Franchise Show

Brian Wieters, Director of Franchise Development of FASTSIGNS has more than 20 years of experience in franchising, Brian has handled all aspects of development, operations and sales for numerous brands. He joined FASTSIGNS more than seven years ago. Founded in 1985, FASTSIGNS® has been consistently recognized as the sign industry's leading franchise. Our integrated network of sign centers has expanded to almost 500 locations in the United States and six other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Australia (under the SIGNWAVE® name). Brian, Jeff, and Christine discuss the macro economic climate, and a 'return to basics' approach that FASTSIGNS franchisees are proving successful even give today's cautious environment.
http://www.fastsigns.com

Jeff and Christine talk with Brian Curin (Size 10), President and Co-founder of Flip Flop Shops Franchising, in his role, he oversees franchise development, brand direction and buying. Flip Flop Shops is the authentic retailer of the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals. It's more than just a shop...it's a lifestyle. This is how the story goes.......Founder, Todd Giatrelis (Size 11) and Co-Founder & Trainer, Sarah Towne (Size 9), headed to a convention in Vegas. Sarah was wearing uncomfortable shoes. Sarah NEEDS a pair of flip flops. Sarah searches far and wide through Vegas but can't find a pair of flip flops to save her life. She asks the question, why is there not a shop that simply sells flip flops! Why oh Why? So there begins the quest to open Flip Flop Shops. A $20 billion dollar industry, Flip Flop Shops fills a gap in the flip flop industry. Connect the dots on this great concept, and Brian's multi-faceted business and personal lifestyle that spans Chicago to Guatemala, and cigars to flip flops.)
http://www.flipflopshops.com

Listen to Jeff and Christine's interview with Eric Casburi, President of Retro Fitness and learn about the article he was recently interviewed for in Club Industry's Business Pro Magazine, April 2009 Edition. Here's some of what is included in the article......."You'd never know there was a recession if you talked to Eric Casaburi. The founder of Retrofitness, Colts Neck, NJ, speaks animatedly about how he plans to expand his 40 corporate and franchised clubs by 350 in the next three years. And he says he has the money to do it. Casaburi's private equity partner, Lake Capital, Chicago, was one of several companies that wooed Casaburi, finally winning him over and infusing an undisclosed amount of capital into his company last fall (although Lake Capital's Web site says it typically commits $50 million to $75 million of equity into companies). The private equity firm just infused another $5 million into Retrofitness this spring. “We joke around in the office that we are in the ‘Retro’ bubble,” Casaburi says. “Not that we don't feel bad that there's a recession, but actually, it's fueled my company's growth.” With $1.2 billion under asset management, Lake Capital wants to spread its money around but can't seem to find the right fit, Casaburi says. One of the private equity firm's principals told Casaburi recently that he typically looks at 2,000 businesses a year and buys about four, but this year he may have to look at 4,000 businesses and buy just two." Sounds interesting doesn't it? To read more go to www.fitnessbusinesspro.com. Eric's a regular on The Franchise Show about all things entrepreneurial. Welcome back, Eric! Guest:
http://www.retrofitness.com

Jeff and Christine can hear the passion in her voice as they interview Shelly Sun, Co-founder of BrightStar Healthcare. The inspiration for BrightStar Healthcare came from Shelly and her husband JD's own family experience. When their late Grandma was suffering from cancer, they were surprised by how difficult it was to find quality homecare professionals to help care for her. They made calls, left messages, and did a lot of waiting. It took a long time before they finally found people they could trust. They are forever grateful for the help their caregivers provided during their time of need. The creation of BrightStar Healthcare stems from their journey with their Grandma. Shelly & JD made a promise to Grandma that they would create a great company that would provide families and their loved ones the highest level of accessible in home senior care, dignity, and personal attention they need and deserve. Learn how BrightStar has positioned themselves in the market, and how Shelly brings a CPA's discipline to systems and processes while maintaining a commitment to care. Guest: Shelly Sun URL:
http://www.brightstarhealthcare.com