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Welcome to Creme de la Creme: Franchise Industry News - a publication that brings you the latest news from the franchise world’s most influential characters.
Sit back and relax as SeoSamba brings you highlights from the incredible world of franchise influencers, shedding light on the latest developments and achievements within the franchise industry.
SHAKERS & MOVERS
Franchise World Updates: Who's Moving Up and Who's Taking New Roles
Congratulations to all the professionals making strides in their careers! Here's a quick look at the latest movements in the franchise industry:
William (Bill) Edwards, CFE – The Franchise Consortium LLC
New Role: Managing Partner
Company Overview: The Franchise Consortium LLC is a trusted partner for navigating the complexities of franchising. Specializing in strategic expansion for established brands, it leverages the expertise of industry veterans to drive sustainable and profitable growth. Bill Edwards, along with Keith Gerson, brings extensive franchisor, franchisee, master franchisee, supplier, and consultant experience to support franchisors in expanding their market presence and achieving the Accredited Franchise Supplier seal of approval.
Luke Bazely – Driverseat
New Role: CEO
Company Overview: Driverseat is North America's fastest-growing transportation franchise, offering a range of shuttle services to individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Specializing in small group charters, Driverseat is the go-to name for transportation needs, from airport ground transportation to corporate shuttles and micro-transit solutions. Luke Bazely, co-founder and former President, now leads the company as CEO, continuing his mission to build the largest passenger transportation franchise in the world.
Jamie Lavigne – EverSmith Brands
New Role: Director of Franchise Development
Company Overview: EverSmith Brands is a growing platform of franchised brands that focus on the Commercial Facilities Sector. Known for delivering reliable, high-quality service to commercial properties, EverSmith Brands supports franchisees with accelerated, profitable growth, superior customer experiences through technology, and a fun, high-performing work environment with long-term career growth opportunities.
FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT
IFPG Named #1 Franchise Broker by Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur named The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) the Number 1 franchise broker organization on their Top Franchise Suppliers list for the sixth time. This recognition will be featured in Entrepreneur’s September/October issue, and emphasizes IFPG's role in franchising. Additionally, IFPG also received recognition for its annual IFPG Retreat, which draws hundreds of franchise professionals for networking, education, and business development.
The IFPG Retreat will be held this year from September 30 to October 2 in Hollywood, Florida. It is well known for its unique structure, including speed networking sessions that foster quick connections between franchise professionals. IFPG President Red Boswell highlighted the event’s focus on building strong relationships in a fun, family-like atmosphere.
Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Suppliers list is based on a survey of over 1,100 franchisors, who rated their suppliers on quality, cost, and value. IFPG’s consistent ranking reflects its dedication to helping franchisees and consultants succeed through training, certification, and ethical franchise practices.
For more information, visit the September/October issue of Entrepreneur.
The Search For Solutions For Franchise Financial Management Software
In SeoSamba's search for an effective financial management tool for franchise businesses, our research and development team came across FranMetrics V2, a platform designed to simplify reporting and analysis for both franchisors and franchisees. Curious about its potential, our R & D team took a closer look. Here's what we found:
Key Highlights:
- Redesigned Interface: FranMetrics V2 boasts a sleek, intuitive interface, making navigation easier and more efficient.
- Automated Scorecard Emails: A handy feature that keeps teams updated on key performance metrics with minimal effort.
- Real-Time Dashboard & Location-Based Reports: Offering live insights into franchise performance, tools that help track and compare locations effortlessly.
Standout Features:
FranMetrics V2 comes equipped with several powerful tools that set it apart:
- Break-Even Analysis with Industry Benchmarks: This feature provides valuable comparisons against industry standards, helping franchises measure success more effectively.
- Custom User & KPI Groups: Allows franchises to control who can access specific data, a useful feature for managing multiple teams and locations.
- Smart Mapping & Data Control: Automated QuickBooks online setup and better data organization, saving time and reducing errors.
Looking Ahead:
The developers of FranMetrics V2 are also working on future updates, including enhanced KPI analysis, improved CSV/API handling, and additional data visualization tools.
Final Thoughts:
After investigating FranMetrics V2, our opinion is that this platform offers an efficient, user-friendly solution for financial management for franchises. Its strong reporting capabilities, data control features, and upcoming enhancements make it a solid choice for franchises looking to improve transparency and performance.
About FranMetrics
FranMetrics offers bookkeeping services and software solutions for both franchisors and franchisees, simplifying data tracking for field audits, unit-level economics, and KPI monitoring. With FranMetrics, your brand can boost profits and increase transparency.
Learn more or schedule a demo at franmetrics.net
FRANCHISE BRAND MARKETING
Keeping Your Brand Relevant in a Fast Paced World
For franchises to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it is key to focus on adaptability and innovation. Forbes.com recommends maintaining the following 5 pillars to stay relevant to franchise brands:
- Flexibility: Franchises must stay agile and adapt quickly to market changes by modifying management strategies and operations.
- Customer Service: Maintaining excellent customer service is crucial for retaining a core customer base and attracting new customers, especially as markets shift.
- Advertising/Marketing: Franchises need to stay current with trends in digital marketing, social media, AI, and mobile apps to effectively engage their target audience.
- Technology and Training: Embracing technological advancements and providing continuous training to franchisees helps improve operational efficiency and adaptability.
- Creative Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships, such as collaborations with healthcare organizations or educational institutions, can open new revenue streams and address market challenges like staffing shortages.
For more information you can read the full article here.
FRANCHISE ADVOCACY & LEGAL NEWS
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Defines Franchisee Independence in Employee Classification Dispute
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) recently ruled in the case of Patel v. 7-Eleven, Inc., addressing when a franchisee may be considered an employee of the franchisor. The court decided that 7-Eleven franchisees are not employees under Massachusetts' independent contractor statute. The ruling clarified that franchisees who choose to operate under a franchisor's brand and pay franchise fees do not perform services for the franchisor and thus do not qualify as employees.
Key points of the decision:
- Franchisees operating their businesses using the franchisor's brand remain independent contractors, not employees.
- The SJC emphasized that while franchisees must follow operational standards and pay fees, they are not providing a service for 7-Eleven.
- The case reaffirmed that franchisees operate their businesses for themselves, not for the franchisor.
This ruling could impact how franchise relationships are structured, both in Massachusetts and potentially in other jurisdictions, reinforcing the independence of franchisees.
MEDIA & LEARNING
Exclusive Interview with Franchising Expert Dr. John Hayes
SeoSamba's Alyssa Hartson joins Dr. John Hayes from the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach University, as Dr. Hayes shares his journey into the franchise world and offers insights into where the franchise industry is headed over the next decade. Discover the challenges facing the franchise sector today, including the integration of digital marketing technologies and the need for ongoing education. Learn how the Titus Center is helping bridge these gaps and explore the many free resources available to both franchisors and franchisees.
Dr. Hayes, a renowned author, has penned numerous books on franchising, including 12 Amazing Franchise Opportunities, Take the Fear Out of Franchising, Buy 'Hot' Franchises Without Getting Burned, and Franchising: The Inside Story. Find them on Amazon.
To learn more about the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach University or to schedule a meeting with Dr. Hayes, visit tituscenter.com.
Franchise Business News is brought to you by SeoSamba, a marketing and sales automation software suite provider, with turnkey franchise development and franchise brand marketing solutions for emerging franchise brands. Each year, SeoSamba reviews thousands of nominees and awards the Top 100 Global Influencers in Franchising award to the most influential characters in the franchise world.
If you have news that you’d like to have published in an upcoming edition, you may submit it to influencers@seosamba.com for consideration.
Thanks for reading!
