10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
FranchiseBusinessREVIEW
Ratings and Reviews of the Best Franchise Opportunities by Franchisees 2015
Randy Shacka, President
of Two Men and a Truck,
started as an intern
in its marketing
department.
SPECIAL REPORT:
GUIDE TO
TODAY’S TOP
FRANCHISES
Rated by the Franchisees
Who Own Them
Positively Impacting Others
Inspires Interim Healthcare’s
Dan Tomlinson
A Look Inside
Today’s Top
Franchises
Christian Brothers Automotive’s
Approach Wins
Customers
PAGE 25
PAGE 8
PAGE 29
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Features // 2015
5
18
17
4 Letter from the Editor
Empowering Franchisees For 10 Years
5 2015’s Top Franchise Opportunities
+
A look at what makes a franchise great and how to invest in one
Reviews, interviews, satisfaction awards
and more resources available at:
www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
8 THE LIST
Best of the Best: Top 200 Franchises
22 Hall of Fame Members
10 companies that have made our List for 10 consecutive years
24Marketplace
More on the award-winning
franchise opportunities for 2015
Franchisee Profiles
25Dan Tomlinson, Interim HealthCare
29
Jared and Mandy Seaman, Christian Brothers Automotive
33Scott Moberg, G.J. Gardner Homes
35
Steve Betts, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
37
Paula Paredes, ATAX Accounting & Financial Services
43
Chris and Sheila Korte, Cruise Planners
45
Richard Meadows and Rebecca Roland, Chicken Salad Chick
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 3
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Empowering Franchisees For 10 Years
Ten years ago we published our first Guide to Today’s Top Franchises with the objective of
helping potential franchisees to narrow the overwhelming number of available franchise opportunities down to the very best. There are many “best franchise” lists out there that are based
on company size or fast growth, but ours is the only ranking based exclusively on franchisee
satisfaction and performance.
The results of our annual satisfaction research determine the franchise systems that make our
Guide to Today’s Top Franchises. Approximately 11,000 franchisees representing 209 brands
participated in our research in 2006. This year, 28,500 franchisees representing over 350 brands
shared their candid thoughts regarding all aspects of their franchise including training &
support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity and more.
While a lot has changed in franchising over the past decade, one thing is evident—the industry
is growing. Why? Because great franchises are ideal investments. They allow those with an
entrepreneurial spirit to go into business for themselves without the high risk and guesswork
that business start-ups entail. Top rated franchises provide their franchisees with an array of
benefits that individuals starting a business on their own do not have. The most obvious are a
proven business model forged from the blood, sweat and tears of its founders, brand recognition
and an established product or service. Franchisees also receive start-up as well as ongoing training,
technical, marketing, sales, operational, and managerial support.
Approximately 11,000
franchisees representing
209 brands participated
in our research in 2006.
This year, 28,500
franchisees representing
over 350 brands shared
their candid thoughts
regarding all aspects
of their franchise.
Clearly, not all franchise opportunities are created equal. There are more than a few enterprising
entrepreneurs who invested in a franchise only to find that they should have done additional
homework first. Our goal is to help you make a more educated investment decision. Our Guide
to Today’s Top Franchises features the latest industry trends, general advice, and information
for aspiring franchisees in addition to highlighting today’s highest-ranking franchises according to franchisee satisfaction and performance—giving you the tools you need to find the right
franchise opportunity to meet your business and personal goals.
Informed franchising is happy franchising!
Emma Pearson, Editorial Director
Franchise Business Review is the leading market research company in
the franchise industry, assisting prospective franchise buyers through the
examination process of today’s leading franchise systems. Before you invest
in any franchise opportunity, get the facts from Franchise Business Review.
Our independent franchisee satisfaction reports measure the health of
any franchise system, based exclusively on the feedback of today’s
franchise owners ... the real franchise experts!
Eric Stites, CEO
Michelle Rowan, President
Emma Pearson, Editorial Director
C.J. Fleck, Senior Web Developer
Michael Kupfer, Online Marketing Manager
Nicole Kenney, Client Services Manager
Jamie Lavigne, Client Consultant
Linda Lorrey, Client Consultant
Chris Poirot, Client Consultant
Stacey Picott, Office Manager
The Secret Agency, Design & Production
Call us at 603-433-2270
4 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Auntie Anne’s invites customers to sample its offerings.
2015’s Top Franchise Opportunities:
A look at what makes a franchise great and how to invest in one
When it comes to investing in a franchise,
don’t be a magpie. The shiniest opportunity,
the one riding the latest trend or getting the
most media hype, may not be the best. The
single most important thing to ensure you
are choosing the right franchise for you is
due diligence. Franchise Business Review’s
guides and reports are a great place to start.
They are not derived from the crunching of
widely available numbers. Instead they are
based on the personal insight of thousands of
franchisees.
THE VOICE OF FRANCHISEES
Franchise Business Review is an independent
national market research firm focused on
franchisee satisfaction and performance. To
create our 10th annual Guide to Today’s Top
Franchises, we surveyed 28,500 franchisees
representing over 350 franchise brands. Only
200 franchise companies made this year’s
guide as a result of their franchisees ranking
them high enough to meet our criteria.
Here’s how our research process works: We
invite all franchise systems with a minimum
of 10 franchisees throughout North America
to participate at no cost. Next, we survey their
active franchisees who answer 33 benchmark
questions ranking their franchise system in
the areas of financial opportunity, training and
support, leadership, operations and product
development, core values (e.g., honesty and
integrity of franchisor), general satisfaction,
and the franchisee community. An additional
16 questions ask franchisees about their market area, demographics, business lifestyle,
overall enjoyment running their franchise,
and role in the franchisee community. Finally,
we rank the top franchise brands based on
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 5
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
implement high-energy fundraising programs
that entail teaching leadership and fitness
to kids, have raised $12 million on behalf
of schools.
It is also clear that people are increasingly
willing to pay to have annoying critters removed.
Two new mosquito and tick control companies, Mosquito Joe and Mosquito Shield,
join Truly Nolen of America, A All Animal
Control and Critter Control on this year’s list.
Fast-casual and personalization are the
food trends that continue to gain in popularity
as Your Pie’s joining our list shows. Its concept
entails diners moving down an assembly line
and choosing the toppings for their personalsized pizza pie, which is then popped into a
large oven that cooks it in a few minutes.
Jim Carpenter, Founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, with some of the brand’s bird seed offerings.
Consistent annual placement as a top franchise in our Guide to Today’s Top Franchises
demonstrates reliable performance. This year,
ten companies have earned the honor of being
featured in our newly created Hall of Fame
as the result of appearing on our list for 10
consecutive years. They are ActionCOACH,
FASTSIGNS, Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning,
HomeVestors, JumpBunch, Miracle Method,
Our Town America, Pop-A-Lock, Two Men
you trust your franchisor?” compared to all and a Truck and Wild Birds Unlimited.
franchises that participated in our survey. This
finding didn’t surprise us since most of the STAYING POWER MATTERS
companies in this report share their satisfac- Investing in a franchise is probably the largest
expenditure you’ll make after the purchase
tion survey data with their franchisees.
of your home, so it is crucial to determine if
WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NEW
the company has staying power. Key factors
While compiling this year’s report, we discov- that influence a franchise’s enduring success
ered several new and interesting insights. include innovation, adaptability, market cusThe five franchise industries leading the way tomization, customer retention and training
in franchisee satisfaction are: Advertising & & support.
Let’s take a look at what goes into each
Sales, Education, Senior Care, Real Estate and
Child Services. Sports & Recreation, which of these areas so you can better understand
almost tied for 5th place with Child Services, what to look for and know what questions
may well make the top five sectors list next to ask when researching these and similar
year. While Food, Travel & Hospitality and opportunities.
Innovation: While a few industries do not
Automotive tend to average lower franchisee
satisfaction across the board, several franchis- need to invest heavily in research and developes in these sectors had outstanding ratings ment, most companies today have to engage
including Hwy 55 Burgers, Cruise Planners in constant innovation in order to keep their
brand fresh and their businesses growing.
and Christian Brothers Automotive.
When it comes to the most unique business What are the franchises you are considermodel we’ve seen in a while, Apex Fun Run is ing doing to further develop their service or
the winner. The company makes money by product, maintain their creative edge, and stay
raising money. Since 2012 its franchisees, who relevant to their customer base?
If the franchise you are looking at does not survey
its franchisees and share the results, it could be a
red flag. Be sure to ask them why they do not.
their overall survey results to come up with
our annual list of the top 200 franchise opportunities for this report.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FRANCHISEE
SATISFACTION
Franchisee satisfaction ratings are like when
Dorothy looks behind the curtain and finds
out the truth about the wizard. They show
you whether or not a franchise opportunity is
really as good as it appears and fits your values
and vision by providing insight into a system’s
culture, training, leadership, financial outlook,
franchisee community and much more.
Franchisors are increasingly measuring
franchisee satisfaction and using the results to
improve their networks and attract potential
franchisees like you. If the franchise you are
looking at does not survey its franchisees and
share the results, it could be a red flag. Be
sure to ask them why they do not. Openness
contributes to a trusting relationship between
franchisee and franchisor. In fact, the companies named in this report were rated higher by
their franchisees when they were asked “Do
A PERFECT 10
6 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
“We are very aggressive when it comes to
innovation,” says Auntie Anne’s Vice President,
Global Marketing, Heather Neary. “We stay
on top of consumer trends to ensure we are
providing them with the solutions they are
seeking and leverage technology on behalf of
our franchisees and customers.”
The franchise brands named in this report
scored about 12% higher than average in innovation and creativity. Perhaps more telling is
that there were over 36% more occurrences
of an “excellent” rating, the highest response
option, by franchisees of the Top 200 Franchises,
showing these systems are focused on evolving
their brands in order to meet changing consumer needs and desires.
“We have always believed that if people,
products and presentation are carefully managed that our franchisees will be successful.
With this in mind, we started the Energy
Project, which outlines best practices to create
a high energy, positive customer experience in
our stores,” says Jim Carpenter, Founder, and
CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited. “It addresses
products and presentation, as well as how to
interact with customers.”
Adaptability: How will the franchise be
able to weather shifts such as changes in the
minimum wage, healthcare requirements or
the economy that could impact your business?
These hot topics should be on every system’s
mind.
“We have a full-time, six-person Government Team and engage outside consultants on
an as needed basis,” says Jeff Huber, President
& Chief Operating Officer at Home Instead
Senior Care. “Their job is to advocate for
government policy and public opinion in
favor of at home care for seniors.”
Market Customization: Can you customize
your franchise’s offerings to your marketplace
to ensure a sustainable revenue stream?
“We have some franchisees who contract
with local schools, hospitals and skilled
nursing facilities, while others maximize our
National Account partnerships with highlyskilled nursing or workers’ compensation
cases,” says Shelly Sun, CEO and Co-Founder
of BrightStar Care.
“In addition to our core menu, our franchisees can elect to offer breakfast and smoothies,”
says Auntie Anne’s Neary. “This has helped us
extend our offerings to non-traditional locations
including universities, food trucks and airports.”
Customer Retention: What will the franchise do to help you keep customers coming
back? Beyond delivering a great experience,
generating repeat business relies on a variety of
approaches, top of which is customer rewards.
“We launched My Pretzel Perks, a mobile
customer loyalty app, in August. Depending
on the number of points a customer earns,
they can attain one of three loyalty tiers:
Pretzel Fan, Pretzel Lover or Pretzel Perfect,”
says Neary. “Rewards ranging from special
discounts and offers to free products are given
with every 300 points earned as well as when
a loyalty tier is reached.”
Continued on page 17.
2015 Most Satisfied Franchise Sectors
We asked franchisors from each of the top five sectors to shed light on what is driving
their popularity.
Advertising & Sales: ”Companies are scrambling to stand out from their competition
and to attract new customers,“ says Brian Mattingly, President of Welcomemat
Services. “Measurable marketing programs that enable them to touch potential
customers and track which offers are getting the best responses are in demand.”
Education: “As recently as last year, it was reported that U.S. students scored below
international averages in math and science. It is well known that early education can
set children up for success by introducing them to learning in areas such as science,
technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. In addition, it helps them to develop
21st century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking,” says
Joseph Schumacher, President & CEO at Goddard Systems.
Senior Care: “A perfect storm is brewing in favor of home care for seniors,” says Jeff
Huber, President & Chief Operating Officer at Home Instead Senior Care. “One of the
major themes of health care reform is to reduce non-essential hospital admissions. At the
same time there has been tremendous growth of chronic conditions in the elderly due to
extended life expectancy and 90% of seniors want to reside in their own homes.”
Real Estate: “The housing market is on the up and forecasted to remain stable for
several years to come due to lowered interest rates and looser credit markets,” says
Realty ONE CEO, Kuba Jewgieniew. “The use of technology is also positively impacting
the field by expediting many processes and efficiently bringing buyers and realtors
together.”
Child Services: “The combination of school cuts in physical fitness, music and art with
a growing concern that kids are spending too much time on computers or in front of
the TV has created a demand for programs that get kids moving or creating,” says Tom
Bunchman, CEO and Founder of JumpBunch.
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 7
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
THE LIST
Best of the Best:
Top 200 Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
Dec.
2013
$0 – $19,500
$0 – $29,500
709
Sep.
2014
$49,000 –
$85,000
$89,000
47
June
2014
$56,000 –
$83,850
$75,000
46
Oct.
2014
$37,000 –
$66,050
$40,000
13
July
2014
$59,700 –
$74,250
$59,700 –
$74,250
91
Jan.
