Franchising World articles from October 2003

Franchising World archives from October 2003

Finding financing for franchises is a challenging process that requires thorough research and negotiation.(In This Issue)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... In this issue of Franchising World, Gene Cerrotti, CEO of Praetorian Group addresses the topic of securing competitive financing for franchisees and how it requires a disciplined and focused approach in his cover story, "Finding Financing for...

Finding financing for franchisees requires a disciplined process: how to secure acquisition financing for franchisor refranchising programs and owner-to-owner transfers.(Show Me The Money)(Cover Story)
October 1, 2003... Securing financing for acquisitions, new development projects or remodeling, without recourse to the franchiser, requires a disciplined and diligent process. There are several important steps to follow. First, determine the type of lender...

Think flexibility first in franchise financing.(Show Me The Money)
October 1, 2003... Flexible financing is the fuel that can make your franchise business grow. Whether it's taking advantage of opportunities in the marketplace, boosting sales, improving traffic or simply increasing the number of locations, having the right...

Helping more people become franchisees: individuals at all levels of savings benefit from the ERSOP concept.(Show Me The Money)(Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan (ERSOP))
October 1, 2003... Individuals at all levels of savings benefit from the ERSOP concept, Tom Miller, a franchise sales consultant, olden says: "You can't help people who can't afford to succeed." Imagine a scenario where a potential new franchisee calls...

Partnering, a successful roadmap to finding favorable financing solutions: a strategy for how franchisors can provide access to available funds for franchisees.(Show Me The Money)
October 1, 2003... In the franchise sector, the question of "How can funding be obtained?" is often asked. Funding has been and will continue to be available; it is just a matter of knowing how best to obtain it. To endure positive growth in today's credit...

New tools for new markets: taking advantage of the New Markets Tax Credit program.(Show Me The Money)
October 1, 2003... The ever-growing minority population in the United States and its rapidly expanding buying power are continuing to place demands on the attention of franchisors and other consumer-dependent businesses. While minorities are currently...

Banking unbanked employees (into direct deposit) creates a winning scenario for franchise businesses.(Show Me The Money)
October 1, 2003... In recent years, there has been more use of the term "unbanked" to describe individuals and families who, for various reasons, do not have a traditional banking relationship. The U.S. General Accounting Office has estimated that there are...

A perfect fit: why the franchising sector is attractive to private equity firms: partnering with an experienced private equity firm may provide franchise owners with an ideal alternative to monetize some hard-earned equity in their business.(Show Me The Money)
October 1, 2003... The franchising sector has been a bright spot for private equity firms on an otherwise bleak landscape. Already this year, private equity firms have led buyouts of several leading franchisors including the Chem-Dry, Dwyer Group, Meineke Car...

Are you ready to go global? As challenging as entering the international franchising market can be, the rewards can be substantial.(International Development)
October 1, 2003... Are you ready to go global? As franchise companies begin to grow, this question will likely arise from you, potential franchisees, or other interested parties such as suppliers. A poll of several small and medium franchisors revealed most...

A conversation with U.S Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond.(IFA's Legislator of the Year)(Interview)
October 1, 2003... In September, the International Franchise Association honored U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) with its Legislator of the Year award. The senator was recognized for his work on behalf of small business during his three terms in the...

No vacation for government relations.(Legal/Legislative)
October 1, 2003... A seasoned government relations professional once said there is no slow time for government relations practitioners--the wheels of government are always turning and need constant attention. This opinion is contrary to the popular myth that...

Good franchise relationships require a solid foundation.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... Only three elements must be present in a transaction for a business to be considered a legal franchise: trademark licensing; substantial assistance with the business's operations; and the payment of a franchise fee, according to Washington,...

A special relationship: New Zealand, Australia franchisors considered mature in operating systems and fostering franchise relations.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... The relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee is special and you could even say it is unique. It is based upon mutual trust and respect and I liken it to a marriage. Franchisors when they start out with their first four or five...

