Each year, we are inspired by all the amazing results that stem from the best brokers, consultants and franchisors coming together to meet, network and learn at the FBA’s Annual Convention. Relationships (and deals) are made each year, and we want to share a few of these phenomenal success stories with you.

At the 2009 convention one of the exhibiting franchisors met one of our top consultants. They forged a relationship and continued to stay in contact after the event ended. The consultant was offered an opportunity to work internally with the franchise. He has since helped them strategize and execute their growth plan.

At the 2010 convention, a franchisor met one of our brand new brokers. Shortly after the event, the broker was speaking with a new client and chose to show the franchise that he had recently formed a strong relationship with. The client ended up purchasing four territories and is planning on buying more! After this placement we featured this success story on our weekly Executive Director’s Forum call. Soon after, several other consultants targeted and sold this system, all from the relationship built at the convention.

The small investment to attend or exhibit at the Convention can be an invaluable investment in the growth and success of your business.

Want to network and build valuable connections? Join us at the 2011 Franchise Brokers Association Convention, taking place November 9 – 11, 2011 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Click here for details.

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.

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.

Be sure to hit the gas pumps before hitting the road and join the FBA team on our road-trip to Washington D.C.!

IFA’s International Franchise Exposition takes place this weekend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  Executive Director, Sabrina Wall and new husband Christopher Wall, Creative Director, along with Marketing Representative Kirsten Krenzer will be in attendance to promote the many different avenues of the FBA. IFA’s International Franchise Expo is one of the largest shows for everything franchising, which is why we fit in so perfectly! While at the exposition, we’ll be looking to recruit new consultants to join our wonderful association and attend our live training at the FBA offices, located here in sunny, beautiful Orlando, FL.  There will be various symposiums held at IFA’s expo to inform attendee’s on the plethora of information that comes with the industry.  All of us here at the FBA agree that each one of the symposiums have extremely pertinent information that we include not only in our training, but in our ongoing support of the association. We have brought this association up to speed and incorporated every facet of franchising and will, in-turn relay all of our knowledge to our new consultants.

UPDATE:  We have guest passes for the Expo and we want to invite you to join us!

FBA Board Member Carl Gould will be giving a presentation on Saturday, April 2nd, at 2:00 pm titled:

Demystifying the Franchise Process:

Avoiding the 7 Deadly Mistakes that Most Business Owners Make.

Please see details below regarding the expo and click on the invite to sign up for your guest pass.

	Carl Gould
	7 Stage Turnaround	7STAGE

This month the FBA’s Internet Marketing Team has introduced that we will be providing the addition of user-controlled landing pages for members who have an FBA Franchise Consultant Website.

“We are excited about providing landing pages to our members as many of our consultants are looking for ways to generate their own leads,” says Chris Wall, Creative Director at FBA.  “By giving our consultants the ability to create and maintain their own landing pages they will be able to run specific and effective PPC (Pay Per Click) campaigns. We have always looked for ways to allow our consultants to reach out to potential customers over the web and landing pages are the best way for them to do that.”

The new feature will allow a user to create a landing page with a unique URL through the FBA Members Site and give consultants the ability to easily control content, images and video.  The page will have a quick contact form alongside the content the broker will provide. Specific franchises will be able to be advertised and can reflect real-time data controlled from the FBA Franchisor Database. Consultants will also be able to obtain statistical information regarding traffic to the landing page, in addition to the contact information for the individuals who filled out the contact form.

Landing pages are proven to be the most effective means of pulling in potential customers by providing them with limited information and an incentive for providing their contact info.

For examples on how to create effective content for landing pages view the following blog post from Larry Chase at Search Engine for Marketers.

http://www.wdfm.com/marketing-tips/landing-pages.php

“If you run PPC campaigns, landing pages are critical to your success. If you run email marketing campaigns, landing pages are critical. In fact, landing pages are critical to organic search engine marketing, press releases and just about all Internet marketing efforts.”

For more information on building a website and the new landing page resource, contact Chris Wall at c.wall@franchiseba.com or 407-856-0611 x 4221.

The below is a post from FBA Member, Andy Lamedman.  Andy joined the FBA in June of 2010 and has stood out as a true professional who upholds the integrity of the industry.  Thank you Andy for your insight and for sharing your experience.

