Franchise Marketing Systems

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and founder of GrassRoots Tree and Turf Care, a lawn service company that specializes in fertilization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Franchise Marketing Systems?

After 16 years in business, I decided that franchising was the best route for growth. I hired Franchise Marketing Systems as consultants to guide me through that process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team then did on-site research—in the field and in the office—over a few days to learn everything about our business. I've done numerous teleconferences with them to create manuals on our company’s operational side. They helped me create a franchise disclosure document (FDD) and market the company via brochures and live events, including local expos. We just started doing a video.

What is the team composition?

Chris Conner (President, Franchise Marketing Systems) is my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing Systems?

I did an online search and spoke with different companies before finding Franchise Marketing Systems. I spoke with Chris via phone and met him in person. He was honest and a gentleman. His impressive conduct sold me on the business.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent approximately $25,000. That figure includes the initial agreement to make us franchise-ready and the subsequent commission fees. We paid another $5,000 to a third-party video production vendor.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2018 and the partnership is ongoing. We’ll use them as long as we need, but the relationship is not subscription-based.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

My employees’ morale is high because they can see how our company and their roles will grow—new locations and training opportunities—in the near future. We had fun and good camaraderie during yesterday’s video shoot. Our positive experience inspired us to tweak processes and update manuals. We want to ensure best practices before franchising the business out to other people.

How did Franchise Marketing Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

They assign staff to different franchising segments. If Chris isn’t immediately accessible via email or phone, the appropriate resource will follow up within minutes. Since Franchise Marketing Systems is 30 minutes from our office, Chris occasionally visits the shop to learn new things about the business. The team is also quick; they’ve had to wait on me. They hold me accountable to provide prompt responses and complete everything I need to in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were about half the price of other vendors, which made me skeptical at first. But now that I’ve seen their excellent work, everyone else feels like a rip-off.

Are there any areas they could improve?

While everyone has room for improvement, I haven’t been unhappy with anything. Chris is very responsive; he returns calls immediately.

Any advice for potential customers?

Don't be scared that the price seems too good to be true because the service and the results are phenomenal. They stay on top of the client to get everything done in the agreed timeline.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and president of Magic Bubbles. We are a pressure cleaning company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Franchise Marketing Systems?

We wanted a partner to help our company become a franchise.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Franchise Marketing Systems acted as a one-stop shop for the legal elements necessary for us to become a franchise. Their team handled all of the paperwork, franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), and various operation manuals. They also helped create a business plan for the franchising process with a corresponding marketing brochure and website.

Now, they support our business with their internal lead portal and mapping system. Franchise Marketing Systems continues to send us potential clients and partners using their collected data on demographics, populations, and income by location.

What is the team composition?

I mainly work with the CEO, the vice president for mapping services, and a representative for business planning.

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing Systems?

Initially, a friend recommended their services after working with them at his own business. We interviewed a lot of other companies, but they cost five to ten times more than Franchise Marketing Systems. We reviewed their portfolio and though they would be a good fit.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent around $25,000 on this project so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2016 and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

As a result of our partnership with Franchise Marketing Systems, we’ve sold 15 territories within the first 18 months of working with them.

How did Franchise Marketing Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

Their management system is extremely effective. The first stage in each project is a kickoff call where all team members are introduced. This helps move the project along because everyone knows who to contact with specific questions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Besides their cost, I think their communication was top-notch.

Are there any areas they could improve?

From a business point of view, I think Franchise Marketing Systems could charge more for the quality of their services.

Any advice for potential customers?

Clients should provide sufficient background information on their business. This will help Financial Marketing Systems understand how their company internally operates and handles their finances. The partnership needs to be more than just hiring them, clients should actively work with them through the process for the best results.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Avendelle Assisted Living is a premier senior-care organization providing assistance to five-to-eight individuals in a small home environment. I’m president of the organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Franchise Marketing?

We had three locations and wanted to build a franchise model to grow our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us build a franchise model and setup the legal documentation around it. They coached and taught us, holding our hand through the process of getting our franchise up-and-running.

Following this, they put together a marketing strategy, marketed our franchise, and helped us support our franchisees. 

What is the team composition?

Christopher Conner [President, Franchise Development] was our primary contact and the one who kept things moving. We were in touch with other members, but I don’t remember their names.

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing?

We did an online search, narrowed our options down to 10–15, and contacted them on the phone in order to see what they offered and what the interaction would be like. We looked at referrals and contacted previous clients, ultimately choosing Franchise Marketing.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost of their work has been between $75,000 and $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2013 and the collaboration is ongoing. They’re still handling our marketing and still bringing us franchisees.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’ve been successful and I’m happy with Franchise Marketing’s work, but I don’t have any comparison data from other engagements. They’ve been the only agency we’ve used.