2014
$369,400 –
$449,600
$75,000
135
Aug.
2014
$152,692 –
$318,979
$30,164 –
$80,246
3,871
Oct.
2014
$12,000 –
$30,000
$3,000 –
$10,000
25
Aug.
2014
$154,595 –
$333,994
$30,000 –
$142,944
447
Oct.
2013
$643,700 –
$4,200,000
$1,000,000
142
Nov.
2013
$169,975 –
$457,975
$150,000
43
June
2014
$73,000 –
$105,125
$100,000
181
Sep.
2014
$178,207 –
$289,498
$80,000
523
May
2014
$275,000 –
$350,000
$100,000
190
Jan.
2014
$109,350 –
$146,180
$109,350 –
$146,180
60
Dec.
2013
$45,750 –
$113,600
$30,000
174
May
2014
$275,000 –
$350,000
$100,000
80
Feb.
2014
$61,250 –
$108,441
$35,000
237
Apr.
2014
$50,000 –
$240,000
$60,000
91
Dec.
2013
$44,700 –
$49,700
$80,000
77
Mar.
2014
$55,000 –
$150,000
$75,000
329
Oct.
2014
$50,000 –
$100,000
$75,000 –
$100,000
64
Aug.
2013
$175,045 –
$201,270
$60,000
812
ADVERTISING & SALES
Proforma
Print & promotional product supplier
*O
ur Town America — more on p. 24
Advertising services
Welcomemat Services
Printing & marketing services
Viamark Advertising
Marketing services
Natural Awakenings — more on p. 38
Online magazine
AUTOMOTIVE
*C
hristian Brothers Automotive
Automotive repair — more on p. 29
*S
nap-on Tools — more on inside back cover
“Excellent franchise
system. Built to succeed
if you engage in the
programs offered.”
– Snap-On Tools Franchisee
Automotive services
Auto Appraisal Network
Automotive appraisal services
Line-X
Automotive services
J.D. Byrider Systems
Automotive services
Honest-1 Auto Care
Automotive care
BUSINESS SERVICES
*S
andler Training — more on p. 30
Business consulting & coaching
* F ASTSIGNS — more on p. 1
Visual business communications
Sir Speedy
Printing & marketing services
Sanford Rose Associates
Recruiting services
Murphy Business & Financial
Business brokers
PIP Printing & Marketing Services
Printing & marketing services
ActionCOACH
Business coaching
YESCO
Visual business communications
*Full Satisfaction Report Available at
www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
InXpress
Business shipping
Unishippers
10-year Hall of Fame Member
Business shipping
Featured on our Best of the Best List for 10 consecutive years
FPC National
Personnel consultants
Best in Category
PostNet
Printing & marketing services
8 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
Feb.
2014
$74,497 –
$122,495
$50,000
78
Oct.
2014
$17,500 –
$21,000
$16,500
155
Dec.
2013
$40,360 –
$48,700
$50,000
97
July
2014
$38,950 –
$48,950
$18,500
80
Jan.
2014
$28,200 –
$63,600
$35,000 –
$77,000
54
Aug.
2014
$13,150 –
$62,200
$13,150 –
$62,200
70
June
2013
$200,000 –
$300,000
$75,000 –
$100,000
214
Dec.
2013
$18,300 –
$33,600
$20,000
51
Aug.
2013
$185,000 –
$340,000
$65,000
15
Apr.
2014
$45,000 –
$114,509
$40,000
183
Jan.
2014
$28,900 –
$64,000
$15,000
1,304
Commercial hygene service
Nov.
2013
$35,584 –
$126,900
$30,000 –
$50,000
106
Jan-Pro (master franchisors)
Commercial cleaning services
Dec.
2013
$300,000 –
$500,000
$150,000
99
* Office Pride — more on p. 40
Oct.
2014
$29,900 –
$59,900
$29,900
126
Anago Cleaning Systems (master franchisors)
Commercial cleaning services
Nov.
2013
$125,000 –
$171,000
$125,000 –
$171,000
35
You’ve Got MAIDS
Mar.
2014
$37,999 –
$130,842
$37,999 –
$130,842
45
May
2014
$10,350 –
$18,450
$7,500
82
Sep.
2014
$88,795 –
$131,295
$88,795 –
$131,295
461
Oct.
2014
$1,995 –
$39,995
$500
572
Oct.
2014
$33,495 –
$55,950
$38,345 –
$60,115
278
Nov.
2014
$98,645 –
$126,045
$60,000
165
Aug.
2014
$610,300 –
$848,200
$150,000
417
BUSINESS SERVICES (CONTINUED)
The @WORK Group — more on p. 30
Recruiting services
CHILD SERVICES
* S occer Shots
Youth sports
Young Rembrandts
Children’s art classes
Amazing Athletes
Early childhood development
* J umpBunch
Youth sports & fitness
TGA Premier Golf & Tennis
Youth sports
* T he Little Gym
Early childhood development
CompuChild
Children’s technology education
KidsPark
Children’s play park
“Senior Management
is passionate about
the business and
presents a clear vision
for the company.”
– The Little Gym Franchisee
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
MaidPro
House cleaning & maid services
*H
eaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning
Aire-Master of America
Commercial cleaning services
House cleaning & maid services
360clean
Commercial cleaning services
Molly Maid
Cleaning services
Buildingstars
Commercial cleaning services
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning
The Maids
Cleaning & maid services
EDUCATION
*T
he Goddard School
Early childhood education
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
|9
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
THE LIST
Best of the Best:
Top 200 Franchises
Mathnasium
Math learning center
Best In Class Education Centers
Tutoring services
Tutoring services
The Learning Experience
Early childhood education
Engineering For Kids
Engineering education
Above Grade Level
In-home tutoring services
– Engineering For Kids Franchisee
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
Jan.
2014
$99,750 –
$139,375
$40,000
533
July
2014
$69,500 –
$114,100
$40,000
26
Apr.
2014
$90,000 –
$130,000
$39,000
64
Mar.
2014
$495,290 –
$1,040,049
$150,000
135
Sep.
2013
$35,125 –
$90,262
$35,000 –
$55,000
105
Oct.
2013
$51,515 –
$76,595
$40,000
22
Feb.
2014
$83,800 –
$115,300
$100,000
20
Oct.
2014
$42,000
$69,000
$50,000
22
Sep.
2013
$49,000 –
$84,000
$20,000 –
$50,000
73
Dec.
2013
$99,975
$99,975
400
Oct.
2014
$37,340 –
$76,800
$37,340 –
$76,800
42
Sep.
2014
$6,000 –
$51,790
$5,000 –
$25,000
291
Aug.
2014
$95,000 –
$236,000
$95,000 –
$236,000
26
Oct.
2014
$12,509 –
$121,909
$12,509 –
$121,909
166
Feb.
2014
$4,690 –
$10,350
$3,900 –
$5,900
134
Sep.
2014
$119,890 –
$266,460
$75,000+
22
Oct.
2014
$304,500 –
$1,395,500
$300,000 –
$400,000
101
Feb.
2014
$327,600 –
$634,100
$327,600 –
$634,100
109
July
2014
$184,255 –
$331,955
$125,000
112
May
2014
$165,000 –
$1,235,000
$250,000
787
Mar.
2014
$600,000 –
$2,000,000
$500,000
28
Apr.
2014
$169,414 –
$989,553
$80,000 –
$100,000
846
EDUCATION (CONTINUED)
THE TUTORING CENTER
“EFK has created an
outstanding product
that meets a clear need
in the marketplace.
From my experience,
it has been very well
received by parents,
schools, community
centers, etc.”
Survey
Date
FINANCIAL SERVICES
American Prosperity Group
Financial services
*P
ayroll Vault — more on p. 42
Payroll services
Estrella Insurance
Financial services
*P
adgett Business Services
Financial services
* ATAX Franchise — more on p. 37
Accounting & financial services
FITNESS
Fit4Mom — more on p. 45
Fitness
The Exercise Coach
Fitness
Fitness Revolution
Fitness health club
Baby Boot Camp
Fitness programs
SuperSlow Zone
Fitness club
*C
runch Fitness
Fitness club
Orange Theory Fitness
Fitness
FOOD & BEVERAGE
*H
wy 55 Burgers
Full service restaurant
*C
heckers & Rally’s
Quick-service
*G
round Round
Full service restaurant
* F irehouse Subs — more on back cover
Fast casual
10 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
June
2014
$500,000 –
$850,000
$150,000 –
$255,000
66
Oct.
2014
$258,103 –
$519,704
$175,000
287
Sep.
2014
$159,850 –
$316,100
$70,000
178
Apr.
2014
$211,628 –
$650,540
$200,000
650
Oct.
2014
$165,940 –
$414,685
$100,000
405
Aug.
2014
$242,000 –
$508,000
$125,000 –
$250,000
24
Sep.
2014
$194,875 –
$367,600
$40,000 –
$80,000
1,184
Sep.
2014
$410,000 –
$737,000
$250,000
38
Apr.
2014
$648,425 –
$993,870
$250,000+
33
Aug.
2014
$1,300,000 –
$3,400,000
$1,300,000 –
$3,400,000
54
Retail bakery
May
2014
$364,345 –
$487,745
$150,000
106
Black Bear Diner — more on p. 44
Full service restaurant
May
2014
$534,000 –
$1,452,000
$125,000 –
$750,000
63
Planet Sub
July
2014
$182,500 –
$402,000
$150,000
36
Oct.
2013
$538,000 –
$887,000
$75,000+
328
Feb.
2014
$45,000 –
$90,000
$24,508 –
$89,045
65
Jan.
2014
$278,000 –
$410,000
$100,000
469
Dec.
2013
$228,000 –
$432,500
$100,000
552
Oct.
2013
$362,100 –
$548,585
$150,000+
64
May
2014
$700,000 –
$900,000
$350,000
520
July
2013
$336,793 –
$788,750
$200,000
264
July
2014
$558,000 –
$1,339,000
$165,500 –
$250,000
345
Oct.
2014
$389,600 –
$591,600
$150,000
304
July
2014
$150,000 –
$350,000
$75,000
22
Sep.
2014
$169,000 –
$433,000
$150,000
45
Oct.
2014
$249,000 –
$767,500
$249,000 –
$767,500
15
FOOD & BEVERAGE (CONTINUED)
LaRosa’s Pizzeria
Full service restaurant
Penn Station
Quick-service
Biggby Coffee
Quick-service
Wingstop
Quick-service
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Quick-service
Chicken Salad Chick — more on p. 45
Quick-service
Auntie Anne’s
Quick-service, bakery
* T aziki’s Mediterranean Café
Full service restaurant
* E ast Coast Wings & Grill — more on p. 31
Full service restaurant
Twin Peaks
Full service restaurant
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Quick-service
McAlister’s Deli
Fast casual
*H
appy and Healthy Products
Distributer, healthy snacks
The HoneyBaked Ham Co.
Retail concept
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs — more on p. 2
Quick-service
Toppers Pizza
Quick-service
Captain D’s
Quick-service
Yogurtland
Quick-service, frozen yogurt
Fazoli’s Restaurants
Quick-service
Bruegger’s Bagels
Quick-service, bakery
Deli Delicious
Fast casual
Billy Sims Barbecue — more on inside front cover
Quick-service
Dick’s Wings & Grill
Full service restaurant
“I feel confident that
as a Franchise Owner
I am supported 100%.
I believe in the honesty
and integrity of Senior
Management. The
responsiveness to any
concerns, problems or
questions I have had
has been wonderful.”
– LaRosa’s Pizzeria Franchisee
“We are different than
other similar style
restaurants in our level
of service. The managers
and staff really engage
with our guests and that
is what sets us apart.”
– McAlister’s Deli Franchisee
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 11
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
THE LIST
Best of the Best:
Top 200 Franchises
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Quick-service
Chopped Leaf
Quick-service
Quick-service
Zinga! Frozen Yogurt
Quick-service
Zoup! — more on p. 29
Fast casual
Repicci’s Italian Ice
Quick-service, shaved ice
Barberitos
Quick-service
*Y
our Pie — more on p. 27
Fast casual
– HouseMaster Franchisee
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
June
2014
$330,260 –
$704,210
$330,260 –
$704,210
77
July
2014
$175,000 –
$315,000
$70,000 –
$100,000
19
June
2013
$152,193 –
$451,236
$75,000 –
$100,000
452
Sep.
2013
$277,000 –
$497,500
$200,000 –
$400,000
25
June
2013
$365,900 –
$558,900
$150,000
82
Mar.
2014
$49,900 –
$115,000
$15,000 –
$40,000
50
Dec.
2013
$119,800 –
$554,025
$150,000 –
$750,000
39
Sep.
2014
$255,000 –
$436,100
$255,000 –
$436,100
18
Dec.
2013
$556,695 –
$819,200
$250,000
425
Sep.
2014
$1,021,670 –
$1,435,940
$1,021,670 –
$1,435,940
104
May
2014
$158,300 –
$316,000
$100,000
1,289
Oct.
2014
$392,750 –
$510,000
$200,000
26
Oct.
2013
$120,300 –
$255,433
$100,000
68
Dec.
2013
$89,240 $187,070
$74,950
952
Jan.
2014
$129,000 $161,500
$75,000
452
Feb.
2014
$32,900 $33,900
$39,550 $42,000
221
Oct.
2014
$70,100 $131,250
$45,000
156
Sep.
2013
$85,000 $125,000
$67,500 $107,500
137
Oct.
2014
$60,100 $107,900
$75,000
314
Sep.
2014
$31,550 $36,550
$10,000
443
Jan.
2014
$90,000 $140,000
$90,000
26
Mar.
