WOOF! Uh-huh. And How Did That Make You Feel? WOOF!

Some people just have a knack for understanding and empathizing with animals. It’s a gift that shouldn’t go unused. That gift, a love of dogs, and a genuine desire to help, are about all you need to open a successful franchise that shows both owners and dogs not only how get along better , but gives you a rewarding sense of having done some good in the world. Becoming a pet and owner trainer/communications therapist isn’t that difficult to learn how to do. This field-leading franchising firm provides you with a comprehensive hands-on education in how to train dogs—along with a wealth of practical knowledge about how to successfully operate a dog training business. Their U.S. presence has grown exponentially and they’re eagerly seeking new franchisees for hundreds of untapped U.S. markets. 

Peter Casey Franchising Consultant 

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Bark Busters Home Dog Training: Helping Man’s Best Friend—As Well As His Caregiver 

Developed in Australia, Bark Busters dog-friendly training techniques leverage the same communications methods—body language and voice control—that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. 

These simple, all-natural training methods appeal to the canine psyche, making the training relatively easy and effective with any dog, any age, including puppies. All dog and client training takes place in the client’s home, which takes advantage of the dog’s comfort zone and everyday environment.  The training works to enhance the human-canine bond so that—once the training is done—every client caregiver knows how to apply the principles of canine communication and every dog is well trained and feels safe and loved.

Bark Busters is the world’s largest dog training company, and the undisputed leader of the pack in the pet services industry. Their unique training is the brainchild of two world-renowned grand master dog trainers. Named “Best of the Best” by the SPCA International (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a leading animal protection organization.), Bark Busters’ approach to dog training has proven successful worldwide. Their techniques have been used to train more dogs in more countries than any other training method—over 400,000 dogs worldwide.

Bark Busters’ goal is to put a Bark Busters Home Dog Training therapist in every American neighborhood. With over 250 well-established and successful U.S. franchisees in just four short years, they’re well on track to make that goal a reality. 

This remarkable growth offers a tremendous opportunity for franchisees, both now and in the future. Pet ownership, and the demand for high quality pet services, is expected to continue its rise. That means there is great potential for Bark Busters franchise owners who “seize the day” and get in now. 

If you’re looking for an excellent company providing a unique top-notch service in a recession-proof multi-billion dollar industry, this is it.

Moderate-risk, Steady-Growth, Strong Cash Flow, Low Investment Requirement. What’s not to like about this business?

Personal care businesses of one kind or another—gyms, spas, hair care, etc.—have become profitable franchise opportunities over the last decade. Despite the recession, many niches in this field continue to report phenomenal growth. Indeed, some franchisees have found one location for a franchise so profitable that they’ve often opened up the same franchise brand in other locations. The story below tells you about one such franchise opportunity that’s particularly suited to entrepreneurship—offering a moderate-risk, steady-growth business at a relatively modest investment requirement that has a proven record for delivering a very strong cash flow.

Peter Casey

Franchising Consultant 

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A Premier Franchising Opportunity: Great Clips

Established in 1982, Great Clips is the largest hair care brand in the industry, with over 2,700 salons located in the strip malls of 140 markets across the country. Entrepreneur magazine ranks Great Clips as one of the Fastest Growing franchises and one of America’s Top Global Franchises for 2009.

At Great Clips salons no appointments are necessary for men, women, and children to get haircuts and perms at competitive prices. These services are provided by professional licensed stylists with advanced training from one of 60 Great Clips training centers.

The business case is compelling. When you become a Great Clips franchise owner you join a firm that boasts a 25 year positive track record, believes in manager-run stores, provides the training and guidance to help you get started—and encourages multiple-location strategies for those managers who want to expand their operations.

What’s more, Great Clips helps franchisees in finding and securing a quality site. Over the decades, GC has developed a commercial real estate expertise surpassed by none, and actively supported that expertise by building solid relationships with local and national real estate developers, managers, and landlords. Great Clips strongly believes assisting franchisees in the selection of location is a primary reason why Great Clips is one of the fastest growing franchisors in North America.

Recruiting and retaining staff is one of the most important aspects of our business. Great Clips prides itself on the quality relationships it has with industry leaders. Great Clips reviews this critical area with franchisees, showing new owners proven recruiting strategies and tools that has given Great Clips the cutting edge over other salons.

The power of a national brand is behind you when you become a Great Clips franchisee. From customized grand opening plans developed by your Marketing Manager to Great Clips NASCAR sponsorship, Great Clips is committed to building the brand on a local and national level—and making sure that your location and services are known throughout your community.

And at the core of Great Clips’ operating systems is one of the most sophisticated proprietary computer business systems to be found anywhere. You learn how Great Clips’ point-of sale system tracks everything from detailed sales and customer count data to staffing schedules. You’ll also discover how field staff network—backed up by over 60 local training centers—can help you achieve operational excellence. 

How Property Paramedics Clean Up

Property damage resulting from fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning storms, biohazard accidents or the whimsical freaky-flukey of fate can be even more devastating than what caused the damage. After all, the event comes to an end, but the damage done may continue to plague a homeowner for months, sometimes years. Every 15 seconds in the United States a property damage claim is filed with an insurance company—which then refers the claim to (and pays for) a professional property damage management company to restore, replace and clean up the damage. That translates in to at least four new business opportunities every hour for anyone in the damage clean-up business. Is it any wonder that damage clean up is among the fastest growing franchise concepts in the nation? If you’ve been thinking about a service business franchise, the story below may whet your appetite to further investigate the possibilities of this highly profitable, recession-proof field.

