Author: Rebecca

Reston, Va. – Mosquito Joe has partnered with FranConnect, the leading provider of franchise management systems, in preparation for expanding the brand through franchising. FranConnect’s integrated and comprehensive suite of applications provides the following solutions: franchise development, franchisee performance and royalty management, franchisee collaboration/training, franchise operations, franchise marketing, franchise e-commerce and more.

Based in Hampton Roads, VA, Mosquito Joe was founded in 2009 after one of the founders took a family vacation to the Caribbean. He enjoyed spending time around the resort where they were staying but was eaten alive while on a tour of the island. After speaking with the resort’s manager, he was introduced to the world of mosquito control and knew that there was an existing need to bring these best practices home.

Though company-owned for the first three seasons (from March to October roughly), Mosquito Joe made the decision to franchise in early 2012. The company launched its franchise sales efforts in October and has already received significant interest and leads. Mosquito Joe’s executive team comes from a deep background in franchising and was already familiar with FranConnect’s capabilities. In preparation for growing a franchisee base, Mosquito Joe chose to invest in FranConnect from the beginning. Currently, the company is implementing FranConnect’s franchise sales management system, intranet system and elements of the newest platform, Zcubator.

“Through FranConnect, we are able to see what lead generation tactics are working, analyze our strategies and use our dollars more intelligently to grow our business,” said Angela Zerda, Director of Marketing for Mosquito Joe. “FranConnect’s focus on franchising systems coupled with our executive team’s experience and our franchise-centric culture allow for seamless collaboration.”

With a background in technology, CEO Amit Pamecha created FranConnect after realizing that no one offered franchisors a centralized system to manage operations. Working with franchise veterans, Pamecha translated franchisors’ feedback into a user-friendly, comprehensive franchise management platform. FranConnect is the only technology service that gives franchisors the capability to house multiple facets of the organization.

FranConnect is the leading provider for franchise technology and solutions working with more than 450 brands. As a result of this experience, FranConnect has developed four revolutionary productsthat all integrate into one easy-to-use system while leveraging industry best practices and tactics. The base product, FranConnect®, helps franchisors manage all operations including development, CRM, financials, reporting and analytics, franchisee support/training and more. One of their most successful offerings, Captivate®, a centralized recruitment accelerator has helped franchisors to grow their organic lead generation anywhere from 20-400%. Additionally, for service-based organizations, FranConnect developed Service314 to help unit owners run their business locally while integrating point-of-sales software. To address the increasingly complex local marketing landscape, the company unveiled Zcubator™, a single platform that allows Franchisees to easily launch targeted campaigns and measure their effectiveness, all through a single login.

FranConnect’s recently appointed President of Global Operations, Keith Gerson, has worked for large brands in the franchising industry, bringing extensive experience and an insider’s perspective to the company. Mosquito Joe and FranConnect mark what they hope to be the beginning of a long relationship.

“Each one of our clients has unique challenges and needs associated with various parts of the business, and we look forward to working with Mosquito Joe to learn the intricacies of the franchise and build the custom solutions to help them grow,” said Gerson. “As we develop and implement management systems for companies like Mosquito Joe, we are simultaneously perfecting our services and evolving as a supplier in the franchise industry.”

About FranConnect, Inc.

FranConnect is the leading provider of Franchise Management Systems as more than 450 brands use the company’s comprehensive systems to establish, grow and manage their franchise operations. FranConnect’s integrated suite of applications allows franchisors to manage all aspects of their operations including Franchise Sales, Marketing, Financial Data Collection and Analysis, Royalty Invoicing and Automated Funds Transfer, Contract and Legal Document Management, Customer Relationship Management, Help Desk, Franchisee Support, Online Training, Supply Management, Automated Ad-Builder, E-mail Marketing, Franchisee Websites, ZIP Code Locator Service, QuickBooks, Peachtree and POS Integration.

About Mosquito Joe

Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, Mosquito Joe provides mosquito control services to residential and commercial customers, repelling and killing outdoor pests such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. Through barrier sprays, misting systems and special event solutions Mosquito Joe is committed to making outside fun again

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – BUSINESS WIRE – Handyman Matters has been recognized as the top Brand in the Home Referral Services and Home Repairs category as part of Newsweek’s inaugural list of America’s Best Companies for Customer Service. The independent study used data from a survey of more than 20,000 US customers and focused solely on Customer Service.

Owner and founder, Andy Bell stated, “What an honor! We cannot be more thrilled for the recognition our Owners earned by being ranked first in our category. It’s so gratifying to see the efforts our owners deliver to our customers day in and day out rewarded by those they are serving.”

In collaboration with Statista, Newsweek sanctioned the independent study that was based on several criteria, such as usage of the service and whether a customer would recommend the brand. Respondents were also asked to provide feedback on communication received from the brand, technical competence, the range of services offered and their customer focus, amongst others. The results can be seen in the 11/30/18 issue of Newsweek or seen here.

