Down Economy Leaves The Grout Doctor® Positioned for Success

Disclosure: Grout Doctor is one of my clients through Franchise In-Sites

Grout Doctor Ranked in Franchise Business Review’s Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2011

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – (February 3, 2011) – The Grout Doctor®, the most experienced, respected and recognized brand in the tile and grout maintenance business, was recently named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2011. In the down economy hundreds of franchises went out of business, weeding out the unproven business models, leaving only the strongest franchises positioned for growth as the economy recovers. The Grout Doctor® continues to stand strong, positioned for success.

The Grout Doctor® renews existing grout, tile and natural stone to its original beauty. Founded in 1992, The Grout Doctor® is the longest established national franchise in the industry with an unmatched support system. Not only are they setting the standards for the industry, but The Grout Doctor® founder created it. An experienced, well established franchisor saves its franchisees time and money. Without the overhead of real estate, pricey retail locations, or large product inventories, The Grout Doctor® provides a strong, low cost franchise opportunity for 2011.

The Grout Doctor® is built upon real consumer demand: anywhere there is tile, there’s a need for dedicated grout care. Grout Doctor’s niche of exclusively providing grout, tile and stone care by highly qualified specialists is expected to stay in high demand, according to the Floor Covering Weekly, 2010 Statistical Report. Additionally, the report shows that, residential replacement and repair of ceramic tile made up 30.2% of ceramic tile’s end use of the 2.28 billion dollar market. It is expected to lead the tile industry’s growth in 2011, proving The Grout Doctor business opportunity to be a solid opportunity for 2011.

“If you are anything like me at the stage of life I was at when I found The Grout Doctor®, know that it is a perfect opportunity with a huge customer base, low overhead, flexible hours, home-based, employees are optional and it meets all your needs,” said Wayne Gregson, Franchisee.
According to Franchise Business Review’s 2011 Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities, the turn in the economy has left a stronger, more stable franchise space. They answer the big question, is now a good time to start a business? Their answer is a resounding “Yes!” They based their answer on the 2011 Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunity list and what their report shows in the franchise space.

The Grout Doctor® is expanding nationwide and currently has excellent territories available. For more information on obtaining a Top Low Cost Franchise, visit the web site at www.groutdoctor.com or call toll free 1-877-GROUT-00.

Franchise In-Sites Guides New Care Concept through Online Lead and Sales Maze

Online lead generation is considered a necessary evil by some in the franchising community. However, by working with experts, a company can alter their overall experience and final sales results, even as a new franchise concept. No other company exists that offers the industry experience of Franchise In-Sites, founded by former portal insider David Gollahon in 2008. In addition to that inside perspective and knowledge, key company personnel have diverse franchise backgrounds that include third-party broker networks and franchise concepts as well. That mix is what makes Franchise In-Sites such a powerful tool in franchisee acquisition.

The company fills a unique role by carefully assessing the needs of each concept; including their individual growth goals and concerns, then utilizing lead projections from the online portals themselves to develop the best advertising map for each client. By working with Franchise In-Sites, IKOR USA is achieving their growth goals and even increasing them, based on their initial success.

According to Cynthia Gartman, CFE and president of IKOR, the decision to work with Franchise In-Sites has been crucial to their early success. “Franchise In-Sites’ process for portal selection and management are second to none. They make the lead generation seamless and we couldn’t be more pleased with our lead flow. We are a fairly new system and with the Franchise In-Sites team, we are well on our way to reaching 10 franchises sold in the first 6 months of franchising.”

Franchise In-Sites is proving that even start-up or early-stage franchise systems, given the right mix of ingredients in their development philosophy and processes, can succeed in the online world of lead generation. In IKOR’s case, Franchise In-Sites is providing them with their full-range of services; supplying a dedicated salesperson, who works directly with the franchise, in addition to placing the online ads and analyzing the results. This allows IKOR to operate as if they have an inside sales force, without the added expenses normally associated with that development structure.

About Franchise In-Sites – Offering three distinct options for all stages of smart franchise system growth, Franchise In-Sites places online lead generation advertising, provides analytic services and full sales outsourcing solutions for select franchise systems. Their client, IKOR, is a medical advocacy and guardianship firm serving the needs of seniors and the disabled, reachable at www.ikorusa.com/. More information can be found at www.franchiseinsites.com.

Steam, Oil, Dust and History in the Blood

I grew up in Rollag, MN, actually a mile outside of it, and if you blinked more than once driving through (on the one road) you would miss the town entirely. Once a year it balloons to a population in the tens of thousands, thanks to the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, held annually over Labor Day Weekend. It was the highlight of the first eighteen years of my life growing up there and as the weekend fast approaches, I think I can nearly hear the faint calls of steam whistles and the distinct smell of oil caught in steam droplets, both wafting through the air like the history that runs so deep in the agricultural Midwest. Magical times at Rollag that I hope to share with my four kids one day. We just might need to take a day trip to "The Hill".

Threshers reunite at Rollag DL-Online Detroit Lakes, Minnesota


By Vicki Gerdes -

The first official Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion opened its doors to the public in 1954.

