Author Archives: Thomas

California Veteran Chooses Maui Wowi Hawaiian

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Air Force Veteran, Kim Allen, has chosen Maui Wowi Hawaiian, becoming the newest franchise owner of the popular coffee and smoothie company. Living in Sacramento, California, Allen and her son, Nicolas, are now ready to begin a new career as entrepreneurs.

“All the experiences of my life have brought me to this point and are the foundation for the business and the life I want to build for my son and me,” said Allen. “I knew I was meant for something different and what I wanted out of life was bigger and richer than what I had. I’ve always felt that if you don’t love what you’re doing, then go work somewhere else.”

Serving in the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer, Allen acquired a strong professional foundation and deep dedication to service. The skills and values she learned in the military and her 15 years of experience with corporate supply chain management have prepared her to breakout of the mold and take charge of her destiny.

Allen was attracted to the engaging spirit of Maui Wowi, but it was the people she met during her research that quickly made her realize the support that the system provides.

“I received such unfiltered information and support from everyone I talked to and I was able to quickly assess the benefits of Maui Wowi,” she said.

Through her process of learning about the franchise, Allen was able to attend events other franchisees were working, allowing her to see it all in action first hand. From those experiences, she chose the mobile Ka’anapali Cart because it allows her the much anticipated freedom and flexibility she seeks.

“I look forward to the working a variety of events in Northern and Central California. I liked the idea of being mobile; it’s just a refreshing idea to know that if I want to hook up the trailer and go to an event in Santa Barbara and visit with friends, I can,” said Allen.

The mobile Ka’anapali Cart is just one in a variety of low-cost business models that Maui Wowi offers. Allen plans to begin with one cart and has also chosen to dive into the world of catering with a portable unit available to franchisees. Allen says she fell in love with the tiki hut style catering unit the moment she saw it and could easily see its potential. A long list of opportunities exists that Allen is ready to take advantage of; working as many events as possible and giving back to her community.

For more information about franchising and how to escape the corporate cubicle, visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

Top 5 Veterans Home Services Franchise

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The franchising industry’s favoritism towards military veterans has long been documented. Veterans tend to be disciplined, hard workers and excellent at following established systems. Their years of military training and experience make them ideal franchisees.

 

Here are our top 5 picks for home services franchises for veterans:

PILLAR TO POST

About: The leader in home and property inspection in North America, Pillar to Post has been named a Top 50 Franchise for franchisee satisfaction, Top Low Cost Investment by Franchise Business Review, and a top ranked franchise business for the past 13 years consecutively by Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500.

  • Liquid Capital Requirement: $7500
  • Incentive: Veterans receive 10 percent off the franchise fee
  • Veteran-owned franchises: 125 (out of 370)
  • Supporting the troops: Pillar to Post is working with the Military Warriors Support Foundation to provide initial home inspections for house that will be donated to veterans.

 

WIN HOME INSPECTION

About: WIN Home Inspection began as a home inspection business franchise in the Pacific Northwest. The company is now expanding nationwide and is currently in 28 states. Franchise can be run from a home office and absentee ownership is permitted.

  • Liquid Capital Requirement: $25,000
  • Veteran-owned unit: 45 (out of 168)
  • Special promotion: WIN for America, a program that grants qualified veterans awards up to $40,000 off of their franchise fee and providing business-planning assistance.

 

SERVICEMASTER CLEAN

About: Commercial and residential cleaning and disaster restoration franchise.

  • Liquid Capital Requirement:
  • Incentive: 15% discount off of franchise fee for veterans
  • Veterans owned franchises: 210 (out of 4,939)

 

AMERISPEC

About: Franchise opportunity that offers interior, exterior and structural inspection services to homebuyers. AmeriSpec is co-branded with companies like Terminix, Merry Maids, Tru-Green/ChemLawn and Furniture Medic in order to provide customers with discounts.

  • Liquid Capital Requirement: $10,000 – $15,000
  • Incentives: 15% discount off franchise fee for veterans and in-house financing
J DOG JUNK
About: J Dog Junk Removal is an exciting junk removal franchise opportunity that is is only open to veteran, active duty and reserve personnel. 
  • Liquid Capital Requirement: 
  • Incentives: Only open to veterans

 

 

Veteran Starts Franchise in Afghanistan

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Thanks to technology, working remotely is both possible and prevalent– but few franchisees open their first franchise roughly seven thousand miles from home.

