Franchise Canada March/April 2020 by Franchise Canada

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FOCUS ON BEAUTY, HAIR, HEALTH & FITNESS FRANCHISES

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MEET THE WOMEN WHO ARE GROWING THE FRANCHISE COMMUNITY

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WOMAN POWER

MARCH | APRIL 2020

74470

94981

Display in business until Apr. 30, 2020

Chauffeur Franchise

Shuttle Franchise

No fleet required Care based approach Work from home Highly scalable Low cost of entry

Build your fleet $20 billion industry Corporate contracts Custom solutions Purpose built free

CFA Franchisees Choice Designation 2 Consecutive years

Winner of CFA Awards of Excellence

9 weeks of online and in-classroom extensive training

State of the art business technology solutions

Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award

open A FREEZER full of THiS WiNTER

Our delicious French Onion Soup and Soup Bowl, available in store

WEâ€™VE CHANGED FOR THE BETTER. BE PART OF THE CHANGE.

Franchise opportunities available Nationally Visit us at www.mmfoodmarket.com

ONE OF CANADA’S

FASTEST GROWING

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2020

FRANCHISES

CHERYL VRKLJAN, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

LAURIE HUBBARD, THE LUNCH LADY

JIENELYN DIMATATAC, JUST LIKE FAMILY

VANESSA WAMSLEY, MR. GREEK

• Innovative concept with competitive advantage • Low royalties starting at 3.75% • Low national marketing at 1.25% • Premium locations available • Industry leading sales and sales growth • Full turn-key buildout • Ongoing Operations support • Low investment, very high returns!

In house financing Available

TAMMY-LEE JOYCE, LICE SQUAD.COM

JEN MCCAIN, DOGTOPIA

COVER STORY

She’s the Boss Seven female entrepreneurs who rise and shine

FEATURES

Thinking About Franchising Your Business? 4 BIG questions to consider before you get started

SPECIAL FRANCHISE FOCUS

At Your Service Four franchises that are connecting customers with valuable services

29 Est. 2015 CONTACT US

905-814-8030 chucksroadhouse.com

4 Canadian Franchise Association

KARI CAMPBELL, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK CANADA

All in the Family Four families share how their dynamics are shaping their franchise businesses

Take the Wheel Automotive franchises from coast to coast are helping to drive Canadians’ franchising success www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

Special Focus: Beauty, Hair, Health & Fitness Why you should consider a franchise in these sectors!

Franchise Canada is published by the Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

DEPARTMENTS

HOME-GROWN & LOCALLY-OWNED 100% Canadian Franchise Systems

LEADERSHIP PROFILE Building the Franchise Community Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) President and CEO Sherry McNeil shares how her years in the industry are helping to further Canadian franchising

A DAY IN THE LIFE Learning the Language of the Dog Bark Busters franchisee finds success in a second career that allows her to spend time with family

THE FIRST YEAR Transforming Women’s Lives Kristi Bieber shares how she helps to empower women through her 30 Minute Hit franchise

ICONIC BRAND Putting People First KFC provides customers and franchisees with opportunities for personal and professional growth

SHOW ME THE MONEY 4 Franchises for $250K-$500K

BE YOUR OWN BOSS!

HISE INCREDIBLE FRANC BLE A PORTUNITIES AVAIL OP

FRANCHISE FUN Making the Cut From haircuts to privacy law, Yvonne Mercer has grown alongside the Great Clips, Inc. brand

FRANCHISE TUTORIAL Tutorials 9 & 10 This issue: • Intro to Operation Manuals • Intro to Franchisee Advisory Councils

COLUMNS

10 CFA CODE OF ETHICS 12 INDUSTRY NEWS 80 ASK THE EXPERTS 86 MARKETPLACE 97 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 98 GIVING BACK

Visit www.LookforaFranchise.ca to find further information about the franchises featured in this March/April issue.