“This recognition is validation that our objective to Redefine Home Improvement is gaining the traction it so well deserves!” echoed Chris Bue, CEO of Handyman Matters. “With enhancements like ‘On My Way’ Text Notifications and the ability to Book Online 24/7, we will continue to meet and exceed our customer needs.”

Committed to helping you love your home, Handyman Matters’ locally owned and operated locations provide professional and multi-skilled craftsmen, trained to handle a homeowners’ to-do list in addition to larger, more critical projects like a bathroom refresh or remodel. The unique offering best suited for most consumers is the Half Day or Full Day Package. Check out their website for a total list of services and packages at: www.HandymanMatters.com.

Franchise owner, Paul Hammer, based in Columbus, OH, stated, “This is so awesome. We have worked hard the past few years working on the customer experience, not only while our Craftsman is in the home, but right when we answer the phone. Newsweek’s study validates those efforts and shows me our customers truly appreciate how we help them love their home.”

Handyman Matters guarantees their work and offers a “like it’s our home” Promise. Check out why Handyman Matters is different here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DIKDccSp7o

About Handyman Matters

Founded in 1998 and recently celebrated 20 years in business, Handyman Matters is a national franchise organization that offers home and commercial maintenance, improvement and remodeling services. For more information visit www.HandymanMatters.com.

Authority Brands, LLC announced today the purchase of Mosquito Squad. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition represents the second brand addition for Authority Brands since October 2018.
Founded in 2005, Mosquito Squad is a leading outdoor pest control franchisor with over 250 franchisees in the U.S., Kenya, Indonesia and Puerto Rico. The company provides services to eliminate mosquitoes, ticks and the diseases they can bring to families and communities and was the creator of the mosquito barrier protection spray method.
Authority Brands is a leading home services franchising platform and the parent company to The Cleaning Authority (“TCA”), Homewatch CareGivers (“HWCG”) and America’s Swimming Pool Company (“ASP”). TCA franchisees provide residential cleaning services to more than 100,000 recurring customers, HWCG franchisees deliver at-home services including elderly, disabled and after-surgery care, as well as help for those living with dementia, while ASP franchisees provide swimming pool maintenance, repair and renovation.
“We are very excited about this new partnership as we endeavor to build on our market leadership position, improve our processes and systems, and help our franchisees achieve even greater success. The entire Mosquito Squad team looks forward to aligning with Authority Brands and tapping into their expertise to help us grow and realize the brand’s full potential. We are thrilled to start this new chapter in the future of Mosquito Squad,” said Amy Lawhorne, Vice President and Brand Leader of Mosquito Squad.
“We’ve been following the success of Mosquito Squad for many years. They are a leader in their industry and we are looking forward to supporting their team and helping facilitate the continued growth of their franchisees,” said Rob Weddle, CEO of Authority Brands.
Authority Brands supports individual franchisee growth by providing strong marketing, technology and operational support. With the addition of Mosquito Squad, Authority Brands now has more than 750 franchise locations in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Kenya, Indonesia and Puerto Rico.
About Authority Brands
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands, LLC is the parent company of four leading home service franchisors, The Cleaning Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, America’s Swimming Pool Company and Mosquito Squad. Together, these brands provide recurring home services through more than 750 franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Kenya, Indonesia and Puerto Rico. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchisee growth through providing strong marketing, technology and operational support.
SOURCE Authority Brands

Woodbury, Minn. – Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, has purchased a new fitness concept with plans to franchise it worldwide. Basecamp Fitness was developed by Nick Swinmurn, the founder of Zappos, and currently has five locations – three near Los Angeles and two in the San Francisco area.

“Our plan is to build additional corporate-owned studios next year to explore consumer preferences and perfect the Basecamp Fitness experience,” said Chuck Runyon, Co-founder and CEO of Self Esteem Brands and Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest fitness franchise. “We hope to begin franchising Basecamp Fitness in the U.S. and internationally in 2020.”

Basecamp Fitness’ high-energy workout sessions are designed to increase strength while improving cardio performance by alternating 60-second bursts of various strength-training exercises with 60-seconds on a stationary “airbike” – for an intense 35 minutes. The fast, fun sessions are followed by an optional 10-minute core exercise session to conclude the workout.

“We believe that Basecamp Fitness and Anytime Fitness will appeal to two very different types of consumers,” said Dave Mortensen, Co-founder and President of Self Esteem Brands and Anytime Fitness. “Anytime Fitness gyms feature convenient, 24-hour access, a welcoming, supportive environment and a growing variety of coaching programs to personally help members achieve their individual fitness goals. Basecamp Fitness features high-intensity workouts designed for those seeking fast-paced interval training that tests how far you are willing to push yourself – efficient and effective group sessions, for people of all fitness levels, intended to produce strong bodies, hearts and minds.”