 

While stationed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, Andrew Wilson received a care package from his family that contained Fortune magazine. Receiving this particular issue of Fortune turned out to be a pivotal moment in Wilson’s life, as it contained an article about junk removal franchise 1-800-Got-Junk.

 

At the time, Andrew Wilson has saved $30,000 that he had intended to put towards attending graduate school. Instead, he opened his first franchise– and he did it from Afghanistan.

 

Wilson’s first experiences as a franchisee came with his ownership of a 1-800-Got-Junk franchise in Kansas. At the time, 1-800-Got-Junk was part of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program and waived half of Wilson’s franchise fee. This allowed Wilson to put more of his saved capital towards running his new franchise as opposed to initial costs.

 

When Wilson returned from Afghanistan he opened his second business, You Move Me, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Without money to hire movers Andrew did the heavy lifting himself, loving being a part of a service-based business.

 

Since opening his business, Andrew has helped move hoarders, tornado victims, families coming together after a marriage and those going through major changes due to death or divorce.

 

As reported by The Oklahoman, Wilson helped a middle-aged man dying from cancer who called from his hospital room to schedule a move for his family”

 

“It was the one thing he wanted to do before he died. He was still working for his family; still taking care of them. So he organized every part of the move and paid for it. He bought them the house and called us to move them in.”

 

As many franchises have reported, veterans make excellent franchisees due to their hardworking nature, ability to follow processes and devotion to service.

 

Veterans Prefer North America’s Most Referred Painting Company

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In business, reputation is king. Since 1992, CertaPro customers have made the brand the most trusted, most referred and most reliable in the industry. Their name is synonymous with excellence, a position they have earned through the hard work of their franchisees and their commitment to redefining the home service industry.

CertaPro franchisees enjoy the stability and solid standing that comes from a well-known, reputable brand.

Best in Class Operations

As a CertaPro franchise owner, you manage the business while your crews do the painting. You do not need to have experience in the painting business to operate a CertaPro Painters franchise. Their training and ongoing support programs are the result of best practices gathered from hundreds of franchisees over the last 20 years.

We’re CertaPro

We have a value set that defines our business; at the core of it is a simple principle: deliver what you promise. We’d like to start delivering on our promise to you, fill out the form to the right or call 1-800-689-7494, to learn about how a CertaPro Painters franchise can transform your future.

CertaPro offers wonderful veteran franchise initiatives and support. To learn more about the franchise opportunity, please visit: http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/CertaPro-Painters.

Two Franchises Offer Incentives to Veterans

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Sublime Doughnuts is offering financial assistance to veterans interested in becoming franchisees.

 

Kamal Grant, a Navy veteran and founder of Sublime Doughnuts chose to offer financial assistance to potential veteran entrepreneurs in order to help veterans realized that business ownership is not only possible, it’s well within the reach of each veteran.

 

Last month, on June 7, which was National Doughnut Day, Sublime Doughnuts introduced VetForward. The program works in a pay-it-forward manner whereby Grant contributes the first $5,000 to the second veteran who signs on as a franchisee. The second veteran forwards $5000 on to the next veteran and so on. The goal is to keep the franchise fee at $20,000 for all veterans. VetForward runs each year from National Doughnut Day through Veterans Day.

 

The Grilled Cheese Truck, a new food franchise concept out of Los Angeles, has recruited retired Gen. Wesley Clark, the former Supreme Allie Commander of NATO, to lead the expansion of the food truck franchise in the Texas city of San Antonio.

 

San Antonio’s community and support of the military drew The Grilled Cheese Truck to the Texan market. The Grilled Cheese Truck sells eight different varieties of everyone’s favorite sandwich. Guests may customize their order by adding a side of soup or macaroni and cheese and meat to their sandwich. The food truck franchise also sells a variety of dessert melts.

 

The Grilled Cheese Truck plans to feed 5,000 active duty military veterans for free at Woodlawn Park as a way to promote the new business.

Veterans Get a Sweet Deal With Baskin-Robbins

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Baskin-Robbins, sister restaurant franchise to Dunkin’ Brands, have engaged in a new mission to turn the ice cream franchise’s less than savory earnings away from their normal flat or declining reports.

 

New and existing Baskin-Robbins franchisees are being offered major discounts to reward them for opening new ice cream franchise locations. Baskin-Robbins franchisees can now reduce their required initial $25,000 fee payment over the course of a decade, instead of paying the amount at once.

