DIGITAL

FASTSIGNS
International CEO
Catherine Monson,
CFE, delivers a pep
talk to Franchise
Action Network
members just prior to
visits with legislators
on Capitol Hill.
Ways to improve business operations took center
stage at the Franchisee Growth Conference.
Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisee Dustin Myers
(above) shared best practices during the opening
general session, followed by breakout sessions.
FRANCHISEE GROWTH CONFERENCE
HIGHLIGHTS BEST PRACTICES, FRANCHISE
RELATIONS
Franchisees converged on Washington, D.C. Sept.
28-29 for the first Franchisee Growth Conference,
held just prior to the Franchise Action Network
Annual Meeting.
The opening general session featured guest
speakers Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs,
along with franchisee Dustin Myers, who explained
the challenges involved with a three-year process to
expand the company’s brand by adding light bulbs
and device repair into the existing battery business.
Later in the day, Mariana Huberman, UPS Store
franchisee and vice chair of IFA’s Franchisee Forum,
led a discussion on the Key to Growth Readiness
with two multi-unit franchisees, Danny Malamis, with
Jersey Mike’s and David Melton with Domino’s.
“The conference sessions provided a great
opportunity to hear fresh solutions to common
challenges that franchisees face in their business,”
said Tamra Kennedy, a franchisee with Twin City T.J.’s.
Chuck Stempler said the conference was “focused
specifically on the needs and opportunities of
franchisees. Six excellent sessions ranging from data
security to franchisor-franchisee collaboration. A very
worthwhile investment of my time.”
On Sept. 29, Tim Lightener, owner of TWO MEN
AND A TRUCK locations and second vice chair of
the Franchisee Forum, led a discussion about how to
protect your business from hackers with Ken Colburn,
president and CEO of Data Doctors. Other speakers
included Lynn Berberich with BrightStar Care; Mara
Fortin with Nothing Bundt Cakes; Dallas Kerley,
CFE, with Benetrends; Jim Ilaria, CEO of Potomac
Family Dining Group; Kathleen Schneider with Instant
Imprints; Anjali Varma with Kidville; Mark Whittle with
Hooters; and Seth Goldstein with Dunkin’ Donuts/
Baskin Robbins.
Caroline Moore with BrightStar Care described
the conference as “an invaluable resource on key
issues for my business. It offered knowledgeable
speakers and insightful conversation and experiences
being shared across multiple concepts. I will not miss
it next year!”
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx
(R-N.C.) meets with
Chris Brandon (left) of
Domino’s and Matthew
Shepherd (right) with
Great Clips on Sept. 30
during the Franchise
Action Network visits
to Capitol Hill.
(Continued from page 38)
Sen. James
Lankford (R-Okla.),
at right in the
gray suit, listens
to the Oklahoma
delegation discuss
the impact of
joint employer
legislation during
Franchise Action
Network meetings
on Capitol Hill.
“Franchises are local. We are families and locally owned businesses,”
said Barbara Craigie, a FASTSIGNS business owner. “I think there is a
perception that it’s just fast-food restaurants or that we are big business.
I don’t think they understand that we are small business, that we are
independent — the independent part really gets missed.”
It’s important to visit Capitol Hill in person, noted Bob Smith, a
ServiceMaster owner and Franchise Action Network member, “because I
think when you take someone’s time, you’re looking at them face-to-face
with what you have to say. We’re not just sending a letter or an email.”
The issues involved are “very personal,” explained Caroline Moore, a
BrightStar Care business owner. “This is my business, and that’s why I’m
here to advocate for what is affecting my business personally as well as
professionally.”
Andrew Holland, a franchise owner with Tropical Smoothie Café, told
members of Congress that during his first year of operations he had to
“cut my salary to nothing” in order to ensure the business was healthy.
“Hearing that we have this business owner that’s in there working 90
hours a week for nothing, makes you not seem like a big corporation, it
shows how much you are a small business.”
(Continued on page 42)
40 FRANCHISING WORLD NOVEMBER 2015