It was during his regular haircut and straight-razor shave at his barber club -- an appointment he usually tried to sleep through -- that Chris Hurn really started to listen as his Barber complained about the franchisor. Chris's antenna went up. Chris had spent his career working in finance, most recently has chief executive of his own company, Mercantile Capital Corporation, but for the last few years he'd been interested in running his own franchise system. These complaints gave him a window into the opportunity he had been looking for. He had been a member of Carrs Barber Club for several months. What he didn't know was that it was in trouble. Chris bought the company. As the new owner, Chris was impressed with the British-style barber club, but not with the name. When he finalized the purchase he changed the name to Kennedy's All-American Barber Club. Kennedy means "the ultimate gentleman" which fits with the company's overall goal: to attract affluent men looking for high-class grooming. The concept will be largely the same. Men pay a monthly fee for a club membership, yet it will be fully Americanized all the way to the membership levels "Life", "Liberty" and "Pursuit of Happiness". Kennedy's also includes a 5% of company profits to veterans charities.
Guest: Chris Hurn, CEO, Cofounder & Chairman http://www.kennedysbarberclub.com
Founded by Chris Hurn and Geof Longstaff, Mercantile Capital Corporation is focused on helping owners of small and mid-size businesses fulfill their dreams of commercial property ownership with Smarter Financing. Chris’ years in small business lending with GE Capital helped him realize how difficult it is for a small business to meet the capital requirements of ordinary bank financing. He also recognized the solution -- a little-known and under-utilized SBA program called the 504 loan -- and joined with Geof to hash-out the details of starting a company that would specialize in these loans. Geof’s 30+ years of banking experience provided additional insight and wisdom for the concept, and MCC was launched in late 2002. Rebranding the SBA 504 loan as the SmartChoice Commercial Loan , MCC began educating business owners and their advisors about more financing options than many banks are willing to reveal. With MCC’s SmartChoice Commercial Loan, business owners can purchase their commercial property with as little as 10% down, and maintain stronger cash flows by getting longer terms and below-market, long-term fixed interest rates. The company and its founders were criticized for focusing on just one loan product -- and a government-backed one at that. But over time, MCC has remained dedicated to its niche and this has proven to be a key ingredient in its success. Scores of business owners from all over the nation have come to MCC to fulfill their dreams of commercial property ownership, and to do so with Smarter Financing.
Guest: Chris Hurn, CEO, Cofounder & Board Member http://www.TheSmartChoiceLoan.com
Bob Bertrand joined Soup Kitchen International, Inc. as the company’s President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2004. He is responsible for all the financial functions of the company, including long term strategic planning. The Original Soupman was founded in 1984, legendary soup man, Al Yeganeh, set the standard for delicious, world-renowned soups at his New York City location, Soup Kitchen International . Now, with the international growth of his franchise (41 units and growing), The Original Soup Man, Al and his team will give the whole world the opportunity to experience soup as it was meant to be. The company also sells the Original SoupMan soups in Grab-n-Go packages in the frozen food aisle of grocery stores nationwide.
Also,
Leslie Lawrence is the Sales Director for National Event Management . National Event Mgt is a leader in the development, production and management of consumer events across North America . Leslie is responsible for the business development side of these events. The largest show NEM produces in the US market is the New York / New Jersey Franchise Expo. The Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo is produced by National Event Management. National Event Management is the producer of 27 annual business ownership events across North America showcasing over 1,700 businesses to 65,000 prospective business owners each year. The NY/NJ Franchise Expo takes place Saturday, April 18th & Sunday, April 19th at the Meadowlands Exposition Center
Guests: Bob Bertrand, Soupman & Leslie Lawrence, National Event Management http://www.originalsoupman.com
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