Issuu

FRANCHISE Journal LEARN Real Estate Boom of Agingin-Place Franchises p. 54

THE SCOOP On Investing in $113B Home Care Market p. 24

HOW TO Turn Holistic Wellness Into a Franchise p. 90

SEPTEMBER 2026/FranchiseJournal.com

THE NEXT GREAT FRANCHISE CATEGORY? Why Senior Care May Be the Opportunity of a Generation

DAVID GIACOBBO

FOUNDER & CEO ONE YOU LOVE HOMECARE

How David Giacobbo built One You Love Homecare from personal tragedy—and why the timing could't be better.

Americans will be 66+ by 2030*

of adults $0+ went to age at home**

new home care jobs by 2035***

Projected senior care market by 2030****

*U.S. Census Bureau **AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey ***U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ****Various industry sources

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contents

SEPTEMBER 2026

TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY

18 Seniors & Medical Franchising: Where Business Opportunity Meets a Growing Human Need by Seth Lederman

24 The Smart Investor’s Guide to the $113B Home Care Market by Chris Davenport

30 The Silver Opportunity: Why Senior Care Franchising Is Booming by Bob Hays

36 Italian American Entrepreneurial Heartbeat Resonates Through Generations by Robyn Deering 6

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

18 40 The New Senior Service: Investing in Healthspan by Aaron Bakken

44 The Next Evolution of Wellness Is Bigger Than Any Single Service by Dustin Helms

50 Beyond Ramps and Rails: The High-Tech Real Estate Boom of Aging-in-Place Franchises by Jewan "Jack" Tiwari

54 Aging in Place Is Changing: The New Ecosystem Helping Seniors Stay Independent by Ozzie Grupenmager

90 AumBio Wellness Centers: Turning

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL From Wall Street to Main Street: Sary Cedeno Brings 25 Years of Client Service to Her Jersey City Floor Coverings International Franchise by Rhonda Sanderson

64 Why the Garden State is Ripe for Your Next Chapter: Unleashing Franchise Growth in New Jersey by Vince Vicari

ONE YOU LOVE HOMECARE From Personal Tragedy to a National Mission: Why One You Love Homecare May Be Ready for Its Next Chapter

Decades of Holistic Wellness Experience Into a Franchise Built for Growth by Rick Morgin

94 Franchising vs. Organic Business Creation A Quick Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs by Vince Vicari

100 BUTTERFLY HOME CARE Beyond Senior Care: How Butterfly Home Care Is Redefining Home Care for Every Age by Becky Wang

104 What’s Next After a Successful Career? Why Education Franchising Is About More Than Business by Hao Lam

74 Redefining Senior Wellness: The Franchise Boom by Ron Filian

78 What’s Next for Healthy Aging? From

108 The Perfect Match: How Leah Doroch Built a Holistic Home Care Franchise on Compassion by Monique Pelle

Living Longer to Living Better by Ozzie Grupenmager

112

116 ASK THE RESULTS GUY™ Could Stronger Connections Be the Missing Force Multiplier in Your Franchise System? by Tony Jeary

PILLAR TO POST HOME® INSPECTORS Former Amazon Operations Manager Chooses New Career with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors by Rhonda Sanderson TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY TruBlue Home Service Ally: Building a Business With Purpose in the Growing Aging-in-Place Market by Rudy Frederico

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NOTES

THE BUSINESS OF CARING

Why Senior Care May Be One of Franchising’s Most Important Categories

here are inalienable facts about life and businesses that are essential to support them. Senior care is one of those and it is not a trend, it is not a fad, it is a fact of life. It's being driven by something far more predictable: America is getting older. The U.S. Census Bureau calls 2030 a demographic turning point. By then, every Baby Boomer will be over 65 and roughly one

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

in five Americans will be retirement age. A few years later, older Americans are projected to outnumber children for the first time in our country's history. Those are extraordinary numbers, but they don't really tell the whole story. Behind every statistic is a family. It's the 52-year-old daughter trying to figure out what to do because Dad probably shouldn't be driving anymore. It's the son who lives three

AARP FOUND THAT 75 PERCENT OF AMERICANS OVER 50 WANT TO REMAIN IN THEIR CURRENT HOMES AS THEY AGE. SEVENTYTHREE PERCENT WANT TO STAY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. states away and realizes Mom needs someone checking on her. It's the couple determined to remain in the house where they raised their children even though everyday tasks are becoming more difficult. That's where this industry becomes important. AARP found that 75 percent of Americans over 50 want to remain in their current homes as they age. Seventy-three percent want to stay in their communities. Think about that for a moment. Three out of four people are essentially saying: If I have a choice, I want to stay home. Increasingly, someone has to make that possible. FRANCHISING HAS A ROLE TO PLAY There are some excellent companies already doing this work. Home Instead helped demonstrate that nonmedical senior care could be organized into a sophisticated franchise model and built at significant scale. Visiting Angels has established a substantial national footprint around in-home care. Right at Home has built a respected system and strong relationships within the healthcare community. BrightStar Care took a somewhat broader approach, combining personal care with skilled services and creating a model capable of serving clients with more complex needs. Comfort Keepers and Senior Helpers have also built substantial organizations in the category. There are newer and emerging brands worth watching as well. Competition is healthy because this market is nowhere close to being solved. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides one of the more eye-opening statistics I've seen recently. In its 2024–2034 projections, home health and personal care aides represented approximately 4.3 million American jobs. BLS projected another 739,800 jobs would be added over that decade. That's roughly one out of every seven new jobs projected to be created in the entire U.S. economy.

And newer federal projections point in the same direction. This is bigger than a franchise trend. It's a fundamental shift in how America is going to care for an aging population. BUT THIS ISN'T AN EASY BUSINESS We should be careful not to confuse demand with simplicity. Senior care may have extraordinary demographic tailwinds, but operating one of these businesses requires something that isn't easily captured on a spreadsheet. You need people. Good people. Finding, training and retaining caregivers is arguably as important as finding customers. Owners are dealing with scheduling, compliance, families, referral relationships and, above all, trust. If someone has a bad hamburger, you apologize and replace the hamburger.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

When somebody entrusts you with an 87-yearold mother, the stakes are considerably higher. That responsibility is precisely why I believe franchising can bring something valuable to the category. A strong franchise system brings processes, training, technology, recruiting practices, marketing, operating standards and a network of other owners confronting the same challenges. Done properly, franchising takes knowledge accumulated across hundreds of situations and makes it available to the local entrepreneur. And local ownership matters here. Senior care remains an intensely local business. Families want to know who is answering the phone. Hospitals and physicians want dependable referral partners. Caregivers want to know the people they work for. The best franchise systems combine the sophistication of a national organization with the accountability of a local owner. THE OPPORTUNITY BEYOND THE NUMBERS There is another reason I like this category. It attracts a different kind of entrepreneur. 12

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Certainly, people buy franchises to make money. There is nothing wrong with that. A franchise has to produce an economic return or eventually it won't exist. But senior care gives an owner something in addition to a P&L. It gives them purpose. A successful owner can create jobs, build a valuable local company and help hundreds or thousands of families navigate one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Not many businesses offer all three. Over the next decade, we'll hear a great deal about artificial intelligence, automation and technologies that eliminate jobs. Technology will certainly transform senior care, too. It will improve scheduling, monitoring, communication and perhaps allow seniors to remain independent longer. But I don't believe technology eliminates the human element here. Interestingly, neither does the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While AI is expected to disrupt many occupations, home health and personal care aides are projected to be among America's largest sources of new employment. Sometimes the most valuable thing another human being can provide isn't particularly complicated. It's preparing a meal. Helping someone get dressed. Driving them to an appointment. Sitting at the kitchen table and talking for an hour. It's simply being there. There will be enormous business opportunities created by America's aging population. There will be new technologies, new franchise systems and undoubtedly some very large companies built around it. But we shouldn't lose sight of what the industry is really selling. Independence. Dignity. Trust. And a little more time at home. That's a business worth building.

Nick Neonakis

Editor, Franchise Journal

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CONTRIBUTORS Aaron Bakken Robyn Deering Chris Davenport Rudy Frederico Ron Filian Ozzie Grupenmager Bob Hays Dustin Helms Tony Jeary Hao Lam Seth Lederman Emily Manuel Rick Morgin Monique Pelle Rhonda Sanderson Jewan "Jack" Tiwari Vince Vicari Becky Wang

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Seniors & Medical Franchising: Where Business Opportunity Meets a Growing Human Need by Seth Lederman, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

merica is getting older, and that demographic shift is changing how families, healthcare providers, and communities address the needs of an aging population. For entrepreneurs and investors, seniors and medical services represent an intersection of growing demand and meaningful work. But demographics alone do not make a business attractive. The more important question is

whether the business model has sound economics, strong systems, scalability, and owner fit. That distinction matters. THE DEMOGRAPHIC CASE IS COMPELLING The demand behind senior services is difficult to ignore. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of home health and personal care aides to grow 17 percent from 2024

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through 2034, driven in part by the increasing number of older adults and the continued shift toward homeand community-based care. For many seniors and their families, independence is a priority, creating demand for services that support safety, health, and independence. Investors need to look beyond the demographic headline.

“A GROWING INDUSTRY CAN CREATE OPPORTUNITY, BUT GROWTH ALONE NEVER MAKES SOMETHING A GOOD INVESTMENT. THE RIGHT QUESTION IS WHETHER THE BUSINESS BEHIND THAT GROWTH IS THE RIGHT FIT FOR THE PERSON INVESTING IN IT.” — SETH LEDERMAN, CFE A GROWING INDUSTRY IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY A GOOD INVESTMENT Two franchises serving essentially the same senior population can have completely different economics. One may require a large caregiver workforce, while another depends on licensed clinicians. One might generate primarily private-pay revenue, while another interacts with insurance or reimbursement programs. Margins, staffing requirements, regulatory exposure, customer acquisition, capital needs, and scalability can vary considerably. Instead of simply asking, “Is senior care a good industry?” prospective owners should ask: How does this business make money? Where do customers come from? How labor-intensive is the model? What does the owner actually do? What licenses apply? Is revenue recurring? Can management eventually assume day-to-day operations? Can the business scale? Those questions tell you far more than population growth alone.

NEED-BASED DEMAND HAS DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS Many consumer businesses depend on discretionary spending. Senior and medical businesses often address needs that are less discretionary. A family trying to help an aging parent remain safely at home has a problem that needs to be solved. That can create attractive demand characteristics. However, need-based does not mean recession-proof or guarantee profitability. Families still have budgets. Labor costs rise. Competition changes. Reimbursement structures and regulations can evolve. Demand creates opportunity. Execution determines what happens with it.

scheduling, training, culture, accountability, and quality control are therefore central to the business. Prospective owners should understand recruiting challenges, turnover, qualifications, staffing costs, and franchisor support. This is also where personal fit becomes important. A business may have excellent market potential but still be wrong for someone who dislikes recruiting and managing people. Conversely,

IN MANY SENIOR BUSINESSES, PEOPLE ARE THE BUSINESS One of the first areas I would examine when evaluating a senior or medical franchise is the labor model. In many concepts, caregivers, clinicians, technicians, coordinators, or other professionals deliver the customer experience. Recruiting, retention, WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

an executive who has spent years building teams and managing performance may find those skills transfer extremely well. Industry experience is not always the deciding factor. Leadership often is. REGULATION REQUIRES SERIOUS DUE DILIGENCE Healthcare-related businesses can involve licensing, privacy, insurance, reimbursement, or professional oversight requirements. Before investing, prospective franchisees should understand five areas: regulation and required licenses; labor and staffing; revenue sources; customer acquisition; and scalability. Due diligence should move the investor from “I like this concept” to “I understand how this business actually works.” TRUST IS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Another dimension cannot be captured entirely in a spreadsheet: trust. Families may be placing the health, safety, comfort, or independence of someone they love in the hands of a business. Reputation, responsiveness, professionalism, compassion, and consistency therefore matter enormously. Successful operators also understand their local healthcare ecosystem, where relationships with physicians, hospitals, senior communities, social workers, and case managers can become valuable referral channels. Strong demographics 20

may create potential. Trust, relationships, and execution convert that potential into a business. PURPOSE MATTERS, BUT ECONOMICS STILL MATTER Senior and medical franchises can offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to build enterprise value while addressing a genuine human need. But purpose should complement sound economics, not substitute for them. The strongest opportunities combine real demand, attractive economics, capable franchisor leadership, effective systems, and an owner whose strengths align with what the business requires. SETH’S PERSPECTIVE I’ve spent years helping people evaluate franchise opportunities, and one principle continues to prove itself: a growing industry and a good investment are two very different things. Senior and medical services clearly benefit from powerful

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

demographic trends. But demographics alone would never be enough for me to recommend a business. I want to understand the economics, labor model, customer acquisition strategy, regulatory environment, scalability, franchisor support, and, most importantly, the person considering the investment. So I would not begin by asking whether senior care is a good industry. I would begin with a different question: Is this particular business the right business for you? That’s where sound franchise investing starts. Fit precedes opportunity. Always. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Seth Lederman, CFE, is the founder and CEO of Frannexus and a franchise acquisition and development advisor. A longtime entrepreneur and franchise consultant, Seth has guided hundreds of executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors through the process of evaluating business ownership and franchise opportunities.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Smart Investor’s Guide to the $113B Home Care Market

Why 1+1 Cares is disrupting traditional home care by replacing heavy back-office overhead with a high-margin, referral-driven model.

by Chris Davenport, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

hen exploring investments in the senior care industry, the demographic opportunity is undeniable. Every single day, over 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65, fueling an unprecedented surge in demand for non-medical, inhome care. The U.S. home care market itself is now valued at $113 billion and growing more than 7% annually, while the population aged 80 and older is projected to rise 50% over the next decade, compounding demand well beyond today’s numbers. However, savvy investors who look closely at traditional home care agency franchises quickly uncover a major operational bottleneck: the staffing gridlock. Standard agency models require franchisees to act as full-time employers, leaving owners bogged down in shift scheduling, high employee turnover, payroll logistics, and regulatory liability. 1+1 Cares changes the paradigm entirely. By operating as a domestic referral agency, 1+1 Cares strips away traditional operational

headaches, providing a streamlined business model built specifically for scalable growth, backed by 19 years of operating history since the company’s founding in 2007. Asking why the model exists yields an answer that doesn't stem from a whiteboard

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design. It was built because Matt and Ray Liu (Founders of 1+1 Cares) were trying to find quality care for our own families and simply couldn’t find anything that worked the way it should. Nineteen years later, that exact same need drives every single franchisee

solving care challenges for their own communities today. HOW THE MODEL WORKS: REFERRAL AGENCY VS. TRADITIONAL HOME CARE Rather than employing caregivers directly, a 1+1 Cares franchise functions as an elite matchmaking platform that connects families with pre-vetted, independent caregivers. The central franchise system handles background-check facilitation, contract processing, client billing, scheduling support, client and caregiver support, and back-end technology infrastructure. This leaves the franchisee in complete ownership of high-value strategic growth. Owners hold approval authority over which caregivers are registered and referred in their territory while driving local business development by building trust and securing client referrals with hospital discharge planners, hospice directors, senior centers, and local care managers. Designed as a fully home-based operation, the model runs without an office lease, build-out costs, or physical commercial location requirements. As the franchise owner, the primary job isn’t managing shifts, recruiting staff, or overseeing a facility; the focus rests entirely on growing referral relationships in the territory. "Because the f ranchise system supports caregiver vetting, contract processing, and client billing, our franchisees can focus on growing local referral

networks instead of managing operational chaos, while still owning who they bring onto their platform," notes Peter Taunton, advisor to 1+1 Cares. WHY NOW? THE MACRO DEMAND DRIVING SENIOR CARE Timing is everything in franchise investing, and three major economic and demographic forces make right now the optimal window to launch a referral-based care model. First, the Silver Tsunami is fully underway. The U.S. aging population is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and 90% of seniors report preferring to age in their own homes rather than move to costly assisted living facilities. Second, traditional

agency costs continue to climb. Inflation and heavy administrative overhead have rendered standard home care agencies prohibitively expensive for many families. Finally, 1+1 Cares holds a built-in savings advantage by passing back-office efficiencies directly to the market. Families typically pay 25% to 40% less than traditional agencies charge, while caregivers earn higher hourly rates. This winwin structure gives franchisees a compelling pitch in any economic climate. WHY INVESTORS CHOOSE 1+1 CARES For professionals seeking a high-impact, low-friction business, 1+1 Cares offers a rare mix of low overhead and massive scalability. With an initial franchise fee of $39,500

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS

and a total estimated initial investment ranging between $68,880 and $126,875, the entry threshold remains remarkably lean. The home-based structure eliminates office leases and build-out expenses, allowing the business to launch and operate locationindependently from wherever the owner chooses. Because the primary franchise system absorbs administrative fulfillment, owners carry minimal fixed office or staffing costs. This frees up executive focus entirely for high-value B2B networking, local marketing, and building strategic referral partnerships rather than managing rent, buildouts, or back-office 26

logistics. Together, these factors position 1+1 Cares as an exceptionally accessible entry point into the lucrative senior care sector. LOOKING AHEAD Ultimately, the senior care landscape is undergoing a necessary evolution. As the demand for in-home support accelerates, the industry’s future belongs to operational models that eliminate friction for both families and business owners. By replacing administrative strain with a lean, referralbased framework, 1+1 Cares reflects where senior care is heading, offering a sustainable structure for entrepreneurs looking to build a high-value

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business while meeting a critical community need. For investors evaluating whether this model fits their portfolio goals, taking the next step is straightforward. Request the current Franchise Disclosure Document or schedule a discovery call to review territory availability, examine the full investment breakdown, and evaluate ownership options in your target market. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Davenport is a Sr. Franchise Consultant and the President of Davenport Franchise Solutions. With extensive experience in franchise development, strategy, and operations, he guides entrepreneurs and brands through high-growth investment opportunities.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Silver Opportunity: Why Senior Care Franchising Is Booming by Bob Hays, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

ew franchise sectors offer the combination of demographic growth, recurring customer demand, economic resilience, and social impact found in the senior care industry. As America's population continues to age, the need for services supporting older adults has expanded dramatically. What was once limited to traditional caregiving has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem of home care, healthcare, advisory services, accessibility solutions, and wellness offerings

designed to help seniors maintain independence and quality of life. DEMOGRAPHIC TAILWINDS AND AGING IN PLACE The foundation of this opportunity is the expansion of the senior population. Industry forecasts indicate that the number of Americans aged 65 and older could reach up to 88 million by 2050, nearly doubling from recent levels. Driven by the aging Baby Boomer generation, this shift creates sustained

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demand for mobility support, long-term care planning, and health services. At the same time, modern families balancing careers, geographic distance, and caregiving duties rely heavily on professional providers as essential resources. A primary driver of the sector is the strong preference among seniors to remain in their homes. Research shows that approximately 90% of older adults want to age in place, while nearly 70% will require long-term assistance during their lives. This preference fuels demand for comprehensive services that keep seniors safe, healthy, and independent in familiar surroundings. ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND STRUCTURAL ADVANTAGES From an investor's perspective, senior care is highly recessionresistant because it fulfills essential needs rather than discretionary wants. During economic downturns, families may cut back on

travel, dining, or home improvements, but they rarely postpone critical caregiving or housing decisions for aging loved ones. Additionally, ongoing client relationships lasting months or years generate steady, recurring revenue that continually attracts prospective franchise owners. Senior care holds key structural advantages over categories like restaurants, fitness centers, and home services. While restaurants rely on daily foot traffic, fitness franchises battle high attrition, and home services depend on project-based work, senior care providers develop long-term client relationships. As client needs expand over time, customer lifetime value rises and revenue streams become remarkably predictable. Furthermore, demand is anchored by demographic growth rather than fleeting consumer trends. Unlike fitness or retail concepts that must constantly adapt to shifting fashions, America's aging population grows regardless of

economic conditions, creating an unmatched long-term tailwind. Finally, high barriers to entry, including compliance systems, specialized training, caregiver recruitment, and community trust, shield franchise networks from independent competitors and strengthen their market edge.

through assisted living and memory care choices. These low-overhead, advisory models avoid direct care while providing vital counsel during emotional transitions. • Caregiver Referral & Matching: Concepts such as 1+1 Cares connect clients to vetted caregivers via digital platforms. By bypassing direct employment, they lower operational complexity while tapping into high market demand. • Healthcare, Wellness & Accessibility: Specialized brands deliver essential clinical care and environmental adaptations. Boost Home Health and Hear Again America provide rehabilitation and hearing services, while Next Day Access installs ramps, stairlifts, and safety

A DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM OF FRANCHISE MODELS A standout feature of senior care franchising is its diverse, multi-category landscape tailored to every phase of aging: • Non-Medical Home Care: The largest segment features brands like ComForCare, Homewatch CareGivers, and Seniors Helping Seniors. They offer personal care, companionship, meal prep, and dementia support, alongside family education and care coordination. • Placement & Advisory Services: Operators like CarePatrol and Senior Care Authority guide families WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

modifications to keep seniors aging in place. REFERRAL NETWORKS AND PURPOSE-DRIVEN IMPACT The industry’s capacity to build powerful referral networks offers a distinct competitive advantage over consumer-focused franchises. By establishing relationships with hospitals, physicians, rehabilitation centers, social workers, elder law attorneys, and senior living communities, operators create ongoing client referral sources that are difficult for competitors to replicate. Beyond financial performance, senior care offers a compelling social mission that few industries can match. Franchise owners help families navigate major life transitions, protect seniors' independence, improve quality of life, and deliver peace of mind during

challenging times. For many franchisees, the emotional fulfillment of serving others proves just as rewarding as the business returns. Senior care f ranchising is far more than a reaction to demographic trends; it sits at the unique intersection of

growing demand, recurring revenue, economic resilience, and meaningful community impact. Whether delivering home care, placement guidance, caregiver matching, healthcare, wellness, or accessibility solutions, f ranchisees build sustainable businesses while addressing essential human needs. As America’s population continues to age and families seek trusted care resources, senior care remains poised to be one of the most attractive, enduring opportunities in f ranchising for decades to come. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bob Hays is a Franchise Consultant and member of the Veterans Franchise Council. A former franchise owner himself, Bob brings firsthand experience and strategic insight to his work. He helps individuals and business owners navigate franchise opportunities with confidence, offering informed decision‑making support and expert guidance throughout the process. Contact Bob at bhays@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

SWEATLAND is a rapidly growing franchise opportunity in the wellness industry. We offer a unique and innovative approach to infrared saunas, with a focus on providing a luxurious and relaxing experience for our customers. Our franchise model is designed to be simple to operate and manage, and we offer comprehensive training and support to our franchisees.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Italian American Entrepreneurial Heartbeat Resonates Through Generations by Robyn Deering, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

s we look ahead to Italian American Heritage Month this October, it’s worth pausing to consider what actually gets passed down through generations—not just recipes and traditions, but a way of solving problems with creativity, courage and the entrepreneurial spirit. The month honors the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants to American

life— particularly in the arts, sciences, business and culture—and coincides with Columbus Day. It serves as both a celebration and an educational opportunity, highlighting the enduring impact of Italian American communities across the nation. For entrepreneur Bill Demarco, that inheritance starts at Ellis Island. Demarco’s grandparents arrived from the Calabria region of southern Italy as teenagers, met in the U.S., married and eventually migrated to Cleveland, Ohio, chasing the industrial jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities of the early twentieth century. They raised eight children in a household where, as Demarco puts it, family doubled as a business school long before anyone set foot in a classroom. “My dad was always the mechanically inclined person,” Demarco recalls of his father, William, Sr. “He ended up becoming a tool and die maker. Anytime we wanted something, he’d just figure it out.” That included reproducing his wife’s favorite lamp from scratch and building a patio addition with young Bill who was handed a jackhammer nearly as tall as he was. “I go, this thing is

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crazy,” Demarco laughs. “But I think those things taught me about going after big jobs.” That do-it-yourself instinct rippled through the family. One uncle became a Golden Gloves boxing champion before opening a service station. Another moved to rural Alabama to start an auto repair business among strangers— and made it thrive. That willingness to go first showed up in Demarco’s own career. For thirty years, he worked his way up at a photographic products distributor, eventually running its largest facility. Long before phone commerce was common, Demarco helped pioneer taking payment and orders over the phone with same-day shipping—a practice that competitors wouldn’t catch up to for decades. But heritage doesn’t guarantee a soft landing. When his employee-owned company failed to adapt to digital imaging, the business collapsed and Demarco watched decades of retirement savings evaporate with it. “After thirty years of growing that company… I lost a lot of what I had,” he says. Rather than retreat, he pivoted, launching

a financial services career in 2013 built to help other “corporate refugees” avoid the same fate. Today he works as an independent investment advisor representative, guiding business owners—many of them franchisees—toward smart exit strategies and nimble transitions when careers and economies can change overnight. The same entrepreneurial impulse appears in other Italian American families. Bob Lombardo’s grandparents and their siblings came to America to escape the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini and embraced the entrepreneurial opportunity, opening delis, restaurants and bakeries in New York and Florida. That readiness to build something new in a new land mirrors the pattern Demarco describes. Artist Zan Lombardo’s “Larger Than Life” watercolor retrospective seems to capture that moment of creative

energy. In her “Sense of Sinews” mural, infused with one of her poems, a portion reads: “Your heart reverberates between apprehension and reverent awe. Something lacking firmness, a solidity, quickens and carbonates the atmosphere.” The lines evoke the mixture of risk and possibility that has long driven Italian immigrant entrepreneurship. Three generations removed from Ellis Island, Demarco still carries the imprint of that first landing—the mechanical curiosity, the reflex to reinvent rather than retreat. He credits it partly to his father’s Calabrese Italian side and partly to his

Lebanese mother. “I’m hoping my son still has what I’ve learned from my parents,” he says, “and what my parents learned from them.” His son now works for Vitamix, the Cleveland blender maker built by another immigrant family generations ago. That instinct, whether it plays out in a franchise territory, a family bakery or a coaching practice built ahead of its time, is what Italian American Heritage Month is really about: not one story of arrival, but a pattern that keeps repeating, one generation and one entrepreneurial heartbeat at a time. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Robyn Deering is a Franchise Consultant based in southwest Florida, author of Corporate Refugee’s Guide to Franchising: Trade Job Insecurity for Business Ownership That Works and a proud member of The Italian American Franchise Council. Contact Robyn at robyn@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany. com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ robyndeering/.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The New Senior Service: Investing in Healthspan by Aaron Bakken, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

or decades, the seniorservices industry has largely focused on responding to the consequences of aging. Home care, assisted living, mobility support and chronic-condition management all address essential needs—but typically after a person’s health or independence has already begun to decline. A rapidly emerging category approaches aging from the

opposite direction: What can people do today to remain healthier, stronger and more independent tomorrow? That question is creating a substantial opportunity at the intersection of senior services, health and wellness. Ultimate Longevity Center is designed to bring services once associated with elite clinics, professional athletes and costly optimization programs into an approachable, neighborhood-

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based setting. The concept is built around “healthspan”—the number of years someone lives with good health, mobility and quality of life—rather than lifespan alone. That distinction resonates strongly with older Gen X consumers and Baby Boomers who are not simply hoping to live longer. They want to continue traveling, working, exercising, spending

time with family and living independently. The demographic momentum behind this movement is difficult to ignore. The U.S. population age 65 and older reached 61.2 million in 2024 and grew 13% in only four years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, every Baby Boomer will be at least 65, and approximately one in five Americans will be retirement age. These consumers also possess tremendous economic influence. AARP’s 2026 Longevity Economy Outlook reports that Americans age 50 and older generated 43% of U.S. GDP in 2024— approximately $12.5 trillion. Many are willing to direct a meaningful portion of that spending toward products and services that support energy, cognition, mobility, recovery and continued independence. Ultimate Longevity Center is positioned to serve that demand through three complementary pillars: The Playground, The Lab and The Apothecary. The Playground brings multiple wellness and recovery modalities under one roof, including hyperbaric oxygen, dry cold therapy, sauna, full-spectrum light therapy, molecular hydrogen inhalation, lymphatic drainage and neuroacoustic therapy. The Lab, powered by longevity medicine platform Lifeforce, incorporates biomarker and genetic testing, physician-guided care and personalized protocols. The Apothecary provides curated supplements and wellness

AARP’S 2026 LONGEVITY ECONOMY OUTLOOK REPORTS THAT AMERICANS AGE 50 AND OLDER GENERATED 43% OF U.S. GDP IN 2024—APPROXIMATELY $12.5 TRILLION. products that allow members to continue selected protocols at home. For older members, these services may be used as part of a broader effort to support recovery, circulation, sleep, metabolic health, pain management, cognitive performance and physical resilience. They are not a replacement for conventional medical care, nor is any single therapy a fountain of youth. The more credible longevity proposition is an informed, ongoing and personalized approach to preserving function and quality of life. The founding team gives the concept an unusually strong pedigree. Human biologist and longevity personality Gary Brecka brings more than 20 years of experience in human performance, biomarker analysis and optimization protocols. Lifeforce contributes its clinical infrastructure and physician-led platform. Sequel Brands founder Anthony Geisler brings extensive experience building and scaling consumer fitness and wellness franchise systems. For franchise owners, the model combines several attractive characteristics: membership-based recurring revenue, multiple service and

retail revenue channels, an efficient staffing structure and a relatively concentrated physical footprint. It also serves consumers across an unusually broad lifecycle—from 35-yearolds seeking to optimize early, to people in their 50s and 60s focused on protecting peak performance, to adults over 70 prioritizing mobility, clarity and independence. That is what makes longevity such a compelling addition to the senior-services conversation. This is not solely about caring for people after aging creates limitations. It is about giving them more tools, information and guidance to potentially delay those limitations—and helping more Americans remain active participants in their own lives for as long as possible. Ultimate Longevity Center is betting that the future of aging will be increasingly proactive, personalized and local. Demographics, consumer spending and changing attitudes toward wellness suggest that the future may already be arriving. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aaron Bakken has been a franchise and small-business owner, franchise executive and franchise consultant for over 25 years.

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ForThree, LLC (“Rep’M”) is a franchise seller/broker representing 4Ever Young (“4EY”). This advertisement does not constitute a franchise offering or the solicitation of an offer to buy an Ellie franchise which may be made only after your receipt of 4EY’s Franchise Disclosure Document, which first must be registered with certain states. 4EY franchises are offered solely by means of the franchise disclosure document issued by ADDRESS NEEDED. Certain states and foreign countries have laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states or foreign countries, 4EY will not offer you a franchise unless and until it has complied with all applicable legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Please consult with your franchise seller/broker at Rep’M for an updated list of jurisdictions where franchises can be sold. RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the New York Department of Law. RESIDENTS OF MINNESOTA: MN Franchise Registration Number: TBD. Copyright© 2020. 4Ever Young, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PICKLED COURT stands as the premier authority in creating exceptional pickleball court experiences, going beyond construction to provide comprehensive services that encompass resurfacing, cleaning, and meticulous maintenance.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Next Evolution of Wellness Is Bigger Than Any Single Service Why the most interesting wellness franchises may be the ones that can deliver more in less space by Dustin Helms, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

he franchise industry offers no shortage of brick-and-mortar opportunities. But for an entrepreneur making a significant investment in a physical location, the question shouldn't simply be whether a business is attractive today. The more important question is whether it is positioned to become more valuable as consumer behavior, technology and the economy change. That means looking for businesses that are difficult to replace with artificial intelligence or e-commerce, operate in growing industries and can deliver a compelling customer experience without excessive labor or real estate. Those criteria make wellness particularly interesting. The wellness industry has moved far beyond its origins as a niche market for fitness enthusiasts and luxury consumers. Recovery, sleep, fitness, stress management, longevity, nutrition and wellness technologies have increasingly become part of everyday life. Consumers are becoming more proactive about their health and looking for ways to feel and perform better before a problem sends them to a doctor's office.

The opportunity is enormous. The Global Wellness Institute estimates that the global wellness economy reached $6.8 trillion in 2024 and projects it will approach $9.8 trillion by 2029, with annual growth of 7.6 percent. But the more important

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story is what those numbers say about consumer behavior. People are experimenting with cold exposure, heat therapy, red light, compression, meditation and other modalities that were largely unfamiliar to mainstream consumers a decade ago.

As the market matures, consumers aren't necessarily looking for one wellness solution. They're looking for combinations of solutions that fit their individual needs. That is why the next phase of wellness may be less about individual modalities and more about businesses that bring multiple experiences together in a convenient environment. Evolve Social Wellness is an example of that approach. The company brings coldwater immersion, infrared and traditional saunas, redlight therapy, compression, massage, vibration, stretching, meditation, neurocognitive training and other recovery technologies under one roof. Customers can access the facility through memberships or day passes rather than purchasing every service individually. The significance isn't simply the number of modalities. It's how they work together. A customer might arrive for a cold plunge and discover that they also enjoy the sauna or compression. Another may primarily want post-workout recovery, while someone else is looking for stress reduction or a consistent wellness routine. Rather than committing to one service, customers can build their own experience. That creates an advantage over single-modality concepts. When consumer interests change, the business doesn't necessarily have to change with them. Customers can simply use another part of the same facility. That flexibility becomes particularly important as wellness technology evolves.

Today's hottest modality can become commonplace within a few years. A multi-modality business can incorporate new services without changing its fundamental identity. But multi-modality alone isn't enough. The real differentiator is how much a business can deliver within its physical footprint and what it costs to operate that experience. Evolve has designed its facilities around that principle: more experiences per square foot. Rather than dedicating large amounts of space to individual treatment rooms, multiple modalities can be integrated into a common environment. That can create a broad wellness experience without requiring the footprint of a traditional wellness center. In franchising, that matters.

Rent is paid on every square foot, whether that space is generating revenue or sitting empty. A model that creates more customer value from less space can have advantages in occupancy costs, build-out requirements and overall unit economics. The same principle applies to labor and equipment. Every unnecessary employee, underutilized room or inefficient process puts pressure on a location's economics. Evolve also has an equipment advantage through its affiliated manufacturing operation, Titan Manufacturing, which develops commercial coldplunge systems designed for repeated use and the demands of a commercial wellness environment. That vertical integration gives the company

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

greater control over durability, maintenance, throughput and operating costs. Technology further reduces friction. The model is designed around facility access, memberships and an experience that doesn't require customers to book a separate appointment or complete a separate transaction for every modality. That creates an ownership model particularly suited to entrepreneurs who want to manage the manager rather than personally deliver the service. The owner can focus on financial performance, marketing, customer acquisition, retention, culture and growth while a general manager and team operate the facility. That becomes even more valuable for multiunit ownership. Once a franchisee establishes a strong management structure and operating rhythm at one location, the same systems, technology, marketing strategies and playbook can 46

be replicated across additional locations. The broader market may help, too. Competition can educate consumers about cold exposure, infrared therapy, compression, red light and other emerging wellness services. Evolve doesn't have to be the business that introduces every customer to the category. It can benefit from that education while offering a broader combination of services under one roof. There is also a fundamental question every brick-andmortar investor should ask: Can technology replace the experience? AI can recommend a recovery routine, analyze health data and create personalized wellness plans. Amazon can sell a home sauna, red-light device or cold plunge. But neither can provide access to numerous wellness modalities in a professionally designed environment without the customer purchasing, maintaining and storing all that equipment themselves.

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And they cannot replicate the social experience Evolve encourages. Enjoying a sauna with a friend is fundamentally different from doing it alone at home. Evolve isn't competing with Amazon on equipment. It's selling experience, convenience and access. That combination is what makes the model worth watching. The best franchise investments aren't necessarily businesses with the newest product or biggest name. They're businesses positioned at the intersection of growing demand, durable consumer behavior, operational efficiency and scalability. That's the lens through which I look at Evolve. The cold plunge may get the consumer through the door. The sauna may become their favorite service. Red light may become part of their routine. Compression may become their recovery ritual. But the real product is something bigger: the ability to take care of yourself in one place, on your schedule, using the tools that fit your goals today—and the tools you may discover tomorrow. That is a business model built for the way wellness is evolving. And it may be a business model built for the way franchising is evolving, too. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dustin Helms is a senior franchise consultant and partner of The Franchise Consulting Company, where he helps entrepreneurs evaluate franchise opportunities and business owners explore franchising as a strategy for growth.

Perfect Care Match is a full-service home care agency that provides stress-free caregiving services with expertise in Memory Care, Holistic Wellness and more. Our unique Assisted Live-IN Home Care Program and traditional hourly caregiving services are customizable to meet our clients’ needs. Our Live-In PLUS blended care model offers families a unique solution for round-the-clock care at an affordable price.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? PROVEN EXPERTISE IN SENIOR CARE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM SIGNATURE RECRUITING PROGRAM & MATCHING SYSTEM GROWING INDUSTRY DEMAND WHOLE PERSON-CENTERED CARE APPROACH HOLISTIC WELLNESS EDUCATION & SUPPORT PROGRAM

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Beyond Ramps and Rails: The High-Tech Real Estate Boom of Aging-in-Place Franchises by Jewan "Jack" Tiwari, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company the duration of their lives. The problem? Less than 10% of the existing U.S. housing stock is equipped to let them do so safely. This massive gap between consumer desire and real estate reality has given rise to one of the most explosive sectors in franchising today: the high-tech, aging-in-place home modification franchise. For the modern entrepreneur, this sector offers a unique intersection of real estate, healthcare, and technology, backed by an entirely recessionresistant demographic.

t is 2026, and the “Silver Tsunami” is no longer a future economic projection— it is the daily reality of the American marketplace. With millions of Baby Boomers now navigating their late 70s and 80s, the healthcare system is experiencing unprecedented strain. But the most critical bottleneck—and the most lucrative business opportunity—isn’t happening inside hospitals or traditional assisted living facilities. It is happening in the American living room. Survey after survey reveals a staggering consensus: over 90% of aging Americans want to stay in their own homes for

REDEFINING THE REMODEL: FROM CLINICAL TO CUSTOM Historically, aging-in-place modifications were entirely reactive. A senior would suffer a fall, and a local contractor would hastily bolt an industrial-looking grab bar to a fiberglass shower wall. It was a bleak, clinical approach that homeowners despised because it made their homes look like hospital rooms. The leading franchises of 2026 have completely flipped this script. Today’s agingin-place business is about proactive, luxury-integrated design. It is about futureproofing the real estate.

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These franchises specialize in zero-threshold luxury showers, aesthetically pleasing reinforced fixtures, widened doorways, and custom stairlifts that blend seamlessly with the home’s architecture. By operating under a franchise model, owners gain access to proprietary supply chains, specialized ADAcompliance training, and 3D-rendering software that allows homeowners (and their anxious adult children) to visualize a safe, beautiful home environment before a single hammer swings. Independent contractors simply cannot compete with this level of systemized professionalism. THE TECH-ENABLED FORTRESS What truly separates the 2026 aging-in-place franchise from a traditional remodeling business is the integration of advanced technology. We have moved far beyond the days of simple medical alert pendants. Today's seniors—and their Gen X and Millennial caregivers— demand ambient, integrated smart-home safety. Modern franchisees are essentially acting as the IT department for the senior

home. They are installing AI-driven ambient sensors that monitor gait and detect falls without the senior ever needing to wear a device. They are retrofitting homes with voice-activated climate and lighting controls, automated medication dispensers, and smart-locks that allow emergency responders or home health aides to enter the premises securely. By offering both the physical modifications and the technological installations, these franchises are creating a highly profitable hybrid revenue model: high-ticket project revenue from the remodeling side, paired with recurring monthly subscription revenue for ongoing tech monitoring and support. THE B2B REFERRAL ENGINE While the end-user is the senior, the true financial power of this franchise model lies in its B2B referral networks. When you buy a top-tier aging-in-place franchise, you aren’t reliant on billboards or Facebook ads to find clients. Your primary lead generation comes from professional partnerships. Franchisors teach their owners how to integrate with local hospital discharge planners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and even wealth managers. When a hospital is trying to discharge a patient who recently underwent hip surgery, they cannot send that patient to a home with steep stairs and a traditional bathtub. The discharge planner needs a trusted, insured, rapid-response partner to modify the home

immediately. A branded, specialized franchise becomes their undisputed go-to solution. SELLING PEACE OF MIND Ultimately, the aging-inplace franchise is not in the construction business; it is in the clarity and confidence business. The economic buyer in these transactions is frequently the adult child who lives three states away and is losing sleep over their aging parent's safety. When you offer a comprehensive, tech-enabled home modification, you are selling that adult child peace of mind. You are allowing the senior to retain their dignity and independence, while saving the family the exorbitant, $8,000to-$12,000 monthly cost of an assisted living facility. The real estate market will always have its ups and downs,

but the demographics of aging are a mathematical certainty. For the entrepreneur looking to build a highly profitable, scalable business that provides a profound community impact, futureproofing the American home is the ultimate frontier. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jewan "Jack" Tiwari is a seasoned Franchise Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company | FranMerica.com, dedicated to helping professionals bridge the gap between corporate employment and business ownership. Specializing in acquisition, exit strategies, and strategic growth, Jack guides investors toward AIresistant and semi-absentee opportunities that secure long-term wealth. Whether you are looking to acquire a recession-resistant senior care concept, maximize your business value, or convert a successful small business into a national franchise system, contact Jack for a strategic consultation at jack@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

Turn ambition into ownership Experience local career growth through a global brand and a business model built for expansion.

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MULTI-STORE If you’ve got that MORE mentality, our business model makes it easy to franchise multiple stores. More stores = More profit. BUSINESS CONVERSION PROGRAM For business owners wanting to convert an existing store, like a gas station, liquor store, deli, convenience store, or small grocery store, into a new 7-Eleven.

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American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) is a veteran-owned organization honoring those who served. Founded in 2005, AVTT travels nationwide with the Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute, celebrating veterans and educating future generations. Their tributes span conflicts from WWI to today, with the flagship 80% scale Vietnam Wall featured in over 500 events. AVTT is also creating a Global War on Terrorism exhibit, including a 9/11 tribute, to ensure no name is ever forgotten.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Aging in Place Is Changing: The New Ecosystem Helping Seniors Stay Independent Why the future of independence depends on safer homes, flexible support and better coordination by Ozzie Grupenmager, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

HOME IS BECOMING A PLATFORM FOR INDEPENDENCE Aging in place once sounded like a simple preference: remain at home rather than move to a care setting. In practice, it requires much more than a familiar address. A home must be navigable. Daily routines must remain manageable. Families need reliable information, and 54

support has to change as needs change. What is emerging is not one service category but an ecosystem designed around dignity, safety and choice. That distinction matters. Independence does not mean doing everything alone. It means having the right environment, tools and people available so an older adult can remain in control. The

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best aging-in-place solutions make support feel enabling rather than intrusive—and they often begin before a fall, hospitalization or family emergency forces a rushed decision. The Home Has to Work With the Person Small barriers can become large ones: a front step, a narrow pathway, a difficult shower or a staircase that

“INDEPENDENCE DOES NOT MEAN DOING EVERYTHING ALONE; IT MEANS HAVING THE RIGHT SUPPORT WHILE REMAINING IN CONTROL.”

quietly limits access to half a home. Mobility and accessibility providers are helping families treat the home itself as part of the care plan. 101 Mobility offers accessibility solutions intended to help people move more safely and continue living at home. Next Day Access similarly focuses on mobility and accessibility equipment and home modifications. The value is larger than any single product. A well-chosen ramp, lift or modification can restore access to ordinary routines and reduce the daily friction that erodes confidence. Good providers also understand that the result should feel like a home, not an institution. Design, installation quality and respect for the customer’s preferences are part of the solution.

familiar model to in-home assistance by connecting older adults with mature caregivers. These services solve different problems, yet all reduce the burden of figuring out a complex system alone.

SUPPORT MUST FLEX AS LIFE CHANGES A safe home is only one layer. People may also need help after a medical event, assistance with daily activities, fall-prevention planning or simply reliable companionship and engagement. HomeWell Care Services reflects this broader view through services associated with aging in place, fall prevention, post-medical care and life enrichment. The common thread is adaptability: support should meet the person where they are and evolve without taking away their voice. Other concepts can address adjacent moments in the journey. CarePatrol helps families navigate senior placement when living at home is no longer the best fit. Seniors Helping Seniors brings an intergenerationally

COORDINATION IS THE MISSING PRODUCT Families often encounter aging services as disconnected decisions. One company handles equipment, another provides nonmedical support, and another offers guidance during a transition. Each may perform well, but the customer still has to assemble the pieces. The next opportunity is better coordination: clearer assessments, warmer handoffs and communication that helps families understand what is needed now and what may be needed later. Technology can support that coordination through scheduling, remote communication and better information flow. AI may help organize questions or identify patterns, but it should not replace the relationships at the center of care. Older

adults and their families need transparency, privacy and a real person who can explain options when circumstances become emotional or urgent. A NEW STANDARD FOR AGING IN PLACE For franchise systems, this market rewards local trust backed by professional systems. Operators need strong training, consistent service, responsive communication and the ability to collaborate with other providers. No single brand can meet every need, so the winners will understand their role within a broader network and make it easier for the customer to move through that network. Aging in place is changing because the definition of independence is changing. It is no longer the absence of help; it is the presence of well-designed support that preserves choice. When homes become safer, services become more flexible and guidance becomes easier to navigate, older adults gain something more valuable than convenience. They gain the ability to keep directing their own lives—and that is the outcome the next generation of senior services should be built to deliver. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ozzie Grupenmager is a franchise consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and founder of NextGen Franchise & Business Solutions, a business coaching and franchise advisory firm. A former COO in the franchise industry and CIO at a global advertising network, he built a franchise system from the ground up as a franchisor. He is also the founder of VyBeos, an AI and technology company powering NextGen's platforms. Ozzie advises entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging brands on franchise ownership, operational systems, and scalable growth.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS

From Wall Street to Main Street: Sary Cedeno Brings 25 Years of Client Service to Her Jersey City Floor Coverings International Franchise by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

fter more than 25 years building a career in financial services, Sary Cedeno knows that successful client relationships begin with listening, understanding needs and delivering solutions people can trust. Now, the Bayonne resident is bringing that same philosophy into an entirely different industry as the owner of Floor Coverings International of Jersey City, a women-owned, familyrun flooring business serving homeowners and businesses throughout Hudson County. For Cedeno, the move from finance to flooring may look like a dramatic career change. She sees it differently. “This transition isn’t a departure from my career in finance, it’s an evolution,” Cedeno said. “It allows me to apply years of leadership, relationship management, operations, and client-service experience in a more direct and meaningful way.” Cedeno spent more than two decades in the financial services industry, leading operations, client service and relationship management teams supporting wealth and institutional clients.

Most recently, she worked as a relationship manager, helping clients improve and grow their businesses through consultative guidance involving technology platforms, operations, and strategic workflows. Her career required the ability to understand complex needs, earn trust, and guide clients toward solutions — skills she believes translate naturally to help homeowners make one of the more significant design and investment decisions in their homes. The catalyst for Cedeno’s new chapter came when she was affected by layoffs within the financial services industry. Rather than immediately searching for another corporate position, she began thinking about what she wanted the next stage of her professional life to look like. “After being impacted by the industry layoffs, I saw it as an opportunity to take

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a new direction and build something of my own,” Cedeno said. “Rather than viewing it as a setback, I approached it as a chance to apply my experience in a more hands-on, entrepreneurial way.” As Cedeno and her husband, Corwin Wyatt, explored business opportunities, Floor Coverings International stood out because of its emphasis on personalized service and its distinctive Mobile Flooring Showroom® concept. Instead of asking customers to spend hours traveling between flooring stores and carrying samples home, the company brings flooring choices directly to the customer. Homeowners can compare hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate, tile, and carpet in the actual rooms where the flooring will be installed — seeing how colors and textures work with their lighting, furniture, cabinetry, wall colors, and décor. The process also includes design guidance, product recommendations, project planning, and professional installation. For Cedeno, it felt remarkably similar to the consultative

relationships she had spent decades developing in finance. “I was especially drawn to the mobile showroom concept and the ability to deliver a hightouch, consultative experience, which closely mirrors the way I’ve always collaborated with clients throughout my career,” she said. The business serves Jersey City, Hoboken, Kearny, Bayonne, and surrounding Hudson County communities, providing both residential and commercial flooring services. Cedeno believes the model is particularly well suited to busy homeowners who want professional help but also want to make decisions comfortably and confidently in their own space. “By bringing the mobile showroom directly to clients’ homes, we make the process simple, convenient and tailored to each customer’s space and lifestyle,” she said. Cedeno also brings a personal enthusiasm for interior design to the business. “With a love for design and creating beautiful, functional spaces ‘HGTV style,’ I really enjoy helping homeowners bring their vision to life through personalized flooring solutions,” she said. She is especially excited by the changes taking place within the flooring industry. Advances in products such as luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood are giving homeowners more options that combine appearance with durability and easier maintenance. “What excites me most about the flooring industry right now

is how much innovation we’re seeing in both design and functionality,” Cedeno said. “Products like luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood offer the perfect balance of style, durability and practicality, especially for busy households.” Yet Cedeno’s decision to become a business owner runs deeper than a fascination with flooring or design. Entrepreneurship is part of her family history. Cedeno grew up surrounded by business owners who taught her the value of perseverance,

independence and creating something that could endure. After losing her parents as well as her brother and sister, carrying that entrepreneurial tradition forward became especially meaningful. “This business is deeply personal,” Cedeno said. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and they instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and the importance of building something of your own. After losing my parents, as well as my brother and

sister, continuing that legacy became incredibly important to me.” That history is one reason Cedeno takes particular pride in building the company alongside her husband and establishing it as a locally owned business with strong ties to Hudson County. “This is a women-owned, family-run business, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” she said. “It’s not just

about building a successful company, it’s about building something lasting, personal and rooted in legacy, service and community.” After a career spent helping sophisticated financial clients navigate complicated decisions, Cedeno is now applying those same lessons closer to home — one room, one homeowner and one flooring project at a time. And for Cedeno, that may

ultimately be the most rewarding investment of her career. ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Floor Coverings International is the #1 flooring franchise in North America with over 300 locations between the U.S. and Canada. Known for its unique customer experience and Mobile Flooring Showroom®, the business model brings over 3000 flooring samples to the customer’s door. For more information, please go to www. floorcoveringsinternational.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@ sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

NOW AWARDING

FRANCHISES

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Our culture - we are a franchise family One year ago today I made the best decision of my life. I am so blessed to love ǅĺîƥ T ēū ĲūƑ ƥĺĚ ǛƑƙƥ ƥĿŞĚ ĿŠ Şǋ ŕĿĲĚ îŠē TɄŞ making a decent living as well. Nikki W.

Thank you for this amazing business. I just got my 11th placement this month. /ǄĚƑǋēîǋ T ƥĺĿŠŒ Ŀƥ ČîŠɄƥ ĳĚƥ ċĚƥƥĚƑ îŠē it does. Shannon A.

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Transforming Lives Through Care.

BUTTERFLY HOME CARE | TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH CARE Butterfly Home Care provides specialized home care services for individuals with autism, people with disabilities, and seniors. Our company has built a strong reputation and proven track record in delivering high-quality, personalized care at the comfort of people's homes. With extensive experience in the field, we are committed to meeting the unique needs of each client.

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703-278-2898

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why the Garden State is Ripe for Your Next Chapter: Unleashing Franchise Growth in New Jersey by Vince Vicari, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

hen contemplating New Jersey's economic landscape, conventional wisdom emphasizes its infrastructure prowess—world-class logistics, intermodal connectivity, and access to North America's most affluent markets. Yet for those engaged in economic development and entrepreneurial growth, the Garden State offers something

equally compelling: one of North America's most resilient ecosystems for franchise enterprises. Whether you're a seasoned executive considering a transition from corporate employment, a multiunit operator seeking geographic expansion, or an entrepreneur looking to build intergenerational wealth, New Jersey presents a distinctive

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combination of advantages that makes franchise ownership especially attractive. THE NEW JERSEY ADVANTAGE Franchise enterprises thrive on three foundational pillars: demographic density, consumer purchasing capacity, and infrastructure. New Jersey performs exceptionally across all three.

New Jersey is the nation's most densely populated state, with more than 9.6 million residents. That concentration creates an extraordinary pool of prospective customers within relatively small geographic areas. Residents also have among the nation's highest median household incomes, while the state's per capita GDP is $72,100, ranking 11th nationally. Together, those factors support a wide range of franchise concepts, from fast-casual dining and fitness to home services, senior care, and business-to-business services. The state's retail sector further strengthens the opportunity, generating $52.7 billion in GDP and supporting more than 430,000 direct jobs. With more than 93 shopping centers and malls—including American Dream, The Mall at Short Hills, Westfield Garden State Plaza, and Bridgewater Commons— New Jersey offers franchise operators significant visibility and customer acquisition opportunities. Its strategic location is another major advantage. Situated between New York City and Philadelphia within the Northeast Corridor, New Jersey provides access to one of the nation's most economically productive regions. The 457-mile corridor generates approximately $3.8 trillion in annual economic output, supports more than 51 million residents, and represents 20% of U.S. GDP. New Jersey's transportation infrastructure, including

FOR NEW JERSEY ENTREPRENEURS, FRANCHISING COMBINES ENTREPRENEURIAL INDEPENDENCE WITH INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT. Newark Liberty International Airport, containerized port facilities, and rail networks, also supports expansion throughout the Northeast and beyond. INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT Scaling a franchise requires strong human capital, and New Jersey offers one of the nation's most educated and diverse workforces. The state has the highest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the United States and is home to 63 accredited universities and research institutions, including Princeton University, Rutgers University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. New Jersey also has an extensive entrepreneurial support infrastructure. More than 860,000 registered small businesses operate alongside economic development initiatives, Small Business Development Centers, chambers of commerce, and financial institutions. Innovation hubs such as THE

HELIX in New Brunswick, ON3 in Nutley, and 12 Strategic Innovation Centers further strengthen the state's business networks, talent pipelines, and partnership opportunities. WHY FRANCHISING? Starting a business from scratch carries substantial risk, including organizational learning curves, brand development costs, and the challenge of establishing a customer base. Franchising changes that equation by providing access to proven operating systems, established brand architecture, supplier relationships, and marketing strategies. For New Jersey entrepreneurs, franchising combines entrepreneurial independence with institutional support. Rather than building every system from the ground up, franchise owners can focus on what ultimately drives local success: execution, community relationships, customer service, and high-performing teams. CATALYZING YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL VISION With so many franchise opportunities available, identifying the right concept requires research and careful evaluation. The Great American Franchise Expo, taking place September 12–13 at the American Dream complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, provides an opportunity to explore options directly with franchise executives, financial advisors, and experienced multi-unit operators.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

The expo will feature franchise opportunities across industries, along with educational programming covering franchise regulations, SBA financing, capital formation, semiabsentee and multi-unit ownership, and high-growth industries in the Tri-State region. Whether you're just beginning to explore business ownership or preparing to evaluate Franchise Disclosure Documents, the event can help turn entrepreneurial interest into an informed decision. YOUR ECONOMIC FUTURE STARTS HERE New Jersey's economic future is rooted in local entrepreneurship and

resident ownership. Franchise businesses create jobs, build wealth, and contribute to community economic development. The Garden State's combination of population density, purchasing power, infrastructure, talent, institutional support, and access to major markets creates a compelling environment for franchise growth. For those considering business ownership, the opportunity is clear: New Jersey isn't simply a strong place to operate a franchise. It is a market positioned to support entrepreneurs as they build, scale, and create lasting economic impact. I look forward to seeing you at the Great American

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Franchise Expo this September as we collectively build the entrepreneurial future of New Jersey. ABOUT VINCE VICARI Vince Vicari holds leadership roles across regional economic development, including the Bergen County Workforce Development Board, the North New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Lodi NJ Chamber of Commerce, and the US Africa Business and Trade Network. A former Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center in Bergen County, he brings more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience and 38 years of service as a professor of business at New Jersey colleges and universities. Vicari has earned national recognition for helping small businesses grow and strengthening local economic resilience. His work has been honored by state legislators and recognized with the 2020 NJBIZ Icon Award for New Jersey Business and Community Leadership.

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ON THE COVER

From Personal Tragedy to a National Mission:

Why One You Love Homecare May Be Ready for Its Next Chapter David Giacobbo turned a painful family experience into One You Love Homecare. Now longtime franchise veteran Lance Freeman and his team at LFG see an opportunity to help families protect the ones they love.

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America is getting older, and the implications are becoming impossible to ignore. By 2030, every Baby Boomer will be over 65, and roughly one in five Americans will be retirement age. Behind those statistics are millions of families facing a far more personal question: Who is going to take care of Mom and Dad? David Giacobbo has been thinking about that question for a long time. For him, it started with his own family. Years ago, Giacobbo's grandfather entered a nursing facility and, according to the company's history, didn't receive the level of care his family believed he needed. He died. Later, his grandmother was placed with a local care agency. A fall led to complications, and she was gone within weeks. For Giacobbo, it wasn't just a loss. It was the realization that the people trusted to protect his family hadn't. Those experiences stayed with him. "When it's your own mother, father or grandparent, this stops being an industry," Giacobbo says. "It's somebody you love. That's the standard we wanted to build the company around." That idea eventually became One You Love Homecare, a non-medical home-care company focused on helping seniors remain safely and independently in the place most of them would prefer to be: home. It is a deeply personal origin story. It also happens to sit directly in the path of one of

the largest demographic shifts in American history. A MARKET THAT'S COMING WHETHER WE'RE READY OR NOT The numbers are remarkable. The U.S. Census Bureau has projected that by 2030 all Baby Boomers will be older than 65, with approximately one in five Americans reaching traditional retirement age. At the same time, AARP research found that 75 percent of Americans age 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age. Nearly as many want to remain in their existing communities. The labor market tells another part of the story. Federal projections anticipate roughly 847,300 additional home health and personal-care aide jobs between 2025 and 2035. That growth isn't just about demand increasing,

but also about how reliable that demand turns out to be, even when the broader economy isn't. Giacobbo saw that firsthand during the pandemic. "We never closed. We were considered essential personnel, and honestly, we became busier than ever," he says. Even as families faced financial uncertainty, he watched them prioritize care rather than cut it — often with adult children pooling resources to keep a parent's care in place when they couldn't cover it alone. "When families are forced to make difficult financial decisions, caring for Mom or Dad often takes priority over discretionary expenses, like remodeling a kitchen or

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

ON THE COVER

bathroom," Giacobbo says. It's a pattern that has left him with a clear-eyed view of the category: pandemic-resistant, recessionresistant, and essential in a way few other services can claim. Put those trends together and the opportunity becomes fairly easy to understand: America is producing more seniors, those seniors overwhelmingly want to stay home, and families are going to need help making that possible. Giacobbo has spent decades in home care, and One You Love reflects much of what he has learned along the way. The model combines non-medical personal and companion care with caregiver recruiting and matching, technology and communication tools intended to keep families more connected to the care being provided. The company has also taken an interesting approach to franchise territories. One You Love has publicly described

territories containing approximately 50,000 residents age 65 and older, with particular attention paid to the 75-plus population. Its 2026 franchise disclosures estimate an initial investment of approximately $95,400 to $170,800, with a 5 percent royalty on gross sales. The company also provides an Item 19 financial performance representation, giving prospective owners operating information they can review as part of their due diligence. "We've spent years learning what works and, just as importantly, what doesn't," Giacobbo says. "The opportunity now is to put that experience into the hands of the right franchise owners and let them build something meaningful in their own communities." That brings up the next question. Growing a good home-care business is one thing. Building a national organization around it and without losing what makes it

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personal, is another. That's where LFG comes in. ENTER LANCE FREEMAN AND LFG Lance Freeman has been around franchising long enough to have watched more than a few promising concepts grow—and others grow too quickly. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Freeman has worked as a franchisee, master franchisee and franchise-development executive. His résumé includes Fitness Together, Elements Therapeutic Massage and Club Pilates, followed by serving as President of Franchise Development at Xponential Fitness. In 2024, Freeman founded Limitless Franchise Growth, or LFG, assembling a team of experienced franchisedevelopment executives focused on helping brands build their franchise systems and recruit qualified owners. Freeman's interest in One You Love isn't difficult to understand. "You can teach franchise development, systems and processes," Freeman says. "What is much harder to manufacture is authenticity. David has a real reason for building this company, decades of experience behind it and a market that is expanding in front of him. That's a pretty compelling combination." Freeman is also quick to distinguish between simply selling franchises and building a franchise company. "Unit count isn't the goal

by itself," he says. "The goal is finding good operators, putting them into good markets and giving them an opportunity to succeed. If you get that right, the unit count tends to take care of itself." That philosophy shows up in how LFG evaluates candidates. The team isn't just underwriting a balance sheet. They're looking for operators who understand that this business runs on empathy as much as execution. Culture fit isn't a soft consideration for LFG; it's a qualifying one. That discipline could be particularly important in home care. A restaurant can have an off night. A senior-care company is holding something far more precious - someone's mother, father, grandparent. That's not a margin-for-error problem. It's a trust problem, and trust is the entire product. That makes franchisee selection, training, caregiver recruitment and operational support especially important. COULD SENIOR CARE BE FRANCHISING'S NEXT BIG CATEGORY? There is a familiar pattern here. Boutique fitness was once a collection of independent studios. Massage was fragmented. So were restoration, beauty services and numerous other categories that eventually produced significant national franchise brands. Home care isn't new to franchising, of course. But the demographic forces pushing the category forward are unusual in both their size and

predictability. Other franchise categories have to create demand. Senior care doesn't — it's already arriving, on a schedule nobody controls. And every year the potential customer base gets larger. That's what makes the combination of Giacobbo and LFG interesting. Giacobbo brings decades of operating experience, a mature concept and an unusually personal reason for having created it. Freeman and the LFG team bring the franchisedevelopment experience, relationships and infrastructure needed to introduce that concept to entrepreneurs around the country. Neither man needs to manufacture the demographic story. It's already happening. "We don't need to convince America to get older," Freeman says. "That's happening every day. Our job is to find the right people who understand the responsibility and the opportunity that comes with serving that population."

For Giacobbo, however, the numbers ultimately come back to the experience that started all of this. He knows what it feels like when a family places its trust in a care provider and things go wrong. One You Love was built around the idea that families should be able to expect something better. Now the challenge is taking that philosophy from individual markets to a much larger national footprint without losing what made the company personal in the first place. If Giacobbo and Freeman can do that, One You Love could find itself in an enviable position: the right service, an experienced franchise team and a customer base that will continue growing for decades. And perhaps the biggest opportunity in senior care isn't really about aging at all. It's about something much more universal: Taking care of the One You Love.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Redefining Senior Wellness: The Franchise Boom by Ron Filian, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

he traditional medical career path is experiencing a structural paradigm shift. While patient care remains a deeply rewarding calling, modern clinical strain paired with shifting regulatory landscapes has caused a surge in medical professionals searching for viable diversification, passive income vehicles, and portfolio expansion. Concurrently, a massive demographic shift is reshaping the economy. Over 10,000 individuals turn 65 every day, driving an intense demand for specialized senior

care, preventative medicine, and wellness systems. This intersection has birthed a new frontier: medical-grade longevity, anti-aging, and proactive wellness franchise ecosystems. For medical providers, these concepts offer a rare opportunity to scale their healthcare impact and build corporate equity without abandoning their primary clinical duties. The market is moving away from reactive, post-illness treatment and moving toward proactive healthspan management through

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science-backed, subscriptionbased membership models that secure reliable recurring corporate revenue. THE EXECUTIVE MODEL When medical professionals look at this rapidly expanding wellness sector, they must evaluate their personal capital and time constraints. For a practicing physician, the most viable path is the Executive Model category. In this semiabsentee structure, the physician acts as a senior CEO or chairperson rather than an everyday administrator. The physician's primary

role is high-level corporate governance, capital allocation, and vision. Because franchising provides a plug-and-play business infrastructure, the day-today operations, marketing playbooks, and staff training protocols are entirely managed and delivered by the franchisor. By utilizing a management services framework or appointing an onsite executive director, the physician retains their medical practice. Their capital works independently in a turnkey, systemized environment, allowing them to transform senior wellness in their territories by shifting the community paradigm from managing chronic disease to extending active, independent life years. YOUR EXECUTIVE QUARTERBACK Despite a physician's deep clinical expertise, navigating the commercial franchising landscape features its own steep learning curve. Entering an industry with thousands of competing concepts carries a high risk of capital misalignment if done in isolation. This is why prospective medical investors utilize elite, executive-level VIP services from a specialized franchise consultant. A specialized consultant serves as the strategic quarterback of your expansion team, offering dedicated advisory support entirely aligned with the buyer's financial and lifestyle

parameters. Rather than a physician self-navigating a fragmented sales market, the consultant coordinates the entire evaluation process from initial assessment to final acquisition. • Vetted Introductions: Consultants filter through the crowded wellness marketplace to introduce only established franchisors that feature strong unit-level economics, robust supply chains, and complianceready infrastructure. • Territory Confirmation: They perform exhaustive territory availability checks to confirm that the chosen market possesses the ideal demographic density of health-conscious consumers and affluent seniors. • Executive Team Coordination: Acting as a true quarterback, the consultant aligns elite specialists on the buyer's behalf. They connect the medical investor with specialized attorneys to navigate regional regulations, and match them with premier franchise financing sources to secure optimal capital structures. By leaning on a dedicated advisory team, healthcare professionals can securely bypass the pitfalls of independent business creation. Working with an executive franchise quarterback allows doctors to safely enter the business world, protecting

their capital while scaling an innovative ecosystem that elevates the quality of senior care. Article Sources and References • Physician Burnout Data: Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Independent Practice Trends and Medical Staffing Reports. • Demographic Projections: United States Census Bureau, Age and Sex Composition Demographic Turn Data. • Wellness and Anti-Aging Market Evaluation: Global Health and Wellness Institute, Longevity Sector Commercial Valuation Reports. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ron Filian is a trusted franchise consultant dedicated to helping individuals and multi unit franchise business owners navigate franchise opportunities and expand their portfolios. Contact Ron at RFilian@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS

What’s Next for Healthy Aging? From Living Longer to Living Better Why healthspan, mobility and proactive care are redefining what it means to age well by Ozzie Grupenmager, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

THE GOAL IS NO LONGER JUST MORE YEARS For generations, the conversation about aging focused on lifespan: How many years can medicine add? Today, a more useful question is taking its place: How many of those years can be lived with energy, movement, purpose and independence? That shift—from lifespan to healthspan—is changing what consumers expect from 78

healthcare and wellness. Older adults are not simply preparing for decline. Many are actively investing in the strength, mobility and insight they need to keep participating in the lives they have built. This is not a search for a miracle cure. It is a practical redefinition of healthy aging. The priorities are increasingly familiar: understand the body earlier, prevent avoidable problems, preserve function

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and make care feel personal instead of episodic. The next chapter of senior and medical services will be shaped by businesses that help people act before a crisis, then stay engaged over time. FROM REACTIVE VISITS TO PROACTIVE RELATIONSHIPS Traditional healthcare often begins when something hurts or a test result crosses a threshold. The emerging

healthspan model begins sooner. It connects diagnostics, lifestyle, recovery and ongoing guidance into a continuing relationship. Consumers want to understand what is changing, what they can influence and what the next step should be. They also want an experience that respects their time and treats them as partners. Anderson Longevity Clinic illustrates this direction through a personalized, patient-centered approach centered on proactive health optimization, efficient lab access and science-based treatment options. Its positioning reflects a broader market movement: people want a clearer picture of their health and a plan designed around their goals, not only a response after a problem becomes urgent. MOBILITY IS A HEALTH OUTCOME Healthspan is not measured only in lab values. It shows up in everyday freedom—the ability to climb stairs, hear a conversation, recover from strain, travel, work, play with grandchildren or remain connected to a community. That is why healthy aging is becoming an ecosystem rather than a single medical category. Accessibility providers such as 101 Mobility address the physical environment that can limit independence. Hearing-care concepts such as Hear Again America support connection and communication. Chiropractic and wellness providers such as HealthSource Chiropractic focus on movement and

“THE FUTURE OF HEALTHY AGING WILL BE MEASURED NOT ONLY BY YEARS LIVED, BUT BY THE FREEDOM AND CAPABILITY PRESERVED WITHIN THOSE YEARS.” function. Each serves a different need, yet together they demonstrate the same principle: living better longer depends on maintaining the capabilities that make daily life meaningful. PERSONALIZATION MUST STILL BE PRACTICAL The language of longevity can become complicated quickly. The strongest providers will translate it into sensible action. They will make recommendations understandable, set realistic expectations and build systems that encourage consistency. Technology and AI can help organize data, identify patterns and personalize communication, but trust will remain human. Consumers will still judge the experience by whether someone listens, explains and follows through. This creates an important role for well-run franchise systems. A franchise can bring structure, training, operating discipline and brand standards to services that might otherwise feel fragmented. The opportunity is not to turn care into a commodity. It is to make a high-quality experience more repeatable without losing the empathy and judgment that healthy aging requires. WHAT COMES NEXT The future of aging will not be

defined by one clinic, device or treatment. It will be built around an expanding network of services that help people understand their health, protect their mobility and make confident choices earlier. The businesses that succeed will avoid fear-based messages and speak instead to aspiration: staying active, capable and involved. That may be the most important change of all. Aging is becoming less about managing an inevitable retreat and more about designing a longer period of contribution and choice. For entrepreneurs and franchise leaders, the opportunity is meaningful because the customer's need is meaningful. Helping people add life to their years is not simply the next healthcare trend. It is the new standard by which healthy aging will be judged. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ozzie Grupenmager is a franchise consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and founder of NextGen Franchise & Business Solutions, a business coaching and franchise advisory firm. A former COO in the franchise industry and CIO at a global advertising network, he built a franchise system from the ground up as a franchisor. He is also the founder of VyBeos, an AI and technology company powering NextGen's platforms. Ozzie advises entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging brands on franchise ownership, operational systems, and scalable growth.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

build a business

you’ll be proud of. Become a part of the PrideStaff brand. $185 BILLION DOLLAR STAFFING INDUSTRY LARGE PROTECTED TERRITORIES ONGOING TRAINING WITH COMPREHENSIVE BACK OFFICE SUPPORT GREAT POTENTIAL IN ANY MARKET

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skoah facial shop franchising gives you the experience you deserve so your franchise can glow. skoah facial shop leaves you feeling invigorated through its skoah glow personalized experiences. Our skoah personal skincare trainers use skoah’s proprietary line of high-quality clean products, personalized services with custom blended skoah products, and skoah glow high touch services.

business characteristics | Semi-absentee or owner-operator model | Recurring revenue membership model | Product and service revenue | 1,400 - 1,600 square feet

differentiators | Private treatment rooms including heated bed and bathrobe to deliver the utmost relaxing experience | Skoah high quality, proprietary, clean skin care products | Skoah dash business intelligence software platform to manage KPI’s | Marketing suite by MindBodyOnline (MBO) for smart marketing

initial investment | $403,292 - $561,763 liquid cash | $150,000 net worth | $500,000 This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. Skoah franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residents-an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Former Amazon Operations Manager Chooses New Career with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

fter more than 25 years spent mastering the complexities of transportation, logistics and business operations, Steve Camacho decided it was time to put those skills to work for something he could call

his own. This past spring, the 47-yearold San Antonio native opened Pillar To Post Home® Inspectors, Clear Path Team serving homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals throughout Greater San

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Antonio, including New Braunfels, where Camacho now lives with his family. The move represents a major career change, but hardly a departure from the skills that defined Camacho’s professional life. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Camacho spent six-and-a-half years as an Operations Manager with Amazon, following a lengthy career in transportation, logistics and business operations. At Amazon, he oversaw large-scale delivery operations, led teams and was responsible for improving performance in areas ranging from safety and efficiency to customer satisfaction. In an industry where minute details can have enormous consequences, Camacho believes that background is particularly well suited to home inspection. “Home inspection is ultimately about process, precision and trust — all things I’ve spent my career mastering,” Camacho said. “I’m used to operating in highaccountability environments where details matter and consistency is everything.

Now, I’m applying that same discipline to deliver a premium, reliable inspection experience for homebuyers and agents.” Leaving a company such as Amazon was not, Camacho says, an impulsive decision or an attempt to slow down. It was the opposite. “This was not a sudden decision — it was a strategic pivot,” he said. “After decades in corporate leadership, I reached a point where I wanted to build something of my own — something that creates long-term value for my family while still allowing me to serve people in a meaningful way. I wasn’t looking to slow down. I was looking to level up into ownership.” Camacho also saw an opportunity to bring the kind of operational consistency and customer-service standards common in major corporations into a highly personal industry. Buying a home is often the largest financial commitment a family will make. Camacho believes today’s buyers expect more from an inspection than a checklist of potential problems. They want clear explanations, visual information, and confidence that they understand the property they are purchasing. That philosophy helped lead him to Pillar To Post Home

Inspectors. “Pillar To Post stood out immediately,” Camacho said. “It’s not just a brand — it’s a system. They combine intense training, proven processes and technology like PTP360® and digital reporting that elevate the customer experience far beyond a typical inspection.” For Camacho, the combination of technology, established systems and an emphasis on customer experience closely reflected the operational principles he had followed throughout his career. He also believes professionalism and communication can be significant differentiators in the home inspection industry. “I saw a gap in the home inspection space,” he said. “Many inspectors are technically sound, but lack consistency in customer experience, communication, and professionalism. That’s where I knew I could differentiate.” Camacho is approaching entrepreneurship with the same long-term mindset he brought to corporate operations. Rather than simply creating a new job for himself, his goal is to build Clear Path Team into a multiinspector company with strong relationships throughout the

Greater San Antonio real estate community. Ultimately, he expects his own role to evolve toward leadership, business growth and partnerships as the company expands. His roots make that goal particularly meaningful. Born and raised in San Antonio and now raising his family in New Braunfels, Camacho is building the company in the same region he has long called home. “This isn’t just a business to me,” he said. “It’s something I’m building in the community, for the community.” ABOUT PILLAR TO POST® HOME INSPECTORS Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are over 350 franchises located across the United States and Canada and 85,000 5-Star Google Reviews on record to date. For further information, please visit www. pillartopost.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

Our House is Your House. Contrast Therapy Membership Club The Plunge House® is an exclusive members only contrast therapy club featuring 8+ cold and 8+ hot plunge tubs, state of the art locker rooms, steam-rock saunas, towel service, tea bar, and vitamin-c infused showers.

The Plunge House® Difference The first franchise exclusively focused on contrast therapy for physical recovery and mental wellness Science backed modalities of contrast hydro-therapy that improves recovery, reduces inflammation, boosts mental wellness Membership, retail, and event revenue opportunities Community centric, driving sticky member retention

The Plunge House® Opportunity First mover advantage | Wide open territory Recurring revenue, fixed cost, low staffing Seasoned franchisor leadership team

Item 7 Estimated Initial Investment

$598,500-$960,200* Limitless Franchise Growth ph: 513.815.8467

plunge@limitlessfranchisegrowth.com

Minimum Liquid Requirement - $250,000 Minimum Net Worth Requirement - $750,000

Plunge House Franchising, LLC a North Carolina limited liability company, 5601 77 Center Drive, Suite 215, Charlotte, North Carolina 28217, Direct Line: (254) 319-0108 *See item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Certain states require that we register the FDD in those states. The franchise is not being offered in jurisdictions where registration is required but has not yet been completed. We recommend that prospective franchisees review the FDD with their legal and financial advisors before entering into any franchise agreement. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION, OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATION NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE, AND NOT MISLEADING. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. Minnesota Registration No. ______

grow a healthy business Saladworks is the original create-your-own, fast-casual salad franchise. Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

grow a healthyequipment-light business and easy Simple – Our concept is asset-light, Saladworks is the original create-your-own, to operate. No fryers and salad no hood means less expensive fast-casual franchise. buildout costs for Healthy you.– USDA Just chop, sliceadults and dice to serve the reports that American are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a tastiest create-your-own salads is turn-key. healthier lifestyle. That’s whyaround. nearly half of all Saladworks Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key. Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and healthy concepts like ours. We have market, venue, format cluttered with create-your-own burger,the sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for Saladworks is the original create-your-own, concepts like ours. We have the venue, format and footprint you healthy want. Saladworks ismarket, available. fast-casual salad franchise.

grow a healthy business

and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

saladworksfranchising.com

fransales@saladworks.com

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

$1,227,858 median net sales for top quartile*

saladworksfranchising.com

Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive fransales@saladworks.com buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key.

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

t sales for top quartile*

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for healthy concepts like ours. We have the market, venue, format and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

$1,227,858 median

saladworksfranchising.com

fransales@saladworks.com

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

$1,227,858 median net sales for top quartile*

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TruBlue Home Service Ally:

Building a Business With Purpose in the Growing Aging-in-Place Market by Rudy Frederico, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

s America’s population ages, more seniors are choosing to remain in their homes rather than move into assisted living or other senior-care facilities. That shift is creating an important need—not only for medical and personal care, but also for reliable home services that help seniors live safely, comfortably and independently. TruBlue Home Service Ally has built its franchise opportunity around

addressing that need while also serving another growing market: busy families. TruBlue describes itself as a purpose-driven, non-medical home services business offering three complementary revenue centers: handyman services, senior services and recurring home-maintenance programs. Services can include home repairs, yard and outdoor projects, senior home safety assessments, accessibility modifications, fall-prevention

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solutions, maintenance and ongoing household tasks. According to TruBlue President Shawn Fitzgerald, the concept addresses an important gap in services for Seniors. “We've created a unique business opportunity and a missing piece to the Age-In-Place mission for seniors by bringing home services to seniors.” He also mentioned helping others Recovery-in-Place. That opportunity is

supported by a powerful demographic trend. TruBlue reports that approximately 90% of seniors want to age in place, while the company estimates the home services industry at approximately $600 billion. The brand also reports more than 160 franchise locations, giving prospective owners the opportunity to enter a growing franchise system rather than build a home services business from scratch. One of TruBlue’s key advantages is its ability to serve multiple customer segments. Seniors and their families need dependable assistance to keep homes safe and maintained, while busy adults may simply need help with the projects and chores they don't have the time or energy to handle. TruBlue's subscription services are designed to create ongoing relationships through routine maintenance, seasonal upkeep and safety checks. For franchise owners, that recurring-service component can be particularly attractive.

Rather than relying exclusively on one-time repair jobs, franchisees can develop longterm customer relationships and recurring revenue opportunities. TruBlue says its model is designed to be scalable, with a home-based or small-office structure that doesn't require the traditional investment associated with a brick-and-mortar business. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the opportunity, however, is the potential for community impact. Secondyear franchisee Jay Ericson captures that benefit simply: “I get to make a local community impact every day.” That sense of purpose is also reflected in the experience of brand-new franchisee Angel Wong. “I selected TruBlue because their vision and mission align with mine. My mother took a fall and my family and I had to manage the aftermath. Now I can serve others in my community in a meaningful way.” TruBlue's mission is to provide peace of mind and worry-free living by helping homeowners maintain their homes throughout every stage of life. The company emphasizes empathy, trustworthiness and reliability—qualities that are particularly important when serving seniors and

their families. The franchise also provides training and ongoing support, making the concept accessible to entrepreneurs who may not have previous home-services experience. TruBlue says its support includes training, licensing and insurance guidance, hiring assistance, marketing, customer acquisition, referral development and a structured 90-day program designed to help franchisees launch their businesses. For entrepreneurs looking for more than simply another business opportunity, TruBlue offers an appealing combination: a growing market, multiple revenue streams, a scalable service model and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As the aging-inplace movement continues to grow, TruBlue is positioning its franchise owners to become the trusted “Home Service Ally” families can rely on—helping seniors remain safely at home while giving busy families back something equally valuable: time and peace of mind. For more about this great franchise opportunity or finding your best-fit franchise, reach out to myself or any of the great franchise consultants at The Franchise Consulting Company and explore the possibilities. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rudy Frederico is a 35-year veteran of franchising with hundreds of placements on his resume. Having worked for franchisors and having owned franchises himself, he is uniquely qualified to help you find your best-fit franchise.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

Minimal Staffing

Chiropractor

Validation!

137+

Front Desk Staff

Open Locations across the country

LEO | Learn, Earn & Own Model

1. Investor opens the clinic, builds it over a period of time and then sells to their Chiropractor. 2. Less turnover because Chiro is bought into the business. It will be their future business!

7 Revenue Streams

1. Chiropractic 2. Active, Corrective Functional Rehab - Eliminate underlying muscular dysfunction/weaknesses present 3. Next Generation Spinal Decompression - Adhering to new protocols, allowing for alternate positions 4. Laser Therapy - Photobiomodulation to create better healing and faster functional restoration 5. Branded Nutrition & Products - We create personalized nutrition plans for better and faster healing 6. Sleep Excellence - Sleep optimization products for improved healing 7. Wellness Club - Subscription-based program which regularly schedules wellness visits

Financial Performance Top 25% - $1,052,217 2024 AVG Gross Revenue:

Contact

Jen Rieck

VP of Fran Dev Jen@repmgroup.com 720.245.1252

Top 50% - $842,507 System-wide average - $571,119 Average gross profit - $369,432

Aaron Sawyer

Director of Fran Dev Aaron@repmgroup.com 808.675.6987

This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. HealthSource franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residents-an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise. Please see Item 19 of the HealthSource FDD for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individual results may vary.

www.MyCommunityServices.com

Tel: 713.679.4255

My Community Franchise is bringing a new kind of business to the American public. We go above and beyond for our customers by bringing perfected and professional tax and multi-services to their communities. We aren’t just another print services place or tax prep group. We climb the extra mile by being a one-stop-shop for various services, including tax preparation, car insurance, defensive driving, and so much more. We at My Community Franchise are here to provide entrepreneurs looking for a business opportunity the chance to get in on the ground floor of an exciting, easy-to-operate concept.

>>> We are a company with a great track record of growth, exceptional experience in the industry, and proprietary operational advantages for an owner-operator. My Community Franchise is ready to share its proven operational practices and dialedin services with the rest of the States. Our brand has been built on a firm foundation and is now seeking qualified candidates for an enticing franchise offering!

My Community Franchise offers an extensive array of services that build a fast and favored reputation within any city. We are the all-stars within our current five locations in Texas and are confident that our services will be well-received no matter where we are. We are proud to offer the following services:

TAX PREPARATION

NOTARY SERVICES

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

VIRTUAL TAX PREPARATION

BOOKKEEPING

(With Our Mobile App)

CAR INSURANCE

TRANSLATION

TITLE TRANSFER

The My Community Franchise brand is beckoning entrepreneurial hopefuls who want a business with reasonable overhead, affordable start-up costs, impressive ROI, and sprawling market applicability. Franchise Fee: $15,000

Royalties: 10%

Total Investment: $40,000

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AumBio Wellness Centers

Turning Decades of Holistic Wellness Experience Into a Franchise Built for Growth by Rick Morgin, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

he health and wellness industry continues to evolve as consumers look for more personalized, non-invasive ways to support their overall well-being. For entrepreneurs, that shift is creating opportunities to build businesses that combine purpose, technology, community and recurring client relationships. AumBio Wellness Centers is bringing nearly four decades of holistic wellness experience into that growing marketplace through a structured franchise system designed to make business ownership more approachable. The roots of AumBio date back 38 years, beginning with the founders' family's involvement in holistic wellness in Europe. For the past 23 years, the family has operated wellness centers in the United States under what became the AumBio model. Today, the company operates three corporate centers and is taking the next step in its evolution:

national franchising. AumBio has already awarded its first two franchise territories in Kansas, with Wisconsin representing the next stage of expansion. The objective isn't simply to open more locations. It is to take the knowledge developed through decades of hands-on operations and turn it into a repeatable franchise business system.

established locations. AumBio has served more than 60,000 people since 1988. For franchise owners, the business is intentionally designed around a relatively simple staffing model. A typical center can operate with a center manager, one to two trained wellness operators and optional administrative support.

A BUSINESS MODEL BUILT AROUND PERSONALIZED WELLNESS AumBio Wellness Centers provide technology-supported, non-medical wellness experiences designed to support overall well-being. The brand's model combines personalized wellness consultations, THERA WELLNESS™ technology and structured wellness programs within an appointment-based center. That model has grown from a single device into an organization operating more than 16 devices across three

FROM FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO GRAND OPENING One of AumBio's primary differentiators is the infrastructure being built around the franchisee. Rather than handing a new owner a logo and operations manual, AumBio has developed a structured 90Day New Franchisee Launch System divided into three phases: Foundation, Activation and Acceleration. The first 30 days focus on building the business infrastructure: • CRM implementation,

Prospective franchisees should review AumBio's current Franchise Disclosure Document for complete investment details, fees, risks and obligations.

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•

• •

phone and SMS systems, business email Google Business Profile, social media channels and brand assets KPI tracking and paid advertising infrastructure Referral-partner development and a local content calendar

The system is built around three practical questions: Does an activity generate a lead? Does it help convert a consultation? Does it help retain a client? If it accomplishes none of those objectives, it isn't a launch priority. That focus is designed to help franchisees move from startup mode into disciplined local business operations. TRAINING, MARKETING AND ONGOING SUPPORT AumBio franchisees don't need to arrive with decades of holistic wellness experience. They are trained to operate within the system. The franchise support program includes comprehensive headquarters training, hands-on technology training, operational resources, CRM and brand tools, and ongoing support. Marketing is similarly systemized. AumBio's National Marketing Plan and Playbook establishes a unified framework intended to create repeatable and measurable marketing across the franchise network while allowing franchisees to execute within their local communities. That includes digital marketing, local partnerships,

community outreach, client follow-up and performance tracking rather than relying on a franchise owner to invent a marketing strategy from scratch. COMPLIANCE BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM Compliance is particularly important in the wellness industry, and AumBio has made it part of the operating model rather than an afterthought. AumBio Wellness Centers are positioned as non-medical wellness businesses. Centers do not provide medical diagnoses or medical treatment, and franchisees are required to comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. Marketing materials also operate within established brand and compliance standards, including franchisor review of locally created materials before publication. For franchise owners entering a rapidly evolving wellness category, that structure provides something valuable: a framework for communicating what the business does—and what it does not do.

BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUMBIO With three corporate centers providing an operating foundation, two franchise territories awarded in Kansas and Wisconsin next on the expansion roadmap, AumBio is entering a new chapter. The company is looking for franchise partners who are community-minded, open to holistic wellness, empathetic toward clients and willing to follow a proven system. For entrepreneurs interested in the intersection of wellness, technology and purpose-driven business ownership, AumBio offers the opportunity to build locally while participating in a brand designed to grow nationally. FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION AumBio Wellness Centers 847-361-9085 franchise@aumbiocenter.com www.aumbiocenter.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Morgin is a Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and alumnus of Santa Clara University. We assist clients with the educational process of researching and selecting available franchise businesses that best suit desired lifestyles and financial goals. Contact Rick at rick@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany. com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

(844) 465-4004 MoldMedicsFranchising.com Info@moldmedicsfranchising.com

Don’t Overlook a Mold Removal Business Franchise Opportunity

Working in mold remediation and indoor air quality doesn’t always seem like a glamorous job, but the rewards are endless! We get to directly help people who suffer from breathing difficulties by improving their environment so they can breathe easy again and love being at home. What an amazing opportunity that is!

FRANCHISE WITH US!

We remediate & mitigate. We don’t repair, maintain or replace.

PANDEMIC AND RECESSION RESISTANCE

LOW STARTUP COST With total investment needed being as low as $83,000

We educate our customers about what plagues their homes and we train our franchise owners to do so with the same confidence and compassion.

From 2020 to 2021, revenue was up by 23%

REAL BENEFITS FOR OUR FRANCHISE OWNERS

BUILT-IN CRM

“

IN-HOUSE CALL CENTER

NO OFFICE REQUIRED

LOW EMPLOYEE HEADCOUNT & YEAR ROUND BUSINESS

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

When I saw no negative reviews, I thought they were faked. No company can be that good. They are the exception to the rule. 5 stars are not enough to rate the professionalism, honesty, helpfulness and knowledge. It’s an industry where the homeowner really doesn’t know much and it easy for the company to scare you into spend more than you need...NOT Mold Medics. I highly recommened them to the degree that you’d be foolish to use anyone else.

Nev Harris Review on Google

“

Mold & radon don’t take winter off, so nither do we

IT’S TIME T O PR E S S PAU S E • Full-service Wellness Studio offering mind/body recovery • First franchise to offer “Contrast Therapy” (Sauna/Cold Plunge) with EIGHT unique revenue streams: Cryotherapy, IV Drip, Cold plunge, Float, LED light therapy, Sauna, Normatec & Retail • Minimal employee ownership model • Four corporate units open in Los Angeles with a fifth in development • Broad retail offerings focused on Sleep, Stress/Anxiety, Clean Beauty, Detoxification and Immunity, brands include Moon Juice, Bee Keepers, Osea, Quick Silver Scientific • Top performing studio revenue: $1,975,984 in 2022 • Top performing Net Margin: 35% (After a 7% royalty deduction) • 2,600-3,000 sq.ft • 50+ licenses awarded with markets available: San Diego, San Francisco, Houston, and New York.

INITIAL INVESTMENT | $979,000 - $1,618,000 LIQUID CASH | $400,000 NET WORTH | $1,000,000 This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. Pause franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residentsan offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise. Please see Item 19 of the Pause FDD for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individual results may vary.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Franchising vs. Organic Business Creation

A Quick Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs by Vince Vicari, Senior Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

he entrepreneurship myth promises autonomy, independence, and wealth-building. The reality is far more complex. After 38 years consulting with thousands of entrepreneurs, this guide cuts through the romance to present the facts: both organic business creation and franchising are viable paths, but they demand radically different investments of capital, time, and risk tolerance. Most entrepreneurs never fully evaluate both options before committing. They romanticize the startup journey or dismiss franchising without understanding the tradeoffs. This guide provides the framework to choose with full awareness. ORGANIC BUSINESS CREATION: AUTONOMY COMES AT A COST Starting from scratch offers complete control. You build the business according to your vision, without reporting to anyone or following established systems. Seventy-two percent of entrepreneurs cite autonomy as their primary motivation—the desire to be your own boss and make all decisions unilaterally. However, this autonomy masks enormous complexity. The U.S. Bureau of Labor

Statistics reports that 50% of independent businesses fail within five years, and 20% fail in the first year alone. Why? Because entrepreneurs consistently underestimate both costs and timelines. Research from the Journal of Business Venturing shows entrepreneurs underestimate startup costs by an average of 37% and timelines to profitability by 41%. A typical startup requires not just visible costs (rent, equipment, inventory) but hidden costs that often consume 40-50% of total investment: Leasehold improvements ($100K-$400K for restaurant/ retail): buildout, fixtures, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, signage, and aesthetic finishes. The National Restaurant Association reports that buildout comprises 30-40% of total restaurant startup costs—and these improvements are nonrecoverable when you leave the space. Technology infrastructure ($8K-$25K in year one): POS systems ($3K-$10K), accounting software ($1.8K-$3.6K annually), customer relationship management ($600-$3.6K annually), cybersecurity ($1.2K-$6K annually), e-commerce platforms ($1K-$5K

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plus ongoing fees). Deloitte research shows this investment is unavoidable for competitive positioning. Regulatory compliance ($11K per employee annually in indirect costs): licenses, permits, insurance (general liability, workers' compensation, property), professional fees (legal, accounting), and compliance audits. The National Federation of Independent Business documents these fixed overhead costs that don't scale with early revenue. Working capital reserves ($50K-$100K minimum): cash flow for the 9-12 months before reaching stable revenue. Federal Reserve data shows that 42% of small business owners cite inadequate financial resources as their primary obstacle—ongoing, not at startup. TIME AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TOLL Time demands are equally brutal. U.S. Census Bureau data shows business owners work 50+ hours weekly as standard; 34% work 60+ hours. In year one, 70-hour weeks are common. This persists for years, not months. The flexible lifestyle and work-life balance imagined pre-launch rarely

materialize. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates business owners experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than employed counterparts, particularly in the first two years. FRANCHISING: SYSTEMS, SUPPORT, AND PREDICTABILITY Franchising condenses decades of learning into proven systems. You purchase the right to operate an established brand with pre-designed operations, training, marketing support, and vendor relationships negotiated at scale. The franchise failure rate is 5-8% according to the International Franchise Association—dramatically lower than independent businesses. Why? Because the system removes discovery costs. You don't build operations from scratch; you implement proven playbooks. Franchisor support includes: Initial and ongoing training programs (2-6 weeks typically, plus virtual support). Predesigned operations manuals with proven procedures, quality standards, and best practices. Marketing support through national brand campaigns, co-op budgets, and local marketing resources. Supply chain leverage (vendors negotiate prices based on franchise system scale, not your individual volume). Field coaching and problem-solving resources. THE TRADEOFF: AUTONOMY FOR RISK REDUCTION You gain reduced risk and faster

timelines (12-24 months to breakeven vs. 24-48 months for independents), but sacrifice complete autonomy. Operations manuals define standards. You cannot deviate significantly from the proven system. Royalties (typically 4-6% of revenue) and marketing fund contributions (2-3% of revenue) represent ongoing costs. Your business is constrained by brand guidelines, quality standards, and franchisor requirements. However, the franchisor has

vested interest in your success. Their revenue depends on franchisee profitability. This alignment means access to support, performance benchmarking, and problemsolving resources that independent business owners must purchase separately—if they can afford them. MAKING YOUR CHOICE Choose organic business creation if: You have sufficient capital ($100K+) for hidden costs

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

QUICK COMPARISON Organic

Franchise

Startup Capital

50K-250K+

50K-500K

Time to Breakeven

24-48 months

12-24 months

5-Year Failure Rate

50%

5-8%

Weekly Hours (Years 1-3)

50-70+

40-50

Franchisor Support

None

Training, Coaching, Marketing

Autonomy

Complete

Constrained

Ongoing Fees

Minimal

Royalties + Marketing

and 12-24 months of working capital reserves beyond initial buildout. You can tolerate significant financial risk (personal capital fully at stake). You desire complete autonomy over strategic and operational decisions. You're prepared for 60+ hour weeks for 3-5 years minimum. Your business model doesn't fit established franchises or you possess unique intellectual property/ positioning. You have a strong tolerance for uncertainty and setbacks.

