September 03, 2010
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Your Small Business Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in small business franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the small business franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Small Business Franchise NewsFASTSIGNS(R) Franchise Vernon HIlls, IL Experiences Sales Growth and Success in Difficult EconomyAfter facing the most difficult economy in recent history, many businesses considered themselves fortunate to have survived; achieving an increase in sales was a seemingly impossible challenge.
Pro Energy Consultants Franchise Invests in Resources to Manage GrowthPro Energy Consultants, the leading national building performance franchise, continues to experience healthy growth despite the weak U.S. economy. As such, the company continues to invest in its infrastructure by adding additional resources to manage this Massage Envy(R) Franchise to Host Massage for the Cure Fundraising Event to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R)On Tuesday, September 14, 2010, Massage Envy will team up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help win the fight against breast cancer by hosting Massage for the Cure. During this national one-day Massage for the Cure event, Massage Envy centers will offe Business Coaching Expert Offers Free Webinar for Landscape Contractors throughout SeptemberJonathan Goldhill, owner of The Growth Coach of Los Angeles, a business coaching franchise that serves small business owners throughout the region, is offering landscape contractors nationwide a free webinar throughout the month of September. The webinar, BrightStar Franchise Announces International Expansion Into CanadaAfter nearly six years of exponential franchise growth in the United States, BrightStar, a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides both medical and non-medical homecare, announces its expansion into Canada with the award of a Master Franchis BrightStar Franchise Announces International Expansion Into CanadaAfter nearly six years of exponential franchise growth in the United States, BrightStar, a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides both medical and non-medical homecare, announces its expansion into Canada with the awarding of a Master Franc BookKeeping Express Franchise Unveils Major Las Vegas Expansion PlanBookKeeping Express, the first U.S. franchise focused solely on certified bookkeeping services, has announced plans to expand across the Las Vegas market through local franchise ownership. ColorTyme franchisee contributes to FAPA raffleBringing together adoptive families, caregivers and members from across the panhandle, the Foster Adoptive Parent Association recently concluded its annual conference in Destin, Fla. ColorTyme Franchisee Richard Pannell showed his support for the organiza Unishippers Franchise of Long Beach Ranks on Inc. 5000 ListUnishippers Global Logistics, LLC, the nation's first and largest small package and freight shipping reseller, announced today that the Unishippers of Long Beach franchise has been named to the 2010 Inc. 5000 list. This is the second consecutive year that NiteLites Franchise of Houston Outdoor Illumination Specialists Showcase LED Landscape Lighting at 8th Annual Fall Home and Garden ShowNiteLites of Houston, outdoor illumination specialists, are pleased to showcase their new LED landscape lighting at the 8th Annual Fall Home and Garden Show. The event will highlight environmentally friendly companies and services within the Woodlands, Te
FORTUNE Magazine Names Panera Bread(R) Franchise to '100 Fastest-Growing Companies' ListFORTUNE magazine has named Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA) to its 2010 list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies, a first for the Company. Panera is one of only two restaurant concepts to make the 2010 list.
The Bancorp Bank Approves $4 Million Expansion Funding Program for New FASTSIGNS(R) Franchise CentersFASTSIGNS®, the world's premier business-to-business marketing solution, sign, and graphics franchise, announced today that it has been approved for a new franchisee lending program created by The Bancorp Bank ("Bancorp"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cybertary Franchise Mom-Inspired, Kid-ApprovedPatricia Beckman empathizes with working moms and others who want to kick corporate life to the curb.
SIGNARAMA Franchise Peterborough Partners with Scene Media for Citybanners VentureSIGNARAMA Peterborough co-owner Morgan Smith knows the sign industry. After five years in the business, Smith realized one of his franchise's most popular products was being under-used, even wasted and was left to face the sometimes brutal Canadian weathe Shelfgenie Franchise Soars In Rankings On Annual Inc. 500 ListWhile Marietta, Ga.-based ShelfGenie may be in the business of designing, building and installing its exclusive Glide-Out™ shelving systems for clients across the country, it's also building one profitable reputation in the process. This year the co 101 Mobility Annouces First Franchisees, Boosts Brand Into National SpotlightThe U.S. Administration on Aging predicts that by 2030, there will be an estimated 72.1 million senior citizens in the U.S. – more than twice the number that existed in 2000. And as members of population ages, their ability to remain mobile in their ColorTyme Franchise Now Open in Lawrence, Mass.Another ColorTyme recently opened for business in Massachusetts; this time in the city of Lawrence. The store aims to attract customers with an unparalleled level of service and low prices on rent-to-own items including appliances, furniture and electroni Play N Trade Franchisees Continue to See Strong SalesPlay N Trade Franchise, Inc., the fastest growing video game franchise worldwide, today announced that for the month of July, 2010 their same store sales were up 17% compared to July, 2009.
