Unleash the Power of The Press

Franchise News

Creating a new way to enjoy the Cape. Training Wheels motorcycle training school to hold grand opening at new Cape Cod campus

ORLEANS, MA…

Training Wheels, Massachusetts’ premier motorcycle training school, will hold a grand opening event on Sunday, May 5, from 12 – 1 p.m. at its new location at 775 Main Street (Route 28) West Dennis, MA.

In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the grand opening will feature demonstrations of proper riding technique. Light refreshments will be served.

“The West Dennis campus represents our first school on the Cape and we’re delighted to be able to bring our personalized brand of instruction to motorcycle enthusiasts in the area,” said Rick Sigel, owner of Training Wheels. “We invite everybody to come on out and see what the school has to offer.”

Training Wheels provides motorcycle riding lessons to adults 16 years of age or older, from novice rider to skilled riders; group or private instruction. Courses offered at the Cape location include:

  • Basic Rider Course (15 hours)
  • Introduction to Motorcycling (2 hours)
  • Refresher Session (10 hours)
  • Private Basic Rider Course (one day)
  • Private Continuing Ed Sessions (varies)

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is Training Wheels’s most popular course. The BRC is designed for the person who has little or no knowledge of riding and would like to have the basic skills of riding as well as receive their Massachusetts Motorcycle License by successfully completing the course. Students who successfully complete the BRC will receive their Massachusetts motorcycle license mailed to them without having to go take the road test at the RMV.

“There are a lot of people out there who want to try riding a motorcycle but don’t really know how to get started,” said Sigel. “Our classes give the novice the skills they need to safely get started.  Once they complete are class, they usually can’t wait to get back on a bike.”

Motorcycles are provided and loaner helmets (DOT approved) are available to students without their own. Class size is kept to a six students/instructor ratio. All Training Wheels instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

Training Wheels holds classes at their Cape Cod location on Saturdays and Sundays. Interested parties can register directly online at www.trainingwheelsonline.com.

About Training Wheels

Training Wheels is Massachusetts’ premier motorcycle training school, with locations in Brockton, Easton, Framingham, Kingston, Orleans, Pittsfield, Plympton and Woburn. Training Wheels offers basic riding courses for the novice motorcycle rider and refresher and advanced classes for the skilled rider.

Motorcycles are provided and loaner helmets are available for students without their own. All Training Wheels instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

For complete information, visit www.trainingwheelsonline.com or call (508) 247-9395.

Creating a new way to enjoy the Cape. Training Wheels motorcycle training school to hold grand opening at new Cape Cod campusRead More

Start your engines. Training Wheels motorcycle training school to hold Open House at new Pittsfield campus.

PITTSFIELD, MA…

Training Wheels, Massachusetts’ premier motorcycle training school, will hold an open house on Saturday, April 27, from 12 to 1 p.m. at its new location at 703 West Housatonic Street (Route 20), Pittsfield.

In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the grand opening will feature demonstrations of proper riding technique. Light refreshments will be served.

“The Pittsfield campus represents our first school in western Massachusetts and we’re delighted to be able to bring our personalized brand of instruction to motorcycle enthusiasts in the area,” said Rick Sigel, founder of Training Wheels. “We invite everybody to come on out and see what the school has to offer.”

Training Wheels provides motorcycle riding lessons to adults 16 years of age or older, from novice rider to skilled riders; group or private instruction. Courses offered at the Pittsfield location include:

  • Basic Rider Course (15 hours)
  • Introduction to Motorcycling (2 hours)
  • Refresher Session (10 hours)
  • Private Basic Rider Course (one day)
  • Private Continuing Ed Sessions (varies)

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is Training Wheels’s most popular course. The BRC is designed for the person who has little or no knowledge of riding and would like to have the basic skills of riding as well as receive their Massachusetts Motorcycle License by successfully completing the course. Students who successfully complete the BRC will receive their Massachusetts motorcycle license mailed to them without having to go take the road test at the RMV.

“There are a lot of people out there who want to try riding a motorcycle but don’t really know how to get started,” said Sigel. “Our classes give the novice the skills they need to safely get started.  Once they complete are class, they usually can’t wait to get back on a bike.”

Motorcycles are provided and loaner helmets (DOT approved) are available to students without their own. Class size is kept to a six students/instructor ratio. All Training Wheels instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

Training Wheels holds classes at their Pittsfield location on Saturdays and Sundays. Interested parties can register directly online at www.trainingwheelsonline.com.

