Seeing a franchisee’s operation first-hand is truly eye opening.  You get to see the day-to-day life of a franchisee in a given system and can give your clients an honest description of what they can expect when they invest in this franchise or business opportunity.

The FBA is so pleased to announce this opportunity to franchise brokers and consultants who are attending the FBA’s upcoming Convention.  Signworld has graciously invited 2011 Convention attendees on a private tour of a local Signworld operation.  The tour will take place November 9^th from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, travel between the Convention hotel and the licensee’s location and lunch is provided.

This is an excellent occasion to see the operations of the notable Signworld opportunity, meet and ask questions of a Signworld licensee and see why this is a fantastic investment for your client.

 Registration for the Convention and an RSVP for the tour are required. 

For details on the event click here.

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Andrea at andrea@franchiseba.com.

*Today’s post is from FBA Member Robert Slatkin on his recent deal with CertaPro Painters.

America’s Best Brand

By: Robert C. Slatkin, President

Vantage Franchises – FBA Member

A Division of Vantage Business Group, Inc.

We’ve all seen polls, articles, and studies trying to determine “America’s Best Brand.” Is it Apple, McDonalds, Coke, Google? The arguments go on and on, and each year the same top 5 names seem to just get switched around.

I would like to nominate a Brand that is often overlooked by almost everyone in these discussions, but could possibly be the most relevant one to those of you reading this article. The Brand I am referring to is David Brand. For those of you that don’t know David, you should make it a point to get to know him. He is the Regional Manager of Recruiting for CertaPro Painters; North America’s largest painting company, and a preferred Franchisor with the FBA. David and I just closed a challenging deal together. The way he conducted himself only solidified the high regard I had for him since we first met, and inspired me to write this.

David is what I call “a difference maker.” By that I mean someone who can have a materially positive impact on your business. If there is a problem, and there is a possible solution, he will find it.  He will go out of his way to satisfy your clients, and, because of all this, his knowledge, work ethic, and CertaPro’s attractive, segment leading Franchise, the bottom line is that he will put more money in your pocket (if that’s important to you).

Here are some specific reasons why, to me, David Brand stands out:

• He does what he says he will do. (Okay, this means he already stands above 80%-90% of “the pack”)
• He does not avoid issues, he deals with them.
• He provides intelligent and creative solutions.
• He acts with honesty, directness, and integrity.
• But, the biggest factor that, I believe, sets David Brand apart from other Franchisor Representatives, is that he truly becomes your Partner in the process like no one else I know.

I am not saying there are not some excellent people to work with throughout the franchise business. I know there are, and I have had the privilege of working with some of them. But, I am saying that with David, there are no ego battles, no attitude problems, and no antagonistic behavior, unless you are bringing it.  Again, working with David is a partnership. What a difference that makes! And what a pleasure! Without going into all the details, without David Brand, there is absolutely no way my recent CertaPro deal gets done. Period.

So, for all these reasons, he gets my recommendation and vote for America’s Best Brand!

Contact Information:

Robert C. Slatkin, President

Vantage Franchises

A Division of Vantage Business Group, Inc.

www.vantagefranchises.com

*I consider David my business partner when doing CertaPro deals, a trusted advisor, and a friend.

*I have no financial interest nor receive any kind of compensation for anything I have said or written here.

BlueGrace Logistics Announces Three UFC Fighter Sponsorships for Upcoming Matches

Tampa’s BlueGrace Logistics today announced it will be sponsoring three Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters in upcoming UFC matches to be held over the next two weeks.

“Integrity, determination, dependability, and a healthy respect for competition,
that is what these UFC fighters represent to BlueGrace.”

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) June 24, 2011

Tampa’s BlueGrace Logistics today announced it will be sponsoring three Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters in upcoming UFC matches to be held over the next two weeks. The first sponsorship will feature BlueGrace Logistics’ sponsored fighter John “Doomsday” Howard in his June 26 matchup with Matt Brown at the Paconsol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

The two other sponsorship fighters will be competing at UFC 132 on July 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and will feature contender Chris “The Crippler” Leben in his headliner event matchup with Wanderlei Silva and Carlos “Natural Born Killer” Condit competing against Dong Hyun Kim.

