Resources
February 2020: Why It's Good Business To Give Back
By Keith Novotny, Franchise Owner of Cousins Subs restaurants in Kewaskum and West Bend, Wisconsin
Growing up in the small town of Kewaskum, Wisconsin, I saw firsthand the profound impact charitable contributions have on my community. From Piggly Wiggly to Drexel Building Supply, large corporations made donations to address community needs to improve its vitality.
At 16-years-old, I started my career with Cousins Subs; a company with more than 40-years of commitment to giving back to its communities. "When our communities are in need, we offer support." That's a core piece of the company's mission statement. Cousins Subs has a long-standing commitment to addressing the vital community needs of hunger, youth education and health and wellness in the hundreds of communities it calls home across the Midwest. What's unique, however, is that Cousins Subs empowers franchise owners, crew members and corporate support staff to develop their own community partnerships to improve the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we live and work in and provides the framework and resources to do so.
As a franchise owner who employs high school students in my stores, I am dedicated to improving students' access to educational resources. To raise money for school books and educational class trips, I host donation nights or days at my restaurants. Through this fundraiser, a portion of all sales generated in a set period of time goes back to the benefiting organization. To date, I have proudly donated more than $10,000 to support youth education. Additionally, I award students with free sub coupons when they read over the summer months through a partnership with the West Bend Community Library and Kewaskum Library. I’ve awarded more than 300 free sub coupons to area students since the start of the partnership.
I believe providing vital community support shouldn’t start and end with myself. That’s why I empower my crew members to turn their passion into action and give back to the community. My crew members are passionate about sports. To show them how easy and impactful it is to support young athletes in their community, we provide discounted and nutritious meals for West Bend and Kewaskum sports teams to enjoy before, after or in between games.
Just as us business owners are aware of, the unexpected happens. What I've learned is guests in my community often do not have the financial support they need to effectively manage through crisis. That’s where my crew members and I step in. We host donation days or nights to benefit community members in need. Throughout my 17 years as a Cousins Subs restaurant owner, I’ve held many donation days and nights to raise money for children, families and seniors. Some have suffered a tragedy, while others need financial assistance to offset the cost of medical support needed while battling a life-altering illness. By supporting the community that supports me, I not only make a big difference, but I also teach an important lesson to my crew members.
Positively impacting the West Bend and Kewaskum communities doesn't solely take place within my store walls. I am a proud sponsor of the ‘Do Good Bus’ in Washington County. Volunteers ride the 'Do Good Bus' to travel to and from different community organizations and destinations to volunteer and perform good deeds. Recognizing an opportunity to reward volunteerism, I asked to become the official food sponsor. After their hard work, volunteers enjoy Cousins Subs at no charge. This is an effective, and easy, way to build brand awareness and champion volunteerism.
As a result of my community contributions, I’ve been recognized with awards from the West Bend Chamber of Commerce, including: Small Business of the Year, New Member of the Year and Emerging Leader. In February 2020, I was the City of West Bend's Business of the Month.
I strongly believe the ticket to successfully owning a business is following the golden rule. When you treat others the way you want to be treated, the whole community benefits because the return on being kind and giving to others is tenfold. Community health and well-being is improved, business is booming and employees are inspired and engaged.
February 2020: The Franchise Brands Behind Superbowl LIV
There’s no doubt the National Football League (NFL) is one of the most recognized and powerful brands in America. This week, history will be made when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, in Superbowl 54. When the tens of thousands of fans come together to watch their favorite team battle it out to be crowned world champions, franchise brands will be there, fueling the fight! Whether you’ll be cheering on the 49ers or the Chiefs, you’re sure to have encountered a franchise brand.
Franchise brands power Hard Rock Stadium and Miami with quality, reliable, and consistent products and services that customers have come to love and trust. Just near Hard Rock Stadium you can find:
- Burger King
- Chili's
- Church's Chicken
- Denny's
- Domino's
- Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale/Miramar
- KFC
- Little Caesars
- McDonald's
- Popeyes
- SONIC
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Lauderdale/Miramar
- Subway
- Wendy's
Fans traveling from the West Coast and the Midwest will choose to stay at one of the many nationally acclaimed Marriott or Hampton Inn hotels. Brands we love like Chili’s, Popeyes, and SONIC will serve fan favorites around the clock before, during, and after the game. The economic impact and local jobs empowered by franchise brands in Miami can’t be overlooked: there over 1,300 local franchise businesses in the Miami area, employing nearly 20,000 people and responsible for $1.7 billion in economic output. No matter who wins on Sunday, franchise brands will be there for fans, supporting economic development, jobs and growth, and most of all, contributing to the special American experience that is the Superbowl!
