FBR Issue 3 - 2018

Franchise Business 

REVIEW 

Ratings and Reviews of Today’s Top Franchises 

Summer 2018 

Top Franchises 

for Women P. 5 

Meet the Franchise 

Leaders of the Year P. 20 

SPECIAL REPORT 

TOP 80 

LOW-COST 

FRANCHISES 

SOCCER SHOTS 

FIRSTLIGHT HOME CARE 

PAYROLL VAULT 

JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS 

HOUSEMASTER 

MAIDPRO and more... P. 16 

FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: 

LORI VANDAMME, 

CAREPATROL P. 27 

JONITA & ADAM WHITE, 

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS 

AUTOMOTIVE P. 31

FBR SPECIAL REPORT 

Features //Summer 2018 

+ 

Reviews, interviews, satisfaction awards, 

and more resources are available at: 

www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

5 12 13 

3 From Dreamer to Doer 

Letter from the editor 

5 Finding Freedom, Work-Life Balance 

Through Entrepreneurship 

Women Weigh in on Best Franchises for Females 

10 Top 50 Franchises for Women 

Best of the Best 

12 Choosing a Low-Cost Franchise Investment 

80 Top-Rated Franchise Opportunities 

That Won’t Break the Bank 

16 Top 80 Low-Cost Franchises 

Best of the Best 

20 FBR’s Top Franchise Leaders of 2018 

The Visionaries Behind Today’s Most Successful Franchises 

26 Marketplace: Franchise Opportunities 

More on the franchisee-approved opportunities for 2018 

26 2018’s Top 200 Franchises 

Franchises with high franchisee satisfaction 

in every industry sector 

Franchisee Profiles 

27 Lori VanDamme, CarePatrol 

31 Jonita & Adam White, 

Christian Brothers Automotive 

32 Nickell Beach, Expedia CruiseShipCenters 

33 Lisa Coleman, Westaff 

35 Roger Sunner, Senior Care Authority 

BE YOUR OWN BOSS. 

Choose your franchise business today from ones 

rated highest by the franchisees who own them. 

Visit FBR50.com 

For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 1


Turn your passion for travel into your own 

home-based business. Discover how you can 

start planning Dream Vacations today! 

Get started for as low as $3,500 * down! 

Contact us today! 

HOME-BASED TRAVEL FRANCHISE | LOW COST, HIGH VALUE 

www.OwnaTravelBiz.com 

800.650.5576 

*Financing available for those who qualify 

2 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com


From Dreamer to Doer 

Business ownership is a dream that so many of us share. For women, that dream is becoming 

more of a reality as female business ownership continues to increase. In fact, female franchise 

ownership has increased 54 percent since 2008! As women continue to make their voices heard 

both in the franchise world and in our society, we thought it appropriate to examine the best 

franchises for women in 2018—as rated by female franchise owners, themselves. 

While women are making their dreams of entrepreneurship come true in greater numbers 

than ever before, there are still many women and men who are fearful of making the leap—and 

for good reason; starting a business can be a daunting prospect. That’s why franchising is so 

appealing, offering the perfect balance of risk with a proven system, continuous support and 

an accelerated path to success. As Kristi Janman, owner of a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise 

in Kennesaw, GA, said, “If I had known how rewarding this is, I would have done it sooner!” 

Low-cost franchise opportunities, in particular, can be a great starting point for first time 

franchisees who may be more risk averse or are simply looking to start with a smaller initial 

investment. In this issue of Franchise Business Review, we’ll also dive into some of the best 

low-cost opportunities for franchisees—and hear from the leaders at some of the highest rated 

franchise brands to learn what makes their organizations so successful. 

Armed with the right information and an entrepreneurial mindset, you’ll be able to find the 

perfect franchise for you and begin your journey of entrepreneurship with confidence—and 

support! You’ll stop dreaming and start doing! 

Hopefully the reviews and ratings in this guide prove helpful. For more information on 

specific brands, visit our website, www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

Female franchise 

ownership has increased 

54 percent over the 

last decade. 

Happy Franchising! 

Sarah Brady, Editorial Director 

Franchise Business Review is the leading franchise market research firm that performs 

independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. 

Before you invest in any franchise opportunity, read our reports to get the facts 

from those who know best — franchisees. We publish quarterly research reports, 

examining segments of franchising including the Top 200 Franchise Opportunities, 

Top Low-Cost Franchises, Top Multi-Unit Franchises, Top Food & Beverage Franchises, 

and Top Franchises for Veterans. All publications are available digitally at 

FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

Eric Stites, CEO & Managing Director 

Michelle Rowan, President & COO 

Sarah Brady, Editorial Director 

C.J. Fleck, Senior Web Developer 

Ali Forman, B2B Marketing Manager 

Nicole Kenney, Client Operations Manager 

Linda Lorrey, Client Consultant 

Wes Graves, Client Consultant 

Amy LaLime, Client Services Manager 

Margot Doering, Accounting 

The Secret Agency, Design and Production 

Call us at 866-397-6680 

HOW WE IDENTIFY THE TOP FRANCHISES 

Participation in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction research is free for all North American franchise systems with a 

minimum of 10 franchisees. For this report we looked at franchisee satisfaction from over 27,000 franchisees representing over 300 brands that 

we collected between November 2016 and May 2018. We asked each franchisee to answer 33 benchmark questions ranking their franchise in 

the areas of financial opportunity, training and support, leadership, operations and product development, core values (e.g., honesty and integrity 

of franchisor), general satisfaction, and the franchisee community. We also asked them to answer an additional 16 questions about their market 

area, demographics, business lifestyle, overall enjoyment running their franchise, and role in the franchisee community. From this data, we 

identified our list of top low-cost franchises and top franchises for women with the highest franchisee satisfaction. More detailed information 

about our research methodology is available at www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. Surveys to determine the Top Franchises for 2019 are 

underway. If you are a franchisor and would like to participate, please call 866-397-6680 or contact info@FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 


TM 


Women Are 

LEADING The Field 

In Photography 

Franchise Opportunity: 

Sports, School & Event High-Volume Photography 

“ 

Personally, my 

single favorite thing 

is that I can make 

my own schedule. 

” 

- Lindsay Verdun, TSS Franchisee 

The Perfect Franchise For Women: 

Six of the top ten TSS franchisees are women 

Be your own boss 

Low intro cost 

Home-based (no lease) 

Instant business tools: a website, 

email, marketing materials & more! 

Annual reward trips & incentives 

No photo experience necessary 

Innate understanding of what the buyer wants – 

women are the majority of buyers. 

The Leader in Sports, School & Event Photography 

Visit tssfranchisebusiness.com/FBR 

ournew 10,000 sq ft cash register! 

■ Designed for broader 

consumer appeal and 

operating efficiency 

■ Bold, contemporary exterior 

elevates curb appeal 

■ Inviting interior with a 

roomier, more comfortable 

dining area 

CONTACT 

Annette Bagwell 

abagwell@goldencorral.net 

800-284-5673 ext. 4479 

See more pictures and information 

regarding the new prototype at 

www.goldencorralfranchise.com/fbr 



Above: Kristina Bucci, trainer at 30-Minute Hit, West Island, Quebec. 

Right: Renee Friedman, CEO of FASTSIGNS, Orlando, FL; Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International. 

Finding Freedom, Work-Life Balance 

Through Entrepreneurship 

Women Weigh in on Best Franchises for Females 

In 2007, Rochelle Carrington left a successful 

sales career to purchase a Sandler Training 

Franchise in Armonk, NY. In less than two 

years, Carrington was not only turning a 

profit, but she had found a freedom not typically 

available in the corporate world. “I broke 

even in one year and was profitable in a year 

and a half,” she said. “I work quite a bit, but 

absolutely love what I do. I love the product 

and working with business owners and sales 

teams every day. From a personal perspective, 

I get to set a great example for my kids of 

what you can accomplish as a business owner 

and I have the freedom to be with them as 

much as possible.” 

Carrington has realized the dream of so 

many women who seek greater financial and 

personal freedom and the ever-elusive worklife 

balance. In the decade after Carrington 

opened her first franchise, between 2008 

and 2018, female franchise ownership has 

increased by 54 percent.* 

It’s not just franchise ownership that is 

increasing among women. Women-owned 

businesses are growing 2.5 times faster than 

the national average, with women opening 

The beauty of starting a 

franchise is that there is 

no glass ceiling to break 

through because you are 

your own boss—it is very 

empowering. 

— Catherine Monson, 

CEO of FASTSIGNS 



Left: Kim Burbank owns two Rhea Lana stores in Arkansas. 

Right: Sonali Morris, owner of Goldfish Swim School in Cleveland, with Olympic Gold Medalist Diana Munz. 

an average of 849 businesses per day, according 

to a report commissioned by American 

Express. “There is a tremendous increase in 

the number of female franchisees. Women are 

feeling more empowered,” remarked Charles 

Willis, co-founder & president of the Pinot’s 

Palette franchise. “They continue to break 

down the long-held stereotype that business is 

a man’s world.” 

FASTSIGNS CEO, Catherine Monson, 

says over the past few years their brand has 

also witnessed an increase in women franchisees. 

“In addition, we have seen a number of 

franchisees transition their business to their 

daughters, as well as more female spouses who 

have chosen to become active in the management 

of the business,” said Monson. “The 

beauty of starting a franchise is that there is no 

glass ceiling to break through because you are 

your own boss—it is very empowering.” 

The well-known fitness franchise based 

out of Boca Raton, Florida, Orangetheory 

Fitness, has been one of the fastest growing 

women-owned/led companies in the U.S. for 

a few years running, according to The Women 

President’s Organization. 

“You will often hear me say, ‘the only 

thing you have control over in your life is the 

effort you put into things,’” said Ellen Latham, 

co-founder of Orangetheory Fitness. “Women 

The only thing you have control over in your life 

is the effort you put into things. 

make great franchisees because they do not let 

their ego get in the way, so there is more bonding 

with fellow franchisees and not so much of 

beating their fellow franchisees out, but rather 

just improving upon their last best effort.” 

To be clear, it’s not just women who are 

finding success with franchising. Thanks to 

a healthy economy, recent tax reform and a 

favorable regulatory environment, the franchise 

industry is currently witnessing its eighth 

year of expansion, with the International 

Franchise Association (IFA) predicting that in 

2018 franchise establishments will grow by 1.9 

percent, franchise employment will increase 

by 3.7 percent and gross domestic product 

from franchising will increase by 6.1 percent. 

But for women, who still struggle to secure 

funds from venture capitalists [when compared 

to men—receiving just two percent of 

venture capital funding despite owning 38 

percent of businesses in the US], hold just 20 

percent of board seats at Fortune 500 companies 

and represent a mere six percent of CEOs 

— Ellen Latham, co-founder of Orangetheory Fitness 

at S&P 500 companies—the growth in female 

franchise ownership is especially encouraging. 