 

Qualified new and existing franchisees who elect to open new ice cream stores will also make reduced royalty payments to Dunkin’ Brands during the first five years of their new stores’ existence. The subsequent royalty payments, after the first five years, will return to the standard 5.9 percent. Existing franchisees looking to open a new store would only pay a $12,500 upfront fee for each new location, along with signing a new franchise agreement per new restaurant location. As with the new franchisees, veteran franchisees are eligible to pay the $12,500 fee over the course of 10 years.

 

Military veterans, meanwhile, will see the entire $25,000 fee waived completely and operate the first two years  free of royalty-fees.

 

The goal of these incentives is to help stand alone Baskin-Robbins locations expand and encourage veteran involvement. Baskin-Robbins is also rolling out a new design for brick and mortar shops. Most Baskin-Robbins is currently expanding (mostly) within Dunkin’ Donuts shops.

 

These incentives became available in April and will continue to be available through June of 2014.

Profile: BRICKS 4 KIDZ

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The BRICKS 4 KIDZ® model, was founded by Michelle Cote in St. Augustine, FL. Michelle started an after-school Spanish Class (outside the school system). In the spring of 2008 while filling out the forms to become a “School Board Vendor,” teaching Spanish at the school the following school year, Michelle noticed a category (on the form) for “Creative Science.” Her son loves to play with LEGO® bricks, and she thought to herself…”Maybe I could lead a Creative Science LEGO® class too.” Michelle was awarded the bid for both the after-school Spanish and the Creative Science Lego® class. That summer Michelle advertised a Spanish Camp and a LEGO® Camp. She had 3 children sign up for the Spanish and 35 children sign up for the LEGO® camp! BRICKS R KIDZ® was recently featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and was selected as #200 in their Top 500 Businesses ranking!

After seeing the excitement over the LEGO® bricks, Michelle decided to go with the LEGO® after-school class in the fall…and it took off. That Fall, Michelle found herself at 3 different elementary schools with an average of 20 students in each class every week. Now Michelle does over 20 after-school enrichment classes a week, PLUS in-school field trips, 11 camps during the summer and bunches of birthday parties every weekend!Today BRICKS 4 KIDZ® has over 320 franchises in 14 countries and 39 states making it one of the fastest growing franchises in the US and Canada (and possibly the world).

Business Model
BRICKS 4 KIDZ® provides project-based programs designed to teach principles and methods of engineering to children, ages 3-13+, using LEGO® bricks.

 

BRICKS 4 KIDZ® has a high probability for success in your area because:

  • It’s a proven model – truly a home-based business
  • Requires only a modest investment
  • Has NO national competition
  • Quick ROI on your low-cost franchise
  • Can be operated as a part/full time business
  • Has high profit margins
  • Has low fixed overhead
  • It’s easy to operate
  • It can be easily taught to anyone
  • The classes, camps and birthday parties are affordable by nearly any family
  • Parents view the classes, camps, and birthday parties as educational and therefore feel that the fees are well spent
  • The BRICKS 4 KIDZ® Schedule follows the school-year calendar – no corporate hours with this business
  • Year-round income with camps during school vacations and birthday parties anytime
  • Thrive in any economy by providing affordable classes to parents who put education first on their list of expenditure


Turn Your Dream into Reality
For many people, the dream of owning their own business is just that – a dream. But it doesn’t need to be. With a BRICKS 4 KIDZ franchise you can turn your dream into a reality and be your own boss, create a new career, and begin enjoying the many benefits of business ownership. Learn more about this opportunity and the incentives they offer veterans here: http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/BRICKS-4-KIDZ.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Named 2013 Military Friendly Franchise®

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Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies, the flexible island themed franchise concept, announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has made this distinguished list.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian honors military veterans by offering service members support and guidance to ensure a successful future as a Maui Wowi franchise operator. Veterans also receive a discount off the franchise fee in appreciation of their service. The company features low-cost franchise opportunities in a variety of flexible business models that allow a customized approach to business ownership.

“I like franchising because you learn from the experience of others. I’d rather work smarter, not harder. Why reinvent the wheel when somebody else has already laid it out for me?” said Dave Ricketson, a retired Navy Pilot and current Maui Wowi franchisee in Jacksonville, Florida. “As soon as we found out Maui Wowi offered a mobile business model and was Hawaiian themed, our search was over.”