Peter Casey

Franchising Consultant

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A Personalized Approach to Property Damage

In an emergency, speed is of the essence; especially when property is at risk. Lives can be deeply affected by property loss and recovery often depends on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency mitigation professionals. PuroClean Disaster Restoration provides fast, 24-hour dependable service—usually within an hour of being notified—by deploying a team of trained professionals who know how to assess the situation quickly and the steps to take to make recovery as complete and easy as possible.

Known as the "Paramedics of Property Damage," PuroClean franchisees provide emergency restoration services to insurance companies and property owners in need of swift reliable action using the latest techniques, technology, and procedures that can rescue homes for rehabitation and restore businesses with a minimum of down time. 

PuroClean franchise owners have the ongoing opportunity to profit from the huge disaster restoration claims industry—an industry that pays out approximately $162 billion for insured property losses each year. Supported by a national business training support center, PuroClean franchisees have become the property restoration provider of choice for insurance professionals. 

With over 90 years combined experience in business and disaster restoration, PuroSystems Inc.'s training is unparalleled. PuroClean Franchisees learn a proven method of doing business and get initial and ongoing support. Coupled with the PuroClean reputation for excellence, franchisees enter the field with an advantage over the competition: PuroClean’s high-value brand recognition in the eyes of customers.

New franchise training takes place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where franchisees receive hands-on experience in fire and flood simulators. The three week training program also includes marketing, estimating, and other phases of the business. And PuroClean’s field trainers provide additional field training at the franchisee’s location.

Real Estate Market Offers Growth Opportunity in Home Inspections

The times are always a'changing. Just a few years ago the housing boom was so explosive that people frequently offered more than a seller was asking in order to beat out another buyer. Houses would go on the market in the morning and be sold by the end of the day—sometimes even by noon. There was no top to the market, or so it seemed; no end to the rising value of real estate. Of course, we've learned that such is not the case; and we've landed in a morass of failing mortgages and foreclosures. But throughout both the boom and the bust, one group of professionals consistently prospered: home inspectors. The story below tells you something about the business as seen through the eyes of the first, and oldest, home inspection franchisor in the country. And if you want more information, visit . . .

Peter Casey

Franchising Consultant

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HouseMaster Celebrates 30th Anniversary

BOUND BROOK, N.J., May 19, 2009--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, is proud to mark its 30th anniversary as the authority in home inspections "done right." HouseMaster is using the start of the home buying and selling season to celebrate this milestone and reflect on the evolution of the home inspection business over the course of the past 30 years.

"We are very proud of achieving this milestone," said Kathleen Kuhn, president of HouseMaster. "For 30 years we have been committed to helping consumers make informed real estate decisions and advancing the need for comprehensive training in the home inspection industry. As the first franchisor in the business we've long been the standard bearer for quality and integrity in both the home inspection and franchising industries. With 385 franchisees and almost 2 million inspections performed, we are still raising the bar and looking forward to another 30 years of success."

Founded in 1979 by Kenneth T. Austin, HouseMaster was the first home inspection franchise operation in the United States. HouseMaster is truly the stand out opportunity in the home inspection franchise marketplace.  HouseMaster offers you a Right Choice Guarantee.  Here’s how the Guarantee works; if for some reason, within the first year of franchise ownership, after you’ve completed training and implementing specific elements of our system, you do not feel HouseMaster was the right choice for you, HouseMaster will refund your Initial Franchise Fee, less administrative expenses.  

Why Starting a Business in a Recession Makes Good Sense

Sounds a bit crazy thinking that now is a good time to start a franchise business, doesn’t it? Sales are falling everywhere, people aren’t spending  money on anything but necessities, and prices for many basics are going up everywhere you look. But there are a host of good reasons why the current economy can work to your advantage—so that any business you start now will be poised to capture the gathering wave of the turn-around and the economic growth that follows every recession. The story below first appeared in Entrepreneur magazine a while ago, but it's worth a second look. It gives you some sound arguments why—if you’re going to start a business—the time to act is now.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Top 10 Reasons to Start a Business in a Recession

By Brad Sugars

More publicity. Less competition. Talent waiting to be scooped up. Here's why starting in a recessed economy may give your business a better shot.

Do you have one good reason to start your business right now? How about 10? Regardless of what people around you (including the media) may say, right now is the best time to get into business. Just go back and look at the economic slowdowns throughout history. Most recessions in the post-World War II era last an average of 10 months, followed by growth cycles that last an average of 50 months.

What this means for the startup is there's no better time than right now to get going and start pursuing your business dreams—in anticipation of the next period of growth.

So with a nod to David Letterman, here are my top 10 reasons you should start your business now—despite the current downturn:

(1) Everything is cheaper. There is great value right now in this and in world markets. This is the right time for fantastic deals in virtually every category, from land and equipment to commercial office space, personnel, and labor. As asset prices have been knocked down, there is no better time to get into the real estate or financial markets, or even heavy equipment and construction. Some people have waited years to find value in these markets—and now that time has come.

(2) You can hire more and better-qualified people. In an era when even Microsoft is laying off, you can find great resources at affordable rates. Thinking about getting your high-tech startup off the ground? There are plenty of engineers waiting to be hired. Thinking about forming a professional services firm? There are many accountants and attorneys looking for their next opportunity.