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Locations Earnin

125,000

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development@obsidiangroupinc.com

chucksroadhouse.com Franchise Canada

March | April 2020 5

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

WOMEN ARE GROWING THE FRANCHISE COMMUNITY

very year, thousands turn to franchising to make the dream of starting their own business become reality. More and more of these entrepreneurs are women: according to The Wall Street Journal, as of May 2019, 35 per cent of franchise outlets in the U.S. are owned by women. Here in Canada, women are following suit, turning to franchising for the many benefits it provides, including work-life balance. In honour of these female entrepreneurs and International Women’s Day on March 8, this Women in Franchising issue recognizes females across the Canadian franchise industry. These women are helping to grow the franchise community through their hard work and commitment to their businesses and communities. Throughout this issue, we share their insights to inspire Canadian entrepreneurs from all demographics, starting with our Women in Franchising cover story on page 17. In this article, we include the stories of seven women from across a range of different franchising sectors. Here, they share their motivations, challenges, experiences, and words of wisdom to help motivate the next batch of female community-builders. You can also find more inspiring female success stories in a special online article available exclusively at www.FranchiseCanada.Online. Beyond the cover story, we also take a close look at two female franchisees and their thriving operations. In the First Year article on page 69, 30 Minute Hit franchisee Kristi Bieber outlines how she moved her family to Vernon, British Columbia specifically to open her location, and the value that comes from providing a strong sense of community and consistently transforming women’s lives. On page 66, we take you through a day in the life of Bark Busters franchisee Michelle Bailey, who switched careers to follow her passion for animals and to spend more time with her family.

6 Canadian Franchise Association

Family is a fundamental part of any successful franchise, especially for women who turn to franchising to find the right work-life balance. On page 29, four families who operate their franchises together explain how their family dynamics strengthen their franchise operations. They also share their advice for franchising as a family unit, including navigating any challenges that arise. As this issue indicates, there are so many opportunities available to women who want to become franchisees. You can find the full online directory of CFA member opportunities at www.LookforaFranchise.ca. For those interested in expanding an existing business through franchising, the “Thinking About Franchising Your Business?” article on page 43 outlines the information you need to know before taking your business down the franchising path. I’ve been a part of the franchise community since I was a student. In the Leadership Profile article on page 63, I share my story, including how I got started in franchising and my experiences with different leading franchise brands that led to my current position as the President and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). The women featured in this issue are already making a difference in their communities. There are so many opportunities available for women in franchising throughout the country, and I look forward to welcoming more female entrepreneurs into our community in 2020 and beyond.

Sherry McNeil President & CEO Canadian Franchise Association

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

Preferred payment processing rates for CFA members, just like you.

Accept payments with MonerisÂŽ and get preferred rates through your CFA membership. From payment processing products to business management tools, Moneris has the solution to meet your unique franchise needs.

Call now 1-888-552-0341 or visit moneris.com/associations to sign up with Moneris and receive preferred rates through the CFA Member Savings Program. MONERIS, MONERIS & Design are registered trademarks of Moneris Solutions Corporation. All other marks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (as of time of print) BOARD CHAIR John DeHart* PRESIDENT & CEO Sherry McNeil*, Canadian Franchise Association 1ST VICE CHAIR Gerry Docherty*, Good Earth Cafes 2ND VICE CHAIR David Druker*, The UPS Store

PUBLISHER

TREASURER Rick Chittley-Young*, MNP LLP

Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)

SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL

VP, CONTENT & MARKETING Kenny Chan

Larry Weinberg*, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

EDITOR Lauren Huneault

PAST CHAIR John Wissent*

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Lee

CHAIR, LEGAL & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

ADVERTISING SALES Gwen Dunant

Darrell Jarvis*, Fasken

CHAIR, FRANCHISE SUPPORT SERVICES

Tony O'Brien*, TruShield Insurance DIRECTORS

Hadi Chahin, Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters Steve Collette, 3rd Degree Training/Actual Nutrition Lawrence Eade, Box Concepts Food Group Lafleche Francoeur, Pacini Sebastian Fuschini, Pizza Pizza John Gilson, COBS Bread Terry Hould, ServiceMaster of Canada Limited Andrew Hrywnak, Print Three Franchising Corporation Rimma S. Jaciw, CFE, WSI Digital Marc Laurin, MTY Group Ryan Picklyk, A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. Gary Prenevost, FranNet Stephen Schober, Metal Supermarkets Family of Companies Frank Stanschus, Little Kickers Bob Tipple, Expedia CruiseShipCenters Laura Wittholz, THE TEN SPOT Beauty Bars *Executive Committee member

