Most Clicked IFA SmartBrief Stories
1. How Anytime Fitness achieved remarkable brand loyalty
IFA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
By focusing on people, profit, play and purpose, Anytime Fitness has built brand loyalty and achieved what its CEO calls return on emotional investment. "[A]s our competitors race to be the biggest or the cheapest (or have the best juice bar), we strive to be the most human," writes Chuck Runyon. Fast Company online (05/21)
2. From flipping the burgers to running the franchise
IFA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Phil Gray started his career as a McDonald's crew member and worked his way up before buying in as a franchisee. His story isn't that unusual in a company that boasts relatively low turnover for its industry and a management training program designed to help workers move up the ladder, he says. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (05/21)
3. What to consider before getting into franchising
IFA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
IFA's Matt Haller says the franchise industry is recovering after weathering the storm of the recession. Those who are interested in franchising should consider several factors before getting involved, this article notes. American City Business Journals (subscription required) (05/25)
4. How a fighter pilot became a franchisee
IFA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Mark Kelly, who was a fighter pilot for 25 years, opened a TeamLogic IT location after leaving the armed forces. The company is among those taking part in the Operation Enduring Opportunity campaign to help veterans get involved in franchising. IFA now counts more than 460 businesses as members of its VetFran group. Entrepreneur online (05/28)
5. Atlanta-area chains poised for growth
IFA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Several of Atlanta's regional quickservice and fast-casual chains are jumping into faster-growth mode after several years of cautious expansion, including Steven Chan's Tin Drum, which expects to start selling its first franchises. As the chains aim to become the next national success story, some experts offer cautionary tales about the dangers of growing too fast. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (05/27)
6. Culver's CEO shares secrets to leadership success
IFA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
One of CEO Craig Culver's earliest and most important lessons in leadership involved learning to let others make decisions -- and learn from their mistakes -- as his family restaurant business, Culver's Frozen Custard and ButterBurgers, grew to three locations. The close-knit team he has cultivated means Culver doesn't lie awake nights worrying about the business, even as the chain prepares to open its 500th store. BurgerBusiness.com (05/21)
7. How veteran-owned franchises are boosting the economy
IFA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Franchises owned by military veterans provide jobs for 1.5 million people and generate more than $40 million in annual revenue, according to IFA. The 2012 Military Friendly Franchises list, which was compiled by G.I. Jobs, showcases the franchisors that are most active in helping veterans get into franchising. "We commend those companies recognized by the Military Friendly Franchise list who are setting the right example for our entire nation," said IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira. Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.), The (05/24)
8. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's parent company plans $100M stock offering
IFA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Carl's Jr. and Hardee's parent company CKE Restaurants is planning a public stock offering to bring in $100 million. While CKE would not comment on the filing, the move could be designed to raise capital for growth. CKE has announced plans to add stores in Texas and Florida. Pacific Coast Business Times (Santa Barbara, Calif.) (05/25)
9. 5 & Diner looks to grow
IFA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Restaurant franchise 5 & Diner is seeking to expand by tapping into nostalgia for the era when diners were a key part of the American experience. "We're trying to make America a happier place and that's what 5 & Diner is about," said Bob Watson, the company's CEO. The company currently has 12 locations. TheStreet.com (05/24)
10. 5 ways to deal with difficult customers
IFA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Like a parent dealing with an unruly child, companies need to set clear expectations when interacting with pushy customers, Tom Searcy writes. "You can be service-oriented while at the same time being very specific about what you can and cannot do," he writes. It's important to ask for concessions from customers if they want you to change the terms of an agreement, he writes. Inc. online (05/25)
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