January 2020: The New York Times: “Current Job: Award-Winning Chef. Education: University of IHOP.”
NYT article highlights how some of the country’s most reputable chefs got their starts in America’s franchise brands
What do IHOP, Wendy’s, Applebee’s, Panda Express, and California Pizza Kitchen have in common? Yes, they’re all food franchise brands, and yes, odds are you’ve dined at one recently, but a recent story in The New York Times highlighted another major commonality of them: they all produced some of the best chefs in America today!
The article by Priya Krishna identifies five award-winning, accolade garnering, food critique silencing chefs at the height of their crafts, who all got their start in the kitchens of locally-owned franchise businesses.
Cassidee Dabney, executive chef at the Barn at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, started her career making salads and french fries at an Applebee’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas. According to Krishna, “That job… has shaped how Ms. Dabney runs her kitchen at Blackberry Farm. She has also hired a number of employees with similar experience.”
“One of her line cooks, Tony Genova, worked for Applebee’s as well. “You can totally see the difference between him and someone who hasn’t” worked in a chain restaurant, Ms. Dabney said. “It’s his movements, and getting twice as much done…
She added that people in her kitchen who have worked for chains “are not in it for the Food Network or the fame,” as people who come from fine-dining restaurants often are. “They are in it because they genuinely love cooking.”
Tiffany Derry, chef and owner of Roots Chicken Shak in Plano, Texas, spent four years between the ages of 15 and 19 serving up pancake stacks at IHOP, where she learned “how to be quick, have a good memory, and know the timing of everything…” as well as “the business skills needed to open her own restaurants — how to cost out a dish, do inventory, make revenue projections and input invoices — and now teaches her employees the same.”
Moreover, the culinary and business skills learned by these chefs cuts across all cuisines.
“It was pretty much that the customer is always right,” said Katsuya Fukushima, who worked the griddle and the drive-through window at Wendy’s from ages 16 to 18, and is now executive chef and partner at several Japanese restaurants including Haikan and Bantam King in Washington, D.C.”
Suzanne Goin, chef and co-owner of A.O.C., Lucques and Tavern in Los Angeles, spent her early 20s as a hostess at the original location of California Pizza Kitchen in Beverly Hills. Kia Damon, formerly the executive chef of Lalito in NYC, spent her mid-20s in the kitchen of a Panda Express.
As Krishna summarizes poignantly, franchise brands are becoming “an increasingly common, and far more accessible, path to a career as a chef.” Now that’s the Power of Brands!
December 2019: The Power of Brands Year in Review
This year the IFA launched a new education campaign aimed to raise the profile and benefits of franchising made possible through our strongest asset - BRANDS. The campaign, called the Power of Brands promotes pro-franchising brand messages and industry voices while building awareness and support within Congress and the Administration. The Power of Brands campaign has been making noise in Washington by providing unique and engaging experiences for policymakers to learn about the impact of franchising. From innovation, jobs, and opportunity, to exemplary leadership and charitable acts, the franchise community is powered by brands. Each brand having an exceptional story of people and passion.
The Highlights
The Power of Brands is a far-reaching grassroots effort that is supported by the launch of a new website. A Digital resource that puts the stories of franchise business owners front and center. Over 40 franchise brand voices were engaged, captured, and shared through over two dozen blogs highlighting the impact of these incredible companies and local businesses.
Advocacy Initiatives
The Power of Brands Campaign utilizes a dynamic network to connect with new audiences, key markets, and legislators to bring awareness to the significance of the franchise business model. Read more below to learn about our incredible advocacy initiatives this year, from hitting a home run at the Congressional Baseball Game to jamming out with Grammy-winning songwriters in Nashville!