NATIONAL SPONSORS

The CFA wishes to acknowledge and thank these National Sponsors for their support throughout the year. Find out more about these companies at www.cfa.ca/sponsorship

AD COORDINATOR Andrea Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Georgie Binks, Suzanne Bowness, Jessica Burgess, Roma Ihnatowycz, Gina Makkar, David Chilton Saggers, Andrew Schopp, Marietta Snetsinger, Jordan Whitehouse, Kym Wolfe COVER & FRANCHISE FUN ILLUSTRATION

Sam Gorrie

PRINTING Premier Printing FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

Gwen Dunant Tel: 877-254-0097 | gdunant@cfa.ca TO SUBSCRIBE TO Franchise Canada

visit www.FranchiseCanada.Online or call 1-800-665-4232 ext. 224. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Canadian Franchise Association 5399 Eglinton Ave. West, Suite 116 Toronto, ON M9C 5K6

We invite your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact us at editor@cfa.ca or 1-800-665-4232.

© 2020, Canadian Franchise Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Franchise Canada is a member of Magazines Canada. Publications Mail Agreement No. 41043018 Legal Disclaimer The opinions or viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). Where materials and content were prepared by persons and/or entities other than the CFA, the said other persons and/or entities are solely responsible for their content. The information provided herein is intended only as general information that may or may not reflect the most current developments. The mention of particular companies or individuals does not represent an endorsement by the CFA. Information on legal matters should not be construed as legal advice. Although professionals may prepare these materials or be quoted in them, this information should not be used as a substitute for professional services. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought. FSC® certification is a commitment to good forestry practices, carried from forest to consumer

8 Canadian Franchise Association

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

“

I am very passionate about it and very thankful for the opportunity of Water Babies.

It changed my entire family’s life to be able to own a franchise and having flexibility. I am very excited to help children grow and to teach them a life skill.

“

Alexandra, Franchisee

We allow you to create a life for yourself and your family built on strengthening families, saving lives and helping people.

We have the most comprehensive certification and training program, and highest standards in the world for what we do.

We emphasize scalability, overheads and low initial investment costs.

647 972 4104 • info@waterbabies.ca • waterbabies.ca

CODE OF ETHICS

he Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is dedicated to encouraging and promoting excellence in franchising in Canada. Each member of the Association agrees to abide by the CFA Code of Ethics and to further the Association’s goals of encouraging and promoting ethical franchising in Canada. Each member of the Association agrees to comply with the spirit of this Code of Ethics in its general course of conduct and in carrying out its general policies, standards and practices. The following are considered by the Association to be important elements of ethical franchising practices: 1. Franchise system and franchise support services members should fully comply with Federal and Provincial laws, and with the policies of the Canadian Franchise Association. 2. A franchisor should provide prospective franchisees with full and accurate written disclosure of all material facts and information pertaining to the matters required to be disclosed in advance to prospective franchisees about the franchise system a reasonable time [at least fourteen (14) days] prior to the franchisee executing any binding agreement relating to the award of the franchise. 3. A ll matters material to the franchise relationship should be contained in one or more written agreements, which should clearly set forth the terms of the relationship and the respective rights and obligations of the parties. 4. A franchisor should select and accept only those franchisees who, upon reasonable investigation, appear to possess the basic skills, education, personal qualities and financial resources adequate to perform and fulfil the needs and requirements of the franchise. Franchise systems and franchise support services members of the Association should not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or any other factors prohibited by law. 5. A franchisor should provide reasonable guidance, training, support and supervision over the business activities of franchisees for the purposes of safeguarding the public interest and the ethical image of franchising, and of maintaining the integrity of the franchise system for the benefit of all parties having an interest in it. 6. Fairness should characterize all dealings between a franchisor and its franchisees. Where reasonably appropriate under the circumstances, a franchisor should give notice to its franchisees of any contrac-

