FBR Issue 2 - 2018
Top 50 Multi-Unit Franchises; Rockstar Franchise Owners; Emerging Franchises
Top 50 Multi-Unit Franchises; Rockstar Franchise Owners; Emerging Franchises
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Franchise Business<br />
REVIEW<br />
Ratings and Reviews of Today’s Top Franchises<br />
Spring <strong>2018</strong><br />
SPECIAL REPORT<br />
TOP 50<br />
MULTI-UNIT<br />
FRANCHISEE<br />
SPOTLIGHT:<br />
BRIAN ANDERSON,<br />
FIRSTLIGHT HOMECARE P. 9<br />
SALLY HANSON<br />
& ROGER OSBORN,<br />
OUR TOWN AMERICA P. 19<br />
FRANCHISES<br />
KELLER WILLIAMS<br />
CHECKERS & RALLY’S<br />
FASTSIGNS<br />
CRUNCH FITNESS<br />
CULVER’S<br />
THE GODDARD SCHOOL<br />
CAPTAIN D’S SEAFOOD<br />
WENDY’S and more... P. 10<br />
Meet this Year’s<br />
Rockstar Franchisees P. 12<br />
Top Emerging Franchises<br />
for <strong>2018</strong> P. 18
TM
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<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Features //Spring <strong>2018</strong><br />
7 18 20<br />
5 Letter from the Founder and CEO<br />
Making the Leap<br />
7 Building an Empire<br />
The Path to Successful Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership<br />
10 Top 50 Multi-Unit Franchises<br />
Best of the Best<br />
12 <strong>FBR</strong>’s <strong>2018</strong> Rockstar Franchisees<br />
Meet Franchising’s Finest<br />
18 Who is the Next McDonald’s?<br />
Discovering the Next Big Franchises<br />
22 Marketplace: Franchise Opportunities<br />
More on the franchisee approved<br />
franchise opportunities for <strong>2018</strong><br />
22 <strong>2018</strong>’s Top 200 Franchises Overall<br />
Franchises with high franchisee satisfaction<br />
in every industry sector<br />
Franchisee Profiles<br />
9 Brian Anderson, FirstLight Home Care<br />
17 Mark Sylvester, CarePatrol<br />
19 Sally Hanson & Roger Osborn, Our Town America<br />
20 Pete Wilson, Window Genie<br />
21 Dan LaBrake, HouseMaster<br />
23 Ben Smith, The Glass Guru<br />
26 Brittany Schmid, Dale Carnegie Training<br />
27 Bob Harms, Huntington Learning Center<br />
29 Manny Castro, Minuteman Press<br />
+<br />
Reviews, interviews, satisfaction awards,<br />
and more resources are available at:<br />
www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com<br />
LEARN WHAT FRANCHISING IS LIKE<br />
FROM REAL FRANCHISEES<br />
Access insightful franchisee Q&As, strategic advice and more.<br />
Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 3
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
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4 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Making the Leap<br />
Whenever anyone faces a career decision in life, the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. No<br />
doubt, trading a “safe job” for a potentially “risky” future as a business owner can give anyone<br />
pause. I experienced this first-hand when I quit my job to launch Franchise Business Review.<br />
Like many people exploring franchise opportunities, I am now “middle-aged.” I can’t tell you<br />
how many of my friends with “safe jobs” are painfully unprepared for retirement—with little<br />
money in a 401k or IRA.<br />
Yes… starting a new business comes with risks. But I would argue that NOT owning a business<br />
is a much greater risk for many people. Business ownership has given me more financial<br />
security than any job in corporate America ever could have. I’ve been fortunate, but I truly<br />
believe that making the leap into franchise ownership (with a good franchise system) is a lot less<br />
risky—and more rewarding—than riding out the rest of your career as someone else’s employee.<br />
I was reminded of this when we interviewed Blake Edwards this month. Blake is a successful<br />
multi-unit Bin There Dump That franchise owner in Ontario. Like many franchise owners,<br />
Blake put it this way: “My only regret is not having started sooner!” Amen to that!<br />
In this issue, we cover the Top 50 Multi-Unit Franchises for <strong>2018</strong>, as well as a look back at<br />
the most successful emerging franchise brands of the past decade. We also included our annual<br />
list of #Rockstar Franchisees and feature a number of amazing stories of people setting the<br />
franchise world on fire!<br />
My parting advice… use our research, do your homework, and find a franchise concept that<br />
sets your world on fire! Stop thinking about owning your own business, and take the leap to<br />
make it happen. You won’t regret your decision. I know I don’t.<br />
I’ve been fortunate, but<br />
I truly believe that making<br />
the leap into franchise<br />
ownership (with a good<br />
franchise system) is a<br />
lot less risky—and more<br />
rewarding—than riding<br />
out the rest of your<br />
career as someone<br />
else’s employee.<br />
Happy Franchising!<br />
Eric Stites, CEO and Managing Director<br />
Franchise Business Review is the leading franchise market research firm that performs<br />
independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences.<br />
Before you invest in any franchise opportunity, read our reports to get the facts<br />
from those who know best — franchisees. We publish quarterly research reports,<br />
examining segments of franchising including the Top 200 Franchise Opportunities,<br />
Top Low-Cost Franchises, Top Multi-Unit Franchises, Top Food & Beverage Franchises,<br />
and Top Franchises for Veterans. All publications are available digitally at<br />
FranchiseBusinessReview.com.<br />
Eric Stites, CEO & Managing Director<br />
Michelle Rowan, President & COO<br />
C.J. Fleck, Senior Web Developer<br />
Michael Kupfer, Online Marketing Manager<br />
Ali Forman, B2B Marketing Manager<br />
Nicole Kenney, Client Operations Manager<br />
Linda Lorrey, Client Consultant<br />
Wes Graves, Client Consultant<br />
Amy LaLime, Client Services Manager<br />
Margot Doering, Accounting<br />
The Secret Agency, Design and Production<br />
Call us at 866-397-6680<br />
HOW WE IDENTIFY THE TOP FRANCHISES<br />
Participation in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction<br />
research is free for all North American franchise systems with<br />
a minimum of 10 franchisees. For this report we looked at franchisee<br />
satisfaction from over 27,000 franchisees representing over 300 brands<br />
that we collected between August 2016 and February <strong>2018</strong>. We asked<br />
each franchisee to answer 33 benchmark questions ranking their<br />
franchise in the areas of financial opportunity, training and support,<br />
leadership, operations and product development, core values (e.g., honesty<br />
and integrity of franchisor), general satisfaction, and the franchisee<br />
community. We also asked them to answer an additional 16 questions<br />
about their market area, demographics, business lifestyle, overall<br />
enjoyment running their franchise, and role in the franchisee community.<br />
From this data, we identified our list of top multi-unit and emerging<br />
franchises with the highest franchisee satisfaction. Franchise brands that<br />
participated in our research were invited to submit nominations to help<br />
us identify franchisee rockstars. More detailed information about our<br />
research methodology is available at FranchiseBusinessReview.com.<br />
Surveys to determine the Top Franchises for 2019 are underway.<br />
If you are a franchisor and would like to participate, please call 866-397-<br />
6680 or contact info@FranchiseBusinessReview.com.<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 5
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
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6 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Clockwise from top, left: Mary Rolf, Multi Unit Franchisee, Springfield, MO; Franchisee<br />
Pouya Moalej, Multi-Unit franchisee from California; Ian, J-Ray and Adam Lieberman, Multi-Unit<br />
Owners, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Tampa, FL; Oxi Fresh Rockstar Franchisees Charles and Jesse Keyser<br />
understand the franchisor/franchisee relationship being strong is vital to their business and have<br />
done great things with Oxi Fresh in the St. Louis market.<br />
Building an Empire<br />
The Path to Successful Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership<br />
Many entrepreneurs dream of building a large<br />
franchise business with multiple locations.<br />
That said, very few franchise owners actually<br />
do. Being a successful, multi-unit franchisee<br />
requires a unique skill-set. Certainly, having<br />
the vision is a key first step, but vision alone<br />
is not enough.<br />
Just ask former NFL quarterback, Peyton<br />
Manning. Manning recently unloaded his 31<br />
Denver-area Papa John’s restaurants after being<br />
a franchisee for just six years, according to the<br />
Associated Press. While Manning is far from a<br />
typical franchise owner, his foray into franchising<br />
probably wasn’t all that different from what<br />
many multi-unit franchisees experience.<br />
A SHARED CULTURE<br />
Successful franchising requires a strong, supportive<br />
relationship between the franchise<br />
company (AKA “the Franchisor”) and the<br />
franchisee. While franchise attorneys don’t like<br />
to use the word “partnership” when describing<br />
the working relationship between franchisors<br />
and franchisees, our research strongly suggests<br />
that the very best franchise companies treat<br />
their franchisees as business partners.<br />
Just ask Nader Masadeh, CEO at Buffalo<br />
Wings & Rings. Masadeh and his team put<br />
franchise relations above everything else. “We<br />
seek continuous feedback from our franchisees—try<br />
to do the right things—and create<br />
a fun environment in which our franchisees<br />
want to grow.”<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 7
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Multi-Unit Franchisees<br />
by the Numbers<br />
67%<br />
22%<br />
male/female<br />
10% partnerships<br />
19% own 5 or more units<br />
have a Bachelor’s<br />
degree or higher<br />
22% have an advanced degree*<br />
20% have no college degree<br />
1% did not graduate high school*<br />
*(overlap with above)<br />
33%<br />
67%<br />
83 %<br />
would recommend<br />
their franchise brand<br />
to others<br />
76 %<br />
would<br />
“do it again”<br />
have been knowing what<br />
an owner they know today.<br />
for 10 years<br />
or more 15% have been an<br />
owner for less than two years<br />
90 %<br />
enjoy operating their business<br />
“The relationship between the franchisor<br />
and franchisee is essential for success,” says<br />
Mark Crayne, a multi-unit Fazoli’s Restaurants<br />
franchisee from Lubbock, TX.<br />
“When both parties have a shared culture,<br />
listen, and value the ideas of each other, there is<br />
