Thursday, July 7, 2011

Conspire! Expands into Texas with First Location to open in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas – Conspire!, a national provider of affordable, convenient and reliable drug and alcohol testing services, announced today it has inked its first franchise agreement to open a new location in Fort Worth with local entrepreneur Dave Thomas. The new Conspire! location will open within the next 90 days and is the first of 80 locations to open in Texas.

“Having worked in various commercial jobs for nearly 15 years, I am very familiar with the testing process and have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it can have on an employees’ safety as well as a company’s bottom line,” said Thomas. “It has always been a passion of mine to become an owner of a small business that helps others. Conspire! affords me the opportunity to take control of my financial future while educating and supporting the local community with effective drug and alcohol testing services.”

During the past 12 months, the Metroplex region topped the nation’s job growth with more than 134,000 added,* demonstrating a powerful need for drug and alcohol testing services and compliance polices. A survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated that drug-using employees are 2.2 times more likely to request early dismissal or time off, 2.5 times more likely to have absences of eight days or more, three times more likely to be late for work, 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
“We go beyond the average drug test,” added Thomas. “We are truly committed to making a difference by using testing to deter substance abuse, identify opportunities for intervention and encourage overall health and safety for all.”

Conspire! combines cutting-edge screening technology with the latest in compliance, education and enforcement in the drug screening industry that offers a total testing solution for its clients across the nation. Services include pre-employment testing, background checks, random drug screening, drug and alcohol awareness training, compliance manuals and support, as well as onsite drug testing available 24/7, certified collectors, DHHS/SAMHSA Laboratory Service, certified MRO services and much more.

The Fort Worth development announcement stems from a larger national growth plan that calls for more than 200 locations to open throughout the United States during the next 24-36 months. Areas of growth include Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and other prime markets across the nation.

For more information on Conspire!, visit www.conspire2hire.com.

About Conspire!
Lynette Crow founded Conspire! in 2003 to meet the testing needs of local businesses, which eventually inspired her to expand the business in a way that would impact an entire society. Crow has established herself as an expert in the industry and is routinely called upon as a resource for her community. Recognized as an expert in matters related to business ethics and corporate compliance, Crow maintains certification in OSHA, HIPPA and is a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and is a board member for the Third Party Administration Consortium. Currently, Conspire! operates two locations in Colorado with two planned for Fort Worth, Texas and New Orleans, LA. Company plans call for more than 200 locations to open during the next two to three years across the nation. For more information, please visit www.conspire2hire.com.

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* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Guiding You through the Maze of Online Advertising

As the Online Franchise Advertising Industry has continued to evolve, it's become clear there's a need for an advertising company that truly knows the "in's" and "out's" of each advertising portal and how to craft an effective and efficient advertising campaign using the sales goals of each concept, not one-size-fits-all.

Franchise In-Sites is here to help you get through the maze of providers and packages with plans customized for each client that are based upon their specific needs.

Our Strength is in our Experience and our Relationships; Our team is comprised of people who have been involved in the franchise industry in a variety of capacities including franchise advertising portal operation, franchise lead purchasing, and franchise sales. We have great relationships with our clients because we understand them and how to bring their goals to fruition. We have great relationships with the portals because we have done their job and understand what they need to do to get things done for you.

We Can:

- Create a Customized Advertising Campaign Based on Your Sales Goals

- Place You on the Right Sites in the Right Packages

- Garner Discounts on Your Exposure

- Gather Your Agreements

- Handle Content Creation

- Coordinate the Campaign Launch including Lead Testing

- Manage the Campaign in Real-tme

- Provide Monthly Analytics on Lead Source Performance

- Conduct Monthly Conference Calls to Discuss Results

- Make Quarterly Adjustments to the Campaign as Needed

- Provide Quality Resources for just about Anything you need in the Industry


Whether you choose to engage our placement services only or you decide to utilize our full campaign management services, your money is best spent when it is used to its fullest potential by people who know how to achieve the results.

Contact us today to make your advertising efforts as efficient and effective as possible. inquiries@franchiseinsites.com 800-467-8980

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Inside the Maid Brigade Franchise Opportunity



Maid Brigade has decades of experience in franchising and continue to successfully grow their franchise concept. This video lays out the nuts and bolts behind that success. Check it out for yourself. http://youtu.be/8VGYToK6jYs

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Franchise In-Sites Adds another All-Star

Franchise In-Sites recently added another all-star to their group of professionals. In late February, they brought Matt Walker onboard as the Director of Sales. "Matt is one of the few people left in this industry who was on the portal side from a site's inception through to the current environment," says David Gollahon, Founder & CEO. "He brings an understanding of the evolution of both franchise portal mechanics and customer support in this industry and we are lucky to have him onboard."

Walker was formerly employed with Landmark Communications, having been the Senior Account Representative for FranchiseAdvantage.com and BusinessBroker.net during the creation of the site, through Landmark’s acquisition and for four years following that transition. He joins Gollahon and Beth Schmitz-Biegler, Director of Client & Media Relations, whose previous experience includes roles as Director of Marketing at both FranNet and Kitchen Tune-Up.

Walker can be reached at matt@franchiseinsites.com or (800) 467-8980.

About Franchise In-Sites – The company provides online advertising placement, campaign management and sales analytics for a wide-range of smart franchise clients including The Entrepreneur's Source, Always Best Care Senior Services, Maid Brigade, IKOR USA, Grout Doctor, and others. More information can be found at www.franchiseinsites.com.

Monday, February 7, 2011

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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

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.

Monday, August 30, 2010

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.”