About Training Wheels

Training Wheels is Massachusetts’ premier motorcycle training school, with locations in Brockton, Easton, Framingham, Kingston, Orleans, Pittsfield, Plympton and Woburn. Training Wheels offers basic riding courses for the novice motorcycle rider and refresher and advanced classes for the skilled rider.

Motorcycles are provided and loaner helmets are available for students without their own. All Training Wheels instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

For complete information, visit www.trainingwheelsonline.com or call (508) 247-9595.

Start your engines. Training Wheels motorcycle training school to hold Open House at new Pittsfield campus.Read More

The future of dry cleaning has arrived in Boston’s South End. Lapels Dry Cleaning opens at Tremont Street location.

May Situ (l) and Bao Ying Chin are the owners of the new Lapels Dry Cleaning located at 621 Tremont Street in Boston’s South End. Lapels is an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company with corporate headquarters in Hanover, Massachusetts.

BOSTON, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, will open a new location on March 16 in Boston’s South End at 621 Tremont Street. The South End store is the third Lapels Dry Cleaning location in Boston (4 Longfellow Place and 152 Brookline Avenue are the other locations).

The new South End Lapels Dry Cleaning store is owned and operated by May Situ and Bao Ying Chin. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm. The grand opening for the new Lapels will be held on April 13.

“We are delighted to bring Lapels’ standard of high quality dry cleaning and superior customer service to the South End,” said May Situ, a native of China who came to the U.S. 10 years ago. Now a Quincy resident, she plans to open a second Lapels Dry Cleaning store in Quincy at 1213 Hancock Street in April.

“We want to congratulate May and Bao on their new store and we look forward to continuing our support at the corporate level to help ensure the success of Lapels Dry Cleaning in the South End and next month in Quincy,” remarked Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past 10 years.  Using the lastest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners in the greater Boston area able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

“There were so many reasons why we initially chose to buy a Lapels franchise. The environmental piece was certainly up there on our list, but it was an overall commitment to a high quality customer experience that truly sold us,” said May. “Customers have been very receptive to what Lapels has to offer at our other locations and we feel the residents of the South End and Quincy will appreciate it as well.”

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on the Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com. Or, you can call the South End store at 617-236-0098.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Towns), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Forest); Texas (Arlington). Additional locations coming soon to Chandler, AZ, Boston, MA, Quincy, MA and Brownsville, TX.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

The future of dry cleaning has arrived in Boston’s South End. Lapels Dry Cleaning opens at Tremont Street location.Read More

Lapels Dry Cleaning announces veteran’s discount for new franchises

Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts. Lapels recently announced a veteran’s discount for new franchises.

HANOVER, MA…

As an organization, Lapels Dry Cleaning is known for giving back to the community. One way is through its environmentally friendly dry cleaning methods. Clothing drives for various causes–ranging from helping out victims of Superstorm Sandy to standard drives for Big Brother/Big Sister organizations—stands as another. With its new veteran’s discount, Lapels is giving back to people who have given the most: our returning soldiers and service men and women.

Lapels is offering a 20 percent discount off their franchise fees to veterans who purchase a Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise. There’s no prerequisite for number of years served. Any honorably discharged veteran of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces is eligible.

“Our veterans have sacrificed quite a bit for our country and we do owe them more than a debt of gratitude,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “With the job market making slow strides towards recovery, some veterans might be more inclined to use the skill set they’ve developed in the military in running their own business. You could not ask for a better franchise opportunity than Lapels.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning has also been named a Military Friendly Franchise® by MilitaryFranchising.com.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past 10 years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners in the country able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor. Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

“Our franchise owners come from many walks of life. Some previously owned their own business, some have not. Most had zero experience in the dry cleaning arena. The franchise formula we have in place makes it possible for somebody with the right skill set to buy a franchise and be successful within a relatively short period,” said Dubois.

For information on buying a Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise, please call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners

Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Towns), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Forest), Texas (Arlington),Chandler, AZ, Boston, MA, Quincy, MA and Brownsville, TX.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning announces veteran’s discount for new franchisesRead More

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

National Speakers Association (NSA) adds Ingage Consulting’s Evan Hackel to its roster of professional speakers

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting

WOBURN, MA …

The National Speakers Association (NSA) recently accepted Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting, a leading consulting firm in the franchise arena. During his 25 years in working with franchises, Evan Hackel has developed a reputation as an expert on engagement and how it improves performance. With his recent acceptance to the NSA, Hackel will be taking this message to a broader audience.