Questions to Ask Yourself Am I seeking autonomy because I want flexibility, or because I believe my business concept is uniquely superior? Can I access $100K+ in capital without jeopardizing personal security? Can my family sustain 60-70 hour work weeks for 3-5 years? Do I want to build systems from scratch, or implement proven ones? How do I respond to setbacks—do I persist or abandon the effort?

Choose franchising if: You want reduced risk and faster profitability. You prefer operating within proven systems rather than building from scratch. You value franchisor support, peer networks, and shared resources. You're seeking financial and operational predictability. You're willing to accept ongoing royalties (4-6% of revenue) and operating constraints. You prefer implementation over innovation. You lack extensive business experience but have capital and commitment. 96

THE BOTTOM LINE Entrepreneurship is not one path—it's two fundamentally different paths with different risks, rewards, and demands. The entrepreneur seeking autonomy must accept hidden costs, extended timelines, high failure risk, and substantial personal sacrifice. The franchisee seeking reduced risk must sacrifice autonomy and accept ongoing fees, but gain franchisor support, faster timelines, and dramatically better odds of success. Neither path is inherently superior; the right choice depends on your financial

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capacity, risk tolerance, time availability, personality type, and life circumstances. What matters most is that you choose with full awareness of what each demands—not romantic notions of entrepreneurship, but clear-eyed assessment of costs, time, and risk. That choice—made with eyes open—is the foundation of entrepreneurial success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vincent J. Vicari is the Founder and Principal Strategist of the New Jersey Campus Business Development Center and a Senior Franchise Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company, bringing 38+ years of experience in business development, university teaching, and entrepreneurial consulting—including service as Regional Director of the NJSBDC, where he consulted with thousands of entrepreneurs across diverse industries, and academic positions at Ramapo College of New Jersey and William Paterson University. Based in Bergen County, New Jersey, he specializes in franchise consulting, business development strategy, and entrepreneurial mentoring across retail, food service, professional services, technology, and healthcare sectors, and is a frequent speaker and contributor to business and franchise education programs.

MAKE YOUR FUTURE

BRIGHTER OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES with

As North America’s largest full-service outdoor lighting company, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives helps our valued clients enhance the beauty, safety, and security of their homes with the power of low-voltage lighting. The Outdoor Lighting Perspectives business model boasts a quick rampup, strong gross profit margins, and a recurring revenue stream making it an attractive franchise opportunity for franchise operators, investors, and entrepreneurs. For those looking for a business endeavor designed to achieve your personal career, lifestyle, and income objectives, consider building a bright future as an Outdoor Lighting Perspectives franchise owner.

Why Choose Outdoor Lighting Perspectives? • Low Initial Investment • Lucrative Revenue Streams • Strong Profit Margins

804-500-9865 OutdoorLightingFranchise.com An important part of

B E T T E R I N G T H E L I V E S O F E V E R Y D AY FA M I L I E S T H R O U G H T H E C R E AT I O N A N D D E L I V E R Y O F I N N O V AT I V E A N D C U S T O M I Z E D W E L L N E S S PROGRAMS, GOODS AND SERVICES.

services we offer • Outpatient mental health

• Clinical training & supervision program

• Medication management

• Co-parenting institutes

• Children’s mental health specialists

• Mediation assistance

• Group & workshops

• Embedded services program

• Web-based & mobile options

how we do it • We provide personalized treatment plans that address mind, body, and spirit • We customize services to meet various, diverse, and multifaceted needs • We provide “in-person” therapeutic services, AND we develop creative interventions to increase access for clients who experience barriers to a traditional format • We use technology to integrate mental health services into the 21st century • We place importance on having fun throughout the wellness process • We have fully licensed providers who provide ethical, compassionate, and effective therapeutic services • We have engaging up-and-coming professionals in training and develop innovative programs for future generations of practitioners and clientele • We offer an income-based sliding fee scale for non-insurance covered services

contact JEN RIECK

email: jrieck@repmgroup.com phone: 720.245.1252

K E L LY A M S H O F F

financials Initial investment range

$201,013 - $404,957

Net worth requirements

$250,000

Liquidity requirements

$150,000

email: kelly@repmgroup.com phone: 773.484.7198

Rep’M Group, LLC (“Rep’M”) is a franchise seller/broker representing Ellie Family Services (“Ellie”). This advertisement does not constitute a franchise offering or the solicitation of an offer to buy an Ellie franchise which may be made only after your receipt of Ellie’s Franchise Disclosure Document, which first must be registered with certain states. Ellie franchises are offered solely by means of the franchise disclosure document issued by Ellie Family Services, 1370 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120. Certain states and foreign countries have laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states or foreign countries, Ellie will not offer you a franchise unless and until it has complied with all applicable legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Please consult with your franchise seller/broker at Rep’M for an updated list of jurisdictions where franchises can be sold. RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the New York Department of Law. RESIDENTS OF MINNESOTA: MN Franchise Registration Number: TBD. Copyright© 2022. Ellie Family Sevrices, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Beyond Senior Care: How Butterfly Home Care Is Redefining Home Care for Every Age by Becky Wang, Founder & CEO, Butterfly Home Care

hen most people hear the words home care, they immediately think of senior care. At Butterfly Home Care, we believe the need—and the opportunity—is much bigger. We built Butterfly Home Care around a simple idea: people of all ages deserve the opportunity to live safely, independently and with dignity in the place they call home.

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That includes seniors, but it also includes children, young adults and adults living with disabilities, including individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Home Care Is Not Just Senior Care The traditional home care industry has largely been built around an aging population. That is an important and growing need, but it represents only one part of the

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families who require support at home. A young adult with autism may need help developing daily living skills, maintaining routines or participating more independently in the community. An adult with a disability may need assistance with personal care and everyday activities. A family caring for a loved one with significant support needs may need dependable caregivers who understand that care is not one-size-fits-all. These families need support too. That is where Butterfly Home Care is different. Our vision is to build a home care brand that can support people throughout different stages of life—not define home care by a person's age. Understanding the Entire Family When a person needs care, the impact extends far beyond that individual. Parents worry about who will care for their child as they grow older. Adult children worry about aging parents. Families struggle to balance careers, children, finances and

caregiving responsibilities. For families raising a child with a disability, those concerns can continue for decades. Quality home care can provide more than assistance with daily activities. It can provide stability, consistency and greater independence while helping families continue being families rather than becoming full-time caregivers. That philosophy is central to Butterfly Home Care. We want to understand the person, the family and the life they are trying to build. A Different Opportunity in Franchising This broader definition of home care also creates an important opportunity for entrepreneurs. America's need for homeand community-based services continues to grow. Aging is one driver, but disability services, family caregiving needs and the preference to receive support at home are also shaping the future of the industry. Butterfly Home Care's franchise vision is therefore not based on becoming another senior-care franchise. We are building a home care platform designed to serve a broader community. For franchise owners, that means the opportunity to develop a business with multiple potential populations and referral relationships while creating something meaningful in their own communities. But this is not simply about expanding a customer base.

Healthcare and home care are businesses built on trust. Families are often inviting a caregiver into their homes during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. A successful home care company must therefore combine strong business systems with compassion, accountability, compliance and consistent service. Our franchise model is being built around that balance. Entrepreneurship With a Purpose I am an entrepreneur, but I have always believed that financial success and positive impact do not have to compete with each other. The strongest businesses can create both. My goal for Butterfly Home Care is to build a nationally recognized home care brand and create opportunities for franchise owners to build valuable businesses and longterm wealth. At the same time, every new Butterfly location has the potential to create jobs, support families and help more people remain connected to their homes and communities. That combination—business growth and human impact— is what makes this industry so powerful. Building the Butterfly Brand The name Butterfly represents transformation. That is also how we think about the future of home care. We see an industry evolving beyond a narrow definition of who home care is for. The future should include seniors,

certainly, but also children and adults with disabilities, people with autism, families needing respite and individuals who simply need additional support to live as independently as possible. We want Butterfly Home Care to become a brand families can grow with and trust through different stages of life. Our ambition is significant: to build a recognizable national brand, develop successful franchise owners and positively affect thousands of families and communities. But the principle behind that ambition remains very simple. Home care should not be defined by age. It should be defined by need. And when someone needs support to live a fuller, safer and more independent life at home, Butterfly Home Care wants to be there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Becky Wang is the Founder and CEO of Butterfly Home Care, a growing home care franchise dedicated to serving people of all ages, with a special commitment to individuals with disabilities, including autism. As an entrepreneur and franchisor, she is building Butterfly Home Care into a nationally recognized brand that combines compassionate care, meaningful community impact, and opportunities for business ownership.

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INTRODUCE YOUR CANDIDATES TO

A RELAXING OPPORTUNITY

The Elements Massage® brand is a holistic massage therapy franchise that oﬀers personalized treatments through a variety of massage therapy modalities, following The Elements Way®. We exist so clients feel an improved sense of health as they seek to beneﬁt from pain relief, stress reduction and overall wellness. We are committed to The Elements Promise, which means our massage therapy will meet or exceed your expectations, or the next one is on us! Celebrating nearly 20 years of holistic wellness and therapeutic values, Elements Massage® has more than 250 franchise locations across the USA and 75 under development, nationwide.

THE

PORTFOLIO

Dedicated to serving the growing needs of beauty and wellness-conscious consumers, the WellBiz Brands franchise portfolio oﬀers franchise opportunities with recurring revenue membership models, tech-centered infrastructure and light-asset investments. Explore the brand portfolio today! (WellBizBrands.com)

WHY THE ELEMENTS MASSAGE BRAND? Single service oﬀering = simple model Recurring Revenue Membership Model Massage Therapist Continued Education and Career Advancement Low inventory & operational complexity

● ● ● ●

TOTAL INITIAL INVESTMENT $322,783 - $517,125*

AVERAGE REVENUE $1,911,408* (Top 10 2022)

TARGET MARKETS 650+ territories available! Los Angeles, Bay Area, DFW, Houston, Austin, San Diego, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, and more!

*As noted in Item 7 and Item 19 in the March 31, 2023 FDD

Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC. 1890 Wynkoop Street, Unit 1, Denver, CO 80202. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. MN File No. F-5517. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated. Elements Massage® and the Elements Massage + designs are registered trademarks owned by Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC.

LET’S TALK

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REFERRALS & TERRITORY CHECKS

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leads@elementsmassage.com

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

Investment Range: $357.900 - $695,500

ZoupFranchise.com

248-210-5588

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

What’s Next After a Successful Career? Why Education Franchising

Is About More Than Business by Hao Lam, Founder and CEO, Best in Class Education Center

hen I arrived in North America as a refugee from Vietnam in the late 1980s, I had no savings, no professional network, and no roadmap. What I did have was an unwavering belief that education creates opportunities where none seem to exist. That belief became Best in Class Education Center. More than 30 years later, together with our franchise owners, we've helped 10,000+ students across the country build

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confidence, achieve academic success, and create brighter futures far greater than I ever imagined when I opened my first tutoring center in Seattle in 1995. THE QUESTION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING At some point in life, many successful professionals stop asking “How do I advance my career?” and start asking something harder: “What’s next?” If you're asking that question, you're likely not short on

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success. You've built a career in corporate leadership, healthcare, technology, or finance. But success measured only in promotions and income has started to feel incomplete. You want your work to outlast you— to improve lives and build something meaningful for your family at the same time. That's one of the reasons I believe education franchising is different from other paths people consider at this stage.

WHY EDUCATION SPECIFICALLY Education isn’t driven by short-term economic cycles or trends. Families continue investing in their children's future because they understand that learning creates opportunities that last a lifetime, even—or especially— during periods of economic uncertainty. For entrepreneurs, that creates an opportunity to build a business that is both financially resilient and deeply meaningful. "BUT I'M NOT AN EDUCATOR" That's the most common objection I hear—and it's the biggest misconception about this path. Our most successful franchise owners aren't former teachers. They're leaders first: people who know how to build relationships, manage teams, and serve a community. Our first franchisee in Dallas, TX spent her career in the medical field before her compassion, service for others, and desire to support her local

families led her to open an education center. Another operator was active in the schools as an involved parent and community member, volunteering her time in classrooms and learning firsthand how a center like Best in Class could make a difference. We provide the curriculum, systems, training, and ongoing support. They bring the leadership and vision that make those systems work. What unites them is a passion for education, a commitment to their communities, and a desire to build something meaningful. THE KIND OF IMPACT YOU DON'T ALWAYS SEE COMING One of the most rewarding parts of this work is hearing from former students years later—a scholarship earned, a dream school, a rediscovered love of learning, or simply the confidence a kid didn't have before. That ripple effect extends well beyond the classroom. That’s the kind

of impact that can make the work feel deeply personal and worthwhile for everyone involved. It also builds something a lot of businesses chase and few actually earn: durable trust. Families return year after year. Siblings enroll. Parents refer to friends and neighbors. Students grow up and come back to visit the teachers who shaped them. EVERY CAREER EVENTUALLY BECOMES A STORY There comes a point in every career where you get to decide what the next chapter looks like. For some, that means slowing down. For others, it means building something that creates opportunity for other people—and outlasts the job title. People may remember the positions you held. They'll remember more the people you helped, the opportunities you created, and the communities you strengthened. If that's the kind of legacy you're building toward—not just a business, but something that outlasts it—an education business is worth a closer look.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Hao Lam is the Founder and CEO of Best in Class Education Center, a supplemental education franchise with more than 35 locations across the United States. Hao is the author of From Bad to Worse to Best in Class and has dedicated his career to helping students succeed while empowering entrepreneurs to build purpose-driven businesses that strengthen their communities.

