Global Franchise LITTLE KICKERS: THE FRANCHISE WITH A WINNING GAME PLAN
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Global G LOBA L FRA NC HISE
AWA RD S 2020 SPE CIAL
Franchise WIRE
M A S T E R , R E G I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L F R A N C H I S I N G
LITTLE
KICKERS:
THE FRANCHISE
WITH A
WINNING
GAME PLAN
MEET THE
GLOBAL
FRANCHISE
CHAMPION
2020
P L U S ! C AT E G O RY W I N N E R S A N N O U N C E D !
GLOBAL FRANCHISE 4_10 DIGI_GLOBAL FRANCHISE WIRE 19/03/2020 16:40 Page 2
GLOBAL FRANCHISE 4_10 DIGI_GLOBAL FRANCHISE WIRE 20/03/2020 09:33 Page 3
A ROUND OF
APPLAUSE FOR
OUR FANTASTIC
ENTRANTS
nce again, we were
O blown away by the
level of entries we
received for this year’s
Global Franchise Awards, the
annual celebration of excellence
in global franchising. Not
only did the scheme generate
a remarkable level of activity,
entries and growth, but the calibre
of applications was extremely high this year, making it
a very tough job indeed for our expert judging panel.
For the 2020 edition of the Global Franchise Awards
– the only initative to focus solely on international
franchising – we included some new categories to HOW WE JUDGED:
freshen things up. This year we included Best Franchise
� Once we received all of the entries, they were
Lawyers, Best Franchise Consultants, Contribution
shortlisted by an independent panel of key impartial
to International Franchising (our version of a lifetime
industry experts, working to the criteria created by the
achievement award), and Global Mentorship Award Global Franchise team.
categories, to ensure that that we could celebrate
� Using our criteria as a guide, our judges selected the
and include as many areas of the global franchising entry from each category they felt best demonstrated
landscape as possible. the values that Global Franchise is looking to celebrate.
While we extended the total number of categories The Best Emerging Category was judged by Fishman PR,
and invited a new array of prestigious judges to an organization that specializes in emerging brands and
join the panel, our core criteria remained the same. runs the Springboard emerging franchise conference.
Among the qualities looked for by the judges were � From the category winners, a panel of franchise
if brands demonstrated truly global intentions, journalists selected the coveted title of the Global
displayed a strong relationship between franchisor Franchise Champion 2020.
and franchisee, have innovative marketing and growth
plans, and most importantly; if the organization has
advanced the cause of international franchising.
Without further ado, here are the winners of the
Global Franchise Awards 2020!
James Fell
Editor, Global Franchise
james.fell@aceville.co.uk
4 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIRE
INTRODUCING...
THE WINNERS
OF THE GLOBAL
FRANCHISE
AWARDS 2020
AWARDS 2020
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 5
MEET THE JUDGES
PIP WILKINS NICOLA BROADHURST
CEO, British Franchise Association Partner and Head of Franchising, Retail
With 20 years' experience in the franchise and Hospitality, Stevens & Bolton LLP
sector, Pip represents the U.K. at both the Nicola Broadhurst specializes in
European Franchise Federation and World franchising and assisting businesses
Franchise Council. The bfa has grown to be one of the to scale up and expand through commercial
largest franchise associations in Europe, and one of the exploitation of intellectual property. Her practice has
most successful associations in the world. a particular emphasis on advising on international
expansion through franchising including direct-
KAY AINSLEY unit franchising, master franchising and area
Managing Director, MSA Worldwide development, as well as assisting international
Kay Ainsley is a Managing Director of MSA businesses looking to enter the U.K. market.
Worldwide, a domestic and international
franchise advisory firm. She has over 20 SHERRY MCNEIL
years of experience in franchising as director of franchise President & CEO, Canadian
development for major franchise systems and as an Franchise Association
advisor to companies within the retail, restaurant, services, A veteran in the franchise industry,
manufacturing, and B2B industries. Sherry McNeil has helped a wide range
of systems in a variety of categories, from new and
ANDREW BRATTESANI emerging franchise concepts to iconic franchise brands
Head of Franchising, HSBC UK such as Little Caesars, Boston Pizza, Dairy Queen, and
Andrew Brettesani has held a number of YUM Brands, to grow and thrive as both a consultant
managerial roles within HSBC, including his and in executive leadership positions.
last role as senior area commercial director,
leading the largest commercial banking team in the UK out CHANTAL ZIMMER
of HSBC headquarters in Canary Wharf with a portfolio of Executive Director,
some 4,000 SME clients. French Franchise Federation
Chantal Zimmer is the executive
TORBEN L. BRODERSEN director of the French Franchise
CEO, German Franchise Association Federation. For almost 35 years she has been
Torben Brodersen is the CEO of the German involved in the franchise industry as the head of the
Franchise Association. The association is the federation. During those years she has been involved
umbrella organization for the German franchise in the European Franchise Federation – particularly
economy, which has around 300 member companies. The with its European Code of Ethics. She is also the
association is the representative for the interest of the companies founding member of the World Franchise Council,
in the franchise economy – for nearly 40 years, the community where she has contributed to the writing of the
has represented both franchisors and franchisees. principles of ethics.
