Franchise Marketing Systems

Please describe your company and your position there.

Scrub Science is a commercial janitorial company. I am on of the co-founders and investor.

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

We needed a company that could understand us and value proposition. Our goal was to find a firm that could provide a turn-key set of services to work with us to create a world-class franchise offering. The most critical requirement was experience. In order to create a quality franchise, we wanted a true partner relationship with someone with a successful track record. FMS checked all the boxes.

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

We carefully researched all of the players in the industry due to significant cross-over between Franchise developers and sales organizations. It came down to 3 and when we matrixed features side-by-side, there was no comparison. We worked out a "package" deal and knew all costs upfront, it really took the pressure off the relationship and allowed us to get a tremendous amount of work done.

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

FMS put together a functional team to address every facet of a franchise - operations, marketing, sales, finance, legal, accounting, and branding. We really did not have much except a very successful business, an idea for a brand, and a down and dirty pro forma. FMS developed a complete franchise package - we now have a comprehensive pro forma and well-thought out business plan. More than 7 operations manuals that are professionally produced. Franchise sales websites, brochures, and marketing materials including a logo. FMS also helped with Trademarking and produced a complete FDD. No stone was left unturned.

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

We had executive contact throughout the project and approximately 14 people across all disciplines worked with us. They were very good at managing the project in terms of swim lanes, it was always clear who we needed to go to in order to get things done. Things ran smooth.

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

We have a world-class Franchisor package and are very happy with the direction and documentation provided by FMS. The measurement of success to this point is that FMS exceeded our expectations for the service and product delivered. We are now ready to sell franchises!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I have extensive experience and have participated in well over 1,000 complex projects over the past 25 years. Working with FMS was as good as it gets. It felt like they were an extension of our company and that we were co-workers rowing in the same direction. It was very much a 1+1=10 type of working relationship. I know we gained a PhD in franchising as FMS was always willing to take us deep in explanation when we asked. There were multiple streams of communication and we never had any issues communicating or collaborating. Everyone we worked with was a professional.

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

The chemistry we ended up developing with the team and senior leadership. They really tried to understand what we wanted to accomplish and provided straightforward guidance. They earned our trust early in the game and that trust provided a glide path that made a very complex project manageable.

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

Not really. There are a lot of dependencies. Especially in franchise development, a firm like FMS could have 50 people on the project, but typically the target company is a small business that wants to replicate and is limited on resources.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Get Up And Go Kayaking started as a small idea in the summer of 2016. With so many people looking to enjoy a day in the natural springs we have here in Central Florida, it was no doubt that guests would love experiencing them in a completely clear kayak. Owner, Justin Buzzi, and his girlfriend, Tia, set out to be the first clear kayak tour company in all of Florida (which actually ended up being all of the USA)! Now approaching over 125,000,000 views on Facebook and social media, the company has surpassed expectations and continues to expand. Get Up And Go Kayaking is now the first clear kayak tour company to be a franchise in the entire world! With 8 different locations showcasing unique wildlife, marine life, and nature - there’s no shortage of memories to be made.

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

I hired Franchise Marketing Systems to help turn my business into a franchise-ready system. They did everything from introduction calls, to site visits, operation manuals, legal paperwork, etc... they did it all!

What were your goals for this project?

I was hopeful we could make the franchise process easy and streamlined. They did a great job of communicating and took a lot of weight off of my shoulders.

How did you select this vendor?

They were a referral from another company that used them in the past!

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They made my company into a franchise from start to finish!

What was the team composition?

They had several people that helped in each step of the process from designers, to operations, to marketing, etc! I felt like they had every aspect covered that was needed.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

In year 1 we sold 7 franchise units which was incredible! So glad I used their company to help me create a franchise.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They had every step of the process organized from start to finish and we went through each step in great detail.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to adapt and be able to help suggest things I never would have thought of.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I do not believe there are any areas for improvement.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own Rent-A-Ruminant Franchise LLC. My company provides eco friendly vegetation services utilizing goat herds.

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

I am a customer of Franchise Marketing Service. They setup my franchise company back in 2015. Chris the owner is amazing!! He has done so much for me not only in putting the entire franchise together but also in ongoing support for the last 5 years at very little cost. I could not have afforded to develop a franchise without his company. His ethics and attention to detail are impeccable. He and his staff are very friendly and helpful.. I have been so fortunate to be working with this company and highly recommend them to anyone looking to start a franchise... Tammy Dunakin Owner/Franchisor

What were your goals for this project?