“Integrity, determination, dependability, and a healthy respect for competition, that is what these UFC fighters represent to BlueGrace,” said BlueGrace President and CEO Bobby Harris. “These fighters share many of the same values and strengths that our company was founded upon. We are honored and excited about these and future sponsorship opportunities to recognize and support these fighters.”

BlueGrace is one of the fastest-growing and most progressive providers of transportation, logistics and technology solutions to businesses and individuals nationwide, serving more than 2,500 customers. The company is next set to sponsor other UFC fighters in the near future.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVU, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit http://www.ufc.com.

About BlueGrace Logistics
Founded in 2007, BlueGrace offers complete, customized transportation management solutions to customers throughout the United States. Based in Riverview, Fla., the company has grown to an $80 million business with satellite offices in Salt Lake City and Chicago. It also launched a franchise program in early 2011 as part of its strategic growth plan. The company offers best-in-class freight services and support, including:

• Less Than Truckload
• Truckload Services
• International and Domestic Air Freight
• Ocean Freight
• Parcel Shipment
• Logistics Management
• State-of-the-Art Technology
• Service Desk Support
• Auditing Services

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Want to learn more about BlueGrace Logistics?  Contact an FBA Member here.

What better way to hear about the great things a franchise accomplishes than from one of their clients?  Listen to Trevon’s experience with LearningRx.

LearningRx Testimonial:
Trevon Bluiett an all star on the court and in the classroom

Want to learn more about the LearningRx franchise system?  Contact an FBA Member here

Bark ‘N Bubble Dog Wash

BrightStar is the only national franchise of its kind, providing the full range of LifeCare, KidCare and Staffing services. BrightStar Franchisees provide medical and non-medical homecare to a variety of clients. They also offer healthcare staffing services to corporate partners. BrightStar’s mission is to provide families with the highest level of care, dignity, and personal attention that they deserve.

Seniors make up the fastest growing population segment.  By 2012, there will be more than 40 million people over the age of 65. This segment of people will continue to grow and increasingly need some form of assistance. By 2030, there will be over 70 million people over the age of 65.

This means that 1 out of 5 people will be a potential client for a Brightstar Franchisee!

Advantages of Becoming a BrightStar Franchisee

1. Help Others, Build a Business – You will make a difference not only in the lives of others, but also your own! You will be able to give back and become a positive force in your community.
2. Multiple Revenue Streams - With BrightStar’s homecare and medical staffing franchise, you will be able to extend your reach to touch more clients. In addition to offering the full range of medical and non-medical home healthcare to anyone who needs it, you will also offer medical staffing solutions to businesses on a temporary, temporary to permanent and permanent placement basis, providing personnel to hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, labs and anywhere healthcare staff is needed.
3. Proven Business Model – In addition to the successful operation of company-owned stores, Brightstar has grown to more than 125 locations nationwide.  They also provide an Item 19 (Earnings Claim) in their FDD to show their success and stability.
4. Technology – Their Athena Business System (ABS) is the most powerful web-based management system in the business. It allows you to focus on sales, not the paper work! Since they built it, no one else has anything like it.
5. Intensive Training – BrightStar supports its new owners through a 90-120 day pre-opening cycle that includes two classroom training sessions plus 17 weeks of attention from a specialist in addition to more than 100 hours of online training courses and webinars. Throughout the pre-opening process, you will have access to BrightStar’s staff to assist you in setting up your office, hiring staff and developing your market. The interactive training will help you put your business on the fast track, and after you return to your office, you will hit the ground running!
6. Ongoing Support - After opening your doors, BrightStar provides you with ongoing support from regional directors, who provide onsite coaching. You will also have access to the corporate support center, which provides assistance with back office operations.

Learn more about Brightstar by contacting an FBA Member here.

Learn more about becoming a Franchise Broker or FBA Member here.

