Archive for the 'Awards and Recognitions' category

PostNet franchisees are among the most satisfied business owners in franchising, according to a recent survey conducted by Franchise Business Review, an independent market research firm based in Portsmouth, NH.

The survey asked franchisees questions related to training and support, system communication, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity, business lifestyle, and overall satisfaction with their business. Seventy-one percent (224) of PostNet’s franchisees participated in the Franchise Business Review satisfaction survey. The full results of PostNet’s survey are available at www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com.

“PostNet franchisees are more satisfied than many of the franchisee operators we survey each year,” said Franchise Business Review president and CEO Eric Stites. “They seemed particularly satisfied with the leadership provided by the corporate office.”

Founded in 1985 and franchising since 1993, PostNet is a small business services franchise with more than 800 locations worldwide. The startup investment for a PostNet franchise ranges from $174,000 to $196,000.

Franchise Business Review recently recognized PostNet exceptional survey results with a 2011 Franchisee Satisfaction Award—an annual award given to franchise companies with the highest satisfaction rankings.

Over the last five years, Franchise Business Review has surveyed more than 100,000 franchisees from more than 500 of today’s leading franchise brands. All active franchise owners who have been in business for three months or longer are invited to participate in this survey process.

“Our standard franchisee satisfaction survey includes 33 benchmark questions,” Stites said. “Franchise companies use our survey data to help better understand the experiences of their franchisees, and pin-point areas within their systems where improvements can be made to help increase satisfaction and engagement – which leads directly to overall increases in franchisee performance.”

About PostNet

Founded in 1993, Denver-based PostNet has more than 800 locations worldwide, including several hundred U.S. locations. Each locally owned and operated PostNet Neighborhood Business Center specializes in meeting the design, printing, copying and shipping needs of businesses and busy consumers, with a focus on exceptional, personal customer service. PostNet centers offer full-service digital printing; full- and self-service copying; document binding and finishing; and services like graphic design, computer rental stations, private mailbox rentals and more. They also offer expert packaging services and shipping with UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. To learn more, visit www.postnet.com.

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. The firm’s services include commissioned franchise research projects, as well as industry-wide studies of franchisee satisfaction. The firm administers the FBR50 – Franchisee Satisfaction Awards™—an annual rating of the top franchise companies based on the highest level of overall franchisee satisfaction by participating companies. Franchise Business Review is headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, and can be reached at (866)397-6680 or by visiting their company websites at www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com or www.FBR50.com.

Media Contact

Monica Rutkowski, Fishman Public Relations
(847) 945-1300
mrutkowski@fishmanpr.com

Molly Rowe, Franchise Business Review
(781) 254-3744
mrowe@franchisebusinessreview.com

PostNet has been selected by the World Franchising Network (WFN) as one of its Top 26 Franchises for Hispanics for 2010. The results were published in the July issue of PODER Magazine, the successor to Hispanic Enterprise.

The WFN developed the list based on a rigorous analysis of several factors, including historical performance, brand identification, franchisee satisfaction, training, on-going support and financial stability. Another important determinant is the percentage of existing franchises that are Hispanic-owned, as well as the number of Hispanics in the franchisor’s top levels of management.

“We are very excited and honored to be a part of this list and being named Top 26 franchises for Hispanics,” said PostNet CEO Steven J. Greenbaum. “This recognition is a true testament to our hard work and commitment to helping people find their perfect business opportunity.”

The Top Franchises for Hispanics list was initially compiled by the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI), a program launched by World Franchising Network (WFN) in 2000 to level the playing field and meet the needs of a largely under-represented market.

“Based on the results of this year’s survey, we are extremely pleased to notice both the increase in the number of Hispanic-owned franchisees, as well as the increased Hispanic representation among the top management. There is no question that the franchising community is increasingly aware of the economic power and underlying talents within the Latino community. Over time, Latinos will realize their full potential and the playing field will indeed be level. Hopefully, that day is not far off,” notes WFN Founder Rob Bond.

A copy of the PODER article can be found here. For more information on how PostNet and other franchise systems are working to increase their minority representation, please go to www.MinorityFranchising.com.

About PostNet

Founded in 1993, Denver-based PostNet has more than 800 locations worldwide, including several hundred in the United States. Each locally owned and operated PostNet Neighborhood Business Center specializes in meeting the design, printing, copying and shipping needs of businesses and busy consumers, with a focus on exceptional, personal customer service. PostNet centers offer full-service digital printing; full- and self-service copying; document binding and finishing; and services like graphic design, computer rental stations, private mailbox rentals and more. They also offer expert packaging services and shipping with UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. To learn more, visit www.postnet.com.

PostNet recently held its 17^th Annual Franchise Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, March 18-20. Over 230 PostNet business owners and 30 vendor representatives from across the country gathered together at the Thrive 2010 conference for educational seminars, networking and fun. As a highlight of the opening general session, 24 top franchisees were recognized for their success in 2009.

