Franchising World articles from February 2005

Franchising World archives from February 2005

In this issue.
February 1, 2005... As this issue of Franchising World is being written, the horrific details of the South Asian disaster continue to unfold. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering. Already many franchise systems have stepped up in response. In...

IFA convention delivers, confirm regular attendees.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)
February 1, 2005... Melanie Bergeron, CFE, president and COO of the 116-unit Two Men And A Truck International, knows exactly why she goes to the International Franchise Association annual convention year after year. "We wouldn't be where we are today if it...

IFA welcomes former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)
February 1, 2005... A prominent public figure who managed one of the world's largest cities during the ultimate crisis, the Sept 11 terrorist attack, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, will take the stage as a keynote speaker on March 7 at the IFA annual...

Convention's "taste" adds new flavors.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... There's no doubt that the International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention is all about sharing strategies to help franchise systems expand. However, returning convention goers who expect the same excellent selection of educational...

Born with vision: each one of us will reach a level of incompetence in certain areas of the business. It is up to us how we decide to deal with the rapid changes experienced in a dynamic, fast growing company.
February 1, 2005... Like every successful invention, every successful franchise system began simply as an idea put into reality in the hands of a unique individual called an entrepreneur. And to be sure, for every invention and franchise system in existence, there...

Infrastructure development for small, growth-oriented franchisors.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)
February 1, 2005... In the initial months of a start-up franchise, the key to survival is good financial backing and the sale of units. Getting those first units sold is extremely important to the health of the organization. While selling units right out of the...

Picture your brand: what is a picture really worth?(advertising and marketing methods)
February 1, 2005... The right picture truly is worth a thousand words. It can tell your story, showcase your products, and intrigue, interest or excite your audience. But the wrong picture--well, there's a whole other phrase that describes that: Not worth the...

Communicating the brand to a small franchise system is an ongoing process: why franchisees must embrace understanding of the "value of the brand.".(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)
February 1, 2005... If there's one bit of cautionary wisdom to share with small franchisors attempting to communicate a brand to their franchise system, it would be this: branding plans fail if the franchisees don't buy in. It's true that being a small...

Direct marketing for franchisees--a whole new ball game: do your homework, take great care with choosing a marketing specialist, and be patient as you wade through the inevitable trial and error period.
February 1, 2005... The life of a franchisee in 2005 can charitably be described as frantic. The economy is uncertain, consumers are increasingly fickle, and the logistical issues surrounding operations only get more complicated each year. Clearly, time is...

The top 10 ways to market your franchise on a shoestring: franchisors are in the position of helping franchisees to be more successful--ideally, on a budget. Here are some ways to be of greater help to those on the front lines.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Don't Reinvent the Wheel Franchisees buy into the concept for this reason, however, it's not uncommon once the business ownership bug has bitten, that they attempt to create their own marketing pieces, etc. Marketing is about...

Four fatal errors: how to "bulletproof" your critical computer data: 60 percent of businesses that lose their electronic data end up going out of business.
February 1, 2005... Today's businesses run on technology--whatever the mission, information technology is mission critical. Yet many of the more than 760,000 independently-owned and operated franchise small and mid-sized businesses are making potentially fatal...

Supporting international operations through technology: there is an old proverb that says: the world is a book and he who stays at home reads only one page.(foreign operation and information management)
February 1, 2005... For those franchise organizations that have expanded internationally, and for those considering it, building a brand globally presents immense opportunities if the proper planning and resources are taken into account. Certainly there are a...

Prepping for re-sale: creating an effective program: left on their own, franchisees have but two goals when selling: find anyone willing to pay the asking price; complete the transaction process as quickly as possible.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)
February 1, 2005... There comes a time when a franchisee may wish to exit the franchise system, for one reason or another. In a long-established organization, it may be the time for retirement. Business models might evolve into one an owner finds too challenging...