My goal was to get my franchise setup at a one stop shop which FMS provided at a very reasonable price and in a quick manner

How did you select this vendor?

I was highly recommended this company by an acquaintance.

Describe the project in detail.

Once I contacted Chris he setup a phone conference with myself and his team. They decided from the info I gave them that my company would be a great franchise to setup. We are the first goat rental franchise in the world and they wanted to be a part of the franchise formation and were very excited about it. I decided to proceed withe the project. They sent me a series of questionnaires to fill out and from those put together all the aspects of the franchise including the franchise disclosure documents.

What was the team composition?

Chris the owner was the orchestrator and his team of marketing, finance, legal and office staff made up the rest of his team

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

Since the launching of the franchise I have opened 4 franchises. I have several more in the pipeline.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective in all aspects

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their professionalism and friendly demeanor were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My company’s called Coconut Kenny’s and we’ve been in business for a little over 20 years. We’re a small pizza chain in Washington state, currently owning and operating six Coconut Kenny’s locations in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

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

We wanted to develop a marketable franchise product. Our team entertained the idea of franchising but didn’t know how to do it. It’s a totally different world than owning and operating your own business only. We needed guidance from a competent company to help us through the franchising process.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The owner of Franchise Marketing Systems met with us on-site and reviewed our concept. Collectively, we decided that our idea was worth franchising. The owner introduced us to his marketing team, which learned our systems and documented them. Their team created an operations manual that included six-parts and business plans for us to proof. There was a lot of back and forth between us until we had agreements and manuals that we were happy with. Their team also established our franchise agreements, which involved a lot of legal jargon, so we relied on their expertise. They set us up with legal partners with whom their team had a relationship.

They essentially put what we’d created on paper, which is a tough process for any business to do. Employees know the systems because leadership trained them, so it's hard to articulate. Their team documented our business concept and products for us to hand over to a franchisee. They helped us sort through the process to get to where we are today, which is having a concept that we are currently marketing and selling.

What is the team composition?

I worked with two members of the Franchise Marketing Systems team.

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing Systems?

We met with a few other franchise development consultants over a 2–3-year period prior to signing with Franchise Marketing Systems. I ran into their team at a booth at a pizza expo in Las Vegas. We talked with Chris (Franchise Consultant, Franchise Marketing Systems) and decided to interview Franchise Marketing Systems. Chris flew out to meet us and we decided that the firm was a good fit for us. They had a lot of experiences to share and didn’t come from a position of do it our way or don’t do it at all. He respected what our team built and the growth model that we wanted to achieve.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $25,000–$50,000 on their services. Compared to other companies, their fees were phenomenal.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Franchise Marketing Systems in April 2018. We worked with them for a year, going back and forth. In June 2019, we finally started marketing Coconut Kenny’s as a franchise opportunity.

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

We signed two franchisees and are currently looking for real estate for them. I describe that as a win. We’re very happy with the results. Compared to the fees that other companies proposed to us, their prices were extremely fair for what their team delivered.

Franchise Marketing Systems respected our business and asked questions that made us a little uncomfortable, which we expected. Their questions led to a well-documented operations manual. They were thorough and wanted to make sure that the documents we hand over to our franchisees are good. We used their franchise agreement and it worked out great.  

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

They met all their deadlines. We didn’t put a deadline on the project but set a goal of a packet to use for our franchisees. Everyone played their part and did what they needed to do to make that happen for us.

If we had everything that their team needed from start to finish in a timely manner, Franchise Marketing Systems could’ve gotten our project done in six months. Once we started the process, we learned that we didn’t have a lot of components in place to become a franchise. We had to create the items that their team needed. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Franchise Marketing Systems has a lot of experience. There were questions that, had I not been speaking with someone who didn’t have Chris's experience, would’ve made us feel uncomfortable. When establishing a franchise, it's important to work with someone who has a lot of experience because so much can go wrong. Franchises open a business to people and investors, so the business has to trust they'll be successful. The documents protect a franchise owner. Chris always put as at ease, basing all of his answers on quality experiences. I would feel comfortable recommending them to anyone who’s looking to franchise their business and needs help.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I didn’t go into the relationship looking for them to provide stellar marketing materials. However, they could improve the quality of the marketing materials that their team provides to franchises. It’s an added feature to their services, so it’s not their forte.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work on your own timeframe. Franchise consulting companies enter relationships knowing exactly what they want to do. Your business is going to be different than the last one that they’ve worked with, so make sure that you take control of the project and its steps. Franchise Marketing Systems didn’t pressure us to go at their pace, but it could be easy for a franchisor to just roll with what a company says.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I own a seafood restaurant.