a greater potential for achieving a common goal.”<br />
The abrupt Manning exit from Papa<br />
John’s is a great example of just how fragile<br />
the franchise relationship can sometimes be.<br />
Papa John’s founder John Schnatter stepped<br />
down as CEO in December, after he made<br />
controversial comments regarding the NFL’s<br />
handling of the anthem protests.<br />
Schnatter’s comments kicked off a social<br />
media barrage, with many calling for boycotts<br />
of Papa John’s restaurants, and accusations<br />
that the company is racist. Fast forward three<br />
months…Manning exits as a franchisee just<br />
days before the NFL officially dumped Papa<br />
John’s as the official pizza of the NFL.<br />
Clearly Manning and the NFL no longer<br />
have a shared culture with Papa John’s.<br />
HITCH YOUR WAGON<br />
TO WINNING PEOPLE<br />
Manning’s franchise experience holds a valuable<br />
lesson for all of us: Do your homework and<br />
be very careful to whom you hitch your wagon.<br />
Understanding the business opportunity<br />
and potential local market for the product or<br />
service of a franchise is just step one. More<br />
importantly, who are the people behind the<br />
brand you are considering as an investment?<br />
What are their beliefs, their values, and the<br />
company culture? How do they approach the<br />
franchise relationship? And most importantly,<br />
what do their current (and former) franchisees<br />
have to say about their experience?<br />
While no brand or team is completely<br />
immune to missteps, the very best franchise<br />
companies have a long track record of doing<br />
right by their franchisees.<br />
“I would not have made this leap of faith<br />
without knowing that the company andthe<br />
people I was going to be partnering with were<br />
trustworthy and supportive,” says Scooter’s<br />
Coffee multi-unit franchise owner Ali Dreher.<br />
“Scooter’s corporate has been amazing at their<br />
training, support, and the time that they give<br />
you as a franchise owner.”<br />
Franchising is a people business. Before<br />
you invest in any franchise opportunity, take<br />
your time and really get to know the people<br />
behind the brand. Most multi-unit franchise<br />
agreements are 10–20 years long…longer than<br />
many marriages. Be sure your values, as well<br />
as your business interests, are aligned.<br />
“The collaborative culture between franchisor<br />
and franchisee at Fuzzy’s starts at the<br />
top with Mel Knight,” says Tampa natives<br />
and brothers Ian and Adam Lieberman, who<br />
along with Adam’s wife J-Ray, are multi-unit<br />
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop owners. “Mel is accessible,<br />
approachable and passionately embodies the<br />
spirit of the brand every day.”<br />
Knight is the President of Fuzzy’s Taco<br />
Shop, which was acquired by NRD Capital<br />
in 2016. NRD founder and Managing Partner<br />
Aziz Hashim and his team are a shining<br />
example of financial partners that “get it”<br />
when it comes to the franchisor-franchisee<br />
relationship.<br />
Before founding NRD Capital in 2014,<br />
Hashim was a very successful multi-unit franchisee<br />
himself, investing in such high-profile<br />
franchise brands as Popeye’s, KFC, Taco Bell,<br />
Dominos Pizza, and many others.<br />
IDENTIFYING THE BEST OF THE BEST<br />
There are many factors to consider when<br />
investing in any franchise: business model<br />
profitability, growth opportunity, long-term<br />
industry trends, brand innovation, company<br />
culture, training and ongoing support, and<br />
more. And especially when you are looking<br />
to commit to being a multi-unit franchise<br />
owner, all of these factors become even more<br />
important.<br />
To help you narrow your search for the<br />
best multi-unit franchise opportunities, we<br />
surveyed and interviewed over 6,600 multiunit<br />
franchise owners representing nearly 250<br />
of today’s leading franchise brands. We asked<br />
them the critical questions that any prospective<br />
business owner would want to know.<br />
A proven business model, solid profitability,<br />
and long-term growth opportunity were<br />
certainly important factors with the franchise<br />
owners we surveyed. However, the franchise<br />
companies that rose to the top shared many<br />
other characteristics in common. Strong leadership,<br />
an inclusive culture, excellent support,<br />
and a franchisee community that feels more<br />
“like family” than a business partnership.<br />
“There are so many franchisors out there<br />
that disappear as soon as they get business<br />
owners to sign on the dotted line,” said Chris<br />
8 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Alford, a Lenny’s Grill & Subs multi-unit<br />
franchisee based in San Antonio, TX. “That’s<br />
definitely not what Lenny’s is about. The corporate<br />
team invests time, energy and dollars<br />
into every one of its locations to ensure that<br />
their franchisees are successful.”<br />
Blake Edwards, a multi-unit franchise<br />
owner with Bin There Dump That in<br />
Ontario, Canada put it this way, “My only<br />
regret is not having started sooner! Bin There<br />
Dump That has provided me with a turn-key<br />
system where we consistently exceed customer<br />
expectations. Their proactive approach<br />
to franchise support has allowed me to spend<br />
my time on what’s really important to me and<br />
my family while growing my business.”<br />
“The support has always been there and<br />
that’s what has helped us grow from two stores<br />
to 25 stores,” said Pouya Moalej, a multi-unit<br />
Jamba Juice franchise owner. “We’re so<br />
blessed that we’ve grown so much with Jamba<br />
Juice. This brand has pretty much given me<br />
There are a few significant differences in financing a multi-unit franchise versus a single unit,<br />
though many of the same financing solutions will work for both. Unless you’re able to pay cash<br />
or credit, you’ll likely need to finance your investment. Before making any major investment, seek<br />
out the expertise of a financial professional familiar with franchising to review all your options and<br />
make sure you’re getting the most competitive rates.<br />
Here are some of the most common options to consider:<br />
everything I have right now. I’m glad I made<br />
the right decision eight years ago.”<br />
This year’s Top 50 Multi-Unit Franchises<br />
includes a wide variety of business types<br />
including real estate, food, fitness, business<br />
services, personal services, education, and<br />
more. There is definitely something for everyone<br />
on our list of award-winning franchises.<br />
Which one is the best opportunity for you?<br />
Only you can ultimately answer that question,<br />
but Franchise Business Review is here to<br />
help you in achieving your goal of multi-unit<br />
franchise ownership.<br />
We encourage you to explore our list of<br />
top multi-unit franchises. Reach out to the<br />
brands that interest you to learn more about<br />
opportunities in your area. Visit our website at<br />
FranchiseBusinesssReview.com to download<br />
free reports on today’s top franchise brands,<br />
and explore many other resources to help you<br />
succeed in franchising. We wish you the best<br />
of success!<br />
Financing Your Multi-Unit Franchise Investment<br />
SBA Business Loans<br />
The Small Business Administration encourages banks to lend to small business owners with<br />
preferable terms and low interest rates. When it comes to multi-unit franchises, SBA lenders<br />
usually look at each individual unit and also at the collective performance of all the units.<br />
401(k) Business Financing<br />
With 401(k) business financing (formally known as Rollovers for Business Start-ups or ROBS), you<br />
can use up to 100 percent of funds from an existing retirement account to buy franchise without<br />
taking a taxable distribution or getting a loan.<br />
Unsecured Loans<br />
Unsecured loans consist of multiple lines of revolving credit that can be used and paid back as<br />
needed. This type of loan shows up as revolving credit on your credit report and can impact credit<br />
score, especially if payments aren’t made on time.<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Brian<br />
Anderson<br />
FirstLight Home Care<br />
Fort Myers and Naples, FL<br />
Franchisee since 2013<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? I looked<br />
at numerous franchises and was turned off when<br />
they just handed me a manual for training. For<br />
the FirstLight model, the technology platforms<br />
are the industry’s best, and most importantly,<br />
they hold me accountable.<br />
What do you like most about your job? FirstLight<br />
is our partner in a constantly changing and<br />
learning environment of home health care. Our<br />
office is known for taking difficult cases, such<br />
as Behavioral Dementia and Senior Substance<br />
Abuse. We are a Veterans Choice Provider (VCP)<br />
helping homeless, low income veterans of all<br />
types to obtain the best care possible.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Did you<br />
receive any discounts/incentives? I am selffunded,<br />
knowing in the early years I would need<br />
to put it all back into my employees and clients.<br />
We have since passed many milestones in<br />
growth, almost doubling each year over the past<br />
several.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? What do you wish you had<br />
known prior to going into franchising? The<br />
Industry is a constantly changing environment<br />
of legal and healthcare initiatives. FirstLight<br />
is exceptional in this regard. On my first visit<br />
for the meet and greet, I appreciated that not<br />
only was I interviewing FirstLight, but that they<br />
were also interviewing me. They were truthful,<br />
direct, and their numbers matched my own<br />
industry research. I have a good relationship<br />
with FirstLight and look forward to a continued<br />
relationship in the future.<br />
Portfolio Loans<br />
You can borrow up to 80 percent against the value of your securities portfolio without having to<br />
liquidate your holdings. They’re ideal for financing multi-unit franchises as you can borrow, repay<br />
at will, and then borrow again when you’re ready to move forward with additional locations—<br />
all without getting a new loan.<br />
You can read the in-depth article, How to Finance Multi-Unit Franchise Growth, online at<br />
www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. For a detailed walkthrough on funding your franchise,<br />
visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com/Toolkit<br />
For more information about FirstLight HomeCare<br />
opportunities, call (877) 570-0002<br />
or visit www.FirstLightHomeCare.com.<br />