“The franchisee member who is engaged tends to be more successful on an individual basis and is also the best sales agent an organization can have in attracting potential franchisees,” said Hackel, who founded the Woburn, MA-based Ingage Consulting in 2009, Massachusetts. “In joining the NSA, I would like to continue bringing that message to franchise organizations. I would also like the opportunity to speak to other types of organizations in both the public and private sector on how engagement can raise the performance level from top to bottom.”

To be accepted to NSA’s Professional Speaker roster, candidates must meet the organization’s requirements based on stringent criteria. Hackel met that criteria though his experience giving keynotes, meeting and workshop facilitation and breakout presentations and other speaking engagements.

Hackel has previously been tabbed as keynote speaker for a variety of companies and organization types, ranging from Fortune 50 companies to professional associations. The audience sizes have also varied, with Hackel speaking at smaller, interactive workshops to addresses for several thousand.

In particular, Hackel’s message resonates with franchise organizations. His next featured speaking engagement will be at the Franchise Operations Performance Summits (OPS), the only franchise executive conference dedicated to operations performance excellence as well

Beyond topics relevant to franchise organizations, Hackel is known for his energetic and interactive presentations. “Evan showed how franchisees grow stronger as the organization grows stronger, and how the organization grows stronger as franchisees grow stronger. That struck a credible nerve that everyone understood,“ said Steven C. Bursten, CEO and chairman of Exciting Windows! “We had more favorable comments than any convention speaker in our eight years of franchising. In fact, last year’s presentation was transformative.  Business owners who never appreciated what it means to pull together “got it”, and have been more supportive than ever this year.“

Some of the topics on which Hackel has spoken on in the past include:

  • Better Together:  Understand the most effective ways to tackle individual agendas and dysfunction in your organization.
  • The Need for Change: Learn how to address the paradigm shifts your organization needs to make to ensure long-term success.
  • The Power of Collaboration: Explore the power and possibilities of collaboration that lead to better ideas and a greater passion for success.
  • The 4 “Ps” of Selling: Learn to think differently about selling by focusing on the four “Ps.”
  • Overcoming the Price Objection: Leave with real-world tools to better deal with difficult customers and price objection.

Hackel is available for keynotes, breakout and facilitation sessions, and a variety of speaking engagements. You can contact him directly at 781-569-5900. To see more of Hackel’s previous speaking engagements, visit his profile page on the National Speakers Association website, http://www.nsaspeaker.org/.

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with franchisors and franchisees to improve the franchise organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits.

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of both franchisors and franchisees.  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.  After a thorough assessment, Ingage Consulting devises solutions to a franchise organization’s challenges. These solutions may include the development of methods that maximize collaboration among franchisees/licensees or the development of a clear strategy and execution plan for change which is customized to meet organizational objectives.

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.

National Speakers Association (NSA) adds Ingage Consulting’s Evan Hackel to its roster of professional speakersRead More

Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS), the only franchise executive conference dedicated to operations performance excellence, announced for May 2-3 in Boston.

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting

WOBURN and BOSTON, MA…

For centuries, Boston has knack for drawing the best and brightest minds. Take for example, the City’s universities and medical institutions. On May 2-3, some of the best and brightest minds in the area of franchise operations will convene in at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay for the Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS), the only franchise conference dedicated to operations performance excellence, to contemplate the role of future franchise field consultants and other franchise operations issues.

“You think of Boston, you think history. But what distinguished people like Sam and John Adams, John Hancock and others noteworthy was their ability to look towards the future and envision a new country,” said Evan Hackel, a speaker at Franchise OPS and founder of Ingage Consulting, the leader in improving performance through engagement. “With this OPS we’re looking at the very critical role of franchise field consultant and exploring how technology can enhance this critical component of the franchise operations system. Is it revolutionary like the old colonists? Maybe, maybe not. But technology will dramatically change the types of skill sets required to do the job of field consultant in the future.”

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

Covering this material will be a diverse roster of franchise experts, which features Hackel and Bob Gappa, founder of Management 2000. Over the course of his career, Hackel has helped numerous franchise organizations improve performance and their bottom line. Over the past 31 years, Gappa and Management 2000 have worked with more than 950 franchises, providing strategic insights and recommendations for those organizations to address critical business challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.

In addition to Hackel and Gappa, other Franchise OPS speakers include: 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; Barth Getto of BizUnite; Mindy Golde of Listen360; Matt Talbot of GoSpotCheck; Cordell Riley of Tortal; and Steve Abercrombie of Profit Soup.

