DailyFranchiseNews.com

Not Just a Temporary Fix

As many jobseekers know, staffing agencies have become an invaluable resource during the recession and a way to obtain income when it’s needed most.

Examiner.com reported one of the top staffing agencies – Express Employment Professionals – has over 600 locations nationwide, including almost 20 in the DC Metro area. Jan Patillo, the owner of Express Employment Professionals in Alexandria, Va., works diligently to find positions for job seekers to provide not only a source of income, but a chance to maintain or gain valuable work skills. By successfully merging the needs of the job seeker and the business, she creates a win-win situation: Patillo and her team work with a wide range of companies including professional businesses as well as commercial industries and warehouses and as a result, the agency is able to place a diverse spectrum of job seekers from the professional to the entry level, as well as blue collar. Patillo also said that each of the DC Metro area Express offices work together to find the best fit for the clientele and businesses utilizing their services.

Patillo said her agency puts potential workers through rigorous testing to make sure that they are fit for any position that they are offered, including word processing and data entry tests to assess the skill level of each candidate, and that it is easy to spot those individuals that have a true desire to work. “Those are the people who will accept any type of employment,” says Patillo. They are willing to work in any position offered whether it is temporary or part time. If someone has taken a few courses to increase their skills - excellent! Taking courses while looking for employment is a sure sign that someone wants to increase their marketable skills.” Patillo is also optimistic about the future of the economy and falling unemployment levels. “The market place is already seeing a turn around with more and more jobs becoming available,” she observes. The task of Express Employment Professionals is to make sure that there are qualified employees available to meet the needs of DC Metro employers and Patillo and her team of experts are ready to make that happen.

Photo: a potential Express Employment Professionals candidate taking a skills test.

What's in a Name?

When selecting a name for a business, there are many questions to consider. Is it a name people will remember? Does it clearly establish what the company does and what it stands for? Will it allow the company to grow in any market? What American Ramp Systems – which operated franchises under the name amRAMP – realized was that while its monikers somewhat answered these questions, the company could do it more effectively. After over a decade of operating under both names, the South Boston-based company and America’s leading low-cost, steel modular ramp provider has changed the name of all aspects of its business to Amramp as of May 1st.

Boston.com reported Amramp worked with Danvers, Mass.-based Pelu-SO Creative and Amramp’s New Jersey franchisee Jack Pignatello to design the company’s new logo, which describes the company visually, translates across all languages and presents a clear message of the company’s major focus on delivering ramps to those with disabilities while broadening its range of products. This new graphic and name will be displayed on all business cards, letterheads, clothing, signage, promotional materials and vehicle wraps as well as on the company website, amramp.com, which is currently undergoing a redesign. As for Amramp president Julian Gordon, he’s confident this new approach will propel Amramp in a positive direction: In addition to honoring its commitment to providing ramps for rent or purchase without the need for costly and time-consuming permits, contractors or property tax assessments, Gordon hopes to continue the company’s impressive sales – which have increased 400 percent over the last 48 months – and expand internationally through a master franchise program.

“The new Amramp name and logo are clearly our own and resolve past conflicts by giving us an edge as we continue to expand both domestically and internationally,” said Gordon. “The transition will take time but our corporate team as well as our franchisees have all been extremely receptive to this change and are looking forward to its impact on the future of our company.”

Photo: Amramp president Julian Gordon.

Panchero’s Debuts in Maryland

What fresh concept is heading to the Old Line State?

The Baltimore Business Journal reported Panchero’s Mexican Grill will open its first of 10 restaurants in the Baltimore region in early June. The franchisees, Robin Kwon and Bob Lee, have signed a three-unit development agreement and plan to open two more restaurants in the Towson and Columbia areas within the next two years.

“We like that Panchero’s is an expanding company that we can grow with. As soon as we tasted the food, we realized right away how special this concept is,” said Bob. “From its atmosphere to its freshly-pressed tortillas, Panchero’s sets itself apart from the competition in every way and we are sure residents will realize that from their very first bite.” Added Robin, “Panchero’s is an excellent fit for the area and far different from any other fresh-Mexican concept out there. We’re definitely looking forward to expanding further throughout Maryland.”

Being the Boss

With the recession making layoffs more common and job openings scarcer, people are swapping traditional career paths for business ownership. The best part (besides being one’s own boss, of course): SUCCESS!