2014
$126,500 $373,300
$75,000 $300,000
200
Nov.
2014
$46,000 $75,500
$25,000
44
FOOD & BEVERAGE (CONTINUED)
Charley’s Philly Steaks
“So far everyone has
not just been willing to,
but is actively seeking
to help me get started.
That’s not something I’ve
found to be very common
in most businesses.
Everyone seems to realize
that my success helps
their success.”
Survey
Date
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Palm Beach Tan
Beauty services
Paul Mitchell School
Beauty school
Sport Clips
Hair cutting
The Woodhouse Day Spas
Spa services
* S nip-Its — more on p. 40
Hair cutting
HOME SERVICES
Budget Blinds
Custom blinds & window coverings
*C
ertaPro Painters
Painting
*N
ational Property Inspections
Commerical & home inspection services
ShelfGenie
Shelving solutions
Miracle Method Surface Refinishing
Bathroom & kitchen remodeling
*H
ouseMaster — more on p. 34
Professional home inspections
*P
illar To Post
Professional home inspections
*W
OW 1 DAY PAINTING
Painting
AdvantaClean
Cleaning services
Surface Specialists Systems
Home remodeling
12 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
The Glass Guru — more on p. 40
Window restoration
Oct.
2014
$30,000 –
$130,000
$30,000 –
$130,000
84
*D
reamMaker Bath & Kitchen — more on p. 35
July
2014
$99,791 –
$261,843
$99,791 –
$261,843
34
Sep.
2014
$85,630 –
$218,995
$85,630 –
$218,995
165
Oct.
2013
$224,604 –
$453,000
$100,000 –
$300,000
70
June
2014
$52,781 –
$89,840
$25,000
171
June
2014
$126,000 –
$296,500
$100,000
50
Aug.
2014
$68,370 –
$162,600
$68,370 –
$162,600
283
Dec.
2013
$20,405 –
$33,415
$20,405 –
$33,415
71
Dec.
2013
$1,100,000 –
$1,500,000
$1,100,000 –
$1,500,000
219
Jan.
2014
$7,634,950 –
$12,646,899
$7,634,950 –
$10,606,999
46
Oct.
2014
$9,100 –
$31,200
$9,100 –
$31,200
12
Apr.
2014
$45,000 –
$93,850
$15,000
82
Jan.
2014
$194,750 –
$621,500
$50,000 –
$100,000
476
Jan.
2014
$62,470 –
$511,550
$75,000
279
Dec.
2013
$37,300 –
$346,250
$37,300 –
$346,250
534
Feb.
2014
$25,000 –
$97,000
$17,500
98
Jan.
2014
$53,270 –
$497,050
$75,000+
3,120
Sep.
2014
$45,000 –
$92,000
$40,000 –
$70,000
119
Jan.
2014
$114,700 –
$120,000
$90,000
34
Aug.
2014
$30,000 –
$195,000
$30,000 –
$195,000
50
Sep.
2014
$15,000 –
$25,000
$12,500
520
Dec.
2013
$45,300 –
$78,000
$10,000
55
HOME SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Home remodeling
Tailored Living
Home organization solutions
Go Mini’s
Portable storage
ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company — more
Swimming pool maintenance
Closets By Design
Home organization solutions
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Plumbing repair service
The Grout Doctor
Grout repair services
on p. 47
HOTELS
Value Place
Extended stay
Ascend Hotel Collection
Extended stay
“The initial two week
training class was
fantastic and the
support available from
both corporate and
the franchisee network
is outstanding.”
– Tailored Living Franchisee
PET SERVICES
In Home Pet Services
Pet sitting & dog walking service
Sit Means Sit
Dog training
REAL ESTATE
Sotheby’s International Realty
Real estate
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Real estate
*H
omeVestors of America — more on p. 32
Realty renovation
Help-U-Sell — more on p. 38
Real estate
Coldwell Banker
Real estate
PropertyGuys.com
Real estate
G.J. Gardner Homes — more on p. 33
Home building
Realty ONE Group
Real estate
United Country Real Estate
Real estate
* S howhomes Home Staging
Home staging
“Senior Management
cares deeply and is very
accessible. I have emailed
them on a weekend and
gotten back a response
within a very short time,
usually within 15 minutes.”
– Coldwell Banker Franchisee
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 13
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
THE LIST
Best of the Best:
Top 200 Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
Oct.
2014
$151,000 –
$360,000
$151,000 –
$360,000
18
Nov.
2013
$104,162 –
$172,511
$40,000 –
$50,000
293
Dec.
2013
$16,050 –
$33,050
$8,000 –
$10,500
80
Oct.
2014
$24,074 –
$33,668
$14,900
141
Aug.
2013
$250,000 –
$350,000
$50,000
222
Oct.
2013
$197,000 –
$386,275
$100,000
130
Sep.
2014
$27,800 –
$131,700
$27,800 –
$131,700
82
Aug.
2014
$185,000 –
$210,000
$75,000
67
Sep.
2014
$130,700 –
$401,500
$130,700 –
$401,500
75
Jan.
2014
$12,000 –
$17,000
$12,000 –
$17,000
40
Oct.
2014
$13,580 –
$97,148
$13,580 –
$97,148
50
June
2014
$65,935 –
$87,685
$37,950 –
$45,950
500
Dec.
2013
$100,000 –
$115,000
$45,000
646
CarePatrol — more on p. 41
Assisted living placement services
Oct.
2014
$58,000 –
$72,000
$49,500
125
Home Care Assistance
Sep.
2014
$179,000 –
$203,950
$90,000
107
Jan.
2014
$92,210 –
$171,654
$50,000
30
June
2014
$83,250 –
$136,000
$50,000
225
May
2014
$85,281 –
$128,659
$65,000
125
Oct.
2013
$59,025 –
$156,700
$50,000
275
Oct.
2013
$93,277 –
$172,521
$100,000
282
Feb.
2014
$76,700 –
$127,100
$150,000
410
Jan.
2014
$62,500 –
$84,500
$43,500
83
Oct.
2014
$78,200 –
$188,950
$75,000
53
REAL ESTATE (CONTINUED)
Harcourts USA
Real estate
RETAIL
*W
ild Birds Unlimited
Nature retailer
Rhea Lana’s
Children’s consignment
Just Between Friends
Children’s consignment
“There is a strong and
sincere desire to support,
train and equip that is
not common. I have
found the other owners
within the system to be
extremely supportive.”
– Just Between Friends Franchisee
Pinch A Penny
Pool supplies retailer
Learning Express
Children’s retailer
Family Fare
Convenience store retailer
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts
Clothing retailer
Pro Image
Sports apparel & memorabilia retailer
Kid’s Closet Connection
Children’s consignment
NYS Collection Eyewear
Eyewear retailer
SENIOR CARE
*V
isiting Angels — more on p. 35
In-home senior care
*H
ome Instead Senior Care
“It is easy to succeed
right from the start
if you follow the training
and programs that
are provided.”
– Home Care Assistance Franchisee
In-home senior care
In-home senior care
*A
mada Senior Care
In-home senior care
*H
omewatch CareGivers — more on p. 26
In-home senior care
* F irstLight HomeCare — more on p. 36
In-home senior care
Synergy HomeCare
In-home senior care
*B
rightStar Care — more on p. 44
In-home senior care
Right at Home
In-home senior care
Preferred Care at Home
In-home senior care
*Q
ualicare – Family Homecare
In-home senior care
14 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
Oct.
2014
$85,000
$115,500 –
$188,500
336
Jan.
2014
$134,600 –
$180,400
$125,000
71
Apr.
2014
$58,035 –
$98,750
$35,000
60
Aug.
2014
$68,750 –
$97,000
$75,000
13
Jan.
2014
$40,000 –
$60,000
$50,000
528
Dec.
2013
$135,000 –
$176,500
$130,000
35
Dec.
2013
$178,000 –
$583,500
$150,000 –
$600,000
266
Oct.
2014
$25,200 –
$280,000
$25,000
101
July
2014
$89,000 –
$139,000
$60,000 –
$80,000
176
Aug.
2014
$48,400 –
$126,900
$100,000
12
Aug.
2014
$63,850 –
$119,250
$30,000 –
$55,000
120
Nov.
2013
$27,200 –
$45,150
$25,000
15
Wildlife control & removal
Oct.
2014
$10,750 –
$41,615
$5,000
36
Linc Service Network — more on p. 26
Commercial HVAC services
Feb.
2014
$118,580 –
$210,960
$65,000 –
$75,000
172
Leather Medic
Sep.
2014
$29,000 –
$56,500
$29,000 –
$56,500
20
Feb.
2014
$41,784 –
$147,824
$50,000
109
Sep.
2014
$51,500 –
$79,300
$30,000
262
Oct.
2014
$12,250 –
$80,500
$11,000 –
$47,000
117
May
2014
$99,993 –
$133,402
$30,000
182
Mar.
2014
$46,000 –
$109,310
$16,475 –
$36,035
96
July
2014
$73,100 –
$91,800
$100,000
30
Feb.
2014
$179,464 –
$239,774
$150,000
209
Sep.
2014
$100,000 –
$200,000
$100,000
52
June
2014
$56,960 –
$510,789
$50,000
77
SENIOR CARE (CONTINUED)
Interim HealthCare — more on p. 25
In-home senior care
Nurse Next Door
In-home senior care
Caring Senior Service
In-home senior care
CareBuilders at Home
In-home senior care
SERVICES
*W
eed Man
Lawn care
*P
recision Concrete Cutting
Concrete maintenance services
* T wo Men and a Truck
Moving services
Truly Nolen of America
Pest control
*W
indow Genie — more on p. 38
Window cleaning
Men In Kilts
Window cleaning
*M
osquito Joe
Mosquito control services
The Traveling Photo Booth
Photography
A All Animal Control
Leather & vinyl repair service
Paul Davis Emergency Services
Emergency home services
*U
.S. Lawns
Commercial grounds care
Critter Control
Wildlife control & removal
Pop-A-Lock
Locksmith services
Jet-Black
Asphalt sealcoating & repair
*M
osquito Shield — more on p. 28
Mosquito control services
Paul Davis Restoration
Home restoration
College Hunks Hauling Junk
Junk removal services
Precision Door Service
Door repair
“Men in Kilts is
continuously looking
to improve systems and
efficiencies and provides
excellent support for
the franchise owners.”
– Men In Kilts Franchisee
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 15
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
THE LIST
Best of the Best:
Top 200 Franchises
Survey
Date
Startup
Investment
Cash
Requirement
Total
Units
Dec.
2013
$32,000 –
$380,500
$25,000 –
$35,000
40
Sep.
2014
$54,725 –
$121,900
$40,000
91
Jan.
2014
$138,000 –
$187,200
$138,000 –
$187,200
35
Sep.
2013
$150,000 –
$400,000
$75,000
64
Sep.
2014
$16,720 –
$19,890
$16,695 –
$19,865
312
Feb.
2014
$74,700 –
$173,500
$80,000
95
Apr.
2014
$62,950 –
$96,000
$63,200 –
$125,600
14
May
2014
$15,000 –
$50,000
$7,500 –
$30,000
484
Feb.
2014
$850,000 –
$2,500,000
$600,000
86
Dec.
2013
$111,475 –
$427,675
$111,475 –
$427,675
263
Apr.
2014
$136,700 –
$177,900
$50,000
118
Oct.
2014
$64,800 –
$105,300
$64,800 –
$105,300
15
May
2014
$80,000 –
$130,000
$50,000
56
May
2014
$495 –
$9,995
$10,000
1,455
Apr.
2014
$4,625 –
$9,800
$9,800
928
Oct.
2014
$79,500 –
$149,500
$50,000
189
SERVICES (CONTINUED)
FRSTeam
Home restoration
Boulder Designs
Landscape design
You Move Me
Moving services
Bin There Dump That
Mini dumpster & environmental services
SPORTS & REC
American Poolplayers Association
“From day one they
have projected a
sincere sense of support,
determination and
enthusiasm for our
success. They are fun,
energetic, honest,
professional and
trustworthy.”
– Bottle & Bottega Franchisee
Pool league
*P
inot’s Palette
Painting class
Bottle & Bottega
Wine & painting studio
Kampgrounds of America/KOA
Camping services
Sky Zone
Indoor trampoline park
GolfTEC
Golf training
Color Me Mine
Pottery painting studio
APEX Fun Run
School fundraising program
TECHNOLOGY
TeamLogic IT
IT services
TRAVEL
Cruise Planners — more on p. 43
Travel agency
*C
ruiseOne
Travel agency
Expedia CruiseShipCenters — more on p. 32
Travel agency
16 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
A variety of franchise
companies are enjoying
tremendous growth,
loans are more readily
available, consumer
confidence is up, and
many economic experts
believe our economy
is back on track.
Jared and Mandy Seaman, Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees, having fun with their children.
Continued from page 7.
Almost all franchise systems today also
gather and analyze customer feedback.
“Obtaining direct feedback from our customers helps us to improve business operations,
correct shortcomings, and deliver excellent
customer service,” says Chuck Pistor, President
of Miracle Method. “We currently have 97 to
98 percent customer satisfaction.”
“It costs far more to lose a customer then to
bring one back in,” says Leeward Bean, Owner
of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, which encourages its franchisees to send clients handwritten
thank you notes.
Training & Support: What training and
support will the franchise provide? Strong initial
and ongoing training and support programs will
be crucial for your success and help ensure your
franchise brand stays strong. This is highlighted
by the Training & Support section of our survey
being the one that showed the greatest variation
between all franchises surveyed and the 200 in
this report. The top brands were scored 13%
higher by their franchisees compared to those
that did not make our list.