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

We wanted to franchise across the country.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team prepared documentation including disclosure forms. Franchise Marketing Systems processed these documents in compliance with different state regulations. They then provided marketing services and arranged meetings with interested parties—whether an individual or group of investors. The team continues to send weekly updates.  

What is the team composition?

I have one local point of contact, but have interacted with at least 10 people.

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing Systems?

A friend recommended the team and cited their affordable rates. I then reached out over the phone and met them in person.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2018 and the partnership is ongoing.

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

We completed the documentation stage and are waiting for approval from one state. Potential investors have expressed serious interest in two Western states.  

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

The team performs well in this area. They stay on top of the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team is organized and provides incredible service across the entire company, from legal to marketing. They take care of us as a client.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Since I haven’t worked with a franchising consultant before, I’m unable to compare services and performance. But the team is doing great for me.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Regular communication such as weekly check-ins keeps everyone on the same page as the engagement progresses.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the president of Everything Christmas, a seasonal retail store.

What challenge were you trying to address with Franchise Marketing?

We wanted to determine whether our store was viable as a franchise business or not, since it's only open two months out of the year. We engaged Franchise Marketing to help us navigate how to get started. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

Franchise Marketing walked us through every step as we set up our business as a franchise, including the FDD process. They've created a manual and marketing collateral, including a brochure to give out to candidates interested in franchising. They've also helped us close franchises over the years as needed, acting as a consultant and providing any guidance as needed.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with the president and a few of his staff. 

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing?

I researched vendors online and reached out to a few, but Franchise Marketing was by far the most reasonably priced.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2014 and wrapped up the initial franchise work in about 6 months, but we continue to work with them on an ongoing basis as needed.

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

Franchise Marketing has helped expand our business and significantly improved internal efficiencies.

How did Franchise Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

They're excellent. They've helped me with anything I've ever asked for and been very responsive to our needs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very personable compared to other companies I've spoken to and very affordable. I've never heard any complaints from anyone who's worked with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be patient, because building a franchise business takes time.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the co-founder and co-owner of Hero Inspections & Environmental.

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

We wanted to franchise our business, so we needed help putting together all the legal documentation and creating an investment package.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Franchise Marketing helped us put together our story and all of the necessary legal documentation in order for us to franchise the business, helping us navigate regulations throughout the process. Through a series of interviews with their team and filling out different worksheets, they compiled a 100-page investment document, or franchise disclosure document (FDD). 

They then designed a franchise brochure, based on our branding, as well as a webpage to meet certain disclosure requirements. They now manage direct ad marketing campaigns for the business.

What is the team composition?

I interface a lot with Chris (President, Franchise Marketing Systems), but he's also put me in touch with people on his sales, operational, and marketing teams as needed.

How did you come to work with Franchise Marketing Systems?

I believe someone recommended them to us and they were among a few other firms we interviewed. We liked them the best because they seemed to have the most balanced approach and were the most candid with us.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested over $30,000 in total fees. They're also on a commission-based structure for deals that they bring to us. Their services have been very competitively priced compared to other vendors we spoke to.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since November or December 2017.

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

For the amount of work they've produced in such a short time frame, we've been able to achieve a lot. Thanks to Franchise Marketing's efforts, we're about to sell our third franchise in just seven months.

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

Project management is one of their greatest strengths. They delivered the FDD ahead of schedule and the whole process was relatively seamless. They're very organized and each person on their team has a very defined role. They were also good about bridging any gaps in our education, taking a consultative and productive approach to each element. Overall, their team is very task-driven, highly professional, and organized.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their candor and real-world expertise coupled with their honest evaluation of client projects are truly unique. They genuinely understand the industry and how to help their clients succeed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be responsible for tasks on your end. It's an interactive, collaborative process that requires both parties to be fully engaged.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.