A TEAM MENTALITY 

Franchise ownership offers an attractive 

option for women who are looking to make 

a career change, explore their dreams of 

entrepreneurship or for those who are simply 

frustrated with the corporate world. 

“Women are sometimes underestimated or 

get passed by on opportunities, remarked 

Rachel Sherman, owner of TSS Photography in 

Margate, Florida. “Owning your own franchise, 

being your own boss while having an incredible 

corporate office that always has your back is the 

best of all worlds! Anyone is capable of anything 

they set their mind to and work for.” 

Being in business “for yourself, not by 

yourself,” is a popular saying in the franchise 

world, and has been a contributing factor 

to the ongoing success of the franchise business 

model. “As a franchisee, you’re never 

alone. It’s not a lone wolf venture—it’s a 



As a franchisee, you’re 

never alone. It’s not a lone 

wolf venture—it’s a true 

team mentality. 

— Katherine Daniel, director 

of people operations and 

marketing, N2 Publishing 

true team mentality,” said Katherine Daniel, 

director of people operations and marketing at 

N2 Publishing. 

Renee Friedman, who bought her first 

FASTSIGNS franchise in 1993, was the preferred 

signage vendor for the 1996 Olympic 

Village and currently owns and operates a 

FASTSIGNS franchise in Central Orlando, 

explained, “Being part of a strong franchise 

provides opportunities and resources that 

would not be available as an independent 

owner. If I need help, have a question about 

a product or budget or hiring or anything, 

there’s someone standing by to assist me. We 

have so much training at our fingertips!” 

Franchising also offers a faster path to business 

ownership that is especially appealing to 

women [and men] looking to kick off a second 

career or venture into entrepreneurship for 

the first time. 

After spending 25 years in the hospitality 

industry, working as an executive for a global 

hotel brand, Kristi Janman decided it was 

time to pivot her career. She knew she wanted 

to build a business that enriched the lives of 

others, but she also knew that she did want 

to start from scratch. “I wanted to invest in a 

smaller franchise with growth potential where 

I didn’t need a 10-year runway to build a business. 

The franchise model was perfect for me,” 

she explained. In 2015, Janman bought her first 

Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise in Kennesaw, 

GA. “If I had known how rewarding this is, 

I would have done it sooner!” she exclaimed. 

WORK-LIFE BALANCE 

From part-time to remote work to the ability 

to make your own schedule, franchising offers 

a unique opportunity to realize both financial 

freedom and work-life balance. “So many of 

How Satisfied Are Women in Franchising? 

Franchise Business Review compiled survey feedback collected over 18 months from 

5,723 female franchisees representing 240 franchise brands. 

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 

Overall Satisfaction of Female Franchisees 

90 % 88 % 

85 % 

74 % 

I enjoy operating this business 

I would recommend 

my franchise brand 

to others 

84 % 

I respect my franchisor 

80 % 

I enjoy being part 

of this organization 

I would “do it again” 

knowing what I know today 

I believe my franchisor acts with a high level of integrity 

* % indicates positive responses. 

Additional data and a list of the top franchises for women can be found at 

www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 



our franchisees have left professional careers 

to open a Pinot’s Palette,” said Willis, citing the 

flexibility in franchising as a primary driver. 

“As a single mom for the last 12 years, 

having my own franchise has allowed me 

the flexibility to be great at being a mom 

and a business owner,” said Friedman. “If I 

need to take off to volunteer at school, take 

my daughter to the doctor, get my hair done, 

make phone calls or pay my personal bills, for 

example, I get to make that decision.” 

Lindsay Verdun, owner of TSS Photography 

in East Peoria, IL, echoed Friedman’s 

sentiment explaining, “I have been able to 

Rhea Lana’s 92% 

Nothing Bundt Cakes 90% 

Just Between Friends 89% 

Drama Kids 84% 

Young Rembrandts 82% 

KidsPark 79% 

Burn Boot Camp 58% 

Cruise Planners, 

an American Express 

Travel Representative 

58% 

Estrella Insurance 58% 

Pinot’s Palette 56% 

N2 Publishing 56% 

Snapology 55% 

Dream Vacations 55% 

Showhomes 

Home Staging 

work from home with my children here and 

can adjust my schedule as needed. I never 

have to worry about making class parties, field 

trips, or missing some of those ‘baby firsts.’ 

I love being my own boss who can make sure 

my family comes first over our business.” 

For men and women, work-life balance 

matters. But for women in particular, the 

responsibilities can really stack up. “It’s easy 

[for women] to take on so much responsibility— 

both at work and at home. Despite working 

full time, many women still find themselves 

carrying the lion’s share of at-home tasks like 

preparing dinner, taking care of a sick child, 

Brands with High Female Franchisee Ownership Rates 

52% 

0% 50% 100% 

Percent Female Ownership 

and the list goes on,” said Daniel. “What’s so 

great about being a franchisee is that the extra 

support—the mentorship, the operational 

playbook, the training and support staff— 

is there for the using, if only the franchisee is 

humble enough to take advantage of it.” 

At Rhea Lana’s, a community event-based 

consignment business, 92 percent of franchise 

owners are women. 

“Women desire quality of life and relationships, 

while still pursuing their professional 

dreams,” said Rhea Lana, founder and CEO 

of Rhea Lana’s. “They [women] understand 

the strength that comes from being part of a 

high achieving team. Because of this dynamic, 

they work hard to find solutions that meet the 

needs of the team and organization, even if it 

means great sacrifice for themselves. A healthy 

franchising system operates much like a family 

with deep, lasting relationships. I personally 

find great joy working with our franchisees 

because they truly care about our brand and 

they understand the ‘sister lift’ principle—that 

we grow our brand together.” 

Like Lana, Willis finds women to be 

particularly suited to and adept at running 

a franchise. “Women tend to be engaged in 

their local communities, like to socialize, 

and enjoy networking. These traits are particularly 

important when it comes to achieving 

success with Pinot‘s Palette’s business model,” 

he explained. 

FINANCING FOR FEMALE FRANCHISEES 

If you’re intrigued by franchising and 

interested in exploring your own dreams of 

entrepreneurship, your first question may be if 

you’ll be able to finance such a venture. While 

many franchise owners take advantage of SBA 

business loans, unsecured loans, and portfolio 

loans and tap into personal assets, there are 

also organizations such as EWIF (Encouraging 

Women into Franchising) and 7-Eleven, 

among others, that are actively working to 

help more women achieve their dreams of 

business ownership through franchising. 

In March, 7-Eleven announced that they 

would run their ‘W.E. Take the Lead’ Women’s 

Franchise Giveaway Contest for the second 

year in a row. The winning woman will be 

awarded an initial franchise fee-free 7-Eleven 

franchise, for an initial franchise value fee of 

up to $190,000. 



Left: Lindsay Verdun, owner of TSS Photography, Peoria, IL. 

Right: Children learn while having fun at a Snapology franchise in Pittsburg, PA. 

EWIF is a non-profit organization and 

community led entirely by volunteers whose 

mission is to provide advice and guidance to 

women interested in breaking into the franchise 

industry. EWIF holds regional meetings, 

annual conferences and award ceremonies for 

members, helping women connect and learn 

from each other. 

Similarly, there are some brands, such as 

FASTSIGNS, that offer incentives for veterans 

and first responders, male or female. At FAST- 

SIGNS that incentive equals a 50 percent 

reduction in the franchise fee. There are also a 

number of loans and grants earmarked specifically 

for female entrepreneurs who need 

access to capital, such as The Amber Grant. 

The Small Business Administration is 

another excellent resource for entrepreneurs 

and for franchisees in particular—as they are 

more likely to grant funding to a franchise 

than many other types of startups; they will 

even expedite the loan processing for SBAapproved 

franchises. 

*Based on FBR’s survey data collected between 2008 and 2018. 

In 2018, 22,734 franchisees were surveyed. 

THE BEST FRANCHISES FOR WOMEN 

When you’re ready to compare your options, 

there are thousands of franchise brands to 

choose from, which is why it is so important 

to do thorough research. Ultimately, you want 

to find a brand that will meet your expectations 

and help you achieve your dream of 

business ownership while giving you the 

lifestyle you desire. 

Examining feedback from other female 

franchise owners is one way to get unbiased 

advice from other women who have already 

made the leap into franchise ownership and 

have first-hand experience with the brands you 

are considering. To assist you in this process, 

Franchise Business Review surveyed 5,723 

female franchisees representing 240 franchise 

brands. Each survey participant was asked 

33 benchmark questions about their franchisor 

that focused on areas such as leadership, 

training, and core values. Additionally, we 

asked 16 more personal questions concerning 

topics such as their business lifestyle and 

overall enjoyment of running their franchise. 

You can explore the full list of top franchises 

for women on page 10. 

“JUST GO FOR IT” 

Franchising can be a tremendous opportunity 

for women to forge a path to meeting their 

personal and financial goals. Unlike entrepreneurs 

who start their business from scratch, 

franchising gives you the chance to start and 

grow your business immediately, with extensive 

support and a proven system. 

If you’re like many women, the fear of 

failure may be the one thing holding you back 

from pursuing your dreams. So, if you need 

some encouragement, just look to the many 

other female business owners who overcame 

their fear and took the leap into franchise 

ownership. As Latham said, “Believe in 

yourself and your communication skills, your 

passion and how hard you know you work in 

everything that you do in other parts of your 

life! JUST GO FOR IT.” 

Interested in seeing what other brands 

came out on top when measured by owner 

satisfaction? Or would you like to learn more 

about what it takes to become a franchise 

owner, yourself? Visit our website at www. 

FranchiseBusinessReview.com. We wish you 

nothing but success as you begin this next 

chapter! 



THE LIST 

Best of the Best: 

Top 50 Franchises 

for Women 

* Amada Senior Care 

In-home senior care 

American Poolplayers Association 

Pool league 

Assisting Hands 


Survey 

Date 

Feb. 

2018 

Sep. 

2017 

Aug. 

2017 

Initial 

Investment 

$87,710 – 

$174,654 

$20,763 – 

$28,648 

$77,050 – 

$149,000 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$120,000 115 

$20,763 325 

$45,000 111 

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 

Real estate 

Jan. 


$65,170 – 

$540,000 

$100,000 304 

BioPed Footcare Centres 

Custom orthotics 

Dec. 

2016 

$165,000 – 

$230,000 

$25,000 51 

* Brightway Insurance 

Financial services 

Jan. 


$107,700 – 

$160,325 

$75,000 159 

Burn Boot Camp — more on inside front cover 

Women’s fitness center 

Oct. 

2017 

$105,630 – 

$168,900 

$100,000 101 

* CarePatrol — more on p. 27 

Assisted living placement services 

Nov. 

