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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.

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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

Ingage Consulting Launches New Franchise Division

Ingage Consulting, providers of specialized management consulting services for leaders of buying groups, cooperatives and dealer networks across the U.S., has recently launched a new Franchise Division to cater to the specific needs of franchise leaders.

Ingage Consulting will work with franchisors and franchisees to improve the franchise organization’s culture which in turn, increases sales and satisfaction, improves growth and retention and boosts profits.

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of franchisors and franchisees. They help solve the problems of franchises by offering services that range from partnership creation, vibrant intranet community creation and trust building to strategic planning and improvement of communication among other services.

Evan Hackel, Ingage founder and a management expert has more than two decades of experience in best practices, turnaround strategies and team dynamics. Hackel is often engaged to review and analyze franchise businesses; provide recommendations and facilitate strategic planning. He is a member of the International Franchise Association and New England Franchise Association.

For more information or to arrange a consultation with Evan Hackel, contact (781) 569-5900.

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting works with organizations with groups of members, such as franchises, trade associations, dealer groups, buying groups, manufacturing and distributor groups across the nation. Ingage Consulting helps organizations inspire and add members, improve loyalty, increase purchasing and revenues, improve services and member profits, align their goals and build better partnerships with suppliers.

Ingage Consulting assists franchises, cooperatives and buying groups in achieving their objectives through a variety of service packages that include: Business Offering Assessment, Website Ingagement Management, Compensation Review, Advisory Council Review, Board Review, Bylaws Review, Member Events, Member Surveys, Strategic Planning, New Group Development, Membership Sales, Best Practices and Networking Groups.

The company’s extensive client list includes FEI Group, International Design Guild, StarNet Cooperative, Lenders One and CCA Global Partners. 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.

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“How to Network with Impact” presentation sponsored by New England Franchise Association (NEFA)

QUINCY, MA…

In recognition of the fact that non-sales professionals are often uncomfortable or ineffective at networking, the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) welcome members and non-members to a lively presentation to hone their networking skills.    The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 5:30 p.m. at Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy, MA.

Jim Ayraud, president and founder of Next Level, Inc., a sales management consulting firm and an authorized licensee of Sandler Training, will raise the bar and demonstrate how to be much more purposeful and therefore effective in our business networking.

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

Ayraud believes that networking is like anything else in life—the more serious you are about it—the more success you will have. 

“In particular, service business opportunities are largely based on relationships. New business and recurring revenue comes from collegues and referral sources who know you and trust you,” notes Jim Ayraud. He added, “Networking should be an essential part of your business development plan. The challenge is to chosse the right events and use proven strategies and techniques to make the most of your valuable time. Plan on walking away with a healthy mindset about networking and referral generation.”

About Next Level, Inc.

Next Level, Inc. is a Boston-based sales management consulting firm  that recognizes and capitalizes on the power of reinforcement. Understanding and implementing a complex set of human attitudes, behaviors and selling techniques is not a “quick fix” solution that can occur in a seminar.

 

Next Level, Inc. works with companies and individuals who are absolutely committed to sales professionalism.  Clients come to Next level when they are fearful that their people do not optimize opportunities to identify and secure new business, worried that their processes are causing selling cycles to be stretched longer and time is wasted, and/or anxious that their pipeline is inadequately filled with relevant business opportunities that will allow for profitable revenue growth.  

 

About NEFA

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

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

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

 

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Peter Hanson receives AAFD’s Chairman’s Award for Community Service

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) honored AAFD President Peter Hanson with a special Chairman’s Award to recognize his years of service to the franchising community. Hanson was recognized at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet at the recent Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

“Peter’s service to AAFD and the franchisee community as a whole—both during his tenure as president and prior to that as a member—has been exemplary and invaluable,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD. “The wealth of knowledge and experience Peter brings to the table as president has helped us forge many of the relationships that make an AAFD membership highly desirable for members and member associations.” 

