"Top Ten" Champions of Franchise Share Their Secrets to Success
Part I
by Patricia Schaefer
The number of franchises in the United States has been steadily increasing since the 1950's. Franchise operations today account for nearly 50 percent of our retail sales, and annual franchise sales total more than $1 trillion.
Out of the hundreds of thousands of franchise establishments, Entrepreneur Magazine's 2006 Franchise 500 included the following as their "Top Ten Franchises for 2006."
Franchise Trade queried each of these franchises to find out just what sets them apart from the myriad of other franchises out there. What do they pride themselves on and to what do they owe their tremendous success? And just what do they have to offer an individual today looking to invest in a franchising opportunity?
NUMBER 1: SUBWAY
"A Global Reputation for Offering Fresh, Tasty, Healthier Alternatives to Traditionally Fatty Fast Foods"
Here's what Subway's Public Relations Coordinator Rob Wilson had to say:
What sets Subway apart
"Compared to many other franchise systems, the SUBWAY concept has relatively low start-up costs, plus training and follow-up support from an extensive network of regional and headquarters personnel, who provide foodservice know-how and business guidance. Needing minimal equipment and space requirements, the SUBWAY concept is flexible -- 'at home' in free-standing locations, food courts and strip malls, in more than 5,000 convenience stores, in airports, truck stops and casinos, hotels and department stores, in high schools, on college campuses, in amusement parks and hospitals."
What Subway prides itself on
"We pride ourselves on our sub sandwiches -- custom-made on freshly baked breads, SUBWAY restaurants offer fresh, great-tasting 'made to order' subs, salads and wraps, with exceptional customer service and value. Millions of customers think of SUBWAY Restaurants sub sandwich options (including '8 under 6' grams of fat) along with spokesman Jared Fogle -- as their preferred fast food choice for smart eating habits. In fact, the SUBWAY chain has achieved a global reputation for offering fresh, tasty, healthier alternatives to traditionally fatty fast foods."
To what does Subway owe its tremendous success?
"Co-Founder Fred DeLuca attributes our tremendous success to our franchisees around the globe, whose energy and enthusiasm have brought SUBWAY restaurants to 83 countries. Now boasting close to 25,000 locations, the SUBWAY chain has recently been cited by Global Finance magazine as one of the world's best companies."
What does Subway have to offer a prospective franchisee?
"Celebrating 40 years of QSR [quick service restaurant] experience, the SUBWAY Restaurants chain presents an operationally simple (no cooking), proven concept -- for people who are new to running their own business, and for those who are seeking a career change with another business opportunity -- both can succeed with the SUBWAY brand, even without prior foodservice experience.
"A SUBWAY restaurant franchisee benefits from worldwide brand recognition (rated #1 in Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500" list (January 2006 issues) -- for the 14th time in 18 years. Top-notch operations and well-known menu choices are backed by many years of nationwide TV advertising in the USA and Canada, as well as diverse, ongoing local advertising and operational assistance."
NUMBER 2: QUIZNOS
[As of press time, Quiznos had not answered Franchise Trade's inquiries.]
NUMBER 3: CURVES
"Most franchises seek business people and try to teach them passion; we teach our passionate people how to run a successful business."
Becky Frusher, Communications Manager for Curves International, responded to our inquiries:
What Sets Curves Apart
"There are a couple of different ways to compare Curves to other franchises, comparing it to other fitness franchises and comparing it to other types of franchises, like fast food.
"Compared to other fitness franchises, we have several important points of difference. First, we are by far the largest fitness company in the world -- and the tenth largest franchise of any kind in the world. We account for 27 percent of all health clubs in the U.S. and Canada, and are the largest fitness franchise in those countries as well as in Australia, Ireland, Mexico and Spain. Most of this growth (9,400 clubs now open worldwide) was done by word-of-mouth.
"One of our biggest points of difference over other types of franchises is our low cost. We've been named No. 1 Low Cost franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for a number of years."
To what does Curves owe its tremendous success?
"Herein lies the secret of Curves' tremendous success; its culture, or what we call the Curves Community. Our members get something more from their Curves experience than just a flat stomach or smaller dress size. They find a support system of women just like them to encourage and motivate them not just while working out but in every aspect of their lives."
