What the Olympics Can Teach Us About Franchising

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The world’s best, strongest, fastest, and most talented athletes are competing for personal glory on the world’s most public stage: the Olympic Games. Behind the fanfare, sponsorships, and medals lie years of hard work, sacrifice, and standing on the shoulders of your supporters.

 

As a franchisee, your business is your Olympics. While you may not find yourself on a podium decorated with a bronze, silver, or gold medal at the end of each day, your customers, employees and franchisors are judging your performance.

 

The Importance of Passion

Take a page out of an Olympic athlete’s book: passion is paramount. How else could you dedicate 20 years of your life, as Michael Phelps has, to hours and hours of training? To not watching your favorite television show? To not ordering dessert? The only time that sacrifice doesn’t feel sacrificial is when what you stand to gain is greater than what you are forgoing. That, and when what you’re doing still feels like fun.

 

Olympic athletes are often quoted pre-and-post event on the importance of, “going out and having fun.” Without some semblance of fun, the hours in the gym, pool, or at your business, would be unbearable. That’s why when choosing a franchise concept it’s important to be truly interested in or passionate about the business you’re about to buy into. Franchise agreements are written in terms of years. Most are between 10 and 25 years. Can you imagine doing something you don’t really like for so long?

 

What It Means to Be a Part of Something Larger Than Yourself

 

There’s something to be said for being a part of something larger than yourself. Recognizing your place as part of the whole (as opposed to the whole) can be humbling and empowering.

 

As a business or franchise owner your importance is obvious. Without you there wouldn’t be jobs for your employees or services and products for your customers. Then again, if it weren’t you it would be somebody.

 

Embracing this reality and mentality can make you a better manager and franchisee. When you accept that your role, while important, exists only thanks to your franchisor, your customers and your employees, it’s easier to be more appreciative of how your business truly works.

 

Furthermore, realizing your place in something bigger serves as a reminder that you are responsible to and accountable for others—an important inspiration for staying true to your endeavors when you lose sight of your goals. Perhaps this is why Olympians become so overwhelmed with emotion; they see they represent more than just themselves.

 

The Importance of Support and Guidance

Regardless of what you may believe, we all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us—and thank goodness for it! The experience and knowledge of others is invaluable whether you are an Olympic athlete or a franchisee.

 

Can you imagine going to the Olympics without the guidance or tutelage of a coach? Can you imagine becoming a business owner without support from your family or friends? As a franchisee, you not only have the support of your friends and family, you have the support of a network of franchisees and franchise support systems designed to make you and keep you successful! While your personal and financial preparation is your responsibility, you are not without resources or guidance.

 

 

 

Q&A with Stan Friedman of Tutor Doctor

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Where are you from? How and why did you become involved with Tutor Doctor? What does your job entail?

A native New Yorker, but an Atlanta transplant since 1989.

I became involved with Tutor Doctor because it is a brand who’s time is now!  Low barrier of entry,  real estate, high margins, much needed service.  All of the stakeholders win with this brand.  Franchisees, franchisor, and the families in the communities that we serve.

I am the Vice President of North America Franchise Development.  I oversee a team of professional franchise recruiters and manage our relationships with our franchise marketing partners and brokerage networks.

As a member of Tutor Doctor management team, what’s the most rewarding part of being part of a franchise? 

Being part of a dynamic and passionate leadership team is personally, very rewarding.  It is great having a peer group that shares the same vision, values and ethics.

Quickly describe the franchisee selection process to me. What do you look for in a franchisee? Do you have a profile in mind?

There is nothing quick about our process.  We very carefully and methodically work with our candidates to be certain that both sides of their brains are fully engaged in what it takes to successfully operate a Tutor Doctor franchise.  Many times the applicants are tutors or teachers, which can work out just fine, but the profile is more of a marketing and networking professional that can manage multiple relationships: tutors, families and other members of the community, with whom our franchisees do LOTS of cross promotion.

What can we expect from your franchise concept in the years to come? What can we expect from the children’s education industry in the future?

You can expect continued, sustainable growth.  The need for the services that our franchisees provides is a growing segment.  Kids unfortunately get less and less attention as education budgets get slashed in tough times.  We pick up lots of that slack for families that want the very best for their children.

How extensive is the training for your new franchisees? Do you try and develop personal relationships with them?

