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“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 Seeking Nominations for 2021 Total Quality Franchising Awards

SAN DIEGO, November 25, 2020: The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) is pleased to announce it is accepting nominations for the AAFD Total Quality Franchising Awards for 2021.

The TQF Awards represent AAFD’s opportunity to publicly recognize individuals, franchisors, suppliers and AAFD chapters that have made significant advances in supporting and promoting collaborative franchise cultures and fair and balanced franchise relationships, the AAFD’s vision for Total Quality Franchising.

The AAFD’s TQF Awards will be presented at the Total Quality Franchising Awards Gala during the AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit will be held May 2 – 5, 2021, in Mesa Arizona.

We Need Your Help Nominating Total Quality Franchising Award Recipients!

The AAFD Awards Committee is pleased to invite public nominations to recognize exemplary achievement within the franchising community for the 2021 TQF Awards.

Nominating Instructions:

  1. Visit the AAFD’s Conference Website for a complete list of award categories and to make your nomination(s).
  2. A complete list of award categories and descriptions are below.
  3. Please submit your online nominations no later than January 31, 2021.
  4. Please include a little information about why you think your nominee deserves the award.
  5. You CAN nominate multiple people for the same award and nominate the same person/organization for multiple awards. Just make sure to tell us why they are deserving of recognition.

Total Quality Franchising Award Categories:


Franchisor of the Year Award 
This award is given to a franchisor that has demonstrated respect for the AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards and excellent citizenship toward its franchisees. The Franchisor of the Year Award recipient is decided by the AAFD’s Awards Committee and ratified by the company’s recognized franchisee association or franchise advisory council.   

AAFD Fair Franchising Seal 
The AAFD Fair Franchising Seal is a highly coveted accreditation that is given to a franchisor that has met the AAFD’s strict Fair Franchising Standards and Franchise System Accreditation Program. Franchisors that earn this award have shown that they embrace a fair, balanced, and collaborative franchising culture. 

Franchising Legacy Award
The AAFD’s newly minted Franchising Legacy Award has been created to honor extraordinary individuals for their inspiration, dedication, and significant contribution to the advancement of Total Quality Franchising. This award not only acknowledges an inspiring leader who has made a significant positive impact on the franchising community and is creating a legacy by passing on their vision of franchising for a more fair and equitable franchising future. 

Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award recognizes an individual whose lifetime body of work has distinguished himself or herself within the franchising community and who has contributed greatly to the cause of Total Quality Franchising over many years.  

AAFD’s Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community
This award is presented to one or more individuals or companies that have made a noteworthy achievement during the past year and admirably upheld the values of Total Quality Franchising.  There may be multiple recipients of the AAFD’s Chairman’s Award.

Franchisee Member of the Year
This award recognizes an individual franchisee who has worked hard to advance the ideals of the Fair Franchising Standards in the previous year. This individual embodies the spirit of fair franchising and has made a difference in the AAFD and franchising community, as well as their franchise system and brand.

Joni Lampl Trailblazer Award
Named for an AAFD Member who earned this award for five consecutive years! The Joni Lampl Trailblazer Award is given to one or more individuals who have worked tirelessly to increase the membership within their franchisee chapter. The Trailblazer Award can be given to multiple individuals who meet these qualifications. Award recipients are decided by the AAFD Director of Membership Development and ratified by the Awards Committee.   

Supporting Member of the Year Award
The Supporting Member of the Year Award recognizes an AAFD Supplier Member who has provided distinguished service to the AAFD and our members over the last year.

AAFD Chapter of the Year Award
This award recognizes the AAFD Chapter that has made the most progress in the previous year. In determining the winner of this award, we look at things like chapter achievements, membership growth, membership retention, and overall chapter activity. The Chapter of the Year Award showcases all that a well-functioning, committed chapter can achieve for its membership, and sets a model standard for other chapters to attain.

Rookie Chapter of the Year Award
The Rookie Chapter of the Year Award goes to a chapter that was created in the last year that has shown the most growth, activity, and forward momentum.

