Branding

McDonald’s represents less than one percent of the small businesses in the United States, yet it is one of the most recognized icons in the world - why? BRANDING!

The IFA Web site was re-launched in 2005 to great fanfare, including three mentions of the www.franchise.org Web site in an AP article that was picked up by 70 major newspapers across the United States.

• Three FranPR clients make it into the Richmond Times-Dispatch article on franchise growth — One client gets its picture on the cover of the Business Section, another client gets an oversized picture in the centerfold of the section and the third client gets a headshot, extensive quotes, and a link to his priority product. Click here to read the entire July 7, 2008 article.
• The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star showcases FranPR client Virginia Barbeque franchise system, which has managed to thrive despite the economic downturn thanks to multiple innovations CEO Rick Ivey incorporated into the fast food barbeque chain. Click here to read the entire March 23, 2008 article.
• The Miami Herald draws on FranPR client FRANdata’s expertise to quantify franchise growth in the region. Click here to read the entire article.
• The Wall Street Journal reports on the national trend of independent businesses “adding on” franchises to fill gaps during off-peak season and expand services and clientele base. One of the successful examples profiled is FranPR client Screenmobile. The Journal interviewed franchisee Jason Oldham who “added on” a Screenmobile franchise to his home remodeling business and now his revenue is up 50% from a year ago before he became a Screenmobile franchisee. Click here to read the entire article.

• Screenmobile makes the FRONT PAGE of the New York Times, SUNDAY EDITION!!!!!! In the article about the national problem of errant golf balls crashing through windows, the reporter noted that two of the people profiled in the article “turned to Screenmobile, a company that specializes in heavy-duty screens for doors and windows. Screenmobile said it received more than 400 calls from homeowners last year. Ms. Smith said the screens helped considerably.” Click here to read the entire June 24, 2007 article.
• The Christian Science Monitor reports on the latest trend in franchising--mobile franchising, and uses one FranPR client as an example (Screenmobile) and another client as an expert (Dick Rennick). Click here to read the entire October 1, 2007 article.
• QSR profiles Virginia Barbeque as a prime example of how a fast food chain can use hi-tech kitchen equipment to successfully reduce food and labor costs. Click here to read the entire June 10, 2008 article.
• The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star writes of Virginia Barbeque’s growth, and notes the Fredericksburg-based chain is expanding into Delaware, Arizona and possibly over the Atlantic. Click here to read the entire August 29, 2007 article.
• The Desert Sun reports that Screenmobile founders “Monty and Scott Walker's golf ball-deflecting window screens are a product whose time has come,” and details some of the increased business activity the brand has experienced since its front page coverage in the New York Times. Click here to read the entire article.
• IndUS Business Journal interviews Dick Rennick, founder of 360-unit franchise chain American Leak Detection and president of consulting firm TEAM Rennick, to learn different ways franchisees can be successful. Scott Walker, president and CEO of Screenmobile, discusses how he is leading the company into a more "Customer Centric" ideology. Click here to read the entire June 15, 2007, article.
• The Chicago Tribune draws on Rennick’s franchise expertise to help brands find the best franchisees to grow the business and achieve a productive level of trust within the system. Click here to read the entire June 18, 2007 article.
• The Virginian-Pilot explains the highly complex concept of turnover rates, and relies on franchise expert Dick Rennick’s expertise to explain the franchisor’s underlying drive is always to protect the integrity of the brand. Click here to read the entire June 14, 2007 article.
• FRANdata — A Key Source for the Wall Street Journal, April 2007
• VA Barbeque's Original Pulled Pork Sandwich, April 2007
• Watch the WUSA appearance!
• The Bowling Green Daily News, a daily newspaper in Kentucky, draws on franchise expert Dick Rennick’s expertise to help readers better understand franchising best practices.
• Fat Mo’s franchise failed due to lack of training, owner says, May 28, 2007
• Virginia Barbeque on WRIC-TV, May 11, 2007