(3) People are looking to change suppliers. From a cost perspective, everything is on the table for most companies. Even if your prices are higher, if you can come in with greater value, you have a good chance at winning new business. You also have the advantage of being the new kid on the block when it comes to pitching your products and services. Many companies are desperate to find new partnerships with new companies that have a different, better or more innovative way of delivering those products and services.

(4) Ownership equals tax incentives. Business ownership offers a variety of tax benefits that aren't available to employees. While taxes should never be the sole reason to go into business for yourself, it should be one reason to add to you "benefits of business ownership" list.

(5) Family and friends don't want to (or can't) invest more money into the stock or real estate markets. That means they may be willing to finance a portion of your new venture, or the expansion of an enterprise that has proven itself over time. The main benefit is that they know you and have a relationship with you--and if you have a solid business plan that delivers real numbers, your chances of raising the capital you need increase exponentially.

(6) Suppliers are giving better credit. Because the credit markets have virtually shut down, the B2B credit flows are keeping money circulating out of sheer necessity. That means a bullish outlook for companies looking for good terms on stock and/or inventories. The main advantage is that all parties have more incentive than ever for finding true win-win situations that allow for cash and stock flow. When everyone is looking to survive, great deals can be had.

(7) You can get good PR by showing you are going against the trend. The media loves aberrations, and if you are optimistic by expanding or getting into business now, you would be in that category. That means you can generate some great PR by demonstrating your "alternative" view of the market.

(8) You can buy everything you need at auction. In addition to everything being less expensive, you can find great deals at auctions, especially in terms of any large equipment and office furnishings. Auctions are also a great place to find hardly used or "gently" used restaurant and bar supplies at great prices. These days, you may even be able to get deals on fleets of vehicles and trucks for a delivery service or hauling or construction company.

(9) You can find great "low money" or "no money" down deals. This is simply being aware of good opportunities others have buggered up, and finding deals where you could get an entire business simply by taking over a lease (along with all the equipment). Many business owners want out at any cost, meaning you can negotiate great win-win deals that allow the current owners an escape while giving you an opportunity to turn around what could be, if run right, a very viable business.

And finally . . .

(10) You've lost your job, and you have to do something. Sometimes, the best business decision is the one you are forced into, and the incentive (as well as need) for income is often enough to push those previously "on the fence" to strike out on their own. There's nothing wrong with being in this position; it simply means there is greater urgency to do something that will start to generate income as quickly as possible.

There you have it: my top 10 reasons to start your business in a recession. After all, the odds are on your side that the expansion will be many times more robust than the present slowdown.

There's no better time to start than the present, especially if people around you are more comfortable with their own list of reasons why they shouldn't start pursuing their own business dreams right now. It only means you'll be facing a lot less competition.

For more information, go franchisebuyersnetwork.com

Don't Miss the Debt Management Gold Rush

No matter whether times are good or times are bad, there’s always debt—and thousands of people who need help solving their debt woes. Given the economic era that we’re now in, easing those woes just may be the growth business you’re looking for. There’s a market for rescuing people from the pain and embarrassment of money problems, and it’s only going to get larger—exponentially larger. In the coming months a tidal wave of people will be desperately looking for help with their debt. This opportunity, recently posted on FranchiseEXPO.com, is poised to give the ambitious businessperson a head start in serving that market—along with the potential for more than substantial financial reward.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Be the First to Stake Your Claim!

Short of being in a coma, it is virtually impossible to not be aware of the economic tsunami that our country is experiencing. People from all walks of life are facing the reality of possible foreclosure, bankruptcy, creditor harassment, and eroding loan availability. This diagnosis is of epidemic proportions and worsening by the day.

A government endorsed bailout program has just been prescribed to fight this rapidly spreading disease. With so many people needing assistance, there needs to be an efficient delivery system to administer this vaccine. Welcome to the Debtinators.

Debtinators is a group of affiliates that represent literally decades of experience in finance, real estate, mortgages, debt settlement and debt elimination. It’s a one stop business that treats the financial woes of clients. There are numerous land mines in this financial field that one must navigate around.

The Debtinators’ team is guided by top notch legal professionals who insure that everything that can be done, will be done. We are dedicated to helping everyone who desires financial piece of mind and freedom to achieve it.

The Debtinators offer a wide spectrum of services from loan modification, debt settlement, debt elimination, and unsecured loans to small businesses. We use a state of the art Internet marketing strategy that constantly drives our services to literally millions of potential clients everyday. This is in addition to the ordinary channels of distribution that a typical business would utilize, making us a company in the forefront of this paradigm shift in our country’s history.

This is where you come in. We are seeking dedicated individuals of the highest integrity to assist us in working with the millions of people who need our services. No license is required. There is no experience necessary. We provide comprehensive training, marketing, and administrative support. There is no need to be a financial guru. There is no selling – you simply inform people of the availability of assistance. You gather information and submit it to the professionals. They do all the hard work that requires the expertise to achieve the desired end results.

