Unleash the Power of The Press

franchise

Sprouting up in Scottsdale, AZ. Family opens new French Florist location.

Stopping to smell the flowers, lifelong Arizona resident and first Arizona franchisee Ronny Record and his wife Nicole recently opened the doors for a new, state-of-the-art French Florist location at 6501 East Greenway Parkway, Ste. 109, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

“We are so grateful for the strong support we are already receiving from our Scottsdale area neighbors,” commented Ronny Record. He added, “We’re experiencing a constant stream of new customers visiting us at our location, ordering bouquets online and via phone. Our opening has been truly grand.”

The new Scottsdale 1200 square footlocation creates four jobs from the start. For those who wish to work as a floral designer, customer service representative or driver, contact the store at (480) 573-0396, northscottsdale@frenchflorist.com.

French Florist, a Los  Angeles-based franchise, boasts vibrant, handcrafted arrangements including fresher flowers purchased directly from major farms in Ecuador, Holland, Columbia, Mexico, Canada, United States, and more.

The new concept offers in-person or online customer service and ordering to ensure the wow factor that each recipient of hand selected flowers deserves.

Winner of L.A. Weekly’s award for Best Florist, French Florist has been family-owned and caring about customers since 1978. Seven days a week, including every holiday, French Florist offers same-day delivery.

“We are thrilled to open our first Arizona store,” notes Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, second generation in the floral business. He adds, “Ronny and Nicole Record are the prototypes of the energetic, thoughtful, and ambitious franchisee partner we are looking for. With the help of capable and driven people like Ronny and Nicole, we will continue to grow contiguously location to location.”

Jacobson concluded, “Flowers are the music of nature. French Florist is the melody. We look forward to sharing the chorus.”

In addition to the new Scottsdale, Arizona location, French Florist has locations in Los Angeles, CA; Westlake Village, CA; Costa Mesa, CA; and soon to open Tustin, CA.

For more information, contact French Florist at https://frenchflorist.com. For more insight into the business opportunity in other territories, visit https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/ or call (310) 659-7700.

Sprouting up in Scottsdale, AZ. Family opens new French Florist location.Read More

Taking on the challenge of duplicating success. PR Works ranked in Entrepreneur’s 2024 Top Franchise Suppliers.

PR Works, a public relations firm based in America’s Hometown, Plymouth, Massachusetts, has been included in the recently announced Entrepreneur’s “2024 Top Franchise Suppliers”.

PR Works has worked with a wide range of franchise organizations for more than two decades. Founder of the firm, Steven V. Dubin, has also served as President of the New England Franchise Association.

Dubin noted, “Our focus has been to help franchise organizations find their next enthusiastic franchisee. We also support franchisee locations. Franchising is a great method for growing a business concept and providing a proven business model for entrepreneurs to hitch their wagon to. We know that a variety of our PR campaigns have created the visibility and credibility for partnerships to form.”

Whether a franchise is at the starting point or their 100th location, PR Works can assist with PR and marketing for pre-launch, franchise launch, new construction or renovation, grand openings, new products/services, new leadership, community outreach, awards, milestones and more.

“Recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine is gratifying. We’ve put in a lot of effort into earning our own reputation in an industry built on reputation,” he added.

PR Works was included in Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Suppliers in 2020 as well.

To determine the annual ranking of the Top Franchise Suppliers, Entrepreneur Magazine surveyed more than 1,000 franchisors, from emerging brands that just got started to established companies that have been franchising for decades. Franchisors were asked to identify service providers they and their franchisees use, and to rate their satisfaction with the quality, cost, and value of each supplier’s services.

Entrepreneur Magazine scored each supplier based on the results of the survey, and the top-scoring suppliers in each of 11 categories made it into the ranking.

PR Works helps clients navigate the overwhelming number of marketing choices to determine which avenues will work best within their budget and generate an immediate return on investment.

The PR firm offers PR strategy, press releases, media relations, positioning, podcast development, podcast placement, content management, web services, speaking engagements, social media, email marketing and e-newsletters, sales materials, and direct mail.