MEET THE EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR
MSA WORLDWIDE
Engaging qualified franchise consultants can make a difference in achieving franchise system
success. In addition to our work with emerging brands, MSA Worldwide advises established
franchisors and non-franchisors on a regular basis.
Our approach to client services ensures that our client’s franchise offering, and their system’s structure and support are
in alignment with their brand promise, their goals, and their objectives. While we are recognized for our capabilities and
work with many of the leading franchised and non-franchised brands, we don’t rely on boilerplate strategies, templates, and
tactics when working with new franchisors. msaworldwide.com
If you would like to sponsor a category in the Global Franchise Awards 2021,
please contact Richard Davies (richard@globalfranchisemagazine.com)
6 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIRE
G LO B A L F R A N C H I S E AWA R D S 2 0 2 0
GLOBAL FRANCHISE
AWARDS CEREMONY
Hosted at the International Franchise Association’s
annual conference in Orlando, Florida, the Global
Franchise Awards ceremony welcomed the international
franchising industry’s biggest names
undreds of global franchise Franchise Association, Pip Wilkins. important to me and a passion of mine, and
H professionals congregated at the
Marriott World Center Orlando
on Friday, February 7 2020,
Speaking about the awards, Pip said:
“We saw a diverse amount of businesses
across the whole portfolio of entries. There
it aligns with what we do as an association.”
As well as witness international
franchisors, CEOs and their teams collect
to not only kick off the start of the annual were some great brands, including U.K.- their trophies on stage, the audience was
International Franchise Association’s (IFA) based ones like Little Kickers, ERA and also lucky enough to enjoy keynote speaker
conference, but to raise a glass to the raft of some international frontrunners like Catherine Monson, IFA 2020 chair and
Global Franchise Awards 2020 winners. Wingstop and Bodystreet. CEO of the Global Franchise Award-
Attendees from all over the world enjoyed “As the bfa, we wanted to associate with winning FASTSIGNS, discuss what claiming
an evening of celebration and networking, the Global Franchise Awards to help raise the the top prize in the 2019 edition of the
with awards announced on-stage by Global overall standards of international franchising scheme meant to her and the brand, as
Franchise’s James Fell, and Richard Davies, awards. Making sure that the standards were well as her plans for the organization
as well as head judge and CEO of the British at the forefront of the global awards was over the coming year.
AWARDS SNAPSHOT
• The Global Franchise Awards 2020 received its
highest-ever number of entries
• Coverage of the Global Franchise Awards was
vast, featuring on the likes of Yahoo Finance,
Business Insider, Benzinga and more.
• The Global Franchise Awards experienced a 139
per cent spike in traffic during the entry and
announcement stage.
• This year’s awards reached over 450,000
industry members
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 7
G LO B A L F R A N C H I S E AWA R D S 2 0 2 0
1 2
4
3
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
• Little Kickers – Global Franchise Champion and
Best Children’s & Education Franchise
5 • Wingstop - Best Food & Drink Franchise
• Dogtopia - Best Lifestyle Franchise
• Neighborly - Best Property & Home
Maintenance Franchise
• FASTSIGNS - Best Signage &
Communications Franchise
• Expense Reduction Analysts - Best White
Collar Franchise
• Lindex - Best Emerging Franchise
• Bodystreet - Best Fitness Franchise
• The Richard L. Rosen Law Firm - Best
Franchise Lawyer
• DC Strategy - Best Franchise Consultancy
• Helen Doron Education - The Global
Mentorship Award
• Farrah Rose, The Franchising Centre - Contribution
to International Franchising Award
8 GLOBAL FRANCHISE | WIRE
6 7
9
8
10
IMAGE CAPTIONS
Page 21 – 1. Rod Young, Catherine Monson and James Young,
representing DC Strategy and FASTSIGNS | 2. David Barr
from the IFA, Michael Seid of MSA Worldwide and Catherine
Monson from the IFA and FASTSIGNS | 3. Madison Jobe from
Wingstop with Red Boswell of IFPG | 4. Johan Martinsson,
CEO of the Swedish Franchise Association with Carolina
Winterliv of Card Group | 5. Dustin Hansen and Mark
Taylor from InXpress
Page 22 – 6. Christine Kelly of Little Kickers celebrating her
accolade | 7. The ERA team posing with their award | 8. Helen
Doron being interviewed | 9. The Little Kickers team claiming
their award on stage | 10. Katalin Mandel of the HFA, Pip
Wilkins of the BFA and award-winner Farrah Rose
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 9
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G LO B A L F R A N C H I S E AWA R D S 2 0 2 0
LITTLE KICKERS:
GLOBAL FRANCHISE
CHAMPION 2020
More than 330 franchisees operating in 34 countries. Classes attended
by over 70,000 children a week. When it comes to franchising,
soccer concept Little Kickers is in a league of its own
WO R D S BY J A M E S F E L L
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 11“This award gives us the confidence
to continue to take bold steps to
move the business forward”
saturated children's activities, “This will involve us shifting our
tutoring and education market, current production of over 100,000
with the brand not only winning football kits and other merchandise
the Global Franchise Champion away from petrochemical-based
award, but claiming the Best fabrics – which is the norm in the
Children's & Education Franchise industry – to using fabrics made
title, too. “We have never aspired out of recycled plastic from the
to be a small brand and have ocean. Once our Little Kickers have
always invested heavily in world finished with their uniforms, they
class infrastructure that supports will then be delivered
the growth we would like to see,” to six orphanages in South Africa,
she says. “We have very clear and together with kit and equipment,
strong values and only take on by teams of Little Kickers coaches in Birmingham, England, where two
franchisees and coaches who who will train up local people on placement students now run their own
share these, which means how to deliver our program.” franchise – we plan to roll this out to
everyone within the business is Bold ambitions, but if there's other universities. Franchising as a
very aligned when it comes to any organization that has shown business model is not incorporated into
objectives. We're happy to take time and time again that it can many business management programs
risks and constantly push the achieve incredible things, it's Little at universities, which is strange given
envelope with what we do.” Kickers. As well as the eco-friendly its huge impact on the overall economy.
