A Conversation With: Kyle Bailey, CEO and Founder of NuVinAir

The coronavirus continues to have dire effects on businesses across the country, and the franchise industry is no exception. Franchisors across segments are strategizing new ways to support their franchisees, keep customers satisfied, help local communities and come out stronger on the other side of this crisis.

To that end, 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills and Charles Internicola, founder and partner of the Internicola Law* Firm, are covering the coronavirus and its impact on businesses through our A Conversation With webinar series.

In today’s afternoon webinar, Powills and Internicola spoke with NuVinAir CEO and founder, Kyle Bailey, about how the brand is navigating the pandemic. 

Here are some of the key insights from their discussion.

A Strong Foundation

Some brands are uniquely well positioned to meet changing consumer demands. For example, through the new sanitation concerns raised by COVID-19, NuVinAir, which offers proprietary vehicle-cleanliness solutions and hygienic consulting for automotive businesses, is growing as more consumers become concerned about vehicle cleanliness. 

The emerging brands that have worked hard to educate consumers on their offerings will be better positioned to pick up market share as customers look for new services. NuVinAir has spent years developing technologies and patented cleaning processes that are more relevant than ever for healthcare workers and law enforcement, whose cars, SUVs, and trucks are vulnerable to the coronavirus. It is not about luck — the brands that have put in the time to create a proven infrastructure are positioned for success. 

There are critical moments in history that business owners will look back on as learning opportunities. COVID-19 has taught many businesses the importance of a strong foundation. We can either learn through these storms or go backwards.

A brand’s foundation also allows it to make smart business decisions because the team isn’t overwhelmed trying to build an infrastructure in a time of crisis.

A Strong Network

Franchisors that have taken the time to educate franchisees on financing options and enhanced communication efforts are the ones that will not only survive, but thrive. It is important to bridge the gap between departments in order to create the contingency plan needed to emerge stronger than ever. 

Even though we are deep into this crisis, brands still need to focus on pivoting in real time. A strong franchise network and communication platform is needed to make these changes efficiently. No matter how successful or unsuccessful a franchise brand is at the moment, teams need to be ready to continue adapting.

While the core brand vision doesn’t necessarily need to change, different factors may become a priority. Many of the previous challenges that appeared massive will likely be easier to conquer as business owners pull the curtain back on what really matters.

A Strong Validation Process

Franchisors always need to be thinking of how they are going to give back to franchisees and team members. For example, this week, NuVinAir launched its “NuVinCares” Project, which supplies free product, marketing materials, and customer service to the company's franchisees, who, in turn, can assist frontline workers who are combating COVID-19. These kinds of initiatives and relationships create better validation moving forward. 

In a post-COVID world, it is going to be impossible for brands to fake it. There is no point in hiding the challenges — growing a long-term franchise brand is about being transparent and working through the hard times. 

For emerging franchise brands, it is important that the passion that was started pre-COVID makes it through to the other side of the crisis.