Jedidiah Schmidt will lead the new Basecamp Fitness development team after recently being promoted to the position of Basecamp Fitness Brand President. Previously, Schmidt served as Brand President for Provision Security Solutions, a Self Esteem Brands company that develops, installs and services technology systems at Anytime Fitness gyms.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce Basecamp Fitness to a much larger audience, first in the Midwest and then to all corners of the globe,” Schmidt said. “Basecamp Fitness’ business model has a proven track record of providing members with significant health and fitness improvements through an intense and efficient workout. And Self Esteem Brands is a worldwide leader in franchising with a veteran staff dedicated to supporting our franchisees.”

For additional information about Basecamp Fitness: basecamp@sebrands.com

Other Recent Anytime Fitness News http://anytimefitness.com/press

About Self Esteem Brands

Improving the self-esteem of the world. That’s the lofty goal of Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness (the world’s largest fitness franchise) and Waxing the City, an award-winning waxing and personal care franchise poised for rapid expansion. Self Esteem Brands is also the parent company to affiliates Provision Security Solutions, Healthy Contributions, PumpOne and Franchise Real Estate. Self Esteem Brands seeks to enrich the lives of all of those who interact with our companies in more than 30 countries worldwide. That includes our consumers, vendors, employees, franchisees and the surrounding communities, where more than 4,300 of our independently owned and operated franchises are located. Additionally, Self Esteem Brands is actively seeking other innovative business concepts to partner with and franchise.

About Anytime Fitness

Ranked #12 on Entrepreneur’s prestigious Top Global Franchise list, Anytime Fitness is the fastest-growing fitness franchise in the world, with more than 4,300 gyms serving nearly 4,000,000 members on five continents. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient fitness options and friendly, personal service in well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Gyms are now open in all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Join one gym and use them all.

WellBiz Brands, Inc., a franchise portfolio company operating three distinct health and wellness brands – Elements Massage®, Fitness Together® and FIT36® – announces it has acquired the Amazing Lash® Studio franchise brand.
Amazing Lash Studio, the leading provider of affordable eyelash extensions, was founded in 2010 and operates over 200 franchise locations in 33 states. Amazing Lash Studios are retail salons that apply semi-permanent eyelash extensions with a proprietary, patented process to the client’s own lashes, replicating the curve and size of natural lashes. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Amazing Lash Studio #5 on their 2018 Top New Franchises list. The brand was also #260 on the Inc. list of America’s 500 Fastest Growing companies.
“I am excited to welcome the Amazing Lash Studio brand, franchise owners and support team to the WellBiz Brands portfolio of companies,” said WellBiz Brands Executive Chairman Joe Luongo. “The addition of the nation’s leading eyelash extensions franchise brand is a natural expansion to the health and wellness businesses we already operate.”
Amazing Lash Studio, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, will be led by Chief Executive Officer Heather Elrod. Elrod joined Amazing Lash Studio as Chief Operations Officer in June 2016 and brings 25 years of beauty and franchise experience to the WellBiz Brands’ leadership team. Elrod states, “I’m thrilled for Amazing Lash Studio to be joining the WellBiz Brands’ portfolio. By doing so, we will be able to build on our extremely strong foundation and continue to accelerate studio growth, product innovation and franchisee support so Amazing Lash Studio remains the category leader in the eyelash extensions and retail beauty industries.”
WellBiz Brands, a leader in the health and wellness industry, was recently included on the Inc. 5000 list. The acquisition of Amazing Lash Studio strengthens WellBiz Brands position by adding beauty to their growing health and wellness portfolio. With its robust shared services platform and infrastructure, WellBiz Brands is uniquely qualified to serve the growing needs of the health-conscious consumer and will continue to pursue investments that leverage this strength. To support on-going growth, the company has significantly invested in its leadership, creating a management team with experience from many diverse and respected consumer companies.
Piper Jaffray served as financial advisor to WellBiz Brands on the transaction. As part of the acquisition, Golub Capital provided WellBiz Brands financing through a new credit facility to fund both this transaction and future growth.

About WellBiz Brands, Inc.
WellBiz Brands, Inc. is the manager of four health, wellness and beauty franchise brands: Amazing Lash Studio®, Elements Massage®, FIT36® and Fitness Together®. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, WellBiz Brands, has over 600 combined U.S. locations across the four brands. Through the WellBiz Brands support staff, the brands strive to uphold these core values: fun, ownership, respect, passion, and integrity. These core values embody all that is important for each brand – from franchise owners to clients – to lead healthy, balanced lives. All four brands offer unique franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs from all walks of life and various investment levels, with a fresh focus on recurring revenue models.

About Amazing Lash Studio®
Amazing Lash Studio was founded in 2010 with a vision to be the leading provider of affordable eyelash extensions. Amazing Lash Studios are retail salons that apply semi-permanent eyelash extensions with a proprietary, patented process to the client’s own lashes, replicating the curve and size of natural lashes. The concept began franchising in 2013, and to date has over 200 open studios in 33 states and 714 Regional Developer Units awarded. They recently earned the rank of #5 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises for 2018 and were ranked #260 on the Inc 500 List.