Our 35 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Chicago area and northwestern Indiana create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community and as a contributor to local charities,” said Sell. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

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Top mark for DirectBuy… DirectBuy hires Mark Boggess as chief financial officer

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

The DirectBuy Corporate Support Center recently hired Mark Boggess as chief financial officer (CFO).

AS CFO, Boggess will work closely with management to grow the DirectBuy network of franchise centers, as well as new products and services.

“We’re extremely excited to have somebody of Mark’s caliber as CFO. It’s no coincidence that the companies he’s worked for previously have enjoyed tremendous success and we’re hoping that continues here at DirectBuy,” said Scott Powell, president and CEO of DirectBuy.

Boggess comes to DirectBuy after a successful career with Affinity Group, Inc., which operates membership clubs with nearly two million active members. The company sells products and services like liability insurance, emergency road service, publishing and specialty retail.

“I’m positively thrilled with the opportunity to work with Scott and the rest of the team at DirectBuy,” said Boggess. “We’re in the middle of some very challenging economic times these days and that makes the job of CFO even more critical. Thankfully, DirectBuy has a product that gives consumers the power to stretch their dollars farther and that’s something I’m happy to be a part of.”

Boggess and his family are in the process of relocating to Chicagoland from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Top mark for DirectBuy… DirectBuy hires Mark Boggess as chief financial officerRead More