Franchisee training is intensive.  There is a 50 hour pre-training curriculum that is followed by 6 intensive days in the classroom and in the field at Home Office.  Following that, there is ongoing e-learning and actual mentoring with high level producers that spend two weeks with our new franchisees shadowing them in the mentor’s territory and then two weeks of the mentors working with the new franchisees in their territories.  Personal relationships are a cornerstone of the Tutor Doctor culture.

Do you provide ongoing support? If yes, how so?

Would you expect anything less from a professional franchise organization that is focused on tutoring?  We provide ongoing multi-media e-learning programs, support coaching calls, conferences and seminars throughout the calendar year.

How’s business? Is Tutor Doctor growing?

Growth is explosive.  We are one of the fastest growing brands in one of the most explosive market segments.

 How was the idea of starting Tutor Doctor conceived? 

About 10 years ago we had a simple idea and a desire to make a difference.  We wondered why parents had to adjust their family’s busy schedules and drive half way across town, just to put their kids into another classroom with more kids, when in fact it was the classroom experience that their child was stuggling with in the first place.

How has the recession affected sales and growth? 

Parents may cut back on their “Fourbucks” in tough times, but will not cut back on services for their kids.  Strangely enough, parents will spend less with Tutor Doctor for a more personal, custom tailored experience for their kids and we come to the home, as opposed to paying more and receiving less at a learning center.

You’ve got tremendous business and franchise experience. What’s some advice you’d give those who are beginning the franchise selection process? What would you tell someone who’s in a management position like yours in terms of advice? 

Begin with the end in mind.  Do your introspectives on drives you… what would you do with your time if you didn’t have to earn a living working.  Seek your passion and make a go of owning your business doing what matters to you.  As for what I would say to others in positions like mine, believe in your concepts and the opportunities you are representing with all of your heart.  You are helping people make life changing decisions.  Make it about those that you are serving.  Help the right people, at the right times, for the right reasons and everyone will win.

Is Tutor Doctor involved in VetFran? Does Tutor Doctor provide any financial incentives for veterans?

We are very engaged in VetFran and have active programs to encourage returning veterans to join us.

 

ABOUT TUTOR DOCTOR:

Tutor Doctor was founded in 1999 as an alternative to the “one-to-many” teaching model most extra-curricular learning centers offer by providing a personalized one-on-one, in-home tutoring service to students.  The company quickly grew and in 2003 turned to franchising as a way of expanding the company’s impact and meeting the vast market demand.  Now with offices internationally in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, the Tutor Doctor vision is becoming a reality as the lives of students and their families are being positively impacted throughout the world.  Tutor Doctor is affiliated with the National Tutor Association (NTA) whose mission is to foster the advancement of professional and peer tutoring, support research into best practices and standards for all tutors, support tutor training, advocate for tutor certification, and uphold the NTA Code of Ethics.

About Stan Friedman

Stan Friedman is a Certified Franchise Executive specializing in franchise development for more than 23 years. He has held leadership and executive positions including Senior VP of FranConnect, a franchise client conference, Executive VP and partner at Wing Zone, Executive VP at WSI Internet, ERA Franchise Systems and Prudential Real Estate Affiliates.   Friedman is a founding Board member of The International Franchise Association’s (IFA’s) Diversity Institute, where he has served as First Vice-Chair since its inception.  In 2011, the International Franchise Association honored Friedman with its Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award, previously awarded only seven times in the IFA’s 52 year history.  Friedman also chairs the advisory board of the Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative, (PAFI) collaborating with IFA and its members to bring soon-to-retire professional athletes to a new playing field, that of franchise ownership. Now, Friedman has expanded his professional profile to include Tutor Doctor, a one-on-one, at home tutoring franchise with more than 200 units in 7 countries. Friedman became its VP of North American Franchise Development on May 1, 2012.

What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean For Franchising?

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Last Thursday, The Supreme Court ruled the Affordable Care Act as constitutional. In the days that have followed, some have rejoiced in victory and others have contested the ruling in anger. However, everyone is asking one salient question, “What does this mean for my future healthcare costs?”

 

If you’re a small business owner (which includes franchises), you’re probably particularly concerned with the potential added costs of the Affordable Care Act. Do you have to provide healthcare for your employees? If you’re an employee of a small business, you’re probably also concerned. Does this mean that you’ll lose your job? Or, will you be asked to work part-time hours so your employer can opt out of paying for your health insurance?

 

First of all, here’s a breakdown of what the law requires. For more detailed information, head here.

 

  • If you own/operate a business that employs 50 workers or less, you will not be required to provide healthcare coverage because you are considered a small business by the Affordable Care Act.*
  • If you own/operate a business that employs more than 50 workers, you will not be required to provide healthcare coverage. However, beginning in 2014, employers that do not provide adequate health insurance will be required to pay an assessment if their employees receive premium tax credits to buy their own insurance. These assessments will offset part of the cost of these tax credits. The assessment for a large employer that does not offer coverage will be $2,000 per full-time employee beyond the company’s first 30 workers.
  • If you are self-employed with no employees, you will be required to purchase health insurance or pay a tax equal to 2.5 percent of your household.

 

Last Friday, The International Franchise Association conducted a survey of nearly 200 franchise owners, operators and executives. Asked if they’re more or less likely to hire based on how the Supreme Court ruled last Thursday, of the 200 survey participants 85 percent said they would be less likely to hire. Fifteen percent said they would be more likely to hire.

 

At a separate time but in tandem with the IFA, The Hudson Institute conducted a study that suggests 3.2 million jobs at franchise businesses remain at risk as a result of the employer mandate provision of the healthcare law.

In a recent Washington Post piece, FASTSIGNS chief executive officer, Catherine Monson, called the law “truly unworkable and unaffordable for our country’s small business owners.” Monson lampooned the Affordable Care Act, saying that it is “one of the largest tax hikes in U.S. history,” one that comes at the expense of small businesses, and will ultimately impede growth at a time when our country needs it most.

 

Just to be clear, the Affordable Care Act isn’t one of the largest tax hikes in U.S. history. Presidents Bush and Reagan both introduced tax increases larger than Obamacare.

That said, the law does include a number of tax hikes:

 

  • $27 billion : the amount the individual mandate will raise during the next decade.
  • $30 billion: the amount the tax on unusually expensive health insurance plans will raise during the next decade.
  • $60 billion : the tax on insurance companies
  • $200+ billion : the amount the largest tax increase in the law comes from high earners, who will see Medicare payroll tax increase by 0.9 percent

 

“Bottom line: the law will deter growth by unintentionally discouraging franchisees from owning and operating multiple locations, creating a competitive disadvantage for our franchisees who do own more than one or two locations (and who may want to open additional stores), and barriers to entrepreneurs who are looking to capitalize on the franchise business model to grow their business and hire more workers,” writes Monson.

 

What do you think about the Affordable Care Act? Is universal healthcare something that the United States needs to embrace? Or, is it a hindrance to job growth?

 

*If you own/operate a small business that employs 25 workers or less, you will not be required to provide healthcare coverage. However,  the government offers subsidies for small businesses with less than 25 employees who make less than $50,000 annually. A tax credit to defray 35 percent of the cost of healthcare will be given to for-profit companies; a credit of 25 percent to not-for-profits. In 2014, those percentages will rise to 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively.

Interview with President of OsteoStrong

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In severe cases, those with osteoporosis can break a bone with nothing more than a sneeze.

 

An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, eight million of which are women. The majority of those with porous bone disease are over age 50, but as we live and work longer the symptoms of this unfortunately prevalent disease can be extremely debilitating. Preventative measures like the consumption of vitamin D and calcium, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises and abstaining from smoking and drinking too much can go a long way in thwarting osteoporosis later in life.

 

However, those preventative measures aren’t always enough. That’s where OsteoStrong comes in.

 

Kyle Zagrodsky, President of OsteoStrong, and his wife were considering opening yet another health and fitness club when they stumbled upon the biodensity isometric research of Dr. John Jaquish and  consequently watched their health and fitness paradigm completely shift. It’s worth mentioning that Mr. Zagrodsky possesses extensive experience in the health and fitness industry. He’s owned several health and fitness clubs, holds a black belt in seven different forms of martial art, and currently owns his own software company, iGo Figure, in addition to his presidential responsibilities at OsteoStrong.

 

As it turns out, “Only about 12 percent of the U.S. have health club memberships,” says Zagrodsky, “and only 20-30 percent use it.” That means only three percent of Americans are actually breaking a sweat at the gym.

 

“Gyms still have their place,”  Zagrodsky adds, but when it comes to making a marked difference in the lives of those who suffer from osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and osteopenia, there’s nothing quite like OsteoStrong. As a machine, OsteoStrong works on a neural level telling your brain to fire the same signals that cause you to build strength and bone density while lifting weights or engaging in cardiovascular activity. What takes an hour in the gym takes only five minutes with OsteoStrong– and you’re not breaking a sweat.

 

In addition to mitigating the symptoms of osteoporosis, osteopenia (bone loss less severe than that of osteoporosis) and fibromyalgia, OsteoStrong increases bone density, builds muscle strength, and improves agility, posture and balance. For some, it even completely cures chronic back pain.

 

For Kyle, “Making a huge difference in people’s lives, especially like the 43-year old who had such severe back pain he had pain relief injections and was suicidal,” is the best part of his job. The 43-year old OsteoStrong client that Kyle speaks of suffered from such severe chronic back pain that he had contemplated ending his own life

. At 43 years old, he had been in pain for approximately 15 years. Now pain-free, the former back pain sufferer wants to open his own OsteoStrong franchise.

 

Kyle remains amazed at the success of OsteoStrong and the positive effects it can have.

“It’s really freaky when you see an 80 year old read a 170 percent increase in strength in six months,”  laughs Zagrodsky. (In case you were wondering, that’s a remarkable change.)

 

Aside from its ability to help those of all ages, OsteoStrong brings with it the added benefit of not needing to go through a medical doctor for an appointment as well as the possibility of eliminating a patient’s need for prescription osteoporosis medications.

 

“In three to five years we’ll be a household name,” Kyle predicts. A big part of that notoriety will assuredly come from future OsteoStrong franchisees.

 

“We want people that are passionate about helping people,” says Kyle. Of course, good credit and working capital are also requirements. Oh, and those who possess a results-oriented attitude. OsteoStrong franchisees are sure to receive endless support and the encouragement to be individuals — a rarity in the franchise world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Get Kicking: Interview With WAKA’s Director of Franchising

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We sat down with Co-Founder and Director of Franchising Johnny LeHane to discuss the genesis of WAKA, what it means to be a franchisee, how WAKA is so much more than just a sports franchise and how it might just be the best match-making service ever.

 

As Johnny LeHane describes it, WAKA was started by “a few friends who were used to socializing at bars but wanted a better way to socialize.” So, the group of pals put together a business plan on–you guessed it– a cocktail napkin and founded the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) the very next day.

 

That was back in 1998. Today, WAKA has grown to serve over 75 cities with 400 kickball leagues and the concept is still growing. The management team, which includes Johnny as the Director of Franchising, began franchising midway through 2011 and currently has three franchisees.

 

The ideal WAKA franchisee is an “animated extrovert passionate about business and passionate about customer service,” says Johnny. Of course, the process of finding, signing and training the perfect franchisee is a bit more involved.

 

The WAKA recruitment process has about six steps:

 

  1. Review candidates paying particular attention to financial wherewithal
  2. Explain the franchise concept, operations and processes
  3. Go over the franchise disclosure document (FDD)
  4. Detailed review of the candidate by WAKA (and presumably vice versa) and an explanation of responsibilities once he or she becomes a franchisee
  5. Discovery Day
  6. Signing and launch preparation

 

After the final step, an appointed Franchise Support Manager prepares the new franchisee for the launch of the new WAKA franchise location. Support is continuous and provided through training webinars, regular visits, telephone check-ins and face-to-face meetings for the duration of the franchisee’s agreement.

 

Clearly WAKA is doing something right; the sports franchise has been listed in Inc. magazine’s Inc 5000 for the past two years. LeHane admits, however, that the recession was challenging but not debilitating, as evidenced by the decision to grow the concept using franchising in 2011.

 

New franchisees are spreading the word about WAKA in over a dozen markets. (One franchisee might serve several locations.) While there remain great opportunities for new WAKA franchisees to build a following from the ground up, WAKA is open to converting existing leagues, too.

 

A huge benefit of investing in franchising as an expansion method has been the franchisee feedback. “We love talking to our franchisees about their ideas and market development plans,” says LeHane, recognizing WAKA franchisees’ experience and knowledge.

 

The best part of the process so far? “The amount of enjoyment we provide to our customers,” says LeHane of the kickball games and tournaments WAKA organizes. “It’s the best part of their week.”