For more information, go to franchisebuyersnetwork.com

A Picture Can Be Worth Far More than a 1000 Words

It’s no longer necessary to hire a professional photographer to document your wedding, party, or other event. Here’s a business that marries the latest photo technology with convenience. It may well be the next hot franchise to own. Since it’s still relatively new on the scene, you stand a good chance of being the first in your area to set up business—in a completely wide-open market that may not offer any competition for some time. Of course, once the word of the low cost and high value business appeal of the enterprise spreads, you can expect others to climb on board and open similiar businesses that draw on the market you’ve staked out. But, by that time, you’ll be the established entity that got there first—and being first in a market is frequently the key to business success.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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ShutterBox Photo Booth Offers Franchise Opportunities Nationwide

May 7, 2009 - ShutterBox is the first and only photo booth franchise of its kind. Modernized for weddings & formal parties, ShutterBox has redefined the classic photo booth experience for wedding guests and party goers. Unlike the old fashioned two-seater photo booth that creates grainy photos, ShutterBox's new-age design accommodates two to ten guests who receive instant digital photo strips. ShutterBox offers its clients a wide variety of photo personalization options and cutting edge graphics that can transform their photos in to the ultimate party favors.

ShutterBox Entertainment, LLC is now franchising and will be interviewing quality franchisees to expand operations throughout the United States. ShutterBox is owned and operated by Rob & Jennifer McCarty of Naperville, Illinois. Rob has over ten years experience in finance with a focus on sales, management, and financial investments. Jennifer has over 9 years experience in sales and office operations. Together, they have developed systems and operations that offer franchisees a turn-key business in a fun and exciting industry.

"We loved the photo booth! Our friends are still commenting on how much fun it was. Our photographer was even in there, having fun with it! ShutterBox designed my photo strips to match our wedding colors and wedding style. I love that my friends and family got to take away these amazing keepsakes from our wedding," says recent bride, Monica of Chicago, IL.

ShutterBox counsel, Attorney Bambi Faivre Walters states, "This is an exciting franchise opportunity that reflects the growth in online, niche businesses with quality products and affordable pricing. It is franchise offerings like ShutterBox that have the right ingredients to quickly grow while having a lot of fun."

With operations currently in Chicago and Las Vegas, ShutterBox Photo Booth is an innovative company at the forefront of a relatively new industry. Capturing the need for instant & personalized photographs at weddings and celebratory events, ShutterBox has reinvented the classic photo booth experience while still maintaining the nostalgic charm and appeal. ShutterBox Entertainment LLC offers its franchisees business operations support, a creative design team, effective marketing programs, training, and management support.

Franchising Your Way Thru Tough Times

No one so far has said it’s going to be easy getting through the current economic climate, but savvy franchisees who know how to apply expert advice will certainly make it to better times. One way to be among the successful is to learn the techniques and strategies specifically tailored for franchise owners, regardless of the franchise niche they’re in. MarketingSage, long a leader in marketing consulting for a variety of industries, offers a FREE online video with tips on areas of your business that can be re-positioned to make the most out of these soft business times. Targeted to the technology industry, the video nonetheless offers a wealth of valuable insight to franchisees of every category.  

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Ready-Made Business Can Pay Off But It Requires Hard Work, Money, & Caution   

By Eve Tahmincioglu, msnbc.com contributor, Thurs., March. 26, 2009

Taso Louloudis knew the construction industry he and his wife Kim worked in was suffering, but neither expected they’d both lose their jobs in the same year.

Kim was laid off from her job at Engineered Homes in Orlando in May, and Taso lost his job as construction manager for Rey Homes on Nov. 7, his birthday.

“I’ve been doing construction my entire life, working my way up from subcontractor to a point where I was the boss that did hiring and firing,” Taso said.

At age 50, with only a high school diploma, he realized his career choices were limited.

So Louloudis and his wife turned to franchising.

More and more laid off workers are considering franchising as an alternative to working for someone else, according to experts in the industry.

Some see franchising as an easy way to entrepreneurship and economic independence. But becoming a successful franchisee takes a lot of hard work and money. It could take years before you’re able to replace your income.

Because the Louloudises love pets — they have four dogs and five cats at home, many of whom are rescue animals — they embarked on finding a pet-related business.

They considered a host of options, including doggie daycare and pet sitting, but decided against starting their own company from the ground up due to the intense competition for such services in their area.

They now own a Fetch! Pet Care, a franchise that offers in-home pet sitting services.

The Louloudises bought the franchise for $13,000, plus the cost of a flight to Fetch’s headquarters in Walnut Creek, Calif., for training. They expect to bring in sales of about $50,000 by the end of this year.

Should you open a franchise?
If you really have the heart of an entrepreneur, franchising is probably not for you. First off, it’s not your business idea that you nurture and grow. You’ll have to follow a strict playbook of operating the franchise. Often agreements are written so you can’t even sell the franchise operation without the approval from the franchise company, said Walter Zweifler of Zweifler Financial Research, which analyzes franchising opportunities for investors.

Is Business Coaching for You?

Despite all the economic doom and gloom, there are new businesses just starting out as well as mature businesses that will make it through to better times. And therein lies an opportunity for anyone who wants to help. Being a coach of any kind demands a wide variety of talents, not the least of which is the ability to show people how to improve what they're doing, how to measure the effectiveness or progress of what they're doing, and how to recognize when they need to change course in what they’re doing. What’s required is native “people skills,” the drive to put them to good use, and a desire to teach the kind of methods and strategies that help others help themselves. If that sounds like you, take a look at the kind of business you can have with an ActionCOACH franchise---along with the training to make it fly.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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ActionCOACH Mentoring Source

ActionCOACH is the world’s number one business and executive coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries. As part of an ActionCOACH franchise, consultants provide a valuable mentoring service to clients. For three years running, Entrepreneur magazine has rated ActionCOACH one of the Top 20 Home Based Franchise Businesses.  By supplying a pair of fresh eyes to evaluate the current structure of a business, ActionCOACH consultants help business owners and CEOS improve and maintain the health of their companies. Business Coaches show each individual client how to excel by focusing on the four core aspects of his or her business: time, team, money, and systems.

