New Year’s Resolutions from the Franchise Industry

By BRIAN JAEGER As 2012 winds down, many people are beginning to look ahead and make their New Year’s resolutions for 2013.  The franchise industry is no different.  The 2012 Franchise Business Economic Outlook predicted a 1.9% growth in establishments with a 2.1% growth in employment, and while it remains to be seen if that forecast will hold up, many members of the franchise community have continued growth in mind for their 2013 New Year’s Resolutions. 1851 Magazine checked in with various members of the franchise industry to see what their number one New Year’s resolution is for 2013. “We’re celebrating our 40^th year and obviously, celebrating 40 years provides an opportunity for us to toot our horn, but also to give back to the community.  Every month we will be giving back to the community in various ways.  We’re on kind of a roll, which we’re excited about.  The momentum is high and we’d like to continue that.” -          Tony Bendana, Chief Operating Officer for Erik’s Deli Café “One resolution is to obviously expand our brand throughout the Midwest and East Coast.  Mainly, as a core, what we’re looking to do as a franchise company at each location is take a step back, look at our five core values, and make sure that our customers that we teach, the parents and the kids, receive our five core values every time they walk into our facilities.” -          Chris McCuiston, Co-Founder and CEO for Goldfish Swim School “Our goal is to continue to be a resource for all people in our community and help them meet their health and fitness goals in the new year.” -          Robyn Goby, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Fleet Feet “With our company's secured partnership, 2013 will be a time of rapid growth for Dogtopia.  My professional resolution is that as we grow we reaffirm our company values with each decision, and not only maintain but strengthen the core essence of Dogtopia culture.” -          Jakob Hunt, Vice President of Operations for Dogtopia