Category: News

Release Date: 1/5/2017

President and COO of AtWork Group honored in the 10th class of 40 Under 40 by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal.

Jason Leverant, president and COO of AtWork Group a top multi-specialty staffing franchise headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, was named to the 2016 class of The Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

Leverant is responsible for national franchise development as well as operational support for the AtWork franchise owners across the nation.

“What led me to the staffing industry and kept me there was the ability to change people’s lives,” said Leverant. “We’re helping people find a job and put food on the table. It’s really exciting to be able to make an impact in somebody’s life like that. I think that’s what the 40 Under 40 is about – making a positive impact on the people in your community, both in business and in your personal life. For that, I am proud to be a part of this year’s honorees.”

Leverant joined AtWork in October 2007 as vice president of sales, and was promoted to president and COO in 2014. He has worked with the American Staffing Association on a number of fronts and in November Leverant was named their first Volunteer of the Year. Leverant was instrumental in rejuvenating the Tennessee Staffing Association, where he served as president.

AtWork provides companies with flexible employment solutions with the highest level of service available and was recently named Franchise Times Top 200+ list, No. 349 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2016 “Franchise 500” List, as well as an Inavero’s 2016 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Award winners list. AtWork Group’s list of accolades also includes: Workforce Magazine’s Temporary Staffing Providers Hot List for 2013, the Staffing Industry Analysts Largest U.S. Staffing Firms List for 2013, the Franchise Times’ Next 300 Franchise Systems, and a 2016 Inc. 5000 ranking.

About AtWork Group
Leading the staffing industry since 1992, AtWork Group has grown its franchise to more than 90 locations nationwide. Each location provides employers and employees with the AtWork range of services including: AtWork Personnel Services, AtWork Medical Services, AtWork HelpingHands Services, and AtWork Search Group. AtWork has been cited as one of Staffing Industry Analysts’ top U.S. staffing firms. They rank on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2016 “Franchise 500” list, the Staffing Industry Analysts’ “Largest U.S. Staffing Firms for 2015” and “Fastest Growing Staffing Firms” lists, and the “Inc. 5000 2016” list. AtWork Group’s remarkable growth is fueled by the vision of founders John and Glenda Hall: “Think ahead, create opportunity, give exceptional support to franchise offices and always look for the better way, every day.” For more information, visit www.atwork.com or call 800.383.0804.

SOURCE AtWork Group

Release Date: 1/3/2017

Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today that Michael Friedberg and his partner Di Guo have acquired the Philadelphia Main Line territory. Always Best Care of Main Line provides senior care services in the Philadelphia metro area and surrounding communities. The new business is a family operated business.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.

“We are very happy to have the Friedberg family join Always Best Care,” said Jake Brown, President of Always Best Care. “Richard, Rimona and Michael bring a special skill set to our brand and we feel confident in the level of care they will provide to the Main Line area.”

Michael and Di each own their own information technology companies that include a wide range of clients and industries in both the public and private sectors.

“Spending most of our lives in the Main Line area, we noticed there was a growing demand for senior services given the aging general population,” said Richard. “Providing care to those in need is very close to Rimona’s heart, and mine. We are very sensitive to the personal needs of others and know what it’s like to be caregivers. Always Best Care’s beliefs and wide range of services, as well as its reputation in the industry, made it the natural fit for our family.”

By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of the Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care now being phased in throughout the country.

For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Main Line, or for a free evaluation, please call (610) 991-7799 or visit http://www.abcmainline.com.

About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of illnesses and personal needs, and currently provides more than 4 million hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.

Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is the only absolutely free national telephone reassurance program of its kind anywhere in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-in-Touch.com.

SOURCE Always Best Care Senior Services

Release Date: 12/30/2016

Baby Power Forever Kids have significantly reduced the franchise fee for the franchise opportunity from $30,000 to $20,000. This is a special offer for six months.

Release Date: 12/23/2016

National staffing franchise expands to meet need in Metro Michigan market.

