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Mad Men dreams? Viamark Advertising initiates franchise opportunity offering.

Plymouth, Mass./New Bern, NC

The popular TV show “Mad Men” has revived the luster of the advertising agency world.  Although the industry may no longer consist of an on-going cocktail party and romantic whirlwind, the industry continues to offer an open canvas for creative ideas and opportunity.

Viamark Advertising, the leading advertising agency franchise company with corporate offices in Plymouth, MA and New Bern, NC as well as 12 franchised offices in seven markets, is now offering franchise opportunities and seeking strategic thinkers to own and operate their own advertising agency.

With extensive experience in marketing and media sales management, Viamark’s founders Mark Storie and Glenn Anderson have developed a unique business model that allows franchisees to get up and operational quickly.  Viamark provides the resources to help franchisees offer media buying, creative services, ad production, and digital services to each of their clients.

Viamark is initially looking for qualified candidates in markets throughout the East Coast.

“Many people who have worked in various advertising positions have dreamed of running their own ad agency, but hesitated because they may not have had all the tools, support or infrastructure,” noted Glenn Anderson, one of the founders of ViaMark Advertising and the Franchise Sales Director.  “Viamark offers a proven formula for winning new clients and growing a business.  We are excited about helping people attain their dreams.”

“This is different from most other franchise opportunities in that you do have to have experience and knowledge of the advertising industry,” said Mark Storie, President of Viamark Advertising. “For the right individual who has that background and client relationships, however, we can provide the resources so they can avoid the pitfalls that a startup might face and allow them to build a book of business quickly. Together, we can bring success to our clients and our businesses faster than either of us can alone.  It’s a mutually beneficial partnership.  It just makes sense.”

Franchisee candidates should have five plus years media sales and/or management experience or five plus years ad agency experience in account management and/or business development.  Other helpful attributes and background include local market knowledge and contacts, creative and strategic thinking, relationship oriented – rather than transactional oriented, composed and capable of managing multiple tasks at once, positive and outgoing.

With 12 offices in seven media markets, Viamark handles over 150 local and regional accounts from South Carolina to Massachusetts in addition to national clients through the U.S. Viamark specializes in strategic media buying and creative services, including radio, television, print, outdoor and digital advertising.

Some of Viamark’s core industries include automotive, healthcare, pharmaceutical, education, restaurant, retail and real estate.

To learn more about Viamark, visit www.viamarkfranchise.com  and www.viamark.com.

Mad Men dreams? Viamark Advertising initiates franchise opportunity offering.Read More

Lapels Dry Cleaning kicks off clothing drive to benefit Big Brother/Big Sister of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Big Brother/Big Sister truck backs up to collect clothes donated at last year’s Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive. Lapels kicks off their 2013 drive on May 4 (the drive will run through May 19). Lapels is an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company with corporate headquarters in Hanover, Massachusetts.

HANOVER, MA …

Dropping your clothes off at the dry cleaners is usually thought of as a thankless chore. Lapels Dry Cleaning, with its clothing drive to benefit the Big Brother/Big Sister of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is guaranteeing a hearty thank you to all who contribute to this very worthy cause.

Starting May 4 and running through May 19, Lapels customers and the general public are welcome to donate any gently used clothing items including:  Men’s, Women’s and Children’s clothing, coats, jackets, shoes ( any season or size). Household items such as linens, sheets, blankets, towels, drapes, comforters, afghans, curtains, fabric and purses are also accepted.

“This is our 10th year conducting a clothes drive to benefit Big Brother/Big Sister and our customers have always stepped up for this wonderful cause”  said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Having added several new Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Massachusetts, we’re hoping 2013 will be the best clothing drive ever.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning has nearly 20 locations in Massachusetts and one in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Clothes collected by Lapels Dry Cleaning will be sold by Big Brother/Big Sister to high-end thrift stores. The net proceeds from those sales are donated towards Big Brother/Big Sister programs.