Remember to send your nominations to nominations@aafd.org by January 31, 2021. Thank you for your help!

About American Association of Franchisees and Dealers

AAFD is the oldest, largest, and most respected direct member franchisee trade association in the United States.  Since 1992, the nonprofit organization has formed and supported exclusive trademark specific chapters for franchisees of hundreds of 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.  For more information, visit https://www.aafd.org

AAFD Seeking Nominations for 2021 Total Quality Franchising AwardsRead 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

Incubator Plan and Fast Casual franchise Between Rounds Café offer Fresh Start

location imageFast casual dining is the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry. Looking to get in on the ground floor? Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a unique fast casual bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut, has rolled out an “Incubator Plan”, a low-entry Kiosk franchise option with a reduced franchise fee.

How it Works

With Between Rounds’ Incubator Plan, the franchise fee for a Between Rounds Kiosk store has been reduced from $20K to $5K. The franchise fee covers hard costs such as legal work, store design and menu board design.

Between Rounds’ Kiosk business model is unique in that it enables convenience and gas station store owners/operators (including third party owners who pay rent) to increase profits from their existing locations by offering Between Rounds fresh baked bagels and baked goods as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and specialty coffees. Ultimately, store traffic increases and leads to additional sales from products that are already sold. Patrons will enjoy Between Rounds’ neighborhood feel, their modern, comfortable interior and delicious food. Plus all locations offer free Wi-Fi for customers.

The overall investment for a Between Rounds Kiosk is approximately $120K. Financing for Kiosk operations is available through third parties.

Between Rounds franchised their first Kiosk store model in Tolland in 2013. That successful franchise, owned and operated by Sami Kahn, is located at 206 Merrow Road, at the Citgo Express Gas Station.  According to Kahn, “I had looked into a number of coffee and fast food opportunities and was very impressed with Between Rounds from the start.  The products are very high quality and very fresh because they are made every day.  That is my main motivation – to provide the best product possible to customers.”

For more information about the Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café opportunities, visit http://franchise.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 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. In 2013, the company was selected as a Military Friendly Franchise®, which places Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

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.

Incubator Plan and Fast Casual franchise Between Rounds Café offer Fresh StartRead More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café’s Signature Bagels Featured at Local Supermarkets

Recognizing the high quality of Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café’s baked-fresh-daily bagels, Geissler’s Supermarkets has become the third grocery store chain to carry the renowned bagel line in the Bakery section of their stores.

The signature bagel line of Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop, is sold in Highland Park Markets, West Side Marketplace and now Geissler’s stores, which are located in Agawam, Bloomfield, East Windsor, Granby, Somers and South Windsor.

For more than 20 years, Highland Park Markets, which has stores in Suffield, Farmington, Manchester, Coventry and Glastonbury, has been carrying Between Rounds bagels as their privately labeled brand, but switched to the Between Rounds brand name two years ago. West Side Marketplace in Rocky Hill has been carrying the signature brand for four years.

“We all have the same goal – to make available the freshest, most delicious products possible. We’re honored that our bagels hold a premiere position in Highland Park Markets, West Side Marketplace and Geissler’s bakeries. It makes it easy for folks who may not live near one of our cafés to obtain our superior products right from their local supermarket,” said Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds.

Between Rounds cafés are located in South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.

For supermarkets interested in carrying Between Rounds’ products, contact Jerry Puiia, jerry@betweenroundsbagels.com.

Highland Park Markets

Established in 1886, Highland Park Markets is owned and operated by the Devanney family. With five locations, Highland Park Markets is proud to provide hundreds of Connecticut brand products that are found in every one of their departments. They also offer online shopping and catering. For more information, visit http://www.highlandparkmarket.com/index.html.

West Side Marketplace

Owned and operated by Lou Romeo, West Side Marketplace continues to earn its reputation for quality and excellence every day. West Side Marketplace offers catering as well as an online shopping list feature and cooking videos. For more information, visit http://www.west-side-market.com.