November 2019: Franchise Brands Power Giving Tuesday
This past Giving Tuesday, we celebrated the franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers that have established themselves as true community leaders through their commitment to giving back. This year, Spherion, a national recruiting and staffing franchise, reached a key milestone, giving a total of $1 million to local charities through their annual Community Giveback program. During each holiday season, Spherion’s local teams partner with local charities that help individuals and families meet pressing needs, recover from disasters and emergencies, and build better futures. “Spherion is focused on improving lives by finding people meaningful work with local businesses that need talent. And, in turn, these matches help our communities grow. Our Community Giveback program complements our daily work effort by providing our time and money to local charities to further strengthen the places we call home,” said Rebecca Rogers Tijerino, President of Spherion.
Spherion’s Community Giveback Program began in 2014 when Angela Swarts, a Spherion franchise owner in Augusta, Georgia, gave $300 to each of her employees to donate to local charities of their choice during the holidays. The employees visited the charities of their choice presenting checks and volunteering their time. Since then, the Community Giveback Program has become a nationwide program across the entire Spherion network. This year, Spherion is donating $143,000 to 115 charities focused on a range of critical community issues such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and family services. This story embodies the power of a franchise organization. It is one more benefit of being part of a franchise community.
About Spherion
Spherion is a leading recruiting and staffing provider, specializing in temporary and direct hire placement of administrative, clerical, customer service, light industrial, and professional job candidates. To help clients attract, engage, and retain a high-performance workforce, Spherion offers in-depth market knowledge, outstanding customer service, a strong network of talent, and unique insights from its groundbreaking Emerging Workforce® Study. As an industry pioneer, Spherion has, for more than 70 years, matched candidates to clients in virtually every industry across the U.S.
November 2019: College Football Bowl Season Backed by Franchise Brands
College football's bowl season is upon us and while the teams gear up for kick-off, fans and franchise brands are gearing up for the excitement. The bowl mania will include over 40 games played in stadiums across the Country. Notable matchups will be brought to you by franchise brand title sponsors including Chick-fil-a, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Outback, SERVPRO, and Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar. Regardless of what team you're backing, the 2019 bowl game season is sure to provide action packed entertainment. The sponsorship of these football games by leading franchise brands, shows their commitment to college's and the communities in which they serve.
In salute to the brave men and women who protect and serve, the IFA's VetFran program is a proud sponsor of the 2019 Armed Forces Bowl. Through the steadfast efforts of IFA members dedicated to employment and business ownership for veterans and the support of IFA's VetFran program, more than 6,500 veterans have become franchise business owners since 2011. The VetFran program is a gateway to small business ownership, prosperity, and success for our nation’s heroes.
November 2019: The Power of Brands Partners with Nashville Songwriters
On November 21st IFA partnered with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) to bring a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriters, Brett James and Chris DeStefano to the Emerging Franchisor Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The two multi-talented musicians have built successful careers and influential brands which include songs recorded by some of the biggest names in the music industry. The NSAI and artists like Brett and Chris are dedicated to protecting the rights of aspiring and professional songwriters.
Whether it be that of a musician’s or of a franchise, the power of a brand is sustained by intellectual property. IP rights give musicians and artists control over their artistic works and businesses control of their brand. Through the IFA's educational campaign the Power of Brands, we are building awareness and support of the notable trademarks and diverse brands that power the franchise industry. Through building partnerships with outside organizations such as the NSAI we can further our efforts to advocate for legislative policies that protect IP.
Brett James has had more than 500 of his songs recorded by some of the biggest artist in the world. His songs have appeared on albums with combined sales of over 100 million copies. He has had numerous hit singles including 25 #1's and won a Grammy in 2006 for "Jesus, Take the Wheel". He was named ASCAP's country songwriter of the year in 2006 and 2010 and Music Row Magazines' Songwriter of the Year in 2015. He has received more than 40 ASCAP hit song awards in country, pop, Latin and Christian genres. Brett is currently in his 15th year of service on the board of directors of the Country Music Association, has served as a national trustee of The Recording Academy (Grammys) and he also serves on the Board of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Chris DeStefano is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Chris began singing at a very early age in the acclaimed Academy Boys Choir of Philadelphia. At age 13, he acquired his first guitar and remembers writing his first songs shortly after. Driven by his passion for music and knack for picking up new instruments, DeStefano's talents lead him to Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music where he studied film scoring. In early 2012 Chris charted his first country single with Jana Kramer's "Why You Wanna" which peaked #3 on the Billboard chart. Right on the heels of success, DeStefano achieved his first Country chart topper with the song "Good Girl" recorded by Country superstar Carrie Underwood.