PR Works is located at 18 Main Street, Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA  02360. For more information, call (781) 582-1061, email SDubin@PRWorkzone.com, or visit www.PRWorkZone.com.

Taking on the challenge of duplicating success. PR Works ranked in Entrepreneur’s 2024 Top Franchise Suppliers.Read More

Blooming in Scottsdale, AZ. Seed planted for newest French Florist location.

Fresh off the vine, a completely new and innovative florist concept is coming to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Lifelong Arizona resident and first Arizona franchisee Ronny Record has broken ground for a new French Florist location at 6501 East Greenway Parkway, Ste. 109, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.  The state-of-the-art location is set to open in early November.

“As a franchise professional for over 10 years, mostly working on the operations side of the business, I always wanted to own my own franchise,” noted Record. “I was ready to put destiny in my own hands. After much research I chose French Florist for numerous reasons. First, the industry is recession proof – people will always lavish their loved ones with flowers.  Second, the company’s technology, training and marketing are unparalleled. Third, the financial performance of the company is impressive.”

Ronny Record graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is the father of two daughters, ages 3 and 1. He and his wife are enthusiastic baseball fans.

The new Scottsdale 1200 square footlocation will create four jobs from the start. For those who wish to work as a floral designer, customer service representative or driver, please contact the store at (480) 573-0396, northscottsdale@frenchflorist.com.

French Florist, a Los  Angeles-based franchise, boasts vibrant, handcrafted arrangements including fresher flowers purchased directly from major farms in Ecuador, Holland, Columbia, Mexico, Canada, United States, and more.

Additionally, the new concept offers in-person or online customer service and ordering to ensure the wow factor that each recipient of hand selected flowers deserves.

Winner of L.A. Weekly’s award for Best Florist, French Florist has been family-owned and caring about customers since 1978. Seven days a week, including every holiday, French Florist offers same-day delivery.

“We are delighted to award a franchise and opportunity to Ronny Record and his family,” noted Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, second generation in the floral business. He added, “Ronny is exactly the kind of energetic, thoughtful and ambitious franchisee partner we are looking for.  With the help of capable and driven people like Ronny, we will continue to grow contiguously location to location.”

Jacobson concluded, “Flowers are the music of nature.  French Florist is the melody.”

In addition to the new Scottsdale, Arizona location, French Florist has locations in Los Angeles, CA; Westlake Village, CA; Costa Mesa, CA; and soon to open Tustin, CA.

For more information, contact French Florist at https://frenchflorist.com. For more insight into the business opportunity in other territories, visit https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/ or call (310) 659-7700.

Blooming in Scottsdale, AZ. Seed planted for newest French Florist location.Read More

10,000 mowers and blowers tuned and repaired.  And now franchising the business concept.

Tune-up or repair your snow blower, lawn tractor or lawn mower right in your driveway?  The new “house call” concept has achieved validation. On Sight Repairs based in Rockland, MA and serving the entire South Shore has reached a major milestone – 10,000 mowers and blowers tuned and repaired.

Earl Cogswell, a Rockland, MA resident and founder/manager of On Sight Repairs noted, “We started the concept in 2011 and I guess the numbers confirm that people really love the convenience of having their mowers and blowers tuned and repaired right in their own driveway – whether they are home or not.”

He added, “We are delighted to provide first class repair service and remove the hassle of arranging for pick or delivery.  Typically, we can schedule someone within a week and tune or fix their small engine in an hour. And the cost is quoted prior to starting the work. There are no surprises.”

“And, for the first time,” continued Cogswell, “We are offering an affordable franchise opportunity for those who are handy or good at managing the workforce.”

Tune-ups start at $89 and include a thorough procedure including change oil / waste, change spark plug (adjust gap), replace air filter/pre-cleaner, sharpen & balance blade, lubricate all pivot points, check crankshaft for damage, check ignition and compression, check safety components and test run, check self-propelled / grease / adjust belt, inspect starter (pull/electric/touch-n-mow). inspect primer, check & adjust for proper engine speed, replace fuel line, drop carb bowl and clean, scrape mower deck, flush fuel system, and adjust & lubricate cables.