10 Canadian Franchise Association

tual default and grant the franchisee reasonable opportunity to remedy the default. 7. A franchisor and its franchisees should make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints, grievances and disputes with each other through fair and reasonable direct communication, and where reasonably appropriate under the circumstances, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. 8. A franchisor and a franchise support services member should encourage prospective franchisees to seek legal, financial and business advice prior to signing the franchise agreement. 9. A franchisor should encourage prospective franchisees to contact existing franchisees to gain a better understanding of the requirements and benefits of the franchise. 10. A franchisor should encourage open dialogue with franchisees through franchise advisory councils and other communication mechanisms. A franchisor should not prohibit a franchisee from forming, joining or participating in any franchisee association, or penalize a franchisee who does so. 11. A franchise support services member in providing products or services to a franchisor or franchisee should encourage the franchises to comply with the spirit of this Code of Ethics. A franchise support services member should not offer or provide products or services if legislative or professional qualification is required to do so unless the franchise support services member has such qualification.

LOOK FOR EXCELLENCE As you investigate the many franchise opportunities available to you, you will see a special logo featured in franchise literature, on franchising websites and in franchise tradeshow booths. This logo identifies franchise systems and franchise support services/suppliers as members of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). You should be on the lookout for this symbol when researching franchise systems or assembling a team of franchise support professionals to assist in your search. CFA encourages and promotes excellence in franchising in Canada and members of the Association voluntarily agree to follow the CFA’s Code of Ethics in pursuit of these goals. Start your search for your franchise dream with a CFA member. Visit FranchiseCanada.Online today.

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

INDUSTRY NEWS

Your source for what’s happening in Canadian franchising Franchising Demystified Releases 2nd Edition Originally written in 2014, the second edition of the book Franchising Demystified by Wayne Maillet was recently released with new stories, up-to-date statistics, and addressing a more global audience. Whether you are considering getting into a franchise, or have made the commitment, Franchising Demystified provides the tools and insights to help effectively assess which is the right franchise opportunity for you and then how to maximize your return on investment. Real-life examples let you learn from other people’s mistakes and experiences. “The book Franchising Demystified is loaded with practical tips,” comments Peter Drutz of Comfort Keepers Canada. “We provide a copy to every qualified prospective franchisee. It helps them to understand the franchisee-franchisor relationship and capitalize on the benefits of a proven business model.” Franchising Demystified is available at most book retailers or directly from the publisher at www. franchisingdemystified.com. Fatburger Serves Up Premium Burgers at Edmonton International Airport Fatburger is pleased to announce the opening of their newest Edmonton, Alberta location in Nisku, north of the Premium Outlet Collection, Edmonton International Airport. This is the eighth Edmonton location, the 57th Canada-wide. The newest addition to the Fatburger family is owned by franchisee Brad Anstey and this is his fourth Fatburger location. “We are pleased to serve greattasting Fatburger favourites with exceptional customer service,” said

12 Canadian Franchise Association

Anstey. “Quality is our number one priority and guests can expect it when they visit Fatburger EIA.” For close to 15 years, Fatburger has been one of Western Canada’s fastest-growing burger chains acclaimed for serving up award-winning burgers, as well as Buffalo’s™ world-famous wings and tenders. Baskin-Robbins Canada ‘Make it Amazing’ Campaign Yields Successful Results Baskin-Robbins presented a cheque recently for $25,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada – the result of its “Make it Amazing” campaign, held this summer at its traditional locations across Canada. An annual effort now in its third year, the campaign invites guests to make their ice cream scoops ‘amazing’ by choosing a dipped or fancy dipped waffle cone and then topping it with their choice of fun toppings. For each Make it Amazing scoop sold, BaskinRobbins contributed $0.31 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada to support the organization’s out-of-school programs and services.