You can view a clip of the duo's performance here.
November 2019: Golden Corral Franchisee Feeds 20,000 on Thanksgiving
Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. For the 27th consecutive year, Eric Holm, the owner of 33 Golden Corral restaurants, will be providing free Thanksgiving meals to more than 20,000 deserving people at the Salvation Army gymnasium in Orlando, Florida. Holm founded the "Helpings from the Heart" program in 1992 to give back to his community and show appreciation to the Salvation Army, which provided Thanksgiving meals to his family as a child.
Through the support of local nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and corporations, Helpings From The Heart will serve more than 3,000 pounds of turkey, 3,000 pounds of ham, and more than 10,000 pounds of Thanksgiving favorites and desserts. Since its inception, the program has provided an estimated 520,000 meals. Serving that many people is no easy feat. It takes hard work and the coming together of hundreds of volunteers - all empowered by Eric Holm and the Golden Corral. The true spirit of Thanksgiving will be on display thanks to Eric and his passion for helping those in need and supporting families in his community. You can view Eric's story here.
About Golden Corral
Golden Corral first opened its doors in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1973, beginning a tradition of offering guests real, wholesome foods in a family-friendly atmosphere and at a great value. Nearly 46 years later, Golden Corral is called America's #1 buffet and grill. Along with home-style buffet favorites such as pot roast, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables, today’s endless Golden Corral buffet experience offers guests a wide variety of tastes and flavors. Entrepreneur magazine named Golden Corral #1 in category in their 2019 Annual Franchise 500, as well as, #1 in category in their 2019 Top Food Franchises.
At Golden Corral, their commitment to their guests doesn't stop with their food. They believe in providing outstanding hospitality too. They lend tribute to being the best in class to the men and women who work at each of their franchise locations, who strive each day to deliver a pleasurable dining experience for families across America. The values they hold as a company extend to the community at large. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have served over 5.4 million free meals for active duty and retired veterans and contributed over $15 million to Disabled American Veterans during their annual Military Appreciation Night event. All Golden Corral restaurants nationwide participate in this event to honor military heroes, past and present.
October 2019: Franchise Brands 'Fueled The Fight
The Franchise Brands Behind The 2019 World Series
Just this week, history was made when the Washington Nationals took home their first-ever World Series win. When the tens of thousands of fans came together to watch their favorite team battle it out for the title, it was franchise brands that fueled the fight each day and night during the seven-game series. Whether you were cheering on the Nationals in Washington, DC or the Astros in Houston, you’re sure to have encountered a franchise brand.
Throughout the entire series, franchise brands powered each stadium with quality, reliable, and consistent products and services that their customers have come to love and trust. Fans traveling from afar could choose to stay at one of the many nationally acclaimed Hilton and Marriott hotels close to the parks. Brands we love like Dunkin', Subway, and Buffalo Wild Wings served ballpark favorites around the clock before, during, and after the games. While the fans of Houston enjoyed burgers from Whataburger, fans in Washington, DC were sipping on beers at the local Gordon Biersch Brewery. With all seven games sold out, the economic impact and local jobs empowered by franchise brands in both cities certainly can’t be overlooked.
Lasting ballpark memories were made by family and friends alike around key moments like the away game wins, game-changing home runs and even, and perhaps particularly, the singing of the rally song Baby Shark! And franchise brands were there the entire time - to fuel the fans, support the stadiums, drive local economic growth and most of all, contribute to the special experience that is America's greatest past time.
October 2019: Power of Brands Spotlight: Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is the number one ranked staffing franchise on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for eight straight years. Across their network of more than 800 franchise locations, Express has a long-term goal to employ a million people annually.
Express is Dedicated to Helping People Find Employment
Norm Robertson
Franchise Owner of Express Employment In Indiana
After returning from active duty, Norm Robertson calls himself "fortunate" to find rewarding work in the franchise sector. Over the past three decades, he worked his way to now own three Express Employment franchises in Indiana. Norm and his team help people looking for local employment opportunities, hiring more than 800 workers per week among over 200 local companies. Franchising has not only helped Norm transition from the military back into everyday life, it has given him the resources to give those same opportunities back to other veterans now making that same transition. Through his businesses, he hires fellow veterans, sponsors events in the veteran community, and uses his platform to highlight issues affecting veterans.