And while Franchise owners can easily learn the details of fixing and managing a business from ActionCOACH, each ActionCoach Business Coach develops his own career by continuing to learn from each client he tutors. Over time, this expands an ActionCOACH’s understanding and experience of a variety of business and business problems.

In short, being an ActionCoach Coach is a never-ending process of learning more and gaining deeper insight to business operations; a process that benefits each successive client.

All it takes is dedication and commitment to get started, ActionCOACH provides the training on how to run your franchise, the details of fixing and managing a business, and how to deal with your clients.

Open a Till-Divorce-Do-Us-Part Business

Just about any kind of business can be franchised----and, eventually, probably will be. Tattoo removal? Piercing salons? Brazilian bikini waxing? Pet therapy? They’ve already been franchised. And now comes a divorce franchise. The appeal? No more expensive and vicious legal wrangling, no more bitter fights over child custody, no more endless lawyering that siphons money from both spouses. Plus the back log that divorce creates in the court systems, and the need for families to create more peaceful resolutions, are just a couple of the pressing reasons for a new approach. With millions of marriages crashing every year, the market for an amicable, stress-free, and fair divorce settlement isn’t likely to go away soon. And----given what happens to thousands of marriages in rough economic times----that market may only be getting bigger. Here’s a quick look at a fixed-fee resolution method that may just be the very next big franchise business to own.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Debut of a New Divorce Approach

April 30, 2009 - Can divorce be franchised? Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions is doing just that. In an exclusive interview on TopNewFranchises.com, she tells how her new franchise concept is revolutionizing an industry.

Each year in the U.S., more than 2 million marriages end in divorce. Most couples have little choice other than the current a costly and antagonistic legal system or trying to do it on their own. But soon there may be a better alternative. Karen Stewart explains how her Fairway Divorce Solutions franchisees are providing a divorce facilitation alternative that's based on cooperation, not confrontation.

With nine locations in Canada, Fairway Divorce Solutions is already providing an alternative approach to divorce — a fixed fee, step-by-step independent negotiated resolution process. The Fairway Process™ reduces costs, time, stress, and protects children.

Fairway Divorce Solutions CEO Karen Stewart explains how the overwhelmingly positive response to the Fairway system in Canada prompted her to begin offering franchises in the United States. Fairway Divorce Solutions is actively seeking qualified professionals who want to build a strong business while helping people change the way they approach divorce.

Entrepreneur of the Year Says: Reinvent Yourself!

There's a lot to be learned from successful entrepreneurs. They know how to get ahead and stay ahead of the competition. They know how to adjust and adapt to changing business conditions, markets, customer desires, shop location. They watch industry trends. Focus on the future. And always "sell customers on value, retain customers by service, service, service." Sounds simple, but a good number of franchise owners are too busy to pay attention to these essential building blocks for success. The story below from Franchise Times illustrates how one innovative franchiser parlayed one success in to another, and then another after that. The wise franchiser, regardless of industry, will apply the perspective of someone like Tarid Farid and discover new ways to do business. 

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Want solutions?

Here's what is working for some innovators

Franchise Times, April 2009. It's easy to see why Tariq Farid was honored as IFA's Entrepreneur of the Year. He's someone who never stops improving on what's already working.

When he was 17, his father borrowed and financed $6,000 with credit cards to buy a flower shop for Farid to run after high school. Fortunately he did well in school and could relieve his mom at the shop by noon. His mother didn't speak English, but she took copious notes on the orders coming in and whether the salesgirls were smiling at customers.

There was no shortage of flower shops in his town, but Farid distinguished himself by buying roses from the growers and selling them for $9.99 a dozen, cutting his profit to $4. He made up for the loss by encouraging customers to "supersize," their orders by adding on higher margin items, such as bows or Teddy bears, he says. Lower prices delivered higher volumes, which allowed him to lock in prices with the growers.

Flowers were nice, but Farid's passion at the time was computers. He designed a computer system for his shop that he turned around and sold to other flower shops in the area. This was not a small endeavor. By 1997, his computer business had sales of $2.5 million a year. His strategy was the same as with flowers, "sell them on value, deliver lots of service," he said. Part of that service included advice on how to improve sales at their flower shops. "We had so much business we had to put people on a wait list," he said.

He sold the computer company, kept the original flower shop and began to tackle a new project. He had seen bouquets made from fresh fruit and did a feasibility study on the prospect. "My mom liked them; that was my feasibility study," Farid said, grinning.

He designed the technology to support the business and built four stores that would serve as test markets. The first was the prototype, the second was as if a franchisee was building it, the third was located in an upscale area; and the fourth was in "an area no one wanted to build in," he said.

"I learned how to handle customers in all areas," he said. For instance, coupons worked in the blue-collar neighborhoods, but not the upscale ones. Upscale areas, on the other hand, demanded the shop be open on Saturdays.

Customer service is key. When a call comes into the shop, the employee immediately pulls up that customer's file. For a repeat customer, they suggest a different item. So no one's getting the Simply Dipped Daisies time after time, when there's artfully arranged strawberries and grapes and bananas to create buzz.

Innovation

So how does a luxury business survive in hard times?

Two ways: Design a symbiotic concept and start a finance arm (which shouldn't hurt, right?).