“We have invested hundreds of thousands
of dollars to develop a leadership program
for our franchisees that teaches them how to
work ‘on’ their business, build the right team,
set goals for their business, and to live in a
90-day world with an emphasis on focusing
on the most important things first in order to
expedite results”, says Brightstar Care’s Sun.
“Our Franchise Business Consultant Team
consists of members across the country who
visit each of our franchises at least five times
per year and communicate with them regularly
in order to assist them with running their businesses as effectively as possible,” says Neary.
ability of a wider array of funding sources and
loan requirements becoming less stringent.
“Just 18 to 24 months ago, most banks
would not consider first time start-ups or
acquisitions. They are, however, becoming
more aggressive in the marketplace and will do
so if candidates meet their requirements,” says
Geoff Sieber, President and CEO of FranFund,
which has been helping franchisees obtain
BUY NOW OR HOLD?
funding for their businesses via traditional
Is 2015 the year to finally go into business for and non-traditional sources since 2006.
yourself, but not by yourself, by investing in
a franchise? A variety of franchise companies FUNDING YOUR FRANCHISE
are enjoying tremendous growth, loans are When it comes to figuring out how much
more readily available, consumer confidence money you will need to launch your new
is up, and many economic experts believe our business, franchise companies provide estimates of fees and startup costs in Items 5 – 7
economy is back on track.
“Our business grew 40% between 2013 of their Franchise Disclosure Document
and 2014. We predict similar, if not even (FDD) and will often give you data regarding
more growth in 2015,” says Brian Mattingly, average monthly sales and year-over-year
President of Welcomemat Services. “Since revenue growth. It is important to keep in
we began franchising in 2011, our franchisee- mind that FDD information is typically average financial data across the entire franchise
owned units have gone from four to 40.”
“We did our five millionth move in the system, or sometimes only select markets,
spring,” says Randy Shacka, President of Two so some of it may not be applicable to your
Men and a Truck. “Our revenue went from particular market, which has its own costs
$320 million in 2013 to $360 million in 2014. for real estate, labor and other factors. We
We anticipate $410 million in revenue in 2015.” advise you to identify these market variables
Financing is more readily available for in order to better estimate the total capital
franchisees than it has been due to the avail- you will need.
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 17
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Greg McClure celebrating the grand opening of his Realty ONE Group franchise.
10 Years in Franchising, 10 Lessons Learned
In honor of this being our 10th Annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises we looked back over
the past 10 years of franchising and noted some of the biggest changes that have occurred in
the industry and how they impact franchisees today. A snap shot of our observations is below.
1. Franchising has become much more transparent.
2. An explosion of new and a revival of old concepts are challenging iconic brands.
3. Franchisors and franchisees have gotten more sophisticated and metric-driven.
4. Franchisors are increasingly more selective regarding potential franchisees.
5. Obtaining franchise financing went from really easy to exceptionally hard to easier again.
6. Technology has and will continue to be a big game changer.
7. The recession was a good thing for franchising.
8. Local, state, and federal government “interference” will continue to be a challenge
for franchising and small business.
9. Change is constant. Franchisors and franchisees must adapt or die!
10. The good franchising opportunities are only getting better.
Learn what led to our observations and what they mean for franchisees by reading our full article,
“10 Years in Franchising, 10 Lessons Learned”, at www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com.
18 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
Once you have a good understanding of the
total capital needs of your new business, you
can determine how much of the investment
you can cover with personal savings, and how
much you will need to borrow through other
sources (ie. home equity loans, retirement savings, traditional bank loans, etc.). In addition,
you should plan to have a cushion of debt-free
funds to live on should your business not take
off as quickly as you expect. Ideally, it’s a good
idea to have at least a year’s worth of living
expenses as a backup reserve. Also, be sure to
ask about any available discounts. Many franchises offer them for female majority owners,
ethnic minorities or military veterans.
Just like with any business loan, potential
funders will look at your credit rating, liquid
assets, collateral and experience. The important difference is that lenders understand
they are providing funding for a franchise—
a brand name business that is backed by a
proven model for success.
“It is crucial that potential franchisees
understand how they will be judged by lenders and be fully prepared prior to contacting
any,” says Michael Rozman, Co-President and
Chief Strategy Officer of BoeFly, an online
loan marketplace. “They need a business plan
for their future franchise that features not only
the information provided by the franchisor,
but about the business they want to establish
including investment, competitive information, market information and projections.”
First time franchisees typically have a more
difficult time obtaining loans from a national
bank despite the recent loosening of requirements. Small Business Administration (SBA)
loans, which are issued by a bank and partly
guaranteed against default by the government,
and community bank loans fill the gap.
The top three things banks do not like
to see in loan candidates according to Geoff
Seiber, CEO of FranFund are: unsecured high
credit card debt, a short sale or foreclosure of
a home during the past three years or a bankruptcy within the past three years.
Fortunately, if you are not an ideal bank
loan candidate, there are still a variety of
non-traditional funding sources available—
including tapping into your retirement savings.
Many people don’t realize that you can
invest up to 100% of your retirement funds
into a franchise without taxes, penalties or a
loan via a program called Rollovers as Business
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Start Up (ROBS). To qualify for ROBS you
must have at least $50k in eligible retirement
accounts such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b).
Your retirement funds can be combined with a
spouse’s, partner’s or traditional business loans.
“ROBS arrangements often enable a
franchisee to start their business without
debt, which increases their chances of being
profitable sooner,” says David Nilssen, CEO of
Guidant Financial, which specializes in guiding entrepreneurs through the ROBS process.
“Profits can be retained for growth rather than
being sent to a bank in the form of interest
payments.”
Another option is a security-backed loan,
which enables you to take a loan using a financial portfolio, such as a mutual fund, as
collateral. There are several potential advantages to doing so. First, you can leave your
portfolio in place, which enables it to grow.
Second, because the loan is backed by your
portfolio’s value, the interest charged will be
lower than for an unsecured loan. It is important
to note that the risk of borrowing against the
value of your securities is that if your investments fall in value, the money borrowed will
emphasize your losses.
A handful of franchisors also offer internal
financing to approved potential franchisees.
Those that do not often put candidates in touch
with an established loan broker, who guides
them through the process of building a professional, lender-ready package and connects
them with potential lenders. Loan brokers
typically charge borrowers an upfront $1,000
– $2,500 packaging fee that varies according
to the complexity of the deal. Online loan brokers offer a variety of differently priced plans.
In addition, since online brokers’ networks
consist of thousands of local and nationwide
lenders, it is possible that companies will
compete for your loan, which in turn can yield
better terms for you, the borrower.
“We do not take a one-size-fits-all
approach to helping our franchisees obtain
financing. Instead, we constantly work with
our financing partners to provide a variety of
options,” says Jeff Dudan, Founder and CEO
of AdvantaClean.
How to Vet a Franchise Lawyer
Franchise lawyers, like most lawyers, can be costly. The investment, however, is well worth it
since a skilled one will protect your interests. He or she has the in-depth experience regarding
franchisors, Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) and franchise agreements necessary to
ensure that the franchise terms are the most beneficial to you.
With so many franchise lawyers out there, how do you determine if the one you are considering
is among the best? Ask him the following questions, which were prepared by franchise lawyer
Richard L. Rosen of Richard L. Rosen Law Firm:
• What is your experience with franchise law?
• What honors or awards have you received?
• How do your clients perceive you?
• How do other attorneys perceive you?
• How do you approach a franchise review (communication, discussions, negotiations, etc.)?
• Can you help with my business analysis?
• Do you represent franchisors and franchisees? What is the breakdown?
• Have you ever dealt with X (fill in the name of the franchise you are considering here)? What
experience do you have with litigation? With arbitration? With mediation?
• Are you familiar with the X (fill in the industry of the franchise you are considering here)
industry?
• What is your fee structure?
• What should I expect from this process and experience?
and skill set, an established franchise consultant can help. They can also assist you with
getting a franchisor’s attention as a result of
their connections and to complete and understand all the paperwork involved.
“I support my clients in all aspects of
the franchise process including choosing a
best-fit franchise, understanding the FDD
and ensuring that their interactions with the
franchisor go smoothly”, says Rick Bisio, who
has been assisting new franchisee candidates
for 22 years and is the author of The Educated
Franchisee.
Whether you use a franchise consultant or
not, after meeting a franchise company’s initial
candidate criteria, you’ll be provided with their
FDD. It is crucial to hire an attorney with
extensive franchise experience to review the
FDD before you sign the Franchise Agreement.
An experienced franchise attorney understands
DO YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE?
all the elements of a Franchise Agreement—
If you wish to expedite the process of identify- what you might be able to negotiate or
ing the franchise that best fits your personal not—and how each element affects another.
and financial objectives, as well as your budget
Areas to focus on in particular within an
FDD, according to Richard Rosen, who has
been practicing franchise law for over 35 Years
and is principal at the Richard L. Rosen Law
Firm, include:
• Territory & Market: How do the territory terms impact your market? How will
renewal affect your territory?
• Transfer: How can you avoid the right to
transfer being too restrictive or costly?
• Default and Termination Procedures: Are
the terms regarding buying back your
equipment or lease transfer favorable?
• Non-Compete: Do the terms enable you
to be able to make a living after leaving
the franchise?
HOW WILL YOUR LIFE CHANGE?
If you are used to working full-time, your
hours probably will not change much when
you own a franchise. According to our
research, franchisees work an average of
40-50 hours per week across all industries.
Forty-four percent reported working more
than 50 hours per week, while 30% reported
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 19
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
Left: Tom Bunchman, CEO and Founder of JumpBunch, entertaining several important clients.
Right: Air Force veterans, Kevin and Julie McAdoo, own an Office Pride franchise in Tampa.
working less than 40 hours per week. That
said, newer franchise owners—those in business for two years or less—report working
longer hours on average. Be prepared to
put in some extra time, especially those first
few years, to get your new business off
the ground.
If you must have all your nights and
weekends free, franchising probably isn’t for
you. Of the franchisees we surveyed, 52%
reported working evenings at least a couple of
times per week, with 24% saying they “almost
always” work evenings. Almost three quarters
of franchisees (74%) said they work weekends
at least a couple of times per month, with 35%
“almost always” working weekends.
The silver lining when it comes to owning
a franchise is that 68% of franchisees said the
hours they work are “flexible” or “very flexible” and 59% said their work/life balance was
either “balanced” or “very balanced.”
WILL YOU MAKE ENOUGH MONEY?
“How much money will I make?” is the question that people want the answer to most
when they start exploring franchise opportunities. It is a logical question to ask, but
often a very difficult one to answer. There are
many factors that play a role in estimating the
potential revenues and profits of any business
and ultimately what your “take-home” income
might be.
One of the biggest mistakes we see new
franchise business owners make is equating
business profits with personal income, which
leads them to enter into franchising with
unrealistically high financial expectations. In
most cases, a franchisee’s personal income is
significantly lower than the profits that their
business generates. This is due to a variety of
things including taxes, loan payments and
required business reinvestment—all of which
gets paid out of a business’s profits.
Understanding how cash flows through
a franchise is critical. In fact, it is such
an important topic that we created a threehour online course entitled “How Much
Money Can I Make?”, which is available
as part of our Franchise Buyer’s Toolkit at
www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com/toolkit.
When we crunched the data for the 28,500
franchisees we surveyed, we found that their
average annual pre-tax income was $80,000. We,
however, know that average numbers can be
misleading since they can be artificially inflated
by a few top performers. When we looked at the
median income for the same group of franchisees, it was actually under $50,000 per year. The
bottom line is that many franchisees who do not
do their homework in order to have realistic
financial expectations earn less money than they
had originally planned to.
The good news is that the top 200 franchises listed in this report significantly outperform
their competitors when it comes to meeting
the financial expectations of their franchisees.
On average, we found that franchisee incomes
in these top brands are 15%–20% higher than
20 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
other brands. In addition, in terms of your
“upside,” the frequency of franchisees earning
$250,000 or more was also 20% higher among
our top 200 franchises.
It is difficult to generalize how much you
will earn since there are often significant
differences between concepts and other factors such as location and the economy come
into play. If the FDD of the franchise you
are considering has an Item 19, Financial
Performance Representations, you will be
able to obtain insight regarding revenue. It is
important to note that the data typically represents total franchise sales, not profitability.
To determine profitability, the cost of labor,
rent, supplies, insurance, royalties, ad fees and
other business expenses must be deducted
from the sales figure.
ARE YOU AN IDEAL FRANCHISEE?
According to Bisio, the most successful
franchisees are disciplined, financially stable,
confident, natural leaders and enjoy learning.
In addition, they have a sense of personal
responsibility, a clear vision of what they want
out of life, and a supportive network of friends
or family.
You may think you will be a fantastic franchisee, but will the franchise system you wish
to join agree? The majority of franchisors we
interviewed said that business experience has
replaced passion when it comes to what they
look for most in a potential franchisee.
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
“We look for franchisees with proven business acumen who wish to be owner-managers,
not owner-operators. Front-line staff who
have passion can be hired,” says Carpenter of
Wild Birds Unlimited.
While in the minority, some franchises
still place a premium on passion, particularly
those that offer services which involve extensive personal interaction with customers.
“We look for people who are passionate
about serving kids and schools, not just about
business,” says Scott Donnell, President of
Apex Fun Run.
Since top performing franchisees generate
higher royalties, many franchisors have potential franchisee candidates take a personality
profile, which measures personality traits that
relate to work performance.