Hanson first served the AAFD for many years in a volunteer capacity as treasurer before his tenure on the AAFD Board of Directors for five years. He also served as a member of the AAFD Standards Committee and was named the AAFD’s Member of the Year in 2003. Hanson became president of AAFD in 2006.

An owner of four Huntington Learning Center franchises in southern California, Hanson is past President of the Association of Remedial Educators, the independent Huntington franchisee association. Prior to his life as a franchisee, Hanson served in various senior management capacities, notably as Executive Vice-President of Operations and Finance at Mitchell International, Vice-President and Principal of Polaris Capital Group LTD. Vice-President and CFO of Nucorp Energy, Inc. and Audit Partner at Arthur Young & Co.

“It has been quite an honor to serve as president of AAFD and I’m touched by this award,” said Hanson. “AAFD has been a big part of my career and life for that matter. We’ve made tremendous strides over the past few years and I’m looking forward to helping AAFD continue to be the vital force in the franchising community that it’s been.”

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. Formed in 1992, 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 businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently 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 conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Peter Hanson receives AAFD’s Chairman’s Award for Community ServiceRead More

Janet Sparks and Blue MauMau Editor Don Sniegowski receive the AAFD Community Service Awards.

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) has honored investigative journalists Janet Sparks and Don Sniegowski with the Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community.

Sparks and Sniegowski, the founder and editor of the franchise news social media Web site Blue MauMau, received their awards at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet at the recent Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

Janet Sparks, columnist and reporter for Franchise Times magazine and, over the past two years, an investigative reporter for Blue MauMau. Previously, Janet had been owner and publisher of the Continental Franchise Review, an industry trade journal she worked for and then acquired in 1991.  When Franchise Times acquired CFR in 1998, she became the magazine’s associate publisher, at which time Janet’s journalism became focused on a critical examination of franchising practices, a focus that the AAFD applauds.

“The AAFD is pleased to recognize investigative reporter, Janet Sparks, as a recipient of our Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community,” said Purvin. “Janet has emerged as a vigilant sentinel for fair franchising practices, tenaciously investigating and exposing unscrupulous conduct, and providing an important outlet for franchisee victims to have their stories taken seriously, exposed and investigated.”

Continued Purvin, “In a journalistic environment that is largely patronizing to the franchising community, Janet never shies from a tough or controversial story.  Her forte is to investigate, to challenge and, where appropriate, to expose.  At the heart of Janet’s journalism is a conviction that franchisee rights should be recognized and protected.  Janet has urged grassroots activism amongst franchise owners, and has encouraged franchise owners to come together for their common good.”

“I’m quite honored by AAFD selecting me for its Chairman’s award,” Sparks said.  “I have known Bob Purvin for over 15 years and have followed the AAFD mission in bringing equality and balance to franchising. I’m in awe of the courage and zeal of the AAFD members to bring about a fairer franchise relationship.”

Don Sniegowski is the vision, courage and proud parent of Blue MauMau, the country’s leading online social media Web site covering news for franchise operators and investors and perhaps the single most influential vehicle and instrument for the empowerment of franchise owners ever assembled. In conceptualizing a community of citizen journalists to reveal ‘truth and transparency’ in franchising, Sniegowski has created an online publication that offers honest dialogue with top experts and independent franchise news.

“Don is both innovator and entrepreneur, but is first and foremost a journalist who yearned to reveal hard truths about franchising—to place the glare of public scrutiny on a community that has been much insulated from the voice of franchisees,” said Purvin.  “Because of Blue MauMau, franchisees and their advocates have found their voice, and franchisors are now less likely to succeed in coercive or predatory practices without bearing public scrutiny and scorn.”

“It’s an honor to receive such an award,” said Sniegowski. “It’s even more of an honor considering that this award is freely given from the audience we report for—franchise owners. It wasn’t very long ago when sources of reliable, spin-free information for franchise owners were next to nonexistent. What is really different nowadays is the Internet’s interactive news format, which allows those on the front lines to quietly share information without retribution from the franchisor. Investigative reporters have more sources to tap into and faster access, giving a better news product. That helps operators and investors make informed decisions based on authentic, more timely news, not conjured-up propaganda and re-wrapped press releases.”