Awards were given out in categories such as Top Producer, Overachiever, Leadership, Certified PostNet Expert and Franchisee of the Year. In addition, a Thrive Award, recognizing the power of a positive attitude and living a disciplined business lifestyle, and a Pioneer Award for franchisees blazing new trails for the PostNet brand and organization, were also announced.

“Our continued growth and sales is a testament to our dedicated franchise owners and their tireless efforts to drive their businesses forward and support the PostNet brand,” said Steve Greenbaum, co-founder and CEO of PostNet. “We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals behind PostNet.”

The following received awards at PostNet’s 17^th Annual Franchise Conference:

Franchisee of the Year

David and Jim Petty, TX157, Austin, TX

Top Producer Award

• Mohammad Aslam, NV119, Las Vegas, NV
• Alex and Julia Kray, NY126, New York, NY
• Dennis and John Cogan, AR109, Bentonville, AR
• Robert and Susan Brookie, MT101, Helena, MT
• Kathy and Terry Stokes, CO105, Steamboat Springs, CO
• James Wu and Mike Grewal, CA110, Moorpark, CA

Overachiever Award

• Mohammad Aslam, NV119, Las Vegas, NV
• Ed McCartney, AZ147/AZ136, Phoenix, AZ
• Todd Friedman, NJ127, Clifton, NJ
• Jo Ann Craft, AZ130, Gilbert, AZ
• Jill and Thomas Emanuel, NV159, Henderson, NV
• Anu Chawla and Jay Halli, OK110, Oklahoma City, OK

Leadership Award

• Allen and Diane Elks, NC104, Lumberton, NC
• Lee Daniels, NJ124, Montvale, NJ
• Kyle Whelan, TX193, Roanoke, TX

Thrive Award

David and Jerry Kahn, IL106, Lake Forest, IL

Chairman’s Award

Mohammad Aslam, NV119, Las Vegas, NV

Pioneer Award

• Pier Del Frate and Polly McBride, CA259, Sunnyvale, CA
• Larry Cox, CO150, Federal Heights, CO

Certified PostNet Expert

• Dennis Allard, VA115, Virginia Beach, VA
• Jason Bushman, CO111, Lafayette, CO
• Michael Ferretti, NC124/NC133, Charlotte, NC
• Amy Bubon, CA201, Yorba Linda, CA

PostNet’s growth strategy includes expanding in new and existing markets throughout the country. PostNet is actively seeking new franchisees willing to own and operate single and multi-unit networks throughout small and large cities across the country over the next several years.

About PostNet

Founded in 1993, Denver-based PostNet has more than 850 locations worldwide, including several hundred in the United States. Each locally owned and operated PostNet Neighborhood Business Center specializes in meeting the design, printing, copying and shipping needs of businesses and busy consumers, with a focus on exceptional, personal customer service. PostNet centers offer full-service digital printing; full- and self-service copying; document binding and finishing; and services like graphic design, computer rental stations, private mailbox rentals and more. They also offer expert packaging services and shipping with UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. For more information, visit www.postnet.com. To learn about PostNet franchise opportunities, call (800) 338-7401 or visit www.postnetfranchise.com.

Originally published by the Dearborn Press & Guide. Article by Ben Baird, Press & Guide Newspapers

PostNet in Dearborn has received a series of honors since last month, including Dearborn Heights Chamber Member of the Year, a resolution from the Wayne County Commission, and a certificate of congressional recognition.

PostNet was named member of the year by the Dearborn Heights Chamber of Commerce at Mayor Dan Paletko’s state of the city address on Jan. 12.

Lynne Killion owns PostNet with her husband Don. They have been residents of Dearborn Heights for 36 years. The store specializes in printing, copying and shipping services.

PostNet is located at 23309 Ford Road in Dearborn on the Dearborn Heights border. It is a member of the Chamber of Commerce in both cities, and the Killions are active in the Dearborn Heights Rotary, as well as the Kiwanis Club of Dearborn Heights.

The business recently received a resolution from the Wayne County Commission honoring the store for its 12th anniversary. It was signed by commissioners Diane Webb and Gary Woronchak.

“Throughout its 12 years, PostNet has been an outstanding corporate citizen for Dearborn and Wayne County, supporting the youth and local charities in their community,” it reads.

The resolution mentions PostNet’s participation with Dearborn Heights’ Veteran Appreciation Week and Family Fun Day.

On Jan. 12, PostNet received a certificate of recognition from U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter for outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and business leadership.

PostNet was nominated for Chamber Member of the Year by Carole Morrone, owner of Japanese Shotokan Karate-Do Association, a fellow Chamber member.

Killion said Morrone is also a PostNet customer.

Morrone appreciated their services and thought the staff was friendly. The businesses’ involvement in the community was also a factor, she said.

“It was truly an honor to be named Chamber Member of the Year by one of our fellow business owners,” Killion said. “We were very pleased that she thought enough of our service to nominate PostNet.”