The Charlotte Observer reported that in Mecklenburg alone, 205 new businesses were created in April, slightly more than in March, though that activity was down 16 percent the first four months of this year over the same period last year. Many say they're drawn because of the earning potential, the chance to be their own boss and the opportunity to follow a dream. Others are starting a business because they've lost their job or fear a layoff is imminent. Take John Winslow: After careers with General Electric, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, Winslow’s wife accepted a job in Charlotte and instead of actively pursuing another corporate career, he decided to start his own business. He enlisted the help of a business broker who mentioned Floor Coverings International. Winslow researched the company, liked its focus on customer relationships and bought a franchise; he’s happy to report business has climbed steadily since it started last year, and April was a record month. “The economy has played a role, but a lot of flooring companies have closed, and we continue to grow," Winslow said. "It's a lot of work, and you're on call 24/7, but it's different when you're trying to build something on your own. It's a nice feeling to actually build something with your own hands." Winslow also said owning a franchise is a good option for a first-time entrepreneur because Floor Coverings International has helped with marketing, IT and other tools.

Randy Lambeth is another prime example: After 20 years of working in the Hanes division of Sara Lee, the company announced it was going to spin off its apparel business, and Hanes was offering voluntary buyout packages in 2005. Lambeth took the buyout and, knowing he didn't want to look for another job, he decided to buy a franchise. He settled on Martinizing Dry Cleaning because it had a strong name and a solid business model. Lambeth has opened four locations and has agreed to open 10 dry cleaners by 2012. He has 20 employees, and last month was a record month for sales. "I thought that, at my age, it was going to take a long time to find something, and I didn't think I could make the same income I'd been making. I'm not there yet, but I see the potential,” he said. “You are truly everything when you go into business for yourself. Know what you're getting into, plan it out real well, plan what's going to happen in the future … and just jump."

Photos from top left: John Winslow of Floor Coverings International; Kim and Randy Lambeth of Martinizing Dry Cleaning.

Ask the Expert

Last week, we posted how Charlie Jackson used his layoff from Sara Lee as the impetus to open his own Express Oil Change. In today’s edition of the Hattiesburg American, Jackson offers some “been there, done that” advice to others considering a move in the same direction. Here are just a few:

Think ahead: Before selecting a concept, have a clear idea of the schedule you want to maintain for yourself and your staff. Many concepts required a seven-day-a-week commitment, but Express Oil Change was different. Since all locations are closed on Sundays, it allowed Jackson and his employees a full day to relax, go to church and spend time with their families.

Use your words: No one is going to know more about the concept you're interested in than those already involved. Therefore, talk with as many people in the organization as possible. Corporate representatives can break down the nuts and bolts of the business with ease; existing franchisees can discuss what it's like to actually own a franchise and what you can expect if you move forward with the concept.

Get trained: Regardless of your level of expertise, Jackson says to take advantage of the company’s training programs. Express Oil Change’s training program, for example, is why the company has a 99 percent survival rate of all new-construction stores built over the last 13 years.

Photo: Charlie Jackson in front of his Express Oil Change & Service Center.

Working Her Way to the Top

Think you’ll own a business one day? Mia Blair didn’t but now she owns two!

The Mukwonago Chief reported when Blair began working at Cousins Subs in 1987, she viewed it as a job but today as the owner of two locations – one in Mukwonago and one in Delafield – she is singing an entirely different tune. Blair met the first Cousins franchisee Jim Valentine while giving him private horseback riding lessons. Valentine asked Blair to come in for an interview and hired her on the spot. Although she was young, Blair said Valentine gave her a lot of responsibility, offering her a position as general manager of his Moorland Road store. When the store was being built, Blair was involved with the decision-making process. She learned the building process and worked hand-in-hand with the construction crew. That job laid the groundwork for what she does now.

"Because I got so much hands-on experience, I thought I'd just see where this would take me," Blair said. In November 1994 with the help of her dad, she opened her first store in Delafield when she was just 26 years old. By 1997, she was opening her second store in Mukwonago. Although Blair's story is a successful one, she said working in the food industry is no walk in the park. "I didn't see the light of day for 4 1/2 years," she said. "Owning your own business is a huge dedication; I had to give up a lot." Blair worked from open until close most days; she said she learned all about hard work from her father. Blair said she also has amazing staff members, many of whom have been with her for more than 10 years. Because of them, she said, she now has a lot more freedom and flexibility. Of her 38 employees, Blair said the majority have been with her for at least five years.