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More Than a Printing and Shipping Franchise When you join the PostNet family, you’re doing more than starting down a new career path. You’re choosing a new lifestyle. PostNet is an essential business that offers the potential for recurring revenue opportunities and multiple revenue streams, including print, grapic design, shipping, mailbox rentals, and other services. Our network is diverse and robust with franchisees consisting of first-time professionals, seasoned corporate professionals seeking a career change, transitioning veterans, and retirees who aren’t quite ready to retire.

Ready to learn more? Contact us at: Opportunity@postnet.com

720-240-5799

postnetfranchise.com

This advertisement does not constitute an offer; an offer may only be made by a franchise disclosure document (registered under state law, if applicable).SEPTEMBER does |not constitute approval by any state. Minnesota franchise registration #F-10244. © 2023 PostNet International Franchise WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM 106 Such filing 2026 Corporation.

We Focus On What Matters Quality Homecare Service Cost Effective Tailor-Made Care Plans

Our Services:

Now Awarding Franchises

(706) 254-5490

Homecare

Staffing Services

Diagnostic Testing

In Home or Onsite Training

Medical Alert Systems

comfortathomehealthcare.com info@comfortathomehealthcare.com WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Perfect Match

How Leah Doroch Built a Holistic Home Care Franchise on Compassion by Monique Pelle, VP of operations, Franchise Genesis full-service holistic home care agency, and she is inviting others to carry that mission forward as franchise owners.

ome businesses are born from a spreadsheet. Perfect Care Match was born from a memory. As a teenager, Leah Doroch watched her family endure a painful nursing home experience before her mother brought her grandmother home and cared for her there. Helping with that care planted a seed that grew over the next three decades into a mission: to prove seniors deserve a better way to age, rooted in dignity, familiarity, and wholeperson wellness. Today, Doroch is Founder and CEO of Perfect Care Match, a

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EXPERTISE THAT SETS THE STANDARD With nearly 30 years of experience, Doroch is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Board-certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Stress Management Coach, and Harvard Medical School Certified Nutrition Coach. She is also a Deepak Chopra-certified instructor specializing in Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing system that anchors Perfect Care Match's wellness philosophy. That blend of caregiving expertise and holistic health practice shapes the agency's personalized approach: helping seniors remain safe and comfortable at home while supporting the emotional and physical well-being of clients, families, and caregivers. A MODEL BUILT FOR THE WAY AMERICA WANTS TO AGE As the baby boomer generation retires, demand for in-home senior care continues to grow. Forbes Health's Aging in Place Statistics and Facts reports that 77% of adults

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over 50 prefer to age in place. Perfect Care Match is built for that preference. UNMATCHED SERVICES IN SENIOR CARE Perfect Care Match offers an unmatched suite of services designed to adapt as a family's needs change. For new franchisees, that breadth of care provides a meaningful advantage when entering markets with established competitors. HOLISTIC HOME CARE Its in-home care model combines personal care, such as bathing, grooming, safe transfers, and medication reminders, with wellness support including nutritious meal planning, hydration monitoring, guided movement, and mood and well-being checks. Caregivers are matched to clients based on personality, routines, and care needs so the relationship provides both practical support and comfort. HOURLY AND LIVE-IN CARE OPTIONS Families can choose flexible hourly support, overnight assistance, or live-in care. For clients who need aroundthe-clock coverage, Perfect Care Match also provides

specialized live-in memory care for Alzheimer's and dementiarelated conditions. Its signature Live-In PLUS program blends live-in coverage with additional support, while the Assisted Live-In Replacement Program helps families considering a move from assisted living back to a home setting. GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT Perfect Care Match also offers professional Geriatric Care Management led by a Clinical Geriatric Care Director with specialization in geripsych and dementia. Services begin with assessment and individualized care planning and may include coordination with physicians and specialists, medication oversight, home safety planning, nutrition support, end-of-life guidance, hospital or rehabilitation advocacy, virtual consultations, and access to a secure online portal for care updates. Care management can also be used independently of the agency's in-home care services. HOLISTIC WELLNESS SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS The Family Wellness Hub extends whole-person care to the broader family system through Ayurvedic-based wellness coaching, customized lifestyle plans, breathwork, meditation, stress reduction strategies, and seasonal wellness support. Workshops and webinars cover nutrition, brain health, emotional resilience, mindfulness, and caregiver self-care. As Doroch puts it: "Keeping

seniors at home is just the beginning. My mission is to support families in creating Generational Health— sustainable wellness that lasts well beyond care." THE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY For entrepreneurs who want to do well while doing good, Perfect Care Match offers a mission-driven, scalable franchise model backed by nearly three decades of leadership experience across assisted living, home care, and skilled nursing settings. Franchisees receive access to the company's Signature Recruiting Program, which supplies professionally vetted caregiver candidates, as well as its caregiver-client matching system, memory care protocols, Geriatric Care Management infrastructure, holistic wellness offerings, and Geriatric-Psych Nursing specialty consultations. Training covers the fundamentals of operating a full-service in-home senior care agency, including personalized care planning, memory care approaches, growth strategies, and holistic wellness coaching. Owners also receive ongoing support, franchisee networking, and opportunities to expand into additional territories. The franchise fee is $65,000, with a total investment range of $53,300 to $149,000 and a 6% royalty. The process includes an initial request for information, introductory calls, a business overview, review of the Franchise Disclosure Document, and a Meet the

Team Day before qualified candidates are awarded a franchise. A MISSION WORTH MULTIPLYING The Perfect Care Match opportunity combines a growing market with the chance to improve the lives of seniors and their families by helping loved ones remain safe at home and age with dignity and independence. Leah Doroch turned a childhood memory into a movement. Now she is looking for partners ready to bring holistic, compassionate senior care and its broader support services to more communities across the country. If you (or someone you know) own a home care business that is ready to franchise, reach out to Franchise Genesis.

MORE ABOUT LEAH DOROCH With nearly 30 years of experience, Doroch is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Board-certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Stress Management Coach, and Harvard Medical School Certified Nutrition Coach. She is also a Deepak Chopracertified instructor specializing in Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing system that anchors Perfect Care Match's wellness philosophy.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

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GO BEYOND THE SURFACE AND DISRUPT THE INDUSTRY

Why Wax When You Can Sugar? BENEFITS TO SUGARING • Incomparable natural exfoliation and skin conditioning • Safe for EVERY BODY using only sustainable, organic products • Faster and more effective, remove shorter hair more often

POISED TO LEAD THE HAIR REMOVAL INDUSTRY • Minimal employee model • Simple, streamlined, scalable operations • Recurring revenue • Elevated self care offering with retail component • Proprietary “smart sugaring” technique • Top performing studio revenue: $832,516 in 2023

...of all skin care consumers now desire all-natural, organic, chemical-free products

• Top performing net margin: 35%

Contact

LIQUIDITY

Marisa Kochnover

NET WORTH

Director of Franchise Development marisa@repmgroup.com 917.757.7172

Rachel Stender

VP of Franchise Development rachel@repmgroup.com 612.226.1408

Did You Know... Sugaring is faster and more effective than traditional waxing, providing a larger opportunity for revenue enhancing services

$150,000 $400,000 INVESTMENT RANGE

$303,250 - $416,500 SQUARE FOOTAGE

1,000 - 1,300

This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. SugaringLA franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residents-an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise. Please see Item 19 of the SugaringLA FDD for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026of future results. Individual results may vary.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Imagine Arts Academy™ : Lifelong Learning Through Art by Emily Manuel, Marketing Specialist

magine a business that connects to your customers at every stage of their life. With an Imagine Arts Academy ™ franchise, owners connect to kids and parents alike through our early childhood and art programs, serving schools, camps, and community organizations alike. Kids can even celebrate their yearly milestones with an Imagine Arts birthday party! But unlike many other children's enrichment franchises, Imagine Arts Academy's fundamentals work for parents, professionals, and

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even retirees. Learn more how about how our unique model can be suited to every age demographic:

They'll carry these lessons – and the unique works of art they create - with them for a lifetime!

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS: Imagine Arts Academy doesn't stop at teaching simple art techniques to kids. We're helping them develop confidence, curiosity, and creativity by giving them a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. The experiences they have as children shape the adults they will become.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: But the art enrichment continues beyond school-aged kids! Our franchises also serve hands-on programming to corporations through employee engagement and Take Your Kid to Work Day initiatives. It's another rung on the ladder of creating life-long

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customers through continuous engagement with art. KEEPING SENIORS SHARP: Just as our art programs inspire kids, build their confidence, and sharpen their memory and fine motor skills - they do the same for seniors in community and care centers. "We have done workshops with seniors at an Austin Parks & Recreation center. I taught Wild World topics per the center's request," says Andrea Cook of Imagine Arts Academy Austin. "We did Polar Bears, Frogs, Sharks, and Turtles. They absolutely loved it!" IMAGINING WHAT'S NEXT: The first step to creating your own future is imagination! Picture yourself building your own business with the support of an experienced franchisor and a network of other owners going through the same challenges and lessons as you. Together, we can make a lifelong impact on creative minds, young and old. A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE: Imagine Arts Academy™ was created by the Mad Science Group®, trusted for more than four decades for developing hands-on, educational STEM programs for children. With Imagine Arts Academy™, they have built a franchise that elevates art beyond the technical skills. With the global strength of Mad Science® behind you, your franchise will stand out in the booming children’s education industry.

Add in the comprehensive business model, turnkey marketing support, and robust training and you have the ingredients for a rewarding entrepreneurial journey. YEAR-ROUND AND LIFELONG AREAS OF BUSINESS: Our franchisees benefit from year-round and life-long revenue streams, creating stability and growth potential: • Workshops – Curriculumaligned programs teachers and recreation organizers love • Special Events – Highvisibility opportunities with libraries, festivals, big community events, and corporate partners. • After School Programs – High demand from schools and parents • Birthday Parties – A recurring, family-driven market • Camps – Strong seasonal income during school breaks and summer WHAT FRANCHISE OWNERS LOVE ABOUT US: • Backed by the Mad Science® Group with 40+ years, 20+ countries, millions of children reached • A business with purpose, creativity, and community impact • Low-overhead and low initial investment • Wide-open territories available across North America • Comprehensive training, support, marketing tools, and franchise community

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Mission-driven programs that schools, parents, corporations, and community organizations trust

CREATE YOUR OWN FUTURE: With a franchise like Imagine Arts Academy™, kids and adults of every age love the way we seamlessly mix learning with laughter, building confidence and creativity. If you’re searching for an enrichment franchise that’s rewarding, scalable, and seriously fun, Imagine Arts Academy™ might just be your perfect fit. We’re looking for the next wave of passionate franchisees to join our growing community. Franchise buyers have the chance to join early, secure prime territories, and grow alongside a brand supported by one of the strongest franchisors in the children’s education sector – The Mad Science® Group. Ready to create your future business? Visit https://www. imagineartsacademy.com/ franchising Phone 1-833-204-6777 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Emily Manuel is an art lover and marketing specialist with Mad Science Group.

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NOW AWARDING FRANCHISES

OPEN A BUSINESS IN AN INDUSTRY WITH UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH! Cerna executives will personally train you how to be successful in the senior care industry. This easy to run business can generate over a million dollars annually. A Cerna Homecare franchise provides you with the foundation to build a successful business, be your own boss and help others.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ask The RESULTS Guy™: Could Stronger Connections Be the Missing Force Multiplier in Your Franchise System? by Tony Jeary, CEO, The Results Guy

ranchising is built on systems. Great brands create processes that can be taught, duplicated, measured, and improved across many locations. Yet there is another system operating underneath every successful franchise network: the relationship system. The relationships between franchisor and franchisee. Between field support and operators. Between franchisees themselves. Between leadership, vendors, customers, and communities. When those connections are strong, information travels faster, Best Practices spread sooner, trust increases, and execution improves. That is why the work of my friend Joe Polish is so relevant to franchise leaders. Joe has invested more than 30 years bringing entrepreneurs and People of Influence together. Through Genius Network, his emphasis includes connections, strategies, wisdom, and leadership. One of his signature ideas is W.I.I.F.T. — “What’s In It For Them?” That question could become one of the most useful

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questions in franchising. Q: WHY SHOULD FRANCHISE LEADERS TREAT CONNECTION AS A GROWTH STRATEGY? Because a franchise system already contains an extraordinary amount of intelligence. One franchisee may have discovered a better hiring approach. Another may have developed a powerful local marketing relationship. A field leader may recognize an operational Blind Spot affecting multiple locations. A top-performing operator may have refined a practice that could benefit the entire network. The opportunity is to connect that intelligence. This is where relationships become a Force Multiplier. Joe Polish has built Genius Network around the idea that bringing accomplished people together can create access to ideas, expertise, opportunities, and solutions that are much harder to generate independently. The same principle applies inside a franchise system. Imagine the leverage

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available when a network of 50, 500, or 5,000 operators becomes highly skilled at sharing what works. Franchise leadership should ask: Are we merely distributing information, or are we creating meaningful connection? There is a significant difference. Q: HOW CAN “WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM?” IMPROVE FRANCHISOR-FRANCHISEE ALIGNMENT? Start applying it before every important initiative. A franchisor launches a new program; leadership understands why it matters to the brand. The franchisee is naturally evaluating something else: What will this do for my customers, my people, my profitability, my time, and my local business? That is not resistance. That is perspective. Joe’s “What’s In It For Them?” philosophy reminds leaders to understand the other person’s world and create value from that viewpoint. When franchise leadership communicates through that

lens, adoption becomes easier because relevance becomes clearer. The same principle works in both directions. Franchisees who want stronger support can ask, “What information would help my field leader help me faster?” Operators requesting changes can frame ideas around benefits to the wider system. Franchise advisory councils can focus on creating value for both local owners and the brand. This is Clarity, Focus, and Execution applied to relationships. It also builds culture. A franchise network filled with people asking “What’s in it for me?” can become fragmented. A network filled with people regularly asking “What’s in it for them?” creates the conditions for collaboration, contribution, and shared growth. Q: HOW DO FRANCHISE SYSTEMS TURN CONNECTION INTO BETTER EXECUTION? Create mechanisms that make valuable relationships repeatable.

In a recent conversation with Joe Polish and Peter Thomas, we explored High Leverage Activities, delegation, valuesfirst goals, and ways to create greater momentum with less overwhelm. Franchising needs the same mindset. Identify your highestperforming franchisees and capture what they know. Connect emerging operators with experienced ones. Equip field support teams to facilitate introductions across the network. Create structured opportunities for franchisees to exchange ideas. Celebrate unique contributions that can benefit the entire system. Then make follow-through part of the culture. A great idea shared at a convention has limited value until somebody executes it Monday morning. Tools Work when you work the tools. The goal is not connection for connection’s sake. The goal is stronger local execution, greater brand consistency, faster duplication of winning practices, and more successful franchisees.

That is leverage. The best franchise systems understand that scale is not simply a matter of adding locations. Sustainable scale comes from multiplying what works. Relationships can help you do exactly that. Joe Polish has demonstrated the power of intentionally connecting entrepreneurs around useful ideas, meaningful contribution, and mutual value. Genius Network offers a compelling model for what becomes possible when accomplished people come together with purpose. For franchise leaders, the opportunity is clear. Build the systems. Protect the brand. Strengthen execution. And invest just as intentionally in the connections between the people responsible for bringing that brand to life. Ask more often: What’s in it for them? That one question may unlock your network’s Next Level. Let’s make it happen. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Jeary is a strategist, keynoter, coach to the world’s top CEOs and prolific author of over 100 titles. Tony lives in Flower Mound and works out of his think tank, The RESULTS Center, where he and his team encourage and inspire all those he touches, resulting in their enhanced sales and profitability and raising their companies’ values.

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