AtWork Group, an award-winning national staffing franchise, has opened an all-new location in Detroit, Michigan, extending the company’s national reach. The staffing agency will help serve the region’s overall staffing needs and add to the nearly 100 already open AtWork locations across the United States.

Daryl Ayers, the owner of the new franchise location, says after many years of working in the industry, he saw a specific need in the Detroit Metro area. “I saw the need in the market to bring a new, innovative staffing brand to the community that has the flexibility to service employers and recruit from a diverse pool of talent to meet the needs of our clients.”

Ayers was previously director of business development at Judson Center Staffing Solutions and has also served as senior branch manager at Kelly Services and multi-unit branch manager at Labor Ready.

“I’m very excited for the challenge, and also for the opportunity to bring AtWork’s specific approach and expertise to this area,” Ayers says. “We can do good things here.”

The Detroit franchise will provide the company’s signature personnel service to be AtWork for You, a key differentiator when it comes to service. AtWork will supply area companies with temporary, temp-to-hire, payroll and full-time placement services. The new office is located at 27440 Hoover Road in Warren, Michigan.

AtWork provides companies with flexible employment solutions with the highest level of service available and was recently named Franchise Times Top 200+ list, No. 349 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2015 “Franchise 500” List, as well as an Inavero’s 2016 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Award winners list. AtWork Group’s list of accolades also includes: Workforce Magazine’s Temporary Staffing Providers Hot List for 2013, the Staffing Industry Analysts Largest U.S. Staffing Firms List for 2013, the Franchise Times’ Next 300 Franchise Systems, and a 2016 Inc. 5000 ranking.

For more information about AtWork’s franchise opportunities, visit www.atwork.com/atworkfranchising/.

About AtWork Group
Leading the staffing industry since 1992, AtWork Group has grown its franchise to more than 90 locations nationwide. Each location provides employers and employees with the AtWork range of services including: AtWork Personnel Services, AtWork Medical Services, AtWork HelpingHands Services, and AtWork Search Group. AtWork has been cited as one of Staffing Industry Analysts’ top U.S. staffing firms. They rank on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2015 “Franchise 500” list, the Staffing Industry Analysts’ “Largest U.S. Staffing Firms for 2015” and “Fastest Growing Staffing Firms” lists, and the “Inc. 5000 2015” list. AtWork Group’s remarkable growth is fueled by the vision of founders John and Glenda Hall: “Think ahead, create opportunity, give exceptional support to franchise offices and always look for the better way, every day.” For more information, visit www.atwork.com or call 800.383.0804.

SOURCE AtWork Group

Release Date: 12/21/2016

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it has received World-Class Franchise® certification for the seventh consecutive year from the Franchise Research Institute®.

This recognition comes after an independent franchisee validation survey conducted by the Franchise Research Institute, in which 63.6% of all FASTSIGNS franchisees participated. The survey was designed to determine the quality of 10 key metrics crucial to franchisee success.

According to Jeff Johnson, Founder of the Franchise Research Institute, “FASTSIGNS understands the importance of the partnership between franchisor and franchisees, and relies on unbiased data to make decisions, which help maximize franchisee sales and profitability. FASTSIGNS’ willingness to share this ‘look behind the curtain’ provides a level of transparency that is critical for franchise candidates.”

The survey asked FASTSIGNS’ franchise owners to rate their franchisor through a series of questions in categories such as overall quality, growth potential, support and communication.

Among the responses received from FASTSIGNS’ franchisees:

— 100% gave a positive rating to the overall quality of the franchisor.
— 99% gave a positive rating to the quality of products and/or services received from the franchisor.
— 98% gave a positive grade to the ongoing training and support supplied by the franchisor.
— 98% gave a positive rating to the overall communication between home office personnel and franchisees.
— 98% gave a positive rating to the opportunity provided by the franchise system.