September 2019: Power of Brands Spotlight: Detroit Kid City
On September 21st, 2019, Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) visited Detroit Kid City - a local Michigan franchise that features a custom Mini Detroit play city where kids run the show. Rep. Stevens spent time to tour the franchise's newest location and to speak with the business owner and employees to learn about the positive impact the franchise has had on local Michigan communities. At Detroit Kid City children (and adults) have the ability to use their creative imaginations through good old fashion pretend play using props, toys, and dress-up items. They believe imaginations need to be exercised in a fun and inspiring environment free from video games, computers, and other distractions. And to ensure the parents can keep up with the little ones, Detroit Kid City offers plant-based coffee roasted on-site along with local Michigan snacks!
Garrett and Laura Dixon founded Detroit Kid City with a vision to bring a safe and creative play environment that both the kids and parents of their local community could enjoy. After finding success, Detroit Kid City has spread to new communities throughout Michigan with a third location opening recently in December of 2018. To learn more, visit detroitkidcity.com.
September 2019: Brands Unite in Washington, DC
On September 9-11, 2019 the International Franchise Association will be coming together with IFA members and Members of Congress in our Nation's Capital. This is an opportunity for franchisors and franchisees to educate their elected officials and their staff on the positive impact their brand has in its local communities and discuss policies that effect the franchise business model. We encourage IFA members to share their personal story of entrepreneurship and the opportunities that have been created through their franchise growth. On September 11, IFA members are encouraged to stop by the WOOFIE'S Pet A Puppy Truck on Capitol Hill to learn about the diversity of franchise brands and opportunities from WOOFIE'S, a Virginia-based, all-women owned and operated pet care franchise. And join us at "A Taste of Franchising" in the Rayburn House Office building later that afternoon to enjoy food from IFA members Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, McDonalds and Capriotti’s.
WOOFIE'S Pet a Puppy Event
DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
TIME: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
LOCATION: CAPITOL HILL CLUB - 300 FIRST STREET, SE
(RIGHT ACROSS CAPITOL SOUTH METRO STOP)
A TASTE OF FRANCHISING
DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
LOCATION: RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING - CAPITOL HILL
August 2019: Franchising Celebrates Labor Day
On Monday, September 2, 2019, people across the United States will celebrate Labor Day to pay tribute to the contributions and accomplishments of American workers. For many, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer but for us, it is representative of the impact franchise brands have had in communities, cities, and towns across the Nation. Franchise ownership and the jobs they create offer career progression and economic stability and contribute to a workforce of over 7.6 million jobs in the United States. Franchises are the country’s largest job training program, fostering highly-skilled careers in a variety of industries. With brands operating in over 300 different business formats, we believe that within franchising, an opportunity exists for everyone.
August 2019: Power of Brands Spotlight: PMTD Restaurants
PMTD Restaurants and its affiliates is a multi-unit franchise business operating 23 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. PMTD stands for "people make the difference" and they fundamentally believe that their restaurant teams are their greatest asset. At PMTD they work hard to create jobs, provide opportunities for people to grow within each of their restaurants, and invest in the well being of their employees. Company Chair, David Barr believes the power of their brands is trust and the experience they provide the people who walk through their doors. PMTD knows the impact brands have on communities and families and push to drive economic growth and empower people coast to coast.
"We fundamentally believe that while the brands and the restaurants operate and are wonderful assets, that the asset of human capital and the aspiration is something that is irreplaceable!"
- David Barr, IFA Chair, Chair of PMTD Restaurants
August 2019: Arrange an In-district Meeting with Your Member of Congress
Many Americans are unaware of the integral role franchise brands plays in our economy and in our communities. As a franchise owner, meeting with your elected officials allows you to showcase your business and the positive impact it has within your community. In-district events allow you to get to know your lawmakers, and represent not only your business, but the entire franchise industry. Consistent communication with your lawmakers is crucial to ensure your issues are at the forefront of their agenda.
