March 11, 2010
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Your Home Services Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in home services franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the home services franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Home Services Franchise News
Century 21 Real Estate LLC Selects New Marketing AgenciesCentury 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, is pleased to announce MRM Worldwide as the lead agency for national advertising and Mullen as the lead agency for the brand's... Countrywide Acquires UK Franchise for Sotheby's International Realty BrandSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the signing of an exclusive 25-year licensing agreement for the United Kingdom with Countrywide, the U.K.'s largest estate agency and property services group. Keller Williams Realty Welcomes Top Producing Southern Arizona Real Estate Brokerage to its RanksKeller Williams(R) Realty Inc. announced today the launch of Keller Williams Southern Arizona. The new operation, formerly with Realty Executives(R), includes seven offices, with more than 375 top-producing real estate agents and staff. Fire Safety Tips for Dog OwnersYour pets are treasured family members and need protection as much as your own family in the event of fire. Sadly, some 500,000 pets are affected by fires each year, and over 40,000 of them die. Most fire victims die from smoke asphyxiation. A fire... Sears Helps Washington Residents Access up to $100 in Rebates on ENERGY STAR(R)-Qualified AppliancesThe Sears Blue Appliance Crew(TM) is helping Washington State residents access the $6,284,000 in rebates available for ENERGY STAR?-qualified appliances starting on March 15, as part of the state's "Cash for Appliances" mail-in rebate program. Christian Companion Senior Care Named to 2010 Hot 100 ListOklahoma City-based Christian Companion Senior Care, the nation's first senior care franchise to combine practical and spiritual assistance, has been named to the 2010 Hot 100 Franchise List by the RedHotFranchises.com board of directors. The First 1-800-GOT-MOLD? Franchisee Sees a Real Opportunity to Earn an Excellent Income While Helping People Heal Their HomesJeremy Sparks joined his father in the construction business right after high school, later forming his own company. After years of success in the business, in 2009 he began to feel the economic slowdown. It was harder to find new customers, and the... Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates Named to Prestigious 2010 Bersin & Associates Learning Leaders ProgramColdwell Banker Commercial Affiliates LLC today was one of 25 organizations named to the fourth annual Bersin & Associates' 2010 Learning Leaders Program. The Coldwell Banker Commercial® learning team was honored for its Emerging Broker Training ( Weichert Expands Its Corporate Housing Operations with Addition of Premier Relocation SolutionsWeichert Corporate Housing recently strengthened and expanded its corporate housing offerings with the acquisition of Premier Relocation Solutions. With the acquisition, Weichert Corporate Housing enhances its inventory of furnished apartments in New... Handyman Matters of Chicagoland West Suburbs Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service AwardHandyman Matters of Chicagoland West Suburbs has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Angie's List Super Service Award. This is the third time winning this award for Handyman Matters franchise owner, Diane Sheppard. Handyman Matters in Clermont Participates in Charitable Initiative for the Community of Faith United Methodist ChurchHandyman Matters in Clermont is participating in a local charitable initiative by donating time along with others to construct a Cross and memorial garden in honor of Dave Grudowski, active member of the church that past away last November. Handyman Matters Chicago Wins Multiple Awards at 2010 National Franchise Convention and Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service AwardHandyman Matters Chicago was recently awarded multiple awards at the national franchise convention held in Jacksonville, Florida. The awards include Market Penetration Award, K.P.I (key performance indicators) award and Award of Excellence for Top Sales. Handyman Matters of Gulf Coast Wins Multiple Awards at 2010 National Franchise ConventionHandyman Matters of Gulf Coast was recently awarded multiple awards at the national franchise convention held in Jacksonville, Florida. The awards include President's Award of Excellence, K.P.I (key performance indicators) award and 4th place in Total... Handyman Matters Awards Oleg Malamura with Craftsman of the Year for 2009Handyman Matters awarded Oleg Malamura with Craftsman of the Year for 2009 at national franchise convention held in Jacksonville, FL. The Craftsman of the Year is chosen as the nation's best based upon their skills in the trade and customer service.
