March 11, 2010
Topics:Industries:
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Your Pet Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in pet franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the pet franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Pet Franchise NewsFire 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... Take a Mid-Winter Nature Break and Count the BirdsThe 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place February 12 – 15. This citizen- science project allows participants to enjoy nature while being part of a very important study that helps better define bird ranges, populations, migration. Fun Ways to Share Valentine's Day With Your PoochFebruary 14th is a special date to express our love for our sweethearts with flowers and candy or a romantic dinner, but this year, Valentine's Day has gone to the dogs. Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, offers helpful tips... Bark Busters Offers Tips for Responsible Dog OwnershipBecome a responsible dog owner during February—"Responsible Dog Ownership Month" — with tips from Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company. Dogs need order and leadership from their "pack leader," which means that good canine man Petland Wins Court VictoryPetland is pleased, but not surprised with the United States District Court's ruling in Arizona, which dismissed virtually all of the claims that had been made against Petland. Bark Busters Named #1 Pet Services Franchise in AmericaBark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, was named the #1 Pet Services Franchise in America for 2009 by Entrepreneur magazine. The #1 ranking highlights the effectiveness of Bark Busters' natural training techniques, which can... Bark Busters Partners with 1-800-HELP-4-PETS to Help Protect Pets in Case of an EmergencyTo help keep pets safe, Bark Busters the world's largest dog training company, has partnered with 1-800-HELP-4-PETS, a leader in pet safety and identification since 1996, to promote The Pet Protector System, a life-saving, identification service...
Bark Busters Offers Tips To Help Dog Owners Travel Safely With Their Pets This Holiday SeasonWhen traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays, more and more pet owners are taking their pets along too. Whether traveling by car, truck, plane or train, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, offers helpful tips for the... Don't Let Winter's Chill Take A Bite Out Of Your Dog's HealthAs the temperature drops and the snow piles up, dog lovers need to take special precautions to protect their canine companions from winter's dangers. Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, has compiled winter safety tips based on the... Out-U-Go!(R) Expands to Serve Pet Parents in Downers GroveToday Out-U-Go!(R), the nation's premiere pet sitting and dog walking service, opens its Downer's Grove location. Over the last four months, the company has added three new Chicago-area locations. Recognized for its customized pet care... Don't Let Winter's Chill Take a Bite Out of Your Dog's HealthAs the temperature drops and the snow piles up, dog lovers need to take special precautions to protect their canine companions from winter's dangers. Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, has compiled winter safety tips based on the... AD-vantage Promotions Prepares for St. Nick's DayWhen you wake up on the morning of Dec. 6, will there be a Sack full of candy and maybe even a present in it waiting for you? If you answered yes, you're one of the special ones in the Midwest who participate in a tradition known as St. Nick's Day. AD-vantage Promotions Opens 5 New DealershipsAD-vantage Promotions announces the opening of its newest dealerships servicing Sparta, NJ, Maple Grove, MN, Medina, OH, Dallas, GA and Collinsville, IL. AD-vantage Promotions is a recognized leader in Embroidery, Screen Printing...
Refugees of the Recession Invest in Pet WasteThis time last year, Joe Gliottone, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, was the Senior Vice President of print production at Arnold Worldwide, one of the largest advertising agencies in the Northeast. Today, Joe scoops poop. Hummingbirds Prepare to Head South in Late SummerThey may be the world's smallest birds, but beginning in August, millions of hummingbirds will be making a big trip to Mexico and Central America. This annual journey is part of an instinctive migration pattern that they have followed for hundreds of... Camp Bow Wow Dog Care Franchise Introduces New 401-K-9 Employee Benefits ProgramCamp Bow Wow, the Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp(R), has launched a new 401-K-9 employee benefits program that is now available for companies on a national and local level. Out-U-Go!(R) Adds Naperville Service to Its Growing LitterNew location brings top-notch pet care to Chicago's West Suburbs.