"I felt if I was so confident about this I should back it," he explained. "The best thing you can put your money into is yourself. Worst case scenario, I'll have to take over the stores and run them."

In order to qualify for a loan, franchisees have to agree to an extensive training program, including finance management.

What to do with the leftover fruit was another problem that created opportunity. Since the stores have to buy premium fruit for the arrangements, they are careful to have very little waste. But there's still pieces left over after the fruit is trimmed to look like flowers. Farid developed a complementary concept, Frutation, which turns the scraps of fresh fruit into smoothies and fruit salads. The concept is a natural because the locations are already in premium locations with foot traffic. Franchisees pay an additional $10,000 for the franchise fee.

Farid said that if a franchisor isn't reinventing himself right now, he or she is in trouble. "When you swim in your own little pond, you think you're the best swimmer," he said. Not only is the pond getting bigger, but there are lots more swimmers entering the race. Perhaps it's time to take swimming lessons...

Here are some tips from Farid:

*  Transform yourself before there's a need.

* Walk into your concept like a customer, not an owner.

* Technology may save you money, but there's always a cost involved. Step back and view your processes from a distance. If you enhance an inefficient process, all the technology in the world won't help. 

* Don't just compare last year's number with this year's - look to see if you could have done more.

* Know your destination and how to arrive there. And, if you're the CEO, you have to arrive there before everyone else does.

Kneading Out the Recession Blues

Stress generating economic news can get you down and make you tense, all at the same time. How to get out of the dumps, even if you can't pull the economy along with you? A lot of people are turning to massage therapy. That's why the massage therapy industry has not only remained relatively unscathed by the recession, but has even begun to flourish. Massage therapy franchises are opening new locations and gaining new customers at a brisk pace. The cost of entry is low and franchise owners profit nicely. What's more, they can take satisfaction in knowing that they're providing a service that helps revitalize energy and outlook, makes people feel good, and offers respite from dreary financial news. Give the article below a quick read for more information.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Massages help fight economic stress

by Jenn Rains, Hill Country News

The economy has been at the forefront of people's minds with stories about the stock market fluctuating and businesses throughout the country closing stores or going bankrupt. While many businesses and industries continue to flounder in the unstable economy, one particular industry is experiencing good fortune with more customers because of the stressful times. The local massage therapy industry continues to do well despite economic hardships.

As more and more people are stressed about finances, many are turning to massage therapy to help them keep a balance in their lives, said Rima Star, quality officer of seven Massage Envy clinics including one at 1890 Ranch in Cedar Park.

Star said the massage clinics continue to see new customers. “I think all have seen some kind of shift, but it hasn't been a huge one,” she said of the business which has been open almost a year.

The biggest change she's seen is the increase of customers who used to go to more expensive spas who are cutting back and finding more affordable places to receive their massages.

“A lot of people who have private therapists work on them are coming and taking advantage of great prices,” said Traci Stricklan, clinic administrator for Massage Envy. She also said people who didn't use to get massages are coming in because they're stressed.

Bernado Mora of Village Massage Heights of Cedar Park has seen similar trends. Though the business has only been in Cedar Park for about three months and is still trying to get established, Mora said the company is doing well.

He said the economy being what it is creates a positive and negative for the company. If the economy was better, the business would be better, but the stress of the economy is leading to more customers, Mora said.

“With this economy, people are stressed out so they're coming in for massages,” he said.

As a business that offers affordable massages, like Massage Envy, he said some of his clients used to go to spas. Mora said, “The economy is helping us a little bit because people who used to go to a spa are coming to us now.”

As for Alex Matthews, co-owner with wife Vicki of Advanced Therapeutic Massage, he said their business hasn't seen much of a change.

“Initially it slowed down a little bit and then it went back to where it was before,” he said of his business, which has been in Cedar Park for over 10 years and was the first licensed establishment for massage therapy in the city.

He said some new clientele continues to come in and that people are turning to massages to help with stress. Matthews said Advanced Therapeutic's style is to manage stress throughout the year, rather than offering a once-a-year relaxation treat like many spas do.

All three businesses have found much success in Cedar Park and continue to be successful. “It's always been fantastic for us,” said Matthews, who said the business worked to integrate itself into the community from the beginning.

Stricklan of Massage Envy, a nationwide chain which employs about 8,000 therapists, said the owners were looking for ideal spots for Massage Envy businesses and thought Cedar Park would be an ideal location.

In a city that continues to grow and bring in more people, Mora said he expects his business to grow and benefit a lot of people in the area.

Franchises that are Predicted to Ride Out the Recession

These days, the number one priority for franchise owners is survival. The good news? Recent studies indicate franchises are in a better position to weather a bumpy economy than many other types of small business. There are even some bright spots. Temporary staffing services, executive coaching, and other business services will handle the downturn fairly well and emerge intact. The story below offers some insights as to why this is true, and gives you a sense of the considerations that go in to choosing a business service franchise.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Business Services Weather the Economy

By Matt Bolch
As published in: Franchise Times - April 2009

At a time when stocks are trading at half what they did 18 months ago, the loss of 10,000 franchise estab lishments doesn't seem so bad. The key, of course, is to make sure that it's not your business that closes.

Other data from the Franchise Business Economic Outlook for 2009 estimates a loss of 207,000 jobs in the sector and a decline in overall economic output of 0.5 percent, which translates into a $4.2 billion loss for the year. The report was prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers with input from FRANdata.

