Franchise Show

Thanks, Roni Deutch, for a fun and interesting segment on UC Berkley’s, the IRS, the 40 million Americans that owe the IRS money, the macro economic and taxation environment, and the Steve Garvey/Ron Cey LA Dodger era! Tax-payer advocate, tax preparer, and an all-star third baseman—how does one beat that for a dynamic franchise exec?

Jeff & Gini yakked it up with David Timlin and Samantha Benson of Yakety Yak Wireless. David has served as chief executive officer for Yakety Yak since February of 2007, and in January of 2009, bought the company. During his tenure, the company has received recognition as one the “Fast 55” franchises by Franchise Times, one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual “Franchise 500” list, and one of the fastest-growing private companies in Orange County, California by the Orange County Business Journal. Telecommunications is another area where Gini has someone else do it (sensing a theme here?), while Jeff cheerfully admits he knows only the function of the Send button on his 5-year-old free Samsung from ATT.
Samantha Benson was just named VP of Training & Development for Yakety Yak. She joined Yakety Yak in June of 2007 and now operates four Yakety Yak Wireless Express retail locations in Oklahoma. She has developed operations policies and procedures and advertising and marketing materials for multiple locations, to support growth and development of the brand throughout the state. Here's where the rubber meets the road, and Samantha's unique perspective as both a franchisee and company executive responsible for bringing her expertise to new franchisees as the Yakety system grows is exactly the hands-on discussion Jeff and Gini strive to bring onto The Franchise Show. Jeff is curious who dials the phone for Gini. . . . .

Guest: David Timlin-CEO and Samantha Benson-VP of Training & Development
http://www.yakitup.com

Join David Sussman & Brent Kahlen of Valcor Arbitration Services for a discussion about the ripple effects behind such headline stories as the bankruptcy of Chrysler and GM on smaller business units across the country that face their own set of financial strains in the aftermath. Valcor trains business executives in a specialized area of consulting called “business debt restructuring and mediation”. Licensees provide solutions to local businesses’ financial challenges including debt disputes, short cash flow positions and necessary restructuring. Valcor focuses on small to medium sized businesses (95% of all companies Nationwide). Due to the challenges in today’s economy, the Valcor services are now in more demand than ever before and Valcor is training new Licensees to operate their own Business Debt Restructuring and Mediation business. Between Valcor and their Trained Licensees, they have saved literally thousands of businesses throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Valcor was listed in the Entrepreneur Top 100 Franchises & Business Opportunities for several years and has been mentioned in several media outlets such as the Chicago Sun Times, Los Angeles Times, and Denver Post. Valcors’ consultants have reported substantial income levels, and the satisfaction of being able to help local businesses survive. Thank you, David and Brent for this very topical and insightful session.

Guest: David Sussman & Brent Kahlen
http://www.valcorusa.com

John Hewitt is CEO of Liberty Tax Service, and is an influential icon in the tax industry, nationally recognized as an entrepreneurial visionary with a blueprint for tax industry success. For the tenth time, Accounting Today has named Hewitt one of the Top 100 most influential persons in the tax industry. Accounting Today also recognized Hewitt on its Top 100 list while he was CEO of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. More than 3,200 LibertyTax offices are currently operating in the United Statesand Canada. The International Franchise Association honored John Hewitt as Entrepreneur of the Year in February at the IFA Annual Convention in San Diego. Perhaps John's greatest professional accomplishment overshadowing all his other awards and accolades is the fact the he is a veteran of 41 tax seasons with Liberty, Jackson Hewitt, and H&R Block.
http://www.libertytax.com