Geissler’s Supermarkets

Since 1923, the American-owned Geissler’s has provided superior quality food and service to customers. Geissler’s is a multi-store independent chain owned and operated by the Nilsson family. Catering and online shopping are also available at Geissler’s Supermarkets. To learn more about the company, visit www.geisslers.com/index.jsp.

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café

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 coffees and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi.

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. Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. For more information about their unique Area Developer Program franchise offering contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café’s Signature Bagels Featured at Local SupermarketsRead More

FranConnect’s Keith Gerson joins roster of speaker for 2012 Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS), to be held July 18 & 19 in Denver, CO.

Keith Gerson
Keith Gerson, president of FranConnect, will speak at the Franchise Operations Performance Summit in Denver, CO on July 18 and 19.

WOBURN, MA and DENVER, COLORADO…

When franchisors and franchisees think of the Internet, it’s typically in terms of how to better serve customers and attract new ones. The new addition to Franchise OPS speaker roster, FranConnect President Keith Gerson, CFE, will address how new Web 2.0 technology can be used to transform how franchisors train and work with franchisees—elevating franchise performance.

“There are many franchisors who underutilize the capabilities of the internet, particularly when it comes to operations,” said Evan Hackel, president of Ingage Consulting and one of Franchise OPS’ keynote speakers. “We’re ecstatic to have Keith Gerson speaking on this topic because he will not only talk about how new Web 2.0 technology can be used to improve franchise operations but he will provide attendees with a written, actionable plan they can implement from Day one when they return from conference.”

In addition to Web 2.0 technology, Gerson will also hold a workshop entitled “Maximizing the Benefits of an Online University”.  The workshop will illuminate the best practices in implementing an online university as well as presenting real world case studies to stimulate conversation. As with Gerson’s other workshop, attendees will be able to create a list of action items to improve their franchise training systems.

“Done right, online universities can be truly transformational and improve operational execution.  The key is combination of integrating the online training into a comprehensive implementation and having the type of online training that users will both enjoy and learn from,” said Gerson. “The workshop can help with online universities or those thinking about adding one by teaching best practices in implementing an online University. “

Gerson is a 35-year franchise industry veteran. Prior to holding his current position as president of FranConnect, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at Sopra Brands, one of franchising’s leading private equity and management companies. Gerson has also led multiple companies to record levels of franchise development and accelerated them to multimillion-dollar revenue growth, leading to increased royalties and significant EBITDA. Companies he has led include PuroClean, AlphaGraphics, Mrs. Fields, and ChemDry.

A highly sought public speaker and mentor, Gerson’s expertise covers emerging as well as established franchise systems. His knowledge base helps FranConnect efficiently implement in-depth franchise development solutions for consistent growth and revenue profitability.

“Part of what makes Franchise OPS a one of a kind conference, besides the fact that we deal specifically with franchise operations, is speakers the caliber of Keith Gerson,” said Hackel. “His combination of experience, intelligence and presentation skills makes this a must-see workshop.”

The initial Franchise OPS was held last December in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to Gerson, seven franchise experts—Evan Hackel and Deb Binder of Ingage Consulting, Stacey Ruth of Actio Marketing, Eric Stites of Franchise Business Review, Rupert M. Barkoff of Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton, Barth Getto of BizUnite and Bill Gauthier of CCA Global Partners—will conduct two days of workshops at the Westin Hotel in downtown Denver.

Workshops to be held include:

  • Real World Franchise Compliance
  • Impactful, Substantive and Effective Convention/Conferences 
  • Turning a Survey into a Powerful Management Tool
  • Maximizing the Benefits of an Online University 
  • Supercharge Operational Excellence with Web 2.0 Technology
  • Making the Most of Franchise System Buying Services

In addition to the educational benefits, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities with C-level franchise executives, the Franchise OPS offers the added bonus of being approved for 300 CFE credits by the International Franchise Association. Interested parties can register for the Franchise OPS before July 2 for as little as $399. After that, the fee increases to $499.