One of those objectives is for focus, the brand has a lot of other We're also exploring how we can
Little Kickers to become the exciting plans for 2020. “We're also make proprietary technology we have
most eco-friendly kids soccer launching a new online shop in the developed to facilitate monthly recurring
club in the world by the end of U.K., Australia and Canada, with a customer payments across multiple
2020. Just like with most of her wider range of merchandise,” says markets available to other franchisors
entrepreneurial career thus far, Christine. “In 2019, we donated who are investing in moving to this
Christine relishes the challenge. a franchise to Aston University business model.”
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GLOBAL FRANCHISE 4_10 DIGI_GLOBAL FRANCHISE WIRE 19/03/2020 16:40 Page 15
BEHIND THE BRAND
WINNERS PROFILE
Award-winning
chicken wing
“Our vision is
to become a
connoisseur
Madison Jobe, chief development officer at
top 10 global
Wingstop, talks about the brand claiming Global
restaurant brand” Franchise’s Best Food & Drink Franchise Award 2020
ounded in GF: How international is
F 1994 and
headquartered
in Dallas, Texas,
Wingstop currently?
MJ: We currently operate 154 international
restaurants in nine different countries. Our
Wingstop Inc. operates and international footprint started 10 years ago
franchises more than 1,300 with our franchise in Mexico, which now has
locations worldwide. A more than 88 restaurants open and operating
high-growth franchisor and recently expanded its total development
and operator of restaurants commitment to 200 by 2028. We’re entering
our eighth year of international same store sales
that specialize in cooked-
growth. In addition to Mexico, we currently
to-order, hand-sauced and
have restaurants operating in Colombia,
tossed chicken wings, the
Panama, the U.K., France, the United Arab
brand pioneered the
Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
concept of wings as a Our goal is simple: to bring our 11 unique and
center-of-the-plate item highly differentiated flavors with made-to-order
for all meal occasions. premium chicken in markets contiguous to
our existing ones as well as countries with a
GF: How is business? sizeable population density.
MJ: Our vision is to become a top 10 global
restaurant brand and we believe that our GF: What kind of investor are you
financial results demonstrate that we’re on looking for?
that path. In 2019, our systems-wide sales MJ: We believe that the comparatively low
increased 20.1 per cent year-over-year to initial investment to open a Wingstop –
$1.5bn, marketing the 16th consecutive year which is under $400,000 – along with our
of same store sales growth and we achieved simple operation model, which allows for a
over 400 per cent shareholder return since streamlined labor force, have contributed
our 2015 initial public offering. The Wingstop greatly to both our unit and sales growth.
system is comprised primarily of independent
franchisees and they account for 98 per cent
of our total restaurant count of 1,385, as
of December 28, 2019.
GF: What does winning this award
mean to you?
MJ: Winning a Global Franchise Award means
we’re on the right track to accomplishing our
vision of becoming a top 10 global restaurant
brand. To be recognized as a winner of this
award shows the dedication and commitment
this brand and its employees have to our mission
and that our efforts are being noticed in the
industry. We’re humbled to receive this award
and look forward to continuing our success
in years to come.
16 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIREWINNERS PROFILE
A franchisee’s
best friend
The pet care business that’s leading the pack
“Dogtopia’s
doggie daycare
ogtopia is North America’s fastest- in 2015. Dogtopia has more than 130
strengthens the
D growing pet franchise, and offers
personalized care for dogs in a fun,
safe, and comfortable environment.
dog daycares across the United States
and Canada, that are owned by
dog-loving entrepreneurs.
bond between
pet parents
If you want to be a part of an industry that’s
expected to be worth upward of $100bn in 2021, GF: What are some of the factors and their furry
that make Dogtopia an attractive
then this is a brand worth investing in.
We got the chance to speak with Neil Gill, franchise concept?
children”
CEO, following Dogtopia’s recent win of the NG: The ability to work and play in a fun,
Best Lifestyle Franchise at the Global growing sector, and have a career that
you enjoy while being surrounded by
Franchise Awards 2020.
genuine, caring people driven by the
love of the dog.
GF: What qualities do you believe earned
Dogtopia this award?