2017 

$64,649 – 

$84,699 

$75,000 150 

“I think the senior 

management in the 

company has a strong 

background in the 

insurance business 

and that will serve 

Brightway well.” 

* Cruise Planners 

Travel agency 

Culver’s 

Quick-service restaurant 

Drama Kids 

Drama programs 

* Dream Vacations — more on p. 2 

Travel agency 

Estrella Insurance 


June 

2017 

Aug. 

2017 

Dec. 

2017 

Oct. 

2017 

Feb. 


$2,095 – 

$23,367 

$1,845,000 – 

$4,155,000 

$29,000 – 

$48,000 

$3,245 – 

$21,850 

$49,950 – 

$84,000 

$10,995 2,570 

$350,000 – 

$600,000 

610 

$30,000 208 

$3,500 1,163 

25,000 – 

$50,000 

100 

– Brightway Insurance Franchisee 

Fastest Labs 

Drug, alcohol & DNA testing services 

Dec. 


$74,650 – 

$88,900 

$50,000 26 

* FASTSIGNS — more on p. 34 

Visual business communications 

April 

2017 

$193,548 – 

$289,639 

$80,000 675 

* FirstLight Home Care 


May 


$99,681 – 

$152,926 

$65,000 255 

Goldfish Swim School 

Swim lessons 

Sep. 

2017 

$1,335,283 – 

$3,065,358 

$450,000 – 

$600,000 

69 

High Touch High Tech 

Hands-on science programs 

Aug. 

2017 

$62,750 – 

$69,000 

$37,650 33 

Home Care Assistance 


Sep. 

2017 

$77,775 – 

$245,250 

$125,000 173 

* Home Instead Senior Care 


Oct. 

2017 

$115,000 – 

$125,000 

$55,000 1,095 

Just Between Friends 

Children’s consignment 

Aug. 

2017 

$32,774 – 

$45,449 

$45,000 160 

Kampgrounds of America/KOA 

Camping services 

May 


$27,500 – 

$4,462,925 

$7,500 481 

Keller Williams 

Real estate 

May 

2017 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

959 

*Franchisee Satisfaction Report available at 


KidsPark 

Children’s play park 

* Kona Ice 

Ice cream/yogurt/frozen treats 

Aug. 

2017 

July 

2017 

$185,000 – 

$340,000 

$124,750 – 

$147,550 

$45,000 – 

$65,000 

17 

$20,000 1,070 

10 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com


Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

* MaidPro 

House cleaning & maid services 

Oct. 

2017 

$74,560 – 

$204,450 

$75,000 256 

* Minuteman Press 

Printing & marketing services 

Aug. 

2017 

$62,207 – 

$161,865 

$50,000 965 

My Salon Suite 

Private, spacious salon suites 

Nov. 

2017 

$395,000 – 

$955,000 

$150,000 68 

N2 Publishing 

Private neighborhood publications 

Nothing Bundt Cakes 

Snack retailer 

* Office Pride — more on p. 2 

Commercial cleaning services 

Orangetheory Fitness 

Fitness club 

* Our Town America — more on p. 36 

Advertising services 

* Payroll Vault Franchising 

Payroll services 

Pinch A Penny 

Pool supplies retailer 

* Pinot’s Palette 

Painting class 

* Remedy Intelligent Staffing — more on p. 33, 34 

Business services 

Oct. 

2017 

May 


Oct. 

2017 

Nov. 

2017 

Sep. 

2017 

Sep. 

2017 

Jan. 

2017 

May 

2017 

Jan. 


$975 – 

$5,650 

$392,875 – 

$545,475 

$59,500 – 

$107,200 

$327,600 – 

$634,100 

$63,300 – 

$86,250 

$44,369 – 

$70,569 

$230,000 – 

$300,000 

$97,500 – 

$204,200 

$151,840 – 

$258,280 

$975 – 

$5,650 

763 

$150,000 168 

$85,000 137 

$150,000 722 

$70,000 63 

$33,600 – 

$70,569 

41 

$0 238 

$80,000 188 

$165,000 615 

“I have been blown away 

by how supportive our 

corporate team is. The 

willingness to answer 

questions at all hours of 

the day, provide specific 

feedback related to 

different areas of the 

business, and provide 

opportunities to grow as 

a leader have all served 

me so well.” 

– Rhea Lana’s Franchisee 

Rhea Lana’s 


Feb. 


$19,050 – 

$38,950 

$14,500 86 

* Sandler Training — more on p. 27 

Business consulting & coaching 

April 


$88,150 – 

$105,750 

$100,000 265 

Scooter’s Coffee 

Quick-service restaurant 

Aug. 

2017 

$351,000 – 

$587,000 

$100,000 200 

* Senior Care Authority — more on p. 35 


ShelfGenie 

Shelving solutions 

Showhomes Home Staging 

Home staging 

Snapology 

STEM/STEAM programs & activities 

* Supporting Strategies 

Bookkeeping services 

May 

2017 

Nov. 

2017 

Jan. 


June 


March 


$52,350 – 

$78,150 

$70,100 – 

$125,250 

$45,300 – 

$78,000 

$39,000 – 

$73,500 

$77,130 – 

$102,390 

$50,000 – 

$150,000 

57 

$0 172 

$10,000 55 

$32,500 58 

$100,000 71 

“The franchisee network 

is invaluable. There is 

always someone ready 

to help.” 

– TSS Photography Franchisee 

The @WORK Group 

Recruiting services 

Feb. 


$152,000 – 

$211,000 

$150,000 100 

* TSS Photography — more on p. 4 

Sports, school & event photography 

July 

2017 

$20,400 – 

$74,275 

$10,500 176 

* Wild Birds Unlimited 

Nature retailer 

Nov. 

2017 

$146,516 – 

$249,956 

$40,000 351 

* Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 

Camping services 

March 


$100,000 – 

$2,000,000 

$200,000 84 

Young Rembrandts 

Children’s art classes 

Aug. 

2017 

$41,250 – 

$48,120 

$40,000 106 

For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com | 11


Above: Chris Holwell, home inspector with HouseMaster, Paradise, Canada. 

Right: Kona Ice franchisee. 

Choosing a Low-Cost 

Franchise Investment 

80 Top-Rated Franchise Opportunities That Won’t Break the Bank 

Many people never consider buying a franchise 

because they think they can’t afford it. 

What they don’t realize is that there are lots 

of great low-cost franchise opportunities that 

are actually very affordable. Not only that, but 

the long-term benefits of owning a business 

can far outweigh many traditional jobs. 

For this year’s Top Low-Cost Franchises 

list (see page 16), our team at Franchise Business 

Review surveyed thousands of franchise 

owners from nearly 150 leading low-cost 

franchises. Our initial cut-off for qualifying as 

“low cost” was any franchise opportunity that 

has an initial investment starting at under 

$100,000. And while we realize that $100,000 

is still a lot of money, financing options often 

make it possible to get started for much less 

than the “sticker price.” 

After combing through our data, we narrowed 

our list of 150 franchises down to the 

80 brands that had the highest satisfaction 

among franchisee owners. We asked franchisees 

over 30 questions about their franchise. 

Was the training good? Do the marketing 

programs drive business? Are you getting 

the support you need to be successful? Most 

importantly… “Would you recommend your 

franchise to others?” 

Our winners list features the Top 80 Low- 

Cost Franchises with the highest satisfaction 

in their investment class. These are the best 

franchises for your money in today’s marketplace. 

We’ll explore the characteristics that 

make these franchises great, and give you tips 

on how you can buy a great low-cost franchise. 

We’ll also hear from several franchisees 

and franchise company executives, and share 

their advice on how you too can achieve business 

ownership success. 



Left: Lisa Price, owner and senior care advocate at FirstLight HomeCare, Columbia, SC 

with one of her clients. 

Right: Kurt and Melissa Godwin, owners of Mosquito Joe, Baltimore, MD. 

A SMART FRANCHISE INVESTMENT 

Ask any accountant or business owner for 

their number one piece of advice, and you’re 

likely to hear the expression “cash is king!” 

It seems obvious, yet the number one reason 

new businesses fail (including franchise businesses!) 

is they run out of money. The biggest 

benefit of investing in a low-cost franchise 

opportunity is that with less money going to 

fund fixed startup costs, you’ll hopefully have 

more money to fund important operational 

items that drive sales and cashflow. 

When starting a new business, it’s easy to 

spend, but you should resist the urge. Think 

twice before making any purchases (even 

small ones) as they can add up quickly. Whenever 

possible, lease items instead of buying 

them, and always consider used equipment 

before getting something new. Spending $200 

more to get that fancy new office printer, is 

$200 less you’ll have to spend on advertising 

or sales activities that actually drive revenue. 

“We strive to keep our initial franchise 

fee at an average or slightly below our entire 

industry with much greater focus on owner 

candidates having more of the working capital 

they need to open and operate a successful 

senior care business,” says Jeff Bevis, CEO of 

FirstLight Home Care. “The primary benefit 

here is to give our new owners an added 

amount of working capital they can better 

utilize vs. paying us more upfront.” 

Running a lean and mean business gives 

many owners of low-cost franchises a distinct 

advantage in the marketplace. Without the 

burden of high overhead, and the worries of 

making large monthly debt payments, franchise 

owners can breathe easy and focus on 

sales and marketing. 

Autumn Lew with Just Between Friends, a 

top-rated low-cost franchise that specializes in 

organizing consignment sale events explains, 

“By keeping our startup costs under $45,000, 

we are able to empower our franchisees to 

start their own businesses without going deep 

into debt. We help them to be good stewards of 

their resources while building businesses that 

serve the families and partnering non-profit 

organizations in their communities.” 

To help keep your startup costs low, talk 

to franchise companies about potential discounts 

or financing options that they may 

provide. Some companies will let you finance 

a portion of the initial franchise fees over time, 

and many offer special incentives to military 

veterans and other special groups such as 

first responders. For example, Mosquito Joe 

franchisees, Yoel Gutierrez and Omar Sanchez, 

received a $2,500 discount on their South 

Miami-based franchise because Sanchez had 

previously worked as a firefighter. 

BUILDING A SCALABLE BUSINESS 

Just because many low-cost franchise businesses 

start small, it doesn’t mean they stay 

that way. In fact, it’s a common myth in 

franchising that in order to grow a large, 

successful business, you have to invest a lot 

of money. Nothing could be further from the 

truth. In fact, many of the low-cost franchises 

on our awards list have much better return on 

investment (ROI) than their more expensive 

competitors. 

“We provide a scalable business model that 

will increase profits over time, by growing 

revenue while avoiding cost increases,” says 

America’s Swimming Pool Company CEO 

Stewart Vernon. “Business ownership can 

become more of a reality for hard-working, 

middle-class Americans. Our affordable 

startup costs give these men and women the 

opportunity to make a more enjoyable life for 

themselves and their families.” 