“We had our top performing team members
take a personality test and then pulled their
common traits to create a profile of our ideal
franchisee candidate”, says Mattingly of Welcomemat Services. “We compare the test
results of potential franchisees to our ideal
candidate profile.”
What does a personality profiling test mean
for you? It may help you find the right franchise fit. Additionally, if a franchise company
using a personality profile is more successful
at selecting top performing franchisees, it will
help its brand remain strong, as well as protect
your investment as a franchisee.
THE BIG DAY
You’ll probably spend several months engaging in franchise research and discovery before
reaching a decision. The 200 companies in
this report provide you with a great starting
point by highlighting franchise opportunities
deemed the best-of-the-best by the franchisees
who own them. Whatever franchise opportunities you decide to investigate, be sure to ask
questions and to be candid about yourself,
your goals and your expectations during the
process.
The exciting day will eventually come when
you will be asked by your chosen franchise
system to say yes or no regarding whether or
not you will join. If you’ve selected an opportunity that your research has shown is an ideal
fit for you personally and your budget, your
chances of succeeding are high.
For more information about researching
franchises, or more specific details about
the top franchise opportunities featured in
this report, please visit us online at: www.
FranchiseBusinessReview.com.
Franchising Then and Now
(2005 vs Today)
Then
Now
Total Economic Output of Franchising
$648 billion*
$841 billion*
Jobs in Franchising
7.8 million*
8.5 million*
Number of franchisees surveyed by FBR
1,967
26,917
Total number of franchises researched by FBR
59
820
Biggest Franchise company
McDonald’s
$53 Billion sales
(30,771 units)**
McDonald’s
$89 Billion sales
(35,429 units)**
Highest in Franchisee Satisfaction
Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning
Sotheby’s International Realty
Hottest and Most Trendy
eBay/auction stores
dinner prep / take-away
mobile pet grooming
frozen yogurt
gourmet pizza & burgers
mosquito control
Biggest Fall From Grace
Blockbuster Video
Quiznos
Steady growth and high margins
senior care
personal / business services
real estate
senior care
personal / business services
real estate (again)
Popular franchise sales lingo
“Recession-Proof”
“Recession-Resistant”
Top 3 praises by Franchisees
Honesty & Integrity of the Brand
Respect for the Brand
Quality of the products/services
Respect for the Brand
Honesty & Integrity of the Brand
Support of Fellow Franchisees
Top 3 gripes by Franchisees
Marketing
Financial Performance
Training & Support
Marketing
Communications
Financial Performance
Franchisees that have owned their business for 6+ years
24%
50%
Aging of Franchisees… Median Age of a Franchisee
46
50
Positive Work-Life Balance of Franchisees
51%
58%
*Source: International Franchise Association
**Source: Franchise Times
For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 21
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
HALL
OF FAME
10 Franchises Enter Our Inaugural Hall of Fame
Two Men and a Truck
Pop-A-Lock
Wild Birds Unlimited
Two Men and a Truck’s
first truck in 1979.
The uniform Pop-A-Lock’s
franchisees wore in 1995.
Two Men and a Truck
started in the early 1980s
as a way for two brothers
to make extra money
while in high school. It
made its five millionth
move in June 2014.
Pop-A-Lock was
founded by former law
enforcement officers in
Lafayette, Louisiana in
1991. Since it launched
its PALSavesKids™,
a free community service
program, it has rescued
over 300,000 children
from locked cars.
Jim Carpenter, Founder
and CEO of Wild Birds
Unlimited, in front of his
first store in Broad Ripple,
IN in 1981.
Then & Now:
In 2006 Two Men
and a Truck had 156
franchises and gross
revenue of $193 million.
It anticipates having 280
franchises and $414
million in gross revenue
in 2015.
Then & Now:
In 2006 Pop-A-Lock
had 1,100 communities
and $44 million in
gross revenue. It
projects having 8,500
communities and $75
million in gross revenue,
in 2015.
Our Town America
Our Town America’s old
1983 Welcome Package.
Wild Birds Unlimited
enjoys innovating. It holds
patents for the Classic
Hopper Feeder (patent
D329723) and Advanced
Pole System (patent
6386142).
Our Town America
was recognized for its
excellence in the use of
technology by the Mailing
and Fulfillment Service
Association. It received
first place for its Variable
Data Printing Solution in
the Fulfillment Ingenuity
Award category.
Then & Now:
In 2006 Wild Birds
Unlimited had 302
franchises and $105
million in gross revenue.
It anticipates having over
$145 million in gross
revenue in 2015.
Then & Now:
In 2006, Our Town
America’s gross revenue
was $6 million and
it had 23 units.
It anticipates having
70 units and $7 million
in gross revenue in 2015.
22 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
Heaven’s Best
Heaven’s Best’s old
branding pops in this
1995 photo.
Heaven’s Best launched
a unique “dry in one
hour” carpet and
upholstery cleaning
technique when it
opened its doors in 1983.
There are currently over
2,500 cities where a
Heaven’s Best operator
can be found working.
Then & Now:
In 2006 Heaven’s Best
had 939 franchises at the
beginning of the year and
1,118 by the end of the
year. It projects having
1,450 franchises by the
end of 2015.
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises
This year’s Guide to Today’s Top Franchises is a perfect 10 in many ways.
It is our 10th issue and honors franchises that have been featured on our
Best of the Best: Top 200 Franchises list for 10 years in a row. Only 10 were!
Their consistent placement is proof that their franchisees are among the most
satisfied in the nation.
To acknowledge the achievement of these exceptional franchises, we are happy
to announce the launch of our inaugural Franchise Business Review (FBR) Hall
of Fame. Its members will henceforth be known as FBR Hall of Famers.
Our Hall of Famers
clearly show that
satisfied franchisees
help franchise
systems thrive.
We thought it would be fun to highlight how our Hall of Famers have changed
over the years, so asked each to provide us with a historic photo and share an
achievement they are particularly proud of. We compiled the information below.
It is clear that satisfied franchisees help franchise systems thrive. We look
forward to seeing which franchises will make our FBR Hall of Fame next year.
FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS first
franchised center in
1987.
FASTSIGNS launched
its “More than fast.
More than signs.” brand
positioning and its CEO
Catherine Monson,
appeared on CBS’s
Undercover Boss in 2012.
Gary Salomon and Bob
Schanbaum founded
FASTSIGNS in 1985,
opening the first center
in Dallas, Texas.
Then & Now:
In 2006, FASTSIGNS had
500 centers. It anticipates
having 600 in 2015.
HomeVestors
Homvestors mascot Ug,
who was created in 2004,
poses from left to right
with HomeVestors’
Co-Presidents, David
Hicks and Ken Channell.
HomeVestors, which
is also known as We
Buy Ugly Houses, began
franchising in 1996. Since
then, its franchisees have
purchased over 60,000
homes nationwide.
Then & Now:
In 2009, HomeVestors
had 197 franchisees and
$9.5 million in gross
revenue. It anticipates
having 700 franchisees
and $50 million in gross
revenue in 2015.
Miracle Method
Miracle Method’s
annual franchise
meeting in 2001.
Miracle Method, which
is headquartered in
Colorado Springs, started
in 1979. It has enjoyed a
70% increase of sales in
North America over the
past five years.
Then & Now:
Miracle Method had
84 franchises and Gross
Sales of $21.3 million in
2006. In 2015, it expects
to have 150 franchises
and gross sales of
$50 million.
JumpBunch
JumpBunch’s first
franchisees in 2002.
JumpBunch sold its first
franchise in 2002 and
had 10 by 2004. Today
20,000 children are
enrolled in its programs
domestically and 30,000
internationally.
Then & Now:
In 2006 JumpBunch
had 24 units and a
gross revenue of
$950,000. In 2015,
it projects having
70 franchises and a
gross revenue in excess
of $4 million.
ActionCOACH
ActionCOACH won
a Silver Stevie award
in 2012.
ActionCOACH founded
its Coaching for a Cause
global program, which
is a pro-bono coaching
program that helps nonprofits and charities to
increase their top-level
goals and better manage
their funds in 2009.
It won a Silver Stevie
award in the category of
Company of the Year—
Business Services at the
2012 American Business
Awards.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 23
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
ADVERTISING & SALES
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
Our Town America
Christian Brothers Automotive
Snap-on Tools
Startup Investment: $49,000 – $85,000
Cash Requirement: $89,000
Total Units: 47
Startup Investment: $369,400 – $449,600
Cash Requirement: $75,000
Total Units: 135
Startup Investment: $152,692 – $318,979
Cash Requirement: $30,164 – $80,246
Total Units: 3,871
Our Town is America’s premier welcoming
organization. Since 1972, we have been
effectively connecting new movers with
businesses they are searching for by mailing
them welcome packages featuring welcoming
certificates as opposed to standard coupons from
local businesses. Thousands of satisfied business
owners throughout the United States attest to
the success and effectiveness of our targeted
program, while dozens of locally owned Our
Town franchises validate our success as a viable
business opportunity.
Christian Brothers Automotive is a full-service
auto repair franchise committed to operating
with honesty and integrity. Our focus on superior
customer service and “loving your neighbor as
yourself,” has allowed the company to grow with
100% store success in 16 years of franchising.
At Christian Brothers, franchise owners have the
benefit of owning their own faith-based business,
with extensive support from the home office
not only during start up, but long term as well.
You do not need previous automotive industry
experience—our thorough training program and
home office coaching will direct you with tools
toward success.
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global
innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of
tools, diagnostics, and equipment solutions
for professional users. Product lines include
hand and power tools, and are sold through
its franchisees, company-direct sales, and
distributor channels, as well as over the internet.
For more information on Our Town America
opportunities, call (727) 345-0811 x232
or visit www.ourtownamerica.com.
For more information on Christian Brothers
Automotive opportunities, call (855) 866-9222
or visit www.christianbrothersfranchise.com.
24 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
For more information on Snap-on Tools
opportunities, call (877) 476-2766 or visit
www.snaponfranchise.com.
BUSINESS SERVICES
BUSINESS SERVICES
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
Sandler Training
Sanford Rose Associates
Startup Investment: $73,000 – $105,125
Cash Requirement: $100,000
Total Units: 181
Startup Investment: $109,350 – $146,180
Cash Requirement: $109,350 – $146,180
Total Units: 60
Sandler Training is the leader in innovative sales
and sales management training. We have over
235 training centers in major cities throughout
the country and around the world, offering
instruction in a dozen languages. Entrepreneur
Magazine has ranked Sandler as the No. 1 training
franchise nine times. Our training is designed to
create lasting performance improvement rather
than the motivational “quick fix” typical of many
seminar-based training programs. The demand
for quality sales training has rarely been greater
than it is today. As a Sandler franchisee, you can
tap this vast market—and beyond.
At Sanford Rose Associates®, we have been
successfully helping organizations discover and
hire executive talent for over five decades. The
demand for finding the best possible people in
the shortest possible time has helped propel
executive search into a multi-billion dollar
industry and Sanford Rose Associates® is at the
forefront. We offer you an incredible opportunity
to achieve financial success without an advanced
degree or years of training. If you have the drive
and determination to build your own business,
have high expectations for your professional
ambitions, and desire to be in control of your
lifestyle, work and life balance and income, we
invite you to consider owning your own Sanford
Rose Associates® organization.
For more information on Sandler Training
opportunities, call (800) 669-3537 x2005
or visit www.sandler.com.
For more information on Sanford Rose
Associates opportunities, call (972) 616-7853
or visit www.srafranchise.com.
BUSINESS SERVICES
BUSINESS SERVICES
Dan Tomlinson
Interim HealthCare
Richmond, VA
Franchisee since 2013
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
To benefit from the expertise and experience
of industry professionals and a proven successful
system.
Why did you choose your franchise?
I felt that Interim HealthCare offered the
strongest support network. In addition, I liked
that its business model would enable me to
pursue many different business lines within the
home health industry.
What is the best part of your job?
I chose this industry in order to make a direct
positive impact on the lives of my clients. This
benefit has proven to be the absolute best part
of my job as an active Owner and President.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Meeting my yearly gross revenue projections
generated from three offices in the Richmond,
VA area and my role being providing top line
leadership and vision.
Murphy Business & Financial
YESCO
Startup Investment: $45,750 – $113,600
Cash Requirement: $30,000
Total Units: 174
Startup Investment: $50,000 – $240,000
Cash Requirement: $60,000
Total Units: 91
Murphy Business & Financial Corporation, LLC
provides new or experienced business brokers
with the support to build a successful business
brokerage firm with multiple revenue streams.
These include ownership transfers, business
valuations, equipment appraisals and sales,
mergers/acquisitions, preferred franchise sale
referrals and property management.
Since 1920 YESCO has set the standard for
quality, innovation and customer service in the
sign and lighting industry. YESCO has franchise
locations throughout the United States and
Canada and is currently looking for motivated
individuals to join us. As a YESCO franchise
owner, you will enjoy our comprehensive training
and extensive support. You will also benefit
from our proven business system, expertise
and trusted reputation. Contact a YESCO
representative today to learn why the YESCO
Franchise model works as our excellent growth
year after year shows.
For more information on Murphy Business &
Financial opportunities, call (727) 725-7090
or visit www.murphyfranchise.com.
For more information on YESCO opportunities,
call (801) 493-7318 or visit
www.yescofranchising.com.
What keeps you up at night?
Two key issues cause me to lose sleep. Retention
of key employees and effective management of
cash flow.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
Buying a franchise is a long-term commitment.
You want a proven, committed partner that is
vested in your success and has the expertise and
systems in place to get you where you want to go.
Describe franchising in one word.
Empowering.