To view the Chairman’s Award presentation, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgSHNYS7SU.

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. Formed in 1992, 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 businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently 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 conference or the AAFD, please call toll free at 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Janet Sparks and Blue MauMau Editor Don Sniegowski receive the AAFD Community Service Awards.Read More

Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Mort Aronson as this year’s recipient of AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The AAFD’s highest individual recognition, Aronson is being recognized for a lifetime of embracing collaborative relationships in franchising.

Aronson will be honored at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet, to be held during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

“Mort Aronson exemplifies the AAFD’s vision of Total Quality Franchising,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD. “His body of work, from his quarter of a century with Holiday Inn to his service to the International Franchise Association (IFA) and his leadership in advocating the mediation of franchise-related disputes, reflects a dedication to encouraging collaborative win-win relationships.”

As General Counsel/Franchising for most of his 25 years at Holiday Inn, Aronson developed a reputation for openness and fairness from the franchisee population, and he is one of a very few ‘non-franchisees’ to receive an Honorary Lifetime membership in the IAHI, the franchisee association for Holiday Inn franchisees.

Said IAHI President Eva Ferguson, “For more than 20 years, Mort has been a well-respected key participant in the franchisee and franchisor relationship within InterContinental Hotels Group. Through his involvement in the IAHI Owners’ Association, he provided direction and counsel to the most pressing challenges. He continues to be viewed as a leading industry expert and a knowledgeable advocate for the best hotel franchising practices.  On behalf of the IAHI, we congratulate Mort on this award and recognition.”   

An active leader of the International Franchise Association, Mort served on the IFA Board from 1996-1998.  In August, 1998 Aronson was elected founding chairman of the National Franchise Council, a franchisor organization, and he reached out to the AAFD to discuss collaboration on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Among Mr. Aronson’s greatest contributions to the franchising community has been his dedicated and inspirational drive to promote mediation of franchise disputes.  Mort is a founder of the National Franchise Mediation Program, which is endorsed and supported by the IFA, the AAFD and the Asian American Hotel Association, along with many franchisor and franchisee organizations.  Mort served as chairman of the NFMP from 2002-2004, and continues to serve on the Steering Committee today.

Bill Hall, a Dairy Queen franchisee and co-chair of the NFMP, believes there would not be a National Franchise Mediation Program without Mort Aronson. Hall says, “Mort’s leadership in founding, nurturing, leading and mentoring the National Franchise Mediation Program since 1993 has provided a meaningful way for franchisees and franchisors to resolve disputes without litigation.  Countless parties have benefited from Mort’s work to promote mediation to resolve conflicts fairly and cost-effectively without destroying relationships.”

Hall added, “Mort is a personal mentor to me and many others and the right choice for the AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.”    

Aronson reacted to news of the AAFD honor with gratitude and humility. “I am deeply honored and appreciative the AAFD to receive its lifetime achievement award.  I have learned during a 30-year career in franchising that a cornerstone of success is franchisors maintaining good relations with their franchisees.” 

After leaving Holiday Inns in May 2003, Mort served as counsel with the firm of Kilpatrick Stockton in Atlanta. He is also an adjunct professor at Emory University Law School where he has been teaching franchise law for the past 15 years.  Currently, Mort Aronson is Of Counsel at the firm of Federal & Hasson and is in charge of the franchise practice.  Mort is a frequent speaker and has authored numerous articles on franchising and franchise relationships.

Aronson is a graduate of Boston University where he received his A.B., Boston University Law School where he received his L.L.B., and Harvard Law School where he received his L.L.M. His civic activities include serving on the Law School Council of Emory Law School, a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta Israel Bonds, and a member of the Atlanta Council of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Aronson resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Ellen. They have three children and four grandchildren.

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. Formed in 1992, 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 businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently 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 conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead More