Franchise Interviews

We are meeting with Chris Rimlinger, VP of Marketing for the Money Mailer franchise.  For over 34 years, Money Mailer franchisees and their staffs have helped local business owners increase market share. Their targeted, hyper-local approach allows business to reach prospects with offers in the mail, online, on mobile devices and through social media. Coupon usage continues to soar with 86% of households now using coupons and more strong growth ahead. Learn more about this exciting opportunity by listening to the show.

Franchise Interviews meets with the K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel franchise.   Jason and Steven Parker, co-founders of Fanwood-based K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel, first got in the dog business when as boys they wanted a dog, but their parents said they weren’t responsible enough. Fueled by that, they began walking neighbors’ dogs for money and it grew and grew until they were making some pretty impressive money. They decided to take this love of dogs and their honed business sense to open up K-9 Resorts and entered the franchising game as the youngest franchisors in the entire franchise industry. They’re entering a big 2014, riding the wave of success and buzz from last year, and will be opening up 5 new locations. 9 is the magic number for K-9 this year as they enter their 9th year in business with a goal of ending the year with 9 locations.  ABOUT K9 RESORTS DAYCARE & LUXURY HOTEL K-9 RESORTS DAYCARE & LUXURY HOTEL was founded in 2005 by brothers Steven and Jason Parker in Fanwo

Franchise Interviews meets with the Ichor Restaurant Group/Old Carolina Barbecue.  Brian Bailey will talk about his background, the inception of Ichor and the development of its brands. In the segment, Brian can talk about strategies behind brand development and will go over the growth plans for Ichor and its brands this year and into the future. ABOUT ICHOR RESTAURANT GROUP: Headquartered in North Canton Ohio, Ichor is a collaboration of individuals who share a passion for food, creativity and excellence. The restaurant group develops, operates and franchises unique restaurant concepts throughout the Midwest. The group focuses on developing efficient and profitable business models and delivering an extraordinary dining experience to its guests. For more information visit ichorgroup.com. ABOUT OLD CAROLINA BARBECUE: In 2006, long-time friends, Brian Bailey and Tim Hug (founders of Ichor Restaurant Group), opened their first Old Carolina Barbecue Company restaurant 60 miles south of Cleveland, in Massillon

Franchise Interviews meets with the Gravity Vault franchise.  Lucas and Tim will go over their backgrounds and the inception story behind starting Gravity Vault, as well as go over the industry and growth of the concept. Rock climbing duo turned business partners, Lucas and Time were named New Jersey State Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration this year. They currently have 2 locations in New Jersey and are just about to open their 3rd. Lucas and Tim have also trained mechanics and engineers in rappelling to then perform maintenance on a 300 foot-long, $500-million dollar Army spy blimp. After working "real jobs" through their 20s, the friend decided to pursue their passion for rock climbing as a business venture in their 30s. ABOUT GRAVITY VAULT Lucas Kovalcik and Tim Walsh - avid climbers and entrepreneurial minded - decided to open their first indoor rock gym, called The Gravity Vault, in 2004. Natives of Bergen County, NJ, they knew there was a need for a state-of

This show will focus on how Junkluggers, a junk-removal franchise, was started by CEO Josh Cohen right after college with the use of his mother's SUV. The brand achieved its goal of adding franchisees to the system in 2013 and enjoyed nearly 25 percent system-wide growth last year. Cohen and the rest of Junkluggers team plan to double in size entering the second year in franchising, aiming to end 2014 with additional units along the East Coast. • Cohen, who is in his early thirties, could provide tips, insight, best practices, and what mistakes to avoid for other young business owners looking to take their business to the next level in 2014. • Junkluggers got started in 2004, after Cohen returned to the U.S from studying abroad, he immediately hit the streets handing out homemade flyers all around town to promote his new business idea. After the phone began to ring, Cohen quickly realized there was a demand for a reliable, professional and eco-focused removal service. ABOUT JUNKLUGGERS In 2004 after found

This is our first prime time show on BlogTalkRadio in 7 years.  Tonight's show is broken into 3 segments and features the Unishippers franchise opportunity.  In part 1, we are meeting Kevin Lathrop, president of Unishippers and Brian Lendin, franchisee of Unishippers.  For more than 20 years loyal customers have depended on Unishippers for reliable savings and exceptional customer service. Unishippers is focused on just one thing: helping small and medium-sized businesses save time and money on all their shipping needs. And as the largest reseller of complete shipping services in the country, they have the buying power to ensure that they succeed. In part 2, we are discussing incorporating a wellness program into franchising.  We are meeting with Wanda Sieber, Unishippers of Green Bay. Wanda will tell us about Unishippers in Green Bay's most recent wellness program and what inspired her to launch this program for her Unishippers staff. In part 3 we are meeting with Rick Werner of Unishippers.  We are talkin

Franchise Interviews meets with the Toast franchise opportunity.  In their time as actors and musicians in New York City, Robert and his friend Brian Burchill made a ritual of home-cooked omelets made from scratch in the company of good friends. Their passion for fresh-made food and an appreciation for the warmth of home inspired the duo in 2005 to open Toast Café (Toast) - a gourmet better-breakfast concept. Toast has since expanded to three locations in North Carolina, including restaurants in Davidson, Dilworth and Ballantyne. With their focus on creating a better breakfast dining experience, the now-former entertainers have a hit on their hands and well on their way. In response to growing customer support and demand for more, Burchill and Maynard have decided to add franchising to the menu and look to dominate the 7am-2pm brunch daypart and expand throughout the country. ABOUT TOAST: Toast Café's story began in 2005 in Huntersville, N.C. in a small house-turned-restaurant where best friends Brian Burch

Franchise Interviews welcomes back The UPS Store. The UPS Store has received the following accolades: #1 postal and business services franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 for 20 years and counting*More than 30 years of franchising experienceNationally advertised brandMore than 4300 locations nationwide We are meeting with Chris Adkins, VP of Franchise Development for The UPS Store. Franchise Interviews welcomes back The UPS Store.  #1 postal and business services franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 for 20 years and counting*More than 30 years of franchising experienceNationally advertised brandMore than 4300 locations nationwide We are meeting with Chris Adkins, VP of Franchise Development for The UPS Store.

Today's show is broken into three parts.  First, we are meeting Jo Kirchner, President & CEO of Primrose Schools  Founded by Paul and Marcy Erwin in Marietta, Georgia in 1982, Primrose Schools revolutionized the concept of child care, making education the key component of its curriculum in an era when "all-play and nothing-but-play" was the accepted norm. Primrose is a trusted, private preschool organization that provides premier educational child care experiences for children and families. The schools serve children ranging in age from six weeks to six years old, and have after-school programs for children up to twelve years old. In part 2, we are meeting with Tom Epstein of Franchise Payments Network….Franchise Payments Network is the only payment processing company solely dedicated to the franchise industry.  In part 3 you will hear  a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast. 

We are meeting Morgan Arundel, President of Pirtek USA.  Pirtek is the fluid power system leader in sales and service, the only brand of its kind in franchising in the United States. Pirtek boasts nearly 400 units in 22 countries around the world, and has more than 30 years of experience in the hydraulic and pneumatic hose-replacement space. Powered by an industry-leading approach to sales and service and backed by a corporate center passionate about its franchisees and customers, Pirtek offers unmatched service and logistics. In segment 2, we will hear a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

Engineering for Kids comes from the mind of educator Dori Roberts. With an extensive educational background in math and technology education, Roberts taught engineering at the high school level for 11 years. During her teaching career, she saw a dire need for math, science and engineering programs. To fill this void, she started an afterschool club that participated in various engineering and science-based competitions. After membership hit 180 students and the group won multiple state championships, she decided to tailor the program and apply it to a wider age demographic. With the extremely positive response she received from parents and administrators, Roberts saw a great business opportunity, leaving the teaching profession and devoting 100 percent of her time to developing the Engineering for Kids program. Today, Engineering for Kids offers a suite of programs for children ages 4 to 14 introducing them to science, technology, engineering and math through a variety of workshops all aimed at developing p

Mosquitoes are big news these days, and so is the solution. Mosquito control is a hot topic. Mosquito Joe, a leading mosquito control treatment company serving residential and commercial customers nationwide, has closed out 2013 with outstanding success. The brand has even found a way to expand by reaching franchise owners from another seasonal business – Liberty Tax.  Among the numerous highlights of the year, the brand celebrated the launch of its new logo, was ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, opened 15 of the 39 territories sold in the year, and expanded into 10 new states. Of those new franchisees joining the MoJo family, there were multiple Liberty Tax franchisees who were looking to add another brand to keep their staff employed and generate revenue in their off-season. Their answer – join Mosquito Joe. Find out what makes Mosquito Joe such a hot franchise opportunity and why now is the time to get involved.  Kevin Wilson, CEO of Mosquito Joe.

We are meeting with Chip Paul (co-founder) from Palm Beach Vapors franchise.  Palm Beach Vapors is a pioneer in the e-cigarette vapor market. They started our company not with the purpose of selling just another product, but with a true passion for helping folks, just like you, lessen the risks involved with smoking.  From the moment you walk in a store, you’ll see why we’re so good at helping our customers find freedom from the use of traditional tobacco cigarettes. Their products are less expensive, cleaner, higher quality, and free from many of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.  Find out more by listening to the show.

We are meeting with Lawrence Eade of the Wok Box franchise.  Wok Box is a quick casual service restaurant specializing in amazing wok-cooked Asian food. Wok Box now has franchise opportunities available in selected regions in the USA.  With locations in North America, Wok Box is introducing a new Pan Asian dining experience which includes: •Fresh, quick and convenient wok-cooked meals •Stir-fry Noodle, Rich and Curry Boxes, Soups and Asian Banh Mi Sandwiches made with unique sauces. •Modern, fun and comfortable restaurant settings to engage customers with a memorable brand experience. We will discuss how Wok Box takes a different stance compared to competition when it comes to franchising.  Wok Box places emphasis on a very unique interior design and decor that matches the emphasis on quick and appealing food dishes. We will also discuss how Wok Box creates a brand experience that puts a lasting impression on customers. Each restaurant features open dining areas, tiled walls, plasma televisions, and an in

Over the years, we have had some interesting and new franchise concepts.  This week Franchise Interviews is meeting with Tony Brea, Co-Founder of 1800Fix.com.  The mission of 1800Fix.com is to become the #1 alternative "secondary technology market" service and sales provider.  1800Fix.com provides consumers with a superior, alternative channel for smartphone and technology/electronics repair, sales, trade-ins, and must have accessories, making the latest technology both attainable and affordable for everyone to own and maintain. As Tony mentions on the show, they fix almost everything but toasters. In part 2, you will hear a clip from our interview with franchise consultant Tom Scarda on our Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast.

This week Franchise Interviews is meeting with franchisee of AdviCoach Ann Connor.  Ann recently received a Crystal Award from WEBB Women Empowered By Business  Every year, WEBB - Women Empowered By Business , an organization designed to support, encourage and empower women to go into business and to grow their business, recognizes select female entrepreneurs for their exceptional success and mentorship to other women in business. For her outstanding achievement, mentorship effort and work ethic, Ann Connor, owner of the AdviCoach(r) in Keene, N.H., was awarded with the WEBB Crystal award. WEBB's mission is to promote successful entrepreneurship among women by providing opportunities and resources designed to educate, empower, and enlighten them as they embrace the challenges of business ownership. The organization presents the WEBB Crystal award each year to women within its network who exemplify this mission by mentoring women entrepreneurs in their local communities as well as WEBB members. "Ann is cons

Co-Founder Jack Griffey's wife was a hair stylist who rented a chair in a salon suite. He quickly saw the potential to launch a creative real estate development and leasing business in the franchise industry that provides high-end retail space for beauty and wellness practitioners. In December 1997, not knowing how to develop a salon suite business, Jack and his business partner Cecil Miller conducted two separate focus groups, each consisting of 10-12 beauty professionals (i.e. hair stylists, nail technicians, facialists, etc.), all of whom worked in conventional salons. The idea was to gage their interest in the business model. Despite a consensus among the participants that such a business was a fad, Jack and Cecil proceeded with their plan. Tapping into their personal funds and securing a SBA loan, Jack and Cecil opened the first Salons By JC in 1998. They started offering a franchise opportunity in 2008 and sold their first four franchises to family and friends. We are meeting with Jack Griffey, co-found

We are meeting with Valerie White..Chief Merchandising Officer of Flips.  And Flips is America’s only Fashion flip flop store. Here is some more information about Flips: Located at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN, Flips takes fashion & comfort flip flop footwear to a whole new level!With over 200 styles of brand name flip flops for women, men, & kids, we go from beach to bling, pool to pedicure, week-end to wedding! Flips also offers a great selection of orthotic-quality flip flops.Flips has “the” perfect flip flop for every occasion 365 days a year!  That’s “heaven on earth” for flip flop lovers!It’s staffed with friendly  flip flop “experts”, passionate about the product & our customers & who provide memorable customer service.It’s a fun cool place to shop where it’s summertime all year long!

We are meeting with  Mark Bollman, the President of Creative Colors International.  Creative Colors International is a mobile-operated service company specializing in repair, reconditioning and color restoration on leather, vinyl, fabric, plastics and carpeting in the automotive, commercial and residential markets

We are meeting with Wanda Sieber, Unishippers of Green Bay. Unishippers is focused on just one thing: helping small and medium-sized businesses save time and money on all their shipping needs. And as the largest reseller of complete shipping services in the country, we have the buying power to ensure that we succeed.  Wanda will tell us about Unishippers in Green Bay’s most recent wellness program and what inspired her to launch this program for her Unishippers staff.