“This certification from the Franchise Research Institute® is outstanding validation of FASTSIGNS International’s commitment to our franchisees and how our entire organization is determined to provide each franchisee with the tools, resources, support and training they need to maximize their success,” said Catherine Monson, President and CEO, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We are proud to receive this confirmation of our support and commitment from our most trusted allies–our franchisees–and look forward to continuing to provide the best support and training in the industry. Being recognized for the 7th year in a row as a “World Class Franchise”, along with other franchisee satisfaction ratings from other organizations received throughout the year, reinforces the ongoing support and training that new and existing franchisees receive when joining FASTSIGNS.”

In addition to this achievement, FASTSIGNS garnered national recognition in the industry for their strong veteran support in 2016. The brand was selected as one of 15 national recipients of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the Department of Defense’s highest recognition presented to employers for their exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve members. FASTSIGNS was also named a top franchise by Franchise Business Review (FBR) in its 2016 Top Franchises for Veterans Report, ranking the brand 11th overall, earning its designation as “The Best of the Best” Franchise for Veterans. In addition, FASTSIGNS International was honored at the 2016 Franchise Update STAR Awards, placing 2nd for best recruitment practices.

Earlier this year, the company launched a new franchise development website, making it easier for potential franchise candidates to learn about the FASTSIGNS brand and opportunity.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or download an eBook that explores the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity at http://amzn.to/1FrnDJu.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 650 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the US, Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Release Date: 12/21/2016

World’s Largest Franchise of Transmission Specialists Continues Technology Upgrades for Franchisees.

AAMCO, the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and leader in total car care, today announced it has adopted a new point of sale (POS) system to provide greater transparency for local shop owners. The new POS system began rolling out to AAMCO centers in December and is expected to be in all AAMCO shops nationwide in 2017. The POS system is just the latest in a string of technology upgrades the brand has invested in to continue to ensure its tools are the best available to franchisees.

“Our goal is to drive higher sales and profitability for AAMCO franchisees by allowing them to improve the in store customer experience, drive efficiency in their business, and capture valuable data to identify and realize opportunities,” said Jim Gregory, CFO of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. “We’re developing an industry leading suite of integrated technology products including the new Consumer Finance platform, Franchise Relationship Management system, and Customer Relationship Management platform that all launched in 2016. We have an exciting roadmap planned for 2017 to meet our goal of investing in technology to drive improved customer experience and higher franchise revenue and profit.”

Through its partnership with ALLDATA LLC, an AutoZone company and the leading provider of manufacturers’ automotive repair information and solutions for the professional automotive service and collision repair industries, AAMCO’s tailored system creates estimates and invoices for customers much easier and faster, driving revenue for franchisees. The POS system is cloud-based and links to AAMCO’s existing Customer Relationship Management and Franchise Relationship Management systems to help franchisees seamlessly monitor, analyze and manage their business.

Jeff Szekely, a franchisee operating 5 successful AAMCO locations in the Pacific Northwest, is one of the franchisees involved in the early deployment of the new point of sale. “We now have a POS system that brings our operations up to speed with emerging technology. We have the ability to run the shop, build estimates, and order parts more effectively and more easily,” said Jeff. “I think the technological advances made by AAMCO in 2016 have set us up to continue to drive the business and provide superior customer service for many years to come.”

AAMCO’s suite of tools will continue to grow and evolve over the next year with a mobile component to go hand-in-hand with the POS system, as well as enhanced analytics. The new mobile tablets will expedite service before a customer even steps foot inside the center. With the integration of this new technology, AAMCO will be providing local owners with one of the most comprehensive toolsets available today in order to simplify operations and grow their businesses.

For over 50 years, AAMCO’s locally owned and operated independent service centers have employed the latest technology. Expert technicians diagnose a repair, fix it right the first time, and back it with a nationwide warranty. Known as the world’s leading transmission expert, the company has evolved into a total car care brand providing a variety of services including brake repairs, tune-ups, shocks and struts, routine maintenance and more. AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500®, ranking at the top of the transmission repair category. Based on system size, growth rate and financial strength, the brand also earned a spot on Entrepreneur’s “Best of the Best” list.

