Service Brands International Taps Jim Evers to Direct Business Development Initiative
David G. McKinnon, founder and chairman of Service Brands International (SBI), a multi-concept franchisor, announced that senior vice president Jim Evers has been named to spearhead their new business development effort.
“To increase the value of Service Brands to our stakeholders and to strengthen our position within the industry, we’re going to aggressively explore and acquire established franchise brands and function as an incubator for emerging concepts,” said McKinnon.
“We’re franchise builders and we have the infrastructure to support fresh ideas. Jim has the organizational experience, the competitive drive, and the sweeping vision to guide this critical campaign.”
Evers joined SBI in August 2003, to direct and to mentor the company’s franchise sales team. In 2005, SBI sold 151 franchises more than double the number awarded in 2004. In February 2006, Jim was named to lead SBI’s 1-800-DryClean brand. “1-800-DryClean had reached a plateau and I knew if we were going to elevate the brand, we needed to draw on Jim’s extraordinary management, financial, analytical, and sales skills to spark innovation and to improve our service quality,” said McKinnon. “Thanks to Jim’s leadership, 1-800-DryClean moved into the #1 spot in category on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2008 Franchise 500Ò.”
The Little Gym Signs Master Franchise Agreement for Middle East
Existing Kuwait City Franchisees Commit to Driving Development of up to 50 New Locations Throughout the Region Over the Next Decade
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 8, 2008) – The Little Gym International, franchisor of gyms providing curriculum-based, non-competitive motor skills development programs to children aged 4 months to 12 years old, has entered into a master franchise agreement with an existing franchise owner in Kuwait City, Kuwait, to develop at least 15 and as many as 50 locations in the Middle East over the next decade.
Country Place Living Names Harvey Franchise Development Officer
GRAPEVINE, Texas – January 2, 2007 – Country Place Living, a franchisor of assisted-living residences for seniors in rural America, has appointed Floyd (Buddy) Harvey as franchise development officer.
“Buddy’s extensive background in franchising makes him the perfect addition to our team,” said Cynthia Gartman, president and COO of Country Place Living. “As we continue to grow the Country Place Living system and expand throughout the U.S., we need strong franchise leadership within the company. Buddy’s expertise in franchising will play a key role in that growth.”
Harvey’s franchise experience includes nearly two decades as director of franchising and vice president of operations and development for various companies, including such well-known brands as I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt and Texas State Optical. With I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt, Harvey directed the operational and developmental growth of the 63-unit chain to more than 1,200 units in 43 states and 34 foreign countries.