Clients’
Success Stories
For
25 years, Business Unlimited has assisted companies
in virtually every industry segment. The following
is a partial listing of Business Unlimited's clients,
and the variety of specialized programs designed
for them.
COLLECT - Debt collection
services for businesses
Challenge
COLLECT had 5 locations in operation
and was looking at expansion options.
Solution
COLLECT hired Business Unlimited, as
Franchise Consultants to analyze their growth
options, and then designed a Full Development
Franchise Program including all the services required
by a business to create a comprehensive franchise
program, launch a marketing and sales campaign,
and effectively recruit, train, and service franchisees.
PRIME
HARDWARE - A co-operative network of independent
hardware store owners. All owners operate under
the Prime Hardware brand name and use collective
buying power to offer competitive pricing
Challenge
Prime Hardware needed assistance in growing their
organization internationally. They came to Business
Unlimited for help in examining international
franchise options as well as international sales
opportunities.
Solution
Business Unlimited produced a feasibility study
of the European market for franchise hardware
distribution, examining the market, competition
and development structure. Business Unlimited
further assisted in international brokerage and
consulting, specifically, in the country of Japan.
Business Unlimited took Prime Hardware to Japan
and arranged for meetings with Japanese buyers,
resulting in a successful deal in that country.
On
a Subsequent engagement several years later, Prime
returned to Business Unlimited for assistance
with their domestic co-operative program. Business
Unlimited assessed the problems in their existing
program and developed the strategy, marketing
and legal materials to revitalize it.
Back
to top //
ANNIE'S
- Retail sales of hand-rolled sandwiches.
Challenge
The company's founder Annie, began with one sandwiches
stand at a local Farmer's Market. Within one year,
she had opened several locations and started franchising.
Her young company, Annie’s, had been franchising
for one year when they came to Business Unlimited
to strengthen their operational and support structure.
Solution
Business Unlimited examined their program thoroughly.
First, an operations manual was created, however,
other suggestions for further improved support
were suggested. Business Unlimited then restructured
other corporate materials, providing training
to Annie’s staff on franchise sales techniques
and produced a series of videos for training franchisees’
employees. The company also retained Business
Unlimited to draft their legal documents and assist
in state registrations and renewals.
Back
to top //
JEWELS’
R Us – Manufacturer, wholesaler and Retailer
of jewelry
Challenge
When JEWELS’ R Us came to Business Unlimited,
they had grown business to 3 company owned stores
all in 40 years. They came to Business Unlimited
for help in examining national franchise options
as well as international sales opportunities.
Solution
Business Unlimited produced a feasibility study
of the national market as well as European market
for franchised jewelry distribution, examining
the market, competition and development structure.
Business Unlimited further assisted in international
brokerage and consulting.
Business Unlimited assisted Jewels’ R Us
and arranged for meetings with European potential
franchisees, resulting in a successful deal.
After an analysis of the market, investment and
potential franchise buyers, Business Unlimited
advised that growth could be best achieved with
Multi-unit Franchise Agreements, and Master Franchise
Agreements.
On an ongoing basis, Business Unlimited’s
Management Services helps Jewels’ R Us in
their operation.
Back
to top //
Fix-it
- Home/property inspection and maintenance service
Challenge
When Fix-it contacted Business Unlimited, they
had thought of a small regional expansion, and
needed assistance in ensuring smooth growth.
Solution
Business Unlimited provided general consulting
to facilitate the initiation of a franchise program.
Business Unlimited prepared all the services required
by a business to create a comprehensive franchise
program, launch a marketing and sales campaign,
and effectively recruit, train, and service.
Back
to top //
BEST
CLEANERS - Dry-cleaning Service Business
Challenge
When Best Cleaners, came to Business Unlimited,
they had 2 local stores. They owned one unit,
and one unit was licensed. The company was using
separate, outside, legal and license sales assistance,
and was unsatisfied with the results.
Solution
Business Unlimited expanded upon the materials
that had been used in licensing, and completed
the company’s Uniform Franchise Offering
Circular and Franchise Agreement. Business Unlimited
also structured a multiple unit owner program
and created area development agreements. A sales
brochure and operations manual were created to
support the sales and expansion process. This
Franchise Program provided the format that enabled
Best Cleaners to focus its efforts and grow its
operations.
Back
to top //
CULVER'S
FROZEN CUSTARD - Quick service, specialty restaurant
featuring hamburgers and frozen custard
Challenge
When Culver's contacted Business Unlimited, they
were operating one restaurant and considering
expansion.
