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Van Syckle top business coach franchise owner for Winfree Business Growth Advisors

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY AND HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA…

Winfree Business Growth Advisors, a business coaching franchise, recently named Owen Van Syckle, owner of its Hampton Roads, Virginia business coaching franchise, as “Franchisee of the Year”.

Located across the United States, Winfree Business Growth Advisors coaching franchises help sales professionals and small business owners maximize growth potential and take their respective businesses to a higher level through cutting-edge sales coaching, business coaching, sales training and seminars. Van Syckle, a business coaching franchise owner since 2007, received this honor based on a number of variables, including growth of his territory in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

“Owen epitomizes what we seek in owners of our business coaching franchises,” said Dr. Keith Winfree, founder of Winfree Business Growth Advisors. “He brings a combination of energy and know-how to the table that draws new clients and inspires existing ones. The bottom line is he and his clients get results.”

A resident of Norfolk, Virginia, Van Syckle received a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Trevecca Nazarene University. Prior to becoming a Winfree Business Growth Advisor, he worked as a sales manager for Headgear LLC before running his own consulting business, Prominent Business Development.

“Winfree’s different than any other sales training programs out there,” said Van Syckle. “It’s not only what we teach, but how we teach it and then stand behind it by guaranteeing results for a fixed fee. That made me want to be a franchise owner. Frankly, it’s why our clients are successful because we literally put our money where our mouth is.”

If you would like to work with Mr. Van Syckle you can contact him at http://www.hamptonroads.winfree.org or 757-237-5222.

About Winfree Business Growth Advisors

Located across the United States, Winfree Business Growth Advisors coaching franchises help sales professionals and small business owners maximize growth potential and take their respective businesses to a higher level through cutting-edge sales coaching, business coaching, sales training, and seminars featuring Winfree’s signature Black Belt System™–a Five Phases and 12 elements covering everything from initial marketing efforts to customer retention.

Winfree Business Growth Advisors currently runs coaching franchises in California (San Francisco and Los Angeles), Illinois, Kentucky (Louisville), Massachusetts (Boston), New York (Manhattan), Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth) and Virginia (Hampton Roads) as well as in Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba).

For more information on Winfree’s programs or franchise opportunities and available an Area Development territories, please go to www.winfree.org or contact Dr. Keith Winfree at (800) 616-9260.

If you would like to work with Mr. Van Syckle you can contact him at http://www.hamptonroads.winfree.org or 757-237-5222.

 

 

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An “A” for their efforts… DirectBuy of Tinley Park earns an “A” grade from the Better Business Bureau

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

DirectBuy Clubs across North America have a well-earned reputation for saving members thousands of dollars in creating the homes of their dreams. Their reputation for providing service to members is quickly catching up. Case in point, DirectBuy of Tinley Park receiving an “A” grade from the Better Business Bureau.

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2004, DirectBuy of Tinley Park, located at 18400 South 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois, earned their “A” grade based on 19 criteria, ranging from years in business to complaints received and resolved, to other service-oriented factors. Each criterion has a certain number of points associated with it, with a perfect score being 90 out of a possible 90 points. DirectBuy of Tinley Park’s “A” grade represents 85 out of a possible 90 points.

“We talk a lot about how much money members can save with DirectBuy Club and that is true, you can save a lot, but that can only take you so far,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “What helps us retain and attract members more than anything is that they save money and are treated well. That’s the real draw to DirectBuy Club. The ‘A’grade from the BBB is gratifying because it means on the whole, we are doing right by our members.”

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition to DirectBuy of Tinley Park, located at 1864 High Grove Lane, Suite 124 in Naperville, Illinois, DirectBuy has several convenient locations in greater Chicago (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, and Naperville).

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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. The DirectBuy Clubs 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.directbuycares.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving greater Chicago area: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, 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 Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

An “A” for their efforts… DirectBuy of Tinley Park earns an “A” grade from the Better Business BureauRead More

DirectBuy of Winnipeg a welcome sight for Welcome Wagon for 10 years

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA…

The Manitoba Welcome Wagon Association recently honoured DirectBuy of Winnipeg for its support during the past 10 years. DirectBuy of Winnipeg’s Membership Director Beverley Ebertz and Service Supervisor Helen Wiebe received the plaque from the Manitoba Welcome Wagon Association at the Association’s Bridal & Baby Trade show held on February 7, 2010.

“As a company that helps people to create the homes of their dreams, it’s always seemed quite natural to support an organization like Welcome Wagon, which has a similar purpose in making people new to the community feel at home,” said Lynn Till, owner of DirectBuy of Winnipeg. “We’re quite touched by this recognition and look forward to continuing to support Welcome Wagon in the years to come.”