Lorne, Jeff, and Christine discuss the role of public relations in building a business, where publicity is king from the largest franchise concepts to the emerging startup. Fish Consulting specializes in public relations for franchising companies in a variety of industries. The agency’s current franchise clients include Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Mr. Clean Car Wash, PostNet, Instant Tax Service, Edible Arrangements, to name a few. Additional clients include The Pugliese Company, CoActive Marketing Group and HealthScreenDirect. Fish Consulting is a Supplier Forum Member of the International Franchise Association (IFA), and Lorne frequently speaks about franchising at various conferences for the IFA and Nova Southeastern University’s International Institute for Franchise Education. In addition, he serves on the Franchise Advisory Board of WomenVenture, a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis that helps women enter the franchising industry. Lorne Fisher serves as the CEO/Managing Partner of Fish Consulting. For more than 15 years, Lorne has worked in communications on both the agency and corporate side. This experience has been invaluable in providing Lorne with an understanding of the unique needs and challenges each side faces every day. This understanding allows him to provide insightful counsel to clients and employees to help them succeed. Before opening Fish, Lorne served as the Director of PR & Events for The Absolut Spirits Company, where he was responsible for all national communications for Absolut Vodka, Level Vodka, Danzka Vodka and Plymouth Gin. Prior to Absolut, he worked for Ketchum, a global public relations agency, where he served clients such as Kodak, Maxwell House, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Levi’s, Nike and eToys while working in the agency’s Atlanta, San Francisco and New York offices. Lorne has also served as a Director of Corporate Relations for Visa U.S.A., where he was responsible for leading teams handling communications activities ranging from product launches and media relations to crisis management and employee communications. Lorne’s work has earned him and his clients numerous awards from various national and local public relations organizations, including five Silver Anvils, the industry’s most prestigious honor from the Public Relations Society of America. He earned his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida. Lorne lives in Hollywood, Florida with his wife and two daughters. Find out how Lorne got into the world of franchising through a single contact that became his first client and conduit into one of franchising's top PR firms. Guest: 01 The world of PR with Lorne Fisher! Lorne, Jeff, and Christine discuss the role of public relations in building a business, where publicity is king from the largest franchise concepts to the emerging startup. Fish Consulting specializes in public relations for franchising companies in a variety of industries. The agency’s current franchise clients include Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Mr. Clean Car Wash, PostNet, Instant Tax Service, Edible Arrangements, to name a few. Additional clients include The Pugliese Company, CoActive Marketing Group and HealthScreenDirect. Fish Consulting is a Supplier Forum Member of the International Franchise Association (IFA), and Lorne frequently speaks about franchising at various conferences for the IFA and Nova Southeastern University’s International Institute for Franchise Education. In addition, he serves on the Franchise Advisory Board of WomenVenture, a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis that helps women enter the franchising industry. Lorne Fisher serves as the CEO/Managing Partner of Fish Consulting. For more than 15 years, Lorne has worked in communications on both the agency and corporate side. This experience has been invaluable in providing Lorne with an understanding of the unique needs and challenges each side faces every day. This understanding allows him to provide insightful counsel to clients and employees to help them succeed. Before opening Fish, Lorne served as the Director of PR & Events for The Absolut Spirits Company, where he was responsible for all national communications for Absolut Vodka, Level Vodka, Danzka Vodka and Plymouth Gin. Prior to Absolut, he worked for Ketchum, a global public relations agency, where he served clients such as Kodak, Maxwell House, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Levi’s, Nike and eToys while working in the agency’s Atlanta, San Francisco and New York offices. Lorne has also served as a Director of Corporate Relations for Visa U.S.A., where he was responsible for leading teams handling communications activities ranging from product launches and media relations to crisis management and employee communications. Lorne’s work has earned him and his clients numerous awards from various national and local public relations organizations, including five Silver Anvils, the industry’s most prestigious honor from the Public Relations Society of America. He earned his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida. Lorne lives in Hollywood, Florida with his wife and two daughters. Find out how Lorne got into the world of franchising through a single contact that became his first client and conduit into one of franchising's top PR firms. Guest: Lorne Fisher URL: URL: www.fish-consulting.com
http://www.fish-consulting.com

Jeff and Christine dial it down with Chad to find out the difference between marketing, advertising, and public relations, the parallels between guerilla marketing and the new 'social media', and how an English Lit major from CU put his Spanish sub-major into play in South Florida. Chad Cohen brings nearly a decade of public relations experience and a deep understanding of media relations to Fish Consulting. He has counseled small, mid-size and large companies in a variety of industries that include franchising, travel/tourism, professional services, consumer products and real estate. At Fish, Chad leads several franchise accounts including Baskin-Robbins, PostNet, Instant Tax Service and WineStyles, among others. He also supports several other clients including Edible Arrangements and The Pugliese Company. Chad sharpened his communications skills during his tenure as an account executive at rbb Public Relations, a Coral Gables-based public relations agency, where he served clients such as The Florida Marlins, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Puerto Costa Maya and Codina Group. In this role, he was responsible for managing communications activities ranging from product launches and media relations to Hispanic marketing and crisis communications. Additionally, Chad worked as a journalist for Recommend Magazine, a travel publication serving the travel agent business community. Furthermore, he has worked as a freelance journalist for several South Florida newspapers and a national Mexico tourism industry newsletter. Chad earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English literature and a minor in Spanish from Colorado State University. He currently resides in Miami, Florida with his wife Bibiana and son Mathias.
http://www.fish-consulting.com

