MAID BRIGADE Offers Free Franchise for Vets

Now, my inner smartass urges me to lead with a cynical comment, something like:  You defended our Homeland…  Now you can clean it!

But the franchise marketer in me applauds the professional, well-conceived presentation and the all-out commitment to implementation (including dedicated program graphics, dedicated website, Twitter and FaceBook accounts, panel of judges, 4th of July timing, and PR rep Lisa Sperling’s contacting me via email & Twitter) that Maid Brigade demonstrates.  Kind of military in its roll-out.

And since I’ve used up my quota of military smart-ass comments with my recent Send Jared to Gitmo campaign (SUBWAY: Send Jared to Gitmo!, Military Considers Abducting Subway’s Jared), I’ll stick with applauding Maid Brigade for properly vetting a good vet promo.

Franchisor Marketing reports that Maid Brigade is launching a contest to promote its franchise opportunity to U.S. Armed Forces veterans as franchise owners.  According to the post (MAID BRIGADE Launches Franchise Giveaway Contest for Vets),  10% of Maid Brigades current owners are vets.

The essay contest, entitled “Maid Brigade Veterans Franchise Giveaway,” offers to waive the $14,500 franchise for up to 100 vets who want to sign on as franchisees, and will award one turn-key franchise package – all expenses paid – to the Grand Prize Winner (a $45,000 value).  Second and third place winners will receive similar packages valued at $27,500 and $17,500, respectively.

Maid Brigade Salutes Veterans with $1.5 Million Franchise Giveaway

Contest Will Offer New Careers to 100+ Military Veterans

(June 29, 2009) — They’ve earned their medals in the U.S. Armed Forces. Now veterans can prove their mettle in the business world with the Maid Brigade Veterans Franchise Giveaway, a program that will award more than $1.5 million in business ownership opportunities to 100+ veterans, creating more than 1,000 jobs nationwide.

The contest comes at a time when America’s economy is down, but patriotism is high. Maid Brigade, the award-winning residential cleaning service and longtime supporter of the military, is acting on both fronts by offering new careers to veterans, a group it considers worthy, qualified, and proven as franchise owners.

Currently, 10 percent of Maid Brigade owners are veterans; others in the network come from a range of careers.

The contest will launch on Independence Day, July 4, and conclude on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009.

To apply for the giveaway, veterans must visit www.maidbrigadegiveaway.com to complete the form and to submit a short essay by September 30 on how their military responsibilities would translate to successful Maid Brigade franchise ownership.

Maid Brigade will waive its $14,500 Select Market Franchise fee for as many as 100 qualified veteran applicants. Additionally, one grand prize winner will receive a new Maid Brigade franchise operation at zero cost —a total value of $45,000, which includes waived franchise fees, working capital, training, and equipment. Second and third place winners will receive similar packages valued at $27,500 and $17,500, respectively. A Maid Brigade Select Market Franchise is designed for smaller geographical regions. Owners manage all business aspects of an operation and oversee a staff of employees who clean homes following Maid Brigade’s certified Green Cleaning system.

READ ON AT:  MAID BRIGADE Launches Franchise Giveaway Contest for Vets

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graphics:  Maid Brigade

Post from: Franchise Pick

MAID BRIGADE Launches Franchise Giveaway Contest for Vets

Maid Brigade is launching a special promotion aimed at recruiting Armed Forces veterans as franchise owners.

The essay contest, entitled “Maid Brigade Veterans Franchise Giveaway,” offers to waive the $14,500 franchise for up to 100 vets who want to sign on as franchisees, and will award one turn-key franchise package – all expenses paid – to the Grand Prize Winner.

Lisa Sperling (770-736-3573) is the PR contact for the program, which is being promoted via a dedicated website, Twitter campaign and publicity initiative.  Press releases follow:

Maid Brigade Announcement

Maid Brigade Contest Application

Maid Brigade Panel of Judges

Maid Brigade Salutes Veterans with $1.5 Million Franchise Giveaway
Contest Will Offer New Careers to 100+ Military Veterans

(June 29, 2009) — They’ve earned their medals in the U.S. Armed Forces. Now veterans can prove
their mettle in the business world with the Maid Brigade Veterans Franchise Giveaway, a program that will
award more than $1.5 million in business ownership opportunities to 100+ veterans, creating more than 1,000 jobs nationwide.