Solution
Business Unlimited’s analysis revealed a
franchisable opportunity. Business Unlimited provided
a Franchise Program that enabled Culver’s
to accomplish its goal of U.S. Midwest regional
expansion.
Culver's now has over 190 units in operation throughout
the Midwest and Texas.
Back
to top //
INTERNATIONAL
BARTERNET – a barter trade exchange company.
when the founder of BarterNet Dr. Elie Saad approached
Business Unlimited, he had a small bartering operation
with around 4 or 5 employees serving few clients.
Dr. Saad had a vision to expand his barter business
but didn’t know how.
Challenge
the barter industry in Lebanon had a very severe
crisis specially that the small players in the
market had spoiled the reputation of bartering
so the challenge was either to remain one of the
small 30 plus players or to expand BaterNet to
become one of the leading among only one or two
industry leaders. Dr. Saad wanted to expand.
Solution
To revitalize the BarterNet Trade program, Business
Unlimited conducted a strategic analysis of the
company's resources, materials and methodologies.
Business Unlimited updated their legal documents
and then, provided a review and critique of the
effectiveness of their operations manual and marketing
materials. Business Unlimited made several suggestions
for improvements to these materials that were
implemented and further fortified the program.
Business unlimited further developed and implemented
training programs for the sales, trade and management
of all BarterNet staff.
Once
Dr. Saad saw the difference and the results after
Business Unlimited revitalized his company he
then came back to us for a full franchise system.
A franchising system was set for BarterNet and
Business Unlimited helped BarterNet to recruit,
train and monitor new franchisees.
since
than BarterNet was able to sell over 8 franchises
nationwide.
Back
to top //
THE
HAIR CLUB - Non-surgical Hair replacement &
Treatment Centers
Challenge
The existing franchise program for The Hair Club
was not producing desired the results, and the
company was not selling franchises to its satisfaction.
Solution
To revitalize the franchise sales program, Business
Unlimited conducted a strategic analysis of the
company's materials and methodologies. Business
Unlimited updated their legal documents and then,
provided a review and critique of the effectiveness
of their operations manual and marketing materials.
Business Unlimited made several suggestions for
improvements to these materials that were implemented
and further fortified the program. since than
Hair Club was able to sell over 17 franchises
nationwide.
Back
to top //
JACKI'S
AEROBIC DANCE - Aerobic dance instruction
Challenge
Jacki's Aerobic Dance already had an established
license program in place with numerous operators,
but revenue was not at a sufficient level to allow
for the continued growth and vitality of the system.
Solution
Business Unlimited developed a strategy to that
allowed Jacki's to convert instructors to franchisees.
This created a more efficient business model to
support existing operators and to sell additional
franchises. Business Unlimited developed the legal
documents needed for both the conversion and new
franchise sales and provided consulting on implementing
the program successfully.
Back
to top //
MIKE'S
- Submarine sandwiches and salads
Challenge
30 years of company-owned expansion had brought
Mike's to 5 units. The company sought a faster
and more aggressive growth strategy.
Solution
Business Unlimited analyzed Mike’s existing
operations and resources available for franchising
and provided a Franchise Program that allowed
the company to initiate a more aggressive growth
strategy consistent with their goals for expansion.
Back
to top //
JOLLIBEE
- Jollibee Foods is the leading Asian-based fast
food chain, headquartered in Manila, Philippines
Challenge
Jollibee founder, Tony Tan, owned several fast
food hamburger operations in Manila, Philippines.
He wanted to expand the business into other countries
in Southeast Asia.
Solution
Business Unlimited created a Franchise Program
for the company. Through this franchise strategy,
the company experienced rapid growth into numerous
countries throughout Southeast Asia. The company
eventually went public and maintains a dominant
brand and position in the fast food business in
that region.
Back
to top //
UPSCALE
FURNITURE - Retail specialty stores, offering
upscale upholstered furniture
Challenge
UPSCALE was a mature company, with over 80 years
in business, when they contacted Business Unlimited.
They operated three manufacturing units, and wanted
assistance in finding a method to increase distribution
of their products.
Solution
In order to plan for both current distribution
channels and future opportunities, Business Unlimited
provided a Franchise Program for individual, multi-unit,
and conversion franchises. This new structure
allowed for the development of new stores through
which Upscale could sell its proprietary line
of furnishings. Business Unlimited created all
the legal documents required to suit varying franchise
profiles and documented retail operations. Business
Unlimited then designed a franchise sales brochure,
advertisements, and a comprehensive marketing
plan.