 

Franchise OPS is held three times a year in various locations around the country. Said Atlanta attendee Efrain Inzunza of the UPS Store, “I’ve been involved in franchising for 10 years and this summit represented some of the best interaction and information that I can apply to my role within my organizations.”

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 the franchise organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits.

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of both franchisors and franchisees.  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.  After a thorough assessment, Ingage Consulting devises solutions to a franchise organization’s challenges. These solutions may include the development of methods that maximize collaboration among franchisees/licensees or the development of a clear strategy and execution plan for change which is customized to meet organizational objectives.

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.

Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS), the only franchise executive conference dedicated to operations performance excellence, announced for May 2-3 in Boston.Read More

Lapels Dry Cleaning launches international division

HANOVER, MA…

Environmentally friendly dry cleaning methods, outrageous customer service and marketing are the foundation upon which Lapels Dry Cleaning has built its franchise in the U.S. With its recent announcement of an international division, Lapels is looking to bring those signature services abroad.

“I believe there are markets outside the United States that will be as strong, if not stronger, because of the lack of quality competition and the importance of quality garments and the care of those garments,” said Michael Eisner, Director of Franchise Development for Lapels Dry Cleaning.  “Over the years, we have been inundated with requests for franchising from overseas.”

“Being able to have your garments cleaned in an affordable and timely fashion that doesn’t negatively impact the environment is something that’s appreciated everywhere, not just in the U.S.,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “With this new division, we are currently speaking with Franchise Partners from across the world and anticipate opening our first store within 2013” added Dubois.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10 years.  Lapels is committed to using the most advanced environmental practices and technologies not only in the manner in which they clean clothes but also in the build of their Stores and Plants. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor, breaks down naturally and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

In addition to its high standards for cleaning, Lapels stores are committed members of the communities they serve. Lapels Dry Cleaning stores have spearheaded recycling drives for coat hangers and selling the metal ones for scrap, then donating the proceeds to local food pantries. Lapels has also been involved with clothing drives for Big Brother and Big Sister Associations.

“With the expansion overseas, we anticipate our franchise owners abroad will also be looking for ways to give back,” said Dubois. “It’s just part of who we are.”

For information on buying a Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise abroad, please call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners

Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Towns), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Forest), Texas (Arlington),Chandler, AZ,Boston, MA, Quincy, MA and Brownsville, TX.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning launches international divisionRead More

Lapels Dry Cleaning opens in Cohasset.

William Ryan, owner of the new Lapels Dry Cleaning in Cohasset, MA.

COHASSET, MA AND HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently opened a new store at 827 Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A) in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

The new Lapels Dry Cleaning store is owned and operated by South Shore resident William Ryan. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm.

“We are delighted to bring Lapels’ standard of high quality dry cleaning and superior customer service to our friends, neighbors and fellow South Shore residents,” said Ryan.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past 10 years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is the only South Shore cleaner with no hazardous waste in their cleaning process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Lapels Dry Cleaning offers a number of services that make a trip to the dry cleaners not only convenient but fairly close to luxurious. That includes a car hop where customers can call ahead and have their dry cleaning brought to their automobile door and an Express Valet Service.  The store will also feature FREE home delivery to residents of Scituate and Cohasset.

“There were so many reasons why I chose to purchase a Lapels franchise. The environmental piece was certainly up there on our list, but it was an overall commitment to a high quality customer experience that truly sold me,” said Ryan. “We’re going to make Lapels ‘the neighborhood dry cleaner’ on the South Shore.”

Prior to opening the Lapels stores, Ryan worked as a sales and marketing executive for several Fortune 100 companies. He also serves on the Eastern Region Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Blood Services Division.

“I started researching business opportunities about 15 years ago and a lot of thought went into making the decision to buy a Lapels franchise,” said Ryan. “Between Lapels products and service and this location, this was the right decision and well worth the wait.”

Married, Ryan and his wife Pam live on the South Shore with their two children.

“We want to congratulate William on joining the Lapels Dry Cleaning family and we look forward to an ongoing relationship as we continue to provide guidance and support at the corporate level to help ensure the success of their new dry cleaning store in Cohasset,” remarked Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on the Lapels Dry Cleaning stores, please visit www.mylapels.com. Or, you can call the Cohasset store at 781-383-1300.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Towns), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Forest); Texas (Arlington). Additional locations coming soon to Chandler, AZ, Boston, MA, Quincy, MA and Brownsville, TX.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning opens in Cohasset.Read More