Franchising World articles from September 2006

Franchising World archives from September 2006

Positive franchise relations produce stronger sector.(IN THIS ISSUE)
September 1, 2006... Nothing symbolizes the heart of franchising as much as the relationship between a franchise system and its owners. If a brand manages this aspect of the interaction well, the dividends can be impressive. This issue of Franchising World magazine...

Franchise relations pay political dividends, too.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)
September 1, 2006... The theme for this month's issue of Franchising World is "Franchise Relations Pay Dividends." In the most obvious sense, healthy and productive franchise relations pay dividends in the development and expansion of a franchise network and in the...

The key to happy franchisees: here is a plan to implement a four-step, franchisee-centered process to generate healthy bottom lines.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... "Happy wife, happy life" was the wise advice given to me by a sage uncle on my wedding day. And, the same is true of the relationship between a franchise system and its franchisees. Happy franchisees, happy franchisors. Both types of...

Keep an ear to the ground to recognize outstanding franchisees.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... Running a successful franchise company is not rocket science, but it's not child's play either. or franchisees, perfection lies in the ability to work hard and follow the same set of basic steps every day until it becomes art. Likewise,...

The essence of good franchise relations: "people just want to be listened to.".(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... For franchise systems that are past the start-up phase in their growth cycle and have some experience in managing a franchise system, issues related to relations between the franchise company and its franchisees often emerge as critical to the...

Principle #7: great leaders nurture leaders: the principle you dare not ignore if you want to succeed.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... Most entrepreneurs don't set out to be leaders, but simply pursue a passion. They dream about ideas taking root and growing, but really don't picture themselves leading an international organization with hundreds of franchised units generating...

The role of mentoring to improve franchise relationships.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... Today franchise systems are looking more and more at the role of mentoring and its affect on their overall system. Mentoring is not just for those individuals seeking to improve in their careers and personal lives. It has found its way into the...

Franchisee associations: nothing to fear but fear itself, usually: with the right attitude from both sides, a franchisee association can be an effective instrument in providing a better future for a franchise system.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... Twenty-five years ago, franchisee associations" was an unpopular phrase. This phrase put fear into the minds of franchisors. A franchisee association was tantamount to unionism. It signified a breakdown of the working relationship between the...

Satisfaction is everything! How to build and maintain high franchisee satisfaction in any franchise system.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... For franchisors looking to build a successful franchise system, there is one Golden Rule: treat your franchisees like gold. Your franchise owners are your number one customers. Service them well and your business will grow. Cut corners and your...

Effectively solving disagreements within a franchise system: a look at the "dos and don'ts" of solving franchise disagreements.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS PAY DIVIDENDS)
September 1, 2006... Imagine Your entire franchise advisory committee, together with a majority of the franchisees, have hired an attorney and are demanding the franchise system change 58 parts of the franchise agreement. What does the company do? Your 25...

The profile of franchising: 2006: this is the second in the series of IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata research reports about the franchising sector.(SPECIAL REPORT)
September 1, 2006... Understanding Initial Investment Requirements of Franchise Systems One size does not fit all. Understanding the initial investment requirements of franchise systems across the franchise world is a complicated problem. First,...

A franchising world Q&A with U.S. Small Business Administrator Steven C. Preston: Steven C. Preston was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on June 29 as the 22nd administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Preston will oversee the delivery of financial and business development tools to America's entrepreneurs.(FOCUS: FRANCHISING WORLD Q & A)(Interview)
September 1, 2006... In his business experience as an executive and as an investment banker, Steven C. Preston has been deeply involved in small businesses and recognizes the vital role they play in society. He has worked with investors and their portfolio...

2006 mid-term elections offer challenges and opportunities for business.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2006... Midterm elections, by their very nature, are vastly dissimilar than those taking place in conjunction with presidential races. In the absence of a national race for the White House, decisive issues trend toward the parochial. Without a...

Congress cannot move forward without your input.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2006... As we approach the end of the 109th Congress's term, it is time to reflect on the progress of franchise-friendly, and unfriendly, legislation. In the beginning of the year, the International Franchise Association, in conjunction with its...