How to Take Action:
-
Let them know you are a constituent
-
It is very important to identify yourself as a constituent. Your Member of Congress will be more likely to meet with you if he/she knows you want to discuss issues affecting the state or district they represent.
-
-
Send an invitation
-
Send an email or letter to your representative inviting him/her to an in-district meeting. Your representative will most likely have a scheduler, and if you need help finding the right person to contact, IFA can assist you.
-
-
Follow up by phone
-
If you do not receive a response from your official’s office within 3 business days.
-
Talking Points:
-
You and Your Business: Tell us your story. What are the key points about your career/professional background? How did you get involved in franchising? What did you do prior to franchising?
-
Your Relationship with the Local Community: Describe how franchising has impacted your life and your community in positive ways. How does your franchise system get involved with giving back to the community?
-
The Challenges Your Business Faces: In your own words, how would you explain how the franchise business model works? What are the highest costs for your business? What regulations are you most worried about or uncertain about? What does your representative need to do to make sure your business and the franchise industry continue to grow?
August 2019: Brands Empower Women
Franchising offers a significant opportunity for women to grow as entrepreneurs and leaders in business. Throughout the United States you will find women accelerating as franchisors, franchisees, and within leadership positions of top performing brands. With 30% of franchises owned by women, this falls well above the national average, and that is something that we are proud of!
July 2019: Franchising Empowers Diversity
Franchising is an industry built on relationships, people, innovation, and opportunity. In recent years, the franchise sector has flourished, creating jobs that offer career progression and economic stability, as well as providing wealth accumulation opportunities for all Americans. The proven franchise business model allows for any individual to own their own local business without having to take on all the risk of starting a new brand from the ground up. This is especially helpful for women and minorities, who may be at a disadvantage when starting a new business.
In fact, franchise brands include more than 300 different business format categories. Over the past several years, these franchise brands have seen a drastic increase in minority ownership providing an opportunity to achieve the American dream.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a higher minority ownership rate among franchised businesses than in nonfranchised businesses: 30.8 percent of franchises were owned by minorities, compared to 18.8 percent of nonfranchised businesses. Overall, the minority ownership rate for franchised businesses increased by 50 percent over the most recent time period studied.
To help promote diversity in franchise ownership, IFA is leading the charge for the U.S. Census Bureau to collect data on minority and women franchise ownership more frequently. The expanded data collection on women and minority-owned franchises helps policymakers and the American people better understand the impact franchises have on the diversity of business owners in the U.S. economy.
In February, 58 bipartisan members of Congress sent a letter to the U.S. Census Bureau calling on it to expand its data collection on minority and women franchise ownership. The letter stated, “More recent and frequently-provided information could be used to help policymakers as we work to promote economic growth among underserved communities. In addition, this data could help show the success rate and ownership rate for minority and women franchise owners as they seek access to capital to start or expand their business.”
As changing demographics in the United States present a unique opportunity for franchise brands to continue to expand into once under-represented communities untapped franchisee talent and support and encourage minority entrepreneurs, IFA will keep leading the way!
"There’s a significant opportunity within franchising and the IFA for greater diversity. We see far more opportunities for minorities, far more opportunities for women. Those opportunity are created because franchisors and the power of brands have greater vision for what is possible than others do."
- WILLIAM DIPAOLA, COO, Ballard Brands
July 2019: Franchising is Built on Brands
With the new Congress comes new approaches, new messages and new messengers. The time has come to “reset the debate” and to bring the focus back to the power of the notable trademarks and diverse brands within franchising. The IFA Team has been hard at work promoting the Power of Brands campaign to educate the 116th Congress and build awareness and bipartisan support for our brands.
As a small business owner myself, I know the challenges franchises & small businesses face and I will always have your back!
- CONGRESSMAN DENVER RIGGLEMAN (VA-05)
July 2019: Brands Give Back to Local Communities
From supporting Little League baseball teams to donating food for homeless shelters, to organizing marches for cancer research, franchise brands donate millions of volunteer hours and dollars to give back to their communities. Big or small, the combined local contributions from all ten sectors within franchising create a significant impact across the United States and worldwide. From coast to coast, you will find brands hard at work growing their own charitable initiatives and teaming up with reputable organizations to change lives and contribute to the needs of people in their community.