The dilemma of homeowners is many big box sellers of power equipment want no part of malfunctions or maintenance.  On the other hand, many repair shops bristle at the idea of anything less than several weeks for turnaround.

No pickup truck to transport your mower or blower?  Don’t want to pay for pick up and drop off services?  On Sight Repairs is an attractive, affordable solution.

Third party does tune up and repair by companies such as On Sight Repairs does NOT invalidate new equipment warrantees/guarantees. 

On Sight Repairs travels to homes throughout the South Shore of Massachusetts including Abington, Cohasset, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Scituate, Rockland and Whitman. 

On Sight Repairs was started by Scituate resident Earl Cogswell who learned small engine repair at one of the South Shore’s better-known resources where he was employed for over two decades.

Cogswell learned about the importance of maintaining lawn and garden equipment, but also realized there was no easy and inexpensive way to arrange for that annual maintenance or occasional repair. Thus, he launched On Sight Repairs with a well-stocked van outfitted with portable tools and a variety of commonly needed replacement parts. With less overhead, Cogswell typically charges 20 percent less than conventional repair centers.

On Sight Repairs is now franchising.  Thus, now those want to be the boss and enjoy their independence can have exclusive rights to their territory. To explore this business opportunity, contact On Sigh Repairs.

To obtain more information about On Sight Repairs, visit www.OnSightRepairs.com, email Earl@OnSightRepairs.net or call (781) 264-8448.

10,000 mowers and blowers tuned and repaired.  And now franchising the business concept.Read More

“Maybe Franchising is right for you? Or Not.” webinar rescheduled to Nov. 9

Dana Hall

Due to the recent power outage in Plymouth, the Maybe Franchising is Right for You? Or Not, has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, November 9, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

You’ve thought of being your own boss, controlling your own destiny, expanding your income and latching onto a proven business model.  The free webinar entitled Maybe Franchising is Right for You? Or Not. might provide some answers. To RSVP, please click here.

Dana Hall of FranNet will outline what the advantages and pitfalls of franchise ownership. The first part of the discussion is whether you have the mindset of someone who is not an wild eyed entrepreneur, but an independent business owner ready to plug into a tightly woven system. Hall will also address the general upfront financial requirements, potential buildout costs, operations and sustainability of various franchise models.

Dana Hall is a franchise consultant with FranNet of Boston providing expert advice and guidance for prospective franchise business owners. FranNet’s proprietary Personal Franchise Assessment tool, thorough and personalized one-one consultation, and a 30 plus year history of excellence sets FranNet apart. Hall has over 30 years of experience in financial analysis, strategic business planning, operations, and local store marketing.

Hall was the Director of Finance for Retail Operations for Panera Bread during a period of rapid store growth and increased profitability. He was responsible for budgeting, strategic financial planning, KPI development and reporting, store metric evaluation, and profitability improvement for 900 company owned locations generating $2B in revenue. He held a similar role for the Wendy’s Company in the New England Division in addition to a strategic Marketing role for the Northeast Region. Hall has also served as a Franchise Business Consultant advising and counseling franchisees in the field on improving operations, driving incremental sales and generating increased profits.

He is a graduated from North Adams State College with a BS in Business Administration/Accounting and holds an MBA from Suffolk University in Boston.

The business community is encouraged to attend. The event is sponsored by three leading organizations including My Pinnacle Network which hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at five locations throughout Massachusetts including Braintree, Mansfield, Needham, Pembroke, and Westborough; South Shore Networking Professionals which connects business people monthly at locations throughout the South Shore; and Rockland Trust, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial ending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers located in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as through online, mobile and phone banking.

Please RSVP for the event by clicking here. Or call My Pinnacle Network at 781-582-1061.

“Maybe Franchising is right for you? Or Not.” webinar rescheduled to Nov. 9Read More

AAFD Welcomes the Independent Association of BurgerIM® Franchisees

Newest AAFD Chapter Organizing to Protect Franchisee Investments and Redress Serious Grievances

SAN DIEGO, January 2020 – The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) announced the formation of the Independent Association of BurgerIM® Franchisees (IABIMF).