Networking Pays… Big Commissions!

I have always believed in and heavily touted the power of networking.  And still do… even more so now as you’re about to find out.  For anyone that has ever wondered what the value of networking can mean to them, please continue reading.

Whether you go to a networking breakfast at 7:00 AM, or attend an evening cocktail mixer that starts at 6:30 PM, you’re investing extra time into your work day.  So why do it?  Here’s why:

A few months ago I attended an evening mixer and met a woman networking her business.  We engaged in the obligatory chatter and exchanging of business cards.  As is my custom, I followed up with a “nice to meet you email”, and my personal offer to learn more about her business in an effort to pass some referrals her way (I always start by giving).  I then put her name on my monthly “drip system” distribution list to begin sending her my newsletters and other e-blasts.

One day, out of the blue, I received a call from her saying; “Hi, remember me?”  Well, of course I do.  She indicated she would like to learn more about what I do, and how I could possibly help her find the business of her dreams. Unfortunately, she hastened to say, that she did not have the requisite finances to invest in such a venture.  However, she did say; she has a friend who might be interested in partnering with her as a financial investor to her “sweat equity” investment.  And so we began the process…

Fast forward now to the close.  We ultimately inked a deal where they are partnered in a Junk King franchise in Los Angeles, CA.  And, I received a commission approaching $30,000 at first blush, with much more to come on the back end based on the structure of the deal.

Junk King had wide open territory in Los Angeles County.  They sell their territories in blocks of 500,000 population sectors.  My clients purchased four-blocks totaling Two Million population.  We also negotiated the Right of First Refusal for the balance of Los Angeles County and the neighboring community Southeast of L.A. County known as the Inland Empire.  As they exercise that right and purchase additional territories, the Franchisor will continue to pay me my broker fee referral commissions (yes, we have this in writing).

Additionally, my networking pal (now client and friend) subsequently referred me to her neighbor who is about to be laid off from corporate America and receive a sizable severance package.  He too, is now looking to secure his future and we are taking him down the path to freedom, et cetera.

So, the moral to my story:  Networking Pays… Big Commissions! I met someone that had interest but no money.  She introduced me to someone with money.  They formed a partnership and closed a deal that paid me a sizable commission, with additional commissions yet to come as they develop their business.  Additionally, she introduced me to yet another lead that has potential to earn me more money yet again.  All of this from someone that I did not pay a nickel for in terms of “lead cost”.  This was a free lead… just from attending a networking event.

Further appreciation for closing this Junk King deal goes out to:

• Dennis Mulgannon, Franchise Development Director / Jung King:  Dennis is the consummate professional and was extremely easy to work with.  He’s efficient and very accommodating to both the client and broker requests.  Simply a joy to do business with.

• Tom Mc Donald, President / IRA Rollover Solutions: Within 45-minutes of the initial introductory call with my clients, Tom outlined his services and fees, took the application and credit card number from my client and was on his way to expediting the filing of  Articles of Incorporation with the State of California.  He also set up a 401(k) plan in the name of the new corporation for the client’s new business, secured a third party administrator for the 401(k) plan, and obtained the Federal Tax I.D. numbers, for both the Corporation as well as the new 401(k) plan.  Additionally, he handled all paperwork related to rollover funds making it easy and seamless for my client to gain access to his funds required to wire transfer to the Franchisor in a timely fashion.  Not only was Tom knowledgeable, efficient and effective, he pays a broker referral fee of $1,500, which is 50% higher than his competitors.

• Eric Riess, Legal Expert Extraordinaire / Greesnfelder, Hemker, & Gale, P.C.: Talk about a Master Class.  Eric provided the one-hour of free legal counsel we offer and within the first 30-minutes alone had fully educated my clients.  He answered their FDD questions, reviewed their Addendums to the FDD that had already been verbally negotiated with the Franchisor, and guided them on how best to structure their Joint Venture Partnership Agreement between the two of them.  

At the end of the day, all parties worked exceptionally well and in concert for the good of the ultimate result… putting a client in business!

Congratulations, Andy!

