From Candles to Hydraulic Hose, the Franchise Community Responds Nationwide

by Pamela Gold

In the wake of the United State's tragedy on September 11, the franchise industry has quickly come to the aid of those involved, with acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. This article is a tribute to the people that make the franchise community so warm and wonderful, and is a reminder of why we have all chosen to be a part of such a caring industry.

"I know all of us feel that it's time to come together and do what we can to help," stated Janet Nelson of The Maids International.

 The franchise industry did come together and help those in need as soon as word spread that our nation was experiencing one of the worst tragedies of our history.

When the country was in mourning, franchisees helped out. "In times of tragedy, candles have traditionally symbolized hope and remembrance for the victims and their loved ones. In keeping with this sentiment, a number of our stores have written us to say that they have given free products to people involved in candlelight vigils across the country," stated Tricia Wise, Marketing Manager for Candleman.

Franchisees and franchisors alike came up with some truly creative ways of helping out by donating their products and services. For example, McAlister's Deli company-owned and franchised restaurants are donating cookies and other food items to the Red Cross and local blood banks to give to those that have donated blood.

Daniel Friedman and Tommy Hughes own a Smoothie King franchise in the Pentagon. Luckily, their business was in a different wing of the building than the section of the building that got hit. Army Captain Holy Pierce's office is located in the "E Ring" of the Pentagon, an area that collapsed after the crash. Capt. Pierce had left her desk to purchase a raspberry smoothie from Smoothie King when the crash occurred. She escaped certain death because she decided to get a smoothie at the right time. "Hearing that story after the fact is completely humbling," Friedman said. "We had a part in saving this woman's life. That's pretty strong for us."

After the bombings occurred, franchisees remained loyal to their franchises and to their customers and the services they perform. Jeff Clark, owner of a Stretch-n-Grow franchise in the Washington, D.C. area was at the Pentagon Child Care Center teaching a fitness class when the crash occurred. His instructors contacted him throughout the evening to find out if they were working the next day. His reaction, "The one thing we do well is help kids feel good and be happy, and we're just going to keep on doing that- conduct your classes as usual!"

Jon Molkentine, of the Arlington, Texas, Dunhill Staffing Systems took inspiration right out of the training he received from his franchisor. "Where do we start, such a momentous task? We go to square one, right out of the Dunhill training program, make calls, and begin to see how our office can help in our country's time of dire need. This is the never die spirit we have always had in the Dunhill family and in America. Thanks again for the inspiration and the kick," stated Molkentine.

Many FASTSIGNS franchisees found creative ways to use their products to help the relief effort and help people express the national pride they felt in the United States. "We are making "God Bless America" bumper stickers, hundreds of them, and are selling them to all of our customers and people within the community. All proceeds are going directly to the relief efforts," stated Wes Snyder, owner of FASTSIGNS of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Carl Dickie, owner of FASTSIGNS of Charlotte, North Carolina had thoughts of selflessness and kindness when he stated, "In light of last weeks events, I have a suggestion. When President Bush decided to issue tax rebates, the needs of the country were very different. If we have not yet cashed or not yet received the checks, we can simply tear them up. If we have already cashed them, we can send an equivalent amount to President Bush at the White House. By putting banners in front of our companies or using our networking groups to promote the idea, we may be able to make a small contribution to our country."

Some companies have started at the corporate level by acting as leaders for their franchisees to follow: Smoothie King helped to raise $2 million in New Orleans for disaster relief, with the help of the American Red Cross, WDSU News Channel 6, Clear Channel Radio, the New Orleans Saints football players, and the entire New Orleans, Louisiana community. The franchise also started the 'I Love America" program which is designed to create cooperative community and patriotic togetherness in demonstrating our love for America and the peaceful citizens of the world. Finally, the company and all of its franchisees will be donating an additional 1% from system wide sales towards the relief effort.

Turn Dirt Into Dollars, President and CEO, Jack Lieberman, a retired Naval Officer, and Vice President of the Philadelphia Council of the U.S. Navy League held a charity dinner/fund raiser at the Freedoms Foundation, located in Valley Forge, PA. He arranged for Rear Admiral Seigenthalar, USN (Ret), to be the guest speaker at the event. All proceeds of the dinner/fund raiser were donated to the victims and their families affected by the recent terrorists attack in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania.

Other members of the franchise community are also actively involved with helping out. Moran Industries, Inc., which is a franchise management company that manages Mr. Transmission, Multistate Transmission, Dr. Nick's Transmission, Milex Tune Up and Brake, Alta Mere Window Tinting and Alarm, and Mr. Motor, has a foundation called the Gary Goodgear Foundation that gives assistance to those in need. The foundation, founded by Dennis and Cele Moran is currently collecting funds to help the victims and their families in New York City and Washington, DC. Moran Industries, Inc. will match, dollar for dollar, all contributions made to the foundation.

Remember, the stories, thoughts, and ideas are simply shining examples of the generosity and kindness that the franchise industry has shown during our country's time of tragedy. There are many more stories to be told and the need for donations, services, and products is not over. The relief efforts will continue to take place for months, maybe even years, to come. The franchise industry has responded in a generous manner and will continue to help out for as long as the need exists. The response should make us all proud to be a part of the franchise industry in the United States of America.

Pamela Gold is the Marketing Coordinator at Franchise Solutions Corp., based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her primary responsibilities include the creation of original content on FS's web site, bi-weekly newsletter, and client ad pages.