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Feature Stories

Capital Access: Florida Multi-Unit Operator on Strategic Growth
August 10, 2010
Pizza franchising is a tough market. The competition is stiff and the recent economic recession really put the squeeze on many franchise operators. But despite pizza price wars and price-sensitive consumers, operators like Glenn Ajmo have discovered a few silver linings that are helping him sustain growth.
Turnaround Talent: How One Franchise Operator Cleaned house and Turned it Around
August 10, 2010
Dave Melton has learned more than a few lessons during his 28 years as a multi-unit franchisee. The Domino's Pizza operator has ruled the New York DMA, and in 2009, his units took over the number one slot for sales in any Domino's market. All this while his stores generated annual revenue of $6 million.
Big-Time Operator: Relying on Major League Experience for Ground Floor Opportunity
August 10, 2010
Bashir Shams spent 28 years with one of franchising's giants. He built a successful company and a prosperous career with his multi-unit Burger King operation in Mississippi. So why would he walk away from that to team up with a relative newcomer to franchising? That's just what we asked him about his latest plans to ultimately open two dozen locations of ZIPS Dry Cleaners on the East Coast.
High Energy: One-Time Electrical Engineer Finds Power in Franchising
August 9, 2010
Restaurant work was just supposed to help Aziz Hashim pay his way as he pursued his life's dream of becoming an electrical engineer. But by the time he landed the "big job" at Rockwell, he discovered that he had been living the dream all along.
Advisory Board Ensures Multi-Unit Franchising Conference Relevant to Today's Issues
August 4, 2010
Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) the leading industry resource for franchise development, today announced the Multi-Unit Franchisee Conference Advisory Board will meet August 5-6 in Atlanta to plan the 2011 conference agenda. The 2010 event attracted multi-unit operators from food, retail, and service businesses that represented $2 billion in annual revenues.
The Other Side of the Table: Successful Buyers Understand Sellers
August 2, 2010
As we work our way out of the current recession, we are already starting to see early signs of life in the merger and acquisition market.
High Roller: Veteran Franchisee Finds his Niche in Las Vegas
July 26, 2010
New Jersey native and veteran franchisee Frank Bonanno says he learned early in life that he wanted to do something "easier" than mixing cement and carrying bricks and blocks like his contractor father
Found Money-Want It or Not?: The Payoff in Reducing Customer Service Breakdowns
July 19, 2010
Multi-unit franchisees have tremendous potential to increase their current revenue and future growth simply by reducing customer service breakdowns and improving service recovery. I call this "found money" because these dollars come from existing customers.
Keeping Appearances Up: Pretax Savings Plan Can Finance Remodeling
July 12, 2010
Have you recently stayed at a branded hotel, or eaten at a franchised restaurant where the property was tired-looking and in need of an update? Was the overall experience less than expected because of the worn-out facility? On your next trip did you make a point to book a room or eat a meal at a competing brand, where the facilities and amenities were up to date? Worse yet, was the property yours?
Previously Owned: Used Equipment Saves Costs, Boosts Profits
July 6, 2010
Ken Greene has a secret. When he gets ready to open a new Honest-1 Auto Care franchise unit in New York (34 now and counting), he knows how to save up to 60 percent on the cost of his equipment.