— by Jeremy Ames of Guidant Financial<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 9
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
THE LIST<br />
Best of the Best:<br />
Top 50 Multi-Unit<br />
Franchises<br />
101 Mobility<br />
Mobility equipment services<br />
Assisting Hands<br />
In-home senior care<br />
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate<br />
Real estate<br />
Survey<br />
Date<br />
Aug.<br />
2017<br />
Aug.<br />
2017<br />
Jan.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
Start-Up<br />
Investment<br />
$114,060 –<br />
$210,120<br />
$70,550 –<br />
$147,500<br />
$65,170 –<br />
$540,000<br />
Cash<br />
Requirement<br />
Total<br />
Units<br />
$100,000 148<br />
$38,500 111<br />
$100,000 293<br />
Budget Blinds<br />
Custom blinds and window coverings<br />
Dec.<br />
2016<br />
$110,140 –<br />
$230,870<br />
$64,950 1,150<br />
Captain D’s<br />
Fast casual<br />
June<br />
2017<br />
$771,000 –<br />
$1,003,000<br />
$350,000 523<br />
“I have multiple layers<br />
of franchise support,<br />
and the high quality of<br />
support is because each<br />
person I come in contact<br />
with seems to understand<br />
my goals.”<br />
* CertaPro Painters<br />
Painting<br />
* Checkers & Rally’s<br />
Quick-service<br />
* Crunch Fitness<br />
Fitness club<br />
Culver’s<br />
Quick-service<br />
Donatos Pizza<br />
Quick-service<br />
Feb.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
May<br />
2017<br />
Sep.<br />
2017<br />
Aug.<br />
2017<br />
July<br />
2017<br />
$134,750 –<br />
$169,500<br />
$96,414 –<br />
$1,501,265<br />
$1,200,000 –<br />
$1,600,000<br />
$1,845,000 –<br />
$4,155,000<br />
$449,000 –<br />
$667,000<br />
$80,000 483<br />
$250,000 875<br />
$300,000 –<br />
$400,000<br />
$350,000 –<br />
$600,000<br />
197<br />
610<br />
$200,000 152<br />
– CertaPro Franchisee<br />
ERA<br />
Real estate<br />
Jan.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
$4,800 –<br />
$221,900<br />
$4,800 –<br />
$221,900<br />
2,370<br />
* FASTSIGNS — more on p. 28<br />
Visual business communications<br />
April<br />
2017<br />
$182,329 –<br />
$267,520<br />
$80,000 675<br />
“Describing Hungry<br />
Howie’s in one word<br />
would be ‘Integrity.’<br />
The whole company<br />
has been built on<br />
this principle from<br />
the beginning.”<br />
Fazoli’s Restaurants<br />
Fast casual<br />
* FirstLight Home Care — more on p. 9<br />
In-home senior care<br />
Go Mini’s<br />
Portable storage<br />
Goldfish Swim School<br />
Swim lessons<br />
* Home Instead Senior Care<br />
In-home senior care<br />
HomeSmart International<br />
Real estate<br />
May<br />
2017<br />
May<br />
2017<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
Sep.<br />
2017<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
$1,098,000 –<br />
$1,739,818<br />
$97,681 –<br />
$141,726<br />
$208,441 –<br />
$396,645<br />
$1,335,283 –<br />
$3,065,358<br />
$115,000 –<br />
$125,000<br />
$65,000 –<br />
$205,000<br />
$250,000 210<br />
$65,000 245<br />
$200,000 –<br />
$400,000<br />
$450,000 –<br />
$600,000<br />
80<br />
65<br />
$55,000 1,095<br />
$20,000 102<br />
– Hungry Howie’s Pizza Franchisee<br />
* HomeVestors of America — more on p. 2<br />
Visual business communications<br />
Jan.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
$54,000 –<br />
$357,250<br />
$50,000 –<br />
$55,000<br />
900<br />
* Homewatch Caregivers<br />
In-home senior care<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
$83,000 –<br />
$131,000<br />
$50,000 198<br />
* HouseMaster — more on p. 21<br />
Professional home inspections<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
$61,100 –<br />
$106,150<br />
$42,500 313<br />
* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs — more on p. 1<br />
Quick-service<br />
Nov.<br />
2017<br />
$251,375 –<br />
$495,850<br />
$100,000 548<br />
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries<br />
Casual dining<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
$196,055 –<br />
$433,055<br />
$125,000 149<br />
*This brand’s Franchisee<br />
Satisfaction Report is available at<br />
www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com<br />
Keller Williams<br />
Real estate<br />
LaRosa’s Pizzeria<br />
Fast casual<br />
Oct.<br />
2016<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
$183,947 –<br />
$336,995<br />
$800,000 –<br />
$1,000,000<br />
$183,947 730<br />
$500,000 65<br />
10 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Survey<br />
Date<br />
Start-Up<br />
Investment<br />
Cash<br />
Requirement<br />
Total<br />
Units<br />
Linc Service Network<br />
Commercial HVAC services<br />
Feb.<br />
2017<br />
$66,350 –<br />
$136,000<br />
$66,350 –<br />
$136,000<br />
172<br />
Molly Maid<br />
Cleaning services<br />
Nov.<br />
2017<br />
$165,000 –<br />
$197,000<br />
$165,000 –<br />
$197,000<br />
471<br />
* Mosquito Joe<br />
Mosquito control services<br />
Feb.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
$66,600 –<br />
$127,500<br />
$55,000 234<br />
My Salon Suite<br />
Private, spacious salon suites<br />
Nov.<br />
2017<br />
$395,000 –<br />
$955,000<br />
$150,000 68<br />
Nothing Bundt Cakes<br />
Snack retailer<br />
May<br />
2017<br />
$400,037 –<br />
$566,837<br />
$150,000 250<br />
Orangetheory Fitness<br />
Fitness club<br />
Nov.<br />
2017<br />
$327,600 –<br />
$634,100<br />
$150,000 722<br />
Palm Beach Tan<br />
Beauty services<br />
Dec.<br />
2016<br />
$503,070 –<br />
$811,140<br />
$250,000 438<br />
Planet Fitness<br />
Fitness club<br />
March<br />
2017<br />
$853,390 –<br />
$2,882,070<br />
$600,000 1,371<br />
Precision Concrete Cutting<br />
Concrete maintenance services<br />
Property Damage Appraisers<br />
Property damage assessments<br />
* Remedy Intelligent Staffing — more on p. 23<br />
Staffing Company<br />
Right at Home<br />
In-home senior care<br />
RNR Tire Express — more on p. 31<br />
Custom wheel & tires<br />
Scooter’s Coffee<br />
Fast casual<br />
Feb.<br />
2017<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
Jan.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
Feb.<br />
2017<br />
Oct.<br />
2017<br />
Aug.<br />
2017<br />
$150,000 –<br />
$176,500<br />
$75,888 –<br />
$653,425<br />
$151,840 –<br />
$258,280<br />
$78,250 –<br />
$137,900<br />
$500,000 –<br />
$1,000,000<br />
$334,000 –<br />
$514,000<br />
$76,000 55<br />
$75,888 –<br />
$653,425<br />
242<br />
$165,000 615<br />
$150,000 558<br />
$500,000 15<br />
$100,000 193<br />
“It has been an incredible<br />
experience to have<br />
so many people not<br />
competing, but working<br />
towards the same goal.<br />
When one succeeds,<br />
we all do!”<br />
– Mosquito Joe Franchisee<br />
Sotheby’s International Realty<br />
Real estate<br />
Jan.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
$194,650 –<br />
$627,000<br />
$63,650 –<br />
$206,000<br />
607<br />
The @WORK Group<br />
Recruiting services<br />
Feb.<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
$152,000 –<br />
$211,000<br />
$150,000 100<br />
* The Goddard School<br />
Early childhood education<br />
July<br />
2017<br />
$706,700 –<br />
$750,700<br />
$150,000 434<br />
* The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company<br />
Quick-service<br />
— more on<br />
p. 25<br />
July<br />
2017<br />
$164,158 –<br />
$542,408<br />
$80,000 –<br />
$200,000<br />
207<br />
* The Learning Experience<br />
Early childhood education<br />
April<br />
2017<br />
$493,549 –<br />
$3,585,549<br />
$150,000 227<br />
The Wendy’s Company<br />
Quick-service<br />
June<br />
2017<br />
$300,000 –<br />
$3,000,000<br />
$2,000,000 6564<br />
Tropical Smoothie Cafe<br />
Fast casual<br />
Nov.<br />
2017<br />
$198,050 –<br />
$478,550<br />
$125,000 541<br />
* Two Men and A Truck<br />
Moving services<br />
March<br />
2017<br />
$95,000 –<br />
$670,000<br />
$95,000 –<br />
$670,000<br />
351<br />
Verlo Mattress Factory Stores<br />
Mattress retailer<br />
May<br />
2017<br />
$228,500 –<br />
$305,000<br />
$228,500 –<br />
$305,000<br />
59<br />
* Weed Man<br />
Lawn care<br />
July<br />
2017<br />
$68,453 –<br />
$85,513<br />
$50,000 656<br />
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates<br />
Real estate<br />
Sep.<br />
2017<br />
$50,000 –<br />
$364,700<br />
$50,000 –<br />
$364,000<br />
470<br />
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com | 11
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
>> Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com<br />
for in-depth interviews with this year’s<br />
Franchisee Rockstars!<br />
<strong>FBR</strong>’s <strong>2018</strong> Rockstar Franchisees<br />
<strong>FBR</strong> Recognizes Some of Franchising’s Finest<br />
The great Bill Rosenberg, founder of both<br />
Dunkin’ Donuts and co-founder of the International<br />
Franchise Association, once said,<br />
“You can’t have a successful franchisor without<br />
successful franchisees.”<br />
Rosenberg had a deep understanding and<br />
appreciation for the significant role that hard<br />
working, high performing franchisees played.<br />
These are the people that make franchising<br />
happen each and every day.<br />
At Franchise Business Review, we have a<br />
simple name for these successful individuals—<br />
we simply call them Rockstar Franchisees.<br />
We analyzed our research from over 27,000<br />
franchisee surveys, across more than 300<br />
leading franchise brands, to identify the best<br />
of the best in franchising today. We narrowed<br />
our search to just a few hundred candidates—<br />
successful franchise owners very much worthy<br />
of the title of rockstar.<br />
“There are so many fantastic success stories<br />
out there; it was painful to narrow our list<br />
down to just 50 Rockstar Franchisees,” said<br />
Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business<br />
Review. “There were hundreds of deserving<br />
business owners. In the end, we picked 50<br />
individuals that really stood out. Franchisees<br />
that not only excel in their businesses, but provide<br />
strong leadership within their franchise<br />
organizations and their local communities.”<br />
We asked a few of<br />
our winners to tell us<br />
about their franchise<br />
experience, and to share<br />
any advice they have<br />
for others considering<br />
investing in a franchise.<br />
Here’s what they<br />
had to say…<br />
12 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Owning a small business in the growth stage<br />
can be a great incubator for children.<br />
“<br />
We’re so proud of having been able to be there for our kids as they went through school<br />
and college…not being consumed in our business. We provided a high quality education<br />
for them, and a great lifestyle for our family. The harder times we went through in the<br />