Being selected as a Military Friendly Franchise® places Maui Wowi Hawaiian in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

“Military veterans are hardworking, skillful, and determined individuals; making them ideal candidates for running a successful Maui Wowi business,” said Justin Livingston, Director of Global Franchise Development. “Being featured on the Military Friendly Franchise list for the fourth year in a row is a true testament to the quality support of our system and our continued efforts to offer a unique opportunity to members of the military.”

As a member of the IFA VetFran program, as well as SBA’s small business development program, Maui Wowi Hawaiian actively seeks to connect with military veterans and offer a dedicated support system to help them achieve their dreams.

Maui Wowi Franchisees receive hands on training, as well as guided support that includes a comprehensive launch program for retail and mobile event models; in addition to continued collaboration and operational support from the Mainland (corporate office.)

The 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list was compiled via a data-driven survey overseen by an advisory board of industry experts. The survey results list were independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

Mexican Food Franchise America’s Taco Shop Seasons Its Concept With Authenticity

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What separates America’s Taco Shop from its fellow Mexican food and restaurant franchise competitors?

 

One word: authenticity.

 

Many Mexican restaurants and franchises offer customers a watered down version of an original Mexican specialty. At America’s Taco Shop, that won’t happen. The Mexican franchise’s menu features traditionally prepared Mexican favorites like carne asada tortas and pastor tacos, seasoned with traditional spices from the Sinaloa region of Mexico. (The Sinaloa region of Mexico can be found along the country’s northwestern coastal border with the Gulf of California.)

 

Franchisees of America’s Taco Shop don’t just buy in for the food. Many franchise locations are open and ready for business within 6-8 months. The franchise’s support team has 20 years of experience helping franchisees with their new business from start to finish.

The opportunity to expand America’s Taco Shop within the United States and U.S. territories remains open and available to qualified potential franchisees. The option to open single or multiple units within a location is also available to potential franchisees, dependent upon each individual’s financial stability and information.

 

Aside from the authentic food, another great aspect of America’s Taco Shop is the number of different ways a franchisee can establish a location. While traditional stand alone brick and mortar locations are possible, mall kiosks, airport kiosks and mobile options are also available.

 

For more information on Mexican food franchises or on America’s Taco Shop, visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/America%27s-Taco-Shop.

WIN Home Inspection Named a 2013 Military friendly Franchise by G.I. Jobs Magazine

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WIN Home Inspection announces it’s achievement of being ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide, and being named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® in both the general services and real estate listings by G.I. Jobs Magazine for the second year. At WIN, Veterans represent 1/4 of their company’s franchisee base and they provide realistic opportunities for Vets to become successful business owners through the WIN for America program, in which veterans can qualify for Gold, Silver or Bronze level awards, allowing for 100%, 50% or 10% of their franchise fee to be waived.

To date in 2013, four veterans have been recipients of WIN for America awards:

  • Marshall Davidson, Decatur, AL
  • Bryan Haley, North Branch, MN
  • Philip Morgan, Frisco, TX
  • George Parra, Memorial, TX

On top of that, WIN works with the IFA VetFran Program and the Military Base Transition Program.

“Our business model has low capital startup costs, low fixed costs, high margins, and requires no brick and mortar. It’s a proven success model,” says WIN Home Inspection President, Steve Wadlington. “Central to this effort is our ‘WIN for America’ Award program, along with individual business planning. We are proud to give back to those who have served.”

“The Military Friendly Franchises® list was created four years ago out of demand from military veterans, many of whom want to start or own their own business, but are unclear where to begin,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs. “Veterans make great franchisees in our business. Our most success and productive business owners are ex veterans.”

The full list of Military Friendly Franchises® is published each June in G.I. Jobs Magazine, and on http://militaryfranchising.com, a web tool that helps veterans decide which franchise to choose. Click here to learn more about the WIN veterans opportunity.

 

ABOUT WIN HOME INSPECTION

WIN Home Inspection began in 1993, offering home inspection business franchises in the Pacific Northwest. Within a year, the company dominated this regional market and has since expanded across the US with 173 locations in 27 states. It is one of the fastest growing home inspection companies in the country, and listed on VetFran and GI Jobs as a top 10 Veteran-Friendly Franchise.

A member of the VetFran Chairman’s Corps, WIN is a recognized leader on behalf of veterans and the franchise industry. For information on WIN Home Inspection and the home inspection business opportunity, please visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/WIN-Home-Inspection.