What Curves prides itself on/ has to offer a prospective franchisee
"Curves is and always has been a service company. Our franchisees are people who are passionate about helping others -- most of them are former members. Most franchises seek business people and try to teach them passion; we teach our passionate people how to run a successful business.
"Individuals seeking to purchase a Curves will find a company that prides itself on honesty, integrity, hard work, and compassion for others. We offer an extremely high level of training and certification, ongoing franchise support, successful marketing and advertising programs, and an efficient business model that makes it possible to be successful in a relatively short period of time."
NUMBER 4: THE UPS STORE
"The UPS Store Franchises promises to deliver world-class customer service to every person that walks through his or her door."
The following comes from Public Relations representative Megan Belt of The UPS Store & Mail Boxes Etc.
What Sets The UPS Store Apart/What The UPS Store Prides Itself on
"The UPS Store concept meets the personal and business needs of consumers with a complete array of shipping, postal and business-service offerings -- all in one convenient location. Customers benefit from the shipping prices they want, with the reliability they need.
"The UPS Store is an innovative network with more than 26 years of retail and franchising experience and the power of one of the world's most admired and recognized brands. The UPS brand resonates strongly with current and potential customers and is among the top brands in the world.
"With over 5,600 The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations around the world and opportunities in more than 75 countries and territories, our network is the global leader in its market. Our network revenues exceed $1.8 billion annually."
To what does The UPS Store owe its tremendous success?
"The UPS Store franchise is a globally respected brand, which means stores are known and trusted from the moment they open their doors. The strength of The UPS Store network comes, in part, from the talented and dedicated associates at each retail location. The UPS Store franchises promises to deliver world-class customer service to every person that walks through his or her door."
What does The UPS Store have to offer a prospective franchisee?
"Some of the benefits of owning The UPS Store franchisee include:
- Unparalleled Brand Recognition
- Financing Assistance
- Real Estate Development
- Store Design and Construction
- Training
- Ongoing Support
- Pre-established Corporate Customers
- Technology Development and Support"
NUMBER 5: JACKSON HEWITT TAX SERVICE
"Providing franchise owners with the essential support and assistance they need to achieve and exceed their goals."
Allison R. Jackson, Senior Manager of Communications for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, shared the following about Jackson Hewitt:
What sets Jackson Hewitt apart
"Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is the second largest tax preparation service company in the United States with franchised and company-owned offices in 49 states and the District of Columbia. It is a publicly traded company (NYSE: JTX) that specializes in electronic filing (IRS e-file) and provides full service, individual federal and state income tax preparation and facilitates related financial products to taxpayers across the country."
What Jackson Hewitt prides itself on
"With most offices independently owned and operated, Jackson Hewitt prides itself on attracting entrepreneurs who are dedicated to succeeding as business owners, where franchisees can focus on being in business for themselves but not by themselves. Jackson Hewitt ensures that its franchise owners have a strategy in place to effectively operate and grow their business.
"Leveraging Jackson Hewitt's strong and knowledgeable leadership, franchisees are provided with ongoing training and support in the areas of technology, operations, management and marketing. Franchise owners have regional field support teams throughout the country who have an understanding of their assigned markets and can offer operational insight."
To what does Jackson Hewitt owe its tremendous success?
"Entrepreneurs who choose Jackson Hewitt are joining a company that is focused on providing products and services that create value for its customers.
"As further evidence of its success, Jackson Hewitt enters this tax season with the proud distinction of being named the #5 Franchise Overall by Entrepreneur Magazine in its "2006 Annual Top 500 Franchises" ranking (January 2006 issue). The publication also recognized Jackson Hewitt as the #8 fastest growing franchise, the #1 tax preparation service franchise (13th year in a row) and the #2 low-cost franchise.
"These achievements are a result of providing franchise owners with the essential support and assistance they need to achieve and exceed their goals."
What does Jackson Hewitt have to offer a prospective franchisee?
"When people consider becoming a Jackson Hewitt franchisee, they are attracted to the national brand name, the low cost of investment, the strong franchisee support system and the history of franchisee success. Jackson Hewitt is particularly pleased that approximately two-thirds of the territories available have historically been sold to existing franchise owners who are looking to reinvest in additional Jackson Hewitt locations."
Stay tuned for Part II of "'Top Ten" Champions of Franchise Share Their Secrets to Success".
Copyright 2006, Attard Communications, Inc.
|