 

WAKA, though technically a sports franchise, places a greater emphasis on the social aspect of its franchise than the sports component. Usually, small groups and individuals come together to form kickball teams within a league (there are between four and 20 teams in a league) who then proceed to compete against one another. The atmosphere is extremely conducive to social networking.

 

“I’m proud to say we have had more than a few weddings,” says Johnny, “and kickball babies,” he adds, a testament to the social networking atmosphere of WAKA leagues around the country.

 

An added bonus? Each league is sponsored by a bar and/or restaurant and receives discounts perfect for post-game socializing. Who knows, maybe thanks to WAKA another group of friends will create another successful business on a cocktail napkin.

For more information on how to become a WAKA franchisee, visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/WAKA-Social-Sports.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise – Location, Location, Location

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There’s an old adage that in real estate there are three supremely important factors: location, location, location. The same holds true for franchises. A prime location will have high visibility, easy access, lots of customer traffic and minimal nearby competition.

One question it’s easy to overlook, though, is how many franchises the business already has in your area. In the Starbucks boom, the number of new franchises became so high so quickly that in some areas the market became oversaturated, forcing a company-wide strategic shift and the closure of many franchises.

The same thing can happen on a smaller level if you’re not careful about where you open your franchise. Check with your business’s corporate offices to find how many other franchises they have in your city and where they are located. Make sure you’re in compliance with any corporate restrictions on the minimum distance between franchises or on how many franchises can operate within a given area. Research the locations of your top competitors. Find an area that is relatively underserved in your industry so that you can carve a distinct niche in your city’s market share.

Once you’ve found the top few options for where to locate your franchise, investigate the visibility, accessibility and foot traffic of each site. The best locations are the ones where customers are already coming for a non-competing reason, such as in malls, near tourist attractions or convenient to heavily populated office space. Your signage should be easy to see from a distance, and the store should have convenient parking and easy access for customers on foot.

The 10 Fastest Growing Industries In the U.S. and What That Means For Franchising

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The Top 10 Fastest-Growing Industries in the United States:

1. Generic pharmaceuticals

2. Solar panel manufacturing

3. For-profit universities

4. Pilates and yoga studios

5. Self-tanning product manufacturing

6. 3-D printer manufacturing

7. Social network game development

8. Hot sauce production

9. Green and sustainable building construction

10. Online eyeglasses sales

If the above list, found on Wonkblog, is any indication, the way out of the recession is  hot sauce, green construction and whole lot of downward facing dogs. If that’s the case, then the franchise industry, which predicted a 5% growth margin for 2012, is poised for an even better end of year report.

 

Why Hot Sauce?

It seems as though not some, but most, like it hot. As a nation, our tastes are changing. The growing number of immigrants and morphing demographics of our melting pot country are causing a desire for spicy, ethnic foods.  For the past decade, the hot sauce manufacturing industry has grown at a rate of 9.3 percent per year.

 

While there aren’t any hot sauce franchises (to our knowledge) this taste for spicier food is sure to carry over in ways other than the bottle of Tobasco on your table. Mexican-inspired franchise restaurants are seeing an increase in their popularity across the country, too.

For those who like it hot, becoming a Mexican restaurant franchisee might be for you! Here are a few great options to consider.

 

Green, Mean Money Machines

Solar manufacturing and sustainable building construction, the two green industries on IBIS World’s list, can attribute part of their growth to various government subsidies. Though these subsidies are beginning to wind down, the growth rate for green industries is predicted to continue in 2012 with Solar Panel Manufacturing and Sustainable Green Building growing at a rate of 8.2 percent and 9.4 percent respectively.

 

For the environmentally conscientious interested in becoming a franchise owners there are quite a few options available:

 

Say Om

Pilates and yoga studios were highly resistant to the recession and have continued to grow as the U.S.’ economy strengthens. From 2002 to 2012, the industry grew an average of 12.1 percent per year. In 2012, yoga and Pilates studios are projected to experience a 5.1 percent growth rate.

 

A number of yoga and/or Pilates franchises are available to those interested in helping others improve their strength, flexibility and fitness levels. Though they’re not mentioned explicitly in IBIS’ report, I would imagine similar health and fitness concepts like gyms and massage franchises have experienced an uptick in their growth rates and are ripe for expansion as well.