Founded in 1930, Welcome Wagon is a Canadian-owned, free greeting service renowned for their “welcome baskets” and friendly visits paid to families undergoing a change in lifestyle – including moving to a new neighborhood, planning a wedding, expecting a baby, a new executive, manager or professional, 50 plus, or new parents/grandparents. In its 10 years as a supporter, DirectBuy of Winnipeg has contributed gift items to the welcome baskets given to families in the Winnipeg area.

“As Area Manager of Manitoba, it is my pleasure to acknowledge and honour DirectBuy of Winnipeg and to express appreciation for their more than 10 years of sponsorship in our Welcome Wagon service to the community and special event programs,” said Sandra Ross, of the Manitoba Welcome Wagon Association. “It is our hope that our relationship will continue to be mutually beneficial for many more years to come.”

For more information on the Welcome Wagon, please visit www.welcomewagon.ca.

About DirectBuy Club

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Winnipeg offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 500 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery and installation services. Conveniently located at the Prudential Business Plaza at 180-117 King Edward Street in Winnipeg, DirectBuy of Winnipeg has been serving the greater Winnipeg area since 1999.

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy Club membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

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DirectBuy of Waterloo fundraiser raises more than $5,000 to the Canadian Red Cross in support of Haiti relief efforts

WATERLOO, ONTARIO…

DirectBuy of Waterloo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently donated more than $5,000 to the Canadian Red Cross’ Haiti relief efforts with help from the Canadian government.  

Inspired by donations and relief efforts from around the world, the club owners and staff set up an all-day “Help Us, Help Haiti” fundraiser where a portion of every member purchase, as well as any additional member donations, were collected to help those affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.

DirectBuy of Waterloo offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 top manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. With more than 160 clubs throughout Canada and the United States, DirectBuy Club allows members to purchase merchandise at direct insider prices, bypassing traditional retail mark-up.

To promote the fundraiser, DirectBuy of Waterloo encouraged all club members to visit the club on Saturday, January 16, 2010, to place an order. Interest from members was greater than expected and many Waterloo members made an extra effort to stop in the club that day to place orders and support the cause. In fact, due to the high number of orders placed, the club was open well past closing time to meet member demand.

In less than eight hours, the club raised nearly $3,000. With the Canadian government’s promise to match all charitable donations made in support of Haiti relief, the final tally on the day of the fundraiser reached $5,665.70.

“I’m so proud of what we were able to accomplish in just a few days. At DirectBuy, we’re in the business of helping families live and buy better – so to be able to expand on our company’s mission and help on a much larger scale was even more fulfilling,” said Service Manager Erin Budd. “And we couldn’t have done it without the help of all of our wonderful members who showed incredible support for the cause. We’re so proud of our members and we hope our contribution makes a difference!”

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy Club 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 Club offers its members access to more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or authorized suppliers in Canada, and approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US. .

In addition to saving its members thousands of dollars, DirectBuy Clubs are active contributors to the communities they serve and have been known to contribute to disaster relief operations. Among the many non-profit and community programs DirectBuy Club franchises across Canada and the United States support are local Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, and various Children’s Hospitals.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’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.getdirectbuy.com.

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A date with a 10! DirectBuy of Colorado Springs celebrates 10 years in business.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO…

For ten years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater Colorado Springs area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Colorado Springs offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“What’s most gratifying about our 10th anniversary is how we’ve been able to grow the business over that time in terms of the number of our members and the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy,” said Donnell Britton, owner of DirectBuy of Colorado Springs. “We’ve literally saved Colorado Springs residents thousands upon thousands of dollars and that’s something we’re tremendously proud of.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services many times at a discounted rate.

Since 2000, DirectBuy of Colorado Springs has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 680 West Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy Club 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 Club offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’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.

A date with a 10! DirectBuy of Colorado Springs celebrates 10 years in business.Read More

Easy-to-be-green home improvement projects

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

For many homeowners, there’s a misconception that “greening” or improving the energy efficiency of your home takes a lot of another kind of green – money. In reality, there are a number of do-it-yourself home improvement projects homeowners can undertake that do not require much of a financial commitment or advanced technical skills.

“One of the more obvious ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to replace older appliances and heating units with ENERGY STAR products. Even with tax credits and rebates that are presently available, that’s not financially feasible for a number of households,” said Mike Georgeff, of DirectBuy. “Starting small with some low cost, do-it-yourself projects is a great way to make your home run greener and reduce your utility costs as well.”