If you’d like to learn more about working with a franchise broker, click here

Global Broker Training Systems

The FBA is thrilled to have recently started working with an excellent, professional B2B business.  Global Broker Training Systems (GBTS) is a high-end, profitable business opportunity that deals in the industry of business funding.  GBTS has seen incredible need for their services throughout the recent recession as many companies need additional capital to grow and maintain their businesses.  With many large, “traditional” banks and institutions cautious in lending, GBTS brokers were able to help these businesses and earned borrowing clients for life.  GBTS provides preferred lending vendors so the broker focuses on building the relationship with their client and matching them to the best lending product for their needs.  Brokers are able to provide all types of financing; lease financing, working capital loans, debt restructuring, business acquisition financing, accounts receivable loans and much more.

GBTS is the best opportunity for an individual with excellent communication and management skills, who is open to working part- or full-time and is looking for a flexible opportunity (where they can work from home or on the road, meaning they can travel whenever they’d like).  GBTS offers training for their brokers for a small initial training fee and requires no on-going fees or royalties.

Learn more about Global Broker Training Systems by contacting an FBA Member here.

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

Valley Goldmine

Valley Goldmine is part of the billion dollar gold jewelry and precious metals buying industry; an industry we’ve seen boom even during recent recessionary times.  Franchisees earn money by purchasing their customers’ unwanted, outdated and broken gold jewelry and other precious metals.

Valley Goldmine uses preferred vendors to get their Franchisees the most money, while also managing the online marketing to drive business.  This concept requires little upfront capital and can open and ramp-up quickly.  They even guarantee the franchise fee; if a Franchisee does not earn back the franchise fee in the first year of operation, they will refund 1/2 of the franchise fee.

Valley Goldmine has been featured on MSNBC, Fox News and ABC, giving their brand unmatched credibility.

• Billion Dollar Industry
• Upscale, Professional Service
• Low Start-up Cost
• Financing Available
• Low Overhead
• Franchise Fee Guarantee
• “Done For You” Internet Marketing
• Instant Credibility from Media Coverage
• Recession Proof Business Model
• In Depth Training and Unlimited Support
• Earnings Claim Provided

Request to receive the Virtual Brochure when you speak to a Franchise Consultant.

Contact an FBA Member here.

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

Rooftop Welcome Reception

We kicked off our annual convention with a Welcome Reception for all attendees and exhibitors.  The convention is held to connect Brokers with Franchisors and help them build mutually beneficial relationships.  What better way to start a two and a half day event than with a casual and fun cocktail reception?

Two days of courses, training and trade shows can be daunting, so we try to lighten the mood and make introductions easier through the official opening event.

This year, having the annual convention in Orlando, FL afforded us the opportunity of hosting the event on a rooftop patio in downtown Orlando.  We were surrounded by the lights of the city, reflections on Lake Ivanhoe, and the warmth of an October evening in Orlando.

FBA Members and Franchisors who had attended last yea’rs event took the opportunity to catch up with one another, and new faces embraced the opportunity to meet those they’ve heard about, read about and were looking forward to network with.  Drinks and appetizers were shared by associates, colleagues and friends.

For an internet-based association the FBA embraces the chance to meet face-to-face the members we communicate with on a daily basis.  Relationships were not only established here, but strengthened.

View more reception pictures and photos from other convention events here

FBA Annual Convention Highlights

Recently, FBA held its annual convention near our headquarters in Downtown Orlando.  Spanning three days, we welcomed to our event nearly 80 franchise brokers and consultants from across the country, and 30 franchise and business opportunity concepts.

We were joined by some outstanding industry professionals, including:

We were honored to have Guidant Financial Group as our Platinum Sponsor

The purpose of the event is to educate new and existing brokers, provide opportunities to network with other professionals and foster collaboration within the industry.

Events at our convention included:

Roundtable Discussions

Tradeshows

Panel Discussion

We received excellent feedback on the information provided, the events and the networking opportunities.  We are pleased to be able to provide this event annually, not only for our members, but for members of the entire franchising industry: Franchisors, Franchisees, Business Brokers, Franchise Consultants, Franchise Funding Sources, and Potential Investors.

Look for recaps on individual events throughout the month of November.

Did you attend the FBA Annual Convention? What was your favorite part?

For additional details on the FBA and upcoming events, visit our website here