Clients
DANCING WITH THE STARS
We were retained to evaluate converting independently owned dance studios into franchises using the brand and operating systems of Dancing with the Stars. As part of our process, we interviewed internal management as well as independently owned and operated dance studio owners. A comprehensive report with our findings was submitted in person to senior management.
RED LOBSTER
To best evaluate and determine their most desirable expansion strategy, Red Lobster retained us to present various expansion options including company owned units, single unit franchise and Area Development. As part of our process, senior consultants from FCG met with both Red Lobster management and company owned store managers for their input and recommendations. A comprehensive report was developed with detailed financial forecasts illustrating returns over a ten-year period for both prospective franchisees and Red Lobster, as the prospective franchisor.
THE BOILING CRAB
Their food concept offers a menu of high quality seafood items along with a most unique entertainment factor for customers. They have high repeat customer counts with a high average check amount. They are very profitable and retained us to provide potential franchise expansion models. After several meetings with owners, store managers and a thorough review of their financial operating history, we presented our findings to the company with a detailed report accompanied by detailed financial forecasting. Based on our evaluation of the management, operational and financial elements, it was clear that The Boiling Crab was extremely well managed with great margins. As a results, ownership decided their growth strategy would best be achieved through expansion with company owned stores.
PRUDENTIAL REALTY
Prudential Realty is a network of former independently owned Real Estate brokers who converted to become franchisees of Prudential. Because of our consulting group’s familiarity and involvement with similar franchised real estate groups, after interviewing a diverse sampling of Prudential independent brokers, we were able to make recommendations to Prudential Management. They included dealing with requested and needed services to be available to franchisees, promotional activities and ways to maximize ongoing franchise support and relationships for mutual interest and benefit.
KAHALA BRANDS
We were retained to evaluate expansion opportunities and how best to integrate various food brands then owned by Kahala. We interviewed Kahala senior management, reviewed extensive financials and met with franchisees and store managers representing each of their brands. Since then, the company has added and divested themselves of various brands. Today, Kahala owns approximately 3,000 locations that represent brands such as Planet Smoothie, Cold Stone Creamery, Baja Fresh, Blimpie and others. They are unique in franchising as relates to their ownership and operation of many multiple brands.
SCHLOTZKY’S
This very successful sandwich chain based in Austin, Texas had strained relations with many of their key franchisees. We were retained by the Board of Directors to assess and evaluate the situation. We first met with Franchisor ownership and management. We identified the franchisee leaders and most productive franchisees and arranged face to face in person meetings with them. We found most of their complaints and positive suggestions to be reasonable and in the best interests of both the franchisor and all franchisees. We developed a comprehensive report for management and their Board of Directors. Based on changes then made by Ownership, the company has continued in a very successful direction.
AMERICAN LEAK DEECTION
This franchise company based in Palm Springs, California was started by an entrepreneur who understood franchising and built a successful network. He most importantly understood the importance of positive franchise relations. At some point, however, he was acquired by a small Private Equity group that had little knowledge and understanding about the essential need to maintain positive franchisee relations. Eventually, they hired an experienced CEO who in turn retained us to perform an evaluation of their franchise operations. We recommend the changes that were needed. As part of developing our comprehensive report, we interviewed key franchisor management and franchisee leaders.
JIFFY LUBE
Jiffy Lube was being sued by a franchisee and to assist them with their case, lawyers representing Jiffy Lube retained our President, Edward Kushell, to be an expert witness. Edward has been retained in over 100 franchise related litigation cases and understands these situations very well. A key task was to review legal documents in the case including financial and operating history of the franchisee involved. Multiple senior consultants worked together to review Jiffy Lube operations manuals, franchise agreements and advertising and promotional programs and materials. Additionally, interviews took place with appropriate Jiffy Lube management. Finally, expert testimony was rendered by Edward with back up and support from our consulting group.