Rita and Eric Blackwell of Spartanburg, SC 

were looking for a good, low-cost franchise, 

back in 2016, when they stumbled upon 

Mosquito Joe, a franchise business that provides 

mosquito control services. “We chose a 



4. What kind of culture do I thrive in? 

Every company on our Top Low-Cost Franchises 

list has a different kind of culture. Some 

franchises are very laid back and casual, while 

others are more structured and formal. What 

type of culture do you thrive in? Spend time 

really getting to know the culture of the franchise 

businesses that interest you. Talk with 

their corporate teams, and visit or speak with 

as many franchisees as you can. Finding the 

right cultural fit is just as important as finding 

the right financial fit. 

Jacqueline Fair and Christian Harris of MaidPro, in Oak Park, IL, currently service over 150 clients on a monthly 

or bi-weekly basis. 

low-cost startup franchise because it fit within 

our budget and the level of risk we were 

willing to take on. The higher the expenditure, 

the higher the risk. Owning a Mosquito Joe 

has shown us that we can be successful.” 

FINDING THE RIGHT FRANCHISE FOR YOU 

The 80 franchise companies featured on our 

2018 Top Low-Cost Franchises list are all 

great opportunities, but many are probably 

not the right fit for you. Before you invest in 

any franchise business, it’s important to start 

by asking yourself a few key questions. Here 

are five big questions to consider: 

1. What are my goals? 

What do you hope to achieve through buying 

a franchise business? What is your timeframe? 

How much money do you need to make in 

the short term, and how much money do you 

hope to make longer term? Besides income, 

what other personal and professional goals 

are important to you? (i.e. lifestyle, flexibility, 

community connection, etc.) 

2. What am I passionate about? 

Owning a successful franchise business 

requires a lot of hard work—especially in the 

early years. But when we talk to franchisees, 

most don’t mind putting in the extra hours 

because they are passionate about what they 

are doing in building their business. Find 

a business that gets you excited… one that 

you are truly passionate about the product or 

service that the franchise provides. 

“I never anticipated that running a kids 

consignment event would feel as rewarding as 

it does,” says Courtney Evans, a multi-unit Just 

Between Friends franchisee in the Seattle area. 

“At the end of each event, my feet are tired, my 

body is sore, my eyes are heavy, but my heart 

has never felt so full.” 

3. What are my strengths and 

my weaknesses? 

It’s important to do a self-assessment of your 

skills and be honest about your strengths and 

weaknesses. What work-related activities do 

you enjoy, and what tasks do you hope to avoid? 

When you talk to franchise companies and 

franchisees, ask them what skills their most successful 

franchisees have in common? Whether, 

it’s sales, marketing, operations, networking, 

community engagement, or something else, be 

sure your skills are a good fit for the franchise 

opportunity you want to invest in. 

Jeff Bevis at FirstLight Home Care 

described his ideal franchisees this way. “They 

possess strong experience in at least one or 

several areas such as successful people management, 

solid presentation skills, strong 

communication skills or strong organizational 

experience. In addition, and at the core of our 

Culture of Care, the ideal owners have their 

own ‘why’ as to their personal purpose— 

why they want to serve others, and give back 

through a FirstLight Home Care business.” 

5. What advantages does XYZ franchise 

offer me? 

As a general rule, buying a franchise business 

offers many advantages over starting a new 

business from scratch. A good franchise will 

offer a proven business model, strong training 

and support, effective marketing programs, 

group buying power, a supportive franchisee 

network, and much more. But every franchise 

company is different. Take your time to 

explore the specific offerings of each franchise, 

and be sure to understand how their programs 

will offer you a competitive advantage in your 

local marketplace. 

“We understand that those first few weeks 

of business are vital to a franchisee’s success,” 

says Jonathan Barnett, founder and CEO of 

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning. “We have profitability 

coaches on staff whose core function is 

to help new franchisees get going. The coaches 

walk the franchisee through the entire process, 

training them on our various programs, 

helping them get everything set up, and ensuring 

that they are prepared for the realities of 

running a business.” 

YOUR SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISE 

JOURNEY 

Investing in a franchise is a big decision. There 

are many great benefits to owning a successful 

business, but finding the right franchise for 

you will take some time and homework. Our 

Top Low-Cost Franchises list is a great starting 

point for you to explore the award-winning 

business opportunities that are available. 

We also have many other resources on our 

website to help you navigate every step of 

your franchise journey, from initial research 

to financing to purchase and ongoing business 

management. Just visit us today at www. 

FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 



— Find the best funding option for you by visiting the Franchise Financing section of FranchiseBusinessReview.com. — 

Funding Your Franchise: 

You Have Options 

Jeremy Ames, president & co-founder of Guidant Financial, contributed to this article 

Understanding how you will finance your franchise is an important first step in your franchise journey. When it comes to financing 

a low-cost franchise, many people turn to home equity lines of credit and/or credit cards. However, there are many other options 

including SBA business loans, 401(k) business financing and portfolio loans. Here’s what you need to know about each. 

SBA Business Loans 

Loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) are one of the 

most popular financing methods for business owners of all kinds, from 

startups to franchises. SBA business loans are not lent directly from 

the SBA. Rather, the SBA encourages banks to lend to small business 

owners with preferable terms and low interest rates. In return, the SBA 

covers 75 to 85 percent of the loan for the bank if the loan defaults. 

This creates a win-win situation for both the lender and borrower. 

SBA Loan Eligibility Requirements 

• 20 percent down payment for an existing business purchase 

or 30 percent for a startup 

• 640+ credit score 

• Personal collateral required 

• Industry experience preferred 

• Secondary income preferred 

401(k) Business Financing 

With 401(k) business financing (formally known as Rollovers for 

Business Startups or ROBS), you can use up to 100 percent of funds 

from an existing retirement account to buy or start a small business 

or franchise without taking a taxable distribution or getting a loan. 

Funding through ROBS has been an option since the Employee 

Retirement Income Security Act passed in 1974, and it’s growing in 

popularity. 

Since ROBS doesn’t involve taking a loan, there are no monthly 

payments or interest rates, and there are no collateral or minimum 

credit score requirements. ROBS can also be used in combination with 

an SBA loan, allowing business owners to use retirement funds as the 

down payment for the loan. 

Unsecured Loans 

If you don’t want to jeopardize personal property in order to obtain 

financing, unsecured loans provide up to $150,000 without any 

collateral. Unsecured loans work like small business credit cards, consisting 

of multiple lines of revolving credit that can be used and paid 

back as needed. But instead of relying on collateral, lenders look at 

your creditworthiness to secure the loan. As such, a high credit score 

and solid borrowing history is necessary. 

Unsecured loans have no use-of-proceeds requirements, so the 

funds can be used for your first franchise location or subsequent units. 

It’s important to note that this type of loan shows up as revolving 

credit on one’s credit report and can have a meaningful impact on a 

credit score, especially if payments are not made on time. For that 

reason, we recommend using unsecured loans as a last resort and only 

as a short-term financing solution. 

Unsecured Loan Eligibility Requirements 

• 690+ credit score 

• Credit utilization rate below 50 percent 

• Minimal recent credit inquiries 

• No recent derogatory comments on your credit report 

Portfolio Loans 

If you own stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other eligible securities, you 

can borrow up to 80 percent against the value of your portfolio without 

having to liquidate your holdings. Portfolio loans, also referred to as 

stock loans or securities-based lending, work like a revolving line of 

credit—allowing you to finance a business or franchise by borrowing 

(and repaying) at will. 

ROBS Eligibility Requirements 

• At least $50,000 in a rollable retirement account 

• No minimum credit score requirements 

• No down payment needed 

For a detailed walk-through on funding your franchise, visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 



THE LIST 


Top 80 Low-Cost 

Franchises 

30-Minute Hit 

Boxing & kickboxing circuit 

* ActionCOACH 

Business coaching 

Aire-Master of America 

Commercial hygiene service 

Survey 

Date 

June 

2017 

Jan. 


Nov. 

2017 

Initial 

Investment 

$98,000 – 

$147,000 

$61,250 – 

$108,441 

$39,584 – 

$142,400 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$40,000 56 

$40,000 775 

$50,000 111 



Feb. 


$87,710 – 

$174,654 

$80,000 115 

“Overall, I think CarePatrol 

is awesome. Making an 

important and immediate 

difference in people’s 

lives is simply priceless. 

I am very happy and 

proud that we bought 

into the system.” 


Pool league 

ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Co. 

Swimming pool maintenance 



Auto Appraisal Network 

Automotive appraisal services 

Baby Boot Camp 

Fitness programs 

Sep. 

2017 

Nov. 

2017 

Aug. 

2017 

Feb. 


Nov. 

2017 

$20,763 – 

$28,648 

$85,000 – 

$110,000 

$77,050 – 

$149,000 

$12,000 – 

$30,000 

$4,570 – 

$10,800 

$20,763 325 

$50,000 259 

$45,000 111 

$3,000 – 

$10,000 

27 

$4,570 91 

– CarePatrol Franchisee 

Best in Class Education Centers 

Tutoring services 

July 

2017 

$62,800 – 

$121,880 

$62,800 – 

$121,880 

59 

Bloomin Blinds 

Custom blinds and window coverings 

June 

2017 

$35,000 – 

$85,000 

$40,000 45 

Buildingstars 


Aug. 

2017 

$1,995 – 

$39,995 

$1,995 – 

$39,995 

572 



Nov. 

2017 

$64,649 – 

$84,699 

$75,000 150 

Complete Weddings and Events 

Wedding & event services 

Oct. 

2017 

$30,350 – 

$48,650 

$10,000 200 

CompuChild 

Children’s technology education 

Oct. 

2017 

$18,300 – 

$33,000 

$10,000 40 

Critter Control 

Wildlife control & removal 

Aug. 

2017 

$12,250 – 

$80,500 

$12,250 – 

$80,500 

102 


Travel agency 

June 

2017 

$2,095 – 

$23,367 

$10,995 2,570 

Discovery Map 

Alternative advertising maps 

Sep. 

2017 

$35,250 – 

$44,950 

$50,000 135 

Drama Kids 

Drama programs 

Dec. 

2017 

$29,000 – 

$48,000 

$30,000 208 

*Franchisee Satisfaction Report available at 



Travel agency 

Oct. 

2017 

$3,245 – 

$21,850 

$3,500 1,163 



Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 



Feb. 


$49,950 – 

$84,000 

$25,000 – 

$50,000 

100 

Executive Image Building Services 


Fastest Labs 

Drug, alcohol & DNA testing services 



* Fish Window Cleaning 

Window cleaning 

FRSTeam 

Home restoration 

Garage Experts 

Garage organization 

Oct. 

2017 

Dec. 


May 


Nov. 

2017 

Nov. 