2006 FranPAC Report Card: the following "report card" provides a snapshot of the International Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-July.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2006... IFA's political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise, pro-business candidates for U.S. Congress. Cash on Hand $165,374 2006 Receipts $123,965 2006 Expenditures $85,500 FranPAC Supported Candidates U.S. House...

Great real estate ... the gift that keeps on giving: investing in your real estate process is the best strategy for ensuring a company's success.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
September 1, 2006... As real estate costs continue to skyrocket, it as never been more critical to pick the right locations in order to build a sustainable chain. If your franchise system wants happy franchisees, then make sure they are successful. Start by...

West Coast Expo slated Nov. 3-5.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)
September 1, 2006... For Ronn Cordova, it's all about the numbers. "We exhibit at the West Coast Expo because the sheer volume of people attending is phenomenal," said Cordova, vice president of franchise development for Eatza Pizza. It's also about the...

Franchising into Europe: the United Kingdom is Franchise-friendly: densely-populated markets, small geographic footprint and a relatively benign legal environment add up to pluses for franchise development.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
September 1, 2006... With a population of 460 million people, and a total gross domestic product of U.S. 12 trillion and average per capita purchasing power of U.S. $28,100 in 2005 (IMF estimates), the European market offers a significant opportunity to franchise...

Five veterans and seven minority students gain franchise scholarships.(FW FOCUS: EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIPS)
September 1, 2006... The franchising community is actively participating in developing future franchise leaders through several scholarship programs. Recent scholarship honorees are comprised of military veterans and minority students. After Uncle Sam, what's...

IFA Career Center boosts job-search efforts.(International Franchise Association)
September 1, 2006... Last year, the International Franchise Association launched the highly-interactive IFA Career Center, on Franchise.org as www.franchise.org/careers. The association developed this tool to help take its members from graduation to retirement....

Veterans day: a time to say "thank you".(FW FOCUS: VETFRAN)
September 1, 2006... As the nation prepares to honor veterans on Nov. 11, members of the International Franchise Association can recall that they were instrumental in the establishment of a program that says "thank you" to military veterans for their valuable...

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Advisory Board.(David Rutkauskas appointed)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... David Rutkauskas, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe's founder and CEO, was appointed a member of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Advisory Board and named executive consultant to the president of TSO. The company is also partnering with the orchestra to...

Cendant Hotel Group.(appointments and promotions)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Cendant Hotel Group appointed Heny Gabay as vice president of strategy, Greg Hill as senior vice president of human resources and Greg Land as senior vice president of global sales.

El Polio Loco.(PEOPLE)
September 1, 2006... El Polio Loco selected Jonathan Rogan as its manager of culinary development.

FASTSIGNS International.(PEOPLE)
September 1, 2006... FASTSIGNS International promoted Raj Croager to chief information officer.

Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza.(PEOPLE)
September 1, 2006... Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza appointed Brian O'Keefe as financial analyst.

International Sign Association.(PEOPLE)
September 1, 2006... Laurie J. Kusek has joined the International Sign Association as director of marketing and communications.

Lenny's Franchisor (Lenny's Sub Shops) named Brent Alvord president.(appointments)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Lenny's Franchisor (Lenny's Sub Shops) named Brent Alvord president. Carl Jacobson, general counsel and chief administrative officer, retains that position and was also promoted to serve Alvord Investments as vice chairman. Linda Costas was...

PostalAnnex+.(PEOPLE)
September 1, 2006... PostalAnnex+ promoted Sean Hilly to senior vice president and Larry Simpson as director of franchise development,

Regis Corp.(appointments and promotions)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Regis Corp. announced several promo- , tions including Randy Pearce to senior executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer; Kris Bergly to executive vice president and chief operating officer; Gordon Nelson to executive...

Romacorp Inc.(PEOPLE)
September 1, 2006... Romacorp Inc., parent of Tony Roma's restaurants, named Marc Buehler chief operating officer and executive vice president.