Decor&You Offers an Affordable Way to Put Your Passion for Decorating to WorkDecor&You, the market leader and second largest interior design franchise in the country, is offering an exciting, low investment opportunity for people passionate about decorating. This unique and affordable entry into the growth industry of interior
Sotheby's International Realty Brand Honored by Franchise Business ReviewSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it won Franchise Business Review's Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the third year in a row. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Expands its International Network with Master Franchise Agreement for the Czech RepublicColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC today announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Top CzechPartners Estate S.R.O. to bring the Coldwell Banker(R) and Coldwell Banker Commercial® franchise systems to the Czech Republic. Maid Brigade Announces National Franchise Expansion OpportunitiesMaid Brigade(R), the nation's first and leading green-cleaning franchise, announced today the launch of an aggressive growth plan to increase its presence throughout the US. The first markets targeted for development include Chicago, Baltimore... Maid Brigade Announces National Franchise Expansion OpportunitiesMaid Brigade(R), the nation's first and leading green-cleaning franchise, announced today the launch of an aggressive growth plan to increase its presence throughout the US. The first markets targeted for development include Chicago, Baltimore... Mediafly and Roku Partner With RE/MAX to Deliver Revolutionary Video Distribution SystemRE/MAX announced at its annual convention a new system for agents and employees to get instant, on-demand and live access to RE/MAX University video content conveniently wherever they are -- on their smartphones, computers, and most importantly at home... Mars Venus Success Coaching Opens Germany; Now Represented in 17 CountriesMars Venus Coaching continues to expand throughout the world, now opening the first office in Germany, the largest economy in Europe and 4th largest GDP in the world with a population over 82 million. "We believe 2010 will be a pivotal year for Mars... NiteLites of Jacksonville Outdoor Lights Teams Up with Florida Backyard Creations for Outdoor Living AreasNiteLites of Jacksonville will embark on a new business collaboration beginning March 2010, partnering with six top Jacksonville exterior home improvement companies to create Florida Backyard Creations. This collective effort will take outdoor living... Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Expands Reach to South Florida with Addition of Florida 1stBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced the addition of Florida 1st, a leading Ft. Lauderdale-based real estate brokerage, to its growing national franchise network. Florida 1st will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate... Coldwell Banker Real Estate Launches Spring Marketing Campaign Highlighting Expertise of Sales AssociatesAs home buyers move into the market to take advantage of the extension and expansion of the federal homebuyer tax credit, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC has unveiled its 2010 marketing campaign, intended to highlight the accessibility of real estate... Sears Helps Minnesota Residents Access Up to $200 In Rebates On ENERGY STAR(R)-Qualified AppliancesThe Sears Blue Appliance Crew(TM) is helping Minnesota residents access the $5,009,000 in rebates available for ENERGY STAR?-qualified appliances as part of the "Cash for Appliances" rebate program. As the 2010 ENERGY STAR? Retail Partner of the Year... Home Warranty of America Qualifies as a RE/MAX Approved SupplierHome Warranty of America, one of the leading providers of home warranties in the United States, has been selected as an approved supplier to RE/MAX International, Inc., one of the leading real estate franchises worldwide doing business in 78 countries. Homewatch CareGivers Releases New "Guide to Legal and Financial Planning Needs for Seniors" to Help Families Plan for Critical DecisionsAs part of its ongoing program of helping to provide families with information they need to make informed decisions, Homewatch CareGivers has released its latest resource, entitled "Guide to Legal and Financial Planning Needs... RE/MAX International Raises $100 Million for Children's Miracle NetworkRE/MAX, a leading real estate franchise, has raised $100 million over the past 18 years for Children's Miracle Network, a children's charity that raises funds for more than 170 pediatric hospitals. In doing so, RE/MAX became one of the top three...