How did Franchise Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

They contacted us when they needed certain materials. We communicated every three days to three weeks, depending on the stage of the project. They’re always accessible by phone, at any point. We’ve also used email for communication, had several in-person sessions, and used tools for sharing documents.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re always available, which is very important to us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t know what that would be.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

There are many difficult things in business, including finding a good partner. Franchise Marketing is a good option, but clients have to do what they’re told. Hiring a professional and not following their advice won’t lead to good results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of the company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our organization provides guidance, resources, strategy and implementation for brands to grow and scale.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Franchise Marketing Systems to accomplish?
Franchise A Business Model

SOLUTION

How did you find Franchise Marketing Systems?

Referral

Why did you select Franchise Marketing Systems over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Franchise Marketing Systems were assigned to this project?

14

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Chris Conner and the Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS) team worked with us and our team to develop a franchise model and create the necessary documentation needed to launch a new franchise system. This process was a four month engagement and included franchise business planning, financial modeling, franchise market research and a comprehensive strategic planning process.

Mr. Conner and the FMS team then worked with us and a outside Franchise Attorney to create the franchise compliance documentation including the FDD, Franchise Agreement, filing the new franchise entity, filing the trademark and working on the franchise state registration process.

Conner and the Franchise Marketing Systems team then developed all of the necessary franchise training materials, franchise operations manuals, spent time onsite at the location of the business and worked closely with us to create the documentation needed for new franchise onboarding.

Conner's team then created the marketing materials, creative, content, franchise recruitment website and franchise sales collateral to market, sell and recruit new franchisees.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We were delighted with the Franchise marketing Systems team.  They were timely, professional, engaging and friendly in all phases of the development work.  Not only were the documents and deliverables exceeding expecations for quality, detail and professionalism, the team was a absolute pleasure to work with through the entire franchise process.  My words to Chris Conner were, "You have developed an A-Team here with FMS!"

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes, everything was timely and the responsiveness was excellent, even at late times in the night, a response was provided immediately.  Laura Rozentals, the COO and Ashton Wiles the project manager did a great job.

What was your primary form of communication with Franchise Marketing Systems?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

It was as if FMS was part of our team, our family and cared about everything we cared about.  They were excited when we were excited and down when we were impacted by an obstacle.  They were so closely aligned, I felt comfortable bringing literally any need or discussion to them at any time during the franchise development process. Chris Conner helped lead the way on the entire development process and has created a great culture for working with entrepreneurs.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Franchise Marketing Systems could have done differently?

I don't think so, maybe more in person time, but the communications via zoom were plenty for us.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a food company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Franchise Marketing Systems?

Establish our company as a franchise

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

We looked at reviews and talked with the owner and other folks at the company

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Develop, create and start a franchise.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We had approximately 10-15 people help with the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

FMS was very professional and thorough through the process.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was high among them and us throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They care about their clients more than a paycheck.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Everything was excellent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a director for a Lash & Brows company. We service clients in the beauty industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Franchise Marketing Systems?

We hired Franchise Marketing System to develop and franchise our company model.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

Team members I’ve worked with have been professional, kind, knowledgeable, upbeat, and responsive. I love these of group of people and overall, the company.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

The team is responsible for developing and franchise our beauty business model.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

FMS company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

I’ve been working with them for almost two years now and have nothing but GREAT things to say. They made my experience franchising our company smooth and seamless. They truly care and always go above and beyond. The quality and service are truly exceptional. I am very pleased with FMS and their team. Highly recommended!!!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The quality and service are truly exceptional.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Every team member I’ve worked with has been professional, kind, knowledgeable, upbeat, and responsive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

They are a huge asset to our franchising development and sales of our company. A lot of positive experience to tell.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Stemtree. We are a K-12 Science & engineering franchise business. Our unique concept and perspective on the marketplace has prepared us to expand at a rapid pace.

Our business model is structured to support the industry influx, allowing for new Stemtree franchisees to start generating quicker returns. While most STEM education centers may provide students with activities, a Stemtree education goes deeper and broader.

Each component of our curriculum covers the theory behind the given topic, creating a solid foundation of understanding upon which to build. Once the foundation has been laid, we introduce activities which demonstrate the application of the theory. We follow up each activity with a vocabulary game that reviews and reinforces the topic covered.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Franchise Marketing Systems?

Franchise Marketing Systems helped us create our franchise system including operations manual, FDD and FA. It also helped us create a marketing stratery for our business.

What were your goals for this project?

Create a unique STEM franchise in the children education space.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We search online and found Franchise marketing Systems the best fit of what we need.

Describe the project in detail.

Develop all the elements of our franchise system.

What was the team composition?

Franchise marketing System has experts in each part of the project: marketing, operations manual, FDD, and FA

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They gave 100% to everything that I asked of them.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Impressive

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were very knowledgeable and very responsive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

none.