2017 

Sep. 

2017 

$24,100 – 

$68,000 

$74,650 – 

$88,900 

$99,681 – 

$152,926 

$83,225 – 

$146,200 

$32,000 – 

$380,500 

$54,400 – 

$803,000 

$25,000 33 

$50,000 26 

$65,000 255 

$83,225 – 

$146,200 

$25,000 – 

$35,000 

$54,400 – 

$803,000 

271 

56 

30 

“I am extremely impressed 

with the honesty and 

trustworthiness of 

our leaders and our 

organization overall. 

I feel very fortunate to be 

a part of it and I feel that 

I am living my dream.” 

– HomeVestors Franchisee 

* Happy & Healthy Products 

Ice cream/yogurt/frozen treats 

Feb. 


$45,000 – 

$90,000 

$45,000 – 

$90,000 

65 


Hands-on science programs 

Aug. 

2017 

$62,750 – 

$69,000 

$37,650 33 

Home Helpers 

Senior Care 

May 


$75,750 – 

$127,600 

250,000 317 

HomeSmart International 

Real estate 

Oct. 

2017 

$65,000 – 

$205,000 

$20,000 102 

* HomeVestors of America — more on back cover 

Realty renovation 

Jan. 


$54,000 – 

$357,250 

$50,000 900 

* Homewatch Caregivers 


Oct. 

2017 

$83,000 – 

$131,000 

$50,000 198 

HomeWell Senior Care 

Senior care 

* HouseMaster 

Professional home inspections 

* Image One — more on p. 36 


InXpress 

Business shipping 

Feb. 


Oct. 

2017 

June 

2017 

July 

2017 

$53,550 – 

$85,400 

$61,100 – 

$106,150 

$29,750 – 

$103,208 

$65,300 – 

$160,200 

$53,550 – 

$85,400 

31 

$42,500 313 

$15,000 78 

$65,000 300 

“I know I can call on 

any of the franchisees 

and they would be there 

for me. This is one 

of the reasons why 

I chose HomeWell.” 

– HomeWell Senior Care Franchisee 



Aug. 

2017 

$32,774 – 

$45,449 

$45,000 160 

* Kitchen Solvers 

Home remodeling 

Aug. 

2017 

$60,000 – 

$80,000 

$75,000 52 

Linc Service Network 

Commercial HVAC services 

Feb. 

2017 

$66,350 – 

$136,000 

$66,350 – 

$136,000 

172 



THE LIST 


Top 80 Low-Cost 

Franchises 

* MaidPro 


MarbleLife 

Stone restoration 



Survey 

Date 

Oct. 

2017 

May 


Aug. 

2017 

Initial 

Investment 

$74,560 – 

$204,450 

$50,000 – 

$65,000 

$62,207 – 

$161,865 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$75,000 256 

$30,000 40 

$50,000 965 

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 

Bathroom & kitchen remodeling 

Aug. 

2017 

$75,000 – 

$138,000 

$40,000 – 

$50,000 

162 

Molly Maid 

Cleaning services 

Nov. 

2017 

$165,000 – 

$197,000 

$165,000 – 

$197,000 

471 

* Mosquito Joe 

Mosquito control services 

Feb. 


$66,600 – 

$127,500 

$55,000 285 

N2 Publishing 

Private neighborhood publications 

Oct. 

2017 

$975 – 

$5,650 

$975 – 

$5,650 

763 



Oct. 

2017 

$59,500 – 

$107,200 

$85,000 137 



Sep. 

2017 

$63,300 – 

$86,250 

$70,000 63 

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning 

Carpet cleaning 

April 


$40,000 – 

$60,000 

$35,900 340 


Payroll services 

Sep. 

2017 

$44,369 – 

$70,569 

$36,600 – 

$70,569 

41 


Paint and sip classes 

May 

2017 

$97,500 – 

$204,200 

$80,000 188 

Rhea Lana’s 


Feb. 


$19,050 – 

$38,950 

$14,500 86 

“Shine has a culture of 

honesty and integrity.” 

– Shine Window Care 

& Holiday Lighting Franchisee 


Business consulting & coaching 



Service Team of Professionals 

Restoration services 

April 


May 

2017 

Sep. 

2017 

$88,150 – 

$105,750 

$52,350 – 

$78,150 

$78,600 – 

$138,500 

$100,000 265 

$50,000 – 

$150,000 

57 

$56,000 37 

ShelfGenie 

Shelving solutions 

Nov. 

2017 

$70,100 – 

$125,250 

$70,100 – 

$125,250 

172 

Shine Window Care & Holiday Lighting 


Oct. 

2017 

$23,000 – 

$98,750 

$23,000 – 

$98,750 

21 


Home staging 

Jan. 


$45,300 – 

$78,000 

$10,000 55 

Sit Means Sit Dog Training 

Dog training 

Oct. 

2017 

$45,000 – 

$93,850 

$45,000 125 



Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

Snapology 

STEM/STEAM programs & activities 

June 


$39,000 – 

$73,500 

$32,500 58 

* Soccer Shots 

Youth sports 

Dec. 

2017 

$41,034 – 

$53,950 

$18,000 213 

Stratus Building Solutions 


Feb. 


$3,450 – 

$50,350 

$3,450 – 

$50,350 

1,000 


Bookkeeping services 

Surface Specialists Systems 

Home remodeling 

TGA Premier Sports 

Youth sports 

* The Glass Guru 

Window restoration 

March 


May 


Aug. 

2017 

Oct. 

2017 

$77,130 – 

$102,390 

$43,200 – 

$56,000 

$16,300 – 

$67,350 

$64,150 – 

$183,000 

$100,000 71 

$25,000 45 

$16,300 – 

$67,350 

116 

$64,150 89 

“I’m grateful for the 

franchisor’s continual 

involvement in each of 

our successes and also in 

their dedication to make 

us better at what we do.” 

– Supporting Strategies Franchisee 

The Grout Doctor 

Grout repair services 

Jan. 

2017 

$12,000 – 

$40,000 

$10,000 77 

The Tutoring Center 

Tutoring services 

May 


$90,000 – 

$130,000 

$90,000 106 

Town Money Saver 


March 


$5,700 – 

$17,000 

$5,000 – 

$12,500 

49 

* Truly Nolen of America — more on p. 32 

Pest control 

April 


$50,200 – 

$293,000 

$35,000 339 


Sports, school & event photography 

July 

2017 

$20,400 – 

$74,275 

$10,500 176 

Two Maids & A Mop 


June 

2017 

$56,025 – 

$136,975 

$30,000 59 

United Country Real Estate 

Real estate 

* Weed Man 

Lawn care 

Welcomemat Services 


Sep. 

2017 

July 

2017 

June 


$16,290 – 

$42,510 

$68,453 – 

$85,513 

$61,080 – 

$88,930 

$15,000 443 

$50,000 656 

$80,000 80 

“I can’t imagine 

a franchise system 

with better training 

and support.” 

– Truly Nolen Franchisee 

* Window Genie — more on p. 33 


July 

2017 

$90,800 – 

$140,000 

$50,000 121 

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 

Painting 

Dec. 

2017 

$90,000 – 

$130,000 

$50,000 43 

YESCO 

Visual business communications 

March 


$64,300 – 

$350,000 

$60,000 164 


Children’s art classes 

Aug. 

2017 

$41,250 – 

$48,120 

$40,000 106 



FBR’s Top Franchise Leaders of 2018 

The Visionaries Behind Today’s Most Successful Franchises 

As the inimitable Dale Carnegie once said, “You can close more business 

in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in 

two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” 

Dale Carnegie had a deep and unique appreciation of the qualities 

that make a great leader. He understood that social and communication 

skills distinguish a leader—not just technical expertise. 

At Franchise Business Review, we analyze franchisee performance 

by asking franchise owners 33 questions in eight critical areas, including 

financial opportunity and system operations. But, we also ask the franchise 

owners to rate their satisfaction with the leadership and the 

core values, culture, and community that is fostered across the franchise 

system—in other words, the more intangible aspects that can make or 

break the franchise experience. 

“Most of the franchisees we talk to are investing in a business to 

make a profit, certainly,” says Michelle Rowan, president & COO of 

Franchise Business Review. “But they also want to feel that the executive 

team cares about their personal success and communicates openly and 

transparently. That’s how you develop relationships built on trust and 

respect—and that’s what makes a great leader.” 

We studied results from over 27,000 franchisee surveys across more 

than 300 brands to identify 50 of the top leaders in the franchise industry, 

based exclusively on feedback from their franchisees. 

We asked a few of them to tell us what inspires them, and how they’ve 

created a winning culture within their franchise system. 

Read what they had to say on the following pages… 

Safer Senior Living. Your Goal, Our Mission. 



>> Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com for full 

interviews and to see the complete list of this 

year’s Top 50 Franchise Leaders. 



We say that our franchisees’ dreams are 

our goals. It’s true and that’s how we manage 

this business. 

Michael Miller 

Co-Founder & Chairman 

Brightway Insurance 

“ 

Very simply, our jobs are to do everything we can to support our franchisees and help them 

grow. As a franchisee, what better business partners could you ask for than people whose 

financial interests are directly aligned with yours, bring vast experience you can leverage and 

have fun doing their jobs?” 

We take a lot of pride in our franchisees and 

value their opinions, which builds mutual trust. 

“ 

It is inspiring to be able to create opportunities for franchisees—to help them grow their 

businesses and their teams; to witness their success and work with them collaboratively to 

achieve their fullest potential.” 

Brad Reed 

Chief Development Officer 

Captain D’s 


Listen to your franchisees. Don’t hold grudges. 

Allow them to make mistakes and allow them 

to teach you. 

Becky Bongiovanni 

Chief Operations Officer 

CarePatrol 

“ 

I think our franchisees see us not only as leaders, but also as trusted partners in their success…. 

We also live by our values at CarePatrol. Our values are not just written down in a manual. 

We make decisions based on our core values and ask our franchisees to help hold us accountable 

to them.” 



As someone who holds the position once held 

by Dale Carnegie, I aspire to lead as he did— 

with insight, innovation and service to others. 

Joe Hart 

President & CEO 

Dale Carnegie 

“ 

Our brand’s culture is about seeing the inherent greatness that exists within people and our 

mission is to help unlock that; it’s about the Dale Carnegie Principles—about putting people 

first and teaching people ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People.’” 

Trust is the basis of all relationships and, 

in order to gain trust, you must be transparent 

in both good times and in bad. 

“ 

I am someone who is inspired by working side-by-side with people who are in it to win it! 

People who take accountability for themselves, who I can trust and who have my back— 

because I have theirs—and who are passionate about everything they do. Those are the 

people that inspire me to be better and to help them be better.” 