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

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

RetroTax, specialists in tax credit administration, can help your business obtain valuable tax incentives through federal and state employment tax credit programs. These programs generate federal and state income tax credits that offset federal and state income tax liability. They use a state-of-the-art proprietary software program to process your company’s information to obtain federal and state tax credits. RetroTax currently administers the Federal Empowerment Zone Wage Credit Program, Federal Renewal Community Wage Credit Program, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program (WOTC), Indian Employment Credit, State Enterprise Zone (SEZ) Credit, Job Creation Credits, and Various State Tax Credit Programs. They offer a truly unique franchise opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking for a white collar, Monday-Friday, 9-5 type of life. This is a great opportunity, and right on track with the expanding partnership of government and private enterprise. Stan is a tremendous resource, and Jeff has asked Stan to bring us regular updates on RetroTax and it's ability to serve as a platform for discussion about the broader economic issues of today's business and franchising headlines.

Guest: Stan Friedman
http://www.retrotax.com

Bookkeeping Express manages your books so you can get back to business and maximize your profits. They will handle your bills, invoices, tax records, inventory, payroll reporting and more. Since its inception in 1984, Bookkeeping Express has helped thousands of small businesses throughout the United States. They focus on in-house financial reporting along with providing sound business strategy that helps drive annual revenues and profitability. They have helped thousands of small and medium-sized businesses. Hear Christine attempt to keep the conversation on business while Jeff occupies Greg's airtime with questions about football, Penn State, and Joe Paterno.
Guest: Greg Jones, CEO of Bookkeeping Express
http://www.bookkeepingexpress.com

Paul Moreau, Partner at Cartridge On Wheels, Jeff, and Christine discuss this innovative concepts and learn about its growth from Louisiana concept to regional and national expansion. Cartridge on Wheels has developed the Cartridge on Wheels franchise system to provide printer services, replacement toners, remanufactured cartridges, as well as new cartridges and ink, to consumers who continuously feed their hard-working printers but want to have a total purchasing solution. The Cartridge on Wheels system answers the call for a complete printing supplies program delivered to your desktop. Cartridge on Wheels franchises carries full lines of new and private label prices. Cartridges on Wheels Imaging Supplies Specialist become office managersʼ and purchasing agentsʼ single source solution for printers and imaging supplies.
http://www.cartridgeonwheels.com

SERVPRO is a leading franchisor of cleanup and restoration services for fire, water, mold, and more. SERVPRO's professional network of more than 1,300 franchises covering 49 states has relationships with major insurance companies, responding to property damage emergencies ranging from multi-million dollar disasters affecting entire communities to those suffered by individual business and homeowners.
Guest: Kevin Brown, Assistant Vice President of Marketing
http://www.servpro.com

SMARTBOX Portable Self Storage is the premier provider of mobile storage, the next step in the evolution of traditional self storage. From general storage, home staging, local moves all the way to long distance moving, SMARTBOX has the solution for you. Today, SMARTBOX is a leading provider of portable moving and storage services to residential and commercial customers through its network of franchise locations. Based in Richmond, Virginia, SMARTBOX offers simple, smart and affordable solutions for individuals and businesses alike.
Guest: Dusty Rhodes, Vice President of Business Development for SMARTBOX.
http://www.smartboxusa.com

Regency has spent more than 40 years, building a legacy of success evidenced by 450+ centers, 21 regional offices and properties in nearly every major market.
Guest: Steve Ganalon, Senior Leasing Agent for Regency Centers

Greg Tanner, National Director of Franchising Aaron Rental and Leasing, Inc.
http://www.aaronrents.com/

Guest: Ted Milburn the Director of Franchise Development for Kahala - Blimpie


Ted came on-board with Kahala in November 2007 after 2 1/2 years as a Franchise Director at The Entrepreneur's Source. His sole focus at Kahala has been in franchise development with Blimpie selling Area Development rights, and single and multi-unit agreements. Ted works with franchise candidates throughout the United States and the current Blimpie Area Development community. Prior to his tenure at The Entrepreneur's Source, Ted was a franchise sales consultant for Dream Dinners and UBuild-It, helping both franchisors structure proactive sales platforms. Ted's journey into franchise development began in 2002 as a consultant assisting small business owners to prepare, valuate and market their business for sale.