GF: What does Dogtopia look for
NG: Dogtopia’s noble cause of “enhancing the
in an ideal master franchisee?
joy of dog parenthood” is focused on developing
NG: An understanding of the local
better canine citizens through socialization,
market, operational experience
education, and exercise within our playrooms.
within franchising, ability to scale,
Dogs come home happier and more content,
strong planning capabilities, and
well-socialized and more comfortable in new
being well-funded.
environments, which leads to a better quality
of life for both the dog and the pet parent.
Dogtopia’s doggie daycare strengthens GF: What’s next for the brand?
the bond between pet parents and their NG: 2020 is very focused on single-
furry children. unit economics, scalability, and
strong, sustainable growth.
GF: What does winning a Global Franchise
Award mean to you and the brand?
NG: Winning a Global Franchise Award proudly
provides our team and network the recognition
they deserve for all the hard work and dedication
they give to all pet parents and dogs. Our
Dogtopians are committed to delivering the best
pet care possible, and this is a wonderful honor.
GF: What is the secret of successful
international franchising
NG: The secret is understanding the cultural
nuances of each market, both abroad and
locally. This knowledge will help to ensure
you are satisfying the needs of pet parents
and their desire for safety, fun, and convenience,
and how best to incorporate socialization,
education, and exercise for their dogs.
GF: When did the brand start, and how
has it developed since?
NG: Dogtopia was founded in 2002 in
Virginia by a husband-wife team. The brand
started franchising in 2005 and was
later acquired by Thomas Franchise Solutions
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 17BEHIND THE BRAND
WINNERS PROFILE
Revolutionizing
“Bodystreet is the
fitness franchising
Matthias H. Lehner, CEO of Bodystreet, reflects on
worldwide leader
the healthy growth of this innovative brand
in EMS boutique
studios” GF: What’s your secret to successful
international franchising?
ML: The secret is to think global, and act global.
An international franchisor must set the global
course right from the start. In order to reliably
protect the investments of its international
franchisees and master franchisees, a brand is
required to strictly prevent system deviations
in the interest of everyone.
Bodystreet is aware of these requirements
and faces them with great consistency. For
us, franchising means one business idea –
many winners.
GF: How international is Bodystreet?
ML: Today, Bodystreet is the worldwide leader
in EMS boutique studios. At the end of 2019, the
system had over 300 studios on 3 continents;
the brand currently operates in Germany,
Austria, the U.K., Italy, the U.S.A., and Tanzania.
New markets currently being prepared
include France and the Gulf Cooperation
Council. Currently, more than 160,000
workout sessions are carried out each month.
n a little over a decade, Bodystreet
I has revolutionized the fitness
franchise market with its unique
incorporation of electrical muscle
GF: What is the inspiration behind
the brand?
ML: Widespread access to health-promoting
stimulation (EMS), which positions the brand measures is the basis for the future capability
as a leader in the boutique space. By using this of modern, efficient society. Those who
technology, members need only complete a keep fit are less prone to physical and
20-minute workout, once a week, to achieve psychological illnesses.
their fitness goals. Because of its high level of efficiency, the
It was this level of innovation and Bodystreet method specifically targets those who
individuality that earned Bodystreet the have little time for exercise. This enables even
title of Best Fitness Franchise at the Global the busiest people to keep fit, do something for
Franchise Awards 2020. Global Franchise got their looks, and make provisions for their health.
the chance to speak with Matthias H. Lehner,
CEO, about this accolade and the appeal of GF: What’s next for the brand?
the brand. ML: Bodystreet wants to grow sustainably
and profitably. By opening further location,
GF: What does winning this award mean market leadership is also going to be expanded
to you? internationally. This will increase brand
ML: One thing is particularly important to awareness and the attractiveness of Bodystreet
us: we’re pursuing our vision to become the as an employer.
best employer in the fitness industry. With As a result, we expect further growth in studio
this award, a new chapter in the Bodystreet numbers, membership numbers, and total sales
success story has opened. in the next five years.
18 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIREWINNERS PROFILE
Keeping it
Neighborly
Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Neighborly, “We’ve achieved
discusses the brand winning the Best Home & the perfect balance
Property Maintenance Franchise Award for the of customer
second year running
and franchisee
eighborly is the world’s largest CHECK IT satisfaction, which
N franchisor of home-service brands,
with more than 3,900 franchise
owners spanning nine countries
OUT
Mike was recently
interviewed on the
Global Franchise
has ultimately
resulted in
– the organization focuses on repairing,
Podcast about
maintaining and enhancing customers’ homes his plans for Neighborly’s
and businesses. Here, Mike talks to Global Neighborly to become the Amazon of
Franchise about the brand’s phenomenal growth. the property and home-services sector. international
globalfranchisemagazine.com/podcast
GF: What does winning this award for the success”
second year running mean to you? in between. This has led to multiple acquisitions,
MB: Receiving this award for the second resulting today in what is a family of 24 franchise
consecutive year is a testament to how brands serving over nine million customers across
Neighborly’s growth has been a contributing 14 home service verticals. This family of brands
factor to our continued success as we strive to is united via getneighborly.com, the company’s
be ‘the world-class leader in multi-branded online platform designed to be a one-stop-shop
service franchising’. for homeowners looking for professional providers
to meet all their home-service needs.
GF: What does it take to win this category?