earlier years were a great example for our children, and we’re very proud of the adults that<br />
they are becoming. Owning a small business in the growth stage can be a great incubator<br />
for children.”<br />
Brian & Nola Klaubert<br />
Christian Brothers Automotive<br />
Alpharetta, Suwanee, & Dacula, GA<br />
Few things are more satisfying than observing<br />
the professional growth of your employees.<br />
“<br />
Few things are more satisfying than observing the professional growth<br />
of your employees. Candidly, it’s not something I had expected when<br />
embarking into entrepreneurship some years ago. I’ve derived significant<br />
fulfillment from job creation, training and promotion, and from seeing<br />
the pride in the eyes of our people (and their families) as they advance<br />
their careers and realize professional goals.”<br />
Chris Mehalic<br />
Truly Nolen // Charlotte, NC<br />
Work hard.<br />
Plan to do what it takes to be successful.<br />
“<br />
Learn the systems of your new franchise. Amada taught me everything. I had never been<br />
in medical sales so I had no idea what I was doing. They taught me who to market to, how<br />
to market, and when to market. You need to learn all of the differentiators between you<br />
and your competition. Work hard. Plan to do what it takes to be successful. Sometimes it<br />
takes working 7 days a week.”<br />
Ken Jenson<br />
Amada Senior Care // Colorado Springs, CO<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 13
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Jonathan Shelson<br />
MaidPro // Thornhill, Ontario<br />
A franchise will provide you with<br />
systems and most importantly, support.<br />
“<br />
Starting a new business isn’t easy. A franchise will provide you with systems<br />
and most importantly, support. Through coaching, marketing, and other<br />
means, your franchisor is your expert business partner. I couldn’t imagine<br />
my business surviving without the support of the MaidPro Home Office and<br />
the other MaidPro owners.”<br />
“<br />
Being a part of the Brightway Insurance franchise has been a great experience<br />
during my seven years with the company. With a franchise like Brightway, you<br />
get the benefit of being part of a national brand and enjoy comprehensive<br />
business support including customer service, carrier relationships, marketing,<br />
accounting and technology. As a result, I’m able to focus on my customers, and<br />
growing my business while outselling other independent agents three-to-one.<br />
Lindsay Verdun<br />
TSS Photography // Peoria, IL<br />
“<br />
What I love most about TSS Photography<br />
is that we truly have a family atmosphere.<br />
Our franchisors are amazing and always<br />
make us feel like a valuable part of the team.<br />
We have so many colleagues we now call<br />
friends. Being able to share your own knowledge<br />
on professional levels, and offer an ear<br />
and compassions on personal matters as well—<br />
the relationships we have developed in this<br />
business keep us going.”<br />
Steve Trout<br />
Brightway Insurance // Rockledge, FL<br />
14 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Jane and Tom McElhaney<br />
Our Town America<br />
Charlotte NC / Columbia, SC<br />
Investing in a franchise is a wise decision,<br />
but choosing the right franchise is the key<br />
to your success.<br />
Frank Sprinkles<br />
AtWork Personnel // Sedalia, MO<br />
“What sets AtWork Personnel apart . . .<br />
Leadership, awareness, support, and an awesome<br />
group of owners and support staff to<br />
move the franchise forward into the everchanging<br />
staffing world!”<br />
“<br />
Investing in a franchise is a wise decision, but choosing the right franchise is the<br />
key to your success. Do your homework and investigate the type of franchise model<br />
that you would see as a vocation. Talk to other franchisees, get input, and have them<br />
share the experiences they’ve had. In the Our Town America franchise system, the<br />
franchisees pull together to contribute to each other’s success. It’s like one big family<br />
helping and looking out for each other.”<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 15
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
A franchise is similar to raising a child.<br />
Be prepared to love, nurture and go<br />
through the growing pains from birth<br />
to maturity.<br />
Kimberly Lombardi<br />
Pizza Factory // Phelan, CA<br />
“<br />
A franchise is similar to raising a child. Be prepared to love, nurture<br />
and go through the growing pains from birth to maturity. Expect<br />
to enjoy all the excitement it will bring, and don’t let the adversity<br />
get you down. Set realistic goals and take positive steps every day<br />
to make the goals come to fruition. Watch what other successful<br />
people do and emulate it. Be excited and passionate about what your<br />
business will do for your community, take all the knowledge and<br />
expertise your Franchisor gives to you, and run with it. Investing<br />
in a franchise means you do not have to ‘go it alone.’ You will get a<br />
family-like support system surrounding you.”<br />
Heather and Seth Allison<br />
American Poolplayers Association<br />
Reno and Carson City NV<br />
I had always envisioned starting<br />
a business where my husband,<br />
my parents, and I could all work<br />
together —a true “family owned<br />
and operated” venture.<br />
“<br />
Before purchasing the American Poolplayers Association franchise, I had<br />
always envisioned starting a business where my husband, my parents, and I<br />
could all work together—a true “family owned and operated” venture. Since<br />
none of us had experience owning a business, and all of us came from totally<br />
different professional backgrounds, the challenge was finding something<br />
that worked for everyone—something that could incorporate each of our<br />
strengths. The APA franchise was a perfect fit!”<br />
16 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
We like that we not only grew<br />
the business, but also a<br />
bunch of families.<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Phil Bacon<br />
FastSigns // Chattanooga, TN<br />
“<br />
To think about where we were<br />
when we started, and to look at<br />
our center now, is pretty amazing.<br />
But I am more proud that we have<br />
taken our employees with us. They<br />
have started families, bought houses, able<br />
to purchase medical insurance for themselves<br />
and their families. We like that we not only<br />
grew the business, but also a bunch of families.<br />
Proud to be in the top 5 centers in the world.<br />
There are a lot of good owners and operators<br />
that we admire. To think we can hang out with<br />
that group is pretty amazing.”<br />
Jason & Simon Courtney<br />
Office Pride // Pensacola, FL<br />
“<br />
We have the privilege of getting to know so<br />
many of the franchisees and visiting their locations,<br />
and to see how hard everyone works and<br />
how much effort we all put in. To be acknowledged<br />
this year as the Franchisee who has<br />
demonstrated the best overall performance in<br />
sales and continued growth, customer and<br />
employee satisfaction, contribution to Office<br />
Pride’s corporate brand development and<br />
reflection of Office Pride’s Core Values and<br />
Mission Statement. We have strived to give<br />
back as much as we have been given, and this<br />
feels like we are doing that.”<br />
There were so many amazing stories,<br />
we can only share a few highlights here in<br />
our report. For our full list of this year’s Franchisee<br />
Rockstars, as well as expansive interviews with our<br />
winners, visit us at FranchiseBusinessReview.com.<br />
Mark<br />
Sylvester<br />
CarePatrol<br />
Northern Arizona<br />
Franchisee since 2014<br />
— An <strong>FBR</strong> Franchisee Rockstar! —<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? I am a<br />
believer in the franchise model due to the value<br />
of a “proven system” as opposed to a grass-roots<br />
start-up and was impressed that CarePatrol was<br />
a consecutive <strong>FBR</strong> franchisee satisfaction award<br />
recipient. As a franchise partner entering my<br />
fourth year in business, I continue to receive<br />
business-building support and encouragement<br />
from CarePatrol to grow and prosper.<br />
What type of business experience, education,<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming<br />
a franchisee that you have found particularly<br />
helpful? I had transferrable skills sets from<br />
a regional sales management role in the<br />
construction products industry including<br />
territory management, customer relationship<br />
management, business development, marketing,<br />
and negotiation.<br />
What do you like most about your job? The<br />
absence of corporate politics, as well as the<br />
ability to listen, respond, and deliver to clients<br />
without delay, freedom to take risks and own the<br />
results, minimal business travel, and an overall<br />
improved quality of life.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Did you<br />
receive any discounts/incentives? My franchise<br />
was funded through personal savings without<br />
discounts or incentives.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? What do you wish you had<br />
known prior to going into franchising? Take<br />
100% personal ownership for your results and<br />
plan conservatively (net operating loss) for your<br />
first year.<br />
Safer Senior Living. Your Goal, Our Mission.<br />
For more information about CarePatrol<br />
opportunities, call (480) 626-2450 or visit<br />
www.discovercarepatrol.com.<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 17
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
Above: First time guests: Complimentary class at Orangetheory Fitness.<br />
Right: WOW 1 DAY PAINTING is the innovative painting franchise that delivers the quality<br />
customers expect in a timeline that’s unexpected.<br />
Who Is the Next McDonald’s?<br />
Discovering the Next Big Franchises<br />
When most people think of franchising<br />
success stories, McDonald’s is often held up<br />
as the gold standard. And while the McDonald’s<br />
story is truly an amazing one, McDonald’s<br />
was far from an overnight success.<br />
The McDonald’s brothers (Dick and Mack)<br />
started flipping burgers in their first restaurant<br />
in the early 1940s. A decade later, in 1953,<br />
they had perfected the business enough to<br />
start franchising. And by 1959, they opened<br />
their 100th location—thanks in big part to<br />
their now-famous partnership with Ray Kroc.<br />
The Subway franchise story is similar. It took<br />
founder Fred Deluca a decade to get the business<br />
dialed-in, and the better part of another<br />