“This annual clothing drive is actually something our customers look forward to because it kills two birds with one stone. On one hand, they get to help a very worthy cause raise money without it costing them a dime out of their pocket. On the other, they’re removing unwanted items from their home. It’s the proverbial win-win where everybody wins,” said Dubois.

For the addresses of Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, please visit www.mylapels.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 New England 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 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.

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, Chandler), 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 Township), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Arlington). Additional locations coming soon to Franklin, MA, Oklahoma City, OK, Brownsville, TX and Cedar Park, 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 kicks off clothing drive to benefit Big Brother/Big Sister of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.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

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 joins Sandy relief efforts

Fred Siegel of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Hanover
Fred Siegel, owner of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Hanover, Mass., loads bags of clothes from drive held to benefit victims of Super Storm Sandy. Lapels customers generated 45 bags of clothing for the drive.

HANOVER, MA…

As a rule in general rule, sand and dry cleaning do not mix. Yet when Fred Siegel, owner of Lapels Dry Cleaning in Hanover, heard from his lifelong friend, a New Jersey resident, about a clothing drive to help victims of Super Storm Sandy on the Jersey Shore, he had to do something. That something turned out to be a clothing drive that generated 45 bags of clothes on a truck headed to a homeless shelter located in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

“My best friend Artie Pazan lives in Glen Rock, New Jersey. We were on the phone and he was telling me about a clothing drive his temple was having for people in Seaside Heights. I got off the phone and told my daughter Ariel. She suggested doing a clothing drive at Lapels. We put out an e-mail to our customers on Tuesday afternoon and bags started showing up by Tuesday night,” said Siegel

And the bags kept coming. By Saturday, the day it came time to drive the clothing down to New Jersey, Lapels Dry Cleaners had donated 45 55-gallon contractor’s bags worth of clothes. Siegel, who made the trip down to New Jersey, was floored by the gestures of his customers and the response of the recipients.

“We’ve held clothing drives before and our customers have always been very generous, but this was far more than I ever could have imagined,” said Siegel. “Perhaps the only thing more amazing than our customers’ generosity was the response from the shelter. They were overjoyed by the donations and began distributing the clothes almost right away.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning efforts for Sandy victims was not limited to clothing drives. Two Lapels Dry Cleaning stores near the affected areas in Brick and Freehold, New Jersey have been cleaning the uniforms of relief effort workers (e.g. fire and police officials) free of charge since the Storm.

“Being Part of the Community is a big part of owning a Lapels Dry Cleaning Store.  We are so proud of how our Owner / Operators rose to the challenge in such a challenging Environment.  In Brick, NJ there was a real need to get the uniforms of those Police & Fire Personnel cleaned, and without power for two weeks this was quite a challeng.” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “We also commend Fred and his staff for their efforts in putting together this drive. Lapels is a lot like a big family. That may sound cliché, but in situations like where we have store owners reaching out to help out those affected by a disaster like this in the backyard of other store owners, you realize how true it is.”

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.

Lapels Dry Cleaning joins Sandy relief effortsRead More

Lapels Dry Cleaning cleans up on Reader’s Choice honors

HANOVER, MA…

In addition to its environmentally friendly dry cleaning methods and recycling practices, Lapels Dry Cleaning is known for its customer service and customer appreciation. Based on the number of Lapels Dry Cleaners in Massachusetts that won Community Newspaper’s Reader’s Choice awards, the appreciation is a two-way street.

Eight Lapels Dry Cleaning stores received some level of Reader’s Choice Recognition. That includes three stores recognized by readers of Community Newspapers as being the number one dry cleaner in their area: Hanover, Abington and Norton.

“It’s the ultimate cliché to say ‘it’s an honor just to be nominated’ and that’s true to a certain extent. But I’d be lying to say it wasn’t just as great to be voted number one in those locations,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Our franchises put out a great effort in delivering high quality results and service. This award indicates how much our customers appreciate that.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning stores receiving Honorable Mention for the Reader’s Choice awards include:

  • Westwood
  • Westford
  • Norwell
  • Easton
  • Bedford

There are 18 total Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Massachusetts.