With nearly 650 centers across North America, AAMCO is actively seeking single- and multi-unit operators who are passionate about the brand and committed to providing the highest quality service. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $227,400 – $333,000 with a $39,500 initial franchise fee. Reduced franchise fees are available for honorably discharged veterans.

To learn more about franchise or conversion opportunities with AAMCO, contact Kim Robinson, director of franchise development, at 866-379-5649 or krobinson@aamco.com or visit aamcofranchise.com.

About AAMCO

AAMCO is the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has nearly 650 automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1963, AAMCO centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit aamcouniversity.com, aamco.com or www.aamcoblog.com.

About ALLDATA
ALLDATA, founded in 1986 with more than 100,000 automotive repair and collision shop subscribers, is the leading provider of manufacturers’ service and repair information, shop management software and customer relations tools for the automotive repair and collision industries. Professional automotive repair shops across North America depend on ALLDATA for their automotive repair information needs and to purchase parts from more than 3,400 AutoZone Commercial program locations.

ALLDATA Repair® is the leading provider of comprehensive, factory-correct repair information for the automotive industry—and it includes expert repair support in ALLDATA Community. ALLDATA Collision® is the single source of OEM collision repair information, delivering unedited and regularly updated information for structural repairs, mechanical and diagnostic information. The ALLDATA Mobile app, combined with a tablet, makes vehicle information and ALLDATA Repair available right at the vehicle to speed repairs. ALLDATA®Manage OnlineTMis a comprehensive shop management system that offers anytime, anywhere access to create quotes and invoices, electronically order parts, manage bays and technicians and track shop profitability. ALLDATA Tech-Assist provides one-on-one assistance by phone from ASE Certified Master Technicians to help diagnose and solve tough repairs. Visit www.alldata.com for more information.

SOURCE AAMCO

Release Date: 12/19/2016

Leading non-medical home care franchise has grown to nearly 150 locations across the U.S.

FirstLight Home Care, a national provider of non-medical home care for adults, announced its 2016 earnings. The company, with 143 franchise locations, saw a 46 percent increase in system wide revenues and a 20 percent increase in new FirstLight franchise locations across the country.

FirstLight Home Care distinguishes itself from other industry brands by offering assistance to a wide demographic of adults in need. The company provides over 80,000 hours of service to more than 3,500 clients weekly, including seniors, new mothers, veterans, adults with disabilities, and those recovering from illness, injury or surgery, who need help on short term or long term basis.

“In home care is not just the fastest growing healthcare industry; it is the fastest growing of all industries,” said Jeff Bevis, FirstLight Home Care chief executive officer. “Studies consistently show that older adults prefer to age at home. With help and support, they can typically do so.”

“The demand for the quality, affordable non-medical home care services FirstLight Home Care provides is going to continue to grow,” he added.

In a study released in December 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the compound annual growth rate for home care services from 2014-2024 would be nearly five percent, the highest among all industries. With this kind of dramatic industry growth will come job creation; an estimated 760,400 new jobs during this period. FirstLight is currently employing over 3,600 caregivers weekly.

This year, FirstLight Home Care was named Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review. The company also made the Franchise Times Top 200+ list, 2016 Inc. 5000 ranking and was honored at number 21 for all private businesses based in the Cincinnati metro area.

For more information about FirstLight Home Care’s franchise opportunities, visit www.firstlightfranchise.com.

About FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care is a top rated non-medical home care provider with a network of offices that provides care for more than 3,500 clients in over 30 states. The company has created a new standard in home care by combining best practices with innovative approaches to make them an emerging market leader in a rapidly-growing industry. Companion and personal care services can be provided at private residences, assisted living and retirement communities, nursing homes, adult-family homes or group homes. Clients include seniors, new mothers, and individuals recovering from surgery, adults with disabilities and anyone who might just need a little extra care or assistance. Visit www.firstlighthomecare.com to learn more.