Century 21 System Tops $100 Million Raised for Easter SealsCentury 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced that with the $2.1 million raised by its franchise system in 2009, it has surpassed $100 million in funds raised for... The Herman Group Joins ERA Real Estate NetworkERA Franchise Systems LLC, a global franchising leader in the residential real estate industry, today announced it has entered the Denver market and continued its domestic franchise growth in Colorado and Florida. The Herman Group, a leading real... Seattle Real Estate Firm Joins Sotheby's International Realty NetworkSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Realogics Brokerage, LLC, in Seattle is the newest member of its luxury real estate network. Sears Is the Destination to Help Customers Experience a New Dimension in TVJudging from the box-office success of the latest 3-D movies, it is clear a new dimension is here - and not just in movies. 3-D home entertainment has arrived, and the Sears Blue Electronics Crew(TM) is teaming up with Samsung to make it even easier to... UNITS Mobile Storage Sees Upturn in Business as Nation DownsizesThe weak economy has helped one company grow stronger as businesses and individuals search for creative ways to save money using mobile storage. UNITS Mobile Storage, a technologically advanced mobile storage company with 40 franchises nationwide... Coldwell Banker Survey Identifies Multi-Generational Homes As a Trend in Real EstateFamily reunions are taking on a new meaning in the real estate market. According to a recent survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC among its network of real estate professionals, in the last 12 months, 37 percent of sales professionals surveyed... Fred Schmidt Promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Coldwell Banker Commercial AffiliatesColdwell Banker Commercial Affiliates LLC, a leading commercial real estate franchise organization, today announced the promotion of Fred Schmidt, who will now serve as the company's president and chief operating officer. Schmidt succeeds Rick Davidson... Rick Davidson Appointed President and CEO of Century 21 Real EstateCentury 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced that Realogy veteran Rick Davidson has been appointed as president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate. Davidson replaces...
Sears Auto Centers Introduce Franchise BusinessSears Holdings Corp. today announced the launch of a new strategic initiative for the Sears Automotive business. The Independent Sears Auto Center franchise program offers automobile dealers the opportunity to operate licensed Sears Auto Centers... The Dwyer Group Announces Agreement with Sunshine Grounds Care to Franchise The Grounds Guys in the United StatesThe Dwyer Group has announced a business agreement with Canadian-based Sunshine Grounds Care and will market franchises in the United States under the brand of The Grounds Guys, effective immediately. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Closets by Design in Blue Ash Earns Angie's List Super Service AwardClosets by Design in Blue Ash has been awarded the 2009 Angie's List Super Service Award.
RE/MAX Adds New Office in Rockford, Expanding Its Leadership in the Illinois Real Estate MarketRE/MAX Key, the newest RE/MAX office serving the Rockford, Ill., metropolitan area, recently opened at 5411 E. State St., Rockford, expanding the established leadership position of RE/MAX in the northern Illinois real estate market. Kmart Supports March of Dimes(R) to Help Give Babies a Healthy StartKmart is once again teaming up with the March of Dimes? to raise funds to help improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. This is the 27th year that Kmart will be partnering with the March of Dimes and Realogy Reports Results for Full Year 2009Realogy Corporation, a global leader in real estate and relocation services, today reported results for the year ended December 31, 2009. Realogy had 2009 net revenue of $3.9 billion, a net loss attributable to the Company of $262 million, and earnings... |
Features & Special ReportsMeasuring Performance: Multi-unit Franchisees Utilize Unit Economics to Help Run a Tighter ShipMulti-unit franchisee Todd Pulley knows all about measuring unit performance and profitability - even though he had no prior financial background before becoming a franchisee. Over the last 15 years though, he has developed and refined his own system for measuring his unit economics at his four PuroClean locations in New Jersey and Delaware. The effort is paying off. Is it Time for an Operating Cost Audit?: Franchise Tenants Unite!When was the last time you challenged a landlord or property manager about the operating expenses or common area maintenance (CAM) charges? Probably not recently or never, right? To clarify, operating costs are the day-to-day management and maintenance expenses charged to the tenant; examples include asphalt repairs, snow removal, property insurance, and so on. Franchise tenants pay a proportionate share of these costs based on the space they occupy. Therefore, if a franchise tenant occupies 12 percent of a building, he or she will pay for 12 