In the wake of bombshell revelations (reported on January 20th in Restaurant Business Online, “The BurgerIM Disaster”) of hundreds of franchisees not receiving promised services and support, and serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and misappropriation of franchisee funds, scores of BurgerIM franchisees have launched the BurgerIM Franchisees Chapter of the AAFD. The association has quickly established a steering committee, a membership committee, and a bylaws committee. It is preparing to elect a board of directors and is rapidly increasing its membership. 

“The goal of IABIMF is to unite and unify BurgerIM franchisees, engage common legal counsel and aggregate franchisee resources to take immediate steps to protect and preserve franchisee investment.” said Joey McCullough, Interim Chairman of the chapter steering committee.

“Our BurgerIM franchisee members are very motivated and have quickly initiated strides to build a strong association,” said Robert Purvin, Chairman of the AAFD. “With the help of the AAFD, I believe this chapter will be able to create and enforce real and meaningful efforts to protect franchisee investments and address serious challenges to their brand. The AAFD is excited to support this effort.”

The new chapter was formed by concerned franchise operators after multiple reports of misappropriation of funds, a large number of sold franchises that are not being developed, lack of franchisee support, large vendor kickbacks to the franchisor, and reports of company vendors and employees not being paid. The franchisees intend to unite their common resources to address the serious challenges to their brand, and to protect their franchisee investments.

The AAFD acts as a catalyst in the franchisee chapter formation process by providing coaching, offering a vehicle for organization, helping franchisees build a leadership structure, and providing tools to support an effective franchisee association. The AAFD further helps chapters build effective leadership, define goals and objectives, build a compelling membership purpose, and open a constructive dialogue with their franchisor management team.   

BurgerIM is a gourmet quick service restaurant concept that features a variety of burger combinations of ground beef, ground lamb, salmon, vegetarian and more. The popular eateries have apparently grown faster than the company can support its franchise network and has led to serious financial and construction challenges. Reports estimate more than 1000 units sold, with nearly 300 restaurants that have opened and reports that over 100 have already closed. Franchisee owners have a strong confidence in the brand and its products and are intent on achieving strong goals for the brand and themselves.

The AAFD is the oldest, largest, and most respected direct member franchisee trade association in the United States.  The nonprofit organization has formed exclusive chapters for over 80 franchise systems and seeks to foster its vision of Total Quality Franchising—a collaborative franchise culture that respects the legitimate business interests of franchisors and franchisees.

***

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. 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 locations throughout the United States. The AAFD 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 AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

For media information:

Robert Purvin

rpurvin@aafd.org

AAFD Welcomes the Independent Association of BurgerIM® FranchiseesRead More

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Promote Long-Time Employee KayLyn Romeo to Multi-Media Franchise Manager

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters has grown from two brothers in a truck to 12 locations across the country and counting. As the operation evolves, so have the roles of some of their team members. KayLyn Romeo is one such team employee. Her title has been expanded from Franchise Marketing Associate to Multi-Media Franchise Manager.

A lifelong New Yorker, KayLyn was born in Long Island raised in Poughkeepsie – where she currently resides. This makes for a (relatively) easy commute to The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Headquarters in Arlington, NY. She received her bachelor’s degree in-state from SUNY Oneonta in Mass Communications with a concentration in production.

KayLyn also donates her time and expertise to a project she co-founded with fellow Brothers Gutters employee, Danielle Kolachik, called The dKol la femme Project. This non-profit focuses on healing through various modes of therapeutic artistic expression – including KayLyn’s own photography. They raise funds to support the telling of individual’s stories through artistic expression (free of charge to the participant) to foster healing and create awareness.

The specialized training she received in higher education and real-life experience is applied to every Brothers That Just Do Gutters Franchise and the entire company. She strategizes and deploys engaging multi-media awareness campaigns that comprised of blog posts, social media, video and most recently; podcasts. This engaging content raises visibility for individual locations and the brand as a whole. The most satisfying part of working at The Brothers That Just Do Gutters is for KayLyn is “the creative aspect of the job.”