 

  • IMX Pilates
  • Wundabar Pilates
  • Sunstone Yoga
  • Open Doors Yoga
  • Innergy Yoga
  • Bikram Yoga

Testimonial: Chyten Franchising, Inc.

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We’ve done it again folks! We couldn’t be more pleased that one of our clients is this kind of happy:

“Wow.  In a matter of a couple of weeks, we have quadrupled our lead flow (versus other .com franchise portals) with the addition of the FranchiseClique.com and FranchiseBuy.com franchise lead portals.  I’ve been in the franchise industry for 22 years now with major brands, and when I state that this site(s) produces, I know from years of experience.  We are a small franchise company with 40 units open to date;  I didn’t think we would draw the candidate interest of the major brands I’ve worked for….this was key to us, and it “clicked” immediately.  Our leads have been ‘qualified’ too.  Not the usual tire kickers.  In addition, my representative from this company (Guy Norcott) far exceeds my service expectations, which is important to me.  He proactively keeps me well informed at all times how to increase exposure.  Enough said…I highly recommend FranchiseClique/FranchiseBuy”.

– Randy Blue, Director of Franchise Development

Chyten Franchising, Inc.

 

Mathnasium Franchise Spotlight

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Let’s face it – math is tough. So tough, that many kids need help reinforcing the basic principles and learning the more advanced mathematics so that they don’t fall behind in their school work. There’s so much to math that students often fall behind in their studies before they even know it, which can be detrimental in the long run. Even worse is when the challenge of math has children disliking it – then they’re definitely unmotivated to learn. That’s where Mathnasium: The Math Learning Center comes in. Mathnasium is a children’s educational franchise that engages kids through interactive, hands-on activities. And being that quality math tutoring and instruction is a sticking point for parents today, Mathnasium is one of the fastest growing available children’s franchises, offering a high ceiling for money-making potential.
As a Mathnasium franchise owner, you’ll manage a team of math experts who will help you provide a fun and educational circiculum to the children you will serve. And like all franchises, if you need assistance, you won’t be left hung out to dry. By owning a Mathnasium franchise, you’ll become a part of a professional network that will provide you with the support and tools necessary to succeed. Remember, as a franchise owner, your success dictates their success.
The estimated investment rate for a Mathnasium opportunity begins at about $93,000. Financing options are also available to would-be franchise owners. While this price point may seem somewhat steep, remember that most kids need help with math and that the ones that don’t need help with math often want additional instruction so that they can get ahead and stay ahead of their peers. It’s why Mathnasium is one of the fastest growing franchise opportunities in the country. And it’s why your initial investment could pay off big time in the long run.

“**Due to the date this article was published, store count and financials may be inaccurate. Please refer to Mathnasium Learning Centers page for the most current information.”

Children’s Education Franchise Spotlight

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Mad Science Franchise

When you think of franchise opportunities, chances are that things like children and child education may not immediately come to mind. But there’s arguably just as much opportunity involved in owning a children’s educational franchise as there is in being the owner for another type of franchise. There’s also arguably more money-making potential, as there will always be children who need help with learning and engaging with others, and parents who strive to give their child the best opportunity for succeeding in life. This is because children’s franchises aren’t solely for entertaining the younger clientele, but also educating and developing them.

There is a vast amount of choice in terms of selecting from a children’s educational franchise. For example, Club-Z is an in-home tutoring service, where franchise owners will manage a staff of tutors that help out kids with specified school subjects. The tutoring is done at the child’s home, so you don’t need a specialty building to hold such sessions, which keeps franchise investment costs down. Plus, tutoring is becoming a much more popular business. Tutoring is one thing, hands-on learning activities are another opportunity.

That brings us to Mad Science, a franchise that entertains and engages children through hands-on science-related activities. Studies show that children who are engaged and actively participating in activities are more likely to learn and retain information better than those who aren’t.

Another example of a children’s franchise is Mathnasium. Although Mathnasium requires a higher investment amount than many of the other children’s franchise options, it also offers a potentially higher payoff by specializing in one area of school that many students struggle with – math. Mathnasium engages children and teaches them math, while reinforcing basic arithmetic, through games and activities, so as not to make it seem like a boring chore.

“**Due to the date this article was published, store count and financials may be inaccurate. Please refer to Mathnasium Learning Centers page for the most current information.”

