Franchising in New England

48-Year-Old Brand Continues to Strengthen Internal Growth Systems; Hires NEFA Member Anthony Padulo to Lead Charge

Horsham, PA (PRWEB) September 1, 2010

While the current economic climate may have slowed many brands’ innovation and growth, AAMCO, a franchise operation with nearly 900 automotive centers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, is continuing to march forward by strengthening the brand’s executive team. This iconic brand has reinvented itself with the addition of total car care, and thanks to its strong brand, is quickly becoming a major player in the total car care area, seeing double digits growth annually in the segment. The newest member to the team is Anthony “Tony” Padulo, who will serve as AAMCO’s Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development to spearhead the brand’s growth on a national level.

“Tony brings to AAMCO a wealth of experience, plus the vision and strategic ability to lead our franchise development department into 2011 and beyond,” said Marc Graham, CEO. “We are thrilled to have Tony on board with us, and look forward to seeing how he applies his industry experience and proven results to our focused growth strategies.”

While remaining a leader in its segment, AAMCO has continued its system wide growth, with the opening of 32 new locations in 2009. Given our robust business model, coupled with strong operating and training support, we are poised to accelerate our 5 year development plan, as we plan to double our current growth rate by the end of 2011. As a crucial part of the team, Padulo, who holds a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation from the International Franchise Association, will lead AAMCO’s franchise development while bringing over 30 years of franchise, real estate, and automotive experience from several years with ARCO Oil, where he served as its Director of Franchise Development. During his tenure, he was responsible for developing a comprehensive franchise revitalization strategy and platform for the ARCO/ampm gas station/convenience store offering.

Prior to joining ARCO, Padulo spent 22 years working with Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., parent of Dunkin’ Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins. For nearly a decade, Padulo served as Vice President of New Business Development, International, where he responsible for launching the brands in over 30 new countries. He spent his final three years at the company as Vice President of New Business Development and Franchise Services, guiding franchising activities for the brands as well as overseeing development of non-traditional units inside chains. Padulo was also Senior VP of Franchise Development for Papa Gino’s Inc, holding company for both Papa Gino’s Pizzas, and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, and most recently worked with RE/MAX of New England, where he developed the industry’s first nontraditional development program with third party retailers.

“As a brand with a historically established household name, I sincerely look forward to leading AAMCO’s franchise and real estate development by initiating innovative franchise development strategies to the already established model. My main priority is to increase franchising activity through a focused growth strategy, while concurrently streamlining AAMCO’s center opening lead times.” Padulo said.

AAMCO has been the recognized leader in the transmission business for over forty years and in the past three years has expanded its services into the $200 billion general automotive repair aftermarket. With brand recognition in excess of 90 percent, almost 900 locations nationwide and the most highly skilled technicians in the industry, AAMCO is well positioned to become the market leader in brakes, tune-ups, air conditioning and other aftermarket services.

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in total car care services. The AAMCO brand has approximately 900 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Established in 1962, AAMCO is proud to have served more than 35 million drivers. Today, under the leadership of CEO and President Marc Graham, American Driveline Systems Inc., the parent company of AAMCO and Cottman Transmissions Systems, LLC, AAMCO has laid out a comprehensive strategy focused on strengthening current franchisee profitability and complemented by a growth plan through the next five years, which includes strengthening its brand footprint in existing markets and venturing into untapped territories through franchise development. For more information, visit www.aamco.com.

Massage Envy, A NEFA Member and the nation’s largest therapeutic massage provider, is pleased to announce that U.S. Army Sergeant Andrew Cottam recently received the company’s 20 millionth massage. Formed just eight years ago, Massage Envy has grown to more than 600 clinics throughout 42 states.

Cottam, an Army recruiter in Napa, California made an appointment for his monthly massage at the Massage Envy clinic in Fairfield, California owned by franchisee Christina Delgado. Cottam’s regular therapist, who performed the milestone massage, is Amanda Bartolomeu. She is highly experienced with more than 850 hours of massage training. Cottam has been a Massage Envy member since February 2009 and takes advantage of both the Swedish massage and the deep tissue massage offerings for relaxation and fitness. He lifts weights and uses massage as a part of his overall fitness routine. Cottam, like many others, benefits from Massage Envy’s military discount for all active military personnel.

He will receive a free year membership to Massage Envy which includes a complimentary monthly massage. Cottam said because Massage Envy has a national presence, he has visited clinics from Texas to North Carolina during his different Army assignments. He credits the staff at the Cordelia clinic for making him a satisfied loyal customer. “From the front desk to the manager, there couldn’t be a nicer group of people. They do a great job of creating a friendly, relaxed environment,” he said.

“We are very pleased to have Andrew as a member at Massage Envy and we thank him for his service to our country,” said David Humphrey, CEO of Massage Envy. “He is an example of how regular massage benefits physically active individuals and everyone with a busy and demanding lifestyle. We are also thrilled to have reached the significant milestone of 20 million massages performed in only eight years,” said Humphrey. “In today’s world, everyone deserves a monthly dose of stress relief. Massage Envy is proud to have provided professional, convenient and affordable therapeutic massages to so many Americans nationwide.”

For more information contact Massage Envy

Sotheby’s brand honored by Franchise Business Review a member of the New England Franchise Association.

Anne Erwin Sotheby’s International Realty, a real estate firm based in York, recently announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty brand won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the third year in a row. The award measures franchisee satisfaction with their franchisors.

“We are so honored to receive this recognition for the third year in a row,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.

Franchise Business Review surveyed franchisees from more than 500 leading systems, representing more than 100,000 franchisees, for the fifth annual awards. Franchises were evaluated in five areas: training and support, franchise system, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity and overall satisfaction.

Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. For a complete list of this year’s award winners, go to www.FBR50.com.

Anne Erwin Sotheby’s International Realty has had a leading presence in the southern Maine real estate market for more than 25 years. Founded in 1980, the company offers a wide selection of oceanfront, ocean view, waterfront, water view, and distinctive homes in every price range in southern Maine including York, Cape Neddick, Kittery, Kittery Point, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, South Berwick and Eliot.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,600 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 38 countries and territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

Lisa van der Pool reports at the Boston Business Journal that Papa Gino’s Inc. has revived its line of burgers after over a decade of featuring burger-free fare, the pizza chain said on Wednesday.

The Dedham, Mass.-based Papa Gino’s has introduced three angus burgers: the classic, mushroom swiss and bacon cheddar. The chain is currently running a Facebook promotion giving $2 off any burger-and-fries meal through March 21.

From the 1970s through the mid-1990s Papa Gino’s marketed a “Papa Burger.”The restaurant chain said the angus burgers were brought back to diversify its menu.

NEFA member Itamar Chalif, principal of Atlantic Capital Solutions, will appear on WPI’s Venture Forum program on Saturday, February 7th, which will air from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on WTAG 580 AM and 94.9 FM. Mitchell Sanders, Executive President of ECI Biotech, will host the program.

The WPI Venture Forum Radio Program is a talk show for anyone interested in starting a business. Whether trying to write a business plan, raise capital, create a benefits package or determine the best way to structure a management team, the program’s hosts and guests have been there and done that.

Besides a discussion between host and guests, the audience is also encouraged to phone in with  questions and comments. In addition to tuning in on the radio, you can listen to the program online on WTAG’s Web site at www.wtag.com.

The DD Independent Franchise Owners Group, (DDIFO)which represents the largest association of Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in the U.S., has named Jim Coen, a member of the DDIFO Board of Directors, as its acting President and Chief Operating Officer. He takes over December 1, 2008 from Mark Dubinsky who has tendered his resignation after two yeas as DDIFO President.

Mr. Coen is Executive Director of the New England Franchise Association and founder of Franchise Perfection. He has been a director of and the Clerk for the DDIFO board since May, 2008.

In his interim role as acting president Coen will continue DDIFO efforts to support all franchisees. “I thank the board for the confidence they have placed in me, I look forward to working with the Board and the members. DDIFO has incredible opportunities to support existing members, implement it’s mission, grow membership and improve the organization’s capabilities,” said Coen.

“We are pleased to have Jim Coen assume the role of President of our organization,” says Kevin McCarthy, Chairman of the DDIFO board. “This is a critical time for franchisees because of the economic uncertainty. The DDIFO board is confident that Jim’s experience and skills will serve members well during this transitional period. We are also grateful to Mark Dubinsky for all he did on behalf of the DDIFO and wish him continued success in his business endeavors.”

Dubinsky says, “I have been honored to serve as DDIFO president and am gratified by the many successes we enjoyed over the past two years, including the passing of the Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act and the addition of new, valuable business services for our members.”

NEFA President and PR Works founder Steve Dubin and account manager Joe D’Eramo recently met with TV star Christopher Lowell at the national convention for their mutual client DirectBuy Franchise System.  The convention was held in San Francisco and attended by more than 1,500 DirectBuy staff members.

Lowell, a decorator and television personality, is the host of It’s Christopher Lowell! and the Christopher Lowell Show for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2000.

Christopher Lowell has become a household name and has appeared appearing on The Hollywood Squares. DirectBuy provides members access to twelve room settings created by Christopher Lowell.  Lowell will host an upcoming series on Fine Living Channel called Work That Room with Christopher Lowell.

PR Works met with Lowell to discuss a variety of public relations initiatives to expand awareness of DirectBuy. PR Works develops visibility programs for the more than 160 DirectBuy franchises that are located in the United States and Canada.

Held from November 22 to 25 at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled the Brilliance by the Bay, brought DirectBuy franchise owners, staff and vendors from across the U.S. and Canada.
Besides awards banquets, keynote speakers, the conference provided a team-building opportunity.