But it’s actually been 70 years since the tradition started. According to the archives of the WMSTR, it all began in 1940, “with a little idea sparked from the soul of some local threshermen over supper. The Nelson boys fired up the old Garr-Scott engine to thresh with steam again for old times’ sake with family and friends.”

The reunion has become a Labor Day weekend tradition in the tiny town of Rollag. And as the name implies, the event is an opportunity for old friends and family to reunite and reminisce.

“You develop long lasting relationships,” said Kathy Hamre, who has been coming to the WMSTR with her husband for about 20 years. “It really is like a reunion. You get together and you work together and you put on a great show.”

“We’ve got friends up here that we don’t get to see all the time — it’s as great time to visit,” said Twin Cities resident Tim Dachtera, who has been coming to the reunion for about 15 years. “My grandparents got me involved in the show, and I’ve been coming every year since then.”

Dachtera, who spends most of his days working with computers and technology, said the WMSTR is “a nice change of pace.”

Though he is not on the WMSTR board, Dachtera does run the organization’s website (www.rollag.com). He also takes photographs of each year’s event and shoots video footage for the annual commemorative DVD, “Memories On the Hill.”

There are plenty of sights and sounds to record, Dachtera noted.

“You can’t see the entire show grounds in a single day,” he said.

In fact, said WMSTR President Ellis Aakre, you might not even be able to see everything if you stay for the entire weekend. (This year’s show runs Sept. 3-6.)

“We have about 200 acres of show grounds,” Aakre said. “You can come out for a single day, but most people say they can’t see it all if they come for all four days.”

Hamre, who des publicity and marketing for the WMSTR, said there are steam and gas-powered engines of all types, from antique cars and tractors to steam shovels and even a full-size steam train, which will take visitors on a trip around the grounds.

“We have a little farmstead where everything is done by horses,” Hamre added. “They do demonstrations throughout the show.”

There’s even a steam-powered foundry, Dachtera added, where they do a variety of metal work.

“And there’s lots of stuff for kids,” said Hamre, from a miniature steam-powered barrel train to a merry go round (also steam powered).

There’s even a closed-circuit tractor course where kids can try driving a tractor — with adult supervision. In the wooded area, there is a blacksmith’s shop, a log cabin museum and “miniature land,” Aakre added.

Pioneer ladies’ activities include live demonstrations of soap making, sewing and weaving, to name just a few.

“And of course, there’s lots of good food,” said Dachtera.

Area churches serve up threshermen’s style meals throughout the day, and there are a variety of food booths set up on the grounds as well.

Live music is always going on throughout the day — and well into the evening.

“If people want to hang out after the show is over they can find music in various areas,” Hamre said.

Nelson Hall has music going on throughout the day, and the Thresherman’s Memorial Building also has music at various times. But you can also find musicians interspersed throughout the grounds.

“There will be a lot of musicians out there — very talented people,” Hamre added.

This year’s featured event is the Allis Chalmers Expo, which will include Allis Chalmers tractors, construction equipment and more.

Parades are held twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and there is a vintage style show each day at 3 p.m. There’s also square dancing, prony brake demonstrations, church services on Saturday and Sunday, and even a Steam Queen coronation.

And the grounds themselves are “really looking great,” said Aakre. “Our volunteers have been working all summer getting the show grounds ready. We’re ready to entertain.”

A day pass to the show grounds is $12; a season pass (all four days) is $20; and a camping season pass (the campgrounds open Thursday) is $35. Children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge — but there are no dogs allowed on the grounds except for medical reasons.

“All the rides are free,” said Aakre. “Once you get inside the show grounds the only thing you have to pay for is the food — and any souvenirs you want to buy.”

KidzArt Offers Free Franchises in National Giveaway

KidzArt is my client through Franchise In-Sites. They're a very cool franchise concept and this franchise giveaway offer is the first I've seen of it's kind. Good luck!

New Braunfels, TX, August 1, 2010 -- KidzArt, an international children's art education franchise company, announced that in November 2010, five lucky people will win a complete KidzArt/Art Innovators franchise for free. Business-savvy individuals who want to own a business with complete training and support have a chance to win and become a part of this world-wide creative franchise .

There are three ways to enter and three ways to win:
• Submit an online application at www.franchise-giveaway.com
• Stop by the KidzArt/Art Innovators booth #720 at the West Coast Franchise Expo located at the West Los Angeles Conference Center from November 5th to November 7th or complete an application at https://secure.events-registration.com/wcfe2010/?source=GPART
• Submit a 90 second video commercial highlighting the KidzArt/Art Innovators program to YouTube.com along with a written application at www.franchise-giveaway.com.

“Being your own boss and playing an important role in your local community is a dream for many people. The KidzArt organization offers you professional guidance and customized business tools to help you succeed!" says Sue Bartman, CEO of KidzArt. "We look forward to reviewing hundreds of applications and video submissions for this exciting free giveaway"

For qualification details, please visit http://www.franchise-giveaway.com/qualifications.php. Of the five winners, KidzArt will announce two southern California winners on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 5 pm at Dick Blick in West Los Angeles and three at the West Coast Franchise Expo on Sunday, November 7th at 1 pm (two online applicants and one video applicant). Winners need not be present to win.