Asset Exchange Strategies

Asset Exchange Strategies Franchisees provide self-directed IRA and self-directed 401k plans and advisory services to their clients. They offer knowledge, expertise, and tools to use those tax dollars to create wealth for them and their families for generations to come. They provide the benefit and expertise of tax attorneys, CPAs, other financial experts, and industry experts to find the appropriate methodology and tools.

AES is a recognized “knowledge leader” on self-directed retirement investment solutions

BBB A+ rating since 2004; “Best of Financial Services”: 2009, 2010, U.S. Commerce Assoc.; “Best in Client Satisfaction”: 2009 Texas Monthly Magazine

Key Facts

• Market is “hot”:  investor trust in the markets and major financial institutions is at an all-time low
• AEFN is the recognized “knowledge leader” in the industry and has largest library of published books & education materials on self-directed retirement solutions
• Partial Financing is available.
• AEFN will provide guidance and business structure to use your retirement funds to purchase a AEFN franchise – meaning debt free start-up, low overhead, and tax savings
• Large demographic market comprised of individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners and executives who desire to have more control over their financial lives; some will start their own business
• Single and Area territory franchises are available
• Very low overhead to start-up and operate your business; no store front, no inventory, no employees needed, no business build out costs
• No royalties or other fees assessed on revenues generated by franchisees
• Flexible working hours: you set your own hours and you’re not tied to store hours
• AEFN processes the plans you sell; this eliminates you paying attorney and CPA costs – minimal charge per plan
• AEFN provides ongoing comprehensive support to you: includes access to CRM (lead and customer relations system)
• AEFN provides marketing plan, sales plan, sales materials, and assistance with branding your business

Clients have been demanding a “local office”. The franchisee will be the ‘local office’ with the home office providing the support, software and expertise. Because our marketing and processing systems have worked well for us and our clients, we have taken the ability to communicate intangible concepts and created reproductive concept; the necessary and primary ingredient to create a successful franchise system. Evidence of the completeness and professionalism of the concept can be demonstrated by just reading the FDD. Franchise attorneys and franchise professionals have exclaimed their approval over its completeness and accuracy. The franchisee will then be trained by the most competent professionals in the industry and the materials presented will be of high quality and thoroughly vetted. The support doesn’t stop there the franchise will continue to support the franchisee in its most critical time and that is the first 3 to 6 months with extensive support and, if need be, closing deals for the franchisee.

Learn more about Asset Exchange Strategies by contacting an FBA Member here.

Learn more about becoming a Franchise Broker or FBA Member here.

911 Restoration

911 Restoration has been serving communities throughout the United States and Canada since 1978, providing water damage repair, mold removal and fire damage restoration services. Insurance companies around the nation process tens of thousands of water, fire, and mold damage claims every day, resulting in a booming business that exceeds 7 billion dollars a year.

Franchisees’ main priority is to ensure customers have a safe environment and better air quality in their homes. Whether it is brought on by a natural disaster or an accident, water damage can have serious effects on property and belongings. 911 Restoration’s expert technicians and inspectors are trained to immediately respond to water damage emergencies, develop a restoration plan and completely repair and restore homes. 911 Restoration staff members are fully-qualified and certified mold inspectors and technicians that address mold removal needs.  They are also available for immediate response and free inspection of homes following fire and/or smoke-related damage.

Franchisees will benefit from a profitable business with a brand name well known throughout the industry. 911 Restoration offers a list of benefits, including:

• Consulting Services
  • The corporate office located in Los Angeles, CA will be readily available to handle all orders, questions, and bookings for all customers via a toll-free number, which is used throughout all branches. Franchisees are provided with all of the necessary forms, information, financial statistics, etc. so that their business can follow the company model.
  • Each branch can connect directly with company presidents and representatives anytime about any question, financial matter, or insurance plan.
• Advertising Services
  • The corporate office will supply all necessary advertising materials needed to quickly launch a new branch. Business Cards, Forms, Logos, Marketing Plans, and a company website (911restoration.com) are all readily available to any investor as soon as possible.
  • Every branch gets the opportunity to take full advantage of the toll- free number, 1-888-AID-MOLD. At no additional cost, every branch can market the same number that leads directly to the corporate office, with receptionists and sales associates standing by.