"It's a slight dip, but better than the rest of the small business economy," indicates Rieva Lesonsky, editor at large for AllBusiness.com. "Franchises are perfectly poised to handle the downturn." Bright spots include the QSR industry, temporary staffing services, coaching and franchises aimed at business services, notes Lesonsky. "Business services are going to do well," Lesonsky says. "Larger companies are getting rid of employees and turning to outsourcing."

FastSigns has weathered previous downturns without incident, but President Larry Lane says the current economic climate is hitting his business, too. The company was founded in Carrollton, Texas, in 1985 when the state's housing market was in the tank, but FastSigns prospered then, as well as during downturns in the early '90s, during the dot-com bust and in the aftermath of 9/11.

"We did pretty well the first half of last year, then the second half saw a tightening," Lane says. "In November, the business world stopped. January was bad, but we've started being more proactive and are seeing things loosening up."

FastSigns, which has 462 locations in the United States and 81 outlets in six other countries, has been reinforcing the value message of signage to the small- and medium-sized business (SMB) community and helping franchisees make smart decisions during the downturn.

The company encourages franchisees to try social networking, and FastSigns has started a blog on its Web site, which currently is undergoing a transformation to incorporate mobile access that should be complete by mid-summer. The company has instituted additional training for franchisees and their employees and has issued guidelines about how stores can operate more efficiently from a green standpoint.

Technology has transformed the signage industry but can be costly, and FastSigns is helping franchisees make critical decisions about whether efficiencies and sales opportunities gained from new equipment would be worth the expense.

BookKeeping Express believes its value proposition will appeal to the SMB community during the recession, says Greg S. Jones, CEO of the franchise services company based in McLean, Virginia. The company was founded in 1984 and operated under a license model until it was sold in 2007. BookKeeping Express has 23 licensed locations and 112 franchise territories, mostly multiple units on the East Coast.

"There's a huge void in the market between bookkeepers who mainly have limited skills and CPAs who consider bookkeeping a low priority," Jones says. "We boast the quality of a CPA with the cost of a bookkeeper."

In a small business environment, one person often does two jobs, including bookkeeping. So if that person is laid off, the owner has to look elsewhere for bookkeeping services. BookKeeping Express offers reports and industry analysis comparing a client's business with comparable companies across the company.

"Every week, every month, we're looking at how the business is run, and that's the value we offer small business owners," Jones says.

Staying on top of your game

If franchisees ever needed a little sage advice, now is the time.

"We've never been more relevant and never been more effective," says Jason Zickerman, president and CEO of The Alternative Board, an international peer advice and executive coaching franchise based in Westminster, Colorado. "Executive coaching is kind of recession-proof. In good times, owners can afford it, and in bad times they need us more than ever."

Clients can participate through peer boards of non-competing business owners who meet to discuss challenges and strategies for success and receive one-on-one coaching about their particular business.

This isn't the time to sit back and hope to weather the storm, Zickerman advises. Business owners have to be aggressive and proactive, finding ways to cut spending that do not include marketing and leveraging company strengths to find new customers and cement ties with existing ones.

David Fagiano, senior vice president and COO at Dale Carnegie & Associates Inc., agrees that the time for action is now. "It's been proven recession after recession that companies that don't cut funds for advertising and training come out of recessions better than companies that do," says Fagiano. "But usually those items are the first to get cut when the economy goes south."

That's one of the five biggest mistakes companies make, as found in a Dale Carnegie Training survey of 150 of its franchisees. Another common misstep is following the herd, cutting people or budgets indiscriminately because other companies are doing it. Others include delaying key decisions, failure to communicate within the organization and viewing the situation negatively.

"This constant barrage of awful news has a lot of people scared and retreating into their shells," says Fagiano, who says Hauppauge, New York-based Dale Carnegie has not been immune to the downturn. "Even if the unemployment rate hits 10 percent, that means 90 percent of Americans are working. It's all a matter of perception."

Linda Burzynski has led several franchise organizations and now consults with franchisors and franchisees as CEO at VL Service Corp., Austin, Texas. Burzynski says nearly three-quarters of the franchisors she works with are trying to increase communications to franchisees and customers to strengthen ties, while the rest are working to expand the number of locations.

A coach with franchise experience can bring a trained set of eyes into a company's business, often paying for the service with increased efficiencies or opportunities. "One suggestion (the client) leverages can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars to the bottom line," Burzynski says. "Franchisors can't afford not to do this."  

Fast Track Office Cleaning Franchises

There’s money in wastebaskets, dirt, dust, and carpets. In emptying and cleaning them, that is. With cleaning service franchises of all kinds among the fastest growing and most profitable franchise categories, it’s a good idea to stay on top of how they’re ranked and what they offer. If you’re shopping for a franchise that has a proven track record and a solid market, a cleaning service franchise may be just the way to go. All businesses need cleaning----retail stores, medical facilities, office buildings, restaurants, government buildings, movie theaters, you name the business and it will require regular cleaning----but you can choose to clean only the ones you want or even specialize in a particular type of business. A very modest investment puts you in to the business. You can keep your regular job while getting started, working evenings and weekends, and setting your own working times and number of hours. And, once your business grows large enough, you can do it full-time. Give it some thought.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant

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Bonus Building Care Receives Top Ranking from Franchise Business Review

PRLog (Press Release) – Mar 16, 2009 – Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm, announced today that BONUS Building Care, one of the highest ranked and fastest growing companies in the commercial cleaning franchise industry, has ranked 2nd in the Cleaning and Maintenance category and 11th in the Less than 50 category based on franchise owner satisfaction.

