Why Wireless Zone® Franchisee Todd Bender Continues To Invest in the Brand After Over a Decade

Before signing on as a franchise partner with Wireless Zone®, Todd Bender always had an entrepreneurial spirit.

“I have a long history of experience in sales and business growth strategies,” said Bender. “My introduction to Wireless Zone® came after my business partner and I started The Ignitor Group—a point-in-time investment group that acts as a performance-enhancing equity partner, providing capital and infrastructure in support of a brand’s vision. In 2005, one of the companies we purchased was Wireless Group Holdings, LLC., which now owns 10 Wireless Zone® locations across the greater New York state.”

Since being founded in 1998, Wireless Zone® has become a legacy brand and the single largest Verizon franchisor in the U.S. with over 400 locations. The premium retailer is dedicated to being a technology center that provides solutions that keep customers connected and productive by offering the latest wireless devices, smart home products, Bluetooth accessories and more.

Bender started off operating only one Wireless Zone® location in 2007, during a boom in the wireless cellular phone industry.

“In the late-2000s, the cellular phone industry was growing rapidly and my investment partner and I knew that franchising with Wireless Zone® was the perfect opportunity to enter the unfamiliar segment,” said Bender. “We acquired 13 underperforming Wireless Zone® facilities and re-architected sales and operations to yield top-performing results. After some mergers and acquisitions, we eventually settled on the 10 locations we currently own.”

Bender and his investment group have successfully operated those 10 locations for over a decade, always staying on the lookout for new growth opportunities. With locations primarily operating in small, upstate New York towns—Corning, Hornell, Dansville, Rochester, Oswego, Evans Mills, Lowville, Potsdam, Ogdensburg and Saranac Lake—Bender and his investment partner make sure to support the needs of businesses and retail customers in each community.

“The Wireless Zone® model has allowed us to integrate into these communities and focus on providing top customer service,” said Bender. “Unlike the saturated market of the city, we don’t have to compete for loyal customers who value our service and trust us to help with their mobile devices. In each of these high-growth markets, we are the strongest Verizon representative in town. As the largest independent, carrier-exclusive, wireless retailer of Verizon in the country, Wireless Zone® gives us the platform to be that go-to source for customers. These devices have become more significant in people’s lives than ever before and customers want guidance and support when it comes to upgrading or fixing their phones.”

Wireless Zone® has adapted to a constantly changing technological landscape and has developed a business model that positions franchisees like Bender for success, with a low investment model, active community outreach, strong revenue stream and proven support system.

“Wireless Zone® allows us to act as a premium retailer, meaning we have the advantage of better signage, support, distribution and finance options,” said Bender. “Wireless Zone® has been a terrific franchisor and the leadership team is always available and willing to work with franchisees to answer questions and create better results.”

Bender has seen major success over the past decade and the multi-unit franchisee anticipates further growth and innovation. The investment group continues to drive new automation and social media marketing initiatives for higher consistent sales volumes at all 10 locations. Plus, as Wireless Zone® prepares for the forthcoming rollout of 5G services and devices, the brand is only set to grow.

Wireless Zone®’s demonstrated ability to innovate over the years indicates the brand’s determination to prosper in the face of technological change and support franchisees at all costs.

“Over the last 30 years, Wireless Zone® has continued to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry and country, providing franchisees with an incredible opportunity for ongoing success,” said Bender. “Also, a big reason why we continue to excel is due to the care and compassion that our day-to-day managers show their communities. As we move into the new year, we are thrilled to expand and offer our services to new customers throughout the state.”

To learn more about franchising opportunities with Wireless Zone, please visit http://wirelesszonefranchise.com/