“DirectBuy executives and staff are energized to create new business opportunities and continue to grow their brand,” noted Dubin. He added, “The conference underscored the unique niche that DirectBuy can offer to consumers - buying at manufacturers’ price can save an enormous amount of money and should be a fun, positive experience.”

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

Professor and Chair of Boston University’s Marketing Department and renowned expert on Franchising

The DD Independent Franchise Owners Group, which represents the largest association of Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in the U.S., is pleased to announce the addition of Professor Patrick Kaufmann to its Board of Directors.

Kaufmann holds a BA in Economics from Georgetown University, a JD from Boston College Law School, an MBA from Wharton, and a Ph.D. in Marketing from Northwestern University. Prior to joining Boston University, he was on the faculty of the Harvard Business School and Georgia State University, and practiced law in Boston.

Professor Kaufmann is on the executive committee of the International Society of Franchising; he chaired the organization in 1992. He has also served as a member of the Education Committee of the International Franchise Association and is a member of the New England Franchise Network.

Kaufmann says, “I am delighted to be joining the DDIFO Board and to have the opportunity to work with the Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees.  I look forward to assisting the DDIFO Board in its efforts to help franchisees operate profitably in this difficult economic environment.”

Kevin McCarthy, the Chairman of the Board of the DDIFO, echoes Professor Kaufmann’s comments, “We are delighted to have Professor Kaufmann join our Board. Pat’s impressive professional background, combined with his collaborative and creative business style, makes for an excellent strategic fit with both the mission and franchisee membership of DDIFO”.

NEFA Member William (Bill) Buckley of Bangor, ME and President of Coffee News USA, Inc.  announced the purchase of the parent company and owner of intellectual property rights for the Coffee News franchise system, 2703203 Manitoba, Inc., located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Bill has operated the company under a Management Continuity Agreement since March 1, 2006, when founder, Jean Daum, became serious ill with cancer and died July 23, 2007.

Jean Daum founded Coffee News October 22, 1988 in Winnipeg, MB.  After placing her lunch order, Jean resorted to reading the information on a sugar packet out of sheer boredom. It dawned on her that restaurants were missing the boat by not providing patrons with something entertaining to read for a few minutes while waiting for their food.  After six months of research, Coffee News was born and has now risen to become the world’s largest restaurant publication and the world’s largest franchise publication with an estimated readership of over 8 million every week.

The purchase includes all stock of the corporation from the Estate of Jean Daum, the copyrights and trade dress of the publication and all existing franchise agreements in force in 32 countries.  Manitoba, Inc. will continue printing operations in Winnipeg, Manitoba where Coffee News has been publishing for 20 years.  In addition to Coffee News USA, Inc. in Bangor, ME, the newly acquired company maintains Head Offices in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela.

Irene Tolman of Coffee News Worcester a franchisee since 2000, says, “Bill has been a strong force in the growth of Coffee News and having him at the helm will make people more comfortable by knowing he’ll keep Coffee News going and growing.” 

Irene goes on to say, “the people who oversee the franchise work long hours…Bill’s dedication is amazing! Whenever I call or e-mail Bill he replies within the day (mostly within the hour)…always in a pleasant way and always with an answer. Who can say that about their franchise owner?”

Created during an economic recession, Coffee News has grown in circulation dramatically in both good and bad economic times.  Coffee News contains fun filled, good news and positive information to entertain while waiting.  Community based-businesses are allowed to purchase exclusive ads, thereby targeting restaurant patrons while they dine.  The restaurants receive a weekly quantity of Coffee Newses free of charge.

Coffee News reported 1142 franchises in force as of July 31, 2008 in 32 countries.  Only about 2% of all franchise systems in the world have more than 1100 franchise units.

NEFA Member, Franchise Business Review announces a webinar for franchise seekers.

Wednesday October 22 - 1 PM ET (60 minutes). Register Now

What Makes a Franchise Great? How Do You Choose the Right Franchise for You? How Can You Be Successful in These Challenging Economic Times?

This webinar is designed to give franchise seekers information regarding business ownership. Hear from current franchisees of some of today’s top franchise systems and learn about the steps they took to successful franchise ownership. Included in the webinar will be information about how to choose opportunities that fit your needs, how to research a franchise company, how much money can you really make, pitfalls to avoid and the steps you have to take to be successful.

Hosted by Franchise Business Review’s Eric Stites and Michelle Rowan with a special guest franchisee panel including:

Lori Sitko, Budget Blinds          Steve Cox, i9 Sports
Clint Ehlers, FASTSIGNS         Sharon Boretsky, Adventures in Advertising

What will be discussed

• What are the top franchise opportunities in the marketplace today?
• Researching franchises successfully
• Which franchises are the best fit for you?
• How much capital do you really need and where can you get i?
• The most common mistakes and how to avoid them
• How much money can you really make as a franchise owner?
• Other tips and advice from our panel of franchisees

Register for this webinar.