Debbie Fiorino 

Senior Vice President 

Dream Vacations 

I am inspired by making a difference in people’s 

lives. I get to do that every day in franchising, 

helping our franchisees achieve the dream of 

business ownership. 

Catherine Monson 

CEO 

FASTSIGNS 

“ 

I encourage every franchise leader to develop a positive culture and motivating environment where 

people know and understand the company’s objectives and how what they do each day contributes 

to achieving those goals. People are more motivated when they are well-trained, have the tools they 

need, can share their ideas openly, take chances, and innovate or improve processes.” 



We are deeply committed to continual 

improvement, we’re supportive of all new ideas, 

and encourage brainstorming and collaboration 

across our franchisor and franchisee teams. 

Jeff Bevis 

Co-Founder & CEO 

FirstLight Home Care 

“ 

I believe our leadership team was rated so highly by franchisees for three primary reasons: 

we say what we’ll do and do what we say; we put and keep franchise owner input as #1 relating 

to EVERYTHING we do in all facets of FirstLight Home Care business; and we see it only fair 

that we set the example by providing our franchisees with the highest quality of service, since 

we expect our owners to exude the highest quality of service.” 

First is to listen to the franchisees. The best 

ideas come from franchisees. Second, give 

a clear picture of the future. 

“ 

I am most inspired by seeing the success of our franchises. I have never been around a better 

group of people than our franchise leaders. We tend to attract good people that care about 

helping others and participating in a team environment, which in turn attracts more of the 

same type of people!” 

David Hicks 

Co-President 

HomeVestors of America 

Our culture, our mission, our vision actually 

is all about having pride, being profitable and 

also committing to our craft, if you will. 

Kathleen Kuhn 

President 

HouseMaster 

“ 

So not for a minute do we ever sit back on our laurels as one of the most experienced 

companies in the industry. Our owners take such great pride in what they do and they 

have fun doing it, but they’re so committed and we’re so committed to always learning 

more and getting better.” 



How can we expect our franchisees to give 

incredible customer experience if we don’t 

provide that to them? 

Tony Lamb 

Founder and CEO 

Kona Ice 

“ 

When nine out of 10 franchisees that are in your system got into your system because they 

wanted to give back to their community or wanted to make their community a better place… 

I can only describe our culture in one word….PERFECT.” 

We recognize serving as a part of leading. 

As we serve and help our franchisees succeed, 

we succeed. 

“ 

Our culture is very strong and clearly understood. It is the glue that holds us together. When 

you ask our franchisees what they like best about Office Pride, most will answer ‘the culture.’” 

Todd Hopkins 

President 

Office Pride 

LEARN WHAT FRANCHISING IS LIKE 

FROM REAL FRANCHISEES 

Access insightful franchisee Q&As, strategic advice and more. 

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com 


FBR SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE 


TOP 200 

FRANCHISES 

ADVERTISING & SALES 


N2 Publishing 

Proforma 

Welcomemat Services 

Town Money Saver 

Discovery Map 

AUTOMOTIVE 

* Christian Brothers Automotive — more on 

* Snap-on Tools 

p. 30, 31 

RNR Tire Express 

Auto Appraisal Network 

Priceless Car Rental 

Tint World 

BUSINESS SERVICES 

* FASTSIGNS — more on p. 34 

Sanford Rose Associates 



* ActionCOACH 

* Brightway Insurance 

The @WORK Group 

YESCO 

Dale Carnegie 

* Murphy Business & Financial 


Sir Speedy 

Office Evolution 

The Alternative Board 

InXpress 

PIP Printing & Document Services 

Speedpro Imaging 

CHILD SERVICES 

* Soccer Shots 

TGA Premier Sports 



KidsPark 

Goldfish Swim School 

Snapology 

Amazing Athletes 

College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors 

Child Services continued 


The Little Gym 

British Swim School 

CompuChild 

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE 

* MaidPro 

Aire-Master of America 


Jan-Pro (Master Franchisors) 

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning 

Anago Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors) 

Rooterman 

* The Maids 

Two Maids & A Mop 

You’ve Got MAIDS 

Buildingstars 

* Image One — more on p. 36 

EDUCATION 

* The Goddard School 

* Mathnasium 

* The Learning Experience 

Huntington Learning Center 

Online Trading Academy 

The Tutoring Center 

Best in Class Education Centers 

Creative World School 

FINANCIAL & TAX 



FITNESS 

* Crunch Fitness 

Orangetheory Fitness 

9Round 

Baby Boot Camp 

ILOVEKICKBOXING.COM 

Burn Boot Camp — more on inside front cover 

30-Minute Hit 

The MAX Challenge 

Planet Fitness 

World Gym 

See page 28 for additional top franchises. 

Visit FBR50.com for brand details. 

Today’s leading brands based 

on FBR’s owner satisfaction data. 

*Full Satisfaction Report Available 

at FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

BUSINESS SERVICES 

Dale Carnegie 

Initial Investment: $19,700 – $174,500 

Cash Requirement: $50,000 – $200,000 

Total Units: 221 

At Dale Carnegie, we work with you to build 

courage, confidence and compassion among 

your workforce by drawing out people’s 

natural strengths, so they can take command 

of their roles and inspire teamwork across your 

organization. A company can only be successful 

when the right people are in the right jobs, 

working together at every level. 

For over 100 years, we’ve helped companies of 

all sizes create a vibrant, sustainable workforce 

by fostering an environment that thrives on 

positive, productive relationships. In the years to 

come, we’ll continue to be your partner creating 

inspiring, effective development opportunities 

for everyone from new hires to high performers, 

all the way to the top. 

For more information on Dale Carnegie 

opportunities, call (800) 231-5800 

or visit www.dalecarnegie.com/franchising. 

CHILD SERVICES 

KidsPark 




If you are looking for an entrepreneurial 

opportunity that will contribute a needed service 

to your community and are considering an overall 

investment of between $215,500 to $405,500, 

then KidsPark is a good fit. Both kids and their 

parents love our hourly childcare centers, which 

cater to preschool and school age children. Our 

franchisees have a true passion for children 

and service. They want to provide exceptional 

childcare to their community so that they can 

help parents and enrich children. As a KidsPark 

owner, you will benefit from our quality, proven 

method of operation and innovative program. We 

are seeking business minded, marketing savvy 

owners to join our franchise family. 

For more information on KidsPark 

opportunities, call (408) 213-0970 or visit 

www.kidspark.com/franchising. 


TM 

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE 

FINANCIAL & TAX 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Maidpro 


Cash Requirement: $75,000 


Forbes has named MaidPro the #6 Best Franchise 

to Own for 2018. MaidPro prides itself on its 

proven groundbreaking technology, creative 

marketing, established brand identity, and stellar 

support to its franchisees. MaidPro offers you 

the advantages of rapid growth, low startup 

costs, manageable hours, and recurring revenue. 

MaidPro has received Franchise Business 

Review’s Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50 

awards for franchisee satisfaction every year 

from 2006-2018. MaidPro is also offering a 

veteran discount valued at $15,000 for U.S. and 

Canadian veterans. Join a franchise family that 

gives you control and ownership of your business 

with unmatched 24/7 support. 

For more information on MaidPro 


or visit www.maidprofranchise.com. 

Payroll Vault 




Payroll Vault Franchising provides entrepreneurs 

the opportunity to start their own full-service, 

local payroll business with the support of a team 

of experts and a nationally recognized brand. 

Founded by a CPA with decades of experience, 

Payroll Vault supports their franchisees on 

business best practices and provides systems 

and strategies to operate a payroll business in 

a growing industry. With the franchise launch in 

2012, Payroll Vault Franchising has grown rapidly 

due to their unparalleled client service. Payroll 

Vault Franchising is recognized as a national 

leader receiving numerous accolades and awards 

in the industry. For more information, visit 

PayrollVaultFranchise.com. 

For more information on Payroll Vault 


or visit www.payrollvaultfranchise.com. 

Lori VanDamme 

CarePatrol 

North Denver, CO 

and Boulder, CO 

Franchisee since 2017 

What was it about the franchise model and/or 

leadership that led you to purchase it? For years 

I knew I wanted to own a business that serviced 

seniors. A friend of ours was a CarePatrol 

franchisee. His passion and love for what he did 

are what really made me want to learn more. 

When he mentioned he was selling his business 

due to relocating out of state, it was as if it was 

meant to be. 

What type of business experience, education, 

and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a 

franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? I didn’t have any prior experience in this 

field, so I committed to learning the system and 

jumped in with both feet. Through CarePatrol’s 

training and support, I have learned more than I 

ever imagined possible. 

RATED THE #1 

TRAINING FRANCHISE 

BY ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE 

FOR 13 YEARS 

Sandler Training is a global network 

of sales and management trainers 

with hundreds of training centers 

throughout the world. Become a 

Franchise Owner and be at the 

forefront of a business niche that 

is growing exponentially, with the 

support of a pioneer and leader in 

the training industry. 

BUILD ON THE 

LEADERSHIP 

OF SANDLER TRAINING 

FranchiseBusinessREVIEW 

has recognized 

Sandler Training 

as the #1 Business 

Services Franchise. 

SANDLERFRANCHISING.COM 

800-669-3537 ext. 2005 

© 2018 Sandler Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. S Sandler Training Finding Power In Reinforcement 

(with design) is a registered service mark of Sandler Systems, Inc. 

What things do you like most about your job? 

My favorite part of this business is helping 

families. I often enter people’s lives when they are 

in crisis mode. When a loved one reaches a phase 

of life where important choices need to be made 

about their living situation, emotions often run 

high. There are so many things to consider when 

placing someone you love. I love that I am able to 

help them through this process and by the end of 

it all, they know I’ve found the best new home for 

their loved ones. There have often been tears of 

thanks at the end of the journey and that’s the 

most rewarding part of it all. 

What advice do you have for prospective 

franchise buyers? What do you wish you had 

known prior to going into franchising? JUMP IN! 

Be prepared to immerse yourself in your business. 

Be passionate. Be willing to give of your time and 

know that the first year will be a whirlwind—but 

oh so worth it. 


For more information on CarePatrol 

opportunities call (480) 719-4836 or visit 

www.carepatrol.com. 



2018 TOP 200 

FRANCHISES 

FITNESS 

FOOD & BEVERAGE 

* Kona Ice 

Culver’s 

Fazoli’s Restaurants 

Wings Etc. 

Captain D’s 

* Checkers & Rally’s 

The Wendy’s Company 

LaRosa’s Pizzeria 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 

Nothing Bundt Cakes 

Lenny’s Sub Shop 

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries 

Zaxby’s 

* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs 

Scooter’s Coffee 

The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company — more on 

p. 31 

* Pizza Factory — more on p. 29 

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — more on p. 4 

Penn Station 

* East Coast Wings & Grill 

Jamba Juice 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 

Biggby Coffee 

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs 

Donatos Pizza 

Eggs Up Grill 

Buffalo Wings & Rings 

Toppers Pizza 

Bahama Buck’s 

* Happy & Healthy Products 

DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Systems 

Costa Vida 

Zoup! 