The contest comes at a time when America’s economy is down, but patriotism is high. Maid Brigade, the
award-winning residential cleaning service and longtime supporter of the military, is acting on both fronts by offering new careers to veterans, a group it considers worthy, qualified, and proven as franchise owners.
Currently, 10 percent of Maid Brigade owners are veterans; others in the network come from a range of careers.

The contest will launch on Independence Day, July 4, and conclude on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009.
To apply for the giveaway, veterans must visit www.maidbrigadegiveaway.com to complete the form and to
submit a short essay by September 30 on how their military responsibilities would translate to successful Maid Brigade franchise ownership.

Maid Brigade will waive its $14,500 Select Market Franchise fee for as many as 100 qualified veteran applicants. Additionally, one grand prize winner will receive a new Maid Brigade franchise operation at zero cost —a total value of $45,000, which includes waived franchise fees, working capital, training, and
equipment. Second and third place winners will receive similar packages valued at $27,500 and $17,500, respectively. A Maid Brigade Select Market Franchise is designed for smaller geographical regions. Owners manage all business aspects of an operation and oversee a staff of employees who clean homes following Maid Brigade’s certified Green Cleaning system.

Maid Brigade’s four-member panel of judges consists of U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael H. Miller; Ted Daywalt, military veteran and President of VetJobs, the leading military-related job board on the Internet and endorsed by The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Naval Reserve Association and the Veterans of Modern Warfare; decorated U.S. military veteran and Maid Brigade franchise owner Ray Toombs; and Maid Brigade Chairman and Founder Don Hay.

“Military veterans have done so much for our country,” said Hay of the Maid Brigade franchise network.
“This year on Veterans Day, we want to show them our appreciation by giving them their own business, a new career, and comfortable lifestyle.” Unlike a typical military career and some other franchises, Maid Brigade franchise ownership is a Monday to Friday business with daytime hours, no nights, and no weekends. It allows time home with one’s family and an opportunity for business growth and a high ROI. Maid Brigade, a recession-resistant business, has weathered previous recessions of the 1980s, 1990s and post-9/11, without a drop in same store sales.

Franchise businesses consider veterans to be excellent franchise owners. They’re disciplined self-starters,
they embrace teamwork and know how to follow a proven path to success. Maid Brigade’s technology-driven business systems, highly standardized cleaning processes, and ongoing corporate support make its organization an especially good fit for veterans.

Hay and his wife, Maid Brigade Vice President of Franchise Recruitment and self-proclaimed “Navy Brat” Cathy Hay, have always believed in a vigorous commitment to the U.S. military. For years, Maid Brigade has partnered with the non-profit Operation Homefront to provide military families in crisis with free housecleaning services; it has also consistently offered veterans discounted franchising fees and larger territories.

Maid Brigade is a longtime member of VetFran, the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, created by the International Franchise Association and supported by the Center for Veterans Enterprise.
One of the contest judges, Army and Navy veteran Ray Toombs, and his wife bought their Maid Brigade
operation in Ohio in 2003. “The military was a big part of my life, and it meant a lot to be recognized for my
service by Maid Brigade and VetFran,” Toombs said. Since they launched their business, the Toombs’
franchise has experienced 15 to 20 percent growth per year. Other couples also own Maid Brigade operations; system-wide the network comprise 17 percent couples, 48 percent men, and 35 percent women as owners.

While Maid Brigade has a long and rich history of supporting veterans, a new bill, the Help Veterans Own
Franchises Act (HR 2672), has recently been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage
other franchise businesses to offer discounts for veterans interested in buying a franchise.