Locally-owned franchise businesses are more likely to assist their local community. In fact, ninety percent of the money generated by franchises stays local, where it is locally shared, locally invested, and leads to growth in the community. The Power of Brands is truly locally generated, locally sustained, and locally shared. Beyond being engines of local prosperity, franchises also give back to their communities. In fact, local franchise businesses have donated over $347,173,231 and over 2.5 million volunteer hours, according to the IFA Foundation's Franchising Gives Back initiative.
"Our franchise owners care about the elderly, the disabled, and the veterans. They want to be a part of their lives, they want to show them compassion. We call it the heart of the business. They desire to be involved in their communities and serve and care for those in need." - Lane Kofoed, President & CEO, Assisting Hands Home Care
July 2019: Power of Brands Spotlight: College Hunks Hauling Junk
College Hunks Hauling Junk is a moving and junk removal franchise brand that offers reliable, professional, and friendly services. Through the power of their brand, College Hunks has created a momentous platform that provides individuals an opportunity to learn and grow and develop skills that they can carry throughout their entire career. With over 125 locations across the country, you will find many great success stories where front line team members have gone on to own their own franchise. Each franchise is locally owned and operated where franchise owners become the Mayor of their market and are recognized as being the expert and service provider of choice for the moving and junk removal needs of their clients and their community. College Hunks Hauling Junk is working to #MovetheWorld through the #PowerofBrands.
"The power of a brand is all about creating trust and credibility." - Nick Friedman, Co-Founder & President, College Hunks Hauling Junk
Learn more about College Hunks Hauling Junk by checking out their history!
June 2019: Power of Brands Hits a Home Run at Congressional Baseball Game
Team IFA hit the Hill and the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity on June 26th, 2019, to educate Representatives and fans about the Power of Brands and the positive impact franchises have on communities across America. The team gave blue and red foam fingers to the offices of the 71 Representatives on the roster and attendees so they could cheer on their party and learn more about the jobs and opportunities that franchise brands create. The Democrats took home the trophy with a 14-7 final score against the Republicans but the Power of Brands was the true winner, successfully raising the profile of franchising to over 1,500 attendees. You can read more here.
May 2019: IFA Launches Premier Education Campaign, The Power of Brands
What’s the power of a brand? The International Franchise Association is showcasing its members to bring focus to the jobs they create, the diversity they support, and communities they empower. The IFA promotes brands in over 300 different business formats that together represent more than 700,000 franchise establishments in all 50 states.
Did you know?
➢ Franchise brands create over 7.6 million jobs.
➢ Over 30% of franchises are owned by minorities.
➢ Over 30% of franchises are owned by women.
➢ Franchise brands produce nearly $675 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy.
The IFA’s new education campaign - The Power of Brands - premiered recently at the International Franchise Expo (IFE) in New York City on May 30th. IFA Chairman, David Barr kicked off the campaign and announced this new effort which is aimed at raising the profile and benefits of franchising – a model that is built on the Power of Brands.
“Behind every brand is a story – whether it’s a household name, or a brand just getting started. What we’ve learned from our conversations around the country is the impact brands have on communities and families. The Power of Brands is helping to drive economic growth and empower entrepreneurs from coast to coast.” – David Barr
A brand is one of the strongest assets a company has. They are a foundation for job creation, create loyalty and trust, and lend credibility to businesses across the Country and around the globe. A brand is more than its name. It is a story of entrepreneurship, it is the entire customer experience, and it is the positive impact brands have within local communities.
The Power of Brands campaign is putting the stories of franchise business owners front and center to highlight how brands have transformed their lives as well as hundreds of thousands nationwide. These stories happen in every state, in every city, and on every Main Street. These stories are the cornerstone of America. Some franchise brands we grew up on, many we have come to know, love, and trust and others are emerging that are creating new goods and services for everyday people.
77% of Americans agree that franchise brands create consistency and 75% believe they offer quality products and services. It is no debate that franchise brands make an impact and Power of Brands campaign provides a special opportunity to see just how big that impact really is!
Check out the Power of Brands campaign video here.
Learn more about the Power of Brands by the numbers.
Connect with our team to share your franchise brand story. Be Heard!
Power of Brands: What Franchisors Are Saying!