“Our franchise owners come from a number of walks in life prior to running their stores but they share a passion for providing the kind of service that keeps customers coming back,” said Dubois. “We salute their efforts and their commitment to providing a level of service that wins more than awards but wins customers for life.”

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.

Lapels Dry Cleaning cleans up on Reader’s Choice honorsRead More

Two tons of caring. Lapels Dry Cleaning stores contribute more than 4,000 pounds of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister clothing drive

HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning Clothing Drive
Some of the more than two tons of clothes Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Mass. and RI collected and donated to the Big Brother/Big Sister Association of both RI and Mass.

Having a “ton” of laundry is an often-used figure of speech. This year’s Lapels Dry Cleaning Clothes Drive put a visual to this expression by collecting 4,073 pounds—more than TWO tons—for Big Brother and Big Sister of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The drive, held from May 5 through May 20, included significant contributions from 18 Lapels Dry Cleaning stores and plants in Massachusetts and one in Rhode Island.

“Our Massachusetts stores and our Lincoln, Rhode Island location really stepped it up for this clothing drive,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Lapels prides itself on being environmentally friendly. A part of that is giving back to the communities we serve. We’re grateful to have a customer base that shares that spirit of giving.”

Some of the larger contributors to the clothing drive included the following stores:

  • Lapels of Norton (575 pounds)
  • Lapels of Hanover/Assinippi Corner (437 pounds)
  • Lapels of Walpole (345 pounds)

“With 18 Lapels stores participating in this drive it helped make this a huge success,” said Ken Higgins, Big Brother Big Sister Dispatch supervisor.

As impressive as those numbers are, the biggest individual store contributing came from the smallest state. The Lapels of Lincoln, Rhode Island collected 600 pounds of clothing.

“We’re so grateful for the contribution by Lapels customers and Lapels for coordinating the effort,” said Laura LoBreglio, customer service manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. “Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, but this clothing drive shows how Lapels customers care about helping out fellow Ocean Staters.”

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.

Two tons of caring. Lapels Dry Cleaning stores contribute more than 4,000 pounds of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister clothing driveRead More

East meets west to make best…Resort Maps Franchise joins forces with Discovery Map International to form the world’s largest illustrated map publisher

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT AND LA CONNER, WASHINGTON… 

Waitsfield, Vermont-based Resort Maps®, creator of more than 100 hand-drawn travel maps across the United States, Canada, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced its acquisition of Discovery Map International of La Conner, Washington. The acquisition unites two of the leading publishers of illustrated maps in the United States. Both companies have published colorful hand-drawn free visitor maps of popular destinations for more than 25 years. 

“We are thrilled to be coming together with Discovery Map® for a number of reasons,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “Beyond being able to work with an innovator like Victoria Starr, her talented staff and map owners, it gives our company a coast-to-coast presence and opens the door to a number of expansion possibilities. We focus on the user experience; so having our maps available across the country will give travelers a consistent resource to find great places to eat, shop, stay and play.”

Combined, the new company will boast 90 independent owners in 150 markets, in 33 states and four countries. Annual circulation will top 25 million maps in the new entity’s first year of operation.

“Resort Maps is a top-flight company that shares our commitment to producing first-class, user-friendly maps,” said Victoria Starr, owner of Discovery Map International. “This unification is going to produce some unbelievable maps, both in print and online, and soon lead to Discovery Maps being available via handheld devices.”

In addition to printed maps, Resort Maps® has developed a mobile application for iPhone and iPad. The app is available for free at the App Store.

In terms of day-to-day operations, the new company will maintain offices on both coasts, with headquarters in Waitsfield, Vermont and Discovery’s current office in La Conner, Washington.  The company will also maintain websites at discoverymap.com and resortmaps.com.  