decade to grow the franchise business to over<br />
100 locations. Many people think of these<br />
iconic brands as overnight franchising success<br />
stories, when in reality, they were 20–30<br />
years in the making.<br />
Contrast this with some of the newest<br />
“breakout” franchise brands of the past<br />
decade. Kona Ice is just one example. This<br />
“little” shaved ice franchise based in Florence,<br />
Kentucky was founded in 2007, started franchising<br />
a year later in 2008, and has grown to<br />
nearly 1,000 outlets in just ten years. Kona Ice<br />
is adding 100+ locations per year and shows<br />
no signs of slowing down.<br />
Orangetheory Fitness is another breakout<br />
brand of the decade, growing to nearly 600<br />
locations in just eight short years. Generally<br />
speaking, very fast growth doesn’t always<br />
bode well for franchisees, but in the case of<br />
Orangetheory and Kona, they have built<br />
strong franchise operations teams to support<br />
extraordinary growth.<br />
18 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
THE FRANCHISE TIPPING POINT<br />
There are several hundred new companies<br />
that start franchising every year. Many of<br />
their owners probably have similar visions<br />
to Ray Kroc, hoping to build the next franchise<br />
empire. But the reality is few franchise<br />
companies ever make it really big. In fact, the<br />
majority of franchise opportunities available<br />
today are with companies that are under 100<br />
locations. That said, you don’t have to invest<br />
in a big franchise company in order to be successful<br />
as a franchise owner.<br />
“Big isn’t always better,” says Eric Stites,<br />
CEO and Founder of Franchise Business<br />
Review. “Size certainly gives you scale, and<br />
other advantages like higher brand awareness<br />
and greater purchasing power. But<br />
just because a franchise company is large, it<br />
doesn’t automatically mean that the franchisees<br />
are happy and successful.”<br />
The tipping point for new and emerging<br />
franchise companies tends be somewhere<br />
between 50–100 units/locations. This is where<br />
the company becomes royalty self-sufficient…<br />
in other words, prospering on royalty revenues<br />
paid by successful franchisees, rather<br />
than being dependent on franchise fees from<br />
the sale of new franchise locations.<br />
Stites explains, “In those early days, when a<br />
franchise company’s only significant revenue<br />
source is new franchise fees, they can make a lot<br />
of mistakes. The good franchise companies<br />
quickly reinvest franchise fee income into building<br />
the support structures necessary to grow.”<br />
In addition to Kona and Orangetheory,<br />
Franchise Business Review has been tracking<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Sally Hanson & Roger Osborn<br />
Our Town America<br />
Raleigh, NC, Fort Myers and Naples, FL<br />
Franchisee since 2015<br />
Franchisee Satisfaction: Emerging Brands<br />
Even though Emerging franchise systems can be considered riskier investments than more<br />
established systems, many franchise owners have found success with these newer brands<br />
by getting in on the ground floor. In fact, looking at franchisee satisfaction data spanning a<br />
recent 18-month period, franchisees of Emerging brands showed a more positive sentiment<br />
in several key areas compared to all franchise owners we’ve surveyed.<br />
Percent of franchisees reporting positive sentiment<br />
100%<br />
50%<br />
0%<br />
74%<br />
62%<br />
Franchisor and<br />
Opportunity Provided<br />
Emerging Franchises<br />
76%<br />
60%<br />
Overall Satisfaction<br />
* Note: Based on franchise owners in business for two years or longer.<br />
All Franchises<br />
84%<br />
73%<br />
Would You Recommend<br />
This Franchise?<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? My friend<br />
had been a successful franchisee for 10 years<br />
and recommended Our Town America. I was<br />
looking for a business model where I could work<br />
from home with a flexible schedule and have few<br />
to no employees. The company offers so much<br />
support, from appointment setting services to<br />
sponsor services management. We have a<br />
wonderful corporate culture, much like a family.<br />
What type of business experience, education,<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming<br />
a franchisee that you have found particularly<br />
helpful? I have a strong background in<br />
advertising sales and management. The role is<br />
similar to what I’ve been doing my entire career,<br />
but now I get to do it for myself and my family.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Did you<br />
receive any discounts/incentives? My husband<br />
and business partner is a veteran so we were<br />
able to take advantage of the $10,000 Military<br />
discount that OTA corporate provides. We used<br />
our savings for the franchise fee, but we were<br />
able to pay it back and turn a profit within the<br />
first year.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? What do you wish you had<br />
known prior to going into franchising? I think<br />
it’s necessary to have a strong direct sales<br />
background and to be able to manage time well.<br />
It’s also important to follow the training and<br />
guidance the company provides. You will do well<br />
if you do.<br />
For more information about Our Town America<br />
opportunities, call (800) 497-8360 x236<br />
or visit www.ourtownamerica.com.<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 19
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Pete Wilson<br />
Window Genie<br />
West Chester, OH<br />
Franchisee since 2015<br />
— An <strong>FBR</strong> Franchisee Rockstar! —<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? I liked<br />
the business model of home services and being<br />
able to offer multiple services for the home<br />
owner to keep their home looking great. We<br />
offer window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter<br />
cleaning, window film installation, and holiday<br />
lighting.<br />
What type of business experience, education,<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming<br />
a franchisee that you have found particularly<br />
helpful? I had tremendous leadership training<br />
and experience while serving in the Marine<br />
Corps, and I coupled that with several years of<br />
corporate experience and also receiving an MBA.<br />
What do you like most about your job? I most<br />
enjoy interacting with our wonderful customers,<br />
making their homes look amazing through our<br />
services, and helping my employees reach their<br />
goals in life.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Did you<br />
receive any discounts/incentives? I used an SBA<br />
veterans loan, and received a discount through<br />
the franchisor for being a veteran. Window<br />
Genie, as a member of VetFran, offers additional<br />
territory, a $7,500 value, at no cost to veterans.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? What do you wish you had<br />
known prior to going into franchising? Take your<br />
time and do your research to find the right brand<br />
that fits you best and ask a lot of questions. Be<br />
prepared to work hard, make good decisions, and<br />
trust yourself.<br />
For more information about Window Genie<br />
opportunities, call (800) 700-0022 or visit<br />
www.windowgeniefranchise.com.<br />
Kona Ice franchisees tap into the popularity of the frozen dessert industry.<br />
several very strong franchise companies that<br />
have crossed the 100 unit mark over the last<br />
decade. These franchises include FirstLight<br />
Home Care, Mosquito Joe, Better Homes<br />
& Gardens Real Estate, Crunch Fitness,<br />
Pinot’s Palette, CarePatrol, 101 Mobility,<br />
and Brightway Insurance.<br />
UPSTARTS WITH STRONG PROMISE<br />
Looking at companies that just started franchising<br />
in the last few years, we found a handful<br />
that show a lot of promise. Senior Care<br />
Authority, who started franchising in 2014,<br />
has already grown to nearly 50 locations, and<br />
is outpacing many of their competitors in the<br />
home healthcare industry. Bloomin’ Blinds is<br />
another 2014 franchise upstart with a lot of<br />
promise, poised to grab their share of the<br />
multi-billion dollar window treatment market.<br />
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WITH<br />
EMERGING FRANCHISES<br />
No matter what type of business you open—<br />
franchise or independent, up and coming or<br />
50 years old—there’s risk involved, but buying<br />
a franchise from an emerging brand can come<br />
with more risk if you don’t do your homework.<br />
Emerging franchises (and smaller brands)<br />
often come with a smaller corporate office and<br />
fewer resources, which can equate to less support<br />
for operators. Franchisees may struggle as<br />
the first in their market. With no prior brand<br />
recognition, it’s completely up to them to market<br />
their business, gain brand recognition, and,<br />
for franchisees of new concepts, they constantly<br />
have to explain what it is they do.<br />
On the other hand, franchisees new to a<br />
market have the opportunity to establish their<br />
reputation and image with no preconceived<br />
ideas of what they do or how they operate.<br />
Franchisees and franchisors both told us<br />
there’s more openness to franchisee input at a<br />
new brand, which might be an advantage for<br />
someone looking for the stability of franchising<br />
with the entrepreneurial feel of a start-up.<br />
“There’s a growing community of independent<br />
health and beauty professionals<br />
nationwide, and with MY SALON Suite,<br />
I’m meeting their demand for luxury, private<br />
working spaces,” said Aaron Gillaspie, a multiunit<br />
franchisee with MY SALON Suite, which<br />
started franchising in 2012. “I’ve opened<br />
multiple units throughout Houston and San<br />
Antonio with the corporate office’s ongoing<br />
marketing support, educational opportunities,<br />
and ambitious culture. Their top notch amenities<br />
have proven to be exactly what stylists in<br />
my region are looking for.”<br />
20 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Dan LaBrake<br />
HouseMaster<br />
Broken Arrow, OK<br />
Franchisee since 2002<br />
— An <strong>FBR</strong> Franchisee Rockstar! —<br />
Two Maids & A Mop’s fast growth is attributed to its innovative employee pay for performance compensation plan.<br />
Conducting thorough due diligence is<br />
important with any franchise opportunity, but<br />
it’s even more important with a new brand.<br />
Unfortunately, it can also be more difficult<br />
to clearly assess the strength of the franchise<br />
system and support. You will need to work<br />