The survey invited each BONUS Building Care commercial office cleaning Master Franchise owner to participate and asked forty questions related to their BONUS Building Care commercial office cleaning franchise ownership experience. The survey questions covered franchisee training and support, system quality issues, franchisor relationship, financial opportunity and overall satisfaction. Additionally, BONUS Building Care commercial office cleaning franchisees completed demographic and lifestyle questions, for a 360-degree view of their franchise experience.

Details about the 2009 Franchise 50 Awards are available at fbr50.com.

“We are proud that our franchisees have once again rated BONUS Building Care’s commercial cleaning franchise as one of the best of the best in the franchise industry. The Franchise Business Review survey validates the satisfaction, opportunity and support provided through the BONUS franchise system! This is a great achievement that we are very proud to receive” says BONUS of America, Inc. President, Perry White.

About BONUS Building Care

Bonus Building Care is a commercial cleaning franchise company founded in 1996 by Arleen Cavanaugh. Bonus Building Care’s headquarters is located in Indianola, Oklahoma from which it supports twenty-eight (28) Bonus Building Care commercial office cleaning franchise branches in the U.S. operating from coast to coast. Bonus Building Care provides commercial office cleaning services to thousands of accounts nationwide through its network of over 2,200 cleaning franchise owners. Learn more about Bonus Building Care on their website at bonusbuildingcare.com or commercialcleaningservice.net. 

How to Really Clean Up in the Recession

Cleaning services have been one of the fastest growing franchise sectors for several years now. That's due to several key factors. Low entry costs, extensive training materials, and superior, active support from the parent company lead the list, but the real driving force behind the demand for cleaning services is simple----no one likes to do house cleaning chores. Especially after a long day at work or a weekend packed with much more interesting activities. This is true for both single- and two-income families. If they can afford to pay someone else to do the housework, cleaning is among the first luxury services selected. If you're considering this area of franchise endeavor----or even if the idea has never occurred to you before----this article offers some tantalizing food for thought.

Peter Casey, Franchising Consultant.

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The Cleanest Sector of U.S. Economy 

Molly Maid Reports Positive Sales, Franchise Expansion as Consumers Prioritize Cleanliness

Ann Arbor, MI – American consumers made it clear this year that one thing they won’t give up is a clean home, and they don’t want the chore of doing it themselves.

Molly Maid, a leading residential cleaning service franchises with more than 5,000 signature navy and pink cars on the road, finished 2008 with a 5 percent increase in sales over the previous year. In addition, the company welcomed 18 new franchises across the country, and an additional 17 existing franchise owners invested in expanding their territories. Molly Maid also experienced a whopping 85 percent increase in website contacts.

Molly Maid broke into four new markets last year, including Tulsa, Okla., Omaha, Neb., Rochester, Minn., and Syracuse, N.Y. and company executives are preparing an aggressive franchise expansion campaign for 2009, targeting Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Miami. According to Mailloux, each market was carefully chosen based on consumer demand for quality, reliable cleaning services. Overall, residential cleaning represents a $3 to $4 billion industry, which is projected to grow up to 17 percent through 2014.

“In homes around the country, a volatile economy often calls for both spouses to work harder and longer hours than usual, just to get by,” said Molly Maid President Kristi Mailloux. “Busy working families want to make the most of their free time, and cleaning their house isn’t exactly what they want to do during those rare, free moments. We offer one time, monthly, bi-weekly and weekly cleaning. It costs money, but it’s an investment families are willing to make as a trade out for quality time together.”

Mailloux noted that also during tough economic times, consumers tend to be more careful in making choices about companies and services that they hire, and are less likely to take chances with independent, little-known local businesses.  “Molly Maid is nationally recognized. We do background checks, and home service professionals are bonded and insured. Customers know they can trust the people they are letting into their homes, which at a time like this, is critical.”

As a whole, Molly Maid has been increasingly contacted by and has awarded franchises to executives being downsized in corporate America, or others who are tired of the uncertainty. She noted that Molly Maid franchises offer an executive style model for those who enjoy managing people, providing great customer service and who are looking for a flexible lifestyle with Monday – Friday hours.

In addition to franchise opportunities, Molly Maid also helps boost local economies by bringing jobs into the community, said Mailloux. “Our company and our franchise owners believe in creating good working environments where Home Service Professionals and office team members can make a good living. Many have been with their franchises for more than 10 years,” she said.

Molly Maid residential cleaning franchises also enjoy giving back to the communities they serve through the Ms. Molly Foundation, a non-profit foundation that supports victims of domestic violence and their families. The foundation raised a record-setting $127,500 this year, which was distributed to nearly 100 shelters across the country. Since its inception in 1996, the foundation has raised more than $725,000 for local domestic violence shelters throughout the United States and Canada.

About Molly Maid

Molly Maid, based in Ann Arbor, MI, is one of three service companies under Service Brands International. The residential cleaning franchise, ranked number one in the United States, was founded in 1979 and began franchising in 1984. Currently, over 450 Molly Maid units are operating in the United States alone, with an additional 300 operating throughout Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, England and Portugal. Molly Maid has consistently ranked well in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 rankings, currently at number 104. Molly Maid has also been the recipient of numerous awards for entrepreneurialism, software innovation and humanitarian causes, including the Ms. Molly Foundation, which collects money and goods for safe houses and shelters for victims of domestic violence.