Back
to top //
OMNI
HOTELS - A top hotel management company, operating
upscale, full-service hotels
Challenge
Over its 28 years in business, the company had
been involved with franchising to varied degrees.
When they came to Business Unlimited, they wanted
selective franchising agreements as a means of
expanding distribution and enhancing customer
awareness of Omni Hotels as a growing company.
Solution
Business Unlimited assisted Omni Hotels in upgrading
their franchise program. Business Unlimited amended
the existing franchise documents and helped build
the Omni Hotels brand to attract new investors.
To that end, Business Unlimited revised contractual
agreements and offerings and submitted all legal
documents for filing and registration with the
state agencies. Business Unlimited reviewed existing
advertisements and franchise sales lead processing
techniques to offer a well-rounded revitalized
franchise program and marketing strategy.
Back
to top //
PRIMROSE
SCHOOLS - Education-based child care Services
Challenge
In their eight years of company-owned operation,
Primrose Schools had grown to 3 units. They needed
assistance with the direction of expansion.
Solution
Business Unlimited suggested a Franchise Program
for growth. Business Unlimited helped to focus
the expansion, providing general consulting and
business structure, including a plan for multiple
unit ownership. Legal documents and state required
registrations were completed. Business Unlimited
planned franchise marketing, and wrote brochure
copy. The franchise program was completed with
Business Unlimited’s sales training for
Primrose Schools staff.
Later, in a related engagement, Business Unlimited
was hired by a Venture Capital Group to assess
the health and sustainability of the Primrose
franchise company. This assessment included discussions
with key management personnel, a review and critique
of the company’s materials and assessment
of the potential for long-term growth on a larger
scale. Business Unlimited advised that the company
was a strong choice for investment and expansion.
Back
to top //
STERLING
OPTICAL - Full-service, optical retail
Challenge
Sterling Optical/IPCO came to Business Unlimited
with 194 company-owned units and 6 franchised
units. They wanted to convert company-owned units
to franchises, and embark on a more aggressive
franchise program.
Solution
Business Unlimited developed a strategic marketing
plan for selling additional franchises and converting
company-owned units. Business Unlimited advised
that trade shows be included in this plan and
designed trade show brochures, and a sales video.
Business Unlimited also worked on operations manuals
and state franchise registrations. Sterling Optical
first offered and sold company-owned units as
franchises to existing managers. On average, sales
at each location increased 32% after managers
converted to franchisees.
Back
to top //
TEXACO
USA - Integrated global energy
Challenge
Texaco wanted to examine the option of franchising
a quick lube concept.
Solution
Business Unlimited developed a feasibility study
with a conclusion that they should move fast or
not at all. Texaco moved fast, and engaged Business
Unlimited to qualify prospects for the business
opportunity. Business Unlimited developed and
implemented telephone scripts, prospect questionnaires,
letters, and mailings for that purpose.
Back
to top //
TEXACO
EUROPE - Integrated global energy
Challenge
Texaco wanted to look at their operations in 10
European countries to determine which of 5 different
operations (convenience store, car wash, café/restaurant,
flower shop, quick lube) were franchisable and,
assuming some were, in which countries they should
roll out a franchise program. A second project
involved studying Eastern European countries and
the potential for franchising quick lubes and/or
convenience stores in these markets.
Solution
Business Unlimited has conducted several feasibility
studies on behalf of Texaco Europe. As a result
of these studies, Texaco launched a pilot franchise
program of its convenience store operations in
the United Kingdom. Business Unlimited's Eastern
European study indicated that, while feasible,
this would be a long-term project (20 years) for
Texaco.
Back
to top //
COACHMEN
INDUSTRIES, INC. - Manufacturer of Recreational
Vehicles
Challenge
Coachmen found itself a captive of its chain of
distribution by selling through conventional RV
dealers who carried several lines of recreational
vehicles at once, and Coachmen's marketing efforts
were bringing in sales prospects to dealers who
did not always sell the their products.
Solution
Business Unlimited proposed creating a Franchise
Dealer program that would create a new chain of
distribution that would carry only the Coachmen
line with a professional marketing plan, operations,
and sales approach. Business Unlimited created
a strategy that built out a new dealer program
without conflicting with the current chain of
distribution.
Back
to top // Back to previous
page
|