Some green, do-it-yourself projects that a novice handyman can undertake include:

·         Insulating hot water pipes – A lot of heat and energy is lost through your hot water systems. The pipes disperse heat pretty quickly, so even if the water in the heater is warm, the water left in the pipes is not. This means you need to run the water for several minutes before hot water flows through the pipes. This wastes water and causes you to heat more water when it’s probably not necessary. For around $100, you can insulate your pipes with either rubber or polyethylene foam. This minimizes the cool-down time on your hot water pipes. Consequently, you save water by not having to let it run as long and energy because your hot water heater isn’t working as hard.

·         Insulating your water heater – Following the same concept as heating your hot water pipes, by putting an insulating jacket on your hot water heater you can lessen heat loss by up to 40 percent.

·         Install a programmable thermostat – By programming your heating system to lower temperatures or turning it off completely when you’re at work during the day, you can save up to 15 percent on your heating bill.

·         Install a ceiling fan – Not only can this help lessen air conditioning use during the warmer parts of the year, but reversing the direction of the fan can actually help you re-circulate the heat during the cooler times of the year.

·         Planting trees – Believe it or not, by strategically planting shade trees around your home, you can save considerably on your energy bills by reducing your air conditioning costs during summer. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy found that by planting as few as three trees in the right locations can save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs per year.

·         Weather-strip your windows – If replacing your current windows with double- or triple-pane windows is too costly, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency by adding weather stripping to windows where air is coming through. Doors and electrical outlets are a few other areas where weather stripping can also provide more than a stopgap measure.

“These are just a few ways a homeowner can improve the energy efficiency of their home without a huge financial commitment and without having to be an expert on home improvement. You just have to be able to follow instructions,” said Georgeff. “By taking these small steps you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and put the savings toward upgrading appliances and other household necessities with ENERGY STAR products down the road.”

DirectBuy Club offers many products to improve the energy efficiency of your home—all at direct insider prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy Club 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 Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’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.

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Positioning Your Franchise For Growth in the Coming Decade presented by the NEFA

New faces are being drawn to franchising, but how do make sure these escapees from corporate America, recent college grads, women who are circumventing the glass ceiling, and recent American citizens choose your franchise opportunity?  How do you get above the “noise” in the marketplace?

Lynette McKee, CFE, a recognized franchise industry expert, will outline “Positioning Your Franchise For Growth in the Coming Decade”, a program presented by the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) on Tuesday, March 9 at the Doubletree Hotel, 550 Winter Street, Waltham, MA.

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required.  Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner.  NEFA Members receive $10.00 off.

The negative noise includes a deep recession, lack of financing, negative growth, higher taxes, risky times, inflation, foreclosures, high unemployment, stagnation, bankruptcies, underemployed, and more.  These elements make it hard to sign new franchisees.

On the other hand, these noise factors could be considered great opportunities for “frantrepreneurs”.  There is an abundance of real estate, human resources, competitive build outs, tax incentives and reduced competition.

McKee will be talking about ways to “get above” the noise and position your franchise for growth by taking advantage of the great opportunities available in this economy.

McKee was featured in an article in Franchise Times listing the “Top 25 Franchise Executives in the US,” As well as named in the “TOP 20 to Watch” in the 2005 January issue of the Franchise Times.  She holds the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the International Franchise Association and been a CFE instructor.  Her franchise career has spanned the last 20 years in the hospitality industry.

McKee, has recently joined Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. as Chief Development Officer, located in Tampa, FL.  She has also served in executive positions at Dunkin’ Brands, Burger King and Metromedia Restaurant Group, parent company for Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern, Steak and Ale, Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chains in Dallas, TX.

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.

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High Five! DirectBuy of Atlanta NW celebrates five-year milestone

ROSWELL, GEORGIA…

For more than five years, DirectBuy of Atlanta NW has been offering consumers in the greater Atlanta area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, home furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Atlanta NW offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Bob MacDonald, owner of DirectBuy of Atlanta NW, located at 10 Mansell Court East, Suite 200, in Roswell. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next five years.”

In addition to the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, often at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said MacDonald. “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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Atlanta area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

 

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High Five! DirectBuy of North Alabama celebrates five-year milestone

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA…

For more than five years, DirectBuy of North Alabama has been offering consumers in the greater Huntsville area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, home furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of North Alabama offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Justin Manley, owner of DirectBuy of North Alabama, located at 6515 University Drive Northwest in Huntsville. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next five years.”

In addition to the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, often at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Manley. “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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Huntsville area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

 

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