percent of the operating costs. Paying by this said ratio is the industry standard but, of course, there are deviations for special circumstances like free-standing buildings and so on. "Old School" Communication: Cell Phone Texting Builds Customer TrafficConsidering the wide-ranging abilities of today's smartphones, simple text messaging may seem passé, but it's a basic social media tool that's working wonders for Chris Kramolis' franchise operation. He's been using text messages to build business and compile a database of his customers--and he doesn't see any reason to deviate from something that's working. Discovering Oil: Multi-unit Operator Strikes it Rich with Oil Change FranchisesDarrell Lamb remembers toiling away in the heyday of the mid-90s stock market. He was always searching for new investors, and on the lookout for hot investments. One day some of his advisers told him about an opportunity - a chance to invest in the Express Oil Change franchise. He had reason to trust the advisers since they were his uncle, who was president of the company, and his dad, an Alabama optometrist who was always interested in investing in growing ventures. Capital AccessDustin Winkle was a victim of the dot-com crash a few years back. While pondering his next career move, he visited with family members who operated some dry cleaning stores. He liked what he heard and purchased his first Martinizing Dry Cleaners stores six hours away in Yakima, Wash. It was a long commute from his home in Boise, Idaho, but he loved the business. Three years later his family was ready to sell its dry cleaning stores and Winkle was more than happy to buy some units closer to home. Today he operates 10 Martinizing Dry Cleaning stores (and one non-Martinizing unit) in the Boise area. Multi-Tasking: What It Takes To Be A Successful Multi-Unit FranchiseeTwenty years ago, franchising meant buying the rights to and opening a single unit or business. But a changing trend has taken hold during the last two decades. Today, it's not uncommon for a single franchise operator to have 5, 6, or even dozens of units. FRANdata research notes the number of multi-unit operators now tops 34,000, and those operators control more than 155,000 franchised units in the U.S. It's a growth strategy that has proven effective but it should be approached with caution. Multi-unit operators are generally wired differently then their single-unit counterparts. Successful multi-unit operators are typically experienced, skilled, professional business executives who have chosen franchising as their business model. They possess the skills, training, capital, infrastructure, and vision to operate numerous units and have the ability to continue adding units to their portfolio--without stressing their organization or their stomach. Episode 006: The Benefits of a Franchise ModelFranchising provides benefits for both seller and buyer. For franchisors, the primary benefit is the ability to use other people's money to expand the brand more rapidly than they could either on their own or through investors or lenders. The initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties they collect allow franchisors to build their brand without sacrificing control to outsiders or the pressure of repaying lenders. Measure for Measure: Unit Economics Plays a Leading Role on Today's Economic StageThe most fundamental business strategy calls for black numbers on the bottom line. In simplest terms, it's proof the business is generating more cash than it is spending. All too often, though, entrepreneurs get involved in businesses without employing a proper system to help them keep a watchful eye on what they're earning and what they're spending. Managing day-to-day operations can be so time-consuming that it leaves little room for financial analysis. Or perhaps key individuals lack a basic understanding of how to read and interpret financial statements. Combine these factors with the down economy, and you'll likely wind up with a troubled business. Service Based Franchising: Where the Action IsLast week we ended our discussion of service concepts with the point that many of these businesses are based on customers making the choice to trade money (surplus) for time (deficit). The example we used was maid services, where time-starved customers spend money to buy time they can spend with their family and friends. Other examples of businesses built on services that customers could perform themselves but choose to pay someone else for include lawn and landscaping services, residential painting, oil change, and installation of home entertainment systems. Seven Steps to Fiscal Fitness: A "Fiscal Physical" Will Help Your Business Survive, Grow, and ProsperIn the few minutes it takes you to read this article, 40 businesses across the nation will fail--and that statistic was [i]before[/i] the economic downturn of the last 24 months. Tragic? Yes. Remarkable? Not at all. The road to business success is littered with the skeletons of companies whose owners--mostly brilliant and skilled individuals--failed to "take care of business" in the financial management of their enterprise.
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