For more information on Interim HealthCare
opportunities, call (800) 840-6568 or visit
www.interimfranchising.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 25
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
26 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
CHILD SERVICES
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
KidsPark
MaidPro
Startup Investment:$185,000 – $340,000
Cash Required: $65,000
Domestic Franchises: 15
Startup Investment: $45,000 – $114,509
Cash Requirement: $40,000
Total Units: 183
If you are looking for an entrepreneurial
opportunity to contribute a needed service to
your community and are considering an overall
investment between $185,000 – $340,000,
take a close look at KidsPark. We are seeking
business minded, marketing savvy owners to join
our franchise family. As a KidsPark owner you
share a reputation for quality, a proven method
of operation and an innovative program. Our
interactive virtual brochure guides you through
each step of our discovery process sharing
KidsPark’s business opportunity with you. Get
started today!
MaidPro prides itself on its proven
groundbreaking technology and software,
creative marketing efforts, established brand
identity, and stellar support to its franchisees.
The company is constantly trying to reinvent new
practices and refine old ones to ensure its place
in the rapidly growing house cleaning industry.
MaidPro offers you the advantages of rapid
growth, low startup costs, manageable hours,
and recurring revenue. Join a franchise that gives
you control and ownership of your business with
unmatched 24/7 support!
For more information on KidsPark
opportunities, call 408.213.0970 or visit
www.kidspark.com/corporate/franchiseopportunities/.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
For more information on MaidPro
opportunities, call (888) 624-3776
or visit www.maidprofranchise.com.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Buildingstars
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning
Startup Investment: $1,995 – $39,995
Cash Requirement: $500
Total Units: 572
Startup Investment: $33,495 - $55,950
Cash Requirement: $38,345 - $60,115
Total Units: 278
The commercial cleaning industry is booming!
Buildingstars is the only commercial cleaning
franchise with a focus on the office building
segment, the most professional and profitable
segment of the industry. We offer great training
and a guaranteed base of business, with three
ways to get started. As a technician, you can
start part-time and keep your full-time job, with
the option to go full-time when you’re ready. As
an on-site manager, you’ll manage medium-size
buildings and begin to build your team. This is
the only large building office cleaning franchise
available with the highest gross revenue of any
franchise in our category.
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning is a business built
simply on delivering our franchisees the ability
to own their own business. We are committed to
providing true time freedom with a centralized
scheduling center so you can focus on growing
your business or enjoying your family and
friends. Limit your risk by taking advantage of
our low-cost business model. Our franchisees can
take pride in knowing their customers are getting
a revolutionary cleaning that is environmentally
friendly and will be completely dry within hours,
not days like traditional cleaning systems.
For more information on Buildingstars
opportunities, call (866) 991-3356 or visit
buildingstarsfranchise.com.
For more information on Oxi Fresh
opportunities, call (720) 763-8129 or visit
www.oxifreshfranchise.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 27
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
The Maids
Mathnasium Startup Investment: $98,645 – $126,045
Cash Requirement: $60,000 Total Units: 165
Startup Investment: $99,750 – $139,375
Cash Requirement: $40,000 Total Units: 533
The Maids Home Services is the only residential
cleaning franchise to clean for health using
the company’s exclusive and unique cleaning
method, which provides customers with cleaner,
healthier homes. With The Maids Home Services,
you get a strong business opportunity, offering
a highly needed service, all with no nights,
weekends or holidays!
Kids need help with math. Some need it
desperately, while others simply want to
get ahead. In either case, high quality math
instruction is tough to find. That’s why
Mathnasium, which has over 500 locations,
is growing fast. Entrepreneurs recognize
Mathnasium as a rewarding business that offers
a chance to make a difference in a child’s life.
Each Mathnasium franchise is a collaborative
exchange between the corporate team and
the local franchisee, combining our extensive
franchising and education experience with the
entrepreneur’s business acumen, passion for
education and desire to succeed. If you are
ready to be a part of an expanding $100 billion
industry call us today.
The Tutoring Center’s ideal candidate seeks a
balance between work and time with family
and friends, and is an individual who possesses
traits of integrity, quality, enthusiasm, service,
and teamwork. We know these traits are what
it takes to be successful! The Tutoring Center’s
ideal franchisee is a person who is passionate
about helping children succeed; possesses
an entrepreneurial spirit; has the drive to do
well in this industry; and wants to change the
lives of children in his/her community. Being
a part of our elite franchise team means you
will be appreciated for making a significant
difference for the children in your neighborhood.
No professional sales, business, or teaching
experience required.
For more information on Mathnasium
opportunities, call (323) 421-8053 or visit
www.mathnasiumfranchise.com.
For more information on The Tutoring Center
opportunities, call (562) 984-0830 or visit
www.tutoringcenter.com.
For more information on The Maids
opportunities, call (800) 843-6243
or visit www.maids.com.
28 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
THE TUTORING CENTER
Startup Investment: $90,000 – $130,000
Cash Required: $39,000
Domestic Franchises: 64
FINANCIAL & TAX
FINANCIAL & TAX
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
American Prosperity Group
Payroll Vault
Startup Investment: $83,800 – $115,300
Cash Requirement: $100,000 Total Units: 20
Startup Investment: $42,000 – $69,000
Cash Requirement: $50,000 Total Units: 22
American Prosperity Group (APG) is the premier
retirement and estate planning franchise
in the nation, with diversified products and
services, a state-of-the-art business system,
and an outstanding franchise opportunity. We
are dedicated to our clients, focusing on their
needs first and foremost, and we pride ourselves
on being fully trained retirement and estate
planning specialists—not stockbrokers. With
an APG franchise, you have the opportunity to
achieve your financial dreams while helping
others reach their financial goals.
Now, more than ever, outsourced payroll services
are a must-have for business owners. Becoming
a Payroll Vault Franchise allows you to get in
on a fast growing and highly lucrative industry.
With health care reform regulations, legislation,
looming non-compliance issues, fees and fines,
today’s business owners are handing over their
payroll to trusted payroll vendors.
For more information on Payroll Vault
opportunities, call (303) 763-1829
or visit www.payrollvaultfranchise.com.
Jared and Mandy Seaman
Christian Brothers Automotive
Fishers, IN
Franchisees since September 2013
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
Opening a franchise seemed like the best
opportunity to fulfill my long-term goals both
professionally and personally.
For more information on American
Prosperity Group opportunities,
call (877) 885-1APG(1274) or visit
www.apgfranchise.com.
Why did you choose your franchise?
After carefully considering several franchise
opportunities, Christian Brothers Automotive
stood out because of its ethical standards and
overall Christian-servanthood approach to
business.
AWARD-WINNING SOUP,
SALAD & SANDWICHES
What is the best part of your job?
Being able to show customers and our team a
“love your neighbor as yourself” mentality.
TM
Where do you see yourself in five years?
My goal is to make my Fishers location a
$2 million store and to have the ability to own
a second location in the Indianapolis market.
Who has most influenced your approach
to business?
My father instilled in me the foundations of
business leadership and fueled my passion for
Christian-servanthood. He led by example both
personally and professionally.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
Look for one that provides unparalleled support
and dedication.
Describe franchising in one word.
Advantageous.
For more information on Christian Brothers
Automotive opportunities, call (855) 866-9222
or visit www.christianbrothersfranchise.com.
Franchise Opportunities Available
Category leader • No restaurant experience needed
Low cost of entry • Semi-absentee options
ZOUPFRANCHISE.COM
(800) 940-ZOUP
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 29
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
FITNESS
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The Exercise Coach
Hwy 55 Burgers
Startup Investment: $95,000 – $236,000
Cash Requirement: $95,000 – $236,000
Total Units: 26
Startup Investment: $184,255 – $331,955
Cash Requirement: $125,000 Total Units: 112
The Exercise Coach brings fitness into the 21st
century by outfitting its franchised fitness studios
with proprietary high-tech computerized fitness
machines that use game changing bio-adaptive
technology. The exclusive technology enables
The Exercise Coach franchisees and coaches
to offer clients highly personalized programs
that are optimized for efficiency, resulting in
only two 20-minute workouts per week being
more effective than even seven days a week of
traditional activity-based exercise. Exercise your
entrepreneurial spirit by calling The Exercise
Coach today!
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries are all-­American
restaurants famous for fresh, never-­frozen
burgers, sliced cheesesteaks piled high on
steamed hoagies, and frozen custard that is made
in­-house every day. Founded in Eastern North
Carolina in 1991, the restaurants reflect founder
Kenney Moore’s commitment to authentic
hospitality and fresh food. Lunch and dinner are
grilled in an open-­air kitchen with a retro flair.
Unlike other fast casual chains, each Hwy 55
Burgers Shakes & Fries offers full service with a
smile at a reasonable price point.
For more information on The Exercise Coach
opportunities, call (855) 20-COACH(202-6224)
or visit exercisecoach.com/fitness-franchise/
home.html.
30 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
For more information on Hwy 55 Burgers
opportunities, call (919) 635-0902 x116 or visit
www.hwy55franchising.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Firehouse Subs
LaRosa’s Pizzeria
Penn Station
Startup Investment: $169,414 – $989,553
Cash Requirement: $80,000 – $100,000
Total Units: 846
Startup Investment: $500,000 – $850,000
Cash Requirement: $150,000 – $255,000
Total Units: 66
Startup Investment: $258,103 – $519,704
Cash Requirement: $175,000 Total Units: 287
As one of the country’s fastest growing
restaurant brands and a leader in the fast casual
industry, the demand for our uniquely prepared
specialty subs is growing by leaps and bounds,
opening up opportunities for expansion in new
and existing markets. With our strong brand
identity, exceptional franchisee relationships,
high average unit volume, well-defined real
estate guidelines, and passionate executive
team, Firehouse Subs is perfectly poised for
development with the right investor.
LaRosa’s serves authentic family recipes from a
real Italian family. Although we’re famous for our
pizza, we also offer over 40 menu selections for
dine in, carry out or delivery. After 60 years of
steadily building sales and a dominant share in
our home markets of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky,
we are now expanding into West Virginia,
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and North
Carolina. We partner with professionals including
multi-unit foodservice and retail operators as
well as other investors who have proven track
records of business success and are serious
about the restaurant business.
Penn Station East Coast Subs is an upscale,
quick-casual restaurant chain, headquartered
in Cincinnati, Ohio. There are currently over
185 Penn Station Restaurants in 15 states. The
chain is renowned for its trademark sandwich,
the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Sub, Hand-cut
French Fries, Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade and
its “signature” Fresh-baked French Bread. Penn
Station is seeking multi-unit franchisees for
markets including Chicago, Kansas City, Atlanta,
Dallas and many others throughout the country.
For more information on Firehouse Subs
opportunities, call (877) 887-8330 or visit
www.firehousesubs.com/franchising.
For more information on LaRosa’s
opportunities, call (513) 347-4772 or visit
www.larosas.com/franchise.
For more information on Penn Station
opportunities, call (513) 474-5957 or visit
www.penn-station.com/franchise/.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 31
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
32 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs
Startup Investment: $165,940 – $414,685
Cash Requirement: $100,000 Total Units: 405
Startup Investment: $228,000 – $432,500
Cash Requirement: $100,000
Total Units: 552
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a better-for-you quick
casual restaurant chain with over 400 locations
in 38 states. Our balanced business model, with
50% Food and 50% Smoothie Sales, makes
us two brands in one. This allows us to service
all dayparts and drive higher gross sales. Our
lower development costs are driven by our
simple operational model—no grills, deep fryers
or hooding systems—which also drives our
healthy consumer appeal. We offer wraps, salads,
sandwiches and flatbreads as well as our famous
all natural, real fruit smoothies.
Hungry Howie’s serves families great Flavored
Crust Pizza at an amazing value. With over 40
years of experience, we’re consistently ranked
as a Top 10 Pizza Franchise. Our Flavored
Crust gives us a distinct point of difference
in today’s competitive marketplace while our
strong infrastructure will provide you with all
you need to be successful. We are certain that
when you compare Hungry Howie’s to other
investment opportunities, you will appreciate
our commitment to our concept, products and
franchisees. We provide a great opportunity to
participate in a growing franchise system that
offers significant investment value.
For more information on Tropical Smoothie
Cafe opportunities, call (770) 580-2345 or visit
www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
For more information on Hungry Howie’s
opportunities, call (248) 414-3300 or visit
franchising.hungryhowies.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Scott Moberg
G.J. Gardner Homes
Parker and Lone Tree, CO
Franchisee since 2010
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
I saw the opportunity to quickly take my existing
company to the next level by utilizing G.J. Gardner
Homes’ proven systems and procedures.
Why did you choose your franchise?
In addition to G.J. Gardner Homes’ international
presence and buying power, I was impressed by
the extensive support it provides.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to grow my business and improve my life as
well as my staff’s lives while delivering a quality
product. There’s no better feeling then having a
customer tell me how much they love their new
home and how helpful our staff was throughout
the process.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ve just purchased my second franchise area
so my immediate focus professionally is getting
it running at optimal efficiency. When I’ve
accomplished that, I have plans to systematically
grow into two additional areas.
Yogurtland
Startup Investment: $336,793 – $788,750
Cash Requirement: $200,000
Total Units: 264
Yogurtland is pioneering the experience of
customer-created frozen yogurt and it’s quickly
catching on in neighborhoods across the country
and across the globe. We’re not just creating
yogurt, we’re creating an irresistible business
opportunity that’s imminently enjoyable, easily
repeatable, and simply ingenious.
For more information on Yogurtland
opportunities, call (949) 265-8000 x304
or visit www.yogurt-land.com/franchise.