HEALTH & PERSONAL SERVICES 

Palm Beach Tan 

* My Salon Suite 

BioPed Footcare Centres 

Sport Clips 

Fastest Labs 

HOME SERVICES 

* CertaPro Painters 

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 

* HouseMaster 

Budget Blinds 

Home Services continued 

* DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 

Surface Specialists Systems 

Property Damage Appraisers 

Shine Window Care & Holiday Lighting 

Garage Experts 

Bloomin Blinds 

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 

Tailored Living 

USA Insulation 

California Closets 

Go Mini’s 

* The Glass Guru 

* Kitchen Solvers 

The Grout Doctor 

ShelfGenie 

PET SERVICES 

In Home Pet Services 

The Dog Wizard 

Sit Means Sit Dog Training 

Dogtopia 

REAL ESTATE 

Keller Williams 

Sotheby’s International Realty 

Weichert Real Estate 

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 


ERA 

* HomeVestors of America — more on back cover 

HomeSmart International 

United Country Real Estate 

RETAIL 

* Wild Birds Unlimited 

Pinch A Penny 

Rhea Lana’s 


* Big Frog Custom T-Shirts 

Color Me Mine 

Mainstream Boutique 

Family Fare 

Verlo Mattress Factory Stores 

SENIOR SERVICES 

* Home Instead Senior Care 

* Visiting Angels 


30-Minute Hit 




The 30-Minute Hit ® is a high intensity, action 

packed boxing/kickboxing circuit workout 

designed specifically for women looking to 

achieve amazing results. Fast paced, challenging 

and empowering, this one of a kind top quality 

workout appeals to everyone, no matter their 

fitness level, in a friendly, non-intimidating 

environment. 

In a booming industry, this turn-key business 

model allows franchisees to enjoy their flexible 

lifestyles, streamlined operating costs, stable 

recurring income while doing something they 

love every day. 

30-Minute Hit franchisees come from all different 

backgrounds but all carry a passion for fitness 

and the drive to run their own successful and 

rewarding business. 

For more information on 30-Minute Hit 


www.my30minutehit.com. 


Checkers 

Initial Investment: $96,414 – $1,501,265 



GET THERE FASTER WITH CHECKERS & RALLY’S! 

Franchisees achieve their financial and growth 

goals faster with Checkers & Rally’s because 

of our low initial investment, strong return 

on investment, nimble modular building 

construction, and competitive franchise growth 

incentives. For over 30 years, we have focused 

on bold and flavorful food, amazing value for our 

guests, and restaurant profitability. Amid seven 

consecutive years of same-store sales growth 

and 870+ restaurants, we still have top-tier 

market availability in all major US markets. 

Discover why Checkers & Rally’s was named one 

of the BEST FRANCHISE DEALS by QSR Magazine 

in 2017 & 2016. 

See page 29 for additional top franchises. 


For more information on Checkers 


www.checkersfranchising.com. 



HOME SERVICES 

Senior Services continued 

East Coast Wings 

Initial Investment: $658,875 – $1,133,502 



It’s all about the EBITDA, right? Looking to expand 

your portfolio? Why not expand with one of 

the most profitable brands in the industry? East 

Coast Wings + Grill is a pioneer in the franchise 

industry when it comes to the economic model, 

having added a dedicated division, processes, 

and systems focused on maximizing their 

franchisee’s unit level economics. Family friendly, 

with over 50 varieties available in any of 8 heat 

indexes, from no heat to Insanity, and over 675 

combinations of buffalo wings, 100% Angus Beef 

burgers, boneless wings, flatbreads, skillets 

and wraps. 

For more information on East Coast Wings 

opportunities, call Mark Lyso at (336) 760-4985 

or visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com. 

® 

HouseMaster 




JOIN A 

TIME-TESTED, 

THRIVING 

BUSINESS 

It’s time to look into opening a 

Pizza Factory franchise and experience 

our fun, family-focused community 

and welcoming atmosphere. 

HouseMaster is the recognized leader in 

home inspections with almost four decades 

of proven industry success and innovation. 

HouseMaster is the number one choice for 

business professionals seeking to take advantage 

of a low investment opportunity with significant 

potential. Our franchisees are among the most 

satisfied franchisees (according to Franchise 

Business Review) as well as the most tenured. 

More importantly, HouseMaster’s proven 

systems and ongoing brand investments have 

allowed HouseMaster franchisees to achieve 

higher average gross sales than any other home 

inspection franchise opportunity. If you are 

committed to success and seek to be the leader 

in your market, HouseMaster is the way to go! 

For more information on HouseMaster 


www.housemaster.com. 

Right at Home 



Home Care Assistance 

* Homewatch CareGivers 



SERVICES 

Precision Concrete Cutting 

* Weed Man 

* Two Men and A Truck 

Truly Nolen of America — more on p. 32 

Bin There Dump That 

FRSTeam 

Complete Weddings and Events 

* Fish Window Cleaning 

* Fibrenew 

College Hunks Hauling Junk 

* Window Genie — more on p. 33 

* U.S. Lawns 

Linc Service Network 

Critter Control 

Real Property Management 

101 Mobility 

Precision Door Service 

* Mosquito Joe 

Signal 88 Security 

Creative Colors International 

Leather Medic 

NaturaLawn of America 

Service Team of Professionals 

PortraitEFX 

MarbleLife 

SPORTS & REC 


Kampgrounds of America/ KOA 


APEX Fun Run 

* Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 

Rockin’ Jump 

Wine and Design 

TECHNOLOGY 

TeamLogic IT 

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY 



Expedia CruiseShipCenters — more on p. 32 

pizzafactoryfranchises.com 

562-340-6925 



TM 


TIME TO 

GRAB THE WHEEL 

That’s what Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees, like Jonita White, instinctively 

do. They may not have automotive experience, but they possess a business acumen, 

determination and customer focus that has earned us an average customer Google 

rating of 4.5 stars and an industry-leading $1.491MM in average unit volume. 

If you’re ambitious, service-focused and interested in being 

part of a great company with a greater purpose, let’s talk. 

Discover more about what drives our success at 

CHRISTIANBROTHERSFRANCHISE.COM 

The Average Unit Volume(AUV) for a CBA franchise in 2017 was $1,491,721, as published in item 19 of our April 

2018 Franchise Disclosure Document. This figure reflects the 151 CBA franchises that were opened for the 

entire years of 2016 and 2017. Of these 151 CBA franchises 65 (43%) had higher AGS. Gross sales is defined as 

all gross revenue derived from labor, parts and sub-contracted labor/parts and supplies. This AGS is industry 

leading for non-tire sellers. 


REAL ESTATE 

RETAIL 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

HomeVesters 




HomeVestors ® franchise is a way to make 

life-changing revenue in a system with proven 

success, while solid home-buying knowledge 

and marketing of the well-known ‘We Buy Ugly 

Houses’ brand limit risks. Training covers what 

HomeVestors franchisees have learned buying 

over 85,000 houses nationwide since 1996. 

Tools to make smart investment decisions, 

including our ValueChek ® software, and 

customer management program. Learn in the 

field with your own coach, an experienced, 

proven franchisee; your mentor as you learn and 

grow your business. HomeVestors is consistently 

top-rated and best in Franchisee Satisfaction, 

Real Estate, Leadership, Low-Investment, Fastest 

Growth, and Veterans, year after year. 

For more information on HomeVesters 


www.homevestorsfranchise.com. 

Have your DESSERT 

and own it too! 

Wild Birds Unlimited 




Wild Birds Unlimited owners are their local 

communities’ backyard bird feeding specialists 

and a premier source for nature information 

as well as quality products. But who we are 

goes far beyond the items we sell. It’s our 

owners’ commitment to their customers that 

distinguishes them from other retailers, a 

fact that makes us very proud. Wild Birds 

Unlimited owners enjoy helping their customers 

understand birds and nature, swapping stories 

about the latest bird sightings and seeing other 

people share their excitement. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Offers a 15% 

discount off the initial franchise fee. 

For more information on Wild Birds Unlimited 


www.wbufranchise.com. 

Jonita & 

Adam White 

Christian Brothers 

Automotive 

West Frisco & Little Elm, TX 



leadership that led you to purchase it? I love 

the fact that I am in business for myself, but 

not by myself. Christian Brothers Automotive 

has a wonderful support team in Houston. Any 

challenge you come up against, they are there 

to help you through it. They are also there to 

celebrate with you when you succeed. 


and/or skills did you have prior to becoming 

a franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? I have over 20 years of experience at 

Kaiser Hospital managing multiple locations, 

which has been very helpful with managing West 

Frisco and Little Elm. While working at Kaiser, 

I dealt with people who were hurting mentally, 

physically and financially. Here at Christian 

Brothers, we not only focus on providing the 

best car care, we love our customers as well. 


The company’s driving force is to “love your 

neighbor as yourself.” It gives me great joy to be 

part of a company that truly lives out its mission. 

How did you fund your franchise? Did you 

receive any discounts/incentives? We took 

out an SBA loan and Christian Brothers was 

instrumental in helping guide us through 

the process. 



known prior to going into franchising? Do your 

homework on what you are buying into, check 

out the core values of the franchise, and make 

sure they align with your belief system. 

Call us for more information! 

Häagen-Dazs Shoppe, Inc. 

Development 

(612) 337-3314 

Molly.Hanson@US.Nestle.com 

For more information on Christian Brothers 

Automotive opportunities call (855) 866-9222 

or visit www.christianbrothersfranchise.com. 



FEATURED 

Franchisee 




Nickell Beach 

Expedia CruiseShipCenters 

Lehi, Utah 



leadership that led you to purchase it? I loved 

the industry and after learning more about the 

Expedia franchise model and the success rate 

from previous centers, I knew it was something 

I wanted to pursue. When I attended Discovery 

Day and met the amazing corporate team, I knew 

that an Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise was 

the perfect fit for me. 


and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a 

franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? My experience in sales and 

management has helped me tremendously as 

a franchise owner. Staying goal oriented and 

organized is important to me and has helped 

me manage my team as well as my center. 

What things do you like most about your job? It 

gives me great satisfaction when our clients have 

an amazing trip as a result of our expertise and 

vacation planning. I also enjoy the day-to-day 

of the job and the people I work with; I love 

learning about new travel destinations, the latest 

sales and promotions, and leading a team of 

successful travel agents. 



known prior to going into franchising? Choose a 

business and industry that you love and are 

passionate about! As a franchise owner you’re 

still opening your own business and can expect 

to put in a lot of hours. A huge benefit of 

franchise ownership is that you’re leveraging a 

proven system and have a dedicated support 

team on your side. Be prepared to work hard but 

know that you have a successful model to follow. 