MB: Neighborly’s organizational purpose is ‘to GF: What’s next for the brand?
build a service community that enriches people’s MB: Over the last six years, we have worked
lives by delivering amazing experiences’. This aggressively to evolve the company into a position
mantra extends beyond just how we serve our to execute on our bold ambition to become the one-
customers, but it also impacts how we collaborate stop-shop for all consumers’ home-service needs.
with our franchise owners, investors, and As a result, we are two and a half times larger,
associates. With this focus at the heart of our have launched a new consumer-friendly brand in
business, we’ve achieved the perfect balance Neighborly, and changed the name of the company
of customer and franchisee satisfaction, which to Neighborly. Now, we quest to be so remarkable
has ultimately resulted in Neighborly’s that we become a beloved household name.
international success.
GF: How does Neighborly approach
international franchising?
MB: The secret to international franchising is
to: (1) gain insights into a target market through
research and other means of local resources;
(2) to test your product of service offering with
operating pilots and other means for consumer
acceptance and execution capabilities; (3) have
the patience and discipline to do (1) and (2) but
don’t pursue the endeavor.
GF: How has Neigborly evolved?
MB: Since 1981, Neighborly has been on a
mission to ‘own the home’ by offering everything
from painting to plumbing and nearly everything
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BEHIND THE BRAND
WINNERS PROFILE
Setting the
standards for
business consulting
“We have a
flexible business
model that is
recession-proof Fred Marfleet, founder and executive chairman of
Expense Reduction Analysts, details this award-
and well suited to
winning white collar concept
the ever-changing
economy” ew other white collar franchise I came across the idea in the U.S. We built a
F offerings are as interconnected
or as vast as Expense Reduction
Analysts (ERA). ERA’s franchisees
small consulting business out of London and
this service proved successful.
act as trusted advisors to thousands of GF: What has been ERA’s secret to
international companies, and assist with continuous franchise success?
business strategy, cost optimization, and supply FM: We strongly believe that setting and
management. These generate significant maintaining a consistently high set of a
savings for clients, allowing businesses to standards for all franchise partners, regardless
of location, is the key to our international
direct funds exactly where they’re needed.
success. In addition to this, we have a flexible
Global Franchise got the chance to speak with
business model that is recession-proof and well
Fred Marfleet, founder and executive chairman,
suited to the ever-changing economy.
following ERA’s win at the Global Franchise
This high level of consistency can only be
Awards for the Best White Collar Franchise. achieved when you have the right team in
place. Having a professional and dedicated
GF: What qualities do support team, we are able to assist and guide
you believe earned ERA our carefully selected franchise partners to
this award? deliver great results time and time again,
FM: Our model operating as a unified brand.
and structure fit the This has enabled us to build an enviable
current, fast-changing reputation globally as a desirable brand, with
business scene and are a win-win culture that allows individuals to
extremely well suited build a successful business that balances a
to today’s economy. satisfying lifestyle with a significant income.
Our vision is to
continue to innovate GF:What do you look for when opening up
and unlock potential a new territory?
for our franchise FM: We look for ambitious visionaries who are
partners, clients, and unconstrained by practicalities. They must have
employees alike. the ability to formulate creative solutions and
By remaining humble, possess a passion for delivering high-quality
honest, and striving to solutions to clients on a consultative basis.
always put our clients’
needs first, we foster our GF: What’s next for the brand?
business and achieve our mission to provide FM: Looking to the medium term, we are
value through insight. This mindset is evident working on plans to further embrace the digital
throughout our network, and we believe it revolution and leverage advanced technology,
has helped us to be recognized as an industry such as artificial intelligence, that will enable our
leader in the white collar franchising sector. franchise partners to offer even more services
and products to their clients.
GF: What inspired your founding of These elements are all part of a wider long-
the brand? term strategy where we continue to increase
FM: In 1992, I was looking for a low-risk franchise partner earnings and expand our
business in the service sector, as the global offering to even more clients and franchise
economy at that time was in a recession. partners on a global basis.
22 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIREWINNERS PROFILE
The premium
signage
franchisor “Being recognized
FASTSIGNS comes off the back of yet another awards to this degree by
win, and cements itself as the go-to signage brand such a reputable
lobal Franchise got the chance to we’re repeatedly recognized for our high level organization is a
G speak to Catherine Monson, CEO
and president of FASTSIGNS, and
the newly-appointed IFA chair,
of franchisee satisfaction.
GF: What does winning this award mean
true honor”
about how the signage franchise managed to to you and the brand?
take home the Best Signage & Communications CM: Being recognized to this degree by such
Franchise award for the second year in a row. a reputable organization is a true honor. We
are elated to be selected once again by Global
GF: What is the origin story behind the Franchise for our renowned international
FASTSIGNS brand? franchise program within the signage and
CM: In 1985, our founder, Gary Salomon, communications industry.
visited a computer shop in Austin and was Over the last 35 years, FASTSIGNS has
impressed with how quickly they could produce always aimed not only to stay ahead of the
vinyl signs. He and his business partner, Robert competition, but also to raise the bar within
Schanbaum, convinced the shop owner to our industry and the franchising community.
train them on the new tech and sign making We’ve grown to be one of the most trusted
techniques. He agreed – and the rest is history! names in franchising, which is a testament
to the strength of our franchise opportunity.