Billy Sims Barbecue
Startup Investment: $169,000 – $433,000
Cash Requirement: $150,000 Total Units: 45
Billy Sims BBQ is a 44-unit, Tulsa-based fast
casual concept serving premium BBQ smoked
daily in-house with traditional sides. Founded
by 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims,
and cofounder Jeff Jackson, Billy Sims BBQ is a
unique franchise concept that is experiencing
growth. As one of the top rated celebrity and
athlete-owned restaurants, Billy Sims BBQ has an
extensive menu of nine meats that are smoked
daily. Billy Sims BBQ opened 11 restaurants in
2014. Operating in six states, Billy Sims BBQ
is actively seeking franchisees for multi-unit
developments in states throughout the country.
Who has most influenced your approach to
business?
My entrepreneurial spirit comes from my
grandfathers. My approach to business and
managerial mindedness comes from my father.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
You should bring your own style and expertise to
the table, while embracing the business model
and leadership offered by the franchise.
Describe franchising in one word.
Opportunistic.
For more information on G.J. Gardner
opportunities, call (815) 409-1380 or visit
www.gjgardner.com.
For more information on Billy Sims BBQ
opportunities, call (918) 740-3374 or visit
www.billysimsbbq.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 33
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Sport Clips
Startup Investment: $330,260 – $704,210
Cash Requirement: $330,260 – $704,210
Total Units: 77
Startup Investment: $158,300 – $316,000
Cash Requirement: $100,000 Total Units: 1,289
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast casual concept focused
on delivering fresh, handmade Baja-style
Mexican food to our guests in a relaxed and fun
environment. We currently have 69 franchise and
eight company owned locations across nine
states, with over 100 additional locations in
various stages of development. Each Fuzzy’s Taco
Shop is unique because it takes on the
personality of its owner and community. Ensuring
the success of our franchisees is our top priority!
We provide them with a variety of tools and
services that are beneficial to their business
including national custom distribution, Aloha POS,
a robust training program, an intranet site, field
support, QAIs and mystery shops. As a result, both
our franchisees and their customers are happy.
With more than 1,300 locations and counting,
Sport Clips is the largest, fastest-growing
international haircut franchise for men and boys.
When you invest in a franchise concept the
number of stores opened each year is important,
but store closures are even more important!
Sport Clips has a 99% continuity rate, a truly
impressive figure in the industry. Plus, we have
strong unit economics as detailed in Item 19 of
our Franchise Disclosure Document. As a Sport
Clips business owner, you will have access to
our award-winning franchisee support team.
Our turnkey, proven business model allows you
to keep you job and earn supplemental income
until you transition into a more flexible lifestyle
as a Sport Clips multi-unit owner.
For more information on Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
opportunities, call (888) 510-8226 or visit
www.fuzzystacoshop.com.
For more information on Sport Clips
opportunities, call (800) 872-4247 x1 or visit
www.sportclipsfranchise.com.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
National Property Inspections
HouseMaster
Startup Investment: $32,900 – $33,900
Cash Requirement: $39,550 – $42,000
Total Units: 221
Startup Investment: $60,100 – $107,900
Cash Requirement: $75,000 Total Units: 314
For more than 25 years, National Property
Inspections (NPI) and Global Property Inspections
(GPI) franchise owners have performed
residential and commercial property inspections
with honesty, integrity and professionalism. Since
we help our franchise owners to diversify their
businesses by teaching them how to conduct
both residential and commercial property
inspections, they have increased earning
potential. In 2014, we earned a four-star rating
based on our franchisee satisfaction survey,
proving that our franchise owners are glad they
chose NPI/GPI. We have exclusive territory
available in most locations.
For the past 35 years, HouseMaster has been
empowering people from a diverse array of
backgrounds to realize their dreams of business
ownership and to help others. A HouseMaster
franchise is one of the most affordable ways to
develop a successful business in the growing
home inspection industry. As part of the
HouseMaster team, you will receive all of the
training, systems, tools, and support you need
to succeed. Your passion will be rewarded when
you give customers peace of mind regarding and
knowledge to protect their greatest investment—
their home. Now is a great time to join our team!
For more information on National Property
Inspections opportunities, call (800) 333-9807
x24 or visit www.npifranchise.com.
34 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
For more information on HouseMaster
opportunities, call (800) 526-3930 or visit
www.housemaster.com.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
AdvantaClean
Surface Specialists Systems
Startup Investment: $126,500 – $373,300
Cash Requirement: $75,000 – $300,000
Total Units: 200
Startup Investment: $46,000 – $75,500
Cash Requirement: $25,000 Total Units: 44
AdvantaClean is a leading provider of
environmental cleaning (i.e., Indoor Air Quality
and Comfort services). Through a streamlined,
low overhead business model that leverages
real-time business analytics, AdvantaClean
franchisees run recession-resistant businesses
that offer non-discretionary services to property
owners.
By offering a much greater variety of service
options than any other franchise in the bathroom
and kitchen repair and refinishing industry,
and capitalizing on our 30 years of experience,
Surface Specialists’ reputation as “The Repair
& Refinishing Experts” is not just a slogan or a
tagline. It is a proven fact. We are looking for
self-motivated individuals who possess bluecollar skills and an executive mindset and who
also believe in the importance of top quality
workmanship and being the best in their field.
For more information on AdvantaClean
opportunities, call (704) 975-7505 or visit
www.advantacleanfranchise.com.
For more information on Surface Specialists
Systems opportunities, call (866) 239-8707 or
visit www.surfacespecialists.com.
Steve Betts
DreamMaker
Bath & Kitchen
Amarillo and Lubbock, TX
Franchisee since 2008
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
I wanted to own my own business.
Why did you choose your franchise?
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has a great
reputation. I heard about it from a previous
franchise owner who spoke highly of it to me.
What is the best part of your job?
Transforming spaces into customers’ visions and
seeing the joy in their faces upon completion.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself being less involved in the day-to-day
operations of my business.
Who has most influenced your approach to
business?
My dad.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
Focus on the values and culture of the franchisor
and franchisees by spending time with each.
Owning a franchise is a long-term commitment
and there will be things you like and dislike along
the way. You need to ultimately believe in the
direction and character of the franchisor in order
to be able to build a successful business venture.
Describe franchising in one word
I think five describe it best—the sky is the
limit. There’s no way I would have made half of
what I made last year doing what I was doing
before becoming a DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
franchisee.
For more information on DreamMaker Bath &
Kitchen opportunities, call (254) 523-9577 or
visit www.dreammakerfranchise.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 35
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
HOME SERVICES
FOOD & BEVERAGE
PET SERVICES
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company
Sit Means Sit
Startup Investment: $99,791 – $261,843
Cash Requirement: $99,791 – $261,843
Total Units: 34
Startup Investment: $52,781 – $89,840
Cash Requirement: $25,000 Total Units: 171
Startup Investment: $45,000 – $93,850
Cash Requirement: $15,000 Total Units: 82
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen remodeling
franchisees saw average same store sales
skyrocket in 2013. We offer three key advantages.
The first is that half of American homes are in
their peak remodeling years. This has created a
tremendous demand for remodeling at a time
when the pool of professional remodelers is
limited due to so many leaving their careers
during the recession. Homeowners need you! The
second is Online Marketing, which is essential
for capturing customers and generating leads.
Our team’s marketing knowledge, expertise
and tactics combined with our GPS Marketing™
system delivers business to you. The third is
Operations. DreamMaker’s proven, proprietary
software systems streamline management of the
remodeling process and empower you to build
your business.
America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) is
the nation’s most respected swimming pool
maintenance, repair and renovation franchise.
Each of our franchisees is provided with the
training, tools and support to handle any
need that may arise, including our industry
leading mobile platform that is designed for
operational efficiency. We work directly with the
world’s leading pool equipment manufacturers,
which allows our franchise owners to provide
exceptional product selection, pricing and peace
of mind to our customers. An ASP franchise is the
ideal way to jump into the $15 billion swimming
pool industry.
As a Sit Means Sit franchisee you receive a lot
more than just learning how to effectively train
dogs, you learn how to make a living in the dog
training business. There is a big difference. You’ll
be given all the training protocols, business
support, and knowledge developed over years
of success. In addition to becoming a Sit Means
Sit dog trainer, the franchise system includes
branding, advertising and marketing help, sales
training, add-on products, and more.
For more information on ASP opportunities,
call (855) 979-POOL(7665) or visit www.
aspfranchising.com.
For more information on DreamMaker
opportunities, call (254) 523-9577 or visit
www.dreammakerfranchise.com.
36 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
For more information on Sit Means Sit
opportunities, call (702) 326-3554 or visit
www.sitmeanssit.com.
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
HomeVestors of America
Help-U-Sell Real Estate
Startup Investment: $37,300 – $346,250
Cash Requirement: $37,300 – $346,250
Total Units: 534
Startup Investment: $25,000 – $97,000
Cash Requirement: $17,500 Total Units: 98
We’re America’s #1 home buyer, instantly
recognized across the country as the “We Buy
Ugly Houses®” company. This strong brand
awareness, together with our powerful marketing
strategy, generates a steady stream of leads.
We offer financing for buying and rehabbing
qualifying houses, and an initial five-day training
class followed by ongoing support. HomeVestors
offers a Full Franchise as well as an Associate
Franchise, either of which may be operated on a
full-time or part-time basis.
At Help-U-Sell Real Estate, we pride ourselves
on efficiency, affordability, and satisfaction,
for our franchisees and their clients. As one of
our franchisees, you will receive support every
step of the way—from one-on-one coaching to
weekly training sessions. Your technology tools
will include a free website, a lead-generation
management system, a new mobile application,
and in-house tech support. Plus, your low set-fee
business model will attract sellers in today’s
equity-challenged market. It has never been a
better time to join the Help-U-Sell family. We
invite you to speak with us today.
For more information on HomeVestors of
America opportunities, call (800) 704-6992
or visit www.homevestorsfranchise.com.
For more information on Help-U-Sell
opportunities, call (941) 951-7707 x2002
or visit www.helpusellfranchise.com.
Paula
Paredes
ATAX Accounting
& Financial Services
Allentown, PA
Franchisee since 2008
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
To become my own boss and improve my income.
Why did you choose your franchise?
For stability, security and professionalism. The
need for tax preparation services is constant.
What is the best part of your job?
Meeting clients and helping them by preparing
their taxes.
What is the worst part of your job?
I cannot think of one.
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself being financially stable, with a
beautiful house and a new Mercedes Benz.
I also see myself as being considered the best
tax preparation specialist in the area.
What keeps you up at night?
Making plans for the future.
Coldwell Banker
PropertyGuys.com
Startup Investment: $53,270 – $497,050
Cash Requirement: $75,000+
Total Units: 3,120
Startup Investment: $45,000 – $92,000
Cash Requirement: $40,000 – $70,000
Total Units: 119
Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real
estate brand, which currently consists of nearly
82,000 agents in approximately 3,100 offices in
50 countries. Coldwell Banker is known for its
legacy dating back to 1906, its commitment to
industry-leading innovation and its network of
trusted agents. Aligning with Coldwell Banker
gives you all the technology, resources and brand
recognition you need to attract new business and
the best talent, so you’re always ahead of the
competition.
PropertyGuys.com, which has a 15-year track
record of growth and success, is an exciting
opportunity for investors looking to get involved
in the real estate industry. Our proven systems
and training programs ensure franchisees have
all the tools needed to operate a successful
business. The timing could not be better for
new entrepreneurs to get involved with the
PropertyGuys.com brand. We have exclusive
franchise territories available for entrepreneurs
who believe that the real estate industry can be
transformed through lower fees (no commission),
specialized service and innovative technology.
Franchise owners don’t need a real estate license,
but they do need to believe in the power of
innovation and the huge upside obtained by
helping disrupt real estate forever.
For more information on Coldwell Banker
opportunities, call (973) 407-7567 or visit
www.coldwellbanker.com/join/franchise.
Who has most influenced your approach
to business?
The ATAX executive team, especially
Rafael Alvarez, the President.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
ATAX is the best investment you can ever make
and the best way to ensure a successful financial
future.
Describe franchising in one word.
Amazing!
For more information on ATAX opportunities,
call (914) 920-5060 or visit
www.ataxfranchise.com.
For more information on PropertGuys.com
opportunities, call (855) 252-6974 x110 or visit
propertyguysfranchise.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 37
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
38 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
RETAIL
Realty ONE Group
Showhomes Home Staging
Wild Birds Unlimited
Startup Investment: $30,000 – $195,000
Cash Requirement: $30,000 – $195,000
Total Units: 50
Startup Investment: $45,300 – $78,000
Cash Requirement: $10,000 Total Units: 55
Startup Investment: $104,162 – $172,511
Cash Requirement: $40,000 – $50,000
Total Units: 293
Realty ONE Group, Inc., is a full-service
residential real estate brokerage firm and
lifestyle brand that focuses on aligning with
positive and successful agents who we provide
with superior service and support. As a national
franchisor, the dynamic company has grown to
50+ offices and 5,500+ associates since its 2005
inception. Realty ONE Group was recently named
fifth largest independent brokerage in the nation
by REAL Trends and has been named one of the
fastest-growing companies by INC. 500 for six
consecutive years.
Showhomes is the largest national home staging
franchise. We transform vacant houses, which
are often seen by buyers as stale, lifeless and
unappealing, into fully furnished, inviting, and
desirable Showhomes. Now in our third decade
of service to homeowners and realtors, we
are known as America’s premier home staging
service. Our franchisees enjoy four exciting
revenue generating business opportunities in
one: Multi-Faceted Franchise Home Management,
Home Staging, Home Makeovers and Home
Updating Services.