Bark Busters Offers 10 Tips for Managing Your Dog's Fear of ThunderstormsWhile thunderstorms may cause fear, dogs can be trained to manage their reactions and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes. Bark Busters—the world's largest dog training company—offers 10 tips for managing your dog's fear of th Eighth Annual Bat Festival Flying into Milwaukee County ZooOn August 28th and 29th the Milwaukee County Zoo will host the Eighth Annual Great Lakes Bat Festival, presented by the Organization for Bat Conservation, sponsored by Batcone. The festival is free for all ages with any zoo admission. FETCH! Pet Care Sales Soar as Owners Turn to At-Home Pet SittingPet owners have made it clear this year that there's one thing they will not give up in a down economy – home care for their four-legged friends. Dogtopia Raises $15,000 to Benefit Working K-9s Across U.S.Hundreds of dogs across the country were bathed, towel-dried and spritzed this past weekend all in the name of charity. Dogtopia, a chain of upscale dog day care and spa facilities, held its 5th Annual Charity Dog Wash to benefit working dogs, raising... Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive and Well at Wild Birds Unlimited Despite EconomyThough the newest Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) franchise store owners value the recommendations and support given by the franchisor, they're enjoying their autonomy and being in charge of their careers despite these difficult economic times. Dogs Gone Green? Camp Bow Wow Dog Camps Go Green on Corporate and Franchisee LevelsCamp Bow Wow, the Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp(R) franchise, has announced their ecological paw print is getting smaller as they work to go Green on the corporate and franchisee level. Dogtopia Hosts Fifth Annual Dog Wash to Benefit Working K-9sFor working police dogs across the country, the comforts of home are few and far between. With budget cuts a reality in cities everywhere, animals in law enforcement's K-9 units can use a little pampering on the job. Out-U-Go!(R) Adds South Loop-Hyde Park Service to Its Growing LitterToday Out-U-Go!®, the nation's premiere pet sitting and dog walking service, launches its South Loop-Hyde Park location. The opening marks its fourth since the company's founding 13 years ago. Offering a variety of services – from dog walking to Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisees will Flock to the NorthwestWild Birds Unlimited franchisees will converge on the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Meydenbauer Convention Center in Bellevue, Washington June 25 – 29 to participate in their Annual Meeting. Bark Busters Offers Safety Tips For 'take Your Dog To Work Day®' On June 26With the 11th Annual "Take Your Dog to Work Day" approaching (Friday, June 26), Bark Busters, the world's largest and most trusted dog training company, offers helpful tips for the 43+ million U.S. dog owners on how to prepare and manage their dogs for... Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shops Soaring High Through RecessionDespite economic conditions that have hampered many retail businesses, Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU), the leading backyard bird feeding specialty store franchise, has experienced sales growth by relying on their brand equity and strong relationships with... Bark Busters Offers Summer Care and Safety Tips for DogsAs summer leads to warmer weather and more time outside, pet owners need to take special precautions for their dogs. Bark Busters—the world's largest, most trusted dog training company—offers some helpful tips for dog owners on how to keep the Stay in the Know with Natural Disaster Preparedness & Safety Tips for PetsAs the seasons for many natural disasters approach, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, wants to help prepare pets and their owners for the possibility of natural disasters such as such as tornadoes, hurricanes or floods. Bark Busters to Launch America's First National Naughty Dog Contest on May 4To kick-start National Pet Week May 3 - 9, 2009, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, announced the first-of-its-kind National Naughty Dog Contest to find the naughtiest dog in America. Bark Busters invites members of the public to... PETCO and FETCH! Pet Care Partner to Enhance In-Home Pet Care OptionsAs summer travel season gets underway, FETCH! Pet Care and PETCO announced today a partnership aimed at helping pet parents find reliable solutions for in-home pet care. SPCA International and Bark Busters Launch Reusable Bag Program to Help the Environment and Save the Lives of AnimalsIn observance of Earth Day, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International and Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, announced the launch of their Partner for Pups Reusable Bag Program. Ruffin's Pet Centre Inc. Announces New Franchisee In Grimsby, OntarioKeith Gear, VP Finance, is very pleased to welcome Terry Donovan as the new operator of the Grimsby location. "Our Grimsby store has been recognized as the premier pet centre