BookKeeping Express Franchise Unveils Major Expansion Plan into PittsburghBookKeeping Express, the first U.S. franchise focused solely on certified bookkeeping services, has announced plans to expand across the Pittsburgh market through local franchise ownership. Pro Energy Consultants Now Offering Service to "Light" Commercial BuildingsPro Energy Consultants, the nation's first building performance franchise, has expanded its energy auditing services to now include "light" commercial buildings. By offering energy audits to this new market segment, Pro Energy Consultants gives small busi Sarasota Landscape Lighting Business Franchise, NiteLites, Joins Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and Community Associations InstituteSarasota Landscape Lighting Experts, NiteLites of Sarasota and Bradenton, announces its membership ventures with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce (www.longboatkeychamber.com) and Community Associations Institute (http://www.caiwestflorida.org/). Owner NiteLites Franchise of Kansas City Outdoor Lighting Designers Join Thousands of Runners at the 2010 Komen Race for the CureThe Kansas City Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held Sunday, August 8th at the Union Station. Over 27,000 participants raised more than $1 million dollars to support breast cancer education, screening, and treatment. Bark Busters Franchise Anounces Back-to-School Tips for Families with DogsWhen kids go back to school, the stress can be huge on the family, including the dog. This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our furry friends, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of Unishippers Appoints New Franchise Development ManagerUnishippers Global Logistics, LLC, the nation's first and largest shipping reseller, has hired Richard Luna as its new Franchise Development Manager to lead in the development and growth of Unishippers franchise opportunity. Long-time executives return ColorTyme Franchise to DallasPat Gartland and Dan Eichelberger recently turned their careers from executives to franchisees with the opening of ColorTyme in Dallas. With a combined 32 years working for Rent-A-Center, the duo is pleased to share their passion and sales-and-lease exper FASTSIGNS(R) Franchise Expanding its Presence into Long IslandFASTSIGNS, the world's premier business-to-business marketing solution franchise with more than 530 locations, announces it will open its first franchise location in Long Island during the latter half of 2010. The new center will be located in Westbury, N
The Little Gym Franchise Channels Children's Energy Into Skills That Promote LearningKids can seem to have endless amounts of energy -- jumping, running, skipping, tumbling. To their parents and friends, all this activity looks like kid-powered fun. But the children's gym professionals at The Little Gym know how to channel that energy and Maid Brigade Franchise Salutes the Troops With Unprecedented Veterans DiscountIn an effort to deepen its commitment to US Veterans, Maid Brigade®, the nation's first and leading Green Clean Certified® franchise, announced today it will begin offering qualified Veterans a 45 percent discount off the total investment to own a
Card Connection Franchisees Find Success in the NorthLeading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that its franchisees are finding success in the North. Former Esso station manager, Graeme Ewing, who took over the Ayr/Kilmarnock area at the end of December 09, has alr Unishippers Franchise Appoints New Franchise Development ManagerUnishippers Global Logistics, LLC, the nation's first and largest shipping reseller, has hired Richard Luna as its new Franchise Development Manager to lead in the development and growth of Unishippers franchise opportunity. Sarasota Outdoor Lighting Business Franchise Sponsors 2010 Sarasota Slam Fishing TournamentSarasota outdoor lighting professionals, NiteLites, is proud to be a sponsor of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Sarasota County's Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament. This event is scheduled for August 3-7, 2010 at Marina Jack in Sarasota, Florida. Lo USA Insulation Franchise Giving Away $5,000 of Insulation to Local HomeownersUSA Insulation is celebrating the companies' 25th anniversary by awarding one local homeowner each in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Omaha, Addison, IL, Northbrook, IL and Valparaiso, IN, a credit of up to $5,000 for walls and attic insulation for their homes. On Snap Fitness Franchise Names Wes Tang Director of International Business DevelopmentSnap Fitness, the world's fastest-growing franchisor of state-of-the-art 24/7 express fitness centers, announces the appointment of Wes Tang as Director of International Business Development. Aaron's, Inc. Franchise Directors Declare DividendThe Board of Directors of Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, has