Veteran applications are due by September 30, 2009. Detailed Veterans Franchise Giveaway rules are
available at www.maidbrigadegiveaway.com. Veteran applications are due by September 30, 2009.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Maid Brigade is a global residential cleaning service with more than 420 locations in the United States and Canada. Established in 1979, it has grown its market share every year since its inception, with system-wide sales over $70 million in 2008. Unique to Maid Brigade is its Green Clean Certified® cleaning system, the only house cleaning system that uses green cleaning solutions certified by Green Seal State of the art technology, training and ongoing support also set apart the franchiser, which helped it earn several franchising accolades, including rankings in and magazines and awards from Franchise Research Institute, The Franchise Ratings Guide, and FranNet.

For more information, visit www.maidbrigade.com or call 800-722-6243.

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graphic:  Maid Brigade

RIP WingZone, Lancaster, PA

Saturday night, my 12-year old son, 7-year-old grandaughter and I had a simultaneous craving for buffalo wings.

I gave my son his choice of places (we’re a wing-savvy family) and his choice was immediate:  WingZone.

We headed for the WingZone franchise on Fruitville Pike in Lancaster.  They always did a good job, and just celebrated their second anniversary this past October.

Unfortunately, we found a depressing site:  a sign in front of WingZone that read “Sorry we are closed.  Thanks for all your support.”

WingZone opened in late 2006 and must have just closed within the last week or so.

I’m not sure why, but wing franchises seem to have a hard time making it in this market.

Several have tried and closed, including a 3 WTG Wings-to-Go franchises that closed a few years back.  WOW Wingery & Cafe opened on the F&M Campus recently, and carries on.

Franchisee Brophy was right about the demand for wings in the area, but I think the number of good “wing nights” at local bars and restaurants may be too much competition for the take-out franchise concepts.

R.I.P. WingZone of Lancaster, PA.  Believe me, we tried our best to keep you in business.  You’ll be missed.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  SHARE A COMMENT.

image:  SK, cameraphone

Post from: Franchise Pick

FRANCHISE FRIDAY:10 Franchise Opportunities

Ten fresh franchise opportunities you can start!

A couple of weeks ago I started a little weekly post called OpporTUESDAY, where I invited franchisors to shamelessly brag (in 100 words or less) about their franchise opportunities, and to provide links to their websites.

I liked the idea of giving franchisors a free listing (as they get charged out the wazoo by most franchise listing portals) and giving prospective franchisees a chance to review interesting franchise opportunities that might not be advertising (and spending) heavily enough to get their attention.

OpporTUESDAY was immediately well-received, and despite little promotion we’ve received information from about 30 franchise companies.

To say Thanks for Participating, FranBest.Com has agreed to post OpporTUESDAY submissions on its front page.  Here are a few of the first contributions:

ShowHomes – a Home Staging Franchise

Computer Explorers – a fast-growing Child Education Franchise

Kumon – a worldwide Children’s Education Franchise

Snip-Its – a fun Children’s Hair Salon Franchise

whippersnappers – Cool name for a Children’s Photography Studio Franchise

Extreme Pizza – a boldly branded New Pizza Franchise

Global Prevention Services – Be a Moldbuster! An Environmental Franchise

Spoon Me – hip new Frozen Yogurt Franchise

Express Pros – growing Express Staffing Franchise

Molly Maid – a leading Maid Service Franchise

Franchisors Submit your franchise opportunity listings here:  OpporTUESDAY.

Franchise shoppers Check out OpporTUESDAY participants and the other franchise opportunities listed at FranBest.com.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.

image:  FranBest.com

Post from: Franchise Pick

Maid Service Franchise

Molly Maid cleaning franchise opportunity was submitted to OpporTuesday by Roy Billesbach:

“Molly Maid, our leading home-services brand, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. You won’t find many franchise concepts with that longevity and stability. And you won’t find another franchise system with an executive business model built on an 8-5p.m., Monday-Friday workweek, where repeat customers generate recurring income and afford you the ability to project revenues six months out. The news is you’re managing a scalable business with the resources and support you need to succeed, and the freedom to enjoy a lifestyle few others experience. Own a business; energize your life. Tweet me for more information about our Molly Maid franchise opportunity.”

Submit your franchise opportunity to OpportTUESDAY.

Check out these OpporTUESDAY franchise listings:

Express Staffing Franchise

Express Pros staffing franchise opportunity was submitted to OpporTuesday by Tiffany:

“As an entrepreneur, what more could you ask for than to own your own business in a thriving industry? What about the ability to help your community, local businesses, and job seekers, too? If that’s what you’re looking for, then Express may be the perfect fit for you.