Captain Tony’s Pizza: Your Neighborhood Pizzeria

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Captain Tony’s Pizza is proof that Mexican-inspired Chipotle isn’t the only food franchise that’s dedicated to its customers, to its franchisees, or to its community.

 

In the 1970s, Anthony Martella opened the first Captain Tony’s as a mom-and-pop pizza parlor. In 1972, Anthony’s son, Michael, took his father’s pizza (and his grandmother’s pizza dough recipe) and turned it into a successful multi-location franchise operation. Somehow, all Captain Tony’s locations still manage to feel like your neighborhood pizzeria. For Michael Martella that’s not only important to him personally, it’s an integral part of his business model.

 

While Michael Martella might be the founder’s son and Captain Tony’s current CEO, he’s also a franchisee himself– he owns the Rochester, NY location of Captain Tony’s.

 

As a franchisee, Michael Martella knows how important it is, especially for a pizzeria like Captain Tony’s, to be a visible part of your business, for your customers to get to know you, and to be seen as a part of the local community. In fact, that’s a big part of Captain Tony’s success. The personal attention that you get at a Captain Tony’s you just don’t find anywhere else. When was the last time you walked into a pizza franchise and they remembered your name and your order? Martella sees the same customers today he saw 20 years ago as kids– albeit they’ve grown up a little bit.

 

It’s more than just remembering your name. Unlike most other pizza franchises, Captain Tony’s makes most everything in-house. The dough is made every day from a recipe Martella’s grandmother brought over from Italy. Bread is baked from scratch every day. When it comes to produce and other menu items, Martella encourages his franchisees to buy from local businesses, farmers, and purveyors. Again, community involvement is a big part of being a Captain Tony’s franchisee.

 

As the current CEO, Martella is responsible for finding, training, and supporting all of Captain Tony’s franchisees. When it comes to finding someone new, there are a few things that make his list. First of all, he’s not looking for someone who “wants to reinvent the wheel.” He’s looking for someone with business sense and sales experience who can learn the business model he’s perfected. Captain Tony’s is a brand where you “gotta work hard,” he says. Not surprisingly, the brand is doing well. “We turn more people down than we accept,” Martella says.

 

For those who become Captain Tony’s franchisees, there’s more than a great concept waiting– there’s great support. When you’re first starting out, Captain Tony’s helps you shop for equipment deals. (A brand new convection oven can cost upwards of $48,000.)  Martella provides counseling and aid when it comes to finding an appropriate location and permits franchisees to do their own construction work if they’re qualified or they happen to know someone in the local community who can get the job done. Again, for Captain Tony’s, it’s all about the community.

 

Financially speaking, Captain Tony’s only requires a franchise fee of 4.5% (lower than most) that’s capped at $500 per week. So, if you’re doing particularly well in sales, that profit stays with you. Franchisees are given a complete and total marketing guide and leeway to try out their own advertising strategies, which are encouraged, they just need permission first.

 

At the end of the day, being a Captain Tony’s franchisee is about hard work, being involved in your community, and providing your customers with a personalized experience and a great end product. With all the experience, tools, and support that Michael Martella provides and brings to the table, Captain Tony’s is a franchise that brings together profit and perfect pizzas.

Franchising and Social Media

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The goal of social media shouldn’t be just to increase profits. The goal of social media should be to further create brand awareness and draw attention to your product. In terms of a franchise, it should be used to further craft a particular brand, thereby creating further awareness to a particular brand while conveying a positive image. And with that we have one of the more recent trends in social media: franchising.

Specifically, franchise social media is using things like Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare within the means of a franchise’s goals. What does this mean? Well, unlike your personal Facebook or Twitter account, which you use to sound off on your rants, thoughts, feelings – whatever – franchising with social media requires a bit more structure. Determine what your company’s goal is, what message you want to convey in your social media posts and then craft a strategy where you execute these goals.

Just think, if you’re a potential franchise owner, do you want to wait for paperwork in the mail to come about the benefits of joining the franchise? Or would you rather just log online and see other franchise owners just like you, not to mention franchising and social media allows companies to be much more transparent. Interacting on social media allows potential franchise owners the chance to see how a certain company promotes itself, which is much more than a brochure or piece of pamphlet could do. And do you really think you wouldn’t be able to tell over a Facebook or Twitter account is someone was unhappy with the service or quality of a product that you’re interested in investing in?

Social media has allowed companies to become much more transparent, which could be the biggest selling tool above anything else.