Wild Birds Unlimited owners are their local
communities’ backyard bird feeding specialists
and a premiere source for nature information
as well as quality products. But who we are
goes far beyond the items we sell. It’s our
owners’ commitment to their customers that
distinguishes them from other retailers, a
fact that makes us very proud. Wild Birds
Unlimited owners enjoy helping their customers
understand birds and nature, swapping stories
about the latest bird sightings and seeing other
people share their excitement.
For more information on Realty ONE Group
opportunities, call (855) 529-0101 or visit
www.ownaone.com.
For more information on Showhomes
opportunities, call (888) 483-5331 or visit
www.showhomesfranchise.com.
For more information on Wild Birds Unlimited
opportunities, call (888) 730-7108 or visit
www.wbufranchise.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 39
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
RETAIL
RETAIL
Rhea Lana’s
Family Fare
Startup Investment: $16,050 – $33,050
Cash Requirement: $8,000 – $10,500
Total Units: 80
Startup Investment: $27,800 – $131,700 Cash Requirement: $27,800 – $131,700
Total Units: 82
Rhea Lana’s is a national children’s consignment
franchisor that was founded in 1997. As the
leader in the industry, Rhea Lana’s offers
trusted, upscale consignment opportunities
to entrepreneurs across America. Rhea Lana’s
trademarked and innovative software provides
real-time tracking of sales for consignors, as
well as item entry via voice recognition, item
guarantee, and consignor checks on the final
event day. Because of these superior consignor
services, our franchisee management technology
and our unwavering franchise support, we are the
best in children’s consignment.
Family Fare is a convenience store retailer in
North Carolina with a proven track record of
success. Our extensive support and more than 75
years of retail business expertise helps ensure
the success of our entrepreneurial spirited and
high-energy franchisees. We assist them with
everything from accounting to operations. Family
Fare was started with a spirit of entrepreneurship
by the same family that leads the franchise
today. We look forward to having the opportunity
to help you to be in business for yourself, but not
by yourself.
For more information on Family Fare
opportunities, call (919) 309-2925 or visit
www.familyfareconveniencestores.com.
For more information on Rhea Lana’s
opportunities, call (501) 499-0009
or visit www.rhealana.com/franchiseopportunities.
Glass Restoration & Replacement
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY
The Right Investment? 10 Reasons Why:
Unique Foggy Window Repair Service
Before
1. Unique Bundle of In-Demand & Niche Services
2. A Proven Track Record of Success
3. Low Start-Up Costs, Franchise Fees & Royalties
4. No Industry Experience Required,
5. World-Class Training & Support
6. Minimal Overhead, High Margins
7. Recession Proof Products & Services
8. Short Ramp-Up Period to Prootability
After
9. Exclusive Marketing Territory
10. Time Tested Marketing Tools & Templates
Your Glass Guru Franchise
Opportunity Awaits!
40 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
TheGlassGuru.com
Call Today! 916-865-4417
SENIOR CARE
Visiting Angels
Startup Investment: $65,935 – $87,685
Cash Requirement: $37,950 – $45,950
Total Units: 500
Visiting Angels has established over 500 nonmedical senior home care franchises in 48 states
across the United States. Our national advertising
and marketing generates thousands of home
care leads that are distributed to our franchisees
every month. Visiting Angels has been ranked #1
in the home care industry and #3 in the Top 50
Best of the Best franchises.
For more information on Visiting Angels
opportunities, call (800) 365-4189 or visit
www.livingassistance.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 41
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
SENIOR CARE
CarePatrol
Startup Investment: $58,000 – $72,000
Cash Requirement: $49,500
Total Units: 125
CarePatrol was designed to help families find
safe assisted living and in-home care options
while creating an explosive potential business
for our franchisees. Get into the senior care
franchise industry without having the hassle of
hiring and supervising hundreds of caregivers.
Our franchisees get paid handsomely each time
one of our elderly clients moves into one of our
contracted assisted living facilities. We offer
national contracts and support from pioneers in
the senior placement industry. Making a good
living while helping others may be the perfect
opportunity for you.
For more information on CarePatrol
opportunities, call (480) 626-2450 or visit
www.discovercarepatrol.com.
42 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SENIOR CARE
SERVICES
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
BrightStar Care
Precision Concrete Cutting
Startup Investment: $93,277 – $172,521
Cash Requirement: $100,000 Total Units: 282
Startup Investment: $135,000 – $176,500
Cash Requirement: $130,000 Total Units: 35
BrightStar Care is a unique franchise that
provides homecare for individuals of all ages
from infants to seniors, as well as staffing
and support services for individuals, families
and healthcare facilities. Providing multiple
revenue stream options to our franchisees is
just one of the many ways BrightStar Care helps
them succeed. We are looking for people who
have strong management, marketing or sales
backgrounds. A background in healthcare is
NOT necessary. Contact us today and find out
how BrightStar Care can change your life for the
better!
Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC) franchises
fulfill the federally mandated need to maintain
sidewalks and public walkways. Additionally,
you help municipalities, property managers,
and companies increase safety and bring the
sidewalks into Americans with Disabilities Act
compliance. Anywhere there is concrete; there is
a need for our service. PCC is the market leader
in both technology and price using its proprietary
system and methods. As a franchise owner,
you have the industry’s best solution, recurring
revenues from renewable clients, unlimited
support, and a great network of other franchise
owners.
For more information on BrightStar Care
opportunities, call (877) 689-6898 or visit
www.brightstarfranchise.com.
For more information on Precision Concrete
Cutting opportunities, call (801) 830-4060
or visit www.pccfranchise.com.
SERVICES
SERVICES
Chris and Sheila Korte
Cruise Planners
Babylon, NY
Franchisees since 2009
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
I was forced to re-evaluate my life after a car
accident. I was grateful to find Cruise Planners
because it allowed me to work in the field I am
passionate about, work from home and be my
own boss.
Why did you choose your franchise?
One day I was at a car shop and a magazine fell
at my feet showing that Cruise Planners was
the No. 1 travel franchise. I made a call the next
day to the Cruise Planners franchise team and
decided to join that same week.
What is the best part of your job?
Creating dream vacations for our clients and
growing our business.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ideally, I see us taking on a couple of associates
so Chris and I can travel more.
Mosquito Joe
Pop-A-Lock
Startup Investment: $63,850 – $119,250
Cash Requirement: $30,000 – $55,000
Total Units: 120
Startup Investment: $99,993 – $133,402
Cash Requirement: $30,000 Total Units: 182
Mosquito Joe makes outside fun again by
providing mosquito control services to
residential and commercial customers. Our
franchisees appreciate that they can run their
Mosquito Joe franchise either as a stand-alone
or add-on business from virtually anywhere their home, office or the road. They also value
the ongoing training and support we provide.
Getting started in a Mosquito Joe franchise is
easy and the rewards are great. No pest control
experience is required and the cost for start up is
low. Our recurring revenue business model and
high customer retention rates combined with our
proven marketing tactics and fun brand help you
get out of a mundane office lifestyle and into an
exciting business opportunity!
Create wealth, freedom, and control with a PopA-Lock franchise. Pop-A-Lock is an established,
proven franchise system that is successfully
working in over 8,500 communities. Low start-up
costs, low working capital requirements and an
extensive customer base, make Pop-A-Lock an
ideal opportunity to achieve unlimited revenue.
Joining Pop-A-Lock means you’re joining a team
of high-tech security professionals who serve
their communities while generating ongoing
income and ROI.
For more information on Pop-A-Lock
opportunities, call (877) 233-6211 or visit
www.popalock.com/franchising.php.
Who has most influenced your approach to
business?
Peers who have done well within the CP Star
System, the Cruise Planners founders and owners
as well as professional industry partners.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
Talk with other franchise owners. The vibe we got
when speaking with Cruise Planners owners was
infectious. We heard enthusiasm, excitement,
and the love of travel from most of the people
we called.
Describe franchising in one word.
Rewarding!
For more information on Cruise Planners
opportunities, call (888) 582-2150 or visit
www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/travelprofessionals/.
For more information on Mosquito Joe
opportunities, call (855) 564-6563 or visit
www.mosquitojoefranchise.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 43
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
44 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
SERVICES
SPORTS & RECREATION
F E AT U R E D
Franchisee
Mosquito Shield
Pinot’s Palette
Startup Investment: $73,100 – $91,800
Cash Requirement: $100,000 Total Units: 30
Startup Investment: $74,700 – $173,500
Cash Requirement: $80,000 Total Units: 95
Success breeds success. Profit from ours!
We’re Mosquito Shield, the proven leader in
residential mosquito control and among the
nation’s fastest-growing and most profitable,
franchises according to Franchise Business
Review. Americans spend billions annually to
eliminate mosquitoes and ticks. With 90%
customer retention and 60% of new sales from
word of mouth, our success will soon be yours.
Our spray blend and operating model is 100%
unique. Everything we do is designed to
maximize earning potential and minimize cost. As
a former franchise owner himself, David Briggs,
our founder, would have it no other way.
Pinot’s Palette is a pioneer of the paint and
sip experience—a revolutionary way to enjoy
art and wine, meet new people and bond with
friends. Guests enjoy a no-experience-required
all supplies included art class that is directed by
trained, local artists, who guide them step-bystep through a featured painting. Franchising
since 2010 with more than 100 locations in
30 states, Pinot’s Palette is an established,
award-winning concept. Franchise owners enjoy
multiple revenue streams, ongoing marketing
and operations support, proprietary technology,
innovative Team Pinot culture, and can choose
from BYOB, bar and mobile formats for their
business.
For more information on Mosquito Shield
opportunities, call (508) 316-3429 or visit
www.moshieldfranchise.com.
For more information on Pinot’s Palette
opportunities, call (844) 24-PINOT(247-4668)
or visit www.pinotspalette.com/FBR50.
Richard Meadows
and Rebecca Roland
Chicken Salad Chick
Tuscaloosa & Dothan, AL and Jacksonville, FL
Franchisees since 2012
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
The quality of the product and uniqueness of the
concept made us want to be a part of the brand.
Why did you choose your franchise?
We felt the product was exceptional and believed
that the unique concept would catch fire in a
niche market. It has.
What is the best part of your job?
The enjoyment of our guests and the opportunity
to positively impact the lives of our team
members and residents of our communities.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
We will have 10 units opened.
Who has most influenced your approach to
business?
Our parents demonstrated the qualities we
have tried to incorporate into our business
management: honesty, a strong work ethic,
determination and fairness.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
Do your due diligence! Talk with franchisees of
the brand you are considering. Choose a brand
you are passionate about since you must comply
with its standards without exception.
Describe franchising in one word.
Rewarding.
For more information on Chicken Salad Chick
opportunities, call (334) 275-4578 or visit
www.chickensaladchick.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com
| 45
SPECIAL REPORT: Top Franchises // MARKETPLACE
SPORTS & RECREATION
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Bottle & Bottega
Cruise Planners
CruiseOne
Startup Investment: $62,950 – $96,000
Cash Requirement: $63,200 – $125,600
Total Units: 14
Startup Investment: $495 – $9,995
Cash Requirement: $10,000
Total Units: 1,455
Startup Investment: $4,625 – $9,800
Cash Requirement: $9,800
Total Units: 928
One part artistic adventure and one part cocktail
party, Bottle & Bottega’s paint and wine parties
are perfect for individuals, couples and groups of
all sizes for a variety of personal and professional
occasions. Bottle & Bottega offers aspiring
and seasoned entrepreneurs the opportunity
to put a new “frame” around their future and
love their work again. Complete with a full
palette of customized operational, marketing
and technology systems, the business model
has been cultivated to attract individuals with
ambition to succeed, strong values and solid
community ties. The Bottle & Bottega leadership
team brings more than 20 years of franchise
experience to the concept, leveraging their
expertise to design ongoing training programs,
site selection support and creative marketing
campaigns.
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel
Representative, is a low-cost, full-service travel
franchise opportunity that yields high returns
and requires no travel agent experience. Our
home-based business model is a family of over
1,000 franchise owners and one of the largest,
privately owned, nationally recognized and
continually awarded travel franchises in the
country. Cruise Planners has been named the
#1 Cruise Tour/Travel Agency by Entrepreneur
magazine for 12 consecutive years. Cruise
Planners positions its franchise owners for
success by providing them with innovative
marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as
well as professional development and hands-on
training with the industry’s top executives.
Celebrating our 23rd year in business, CruiseOne
is the nation’s largest seller of cruise vacations,
as part of World Travel Holdings (WTH). We
maintain the position as the premier vacation
supplier providing millions of people access to
the world’s most fascinating destinations. Beyond
our growing clientele base, we have mastered
the art of unrivaled buying power, innovative
marketing programs, and dedicated franchise
support. Undoubtedly, our franchise owners
stand out above the rest!
For more information on Bottle & Bottega
opportunities, call (760) 322-9353 or visit
www.bottleandbottega.com/franchise.
For more information on CruiseOne
opportunities, call (800) 892-3928
or visit www.cruiseonefranchise.com.
For more information on Cruise Planners
opportunities, call (888) 582-2150 or visit
www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/travelprofessionals/.
WARNING:
BUYING THE WRONG FRANCHISE
CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH.
When you invest in a franchise, you have only one chance to make the RIGHT choice —
one that will give you and your family a bright future. Franchise Business Review can help.
Our Franchise Buyer’s Toolkit™ provides all the resources you need to make an informed franchise
investment. Learn the ins and outs of buying a franchise, get tips from the pros, and access insider
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Learn more at FranchiseBusinessReview.com/Toolkit
46 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com