declared a quarterly cash dividend. T Bookkeeping Express Franchise Inks License Agreement to Open New Office in LaSalleBookkeeping Express, an established North American company focused solely on bookkeeping services, announced today that it has signed a license agreement with Sheila Doiron to open an office in LaSalle, serving Greater Essex County. The new Bookkeeping Ex World Tavern Poker And World Tavern Trivia Add Two New FranchisesWorld Tavern Entertainment®, an innovator in the business of driving more customers into bars and restaurants through its poker and trivia leagues, added two new franchisees to its growing franchise program. Camp Bow Wow Franchise Launches 'On Our Way Home Project'Camp Bow Wow, the nation's largest pet services company, announces today the launch of its newest program, the "On Our Way Home Project." Offering free consulting to shelters, Camp Bow Wow will provide operational counsel, marketing guidance, real estate |
Features & Special ReportsFranchising With Family Members Can Be Fraught With Danger Or Filled With SuccessIt can be difficult enough to get a franchise up and running on your own, or with other operational and investing partners, but it can be downright arduous if family members are involved in the deal. But that's the route some franchisees take and when done properly this management model can provide years of personal and professional harmony. But there are some secrets to making it work. Go in unprepared and you could break up a business and a family. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will continue to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, and continuing to grow despite the economy - maybe even because of it. And, as the U.S. struggles through its "jobless recovery," growth-oriented franchisors continue to look overseas for expansion opportunities. Sales Intelligence for Superior Performance, Part 2Aggressive growth companies measure the performance of their sales personnel just as they do their advertising. With high recruitment expenses you can't afford mediocre selling performance, which costs dearly in lost franchise deals. A policyholder survey by Prudential Insurance revealed that the greatest influencing factor in the buying process is the sales person. Turning Around Struggling FranchiseesTwo years of tight credit and reduced consumer spending have left many franchisees reeling and put a serious crimp in franchisors' royalty streams. Workout professionals and bankruptcy attorneys experienced in franchising discuss what franchisors can do to help turn around distressed units - without spending scarce funds or getting themselves into legal hot water. New Gift Card Regulations Kicked in August 22ndLast year when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 (the Act") into law, the nation's attention largely focused on those provisions of the law that aim to change the way credit card companies do business with consumers. However, since the Act imposes requirements on gift card issuers, it also changed the way many retailers and franchise companies will do business with consumers. Strong Cultures Sell More Franchises!Every franchise organization has a culture, the same way every person has a personality. If your franchise brand is serious about growth and development, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Does our franchise system have a strong, positive culture?; and 2) Is it a culture that promotes selling franchises? Special Operations: Franchising in a Strange LandOpening franchise units in nontraditional locations has been the domain of specialists--but not anymore. With the economy still slumping, lending still tight, and suburban expansion at a standstill, many multi-unit franchisees are exploring the viability of sites such as airports, hotels, colleges, senior centers, highway rest stops, hospitals, and military bases. Rolling with the Punches: Franchisors Continue Adapting to ChangeThe rules and methods for franchise sales are changing daily with the general public's increasing awareness of the economy, deficits, lending, the housing market, and more. As some of us "graybeards" can remember, this isn't the first time the rules have changed--and it won't be the last. Change on the HorizonJust like any business, the franchising business is one that I have seen evolve tremendously over the past 30 years. While many of the cornerstones and crucial elements - product, simplicity, control, and support - remain the same, so much is changing. Hiring Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Hiring the Spirit of SuccessAs we continue to mine Dave Melton's book, <i>Hire the American Dream,</i> I thought it would be interesting to highlight a case study that demonstrates just how successful smart hiring can be. Here Melton describes his experience hiring an immigrant.
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