As a leading provider in the staffing industry, Express offers powerful national branding and recognition. Express also offers multiple profit centers, unique territories, Monday-Friday business hours, and something more.

Want to know what really sets Express apart? Our franchisees can’t stop talking about what it really boils down to. Our company is founded and focused on one life-changing, important mission: to help people succeed. ”

Submit your franchise opportunity to OpportTUESDAY.

Check out these OpporTUESDAY franchise listings:

Frozen Yogurt Franchise

Spoon Me frozen yogurt franchise opportunity was submitted to OpporTuesday by Brittany Snapp:

“We’re just a group of hard-working, fun loving yogurt groupies out to change the world. Our mission is three-fold: 1) love the body we live in 2) the people we live with and 3) the earth we live on.

Spoon Me Loves Your Body
Spoon Me yogurt is fat free, has less than 83 calories per serving, and contains no table sugar or artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavoring. It is Nat•u•ral and quite tasty. No matter the reason, we think people will leave Spoon Me happy. And with all those live active cultures, people are bound to leave with an extra bounce in their step.

Spoon Me is NOW franchising!

Spoon Me Loves the Environment
To be completely eco-friendly in every aspect of life is difficult and we don’t claim to be. But we sure can try! Once people are done eating the yogurt, they can move on to the spoon (it’s made of corn starch). Even our cups, straws, napkins, and garbage bags are 100% biodegradable in as little as 90 days.

Spoon Me Loves the Community
It’s hard to change the world if you can’t even help out your own community. That’s why we’re always looking for cool ways to pitch in around our own hood. People can help us spread the love by dropping a few coins in our “Keep the Change Charity,” or, if they are looking for a more hands on approach, they can check out our community board for other volunteer activities.”

Submit your franchise opportunity to OpportTUESDAY.

Check out these OpporTUESDAY franchise listings:

Environmental Franchise

Global Prevention Services environmental franchise opportunity was submitted to OpporTuesday by Jack Eberenz:

“Mold and microbial infestations in homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, fire stations and any building you can imagine has become recognized as a majore health hazard. Global Prevention Services has a proprietary process far superior to conventional remediation. Hundreds of tons of waste headed to land fills already saved. This is the franchise of the future. Large exclusive area franchises, top quality franchisor management, combined with an environmentally friendly system.”

Submit your franchise opportunity to OpportTUESDAY.

Check out these OpporTUESDAY franchise listings:

New Pizza Franchise

Extreme Pizza franchise opportunity was submitted to OpporTuesday by Katherine Ryan:

“Extreme Pizza is the leading purveyor of innovative pizzas, monster subs and salads. The company’s philosophy “Extreme. Not mainstream.” shines through every aspect of its business from its signature pizzas like the Adrenaline Rush and Everest, to the extreme sports-themed paraphernalia that adorn every store. Customers can push the limits of extremely delicious eating, while still keeping both feet on the ground. Extreme Pizza is expanding rapidly both nationally and internationally. If you are an entrepenuer looking to get behind a one-of-a-kind concept and truly delicious product, now is the time to join the Extreme Team!”

Submit your franchise opportunity to OpportTUESDAY.

Check out these OpporTUESDAY franchise listings:

Children’s Photography Studio Franchise

whippersnappers™ Children’s Photography studio franchise opportunity was submitted to OpporTuesday by whippersnappers™:

“Dying to break out of the corporate mold? Craving creativity, but hesitant to throw structure completely out the window? Wish you could own a business that is fun, rewarding, and – dare to dream – a proven success? whippersnappers studio™ is a one-of-a-kind franchise where you can build big business while doing what you love. It’s not often that you find a creative business opportunity coupled with a successful, proven system – throw in a fun environment and a high quality product and, well, that’s the stuff dreams are made of. And, that is exactly what you’ll find in a whippersnappers™ franchise.”

Submit your franchise opportunity to OpportTUESDAY.

Check out these OpporTUESDAY franchise listings:

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