Experience & Qualifications
Any potential franchisee is encouraged to have experience in the Remediation field or similar (i.e. construction, plumbing, urban planning, etc). The following are also strongly encouraged:

• Training and/or experience in equipment use
• Certifications (Example: Approved by LA Health Care Department)

All 911 Restoration technicians are both IICRC & MICRO certified and adhere to the strict guidelines of:

• The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration (www.IICRC.com)
• Electronic Design Automation (www.EDA.com)
• Institute for Economic Design (www.IED.com)

If you’d like to learn more about 911 Restoration, contact an FBA member  here

If Real Estate Agents Had a Choice…
Would They Rather Be Paid In 2 Months or 2 Days?
Now They Have a Choice…
And You Have an Opportunity.

Commission Express businesses provide commission advances to real estate agents and brokers by purchasing their earned but unsettled commissions (accounts receivable) at a discount. It’s a business-to-business factoring transaction by which a third party (Real Estate Company or Settlement Agent) is directed under the Uniform Commercial Code to pay Commission Express upon settlement, usually within 30 to 60 days from the purchase date.

Franchisees enjoy the benefits of:

• Internet Based Operating System
• High Percentage Repeat Business
• Reasonable Investment
• Choose Protected or Open Market Territory
• Demand Tied to Cash Flow Needs
• Independence and Self-Satisfaction
• Definable Target Market
• Attractive Economic Potential
• Training and Support
• Defined Marketing Techniques
• Equity Building
• Unique Business
• State Licensed Customers

Franchisees help customers manage their cash-flow in exchange for the opportunity to purchase pending receivables at a discount. Customers use the services because the process is easy, fast and reliable.  It is a situation where a reasonable exchange of values takes place, and where everyone has an opportunity to benefit.

After completing an Application Packet, customers submit the necessary documents to Commission Express for review. When approved, they can come to the offices to get their advance check or it will be mailed or the funds will be wired. The process usually takes less than two days.

Training

Franchisees receive an intensive five day comprehensive training period at the Commission Express National offices. In addition, franchisees receive a turn-key operation consisting of:

• Operational Techniques
• Internet Based Operating System
• Intuit QuickBooks Accounting
• Hands-on Computer Processing
• Updated Operating Documents
• Ongoing Business Research and Advice
• Customer Advertising Materials
• Special Request Training
• Effective Marketing Plan
• Content Management System on Website
• Annual Conference and Awards

Want to learn more about Commission Express?  Contact an FBA Member here.

Interpreters Unlimited

Interpreters Unlimited™ (IU) provides language interpretation and written professional translation services.

“We create a solution when language creates a barrier.”

• In-person interpretation for over 130 languages
• Written translation of various documents such as technical manuals and legal documents
• Transcription of medical records and other recordings into multiple languages
• Live telephone conference interpretation
• American Sign Language interpretation
• Over-the-phone interpretation
• Simultaneous interpretation and any equipment needed i.e. sound proof booth & headphones

For nearly 40 years IU has been providing in-person interpretation, written translation, Sign Language interpretation, Spanish translation service and medical translation for many federal and state agencies, corporations, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare and medical facilities, legal firms, insurance companies, those handling workers’ compensation, and the academic arena.

• The language service industry is a $ 14+ billion dollar industry.
• The need for in-person interpretation, ASL interpretation, document and medical translation, and transcription services is on a rapid increase.
• The business press is beginning to pay attention to this sector. Last year Inc. Magazine listed three language companies among the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the US.
• IU is the oldest and largest full service interpretation and translation company in California.
• Licensees do not need to be multi-lingual.
• Clientele is varied, with endless possibilities and growth potential.

Learn more about Interpreters Unlimited by contacting an FBA Member here.

Learn more about becoming a Franchise Broker or FBA Member here.