harder to learn all there is to know about the<br />
franchise company—looking closely at the<br />
individual backgrounds of the leadership and<br />
asking detailed questions about the strategic<br />
vision for today, tomorrow, and five years<br />
from now.<br />
It takes a lot more than a healthy flagship<br />
store to be a successful franchise system, but<br />
we sometimes see new franchise companies<br />
that are based solely on that—the success<br />
of one or two stores. It’s imperative that the<br />
franchise structure, training, systems, and<br />
leadership be set up to support growth. In the<br />
end, there are both pros and cons to buying<br />
an up-and-coming franchise brand— as there<br />
are with any type of business investment.<br />
Investors need to find the franchise system<br />
that’s built for growth—both of the franchisee<br />
and the corporate office—and the brand that<br />
best suits their needs and personality type.<br />
TAKING THE NEXT STEP<br />
There are many great franchise opportunities<br />
available to investors today, and we pride<br />
ourselves in identifying the best of the best.<br />
If you are considering an emerging brand, it’s<br />
important you look carefully at the franchise<br />
structure and leadership that’s behind that<br />
brand. Do they have the corporate resources<br />
to properly support you? Does the leadership<br />
team have previous experience in the franchise<br />
industry? Does the concept itself have<br />
staying power?<br />
Take your time and find the right franchise<br />
fit for you. We’re here to help. For more<br />
information on our research and the latest<br />
franchise reviews, visit our website www.<br />
FranchiseBusinessReview.com.<br />
For a complete listing of the most promising<br />
startup franchise brands of the past decade,<br />
visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com.<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? Since I<br />
did not have any experience in the building or<br />
construction industry, I determined the franchise<br />
model gave me the highest percentage of<br />
succeeding. HouseMaster is the oldest home<br />
inspection franchise and they had a proven track<br />
record of success. My due diligence included<br />
a trip to New Jersey to meet the leaders in the<br />
industry and the decision was easy.<br />
What type of business experience, education,<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming<br />
a franchisee that you have found particularly<br />
helpful? My previous career of 20 years in the<br />
telecommunication industry required detailed<br />
analytical skills and excellent interpersonal<br />
skills. These exact skills are necessary to be a<br />
successful property inspector.<br />
What do you like most about your job? This<br />
job requires attention to detail with a great<br />
deal of responsibility. We are charged with<br />
assisting people to make informed decisions on<br />
large purchases. The ever changing industries<br />
involved with home construction mandates<br />
constant vigilance to stay educated. It requires<br />
a dedicated work ethic and a continual effort to<br />
remain a master—a HouseMaster.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? Following the system presents<br />
the best opportunity of succeeding while<br />
avoiding many of the pitfalls that one might<br />
otherwise experience. The ability to lean on,<br />
learn from, and share with the franchise family<br />
is the best system of support and education one<br />
could anticipate.<br />
What do you wish you had known prior to going<br />
into franchising? It would have been helpful<br />
to have some business education. Many of the<br />
decisions necessary to start and run a business<br />
were not part of the franchise model in 2002.<br />
For more information about HouseMaster<br />
opportunities, call (800) 526-3930 or visit<br />
www.housemaster.com.<br />
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 21
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
TOP 200<br />
FRANCHISES<br />
Today’s leading brands based<br />
on <strong>FBR</strong>’s owner satisfaction data.<br />
*Full Satisfaction Report Available<br />
at FranchiseBusinessReview.com<br />
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE<br />
ADVERTISING & SALES<br />
* Our Town America — more on p. 6, 19<br />
N2 Publishing<br />
Proforma<br />
Welcomemat Services<br />
Town Money Saver<br />
Discovery Map<br />
AUTOMOTIVE<br />
* Christian Brothers Automotive — more on p. 6<br />
* Snap-on Tools — more on inside front cover<br />
RNR Tire Express — more on p. 31<br />
Auto Appraisal Network<br />
Priceless Car Rental<br />
Tint World<br />
BUSINESS SERVICES<br />
* FASTSIGNS — more on p. 28<br />
Sanford Rose Associates<br />
* Sandler Training<br />
* Minuteman Press — more on p. 29<br />
* ActionCOACH<br />
* Brightway Insurance<br />
The @WORK Group<br />
YESCO<br />
Dale Carnegie — more on p. 26<br />
* Murphy Business & Financial<br />
* Supporting Strategies<br />
Sir Speedy<br />
Office Evolution<br />
The Alternative Board<br />
InXpress<br />
PIP Printing & Document Services<br />
Speedpro Imaging<br />
CHILD SERVICES<br />
* Soccer Shots<br />
TGA Premier Sports<br />
High Touch High Tech<br />
Young Rembrandts<br />
KidsPark<br />
Goldfish Swim School<br />
Snapology<br />
Amazing Athletes<br />
College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors<br />
Child Services continued<br />
* TSS Photography — more on p. 30<br />
The Little Gym<br />
British Swim School<br />
CompuChild<br />
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE<br />
* MaidPro<br />
Aire-Master of America<br />
* Office Pride — more on p. 31<br />
Jan-Pro (Master Franchisors)<br />
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning<br />
Anago Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors)<br />
Rooterman<br />
* The Maids — more on p. 26<br />
Two Maids & A Mop<br />
You’ve Got MAIDS<br />
Buildingstars<br />
* Image One — more on p. 4<br />
EDUCATION<br />
* The Goddard School<br />
* Mathnasium<br />
* The Learning Experience<br />
Huntington Learning Center — more on p. 27<br />
Online Trading Academy<br />
The Tutoring Center<br />
Best In Class Education Centers<br />
Creative World School<br />
FINANCIAL & TAX<br />
* Payroll Vault Franchising — more on p. 26<br />
Estrella Insurance<br />
FITNESS<br />
* Crunch Fitness<br />
Orangetheory Fitness<br />
9Round<br />
Baby Boot Camp<br />
ILOVEKICKBOXING.COM<br />
Burn Boot Camp — more on inside back cover<br />
30-Minute Hit<br />
The MAX Challenge<br />
Planet Fitness<br />
World Gym<br />
Maidpro<br />
Startup Investment: $74,560 – $204,450<br />
Cash Requirement: $75,000<br />
Total Units: 221<br />
MaidPro prides itself on its proven<br />
groundbreaking technology, creative marketing,<br />
established brand identity, and stellar support<br />
to its franchisees. MaidPro offers you the<br />
advantages of rapid growth, low start-up costs,<br />
manageable hours, and recurring revenue.<br />
MaidPro has received Franchise Business<br />
Review’s Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50<br />
awards for franchisee satisfaction every year<br />
from 2006-2017. MaidPro is also offering a<br />
veteran discount valued at $15,000 for U.S. and<br />
Canadian veterans. Join a franchise family that<br />
gives you control and ownership of your business<br />
with unmatched 24/7 support.<br />
For more information on MaidPro<br />
opportunities, call (888) 624-3776<br />
or visit www.maidprofranchise.com.<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE<br />
Checkers<br />
Startup Investment: $96,414 – $1,501,265<br />
Cash Requirement: $250,000<br />
Total Units: 870+<br />
GET THERE FASTER WITH CHECKERS & RALLY’S!<br />
Franchisees achieve their financial and growth<br />
goals faster with Checkers & Rally’s because<br />
of our low initial investment, strong return<br />
on investment, nimble modular building<br />
construction, and competitive franchise growth<br />
incentives. For over 30 years, we have focused<br />
on bold and flavorful food, amazing value for our<br />
guests, and restaurant profitability. Amid seven<br />
consecutive years of same-store sales growth and<br />
870+ restaurants, we still have top-tier market<br />
availability in all major US markets. Discover why<br />
Checkers & Rally's was named one of the BEST<br />
FRANCHISE DEALS by QSR Magazine in 2017 &<br />
2016.<br />
See page 24 for additional top franchises.<br />
Visit <strong>FBR</strong>50.com for brand details.<br />
For more information on Checkers<br />
opportunites, call (888) 913-9135 or visit<br />
www.checkersfranchising.com.<br />
22 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com
NOW’S THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR<br />
BIG<br />
MOVE<br />
Put your business development skills to work for you.<br />
Take the next step forward in your career with a<br />
Remedy Intelligent Staffing franchise.<br />
Get your piece of the $147 billion staffing industry<br />
with the resources and support of a national leader.<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Ben Smith<br />
The Glass Guru<br />
Baton Rouge, LA<br />
Franchisee since 2010<br />
LEARN MORE ABOUT US!<br />
CHAD WRIGHT - FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR<br />
502-255-2297 | REMEDYFRANCHISE.COM<br />
What type of business experience, education,<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a<br />
franchisee that you have found particularly<br />
helpful? I spent six years selling construction<br />
equipment, so I felt like It was a good fit for me<br />
and my past work experience. I’d say I owe my<br />
success to “doing the right thing.” Treating<br />
employees and customers with equal respect is<br />
how I continue to grow my business year after<br />
year. This is indicative of The Glass Guru’s culture<br />
franchise-wide.<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? I wanted a<br />
job where I wasn’t at the mercy of an employer or<br />
anyone else. I didn’t feel like I had a trade that would<br />
translate into running my own small business, but<br />
when I spoke with the people at The Glass Guru<br />
headquarters, everything seemed to make sense.<br />
What do you like most about your job? I like<br />
getting out of the office and working with customers.<br />
I like being able to help people and fill a need.<br />
JOIN A<br />
TIME-TESTED,<br />
THRIVING<br />
BUSINESS<br />
It’s time to look into opening a Pizza Factory franchise and experience<br />
our fun, family-focused community and welcoming atmosphere.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Did you<br />
receive any discounts/incentives? One of the<br />
reasons I was drawn to The Glass Guru franchise<br />
was its low startup cost. When purchasing the<br />
franchise, I was able to finance part through the<br />