SBA financing: a viable alternative for franchisees: put yourself in a prospective franchisee's spot.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)(Small Business Administration)
February 1, 2005... Many franchisees overlook the U.S. Small Business Administration's loan programs as a viable financing alternative for the startup, expansion or re-sale of a franchise location. At one time, SBA loans were perceived as paperwork-laden loans of...

Utilizing your franchise attorney to maintain and promote positive franchise relations.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention Speakers)
February 1, 2005... Franchisors should utilize their franchise attorney on a pro-active basis in order to enable positive franchise relations and avoid franchisor-franchisee disputes. By being pro-active rather than reactive a franchisor can control legal costs...

The International Franchise Association Awards: among the most popular events of IFA's annual convention and Franchise Appreciation Day ceremonies are the presentations of annual awards.(International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention)
February 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association Awards Program was established more than two decades ago to recognize and honor leaders in franchising, other businesses and all levels of government for their contributions to American society and to the...

International Franchise Association welcomes new president: Matthew R. Shay to lead world's oldest, largest organization representing franchising.(Association Leadership)
February 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association appointed a veteran of the franchising community to its highest professional post. Matthew R. Shay was named president of the world's oldest and largest trade association, and assumed his leadership...

International Franchise Association's agenda for the 109th Congress: FTC rule, frivolous law suits, SBA lending programs are among association's key priorities.(Government Relations)
February 1, 2005... As the 109th Congress begins its work, IFA's Legislative Action Group, Government Relations Department and Washington Representatives are busy determining and preparing the association's federal issue priorities. The Legislative Action Group...

IFA harnesses the Web for voter education in 2004 election: FranchisingVotes.com had 20,058 hits in 2004, nearly twice as many as the previous year, and the site had 3,427 page views.(Government Relations)(International Franchise Association's partnership program with Chamber of Commerce successful)
February 1, 2005... As electronic communication takes on a greater role in many facets of life, the International Franchise Association in 2004 boosted its efforts to use the Internet to get candidate and election information in the hands of those whose...

Partnering with terrorists? Are you sure? The possibility of partnering with a suspected terrorist is not worth the risk to your brand.(methods of forming franchising partnerships)
February 1, 2005... A breaking news report announces that a suspected terrorist organization has been doing business with a prominent American company. The FBI and local police have raided the organization's place of business, seized documents and frozen assets....

Petroleum retailing economics: what's fueling higher energy prices?
February 1, 2005... Everyday we see the headlines and hear the news stories--"Crude Oil Prices Up Again;" "Supply Tightens--Pump Prices Reach New Highs." While there has been some moderation of prices from their recent highs, as users of energy and commodities...

Global development: focusing your franchise's expansion efforts: commit to one's expansion plan and focus your efforts. When you make this commitment, your global franchise expansion effort will yield substantial financial rewards.(international development)
February 1, 2005... Focus is critical to the success of any business. It becomes even more important as an organization extends its reach and expands outside of its home country! Whether your franchise is already involved in global expansion or simply evaluating...

Working with financially-troubled franchisees in an international setting.(international development)
February 1, 2005... In many franchise agreements, when the franchisee is in financial difficulty, falling behind in its payments to the franchisor, the franchisor's primary and most usual remedy is giving notice of default, and if the default is not cured,...

Introducing the virtual brochure: online technology that turns franchise leads into franchisees: if designed correctly, a virtual brochure should provide prospective franchisees with all of the information necessary to make an educated decision about their potential investment, without ever leaving their home.
February 1, 2005... While many franchisors report that the Internet is a top source for lead generation, some companies turn back the clock once technology brings a franchise lead to their e-mail inbox. Franchisors reported that 45 percent of franchise sales...

A dynamic culture can make a franchise system successful.(management and operations)
February 1, 2005... Every company has a culture whether it's acknowledged or not. Be it a tight-fisted control culture, a familial one or an achievement-aroused culture-cultures exist and have a profound effect on the success of a company. In this economic era,...

