Franchise Ownership

Franchisee Spotlight – Tara Amuimuia, Corvus of Little Rock

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July’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Little Rock Franchise Owner Tara Amuimuia. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

Corvus of Little Rock Franchise Owner Tara Amuimuia opened her Corvus Franchise in September 2019. After hearing about Corvus through a Franchise Owner who cleaned the criminal justice facility she was working at during the time, Mrs. Amuimuia inquired about franchising opportunities herself. In just six months, the standout Franchisee left this job to operate her Corvus Franchise full-time.

Mrs. Amuimuia’s friendly personality and strong communication skills certainly contribute to her quick success. Every month, she emails her customers to check-in and see if they are satisfied with their cleaning services. “Her main goal is to do a great job and please the customer,” says Director of Operations Shayna Hula.

An example of a time Mrs. Amuimuia went above and beyond to ensure her customers were happy occurred after making a mistake. She received a complaint from a customer, and after going back to the account to check her work, she realized that she had been distracted and missed some things. Mrs. Amuimuia cleaned more than she was required to and left a hand-written note apologizing to the customer to make up for this. With a positive attitude and work ethic like this, it is no wonder why customers speak so highly of her!

When Mrs. Amuimuia is not busy running her cleaning franchise, you will likely find her cooking Italian and Asian fusion, hanging out at the beach, or spending time with her two sons.

Thank you, Mrs. Amuimuia, for being such an outstanding partner to Corvus. We are so grateful for all that you do and look forward to watching your continued success!

Growing a Cleaning Franchise

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A Franchise Owner can learn and grow in new areas despite not having as much experience as you may expect.

A significant benefit to partnering with a franchising company is working alongside individuals who understand the industry through and through. As a Franchisee, you have access to a pre-established business model, the backing of an existing brand, and training and support you typically would not find when starting your own business. Other benefits include established capital, a shorter development period, the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, and being your own boss. It is no surprise that the franchise industry in the United States employs over eight million people and generates $825.4 billion in economic activity.

But just like anything worthwhile, some problems come along with franchising. Luckily, Corvus Janitorial Systems can provide clear, actionable solutions. Read on to learn our suggestions for growing your cleaning franchise:

Dream Big!

Corvus believes in dreaming big, working with integrity, building valuable relationships, and making lives better. We provide technology and tools, sales and marketing support, ongoing training, and a stellar reputation that empowers you to stop dreaming and start doing. Owning your own commercial cleaning franchise means owning your future, independence, and security…all without facing the daunting task of starting a business from scratch.

Foster Relationships

As previously stated, a thorough and well-thought-out expansion plan is essential to growing a successful franchise. A notable component of this plan is fostering existing relationships. From the franchisor to the customers to the surrounding community- trust, honesty, and open dialogue are vital elements to upholding valuable relationships.

Building your franchise would be substantially harder without experienced professionals showing you the way. Every relationship is valuable along your journey, which is why keeping an open line of communication between you and your franchisor, employees, and clients- both new and old- is of the utmost importance.

Follow a Consistent System

For a franchise to truly expand, each individual involved must understand and agree upon the rules, goals, processes, and values it holds. A consistent system ensures that everyone is on the same page, yet inconsistency continues to be a significant challenge Franchise Owners face. Partnering with a franchisor like Corvus assures you that a proven system is already in place. Our decades of experience have shaped our understanding of what does and does not work, which in turn allows you to focus on implementing what you learn in training, create guidelines, and build a strong team.

Hire the Right People

While we are on the topic of teams, let us take a moment to discuss the importance of hiring the right people and providing the proper training. Take your time when building your team. Ask potential candidates questions that require thought and discussion to ensure their experience and values align with your franchise. You are working hard to turn your dreams into reality, so hire a team that is ready to work hard and willing to learn.