franchise system and take out a small business<br />
loan. Through the immediate success of the<br />
business I was able to pay both off the same year.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? Owning your own business<br />
isn’t for everyone, but if you’re willing to work, do<br />
what you say will do, be fair to everyone, whether<br />
it be your smallest customer, your largest<br />
customer, your vendors, and especially your<br />
employees, then The Glass Guru is a great<br />
business opportunity. I have no regrets with<br />
starting The Glass Guru of Baton Rouge. It is one of<br />
the best business decisions I have made and I look<br />
forward to many more years of success!<br />
pizzafactoryfranchises.com 1-562-340-6925<br />
For more information on The Glass Guru<br />
opportunities, call (916) 407-0934 or<br />
visit www.theglassgurufranchise.com.<br />
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com | 23
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE<br />
<strong>2018</strong> TOP 200<br />
FRANCHISES<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE<br />
* Kona Ice<br />
Culver’s<br />
Fazoli’s Restaurants<br />
Wings Etc.<br />
Captain D’s<br />
* Checkers & Rally’s<br />
The Wendy’s Company<br />
LaRosa’s Pizzeria<br />
Tropical Smoothie Cafe<br />
Nothing Bundt Cakes<br />
Lenny’s Sub Shop<br />
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries<br />
Zaxby’s<br />
* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs — more on p. 1<br />
Scooter’s Coffee<br />
The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company — more on<br />
p. 25<br />
* Pizza Factory — more on p. 21<br />
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — more on p. 28<br />
Penn Station<br />
* East Coast Wings & Grill<br />
Jamba Juice<br />
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop<br />
Biggby Coffee<br />
Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs<br />
Donatos Pizza<br />
Eggs Up Grill<br />
Buffalo Wings & Rings<br />
Toppers Pizza<br />
Bahama Buck’s<br />
* Happy & Healthy Products<br />
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Systems<br />
Costa Vida<br />
Zoup!<br />
HEALTH & PERSONAL SERVICES<br />
Palm Beach Tan<br />
* My Salon Suite<br />
BioPed Footcare Centres<br />
Sport Clips — more on back cover<br />
Fastest Labs<br />
HOME SERVICES<br />
* CertaPro Painters<br />
Miracle Method Surface Refinishing<br />
* HouseMaster — more on p. 21<br />
Budget Blinds<br />
Home Services continued<br />
* DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen<br />
Surface Specialists Systems<br />
Property Damage Appraisers<br />
Shine Window Care & Holiday Lighting<br />
Garage Experts<br />
Bloomin Blinds<br />
WOW 1 DAY PAINTING<br />
Tailored Living<br />
USA Insulation<br />
California Closets<br />
Go Mini’s<br />
* The Glass Guru — more on p. 23, 27<br />
* Kitchen Solvers<br />
The Grout Doctor<br />
ShelfGenie<br />
PET SERVICES<br />
In Home Pet Services<br />
The Dog Wizard<br />
Sit Means Sit Dog Training<br />
Dogtopia<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
Keller Williams<br />
Sotheby’s International Realty<br />
Weichert Real Estate<br />
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate<br />
Showhomes Home Staging<br />
ERA<br />
* HomeVestors of America — more on p. 2<br />
HomeSmart International<br />
United Country Real Estate<br />
RETAIL<br />
* Wild Birds Unlimited<br />
Pinch A Penny<br />
Rhea Lana’s<br />
Just Between Friends<br />
* Big Frog Custom T-Shirts<br />
Color Me Mine<br />
Mainstream Boutique<br />
Family Fare<br />
Verlo Mattress Factory Stores<br />
SENIOR SERVICES<br />
* Home Instead Senior Care<br />
* Visiting Angels<br />
* FirstLight Home Care — more on p. 9<br />
See page 25 for additional top franchises.<br />
Visit <strong>FBR</strong>50.com for brand details.<br />
LaRosa’s<br />
Startup Investment: $800,000 – $1,000,000<br />
Cash Requirement: $500,000<br />
Total Units: 65<br />
LaRosa’s is a family-style pizzeria serving over<br />
40 menu items for dine in, carry-out or delivery.<br />
For over 60 years, we’ve demonstrated consistent<br />
performance and proven Guest appeal. Our full<br />
service concept features a dining room, bar and<br />
party area. All pick-up and delivery orders are<br />
taken in our unique Guest Service Center. Guests<br />
enjoy world class service, and relationship<br />
management technology uses Guest order data<br />
to drive our loyalty program.<br />
For more information on LaRosa’s opportunites,<br />
call (513) 347-5660 or visit www.larosas.com/<br />
franchise.<br />
RETAIL<br />
Wild Birds Unlimited<br />
Startup Investment: $146,516 – $249,956<br />
Cash Requirement: $40,000<br />
Total Units: 305<br />
Wild Birds Unlimited owners are their local<br />
communities’ backyard bird feeding specialists<br />
and a premiere source for nature information<br />
as well as quality products. But who we are<br />
goes far beyond the items we sell. It’s our<br />
owners’ commitment to their customers that<br />
distinguishes them from other retailers, a<br />
fact that makes us very proud. Wild Birds<br />
Unlimited owners enjoy helping their customers<br />
understand birds and nature, swapping stories<br />
about the latest bird sightings and seeing other<br />
people share their excitement.<br />
Special Veteran Incentives: Offers a 15%<br />
discount off the initial franchise fee.<br />
For more information on Wild Birds Unlimited<br />
opportunities, call (888) 730-7108 or visit<br />
www.wbufranchise.com.<br />
24 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com
SERVICES<br />
TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY<br />
Senior Services continued<br />
Window Genie<br />
Startup Investment: $90,800 – $140,000<br />
Cash Requirement: $50,000<br />
Total Units: 121<br />
Window Genie is a nationally ranked mobile<br />
service franchise specializing in residential<br />
and light commercial window cleaning, window<br />
tinting, pressure washing and more. Our services<br />
are in high demand because we specialize in<br />
the time-consuming, difficult, but necessary<br />
property maintenance tasks most people are<br />
unwilling or unable to do themselves. By offering<br />
a variety of services to fit every home’s needs<br />
and budget, our owners are able to establish<br />
repeat and referral clients that provide multiple<br />
streams of revenue year-round. With our<br />
commitments to branding, professionalism and<br />
customer satisfaction, our owners stand out in<br />
their markets as the trusted go-to home service<br />
providers.<br />
For more information on Window Genie<br />
opportunities, call (800) 700-0022<br />
or visit www.windowgeniefranchise.com.<br />
Have your DESSERT<br />
and own it too!<br />
Call us for more information!<br />
Häagen-Dazs Shoppe, Inc.<br />
Development<br />
(612) 337-3314<br />
Molly.Hanson@US.Nestle.com<br />
Expedia<br />
Startup Investment: $150,000 – $250,000<br />
Cash Requirement: $100,000<br />
Total Units: 225<br />
Expedia CruiseShipCenters is North America’s<br />
largest retail travel agency franchise and a<br />
leading seller of cruise travel. Build equity and<br />
enjoy a great lifestyle with our proven franchise<br />
model with more than 30 years of success and<br />
over 250 locations throughout North America. As<br />
a full service travel agency specializing in cruises,<br />
your Expedia CruiseShipCenters location will<br />
offer travelers in your community a wide range<br />
of travel products along with outstanding service<br />
and Expedia prices. With 27.2 million cruisers are<br />
expected to set sail in <strong>2018</strong> according to Cruise<br />
Lines International Association, there’s never<br />
been a more exciting time to join this growing<br />
industry with an Expedia franchise.<br />
For more information on Expedia<br />
opportunities, call (844) 358-0361<br />
or visit www.expediafranchise.com.<br />
Right at Home<br />
Assisting Hands<br />
* Amada Senior Care<br />
Home Care Assistance<br />
* Homewatch CareGivers<br />
* Senior Care Authority<br />
* CarePatrol — more on p. 17<br />
SERVICES<br />
Precision Concrete Cutting<br />
* Weed Man<br />
* Two Men and A Truck<br />
Truly Nolen of America<br />
Bin There Dump That<br />
FRSTeam<br />
Complete Weddings and Events<br />
* Fish Window Cleaning<br />
* Fibrenew<br />
College Hunks Hauling Junk<br />
* Window Genie — more on p. 20<br />
* U.S. Lawns<br />
Linc Service Network<br />
Critter Control<br />
Real Property Management<br />
101 Mobility<br />
Precision Door Service<br />
* Mosquito Joe<br />
Signal 88 Security — more on p. 29<br />
Creative Colors International<br />
Leather Medic<br />
NaturaLawn of America<br />
Service Team of Professionals<br />
PortraitEFX<br />
MarbleLife<br />
SPORTS & REC<br />
American Poolplayers Association<br />
Kampgrounds of America/ KOA<br />
* Pinot’s Palette<br />
APEX Fun Run<br />
* Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park<br />
Rockin’ Jump<br />
Wine and Design<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
TeamLogic IT<br />
TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY<br />
* CruiseOne — more on p. 4<br />
* Cruise Planners<br />
Expedia CruiseShipCenters<br />
Visit <strong>FBR</strong>50.com for brand details.<br />
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com | 25
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Brittany<br />
Schmid<br />
Dale Carnegie Training<br />
San Francisco, San Diego,<br />
San Jose, and Oakland, CA<br />
Franchisee since 2015<br />
— An <strong>FBR</strong> Franchisee Rockstar! —<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? My dad<br />
gave me the book How to Win Friends and<br />
Influence People by Dale Carnegie when I<br />
graduated from college. The lessons learned<br />
helped me along my career path and now I have<br />
come full circle! Dale Carnegie was a trailblazer,<br />
and the business continues to innovate and<br />
remain at the top of its industry.<br />
What type of business experience, education,<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming<br />
a franchisee that you have found particularly<br />
helpful? By having the balance of extensive<br />
sales experience, a background in corporate<br />
training, and years of leadership lessons to draw<br />
from, it set us up to hit the ground running.<br />
What do you like most about your job? It’s<br />
humbling and inspiring to be a part of an<br />
organization that tackles the human attitudes<br />
and behaviors that drive performance change<br />
with a simple but powerful approach. With a<br />
comprehensive host of coaching and assessment<br />
solutions to complement training, we are<br />
consistently engaged in helping others achieve<br />
their definition of success.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? What do you wish you had<br />