Effective succession planning: should you keep leadership in the family? Business succession planning, like business ownership, is not a smooth road.(management and operations)
February 1, 2005... For any CEO, succession planning is a gradual process critical in maintaining strong reputations and brand identities for established franchise companies. An effective succession plan is best viewed as an investment in a company's future, and...

Veterans franchise program offers increased visibility.(VetFran)
February 1, 2005... Franchise systems that support America's veterans can tap additional resources in their efforts to offer opportunities to former military personnel. Through an alliance with the Destiny Group, the International Franchise Association has taken...

Adding value to your tenured franchisees: enhancing the value of the businesses we serve through financial analysis, accountability and the knowledge gained from each other.(Management & Operations)
February 1, 2005... Scenario: Tomorrow you have a meeting with the largest franchisee in your system. They are your top performer, a model for their peers. They are the largest because they do everything right. They embrace all of your new programs faster than...

Letters from the front ... education is empowerment.(Education & Training)
February 1, 2005... Whether it's introducing high school and college students to franchising, or providing scholarship aid to a veteran, or educating a member of Congress about the impact of franchising on the U.S. economy, or providing training and technical...

Franchise expos are the rage again.(International Franchise Expo)
February 1, 2005... Just when marketers think they've got lead generation figured out they get surprised. It happened last year when long lines of franchise prospects formed at the West Coast Franchise Expo in Los Angeles. It happened again with the recent...

What the media's saying about franchising.(Marketing and Public Relations)
February 1, 2005... China Daily Franchising brings biz opportunities China's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual investors face a wealth of business opportunities as increasing numbers of international franchisers make inroads into...

Put your customers first with First Data ... the International Franchise Association is pleased to offer franchisors and franchisees the latest payment innovations, thanks to a partnership with First Data. First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC) is the world's largest provider of e-commerce and payment services, serving over 3.5 million merchants worldwide.(Spotlight: First Data)
February 1, 2005... IFA has teamed with First Data to help IFA members take advantage of the rapid changes in the payment processing arena, and the growing trend of consumers who are using gift cards, signature and PIN-secured debit cards, and electronic checks...

From corporate downsizing to franchise ownership via VetFran.(VetFran Profile)(Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans finance for small business)
February 1, 2005... Veteran's Day is probably the first tiling that comes to mind when you ask most people about how we honor the men and women that have served our country in the military. What they may not know is that there are also numerous programs that honor...

Veterans have entrepreneurial spirit, study shows: U.S. Small Business Administration research finds strong business interest among former military personnel.(Research)
February 1, 2005... American veterans have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, according to a study released recently by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. The study, Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership In the Veteran Population, found...

Welcome new IFA members!(Welcome)
February 1, 2005... Franchise Systems Abbington Franchising, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, Contact George E. Mitchell Cleanblue LLC, Miami, Contact Thomas Cornelius LA Shapes, Horsham, Pa.., Contact Timothy Britt BEI Group Gmbh, Nuremberg, Germany, Contact...

7-Eleven.(People)(Appointment of Paul G. Rostron)(7-Eleven Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Paul G. Rostron has joined 7-Eleven as senior vice president, human resources area and will oversee all aspects of the company's human resource function, including staffing, compensation and benefits, training and organizational development.

Applebee's International.(People)(Appointment of Dave Geobel)(Applebee's International Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Dave Goebel became president of Applebee's International January 1. In addition, he will continue to serve as chief operating officer. Prior to Applebee's, Goebel had nearly 30 years of general management experience, 22 of which were in the...

Burger King.(People)(Appointment of Robert Gumm)(Burger King Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Burger King appointed Robert Gumm to senior vice president, North America development. He will be the principle point of contact with the company's North America franchise community and responsible for the identification and selection of new...

Cendant Hotel Group.(People)(Cendant Hotels Div. acquires Ramada International Hotels and Resorts)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Cendant Hotel Group announced the appointment of Reas M. Kondraschow as senior vice president and managing director, international, responsible for development of the Ramada International, Days Inn, Howard Johnson and Super 8 and Wingate brands...