Amada 




Amada is one of the only senior care companies 

in North America that provides in-home, nonmedical 

care and assisted living placement 

consulting services. Through years of experience 

we understand that home care is not always 

possible or the best option. We conduct in-depth 

needs analyses that help our clients and their 

loved ones determine the best level of care, 

whether that is at home with a caregiver or at 

an assisted living community. With the Amada 

system, our franchisees and their clients both 

win, regardless of the care solution selected. 

For more information on Amada 


www.amadaseniorcarefranchise.com/ 

opportunity. 

CarePatrol 




CarePatrol’s founders have been pioneers in the 

senior placement industry for the past 25 years. 

Franchising since 2009, CarePatrol has been a 

Franchise Satisfaction award winner for eight 

consecutive years. 

With 150 franchise partners, CarePatrol is the 

largest senior placement organization in the 

country. No other senior placement franchise 

offers the expertise in training or ongoing 

support that CarePatrol does. CarePatrol services 

are needed in cities throughout the country and 

there are still many franchise territories available. 

Contact us today to find out how you can be 

CarePatrol’s newest satisfied franchisee. 

For more information on CarePatrol 

opportunities, call (480) 719-4836 or 

(480) 626-2450 or visit www.CarePatrol.com. 

For more information on Expedia 

CruiseShipCenters opportunities call (844) 358- 

0361 or visit www.expediafranchise.com. 



SERVICES 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Home Helpers 




Home Helpers Home Care—Entrepreneur’s Top 

Rated Senior Care Franchise is expanding. For 

over 20 years, Home Helpers has outpaced the 

rapidly growing in-home care industry. You can 

own a low-cost, recession-resistant business in 

a rapidly growing industry. Our proven business 

system will enable you to provide exceptional 

care in the comfort of a loved one’s home. We go 

beyond senior care to serve: recuperative care, 

new & expectant mothers and care for those 

with lifelong conditions, maximizing your impact 

and income. 

For more information on Home Helpers 


or visit www.homehelpersfranchise.com. 

• 24 year old proven business model 

• Multiple services, multiple revenue streams 

• Protected territories 

• Top low-cost franchise 

• Top mobile, home-based franchise 

• Subsidiary of Dwyer Group® 

Brightway 




Brightway Insurance is a national property/ 

casualty insurance retailer selling through a 

network of franchised independent stores 

throughout the country. With more than $527 

million in annualized written premium, the 

company is one of the largest personal lines 

agencies in the United States. Brightway provides 

its franchise owners with access to more 

insurance companies than any other agency, 

along with a comprehensive system of support 

that frees them up to focus on customizing 

policies that meet their customers’ needs. 

Brightway began franchising operations in 2008 

and has since grown to more than 800 people in 

19 states serving customers in all 50 states. 

For more information on Brightway 


or visit www.brightwaydifference.com. 

“We’re just excited to do something for ourselves where we have the power to 

create our own success and make a real impact on the community every day.” 

- Brent & Melissa Windsor, Owners of Window Genie of the East Valley 

LET THE POWER OF THE GENIE WORK FOR YOU 

Call to learn more! 800.700.0022 WindowGenieFranchise.com 

Lisa Coleman 

Westaff 

Baton Rouge, Alexandria, 

Bossier City/Shreveport, 

Lafayette, Lake Charles/ 

DeQuincy, Monroe and 

Walker, Louisiana 



leadership that led you to purchase it? 

I purchased an independent staffing company in 

Baton Rouge in 1990. I loved the interaction with 

the clients and candidates, but realized I was 

limited in the size and scope of business 

opportunities that I could pursue. In 1993, I was 

approached by Westaff, who was seeking a 

partner in the Baton Rouge market. I had a 

decision to make: remain an independent 

business owner in the staffing industry or join 

a thriving franchise. I chose the latter. 


As a franchise owner, I have the flexibility to run 

a successful business while also balancing my 

passion for family and faith. My local staff are an 

extension of my family and I understand the crucial 

role they play in the success of the business. 



known prior to going into franchising? I believe 

true success is found in relationships. You do not 

have to “go it alone.” There are franchisors, such 

as EmployBridge, that have systems, corporate 

staff and the financial strength available to turn 

your business vision into a reality. 

Why do you think franchising is a good 

opportunity for women entrepreneurs? I think 

franchising offers great opportunities for men 

and women alike. Statistics prove that the failure 

rate for a startup business is high. When you are 

immediately linked to other professionals who 

have the systems and expertise, it certainly 

increases your likelihood of success. Also, the 

supportive interaction with other franchise 

owners can help you navigate the hurtles that 

we all face as business owners. 

For more information on Remedy Intelligent 

Staffing call (860) 309-1484 or visit 

www.remedyfranchise.com. 

EmployBridge is the franchisor of Remedy 

Intelligent Staffing and Westaff. 




HOME SERVICES 

SERVICES 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Shine Window 




Shine is here to serve. That’s who we are. At the 

core of our values, within our teams, with our 

customers, and in our very name, we exist to let 

light Shine—bringing out the best in our crews 

and the communities in which we serve. Shine 

is a national franchise opportunity providing 

exceptional window cleaning, holiday lighting 

and other home services. We do all we can 

to gain lifelong customers and contribute 

to building vibrant communities worldwide. 

Shine has served thousands of clients for over 

15 years. We truly care for our customers, and 

always provide a satisfaction guarantee. 

For more information on Shine Window 


or visit www.shinefranchise.com. 


Dream Vacations 



Total Units: 1,163 

Sea the possibilities a home-based travel agency 

franchise provides. Dive in and explore your 

passion for travel with a work-at-home business 

where you plan Dream Vacations for your clients, 

creating experiences that last a lifetime. We are a 

business-in-a-box providing turn-key marketing 

solutions, a booking website and web-based 

technology so you can operate your business 

from anywhere in the world with an internet 

connection. We pride ourselves on having 

unmatched support with a 1:10 franchisee 

to support staff ratio. No prior experience is 

required, we provide full training and help you 

jumpstart your travel business. 

For more information on Dream Vacations 


or visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. 

Window Genie 




Window Genie is a nationally ranked mobile 

service franchise specializing in residential 

and light commercial window cleaning, window 

tinting, pressure washing and more. Our services 

are in high demand because we specialize in 

the time-consuming, difficult, but necessary 

property maintenance tasks most people are 

unwilling or unable to do themselves. By offering 

a variety of services to fit every home’s needs 

and budget, our owners are able to establish 

repeat and referral clients that provide multiple 

streams of revenue year-round. With our 

commitments to branding, professionalism and 

customer satisfaction, our owners stand out in 

their markets as the trusted go-to home service 

providers. 

For more information on Window Genie 


or visit www.windowgeniefranchise.com. 


Expedia 




Expedia CruiseShipCenters is North America’s 

largest retail travel agency franchise and a 

leading seller of cruise travel. Build equity and 

enjoy a great lifestyle with our proven franchise 

model with more than 30 years of success and 

over 250 locations throughout North America. As 

a full service travel agency specializing in cruises, 

your Expedia CruiseShipCenters location will 

offer travelers in your community a wide range 

of travel products along with outstanding service 

and Expedia prices. With 27.2 million cruisers 

expected to set sail in 2018, according to Cruise 

Lines International Association, there’s never 

been a more exciting time to join this growing 

industry with an Expedia franchise. 

For more information on Expedia 


or visit www.expediafranchise.com. 

Roger Sunner 

Senior Care Authority 

Fresno, CA 


What do you enjoy most about your business? 

I have a passion for helping others and pride 

myself on providing excellent service to my 

clients in central California. My corporate 

experience allows me to help clients navigate 

the senior care placement process, which can 

be difficult, emotional and stressful for families. 

The most rewarding part of working with families 

is when a senior finds the perfect home and I see 

the smile on their face. 

Why did you select your franchise? To be 

successful in this business you must understand 

how to negotiate agreements with the 

communities in the area you cover, work 

with families to select the right community, 

and market your business. My background in 

customer management, operational management, 

and customer service leant itself well to the 

requirements of this business model and gave 

me confidence in my ability to succeed. 

Was it hard to get started? With owning any 

company or franchise comes the hard work to 

lay the foundation, which gets easier every year. 

You need to follow the steps outlined by Senior 

Care Authority in their training materials and 

trust the process. 


franchisees? Senior Care Authority has low 

overhead and a great business model for 

prospective franchisees. But you do need to put 

the time in to learn the industry. The biggest 

challenge you will face is obtaining clients on a 

consistent basis. Your work ethic and time spent 

on your business will drive your success. 

Senior Advocacy and Living Source 

For more information about Senior Care 

Authority opportunities, call (888) 809-1231 

ext.2 or visit www.SeniorCareAuthority.com/ 

franchise. 

TM 



The Nation’s Premier New Mover Marketing Franchise... 

is the #1 Advertising & Sales Franchise For 2018! 

Helping Local Businesses Connect with 

New Customers & Helping New Movers 

Adjust to their New Community 

Top Franchise for Veterans • Top B2B Franchise • Top Multi-Unit Franchise 

Top Innovative Franchise • Top Franchise for Women • Top Low-Cost Franchise 

• Quick Ramp Up 

• Home-based 

• Flexibility 

Quality of Life 

• Scalable Business 

• Residual Income 

• Low Overhead 

• Sales & Service 

No Production 

• Enhanced Mobile App 

• Rated Top 50 Franchise for 13 Years 1 

• FBR 10-year Hall of Fame 1 

• FBR All-time Top Company 1 

• 45+ Year Industry Innovator 

800.497.8360 X236 • ourtownamerica.com 

Ask us 

about our 

Veteran 

Discount! 

Our Town America, A Franchising Corporation 

13900 US Highway 19 N | Clearwater, FL 33764-7238 

MN Residents: Minnesota Franchise Registration No: F-6498 (Unit); F-7645 (RD) 

NY Residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made 

by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. 

Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. 1 www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

FR-20180613-FBR 


Never look at a house 

the same way again. 

(from now on, all you’ll see are dollar signs) 

PROVEN SYSTEM TO BUY & SELL HOUSES 

Be your own boss with continuous mentoring and franchise support. 

FINANCING FOR QUALIFYING ACQUISITION & REPAIRS 

We make it easy to keep your business running smoothly. 

ONGOING SUPPORT 

Learn business strategies from the franchise system that has purchased 

over 85,000 homes since 1996. 

VALUECHEK ® 

Take the guesswork out of estimating repairs with a sophisticated software 

system that helps you steer clear from making costly mistakes. 

You are in the right location at the right time to be a 

HomeVestors ® franchisee, what are you waiting for? 

HomeVestorsFranchise.com 

800-230-0385 

*Each franchise office is independently owned and operated.

FBR Issue 3 - 2018

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