known prior to going into franchising? I had<br />
a misconception of what franchises were and<br />
I didn’t realize the diversity of franchise options<br />
available. I knew that I had the entrepreneur bug,<br />
I just didn’t know how to jump in… franchising<br />
offered that start. I wish that I had been exposed<br />
to franchising with Dale Carnegie earlier in<br />
my career!<br />
For more information about Dale Carnegie<br />
opportunities, call (800) 231-5800 or visit<br />
dalecarnegiefranchise.com.<br />
26 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com
AUTOMOTIVE<br />
SERVICES<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Snap-on Tools<br />
Startup Investment: $171, 385 – $359,767<br />
Cash Requirement: $35,677 – $53,366<br />
Total Units: 4,845<br />
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global<br />
innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of<br />
tools, diagnostics, and equipment solutions<br />
for professional users. Product lines include<br />
hand and power tools, and are sold through<br />
its franchisees, company-direct sales, and<br />
distributor channels, as well as over the internet.<br />
For more information on Snap-on Tools<br />
opportunities, call (877) 476-2766<br />
or visit www.snaponfranchise.com.<br />
Two Men and A Truck<br />
Startup Investment: $95,000 – $670,000<br />
Cash Requirement: $95,000 – $670,000<br />
Total Units: 351<br />
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ® is the largest<br />
franchised moving company in North America.<br />
Currently there are more than 380 locations<br />
and 2,900 trucks operating in 43 U.S. states in<br />
addition to Canada, UK, and Ireland. TWO MEN<br />
AND A TRUCK ® has performed more than 6.5<br />
million moves since its inception in 1985. The<br />
company has seen consistent monthly growth<br />
dating back to December 2009 with more than<br />
95 consecutive months of growth. In 2017,<br />
Entrepreneur Magazine ranked TWO MEN AND A<br />
TRUCK ® as one of the top 500 franchises in the<br />
U.S for the 23rd consecutive year and ranked<br />
the company no. 1 in the moving/junk removal<br />
category for the second year in a row.<br />
For more information on Two Men and A Truck<br />
opportunities, call (800) 345-1070<br />
or visit franchise.twomenandatruck.com.<br />
Bob Harms<br />
Huntington Learning Center<br />
Pembroke Pines West and<br />
Plantation, FL<br />
Franchisee since 2007<br />
— An <strong>FBR</strong> Franchisee Rockstar! —<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? The<br />
Huntington Learning Center franchise model<br />
was a big reason for me to purchase the business.<br />
I found that a franchise was an easy way to<br />
transition from corporate America to my own<br />
business without having to “create a new wheel.”<br />
What type of business experience, education<br />
and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a<br />
franchisee that you found particularly helpful?<br />
I have an undergraduate degree in marketing<br />
and two graduate degrees in management<br />
and international business. Previously, I was<br />
a business development manager. Having the<br />
experience and education in business helped me<br />
understand how to manage staff and have the<br />
common sense to follow a business model that<br />
has already been successful.<br />
What do you like most about your job? My<br />
favorite part of being a Huntington Learning<br />
Center franchisee is that I am able to give back to<br />
the community by helping our students improve<br />
their confidence and skills in the classroom and<br />
in many ways change their opportunities and<br />
their futures.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Did you<br />
receive any discounts/incentives? I was lucky<br />
enough to have an early small percentage<br />
investor in the first center so I didn’t need to<br />
take out any loans. When I took over my second<br />
location, I took advantage of an opportunity<br />
to turn around a failing location due to poor<br />
management by prior ownership, which also<br />
proved to be a successful model.<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? Your franchisor has likely<br />
already made all the mistakes for you. If you<br />
follow the system and don’t try to be smarter<br />
than the system you are more likely to be<br />
successful.<br />
For more information about Huntington<br />
Learning Center opportunities, call (800) 653-<br />
8400 or visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.<br />
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com | 27
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE<br />
ournew 10,000 sq ft cash register!<br />
■ Designed for broader<br />
consumer appeal and<br />
operating efficiency<br />
■ Bold, contemporary exterior<br />
elevates curb appeal<br />
■ Inviting interior with a<br />
roomier, more comfortable<br />
dining area<br />
CONTACT<br />
Annette Bagwell<br />
abagwell@goldencorral.net<br />
800-284-5673 ext. 4479<br />
See more pictures and information<br />
regarding the new prototype at<br />
www.goldencorralfranchise.com/fbr<br />
28 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com
SENIOR SERVICES<br />
Senior Advocacy and Living Source<br />
Senior Care Authority<br />
Startup Investment:<br />
Cash Requirement:<br />
Total Units:<br />
Senior Residential Placement provides assistance<br />
to identify the best location for seniors to live<br />
and be cared for at no cost to families. Locations<br />
can range from larger assisted living communities<br />
to smaller residential care homes to locations<br />
specializing in memory care. This unique service<br />
simplifies the process, saving your clients time<br />
and money while helping to eliminate the<br />
stresses with this transition. Earnings come from<br />
the commissions paid by residential care homes,<br />
assisted living and memory care communities.<br />
For more information on Senior Care Authority<br />
opportunites, call (888) 809-1231 ext. 2 or visit<br />
www.SeniorCareAuthority.com/franchise.<br />
TM<br />
BE YOUR<br />
OWN BOSS.<br />
Choose your franchise<br />
business today from<br />
ones rated highest<br />
by the franchisees<br />
who own them.<br />
Visit <strong>FBR</strong>50.com<br />
Our Brand. Your Business.<br />
Start Your Own Security Business with a Signal 88 Security Franchise<br />
Create Peace of Mind in Your Community with the #1 Security Franchise<br />
FEATURED<br />
Franchisee<br />
Manny Castro<br />
Minuteman Press<br />
Downey, California<br />
Franchisee since 2007<br />
When did you purchase your franchise?<br />
I I bought my Minuteman Press franchise in<br />
February 2007. I came to this beautiful country<br />
33 years ago without a dollar in my pocket, no<br />
skills, no academic degrees, no English, not even<br />
a high school diploma. Just a teenager at that<br />
time, I was running away from a civil war in<br />
El Salvador, looking for a better life.<br />
What was it about the franchise model and/or<br />
leadership that led you to purchase it? I was<br />
a distribution zone manager for a weekly<br />
publication company, and I was looking for<br />
something new. I had researched many other<br />
companies and different industries for a while,<br />
but none of them gave me the level of<br />
confidence I needed to motivate me and<br />
move forward that Minuteman Press did.<br />
What do you like most about your job? First, I<br />
love working with our customers and helping<br />
them meet their business needs. I also enjoy<br />
the time flexibility and financial stability I have<br />
been able to accomplish as a Minuteman Press<br />
franchisee. I have strong will and determination,<br />
and a passion for this business.<br />
How did you fund your franchise? Personal<br />
savings and an equity line of credit.<br />
$468,000 Average Income<br />
37% Gross Profit Margins<br />
What advice do you have for prospective<br />
franchise buyers? Take the time to do your<br />
homework. Talk to current owners and learn<br />
about their experiences. Learn as much as you<br />
can about the industry and ask yourself, “If I do<br />
this and I fail, what do I have to lose? And If I do<br />
this and I succeed, what do I have to gain?”<br />
Full Support & Training<br />
For more information, please visit:<br />
signal88franchise.com<br />
For more information on Minuteman Press<br />
opportunities, call (800) 645-3006 or visit<br />
www.minutemanpressfranchise.com.<br />
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com | 29
TM<br />
<strong>FBR</strong> SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE<br />
WARNING:<br />
BUYING THE WRONG FRANCHISE<br />
CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH.<br />
When you invest in a franchise, you have only one chance to make the RIGHT choice —<br />
one that will give you and your family a bright future. Franchise Business Review can help.<br />
Our Franchise Buyer’s Toolkit provides all the resources you need to make an informed franchise<br />
investment. Learn the ins and outs of buying a franchise, get tips from the pros, and access insider<br />
insights that you won’t find anywhere else.<br />
Learn more at FranchiseBusinessReview.com/Toolkit<br />
Team Up With<br />
The Best!<br />
Low intro cost<br />
No royalties<br />
Home-based (no lease)<br />
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The Leader in Sports, School & Event Photography<br />
Visit tssfranchisebusiness.com/<strong>FBR</strong><br />
30 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com
www.RNRFranchise.com<br />
BUILD SOMETHING GREAT WITH US<br />
With over 100 locations nationwide, RNR has become the go to place for wheels and tires<br />
with a variety of payment options. RNR is the only place to get the wheels you want and<br />
the tires you need with easy payment plans. Call us if you want to be a part of the best<br />
tire and wheel concept in America!<br />
► $471,437<br />
$1,954,745<br />
AVG. ANNUAL TOTAL REVENUE*<br />
►<br />
AVG. ANNUAL OPERATING INCOME*<br />
Contact: VINCE FICARROTTA<br />
at 800.449.8744 or<br />
Vince@RNRTires.com<br />
*Figures above reflect averages for the 20 top performing stores (33%) of the 61 stores reporting that opened in 2014 or prior and have been open at least 24 months. These averages are based on a<br />
52-week annual period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Of these 20 stores, 9 (45%) had higher total revenue and 9 (45%) had higher operating income. A new franchise owner’s results<br />
may differ from the presented performance. There is no assurance you’ll do as well. If you rely upon our figures you must accept the risk of not doing as well. ©RNR Tire Express. All rights reserved.<br />
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.<strong>FBR</strong>50.com | 31