About KidzArt
Founded in 1998, KidzArt is an international art enrichment franchise company that helps students of all ages explore their inner artistic potential. Through afterschool classes, camps, workshops and birthday parties, KidzArt offers a diverse, multi-cultural, multi-media drawing and fine arts curriculum designed to inspire students throughout the world. KidzArt's "no mistakes" philosophy encourages children to try new things, explore their creativity and overcome their inhibitions or obstacles in order to grow and learn. Franchising since July 2002, KidzArt has franchised units throughout the US, China, the Middle East, Singapore, Indonesia, India and South Korea. To find out more about KidzArt visit www.kidzart.com or call 888-813-2287.

Happy 2nd Birthday, HARO!!!

Get Sourced, Get Quoted, Get Famous! http://www.helpareporter.com/

I Needed Your Help and You Weren't There

Ever have one of those days, weeks or years? You actually needed something and then no one was there to help? If you're like me, you have plenty of people in your life who love you, maybe even admire and respect you, but you don't really like needing them. It's not comfortable, awkward at best, when they offer their help to you. It doesn't feel like help, it feels like pity. It seems weak to accept; there's pride and dignity and independence to think about. So, you soldier on, laughing off the offers, maybe a little tempted at times to accept but then even more resolute in your mission to go it alone.

OK, so maybe this isn't about you, maybe it's really about me. Did you catch on to that already?

I'm a builder. I've built emotional islands for myself in multiple states, through at least three decades and a dozen life stages. There were friends at work who got a little too close and people from college classes that seemed a bit too interested in my personal life. The ladies at church who asked probing questions and the extended family who seemed to want to know things that I didn't want to share. There's even been repeat business in this phenomenon for me; the people I grew up with and went to school with but still viewed suspiciously until I moved apart from them (both figuratively and literally). I'd put them away, shelved until twenty years later when they ended up back in my life. I think these were the first of the building blocks to fall for me. Specifically, there were several who despite my best efforts to keep distant pecked away at my defenses until tiny cracks started to split wider and finally some light peeked through. Also significantly, there was the child, my child, who in his own pre-adolescent struggles to self-define and understand the confusing array of personalities around him, made me look anew at myself.

Naturally, a part of this becomes not only "Who am I?" but "Who was I?" and even more simply "Why?". Does it matter? Maybe. Maybe it matters because the things we do, the ways in which we act and the people we are don't have to be the same forever. Just like the people I shut out over the years and didn't allow to help me, some of me is gone now, too. Some of it, though, just needed that sliver of light to get through. Parts of myself long hidden, people who cared long pushed aside, now visible and growing next to new sprouts of myself.

That's where I am today. I had a brief moment of need, one of the many that we face in our everyday lives, and my first self-pitying, bottom-lip-stuck-out thought was there was no one there to help me. But that's not true and I don't think it ever will be. Pride, stubborness, resilience, fortitude, tenacity... however you term it, can get you far (and for me, it has). Eventually, though, you have to admit that vulnerabilities keep coming back and having these vulnerabilities isn't a weakness. Being vulnerable, the flaws themselves, are the very things that make others love us. You just have to let them. I just have to let them.

One of Every 110 US Kids Diagnosed with Autism but Don't Blame Vaccines

Having a pre-adolescent son with a (debatable) form of autism, this news made a big impact on me; Vaccines do not cause autism. Now, I really never believed they did, but the "easy out" was tempting to take. It's typical that kids either develop or start to exhibit symptoms of autism right around the same time they're receiving standard childhood vaccinations, notably the MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccine. At one time, thimerisol, which contains mercury, was a standard substance used to help stabilize vaccines and we all know that's bad for us, right? There could be a reaction to one or more of the viruses in the vaccine. Lots of things associated with the vaccine could cause autism, we don't really know, right? Wrong. We do know.

The one major study that linked the MMR vaccine with a higher incidence of autism was published in The Lancet, a major British medical journal in February of 1998, little more than a year before my son was born. This was well-known news as he was going through the initial testing and educational interventions (that are still part of his life to some degree) that occurred once it had became obvious his development was drastically delayed. Unfortunately, the study never should have been published and today was finally retracted by the journal. It was flawed ethically and dozens of other studies have not been able to duplicate it's results. The main author is now having his medical license reviewed as well and may have it revoked.

I can't say that I'm actually happy these steps have been taken. It feels much better to think you have an answer to a problem than to not have one. Vaccines were an answer for many parents of children on the autism spectrum and now that is gone from us. We're left with not knowing why our kids struggle as they do and without that 'why' it's even more difficult to come up with the 'hows' or the 'whens' like "How can my son compensate for his disabilities?" or "When will he have friends?". I do wish, however, that this pat answer hadn't been given in the first place. It provided an easy place to set our fears, our hopes, our anger, but it gave it to us falsely.

Here we are, nearly twelve years later with no answers, only statistics. My son is one of every 110 kids to be diagnosed with a form of autism in the US and I don't know why, but it wasn't caused by a vaccine.

More can be found about autism in the US at Autism Speaks http://www.autismspeaks.org/.