For more information on any of the 100+ Resort Maps destinations or if you interested in potentially owning a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com.  Alternatively, you can call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps®

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps® has been creating and publishing visitor maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps® expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. With its recent acquisition of Discovery Map International, Resort Maps’ network has grown to 150 markets in 33 states and four countries (US, UK, Canada, and Costa Rica). More than 25 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2012.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey, San Diego), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Glendale, Summit County), Delaware ( Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Mt. Desert Island, Portland, Wells, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, East Hampton), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Chrystal Coast, Hendersonville, Outer Banks, Sandhills, Wilmington), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster County), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head,), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in Canada (Charlotte Coastal Region), England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana). 

New maps coming soon in North Lake Tahoe, CA; South Hampton, NY; Charlotte Harbor/Venice/Gulf Islands, FL; Orlando, FL; Tucson, AZ; South County and Block Island, RI and Georgetown, DC.

Discovery Map®:

Arizona (Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Sedona), California (Carlsbad, Los Gatos, Saratoga), Colorado (Durango, Steamboat Springs), Florida (Amelia Island, Destin), Georgia (St. Mary’s), Idaho (Coeur d’Alene, McCall, Sandpoint, Sun Valley), Montana (Bozeman & Big Sky, Butte, Kalispell, Missoula, West Yellowstone, Whitefish), New Mexico (Santa Fe, Taos), North Carolina (Charlotte), Oregon (Bend), Virginia (Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia Beach), Washington (Anacortes, Bellingham, La Conner) Wisconsin (Door County).

East meets west to make best…Resort Maps Franchise joins forces with Discovery Map International to form the world’s largest illustrated map publisherRead More

Franchise Growth Group retains Integrity Square LLC to seek acquisitions of franchise organizations

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA AND NEW YORK, NY…

Franchise Growth Group (“FGG”), a leading provider of consulting services and capital to the franchise industry, recently announced today it has retained Integrity Square LLC (“Integrity Square”) to conduct a search for franchise organizations in need of operational, management or financial improvements. The search will focus on growing franchise companies that have at least 50 franchises but are unable to realize their full potential due to management issues, franchisee relationship problems or lack of capital.

“We are excited to tap into Integrity Square’s network and build new relationships in the franchise space,” said FGG President Evan Hackel. “Integrity Square’s ability to raise capital and experience working with franchise operators will enable FGG to provide a full range of solutions for franchise operators looking to turnaround their businesses.”

FGG looks to acquire or invest in turnaround franchise opportunities that can benefit from its management talent and capital, turning them into highly successful organizations poised for significant growth with positive cash flow and earnings. Franchise Growth Group considers acquisitions that require full ownership or allow it to become a major investor.

Hackel is a proven business entrepreneur and has run numerous businesses in the franchise area. He is well known for his ability to engage the hearts and minds of key employees and business partners, turn around ailing companies, and create new, successful startup ventures.  Hackel has extensive knowledge in the franchising arena, having worked with CCA Global Partners, a management company for 15 affiliated co-operatives, franchises and licensed businesses in the flooring, lighting, bicycle retailing, and mortgage lending industries.

“At Integrity Square, we have a deep investment banking background in the franchise segment and an extensive network of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, seasoned executives and private equity clients from which to search for candidates for FGG,” commented Pete Moore, managing partner  of Integrity Square.  “We believe that FGG fills an important need in the franchise marketplace and struggling franchise firms would greatly benefit from Evan and his team’s expertise.” 

For more information on Franchise Growth Group, please visit www.franchisegrowthgroup.com

About Integrity Square, LLC:

 Integrity Square LLC is a result-driven financial and strategic advisory boutique that has expertise in providing capital raising and sell-side advisory services to companies operating in the consumer products, franchising, action/impact sports, digital media and software, direct selling/MLM, natural foods, vitamins and beverages, and health, and fitness and wellness industries. Integrity Square’s mission is to partner with passionate entrepreneurs and great companies, act as a trusted advisor and assist clients in finding the right sources of capital.  For more information on Integrity Square, please visit www.integritysq.com.

Franchise Growth Group retains Integrity Square LLC to seek acquisitions of franchise organizationsRead More