“We’re ever grateful to our franchisees and guests for their support of our community partners,” says Natalie Joseph, spokesperson for Baskin-Robbins Canada. “As a former member of a Boys and Girls Club

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

myself, it means a lot to contribute to the growth and expansion of existing programs that benefit the youth and communities we serve each year.” Available during out-of-school hours and tailored to community needs, Boys and Girls Clubs promote positive outcomes for kids and teens in education, healthy living, physical activity, mental health, job readiness, leadership, and more – everything young people need to succeed. “From the first day we met Natalie and immersed ourselves into the culture at Baskin-Robbins, we’ve had a good feeling about this partnership,” says Owen Charters, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “We are happy to see this relationship grow and we’re extremely grateful to the generous Canadians who supported this campaign. We look forward to next year’s campaign and helping even more young people reach their potential.” Willowbrae Academy Opens New Location in Calgary, Alberta Willowbrae Academy’s newest franchise location is now open on 19 Royal Vista Link NW #100 in Calgary, Alberta. Owners Harmander Singh Chowdhry, Gurmeet Singh Gupta, Jagdeep Singh Gupta, and Adam Frizzell are very pleased to announce Emily Cisco has joined the team as director, overseeing the new Academy. Emily brings nearly a decade of experience in childcare to her role. Her goal is to provide the best quality care for the children, which involves a child-focused program to set them up for success in their future. “My team is dedicated to providing a wonderful home away from home for kids. A special place where children come to grow,” affirms

INDUSTRY NEWS Chowdhry. “We have created something very unique in Royal Oak with the exclusive advantages of being a Willowbrae Academy franchise, providing secure online live-views for parents, bio-metric access control, healthy chef-prepared meals and snacks, the BodyBreak KIDFIT Program (supported by Hal Johnson & Joanne McLeod of BodyBreak), and individualized daily email reports for parents.” “We are very excited to welcome Harmander, Gurmeet, Jagdeep, Adam, and their entire team to our Willowbrae Academy family,” said Wayne Cochrane, president and CEO of Willowbrae Academy Corporate. “Quality childcare is a priority for families and every day we strive to provide a superior experience for our children, parents, and Early Childhood Educators.” Originating in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Willowbrae Academy is a local early-childhood education success story. With Royal Oak as its third location open in Alberta, Willowbrae is taking its formula beyond Nova Scotia, also opening Academies in Ontario and British Columbia. Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in Mississauga Celebrates Grand Opening Thanh and Mike Mitrovic own the Minuteman Press franchise located at 36-1225 Queensway East in Mississauga, Ontario. They recently held

a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for their family-owned design, marketing, and printing centre. Thanh says, “We are a professional business offering our customers graphic design services, digital printing, and promotional products. We know our clients’ brands are their identity and we want to help them promote their businesses.” The most rewarding thing about owning their business is being able to spend time together as a family as well as connecting with the community, Thanh explains. “Even though we are spending a lot of time on the business, we are also getting back family time. It is also rewarding in that we are getting to know our community, as some of our customers are coming from our neighbourhood, yet we didn’t know about them.” As they continue to build their business, Thanh and Mike are also happy with the ongoing local support that is provided by Minuteman Press International regional vice president Kevin Wittal and field representative Darwin Caswell. “The support has been amazing. We are so happy to be in business and the journey was made that much easier by having the support of Kevin and Darwin locally as well as Minuteman Press World Headquarters. Not only did we purchase the franchise, we bought a commercial unit in which to operate the business. A lot of consideration about how the space would

look and function was needed and the support from MMP was great.” March 2020 Planned for Opening of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in Windsor, ON Nicholas and Rhoda Udumukwu have acquired the last available Ontariobased TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise in Windsor, Ontario, with an expected opening set for March 2020.

Nicholas and Rhoda Udumukwu, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Windsor, ON

With 16 years of banking experience, Nicholas immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in 2019 and had been searching for a meaningful business venture. Having completed his due diligence, and with friends who are TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisees in Western Canada, he and his wife Rhoda decided that the business model they reviewed met their criteria. Lice Squad.com Signs Multiunit Franchisee for the Greater Ottawa Region Lice Squad.com is pleased to announce the signing of new multiunit franchisee Lisa Tecter, who, along with her team, will be taking care of families and organizations in the Greater Ottawa Region of Ontario. “We wish Lisa all the best of success with her new business venture and welcome to the Lice Squad.com family,” said Dawn Mucci, founder of Lice Squad.com.

Franchise Canada March | April 2020 13

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Start accepting today across all your locations and enjoy the backing of American Express. Email us at franchisesolutions@aexp.com or visit us at www.americanexpress.ca/canadianfranchiseassociation to learn more.

®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express. 1. American Express® Maps is intended for general reference purposes only and does not represent a comprehensive list of all Card accepting merchants. Recommendations and other information included on the map are derived from internal American Express and third party data. Data is updated from time to time and may not be 100% accurate. American Express does not accept any responsibility or liability arising from any inaccuracies. You understand and agree that your use of the map is your choice and at your sole risk and that the map is provided to you ‘as is’ and ‘as available’. List of Card accepting merchants is updated monthly. 2. Source: The Nilson Report # 1150 (April 2019). American Express transaction size derived as Canada year-end purchase volume divided by year-end purchase transactions. Average American Express transactions equals $137 US ($178 CAD). Average Non-American Express transaction equals $73 US ($95 CAD), includes Visa and MasterCard credit cards, and excludes Interac and debit volume and transactions. Purchase volume converted to Canadian dollars by multiplying US figures by 1.2957 (average 2018 CAD to USD conversion rate as stated by https://www.x-rates.com/average/?from=USD&to=CAD&amount=1&year=2018) 3. Your business could be recommended to Cardmembers in Cardmember emails sent by American Express.

JOIN THE RECOGNIZED LEADERS IN SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION!

DISCOVER THE REWARDS OF HELPING CHILDREN SUCCEED Helping Canadian Children & Families Since 1984 Unparalleled Training & Support System Award-Winning Marketing Team International Brand Recognition Proven Success Record

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CAREER! MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! As the 2019 Canadian Franchise Association’s Bronze Award Recipient for franchise systems with more than 100 locations, Oxford Learning is proud to be Canada’s top-ranked education-based franchise system! Founded in 1984, Oxford Learning’s innovative system is a pioneer in afterschool education, offering programs for students from preschool to university. At Oxford Learning, students improve their academic skills, strengthen their cognition, and ultimately develop higher self-confidence and self-esteem. With more than 100 locations across Canada, a successful Oxford Learning centre does not require you to have a background in education; our comprehensive training, instruction model, proprietary curriculum and ongoing support from Head Office combined with your drive to succeed is the only requirement! Join a team of recognized leaders making an impact in the supplemental education industry.

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franchise.oxfordlearning.com

COVER STORY

SHE’S THE

BOSS

Seven female entrepreneurs who rise and shine BY GINA MAKKAR

Female entrepreneurs are on the rise. In 2018, 1,079,000 self-employed women accounted for 37 per cent of all self-employed people, and over 35 per cent of Canadian women rank 1st in their involvement in newer businesses. As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, Franchise Canada takes a closer look at what it takes to be a femme de carrière. Read on to find out how seven franchise mavens forged a path to success.

Franchise Canada March | April 2020 17

COVER STORY

Beyond the Classroom

n choosing a franchise, Cheryl Vrkljan wanted to leverage her education and mental health background to support children and families. “I was initially drawn to Beyond the Classroom because it meshed perfectly with the things I value most in life: children, family, education, and connection.” Despite the company’s growth and expansion, Vrkljan appreciates that the core value of helping children succeed in their own way remains the backbone of the organization. “It's the reason that Beyond the Classroom attracts fabulous likeminded business owners, who just happen to all be other brilliant women!” She says finding balance when running a business while raising a family is a challenge. “I am the primary caregiver for my family, and the reality is that most women still find themselves in this position, regardless of owning a business. I quickly had to learn to be very efficient in how I use my time, allocate my resources, and decide which activities to be involved in.” Vrkljan fuels her success by surrounding herself with like-minded people, reading, meditating, and constant self-development. “I never stop learning and striving to know more because I know it helps me grow and expand my boundaries to be a better person and business owner.” She says connecting to the purpose and values of a company is a metric of success. “Some important questions I would ask are: Do the core values of the franchise fit with your own core values? What systems are in place to support you as a business owner? What processes are in place to support you when things go wrong, and when things go well?”

18 Canadian Franchise Association

CHERYL VRKLJAN

oto Ph

Lisa Mac oto: Int os

JEN MCCAIN Dogtopia

ormer management consultant Jen McCain was drawn to Dogtopia’s proven model and growth potential. “I knew no matter what learning curve I might overcome as an independent, I would not be able to outpace the growth of a franchised business like Dogtopia.” In addition to the feel-good spirit fostered by a community dedicated to dog care, McCain values the franchisor’s top-down approach to quality control and standards, a benefit to franchisees at the ground level. Though many women before her forged a path to success, she feels female entrepreneurs are still met with scepticism at times. “Even if it’s not overt, there may be an assumption that operations are not as well managed, or that there isn’t the same degree of control over business administration or the business development side. I think it’s the little comments or remarks made in passing that have made me realize that there is still room for progress.” Overall, she says clients are proud to support a female-led franchise. McCain says a big draw for women is the strong support system and collaborative environment a franchise offers. “There’s a safety net knowing that someone always has your back, and that’s an important source of confidence and motivation for females. Franchises are one option that allow women to be bold and venture into business, while leveraging the tailwinds of a whole network.” McCain’s advice? “I would love to get to a place where we drop the “women” led business or “girl boss” label and operate as if there was no option but equal. My advice is do what you have to do to make that happen. Help to remove labels and operate high calibre and inclusive businesses.”

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

COVER STORY

JIENELYN DIMATATAC

TAMMY-LEE JOYCE

Just Like Family

homecare worker and registered nurse, Jienelyn Dimatatac contemplated running a homecare company to spend more time with her young family. In a field fraught with complex rules and regulations, she says partnering with Just Like Family offered a better chance at success. “The system is easy to follow. They have a great training program and excellent 24/7 support to help you grow your franchise fast and steady. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. This company already had a proven track record.” In taking her business to the next level, she says being part of a franchise system offers great benefit. Marketing programs and system support alleviate the difficulty of starting a business. “I needed the structure of a franchise system that I can follow and emulate. As a female business owner, I look up to some of my female idols who have made it in their own business.” In partnering with an established brand, Dimatatac says you’re gaining the trust and respect of clients and the benefit of collaborating with the franchisor and franchisees. “I never feel alone. Without franchising, I don’t think I would be as successful as I am right now.” She advises franchisees to choose a franchise that uses their talents and creates a good work-life balance. “Make sure you crunch the numbers. What is my breakeven point? Do I need more capital in the future? What kind of help will the franchisor provide? Is it safe to run a business as a female entrepreneur?”

Lice Squad.com

s a public health nurse, Tammy-Lee Joyce often advised parents of lice treatments by phone, stressing the importance of nitpicking. “It wasn't until my daughter became infested that I realized how inadequate this advice was.” Wary after hours of treatments, she discovered Lice Squad.com. “I'd probably still be nitpicking my daughter's hair if I hadn't found them. The advice on their website was invaluable and saved my sanity and my back.” The experience spurred Joyce to bring head lice services to Newfoundland & Labrador. “The Lice Squad. com franchise appeals to me because it allows me to utilize my business, nursing, leadership, and management skills to provide a much-needed service to my community.” Franchising offered Joyce financial security and work-life balance while helping others and working alongside like-minded people. “I find so much satisfaction in my work. Best of all, I have the support and direction of everyone at Lice Squad.com, from the CEO to my fellow franchisees. I truly am in business for myself but not by myself. I love that.” Often spread thin in the early days, Joyce quickly learned to delegate. “I think as women, we are constantly trying to juggle our many roles, not realizing that we do not have to be all things to all people all the time!” She advises franchisees to know their strengths and ask for help when needed. “Women have so many qualities that translate so well into entrepreneurship. We know how to juggle changing priorities, we know how to delegate, we know how to nurture, we know how to lead, we know how to manage, and we know how to support each other. Being a part of a female-led franchise system has proven invaluable to my personal and professional growth. We need more women like that to serve as role models to others.”

