Franchise Interviews

While there are tons of frozen dessert concepts on the market, Anaheim, Calif.-based Yogurtland pioneered the customer-created frozen yogurt experience and developed a proprietary product. By putting the control in customers hands, Yogurtland has managed to grow to 120 in nine states as well as Japan and Mexico in less than five years. The company expects to have 75 additional locations either open or in development by the end of 2011 – expanding to more than 550 total locations by the end of 2015.

We are meeting with Robbie Whitten, CEO and president, and one of their franchisees out in Auburn, Ala. Since founding their first store in 1980, Money Mizer has broken new ground in the pawn industry and developed a unique, high-end store that offers quality new and used products at bargain prices, as well as comprehensive niche banking services. They also tap into Internet technologies to expand our market reach. We are also excited to meet with Rick Snell and Hank Richards...franchisees to the Money Mizer franchise system.

March 17, 2010 - Customer loyalty meets social media -Steve Baxter, founder of Systino and the hot topic during the IFA, on Franchise Interviews. Systino software is the new "customer loyalty meets social media" technology trend that is quickly becoming a way of life for companies with multiple franchises nationally and internationally. Initially developed in 2008 ahead of its time, Systino software was recently the topic of numerous presentations, discussions and general buzz at the 2011 International Franchise Association convention, mostly due to its ability to accurately measure how well a company satisfies its customers, and then utilize the power of social media to do something productive with the feedback. Customer service franchise brands like Jan-Pro, PuroClean, Fetch! Pet Care, PostNet and numerous others have reported that they have retained millions in sales by using the technology. Here are a couple of points on how the technology works and some of the key value adds, including: The ability to identify which of their franchisees are doing a great job with customer service, and which ones may need assistance and training. Because Systino offers incentives to customers who participate, more feedback is attained. These incentives urge people who had a "middle-of-the-road experience" to comment. The software gives franchisors the tools to turn satisfied customers into an actual "digital sales force" to attract new customers

We are meeting with Alex Roberts, the President of Protect Painters. Protect Painters is a professional painting contractor franchise specializing primarily in exterior, residential painting projects. The brand’s strong foundation is built on franchisee training and support created by founder Wayne Scherger, who started the company in 1994. Just recently, ProTect Painters was acquired by Service Brands International to join its forces with Molly Maid, Mr. Handyman, and 1-800-DryClean brands. Under the SBI umbrella, ProTect Painters is expected to grow to 200 units during the next five years

We are meeting with Barry Bodiford, CEO of 360clean, a specialized janitorial franchise. We are also meeting with Dennis Null, Area Developer of 360clean. 360clean Launches Area Development Effort to Fuel U.S. Expansion Franchised cleaning service offers eager entrepreneurs affordable opportunity for high returns CHARLESTON, S.C.—360clean, a rapidly growing specialized janitorial services firm, is ramping up efforts to broaden its franchise business throughout the Southeastern U.S. in 2011. The combination of its proven operating system and innovative franchise model makes the highly affordable and high-return 360clean opportunity an ideal option for eager entrepreneurs with two options, a unit franchisee or an area developer. The son and grandson of entrepreneurs, CEO Barry Bodiford pursued his own ownership dream by founding 360clean in 2005 and began franchising in 2008. At the time he was a successful and satisfied pharmaceutical sales rep, but he couldn't ignore the urge to manage his business destiny. Having been a graduate assistant coach for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team from 1997 to 1999, Bodiford learned the true meaning of work ethic. “I had never met a group of people so focused and so hard-working in all my life,” said Bodiford. “Emulating their behavior gave me the tools I needed to get my own business off the ground later in life.” Bodiford never thought a career in athletics could have paved the way for him to run a successful business of his own but that emphasis on hard work was all it took to hit the ground running. "Did I dream of having a janitorial service as a career? Of course not," said Bodiford, laughing. "But when I started researching business opportunities, I discovered that some of the least-sexy businesses are among the most profitable. That interested me." With a wife and two children at home, Bodiford launched 360clean while maintaining his pharmaceutical sales job.

Bill Warner, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Vice President of Franchise Development, and Kristin Wood, franchisee of Max Muscle Sports Nutrition. TOPIC: The segment will discuss everything Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, including how Max Muscle Sports Nutrition has evolved the fitness retail space. Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, a retail nutrition-based consultation franchise, is based out of California. They have the products (which are all scientifically based meaning every ingredient in the product in scientifically proven in its effectiveness), but the core of their business is allocated to creating personalized plans to meet each customers fitness goals. Each franchisee is a Certified Nutrition Coach and helps customers achieve their fitness goals in all aspects including diet, exercise, and recommending supplements that will work to help them attain their goals. ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION: Established in 1991 by former NFL linebacker Joe Wells, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition (MMSN) is America's premier sports nutrition retail outlet and franchise system, selling a combination of scientifically proven nutritional supplements at more than 140 outlets in 38 states. Rated by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Retail Franchise 2010, a Top 500 Franchise 2010 and by Military Times Magazine as a 2010 Best for Vets business, MMSN provides a one-of-a-kind in-store experience through its unique design and one-on-one customer counseling from extensively trained Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches™. MMSN's aggressive expansion plan includes the addition of 40 franchises in 2011 by offering its unique opportunity to qualified, business-savvy candidates.

FRANdata Releases Franchise Compensation Report (ARLINGTON, Va.) - The "Franchise Compensation Report for 2011" was released today, just in time for the anticipated uptick in 2011 hiring decisions, announced FRANdata President and CEO Darrell Johnson. This year's report provides the largest and most representative set of information since FRANdata started tracking franchise compensation three years ago. The report includes information from 169 different franchise brands collected from two surveys performed over the last fifteen months, and includes compensation details for 30 different positions at the C-Level, Department Head, Manager and Professional levels. Click here to view a full list of the positions included in the study. The survey was performed by FRANdata in partnership with AKRON Inc., a company specializing in compensation studies. About FRANdata FRANdata (www.frandata.com) is an independent research company that tracks and analyzes the franchise industry. The Arlington, Va.-based company was founded in 1989 and receives no advertising or other fee arrangements that might influence its objectivity. FRANdata is often cited as an expert in such leading media as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

If you haven't heard of Roni Deutch, you will soon! Roni Deutch is fast approaching celebrity status. As the owner of the Nation's Largest Tax Resolution Law Firm, Roni can be found starring in her own commercials every day in every major market across the country. She is also known as the "Tax Lady" on Fox Business News where she makes regular appearances as their chosen Tax Specialist. In addition, Roni recently completed work on her first book.

With nearly 1,300 salons located throughout North America, Fantastic Sams Hair Salons (www.FantasticSams.com) is one of the world’s largest full-service hair care franchises with an excellent reputation for providing quality hair care services for the entire family. Fantastic Sams Hair Salons has been consistently ranked as one of the top franchise opportunities by Entrepreneur Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Franchise Times and Bonds. For more information, visit www.FantasticSamsFranchises.com. We are meeting with the CEO to Fantastic Sams Scott Colabuono. Scott will discuss the brand’s growth strategy for 2011, the role of a Fantastic Sams franchisee, what the brand looks for in franchisees, and the hair care industry as a whole. We are also going to have Rich Upson, multi-unit Fantastic Sams franchisee from San Antonio!

Over the years we had some very interesting franchise opportunities on the show. We think you will find Becoming Mom a very unique franchise opportunity. See why by listening to Franchise Rewind on Franchise Interviews. Login to chat as Co-host