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Story

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters was born out of Ken Parson’s vision for a better contracting service. While working as a gutter installer for an independent company during summers between teaching history in the mid-1990’s, he determined exactly what qualities such an operation should embody. In 1999 his plans were solidified with the opening of what is now called The Brothers That Just Do Gutters.

Ken was able to recruit his brother Ryan, trained and educated as a graphic designer, to join him as Chief Solutionist of their growing operation. The siblings haven’t looked back since.

Fast forward to 2019. Ken and Ryan have helped dozens of other motivated individuals, partners and couples realize the American Dream by opening The Brothers That Just Do Gutters franchises of their own. Today, there are 11 Brothers Gutter franchise locations and one corporate own location including Hudson Valley, NY, New Milford, CT, Monmouth, NJ, Lehigh Valley, PA, Richmond, VA, Lynchburg, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Seattle, WA, Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, South Charlotte, NC and Columbus, GA. Their proprietary system enables speedy growth and ample return on investment with direct training, ongoing consultation and strategic marketing. 

For more information about Brothers Gutter system, visit www.brothersfranchise.com or call (845) 705-7276.

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Promote Long-Time Employee KayLyn Romeo to Multi-Media Franchise ManagerRead More

Lead generation. Finding the next franchisee.

Warm Zee prospects are the Holy Grail for franchisors.  But how do you find them, court them and onboard them?

Many lead generation sources have disappointed and underperformed. From online franchise portals to overly optimistic franchise brokers to informational seminars, lead generation often seems like a fleeting target.

But what if you were seen as “the authority”?

What if you were “editor” approved and receiving third-party credibility from achieve press coverage?

“Public relations gets new prospects to raise their hands for more details.  They are already enthusiastic about our story and business model,” noted Kevin Dubois of Lapels Dry Cleaning.

Between Rounds Bagel Café’s Jerry Puiia asserted, “Publicity has not only generated warm leads but supports Zee relations as well.”

How do you create news?

In a nutshell, news and coverage is about –

  • Taking a bow for community outreach
  • Rolling out a new product, service or way of doing business
  • Touting a new key staffer
  • Celebrating a new location (and coaxing interest from prospects from concentric regions)
  • Announcing capital raised
  • Alerting of milestones  (Examples – #s served, # lifestyles transformed, # Dreams attained)
  • Industry tips (Seasonal and more)

The challenge is to identify and develop newsworthy opportunities that can be merchandised to the press in the form of news releases, preferably on a twice-monthly or more frequent basis to keep your name in front of your various audiences.

News releases are often the catalyst to more expansive feature coverage.

In addition to sharing your news releases with both the traditional press and online media, this original content should be repurposed to social media, your website’s newsroom and/or blog.

Ready for headlines?  Ready for leads?

Lead generation. Finding the next franchisee.Read More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Kicks Off Monthly “Storytelling in the Round” on April 17th

NamSense book IMG_0806Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café recently announced the launch of “Storytelling in the Round”, a new monthly program featuring readings by Connecticut’s own published (and aspiring) authors at their newly renovated Vernon store located at Vernon Circle Shopping Center, 243 Hartford Turnpike.

Arthur Wiknik, Jr., author of the brilliantly written Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, is Between Rounds’ first featured author scheduled to appear on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. In his book, Mr. Wiknik’s shares his account of life and death in Vietnam while serving as a combat squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division.

One Sunday a month from September to May, Storytelling in the Round puts the spotlight on a different local author. During these FREE one-hour events, an author reads an excerpt from their work, which is followed by a question and answer session and book signing. Attendees may purchase copies of the author’s book during the event or bring their own copies and have them signed by the author.

“Connecticut is home to so many wonderful authors. Storytelling in the Round gives both the author and the reader an opportunity to connect – right in their own backyard at their local Between Rounds café,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

All Storytelling in the Round author appearances are arranged by Ron Farina, an author, nationally recognized speaker and veteran. Mr. Farina is the author of several short stories on Vietnam, including the award winning short story Unbreakable Embrace, published by the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy (2013).

For more information about future author events, email info@betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

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

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

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Kicks Off Monthly “Storytelling in the Round” on April 17thRead More