Guest: PAUL HOGAN, President and Founder of Home Instead Senior Care


At only 45, Paul Hogan owns and leads the largest senior care business of its kind in the world. At his direction, Home Instead Senior Care is consistently listed among the fastest-growing American franchise businesses. In 2008, his company was awarded the “E” Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce recognizing its contribution to American exports. In 2006, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association, and in 2005 he was a delegate to the U.S. White House Conference on Aging. He is a frequent speaker and media resource on senior issues and has a forthcoming McGraw-Hill book on senior care. He has created two foundations dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors and those who serve them and is committed philanthropically to promoting the welfare of seniors everywhere. In 2008, he became the anchor donor for the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging.

Guest: Justin Darland, Director of Franchise Development for Interstate Batteries


Interstate Batteries is a $1.5 billion organization comprised of a group of companies who sell, market and distribute all types of batteries and related products. Justin Darland, director of franchise and development since late 2007, has helped orchestrate Interstate Batteries Franchising and Development, Inc.’s mercurial growth. Under Darland’s leadership, Interstate All Battery Center (IABC) secured 43 franchise agreements in 2008 (a 100 percent increase from the previous year) and the company is positioned to continue its success in 2009 as America’s fastest growing portable power solutions brand. Franchise Business Review recognized IABC as a Top 50 Retail Franchise System and the company will soon celebrate locations in all 50 states with plans for more than 300 locations by 2012.

Guest: Launi Skinner, CEO/Founder of 1-800-Got-Junk?


Got Junk? The inspiration to build a professional, customer-focused junk removal service came to Brian Scudamore in 1989 while waiting in line at a McDonald’s drive-through. Seeing the potential he bought a used pickup truck and got started. After 15 years and a name change to 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, they are the World’s Largest Junk Removal Service with more than 300 locations in three countries, 45 American states and nine Canadian provinces. As President & COO at 1-800-Got-Junk?, Launi Skinner is responsible for the growth of the brand in North America and Australia. Named one of “Four Women to Watch” by Fortune Magazine, Launi joined 1-800-GOT-JUNK? in the summer of 2008. Before joining 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Launi was President of Starbucks U.S. and a Starbucks partner for more than 14 years.

Randy Nilsen (Senior VP & Chief Network Distribution Officer) is responsible for franchise operations, sales and acquisitions at Jackson Hewitt. He also leads their strategies to attract new franchisees, integrate strategic growth efforts, and to increase productivity. Randy has 20 years in senior sales, marketing, and operational roles managing a large multi-unit network at Western Union.
http://www.jacksonhewitt.com

Steve Yeffa joined Cartridge World North America as their Chief Financial Officer in 2005. Three years later, he was promoted to President of Cartridge World Americas. Previously, he served as a consulting CFO for two companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and CFO for the Western Region of IKON Office Solutions. He has over 24 years of senior financial management leadership in office automation and asset management technologies.
http://www.cartridgeworld.com

National Event Management produces 25 annual business ownership events across North America, in addition to 14 major events in other industries. President, Fred Cox’s goal is to share his passion for business ownership with people who have the dream of being their own boss.
http://www.nationalevent.com/

Express Employment Professionals was created in 1983 by founders Robert A. Funk, William H. Stoller and James Gray, from the dissolution of Acme Personnel, a Washington-based company in which all three were associates. After the death of Acme president Bill Reiff, the three purchased and operated several franchises of Acme which became Express Employment Professionals.
http://www.expresspros.com/us/

Express Employment Professionals was created in 1983 by founders Robert A. Funk, William H. Stoller and James Gray, from the dissolution of Acme Personnel, a Washington-based company in which all three were associates. After the death of Acme president Bill Reiff, the three purchased and operated several franchises of Acme which became Express Employment Professionals.
http://www.expresspros.com/us/

Mike Cline, Franchise Development for Signs By Tomorrow
http://www.signsbytomorrow.com

Chuck Black, Signs By Tomorrow franchisee, Fort Lauderdale, Fla
http://www.signsbytomorrow.com

Matt Seiter, CEO Relay Express
htttp://www.relayexpress.com

David Downey, franchisee Indianapolis Relay Express
htttp://www.relayexpress.com

Rick Rene, CEO and Director of EYESthere Digital Video Security
http://www.eyesthere.com

Doug Dunbar, franchisee Tampa, FL EYESthere
http://www.eyesthere.com/

Taylor Bond, President New Comers
http://www.newcomersws.com

Victoria Majewski, franchisee New Comers
http://www.newcomersws.com

Michael Teitelbaum, President TruePresence
http://www.truepresence.com

Edward MacMillan TruePresence franchisee
http://www.truepresence.com