Franchisor development and franchisee rapport: developing better ways of operating and promoting the franchise does not have to include the opposition, and sometimes disenfranchising of long-time owners.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... During the development of a franchise system, the interaction and relationship between franchisor and franchisee evolves as the system migrates through the changes. In the beginning stages, when the franchise is first being offered to...

Positive franchise relations begin with the end in mind: franchise relations can and should be an extremely positive experience. However, it doesn't just happen by itself .(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... Franchisors looking to assess the state of their organization's franchise relations should look no further than their franchise development department. That's right. When there's trouble in paradise, it will manifest first in franchise...

A Boston tea party for the 21st century: never lose sight of the importance and value of your franchisees. They are your customer. Without them you have no system.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... Many of us franchisors have experienced the sleepless nights wondering when the other shoe will drop. All the while we're hoping against hope that our franchisees will all of a sudden turn over a new leaf, stop complaining and making waves, and...

Assisting the financially-troubled franchisee.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... In any franchise system, a franchisee may experience financial difficulty and need to go through a financial "workout." Although each situation presents different challenges depending upon the size of the franchisee's business, the capital...

Veterans franchise initiative gains momentum: 41 franchises acquired by veterans, more in pipeline.
October 1, 2003... The International Franchise Association's (IFA) revival of the popular Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, known as VetFran, has quickly garnered strong support from the franchise community. As this edition of the Franchising World went...

How franchisors and franchisees can work together on employment issues.(Legal/Legislative)
October 1, 2003... Franchisees, especially those who have never owned a business before, and have been told that they are in business "for themselves, but not by themselves," expect advice, assistance, and information from franchisors on a whole range of issues,...

Providing exceptional support and service to franchisees.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... Just like franchisees must treat their customers with the utmost respect and appreciation, franchisors are obligated to do the same with heir Most valuable customer base--the franchisee. The reason these folks have chosen to purchase a...

New Canadian privacy legislation applies to all franchises in Canada.(Legal/Legislative)
October 1, 2003... On Jan. 1, 2004, federal legislation in Canada (the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) will apply to all businesses operating in Canada, including franchise systems. Similar provincial legislation may apply in some...

The International Franchise Expo 2004: meeting qualified prospects and a whole lot more.(Lead Generation)
October 1, 2003... When it comes to the world of franchising, the annual International Franchise Expo (IFE) has proven, year after year, that "there's no business like show business." And it looks like this year will be no different. Seventy percent of the...

Quick Q & A on split dollar notice 2002-8 and proposed regulations.(Blue Chip Strategies)
October 1, 2003... There continues to be a great number of questions on split dollar plans and the effect of Notice 2002-8 and the proposed regulations. There remains a lot of noise and confusion on this topic and some people are saying every split dollar plan...

Hilton Hotels Corp.(People & News Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Hilton Hotels Corp. has appointed Guillermo Unda as managing director of sales, Mexico.

Bernard "Bernie" Browning.(People & News Briefs)(awarded an honorary bachelor of letters degree by University of Richmond)
October 1, 2003... The Univ. of Richmond has awarded past IFA chairman and current Awards Committee Chairman Bernard "Bernie" Browning, CFE an honorary bachelor of letters degree.

Romacorp.(People & News Briefs)(David Head)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... David Head has been named CEO and president of Romacorp.

FranchiseBuyer.(People & News Briefs)(Marc Kiekenapp)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... FranchiseBuyer promoted Marc Kiekenapp to executive vice president.

McAlister's Deli.(People & News Briefs)(Patrick Walls and Peter Petrosian)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... McAlister's Deli has announced the promotion of Patrick Walls to chief development and administrative officer and Peter Petrosian to senior vice-president of operations.

The Maids Home Services.(People & News Briefs)(David Griebel)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... David Griebel has been named vice president of marketing of The Maids Home Services.

TruFoods.(People & News Briefs)(Rita Dewan)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... TruFoods has appointed Ritu Dewan vice president of operations.

Wendy's.(People & News Briefs)(Larry Nelson)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Larry Nelson has been named senior vice president and associate general counsel, development, for Wendy's.

Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning.(People & News Briefs)(Doyle James)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Doyle James has been promoted to chief operating officer for Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning.

Mr. Electric.(People & News Briefs)(Jeff Meyers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Mr. Electric has promoted Jeff Meyers to vice president of operations.

Wragge & Co.(People & News Briefs)(Peter Stern)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Peter Stern has joined Wragge & Co., a U.K. law firm, as a franchise consultant.

Carvel Ice Cream.(People & News Briefs)(Chris R. Prasifka and Geoff A. Hill)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Carvel Ice Cream has promoted Chris R. Prasifka to chief operating officer and Geoff A. Hill to senior vice president.

Burger King Corp.(People & News Briefs)(Mike Ellis and Cliff Whitehall-Yarza)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Burger King Corp. has announced the appointments of Mike Ellis as executive vice president and chief" development officer and Cliff Whitehill-Yarza as general counsel.

Mad Science and MGM launch licensing-merchandising program.(People & News Briefs)(Franchising group Mad Science Group signs an agreement)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The Mad Science Group and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. signed an agreement earlier this year to create a licensing and merchandising program and a new Mad Science television show. The pact combines the production and distribution power of...

Cousins Subs.(People & News Briefs)(Larry Johns)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Larry Johns has been named president of Cousins Subs.

Doubletree Hotels.(At A Glance)(Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation awarded)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... At A Glance Doubletree Hotels has received a Bronze Anvil "Award of Commendation" in the media relations-consumer services category from the Public Relations Society of America...

John F. Kennedy School of Government Women's Leadership Board at Harvard.(At A Glance)(Linda C. Haneborg)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Linda C. Haneborg, CFE, senior vice president of marketing/communications at Express Services, has joined the John F. Kennedy School of Government Women's Leadership Board at Harvard...

Millie Wang, an owner-operator of Jack in the Box in Campbell, California has earned top honors for Mystery Guest Scores and Food Safety-Cleanliness.(At A Glance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Millie Wang, an owner-operator of Jack in the Box in Campbell, California has earned top honors for Mystery Guest Scores and Food Safety-Cleanliness at the company's annual award ceremony...

Liberty Tax Service.(At A Glance)(selected entrepreneurs being awarded fully-financed franchises)
October 1, 2003... Liberty Tax Service is awarding fully-financed franchises to a select group of emerging entrepreneurs in target markets across the country through its new YES (Your Entrepreneurial Start-up) Fund...

RE/MAX Satellite Network.(At A Glance)(video "Soaring to New Heights" wins Aurora Awards award)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The RE/MAX Satellite Network (RSN) has been recognized by the Aurora Awards for the production "Soaring To New Heights."

Home Instead Senior Care.(Around The World)(Master agreement signed to enter Portugal)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Home Instead Senior Care has signed an agreement to enter Portugal...

Auntie Anne's.(Around The World)(Bankok opens Auntie Anne's store)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Auntie Anne's, has announced their 100th international store opening in Bangkok.

Accutrak Inventory Specialists.(Transactions)(Accutrak Inventory Specialists partners with Porterfield Consulting Solutions)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... AccuTrak Inventory Specialists is partnering with Porterfield Consulting Solutions, LLC...

Meineke Car Care Centers.(Transactions)(Meinke management and The Halifax Group included in acquistion of Meineke Car Care Centers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Meineke Car Care Centers has announced completion of its acquisition by members of Meineke management and two financial sponsors, Carousel Capital, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and The Halifax Group.

Premiere franchise event illuminates Vegas.(IFA Annual Convention)
October 1, 2003... The International Franchise Association's (IFA) annual convention returns to Las Vegas March 6-9, 2004 to proclaim the news that franchising continues to nurture the U.S. economy. The convention, IFA's 44th, titled, "Franchising 2004: Partners...

Franchisee membership program continues to grow.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2003... Since January, 1-800-Got Junk, Candy Bouquet, International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED), (Kwik Kopy, Kwik Kopy Business Centers, Copy Club, American Wholesale Thermographers, Franklin's, Ink Well, Parcel Plus and Women's...