Comfort Keepers.(People)(Appointment of Ray Hays)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Comfort Keepers selected Ray Hays as the company's director of international franchise development.

Concerto Networks.(People)(Appointment of Daniel LaMarche)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Concerto Networks appointed Daniel LaMarche, former vice president and member of the board of directors of Mail Boxes Etc., to its board.

Denny.(People)
February 1, 2005... Denny's tapped Stephen Dunn as vice president, franchise development.

The Dwyer Group reports a "bitter-sweet" moment as long-time information technology staff member Roger Redmond departs the corporate office to become the owner and operator of Dwyer Group's Mr. Appliance franchise, a residential and commercial appliance repair company.(People)
February 1, 2005... The Dwyer Group reports a "bitter-sweet" moment as long-time information technology staff member Roger Redmond departs the corporate office to become the owner and operator of Dwyer Group's Mr. Appliance franchise, a residential and commercial...

HomeVestors of America, Inc.(People)(Appointment of John P. Hayes)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... John P. Hayes, Ph.D, is now president and CEO of HomeVestors of America, Inc. He has been an advisor to HomeVestors for more than three years and was appointed to the company's board of directors in 2003.

El Pollo Loco.(People)
February 1, 2005... El Pollo Loco hired Scott Gillie as director of franchise development.

Gymboree Play & Music.(People)(Appointment of Jill Johnston)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Jill Johnston has been promoted to oversee operations, business development, marketing and programming at Gymboree Play & Music.

Mail Boxes Etc.(People)(Appointment of Tom Crockett)(Mail Boxes Etc. Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Mail Boxes Etc. appointed Tom Crockett as vice president of marketing, responsible for the marketing for both The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. brands.

Maul Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends.(People)(Appointment of Mitchell York )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Maul Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends appointed Mitchell York as the company's new chief operating officer.

McDonald.(People)(McDonald's Corp. )(Claire Babrowski resigns )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Claire Babrowski, senior executive vice president and chief restaurant operations officer for McDonald's resigned from the company after 31 years. She began her career as a crew member in Ottawa, Illinois.

Rainbow International Restoration and Cleaning.(People)(Debbie Wright as national accounts director)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Rainbow International Restoration and Cleaning has hired Debbie Wright as the company's national accounts director.

Sport Clips.(People)
February 1, 2005... Mary Wilkes, CPA, has been named corporate controller for Sport Clips.

The Athlete's Foot has formalized an agreement with Planet Sports Pvt Ltd. to become the company's master franchisee for India.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Athlete's Foot has formalized an agreement with Planet Sports Pvt Ltd. to become the company's master franchisee for India. The company projects 80 store openings over the length of the 15-year agreement. Planet Sports Pvt Ltd. expects to...

Carvel's 500th store opened in Valley View, Ohio, the 85th new outlet to open during 2004.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Carvel's 500th store opened in Valley View, Ohio, the 85th new outlet to open during 2004. The new location represents a milestone for the company, which has undergone revitalization since being purchased in late 2001 by Roark Capital Group....

The Maids Home Services.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Maids Home Services is celebrating its 25th anniversary in franchising.

Nestle Toll House Cafe.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip opened its 50th Cafe, this one in Fairfield Commons, Houston. Cafes 51 and 52 opened in Charlotte and Staten Island the following week.

Piper Rudnick.(Growth)(mergers)(DLA)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Piper Rudnick law firm announced a merger with UK firm DLA. The agreement will result in a global firm that includes 2,700 lawyers in 18 countries.

Friendly Ice Cream.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Friendly Ice Cream launched its 2005 Valentine's Day "Cones for Kids" fundraiser to benefit Easter Seals in early January. To date, the company has raised $22 million for Easter Seals, $870,000 in 2004 alone.

1-800-GOT-JUNK?(Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was named the winner of "The 2004 Best Company to Work For" competition by BC Business Magazine.