DUCTZ International, a member of Service Brands International, has merged with Ductbusters.(Mergers and Acquisitions)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... DUCTZ International, a member of Service Brands International, has merged with Ductbusters. The new enterprise will feature "The Patented Ductbusters' Process" under the DUCTZ brand name.

Chester's International.(Growth)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Chester's International signed its first franchise in Central America with a multi-unit development agreement in Honduras, teaming with the Mendez Group's MCC Restaurantes S.A. to develop five Chester's franchised locations.

Home Instead Senior Care.(Growth)
September 1, 2006... Home Instead Senior Care has expanded into Spain and Taiwan. The company now has a presence in 10 countries.

My Gym Enterprises.(Growth)
September 1, 2006... My Gym Enterprises has opened locations in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, France, Ireland and New Zealand.

The Primrose School Franchising Co., signed its 200th franchise agreement.(Growth)
September 1, 2006... The Primrose School Franchising Co., signed its 200th franchise agreement. Cindy and John Foster of Cincinnati officially inked the deal.

Qdoba Mexican Grill.(Growth)
September 1, 2006... The opening of Qdoba Mexican Grill's Bloomington, Ind. location signaled the company's 300th store.

Wienerschnitzel.(Growth)
September 1, 2006... Wienerschnitzel is 45 years old.

The Crack Team.(Marketing)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Mr. Happy Crack, the Crack Team's mascot, was slated to join Cedric the Entertainer and other personalities at Cedric's Celebrity Bowling Benefit in July to raise money for The Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation. The company also...

Denny's launched a partnership with the Buffalo-based Hunter's Hope Foundation.(Marketing)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Denny's launched a partnership with the Buffalo-based Hunter's Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization created by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly to promote awareness of Krabbe's Leukodystrophy, a degenerative neurological...

Precision Auto Care.(appointments )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Precision Auto Care announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. and Dick Lippert, a former telecommunication executive, joined the company as the area developer team for the Phoenix market.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.(Marketing)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Wyndham Hotels and Resorts debuted three new hotel prototypes including guest rooms, lobbies, coffee bar and other public spaces that were created by architecture firm, Michael Graves & Associates. The prototypes are designed with a mix of...

The Yellow Ribbon.(Community Service)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... How can franchised businesses contribute to make a difference in the lives of those who have served in the military service to protect their nation? At metropolitan Washington, D.C.-area Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval hospitals, there are not...

Big O Tires 540 stores in 21 states partnered this summer with the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to help raise funds for pediatric cancer.(Community Service)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Big O Tires 540 stores in 21 states partnered this summer with the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to help raise funds for pediatric cancer. Company stores provided lemonade stands in their customer waiting areas from July 10-15 while...

PostalAnnex+.(Community Service)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... PostalAnnex+ offered a "moving stress-relief kit" for customers that was designed to also help those less fortunate at the same time. During June and July, the PostalAnnex+ donated 10 percent of the cost of every moving kit sold to the American...

Liberty Fitness.(Honors and Awards)
September 1, 2006... The Business Women's Network named Linda Burzynski, CFE, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Fitness, as chairperson.

Vera Muzzillo, co-CEO of Proforma, was named 2006 Woman of Distinction.(Honors and Awards)
September 1, 2006... Vera Muzzillo, co-CEO of Proforma, was named 2006 Woman of Distinction by Advertising Specialty Institute's Counselor magazine.

Paul and Saunda Kitchen of the Mr. Rooter of Sonoma County, Calif. franchise.(Honors and Awards)
September 1, 2006... Paul and Saunda Kitchen of the Mr. Rooter of Sonoma County, Calif. franchise were honored as the company's 2006 Franchisees of the Year.

Growing occupation: being your own boss.(The Baltimore Sun)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Growing occupation: being your own boss There are more than 750,000 franchised businesses in the U.S., employing more than 9.8 million people and generating more than $624.6 billion, according to a PriceWaterhouseCoopers study analyzing 2001...