Blair's goal is to own three stores. She said location is the most important factor and that it's also important to make sure the demographic makes sense. "In these economic times, I appreciate my loyal customer base," said Blair.

Affording Your Four-Legged Friend

Times are tight and, unfortunately, many Americans are being forced to choose between paying their rent and paying for pet expenses. Thankfully, Central Bark Doggy Day Care co-founder Jackie Jordan provided the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel with some great tips on how to better afford your dog on any salary.

Stock up: Many dog food companies offer frequent buyer programs that reward loyal customers with perks, she says. Fromm dog food offers a frequent-buyer program giving customers one free bag for every 12 purchased. Find additional discounts online at DoggieCoupon.com.

Check your credit: "Ask your veterinarian about a weekly or monthly payment plan option to temporarily defer the cost of a large bill," Jordan says.

Listen to Bob Barker: "If your dog isn’t spayed or neutered, visit your local animal shelter as many offer discounted procedures based on owner income level," Jordan says.

Share as you care: If you send your dog to day care while you work, start a car pool with other pet parents doing the same. It will save everyone gas.

Dig for deals: "Proprietors of many pet care operations understand the plight facing pet owners today and are more willing than ever to help out in terms of pricing," Jordan says.

Tehachapi Opts Out of Recession

Talk about some good news: From April 29th to May 13th, five new businesses opened in Tehachapi, California!

The Tehachapi News reported the new businesses include two restaurants, a bakery, a liquor store and a dog grooming salon. The lone franchise in the bunch – Hungry Howie’s Pizza – is owned by local resident Elnora Mackenzie and has been warmly welcomed by the community.

“In Tehachapi when you have something new, people come and support you,” said Mackenzie. She said she’s been busy from day one and has received strong support from the Madison Heights, Michigan-based parent corporation, including a month's training in Michigan, assistance in selecting the right location and hands-on start-up help from corporate operations manager Dave Stuart. Mackenzie, who worked at another pizza franchise and decided to strike out on her own, said that opening a shop now indicates confidence “that everything is going to be OK.” Way to go, Elnora!

The State of Home Improvement: Much Improved!

As Americans spend more time in the same house, they’re taking the necessary steps to make their homes the ones of their dreams.

An Associated Press story in the Detroit News detailed how several companies have seen an increase in the booking of more small jobs in recent months. "We started to pick up a few weeks ago," said Dan Landon, owner of the Milford-based House Doctors franchise. "And then it was like someone flipped a switch and I'm booked solid."

Landon said his employees have been doing mostly general repairs like fixing doors, windows and decks and refreshing bathrooms and other areas. Jim Hunter, president and chief executive of House Doctor's parent company, H.D. Franchising Systems LLC in Milford, said revenue has risen this year compared with last year at more than half its franchises around the country. "The market is still struggling with big home additions, but the soft economy is keeping us busy with homeowners just fixing things up for now," Hunter said.

Smyrna, Ga.-based Floor Coverings International, which handles mostly residential flooring and carpeting jobs, is noticing a similar trend: fewer big projects and more budget-conscious customers. President and CEO Tom Wood said business swelled last month after a year of mostly flat sales. "In April, we had the biggest increase -- one month over the other -- that we've seen in 15 to 16 months, and we are getting more inquiries than last year," said Wood.

Photos from top right: House Doctors president and CEO Jim Hunter; Floor Coverings International president and CEO Tom Wood.

From Employee to Employer

When Charlie Jackson was downsized by his employer of nearly 25 years, he didn’t panic – he took action.

The Hattiesburg American published an article by Jackson detailing his journey after his 2005 layoff from Sara Lee. He was initially unsure of what his next move would be but Jackson realized he had an opportunity to take control over his future by opening his own business. After seeing a friend who was also downsized from Sara Lee had opened an Express Oil Change & Service Center, he saw what a great fit the concept was for his background as well and opened his own Express Oil Change in Hattiesburg, Miss. in 2006.

Jackson was rehired by Sara Lee the following year but wasn’t going to shutter his Express Oil Change business; in fact, he’s hoping to open a second location in the near future to provide as many people with quality vehicle maintenance as possible. Click here to read more of Jackson’s story; it may give you the boost you need to finally get out there and become a business owner!