Franchise Interviews

Stewart Vernon launched Americas Swimming Pool Company, at the young age of 22, after seeing a void in the fragmented and unprofessional pool service industry. He invested a few thousand dollars to purchase service equipment and a truck, and got to work as a single-owner operator. In just the first four years of business, Vernon doubled annual sales every year, reaching $1 million in revenue by 2005, at age 25. At this point he knew he had something and decided to launch the company as a franchise in 2006. Today the company has 56 locations and services over 100 cities, managing over 40 million gallons of water per week. ASP also renovates or remodels more than 250 pools each year. Specific questions will be sent in a following email. About America’s Swimming Pool Company America’s Swimming Pool Company, the Southeast’s most respected swimming pool maintenance and repair franchise, was established in 2001 by Stewart Vernon of Macon, Georgia. The company was built on the belief that providing the highest-quality pool maintenance with competitive pricing and a high level of dependability will attract customers. Since 2005, ASP has expanded into 56 territories in the Southeast, servicing over 100 cities across the country. At this point, the company manages over 40 million gallons of water per week and renovates or remodels more than 250 pools each year.

We are meeting with Gary Occhiogrosso of TruFoods. TruFoods is a family of franchise concepts like Pudgie's Famous Chicken, Wall Street Deli, Arthur Treacher's Fish And Chips, and Ritter's Frozen Custard.

In segment 1, we will meet with Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions --- producers of franchise events worldwide, including the upcoming Expo in L.A. Tom will talk about what people can expect from these shows and what can be gained in attending or exhibiting. In segments 2 and 3 we are meeting with Jack Butorac, CEO of Marco’s Pizza, and Kevin Wilkerson, Area Representative of Marco’s Pizza. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza (Marco’s Franchising, LLC) is the fastest-growing pizza company in the U.S. (based on the number of stores signed into development since 2007). Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco and is committed to making Ah! thentic Italian pizza with fresh ingredients. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate more than 220 stores in 17 states and the Bahamas.

Fiesta Auto Insurance is the nation’s only franchise system to combine insurance and tax preparation under one roof, providing a one-stop shop for the budget-minded consumer. Beyond auto insurance, Fiesta offers insurance services for watercrafts, motorcycles, homeowners, rentals, condos, apartments, tenant occupied property, commercial auto, commercial property, commercial general liability, Mexico insurance and special event coverage. On the tax side they offer federal and state personal income tax filings, business tax returns, electronic filing and bank products. Fiesta also provides motor vehicle registration services, travel services, wireless services and instant wire money transfers as well as accounting and bookkeeping services. We are meeting with John Rost, President of Fiesta Auto Insurance. We are also meeting with one of our favorite writers Nancy Weingartner from Franchise Times magazine.

With a last minute change in plans, Don and Marty got to pick from over 194 recorded shows. They both picked Jaime Brenkus from the Slim and Fit franchise opportunity. Since Jaime appeared on the show, there have been over a dozen new franchisees to the Slim and Fit system. After listening to Jaime...you will discover why.

Founded in 2005, Junk King has become America’s fastest-growing, full-service junk removal franchise concept, meeting the demand for affordable and dependable service to clear clutter and unwanted items from homes and businesses. With 16 locations currently opened and operating nationwide, Junk King is filling a niche and is on pace to sell out the entire U.S. marketplace in the next 2-3 years. Headquartered in San Carlos, CA, Junk King’s rates are guaranteed to beat the competitions with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Dennis Mulgannon, Director of Franchising for Junk King.

About Moe's Southwest Grill Moe's Southwest Grill is a fast-casual concept featuring fresh southwest fare in a fun and engaging atmosphere with over 400 locations in 34 states and in Canada. At Moe's, each meal is prepared right before your eyes and is accompanied by free chips and salsa, including the Homewrecker burrito, the Billy Barou nachos, and the Close Talker salad. Founded in 2000, Atlanta-based Moe's Southwest Grill was named a Top Ten Growth Chain by Restaurant Hospitality in 2007 and is a Gold Award winner of the 2008 Consumer's Choice in Chains Awards. Steve Corp, VP of Franchise Sales for Moe’s Southwest Grill.

This year is Hair Club of New England's 30th year in business. Barth currently owns the New England franchise locations (8 throughout MA, CT, NH and RI) and is Hair Club's most successful franchisee. Did you know: • About 30% of people have hair loss by age 30; 50% by age 50 - 40% of hair loss suffers are women • Hair loss-and how to treat it-is something that is woefully misunderstood Hair Club is an interesting mix-it's not a 'necessity' like medication for a chronic illness, but it's more than a 'splurge' as hair loss and the resulting loss of self-esteem it truly does affect people's lives. Years ago, Hair Club realized that this is a product that needs to be accessible to everyone, so pretty much since the company's inception, financing has been available for all perspective customers.

Kevin Downs, Wireless Zone’s Director of Marketing. Founded in 1988 as "The Car Phone Store", Wireless Zone has become the nation's largest premium wireless retail franchisor and was ranked the No. 1 franchise in its category by Entrepreneur magazine. Every store is independently owned and operated, exclusively offering Verizon Wireless products and services. In 2009, the more than 400-unit franchise awarded more than 100 new franchise locations, setting a strong tone despite the rocky economy. Wireless Zone is a division of Automotive Technologies, Inc Today’s show we will discuss social media tactics for franchisors including how to use the social media tools, how to effectively drive franchise leads, and the do’s and don’ts that franchisors should know when using social media. Kevin will discuss ways that Wireless Zone has connected with its core customers and potential franchisees through social media outlets. We are also meeting with Nick Powlis of No limit media consulting. NO LIMIT MEDIA CONSULTING is a progressive communications firm specializing in public relations and social media. Working exclusively with franchisors, No Limit uses innovative tactics to drive franchise leads for its clients and create an unmatched consumer buzz. Unlike traditional PR firms, No Limit extends its services into the Social Arena by building customized campaigns, including personalized management, designed to use consumer praise to drive franchise sales. Everything No Limit creates is designed to keep brands progressive.

Founded in 1980, Childrens Orchard is the nation's first franchise of gently used and new name-brand childrens items. With over 50 franchise locations, each Childrens Orchard store buys and sells quality used and new brand name clothing, toys and accessories in an upscale retail environment. Children's Orchard stores are designed to emphasize quality, value, comfort and commitment to the local community. We are meeting with Taylor Bond, the CEO of, Children's Orchard and Newcomers Welcome Service. Bond became President and CEO of Children's Orchard, Inc.in January 2004. In 2006, the company purchased Newcomers Welcome Service. From June 1994 until April 2000, Mr. Bond held a variety of positions related to Computer Renaissance, a computer retail franchise with 225 locations throughout the United States and Canada. He served as President of Computer Renaissance. Before accepting this position, Mr. Bond was a Computer Renaissance franchisee in Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills, Michigan. Prior to becoming a franchisee, Mr. Bond worked for Domino's Pizza, Inc. at its world headquarters in Ann Arbor. During his seven years at Domino's, Mr. Bond held a variety of positions including National Director of Market Research, Marketing Director, and Market Analyst. From August 2000 until April 2003, Mr. Bond was President and CEO of Online Technologies Corporation, an Ann Arbor based high technology company that provides small and medium sized businesses with data center services, Internet connectivity, and website hosting and development.