Industry News
Albany Business ReviewTom Hoffman, Jr. is expanding his chain of car washes with plans to build a 22nd location on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, New York. The CEO of Hoffman Development Corp. said the new exterior car wash, located near Northline Road along the southern entrance to the city, should be ready to open by December for the busy winter season.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2015/03/13/saratoga-next-target-for-hoffman-car-wash.html to view the full article online.
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CBS San FranciscoDuring the drought, the one thing I found it difficult to give up, is washing my car. I own a black car, so it dirties easily (I will NEVER again buy a black car!). I seriously enjoy soaping up my car, rubbing my car down from the outside and wiping it clean inside. But with a 25% percent mandatory rater cut in my neighborhood, washing my car was longer an option. So how do I keep my car clean? I go to the car wash. Not any car wash, only a car wash which washes cars with recycled water.
Visit http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/03/13/car-wash-green-recycling-drought-water/ to view the full article online.
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Leadership
EntrepreneurOver time, Villafuerte built up a small independent cleaning business. While the business was successful, Villafuerte wanted to bring in more money while still being able to spend time with her two young children. So, she decided become a Maid Right franchise. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at her decision to give franchising a try.
Visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/241279 to view the full article online.
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MoneywebWhen investing in a franchise it mainly depends on what you are looking for. There is a difference between starting up a new store compared with buying an existing one. Morne Cronje, head of franchising at FNB, says: "If you’re looking at a new store, then the franchisor determines set-up costs. In addition to that, the bank normally asks for a 50% owner’s contribution, which is the responsibility of the franchisee. This equals the investment amount." Whereas when "taking on an existing store, the selling price is determined by the value of the business and the franchisor needs to approve the sale of the business as well as approve the franchisee."
Visit http://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/economy/franchising-on-a-budget/ to view the full article online.
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EntrepreneurTen years ago you would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the franchising industry who thought people in their 20s or early 30s were prime franchisee candidates. For the most part, franchise ownership has been reserved for a small demographic of high-net-worth individuals or executives from corporate America with the desire to go out on their own. But lately that has started to change.
Visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/243072 to view the full article online.
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Marketing
Poughkeepsie JournalGreg Lobotsky has a tip for young professionals considering business ownership. "Just know that it's a lot of work, especially the first three years," said Lobotsky, 30, owner and head trainer of Poughkeepsie CrossFit in Poughkeepsie. "Do as much as you can to get ahead and stay afloat." In the three years since Lobotsky opened his gym, he's learned the importance of business planning, community outreach and open-minded thinking. For instance, in the beginning he figured clients would simply walk in the door. But he soon realized he could reach more people by connecting with the community.
Visit http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/money/business-and-industry/2015/02/21/young-professional-business-tips/23823717/ to view the full article online.
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EntrepreneurCompanies that tout their employees’ annual community involvement or sponsor the occasional "give-back" event aren’t the kinds of organizations that need a social impact strategy. For companies that do need them, because of the impact their brands have on social issues -- the environment, community health, employment -- such displays may create skepticism and cynicism among observers. So, for these companies, a social impact strategy shouldn’t be an afterthought -- but an integral part of the corporate mission.
Visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/242867 to view the full article online.
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