in the region for the past 24 years and we look forward to Terry continuing... Ruffin's Pet Centre Inc. Announces New Franchisee in Bedford, Nova ScotiaKeith Gear, VP Finance of Ruffin's Pet Centres Inc., is very pleased to welcome Naved Malim as the new operator of the Bedford Ruffin's location. "Our Bedford store has supplied expert knowledge and superior product selection to the region for the past... Bark Busters Receives Franchise 50 AwardBark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training company, received the Franchise 50 Award from Franchise Business Review. The 4th annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards are presented to the top 50 franchisor companies that achieve the... Aussie Pet Mobile Named 'Top Dog' in Pet ServicesAussie Pet Mobile, the nation's largest mobile pet grooming service, has been named the top franchise in the pet services category of the 2009 Franchise Business Review list of 50 top-rated U.S. franchise systems. Stars, Stripes and Scout! Camp Bow Wow Doggie Daycare Offers Economic Stimulus Plan April 20-27It's a Bow Wow Bailout! Camp Bow Wow, the Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp(R), today announced that participating locations across the country have taken a unanimous vote and agree -- DOGS deserve a bailout too! Pet parents who bring their dog to... Spring Forward into Warm Weather with Bark Busters Dog Park Safety TipsAs the snow melts and the warm spring air begins to roll in, dog lovers need to prepare for more time outdoors with their furry friends. Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, has compiled a list of tips to help you know what to watch... Wild Birds Unlimited Receives 2009 Franchisee Satisfaction AwardWild Birds Unlimited has once again received a Franchisee Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review. Of the more than 2,500 active franchise systems in the United States, only 115 companies received this award in 2009. Spring into the Season with Bark Busters' Canine Care TipsAs winter's chill gives way to warmer days and spring flowers, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, offers owners some tips for helping their dogs enjoy a happy, healthy spring season. New Staff Members Join the Team at Wild Birds Unlimited.The Franchise Support Center (FSC) for Wild Birds Unlimited is proud to have new team members, Mike Gillie and Christy Recio, join the staff. Wild Birds Unlimited, a retail franchise, is headquartered in the greater Indianapolis area. Bark Busters Offers "Dogs and Poisons Safety Tips" for National Animal Poison Prevention WeekIn honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week March 16, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, wants to help dog owners take special precautions to protect their canine companions from surprisingly common toxins. Not only is it... Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash Expanding Through Franchising"A regularly bathed dog is a healthier, happier pet!" Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash offers an easy, convenient, and affordable way for owners to keep their dogs clean and healthy. Dog owners bubble with joy after experiencing Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash services. Bark Busters Celebrates Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day with "Lucky in Love" Photo CompetitionTo celebrate the festive affairs of Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, invites dog owners and their canine friends to "capture the moment" by participating in the Lucky in Love photo... Wild Birds Unlimited Restructures Purchasing Department to Better Serve Franchise Store OwnersWild Birds Unlimited, the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores, recently restructured its Purchasing Department to improve work flow and capitalize on the strength of staff members.
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Features & Special ReportsIs 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. Service Based Franchising: What Franchisors WantWhen you first consider franchising as a business model, one of the choices that arises is which type of business, in which sector, suits you best. One basic choice is to make is goods or service; another is retail or home-based. In previous months, we've explored ways to find the sector, and the franchisor, most likely to give you the best chance of success. More recently, in the previous four weeks, we've discussed the attributes franchisors look for in franchise candidates in the retail sector and in the home-based sector. Here we apply the same lens to the services sector. Let's begin with the similarities. All franchisors want candidates who follow the system, pay royalties on time, possess marketing skills and savvy, know how to run a business, show leadership and growth potential, are good communicators, and are expansion-minded, community-oriented, and willing to give back to the system. Franchisors look for these skills whether you choose a service, retail, B2B, or other concept.
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