Franchise OPS is sponsored by Franchise Business Review, Kilpatrick Townsend, Actio Marketing, BizUnite and Ingage Consulting. For complete information on Franchise OPS, please visit http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com.

About Ingage Consulting

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

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of cooperative members.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of cooperatives in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a cooperative organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among co-op members and a clear strategy and execution plan for change, customized to meet organizational objectives.  Ingage Consulting’s proven techniques to increase collaboration brings about greater productivity and success on many levels. In short, Ingage Consulting makes cooperatives more successful.

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.

FranConnect’s Keith Gerson joins roster of speaker for 2012 Franchise Operations Performance Summit (OPS), to be held July 18 & 19 in Denver, CO.Read More

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…2012 Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS)– the only franchise executive conference dedicated to performance operations execllence– to be held July 18 & 19 in Denver, CO.

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting

WOBURN, MA and DENVER, COLORADO…

Traditional franchise conferences provide networking opportunities, seminars, vendor presentations and meetings for franchisee councils. Very rarely is attention given to franchise operations. The Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS), to be held on July 18 and 19 in Denver, Colorado focuses exclusively on how C-level franchise executives can improve their respective franchise operations.

The initial Franchise OPS was held last December in Atlanta, Georgia. Eight franchise experts—Evan Hackel and Deb Binder of Ingage Consulting, Stacey Ruth of Actio Marketing, Eric Stites of Franchise Business Review, Keith Gerson of FranConnect, Rupert M. Barkoff of Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton, Barth Getto of BizUnite and Bill Gauthier of CCA Global Partners—will conduct two days of workshops at the Westin Hotel in downtown Denver.

“We received tremendous feedback from the first OPS, both in terms of positive response and comments on how we can make the two-day Summit even better,” said Hackel. “For the Denver OPS, we’ve incorporated many of those suggestions to make it even more beneficial for franchise CEOs, COOs and VPs of Operations.”

A sampling of the workshops to be held includes:

  • Real World Franchise Compliance
  • Impactful, Substantive and Effective Convention/Conferences 
  • Turning a Survey into a Powerful Management Tool
  • Maximizing the Benefits of an Online University 
  • Supercharge Operational Excellence with Web 2.0 Technology
  • Making the Most of Franchise System Buying Services

“Participating in the Franchise Operations Performance Summit provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with the essentials of franchise ops support as well as to hear new ideas from knowledgeable industry experts,“ said Ralph Thiergart, vice president of franchise services for Choice Hotels International.

Added Jackob Hunt, vice president of operations for Dogtopia, “Networking, collaboration of ideas and practical solutions made this summit worth the time and money. I look at this as an investment in efficiency in ways to work smarter.“

In addition to the educational benefits, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities with C-level franchise executives, the Franchise OPS offers the added bonus of being approved for 300 CFE credits by the International Franchise Association.

“With a lot of conferences, you come away with good ideas and make some good connections but because you get that information on the fly, it’s not as easy to implement when you get back to the home office,“ said Hackel. “With Franchise OPS, each attendee will be able to take actionable items back with them to help improve their franchise operations.”

Interested parties can register for the Franchise OPS before July 2 for as little as $399. After that, the fee increases to $499.

Franchise OPS is sponsored by Franchise Business Review, Kilpatrick Townsend, Actio Marketing, BizUnite and Ingage Consulting. For complete information on Franchise OPS, please visit http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com.

About Ingage Consulting

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

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of cooperative members.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of cooperatives in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a cooperative organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among co-op members and a clear strategy and execution plan for change, customized to meet organizational objectives.  Ingage Consulting’s proven techniques to increase collaboration brings about greater productivity and success on many levels. In short, Ingage Consulting makes cooperatives more successful.

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…2012 Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS)– the only franchise executive conference dedicated to performance operations execllence– to be held July 18 & 19 in Denver, CO.Read More