HomeVestors of America.(Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... HomeVestors of America was ranked as the 15th fastest-growing private company on the 2004 Dallas 100 list by the Caruth Institute at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business.

Kilpatrick Stockton counsel Mort Aronson has been honored by the alumni of Emory Law School.(Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Kilpatrick Stockton counsel Mort Aronson has been honored by the alumni of Emory Law School with an award created in his name to recognize students for their achievements and dedication to the franchising legal profession.

Electrical Safety Foundation International..(Honors)(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Rick Cross, president of Mr. Electric has been elected to the board of directors for Electrical Safety Foundation International.

National Association of Personnel Services.(Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The National Association of Personnel Services has inducted Sanford M. Rose, CPC, of Akron into its Hall of Fame.

Guess who came to lunch?(Denny's Corp.'s services)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Two diners at a New Jersey Denny's restaurant got a lunchtime surprise in November when the president of Iceland shared a mid-day meal at the chain's East Brunswick location. His Excellency Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, president of Iceland, joined...

Signs Now presented two new franchisees its Rookie of the Year Award in 2004: Brian Neimeyer, of Marietta, Ga. and Chuck and Joyce Achterberg of Branson, Mo. Mike and Tammy Hughes of Norman, Okla.(Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Signs Now presented two new franchisees its Rookie of the Year Award in 2004: Brian Neimeyer, of Marietta, Ga. and Chuck and Joyce Achterberg of Branson, Mo. Mike and Tammy Hughes of Norman, Okla. The Franchise Systems Consultant of the Year...

Burger King.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Burger King expanded its kids meal options. With a hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken tenders meal, kids can now choose a side of either fries or applesauce. Additional beverage options include 1 percent milk, apple Juice, or soda.

Dunkin' Donuts.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Dunkin' Donuts introduces its first rechargeable card, which is available in denominations from $5 to $100, offers an automatic re-chargeable feature and options to review card balance. Participating locations are now also accepting credit...

Mr. Handyman and FranNet are conducting a contest to find the person who best fits the criteria to own and operate a Mr. Handyman franchise.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Mr. Handyman and FranNet are conducting a contest to find the person who best fits the criteria to own and operate a Mr. Handyman franchise. The winner will be chosen by an evaluation of responses to FranNet's confidential questionnaire. "The...

Hilton Garden Inn.(Marketing)(Twentieth Television)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Hilton Garden Inn hotels and Twentieth Television have teamed up on Yes, Dear... Let's Get Out of Here, a national sweepstakes campaign that integrates the contrasting personalities of the program's characters and embraces television, radio,...

McDonald.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... McDonald's was honored as Marketer of the Year by Advertising Age magazine, for the brand's marketing achievements around the world in 2004.

The sale of Ramada International Hotels & Resorts by Marriott International Inc. to Cendant Corp.'s Hotel Group has been completed.(Transactions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The sale of Ramada International Hotels & Resorts by Marriott International Inc. to Cendant Corp.'s Hotel Group has been completed. Ramada has 204 open hotels representing 27,728 rooms under the Ramada Plaza, Ramada Hotels, Ramada Resorts and...

Roark Capital Group said its affiliate, FOCUS Brands Inc., completed the purchase of Cinnabon and Seattle's Best Coffee International from AFC Enterprises for $21 million in cash.(Transactions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Roark Capital Group said its affiliate, FOCUS Brands Inc., completed the purchase of Cinnabon and Seattle's Best Coffee International from AFC Enterprises for $21 million in cash. The two brands combine with Carvel Corporation to form FOCUS...

Genghis Grill-The Mongolian Feast has been acquired by The Chalak Group.(Transactions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Genghis Grill-The Mongolian Feast has been acquired by The Chalak Group, which currently owns and operates two Genghis Grills in the Dallas area.

RE/MAX International.(Statistically Speaking ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... International has achieved a new milestone. At the end of 2004, the company surpassed its goal of 100,000 sales associates by 66--growth of more than 14.5 percent during the year and 2.5 percent over the previous year. 77,184 of the associates...