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COVER STORY

VANESSA WAMSLEY

LAURIE HUBBARD

Mr. Greek

pharmacy executive, Vanessa Wamsley wanted to invest in a business with partner Daryll to build sustainable wealth and employment for her family, while maintaining her current career. “Mr. Greek understood our arrangement and was supportive in making it work,” says Wamsley. For a couple with no restaurant experience, system support was integral. “Mr. Greek has been there to guide and assist us throughout the process. I truly appreciate the patience and support I have received. When they say welcome to the family, it truly is a philosophy reflective of how they run their business.” Used to the challenges of upper management, Wamsley says women often work harder to prove themselves and command respect. The new business took her out of her comfort zone, and part of establishing rapport in her new environment is staying open to learning new things, asking questions, and setting realistic expectations. For Wamsley, fresh perspectives create success, and women offer a different approach to running a business. “There is still the stereotype that men are the main income earners and support their families, and things are changing. For me, it is about setting an example and inspiring my daughter to do anything she puts her mind to, and to push herself out of her comfort zone. Only when we challenge ourselves can we aspire to our full potential.” Her advice: have confidence in your abilities. “My focus has always been on success. I can't settle in life. If I don't believe in my own success, nobody will. It’s okay to have doubts and struggles. Everything worth achieving is challenging, but at the end of day, if you want something, you have to believe you can do it, and then do it. Stay focused, stay determined, and keep coming back to your goals.”

20 Canadian Franchise Association

The Lunch Lady

teacher by trade, Laurie Hubbard opened Mother Hubbard ‘N’ Friends Daycare, the first licensed daycare in her Nova Scotia hometown. “I have always been passionate about being able to provide good service to children and their families. I continuously had my eyes open for different opportunities that would allow me to do so.” She came across a social media posting by The Lunch Lady, and quickly realized it was something she had to be part of. “Owning a franchise was something completely new to me. I started Mother Hubbard ‘N’ Friends Daycare on my own. I made all my own decisions, templates, designs, and learned everything from scratch as I went along.” With the groundwork laid by the franchise, Hubbard says that starting over again was a lot less daunting, especially with systems and support in place for an easy segue. It was a big change for a businesswoman who was used to figuring things out on her own. “The Lunch Lady team at head office is top notch. There is always a ton of support and encouragement.” Hubbard takes a hands-on approach, running the day-to-day operations. “I think in order to maintain your business and be able to offer the quality of service you want, that is something you must do.” Her words of wisdom? “Owning a business isn’t easy. It doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock or end on Friday. It is a tough 24/7 job that requires commitment, time, and lots of patience. However, if you are passionate about something and know you can make a difference in someone’s life or help them in any way, don’t wait. Start now. The rewards you will receive are life-changing.”

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

Evan Eis en oto: st a

COVER STORY

KARI CAMPBELL

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Canada

hen long-time friends considered a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Canada franchise, they asked seasoned customer service representative Kari Campbell to come on board. “Being an integral part of a team, building something from scratch based in an area where I grew up, seemed very exciting,” says Campbell. Today, she’s the franchisee and general manager of the Oshawa, Ontario location, and has a satellite office in Peterborough. For Campbell, a big benefit of franchising is gaining the knowledge needed to run a successful moving business by executing a proven, step-by-step model. There’s no need to start from scratch or reinvent the wheel, and a proven model offers seasoned processes and systems. “With TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, we have access to company software and digital tools that we may not have been able to afford on our own.” At first, sceptics were wary of Campbell’s ability to perform in a male-dominated industry, but she persevered. “Once you go and help them out and they realize you can more than hold your own, the challenges become fewer and fewer. In my current franchisee role, the knowledge and experience I have accumulated speaks volumes and really helps with any challenges, whether real or perceived.” Campbell suggests that women consider franchise systems that pique interest and capitalize on skill sets. “You have the ability to shop around and find the franchise organization that offers you the most opportunity, and maybe even more important, real support.” Her advice to prospective franchisees? “Make sure you are passionate about the franchise company you choose. Be ready to work hard, because it will become your business path to success.”

FEMALE FRANCHISING SUCCESS STORIES Beyond the seven women featured in this article, there are so many more women contributing to the Canadian franchise community. If you want to hear from more women in franchising, head to www.FranchiseCanada.Online. Here, you can find an all-new exclusive look at successful female entrepreneurs from around the country in a range of different sectors, including food service, the performing arts, education, and more. And, if you’re seeking further inspiration, you can also find previous profiles of successful female franchisees on www.FranchiseCanada.Online by searching “Women in Franchising.”

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