Marge Horvath, city councilwoman and acting Chamber president, presented the award. She encouraged Chamber members to be active in nominating each other and themselves for the award in future years.

The award was sponsored by A to Z Total Heating and Cooling.

PostNet services include document printing and finishing, full- and self-service copying, notary services, packaging, and worldwide shipping via FedEx, UPS, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. They also offer office supplies, and rent computer stations and private mailboxes.

Killion said PostNet is like a one-stop shop for the services that small businesses often need. It’s like a neighborhood business center, she said.

As a franchise, the business is a member of the PostNet international franchise marketing committee.

For more information on PostNet, visit the store’s Web site at www.postnet.com/mi107 or call (313) 791-8494. The store is located on Ford Road between Outer Drive and Telegraph Road.

Franchise Update Media Group, the leading industry resource for franchise development, announces the winners of its annual STAR (Speaking To And Responding) Awards, which included two new categories this year – SEO and Social Media. The awards recognize excellence in lead generation, recruitment, and industry-wide best practices in franchising.

The winners received their awards at the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference, which was held in Chicago at The Drake Hotel, Sept. 23-25, 2009. The franchises with the most successful practices in generating leads and identifying qualified prospects received awards in five categories: Website, Telephone, Telephone and Website, SEO, and Social Media.

“Generating leads and qualifying prospects are the growth drivers of the franchise industry, and recognizing successful strategies provides validation for the winners and an example for other companies looking to improve their practices,” said Therese Thilgen, president of FUMG. “The addition of the SEO and Social Media categories highlights the importance of utilizing all of the communications options that are available to franchises for their outreach initiatives and recruitment programs.”

The awards are determined on the results compiled by mystery shoppers, who contact franchises by telephone, through the company’s website and through social media channels. Each franchise is evaluated according to a list of standard criteria that document the length of time it takes to obtain franchise information and reach a franchise development representative.

Posing as ideal franchise candidates, mystery shoppers contacted over 100 brands via their websites and on the telephone. The winners for 2009 are:

STAR Awards – Website:

• 1^st Place – Great Clips, Inc.
• 2^nd Place – PostNet International Franchise Corporation
• 3^rd Place – Meineke

STAR Awards – Telephone Winners:

• 1^st Place – Floor Coverings International
• 2^nd Place – Panchero’s
• 3^rd Place – Bijoux Terner

STAR Awards – Telephone and Website Winners:

• 1^st Place – Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc.
• 2^nd Place – BrightStar Healthcare
• 3^rd Place – PostNet International Franchise Corporation

STAR Awards – SEO Winners:

• 1^st Place – Spring-Green
• 2^nd Place – BrightStar Healthcare

STAR Awards – Social Media Winners:

• 1^st Place – Panchero’s
• 2^nd Place – CKE Restaurants

“We want to congratulate this year’s winners for implementing and executing the processes, procedures and systems that help them achieve their growth objectives,” Thilgen said.

STAR winners’ photos can be viewed online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/franchiseconference.

PostNet International Franchise Corp. franchisee John Francis of St. Paul, Minn., was honored today by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its Franchisee of the Year Award.

Franchise owner-operators representing nearly 50 franchise systems were recognized today during the IFA’s Ninth Annual Franchise Appreciation Day for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.

As the association’s public affairs conference, Franchise Appreciation Day is a two-day event which began today and continues through Sept. 16. Attendees are meeting with members of Congress and Administration officials about issues important to franchising, including small-business health plans, immigration reform, business activity taxes and wages. The event and the award are supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.

“The IFA is proud to recognize the commendable efforts of John Francis with the Franchisee of the Year Award,” said IFA Chairman Steve Greenbaum. “The franchising community is fortunate for the outstanding contributions of these exemplary individuals who have helped bolster the growth of the industry.”

According to a recent study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country, which are indirectly responsible for providing 21 million jobs and generating $2.3 trillion in economic output. In Minnesota, 17,952 establishments directly provide 227,244 jobs and contribute $18.2 billion to the U.S. economy.

Steven J. Greenbaum, CEO of Denver’s PostNet International Franchise Corp., was named chairman of the International Franchise Association on Feb. 12 during the organization’s 48^th annual convention. IFA is the oldest and largest trade group that protects, enhances and promotes franchising across the globe. Its membership includes more than 1,300 franchise companies, more than 10,000 franchisees and 500 suppliers of products and services to the industry.

Headquartered in LoDo, PostNet franchises business solutions centers, which provide printing, copying and shipping services for residential and small-business customers. Greenbaum has served as president, CEO and director since he co-founded the company in 1992 with friend and business partner Brian Spindel.

Since then, PostNet has grown to more than 925 franchises in the United States and various countries, including more than 230 locations in southern Africa. This year, the company plans to launch its brand in Australia, Guatemala and Panama.

Greenbaum also serves on the board of the HealthStore Foundation, a non-profit organization that has developed 65 franchised Child and Family Wellness Shops in rural Kenya and will soon be expanding into Rwanda.