GF: What qualities do you believe led
FASTSIGNS to secure this award two GF: What makes FASTSIGNS an attractive
years running? opportunity for potential franchisees?
CM: FASTSIGNS has always remained on the CM: As a growing $29bn industry, signage
cutting-edge of our industry, which has allowed and graphics will be in demand as long as
us to develop into a highly adaptable company businesses need to be seen. FASTSIGNS will be
that provides visual marketing solutions that there to create captivating, high-performing
meet the ever-evolving needs of our franchisees visuals for businesses around the world – and
and their clients. But beyond our success in our franchisees are a part of it. FASTSIGNS
our segment, we are on the cutting-edge of offers entrepreneurs and current business
franchising. We’re constantly evaluating how owners an opportunity to meet the growing
we can better support our franchisees through demand for eye-catching graphics and
technology, training, marketing, and more, and marketing through franchising.
GF: What’s next for FASTSIGNS?
CM: In 2020, FASTSIGNS is celebrating its
35th anniversary in business as the leading
sign and visual communications franchisor. This
milestone is a testament to our ability to adapt to
markets across the globe, and that momentum
will continue for many years to come.
This year, we’re aiming to sign over 45
franchise agreements in the U.S. and enter several
new countries. We’re continuing to grow our
international footprint in target markets throughout
the world, including Québec, New Zealand, and
Brazil, as well as countries throughout North Africa,
Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 23BEHIND THE BRAND
WINNERS PROFILE
Guiding businesses
to franchise success
James Young of DC Strategy breaks down why the
“DC Strategy consultancy stands out as a market leader
has always been
a client-led or over 35 years, DC Strategy and New Zealand markets. About 35-40 per
F
has provided consulting and cent of our business is international. Our
business that puts advisory services to SMEs, family employees have global experience, and we have
experts from South Africa, Singapore, Turkey,
client needs first” businesses, corporations, listed
companies, and governments seeking to use Ireland, and the U.K. working in our team.
franchising or licensing as a management and We’re excited to grow this further.
marketing strategy. DC Strategy has offices in Sydney,
Following the organization’s Melbourne, and Hong Kong, but our clients
seek us out from across the globe as we have
win of the Best Franchise
a multi-lingual, multi-national team doing
Consultancy at the Global Franchise
business in Europe, the Americas, China,
Awards 2020, Global Franchise
India, Africa, and Australasia.
spoke to James Young, head of
franchise sales and development, GF: What is the most rewarding aspect
about the road to success. of your work?
JY: For each of our team members, it has
GF: What do you believe led DC been the satisfaction of working with clients
Strategy to win this award? to achieve their personal as well as business
JY: DC Strategy has always been goals. Developing their networks and brand
a client-led business that puts on a national and global scale, and seeing
client needs first. It’s always this manifested in multiple locations across
about the client; not us. the world, is a very exciting and emotionally
We have also ensured we only rewarding journey for all involved.
partner with quality people and
businesses, and this has ensured our GF: What sets DC Strategy apart from
continued success over 35 years. We other consultancies in the industry?
are also a family business, which has JY: Many will claim to be the best franchise
been lucky enough to attract high experts and offer franchise consulting services,
quality employees who have shared but what sorts the men and women from
values, and are driven to help the boys and girls
our clients succeed. is track record
and results.
GF: What does winning Over the past
this award mean to you? 20 years, we have
JY: It’s a great recognition of seen our clients
the hard work of our team, and crystallize billions of
allows us to be recognized on a dollars in enterprise
global scale. We have long been value, which we
Australia’s leading firm and this see as the ultimate
will hopefully allow us to work with great people test of the calibre
and brands from new markets. of the client and its
We are excited to connect with new quality franchise advisors.
European clients. The opportunities to assist DC Strategy
Indian and South American businesses in has had the time
coming to Australia is also very exciting for us. in the market to
understand what
GF: How international is DC success for our
Strategy’s portfolio? clients looks like
JY: Currently, we are assisting U.S. businesses before they start
entering Australia, as well as South East Asian the journey.
24 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIREWINNERS PROFILE
Raising the bar
Richard L. Rosen talks about his firm winning the
inaugural Best Franchise Law Firm award, as well
as how he got into the business and what makes a “I believe that to
good franchise lawyer be a successful
he Richard L. Rosen Law Firm in the franchising field and it’s recognized
franchise lawyer
T started in 1969 when Richard, just
one year out of law school, learned
that his dad, also an attorney who
worldwide as an organization that maintains
the highest standards in choosing those,
whether they be franchising companies,
you have to be
more than a
employed him at the time, was set to retire. individuals or lawyers, who they honor
Asked whether he wanted to keep working for and recognize for excellence in franchising. lawyer – you
I, and my partners John, Len and the firm’s
his father’s firm or whether his dad could get
him a job with another firm, young Richard years, counsel and staff, are both humbled must be devoted
replied: “No, I wish to start my own firm – I by and deeply appreciative of having
received this honor.
to the field of
need to make my own decisions as a lawyer
and as a businessman”. Richard started his
GF: What, to you, makes a great
franchising”
own law firm shortly thereafter and has been
franchise lawyer?
making his own decisions ever since.