SOURCE FirstLight Home Care

Release Date: 12/14/2016

Local Franchisee Steps Up To Help Save Keller, Texas Non-Profit In Danger of Closing.

AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. (“AAMCO”), franchisor of the world’s largest branded chain of transmission specialists and an industry leader in total car care services, announced today the owner of its Keller, Texas service center has provided exceptional service to his community. AAMCO of Keller owner, David Gerda, is well known in the community for his activity with time and money with local non-profits, schools and community programs.

When Gerda was contacted about the potential closing of Haven’s Horses Equine Rehabilitative Facility, he felt compelled to get involved to help save this facility from closure. “I was contacted by one of my customer’s niece who does pro bono work for Christ’s Havens Children’s Home, and immediately pledged help in any way possible,” said Gerda.

Haven’s Horses is currently operated by Christ’s Haven for Children, a residential foster home in Keller, offering clients of all ages with disabilities the opportunity to participate in unique therapies using horse riding. These therapy sessions help individuals with various disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy and down syndrome. When Haven’s Horses recently announced it would be closing due to lack of funding, Gerda began contacting his many business and personal friends in the community.

“Haven’s Horses impacts so many lives in our community,” continued Gerda. “Between the outstanding staff and those who benefit from riding, I couldn’t bear to see it come to an end. We are currently planning events to help raise funds, and I look forward to the support of the local community for this wonderful facility. We have a generous community that understands the importance of this facility and I am positive our community will respond to raise the $35,000 needed to allow Apache’s Angels to take over and operate this facility.”

Apache’s Angels is a 501C-3 non-profit organization that has dedicated 100 percent of its resources to providing scholarships, equipment and horses to Equine Rehabilitation facilities, including Haven’s Horses.

For more than 50 years, AAMCO’s network of locally owned and independently operated automotive service centers have understood the importance of being connected to their local community.

For more information, or to make a donation to support Haven’s Horses, please visit www.apachesangels.org or Apache’s Angels Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/apachesangelsfoundation. To learn more about AAMCO of Keller, please visit www.aamcokellertx.com or call 817-431.0009.

AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500®, ranking at the top of the transmission repair category. Based on network size, growth rate and financial strength, the brand also earned a spot on Entrepreneur’s “Best of the Best” list. Additionally, AAMCO has been consecutively ranked on Franchise Times’ Top 200+ for the last two years.

About AAMCO

AAMCO is the world’s largest branded chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has nearly 650 franchised automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1962, AAMCO-branded centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit: aamcofranchises.com, aamcouniversity.com, aamco.com or aamcoblog.com.

SOURCE AAMCO

Release Date: 12/12/2016

Always Best Care® Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced that it has opened its third franchise in Minnesota. The company provides senior care services in the Saint Paul area and surrounding communities, including Saint Croix Valley.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken and Erica Crawford to the Always Best Care family,” said Jake Brown, President of Always Best Care. “Ken and Erica have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and resources throughout Saint Croix Valley. The network they have established within the community, coupled with their hands-on management style and passion for quality healthcare will translate well into their new business.”

Ken has 25 years of experience as a facility manager for a non-profit organization that aided individuals with disabilities. Erica, who has a masters in public affairs, plans to combine her philanthropic passion with her 15 years of experience in corporate account management. In addition, Judy Gustafson, Erica’s mother and a retired nurse of 40 years, is serving as the company’s care coordinator.

“After working within the healthcare industry for many years, it became clear to me that additional services were needed in our area,” said Ken. “Always Best Care is a leader in senior care, which is one of the reasons why Erica and I are proud to offer its award-winning services to local families in need.”

By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of the Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care now being phased in throughout the country.

For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Saint Croix Valley, or for a free evaluation, please call (651) 774-9979 or visit AlwaysBestCare.com/MN/Lake-Elmo.

About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of illnesses and personal needs, and currently provides more than 4 million hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.

Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is the only absolutely free national telephone reassurance program of its kind anywhere in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-in-Touch.com.

SOURCE Always Best Care Senior Services