RR: I believe that to be a successful
franchise lawyer and to be truly respected
GF: How did the Richard L. Rosen law firm
by your peers, you have to be more than a
start specializing in the franchise field?
lawyer – you must be devoted to the field
RR: Shortly after opening my own firm, a
of franchising, generally and you must
childhood friend who was operating a thriving
treat others with civility and respect,
retail store on Madison Avenue selling high-end
qualities that are, perhaps, not as universally
maternity wear asked if I knew anything about
found in the legal profession today as
franchise law. I didn’t, but I said that if they
they used to be. My firm’s devotion to the
give me the time to figure it out, I will. They
franchising field is well known.
did, I figured it out, formed ‘Lady Madonna’,
which was my first franchising company, and
a career as a franchise attorney began and has
continued for 50 years.
Over those years, my firm has done virtually
everything in the franchise field, from
representing both franchisors and franchisees,
forming franchising companies and formulating
franchising programs. It’s this extensive
experience in the franchising field that has
provided me and my partners, John Karol and
Len Salis, with the opportunity to offer a varied
menu of services covering virtually every aspect
of franchise law. The firm’s extensive business
experience, including my own experience as
real estate owner and developer in New York
City, has given the firm the background to
guide clients not only in the legal aspects of
franchising, but in the business aspects as well.
This versatility has put the firm in a unique
position, especially as a “boutique” law firm in
the franchise industry.
GF: What does winning this award mean
to you and your firm?
RR: To be honored with this award is especially
gratifying. I know that Global Franchise
maintains a stellar international reputation
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 25GLOBAL FRANCHISE 4_10 DIGI_GLOBAL FRANCHISE WIRE 19/03/2020 16:40 Page 26
WINNERS PROFILE
Scaling up
Scandi style
Fashion brand Lindex’s director of franchise, Johan “The trust
Isacson, talks about winning the Best Emerging behind our
Franchise award partners and
index was founded in Sweden 1954 GF: What’s the secret behind the Lindex is very
L strong – their
and was initially launched as a brand’s growth?
lingerie company, but over the years JI: We understand and respect the different
has added womens, kidswear and cultures within each market in which we
trade. We also build strong relationships
problems are
beauty products to the mix. Following significant
growth in Scandinavia, the brand launched its with our franchise partners and do our problems,
international franchise program in 2008 and has not differentiate between our partners’
expanded to 460 stores in 18 markets, boasting businesses and Lindex corporate. The trust their success is
behind our partners and Lindex is very
collaborations with celebrities like Gwyneth
Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon.
strong – their problems are our problems, our success”
their success is our success.
GF: What’s the idea behind Lindex?
GF: What about the Lindex offering
JI: Lindex is one of Europe’s leading fashion
appeals to prospective investors?
retailers, offering great quality and affordable
JI: We offer potential partners an attractive
fashion for the fashion savvy and conscious
business proposition. We are aware that
female. We offer several different concepts within
when a partner opens Lindex stores in a new
womenswear, kidswear, lingerie and cosmetics.
market, it is also our responsibility to make
Lindex has a sustainability promise with clear MEET THE JUDGE
it work. Since we launched our franchise
goals – they are to make a different for future
program we are proud to say that no partner
generations by empowering women, respecting The Best Emerging Franchise
has the left the company; that’s the best award is not judged by our
the planet and ensuring human rights.
reference we can give. entire core expert panel but
by Brad Fishman of Fishman
GF: What attributes, in your opinion, helped PR, who has decades of
GF: What are you looking for in an investor?
Lindex to claim this award? experience working with
JI: It depends from market to market. Basic
JI: The culture within our company, our emerging brands and runs the
knowledge of retail is a must, but we also love
5,000 dedicated colleagues and our emerging franchise-centered
to work with partners who show real passion event, Franchise Springboard
enthusiastic franchise partners, who all
and have a clear vision of their future.
work together to deliver consistency and
strength across all areas of Lindex.
GF: What does it mean to the brand to
claim this prize?
JI: It’s an honor to receive an award like this,
especially when it’s handed over from industry
experts and we were in competition on a global
level with such worthy nominees. It’s seen as
recognition for everyone working at Lindex
and reflects many years of hard work.
GF: How international is Lindex?
JI: Lindex has around 460 stores in 18
markets today, of which nine markets are
operated by franchise partners. Our online
sales are now worldwide, operating through
third-party partnerships, as well as market
online platforms. Our franchise markets
extend from Iceland and Denmark to
Tunisia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 27BEHIND THE BRAND
WINNERS PROFILE
Setting the standards
for empathy-driven
“ Our franchisees
feel that they are
education
The esteemed Helen Doron details the varied offerings
part of a global
of Helen Doron Educational Group, and what winning
family” the Global Mentorship Award meant for the brand
t’s not just any franchise own convictions, everyone in our network
I that can claim it offers
exceptional mentoring
and guidance to its
is empowered to realize their own potential.
Raising children to be holistic, contributing
world citizens is our passion, and we work
franchisees. But that’s exactly what together to achieve our collective goals.
Helen Doron Educational Group,
the leading international education GF: What is the secret of successful
franchisor with more than 1,000 international franchising?
learning centers in 38 countries, HD: An excellent product, the right
proved as it took home the Global franchisees, and support. We offer a time-
Mentorship Award from the Global proven business model and unprecedented
support on all levels.
Franchise Awards 2020.
Our franchisees own and run their
The group includes a selection
businesses, but know they are an integral part
of franchise concepts – such as
of an international network and members of
Helen Doron English, Helen Doron
a dynamic community. Our business model
Kindergarten, and MathRiders –
allows them to develop their own style, backed
that offer unbeatable returns and
by an efficient and effective support system.
fulfillment to development-driven
entrepreneurs looking to make GF: What sets Helen Doron Educational
a difference. Group apart from other franchise brands
Global Franchise got the on the market?
opportunity to speak with the HD: We have a few brands, as our goal is to
esteemed Helen Doron about provide the best possible education for babies
what winning this award means and children from an informational, skills, and
to her, and why the Helen Doron emotional point of view. Our leading franchise,
name is associated with premium Helen Doron English, is unique in its special
teaching methods. methodology for teaching English. No one else
offers our scope and range of materials for such
GF: Which qualities earned Helen a broad age range of students.
Doron Educational Group the Everyone in the world needs English to
Global Mentorship Award 2020? communicate, and we make learning it natural,
HD: This acknowledgment is particularly easy, and fun. Nearly three million children
meaningful to myself and our franchise have learned English with the Helen Doron
community. Last year we were recognized methodology and some of our franchisees have
internationally as the Best Children’s Educational been with us for 20 years and more, as they’ve
Franchise and now we are acknowledged for our found an ideal career path.
excellence in mentoring. The mentoring relates to
our excellent business training and conferences GF: What’s next for the brand?
for our franchisees as well as our teacher training HD: My vision includes continuing to penetrate
that is ongoing. and advance new markets, developing new
Our franchisees feel that they are part of learning programs, and building upon our
a global family and treat each other with ongoing successes with all of the Group’s
empathy, support, and respect. Based on my brands. We have lots of plans. Stay tuned!
28 GLOBALFRANCHISE | WIREWINNERS PROFILE
Meet a global
franchising expert
Farrah Rose talks about winning the Contribution to “I have over
International Franchising Award and her career assisting 36 years of
brands to enter new markets experience in
arrah Rose is director of GF: What does winning this award mean international
F international development at The
Franchising Centre. She has over
36 years of experience and in her
to you?
FR: Having dedicated most of my
working life to helping businesses expand
franchising and
helped over
current role, she heads up a team of four U.K.- internationally, it’s an honor and privilege to
based consultants and manages relationships have been recognized in this way. I’ve been 400 businesses
with over 70 associates on a global basis, offering humbled by the messages of support and
clients local franchise expert representation in congratulations from colleagues and friends plan for their
around the world. The process of working
over 100 countries. It’s for this reason – and a
raft of other achievements – that Farrah won
with a brand to take them into new markets international
can at times be frustratingly slow process,
the inaugural Contribution to International
but done professionally and ethically, it can
growth”
Franchising Award, Global Franchise’s version
also deliver real rewards. This can be seen
of a lifetime achievement accolade.
not only in a financial sense, but also in the
satisfaction that comes from knowing that
GF: What are the qualities that have, in your we have helped someone to create a new
opinion, earned this award? business model, especially in perhaps a less-
FR: Others might say that Farrah Rose has the developed region or a country that has little
charisma, charm, dedication, professionalism, or no previous experience of franchising.
knowledge and skills to build relationships This award has made all the effort, and
and understand businesses around the world. sometimes, heartache, worthwhile. I must
All I can say is that I have over 36 years of also acknowledge the part played by my
experience in international franchising, international colleagues around the world
during which I have been committed to and The Franchising Centre team in the U.K.
helping over 400 businesses plan for their
international growth.
It has not always been easy, in fact it’s never
been easy, and it has always involved hard
work and perseverance. One of the greatest
challenges has been to recognise and respond
to the different cultures in different countries.
I guess that my multinational background has
helped. My mother was Iranian, my father
Russian, and I was raised and educated in
both Iran and France, before relocating to the
U.K. This certainly gave me a head start in
understanding diverse cultures!
The world is a big place, and it is all about
understanding how and why things may work
in Australia but possibly won’t work in, say
Germany or Croatia, and for different reasons
in each case. Sometimes it feels as though I
must act as a diplomat or ambassador – not
just to one country but to many and I have to
promote my clients’ views and expectations
in a way that responds to those different
cultural aspects. It is important, therefore, to
find flexible solutions that satisfy both parties
whilst not jeopardizing the core values of the
client’s business.
GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 29DOES YOUR FRANCHISE OR
BRAND HAVE WHAT IT TAKES
TO BE A GLOBAL FRANCHISE
AWARDS 2021 WINNER?
Keep updated on
when entries open to
the Global Franchise
Awards 2021 by visiting
globalfranchisemagazine.
com/awards or following us
on Twitter at @globalfranmag
Global Franchise is available
at first and business class
air lounges, business
centers, and at franchise
conventions across the
globe – digital versions can
be downloaded for free at
globalfranchisemagazine.
com/reports
If you are interested in
sponsoring a category and
having your company reach this
worldwide audience of high
net-worth investors, contact
Richard Davies on richard.
davies@aceville.com
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