Listen to the Customer

As a commercial cleaning franchisor, delivering high-quality cleaning and disinfecting services is ultimately your top priority. Therefore, customer satisfaction is the ultimate testament to how your business is performing. When customers provide feedback, listen carefully and make it clear that what they are saying is understood. This is especially true when the feedback is negative. Rather than feel offended or get defensive, see it as constructive criticism. When you are growing a franchise, any feedback you receive is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Partner with Corvus

Following a franchisor with an established expansion plan and experienced staff will enable you to grow at your desired rate. Corvus understands that human connection is the basis of any successful business transaction. Since 2004, we have helped entrepreneurs all across the nation successfully open and operate their own businesses. We are more than a franchise opportunity…we are a network of small business owners with similar goals. Check out our blog for more resources on Franchise Ownership and all things commercial cleaning.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus Janitorial Systems is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. Visit our website for more information regarding Corvus and the franchise opportunities we offer nationwide.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only. It is not intended to advise an individual on their purchase of a franchise and should not be used in place of legal counsel. There are many factors that affect the purchase of a franchise. Any person considering the purchase of a franchise should become familiar with their state laws related to franchising.

10 Pro Tips from Corvus Janitorial Systems

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Whether you are the current owner of a cleaning business or are interested in becoming one but do not know where to start, getting advice from experienced professionals is worthwhile. Here are ten pro tips from Corvus Franchise Owners and employees on cleaning, disinfecting, and business ownership:

On Cleaning and Disinfecting

  1. Understanding the distinction between cleaning and disinfecting enables you to provide high-quality cleaning services and better explain to customers the importance of your services. Cleaning removes dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces or objects while disinfecting uses chemicals- aka disinfectants- to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Traditional cleaning methods like using soap and water can decrease how much a virus is on the surface, but you must apply a disinfectant to kill it completely. As well, it is critical to allow sufficient dwell time before wiping the disinfectant off.
  2. Restroom floors should be a significant focal point during every clean. Not only are restroom floors the culprit of bathroom odors, but they are also susceptible to becoming discolored without proper maintenance. In addition to cleaning, be sure to disinfect the bathroom floors to kill bacteria and odor thoroughly. You can use products like antimicrobial urine mats to protect floors from staining and reduce odors and bacteria.
  3. Hard water buildup is tough to remove, so it is best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Be sure to give extra attention to any areas in a facility where hard water is likely to build up over time, such as faucets and toilets. If you encounter hard water buildup, pumice stone and Scotch Brite Heavy Duty scouring pads are popular tools for removing the building.
  4. For a cleaning product to be effective, you have to let it interact with the soiled area and material. Most people dunk their mops into their buckets, run the fibers over the area and call it a day…, but that does not fully take care of sanitizing or killing the odor. Instead, you should adequately dilute the chemical, apply it, and let it sit for the appropriate amount of time. Typically this time is between 3-5 minutes, but it is always a good idea to carefully read the instructions to be sure.
  5. Proper mop hygiene prevents the spread of germs and increases their longevity. Never leave a mop head sitting in water overnight as it weakens the mop fibers and encourages bacterial growth. Wash your mop and bucket after every use and allow it to fully dry. Replace your mop heads when they show signs of wear and tear. These signs include frayed edges, pieces of the mop are falling off, and severe discoloration.

 

On Business Ownership

  1. Learning from people in your field who have already succeeded is a great way to excel in business. By partnering with a commercial cleaning franchisor like Corvus, you are joining a network of cleaning professionals who share similar goals and aspirations. You will have the opportunity to speak with other Franchise Owners on matters such as strategies for maximizing profit, improving efficiency, acquiring extra one-time work, and creating a work-life balance.
  2. Many cleaning professionals bring a cleaning checklist to their customer accounts. A tangible list allows you to keep track of your cleaning specs and helps you remember tasks that are not a part of your regular cleaning routine (like a one-time electrostatic spray or once a month high dusting). We suggest leaving space on your checklist to document matters such as customer feedback or cleaning hot spots.
  3. Save money by monitoring your chemical usage and maintaining equipment. Keeping track of inventory prevents you from running out of supplies and prepares you for upcoming expenses. Follow proper maintenance procedures of your equipment to increase the longevity of use and provide better service.
  4. When you work hard and take pride in your work, receiving negative feedback can feel discouraging. Rather than letting it bring you down, see it as a learning opportunity. Owning your mistake and doing what you can to make it right shows that you are committed to the quality of your services, ultimately leading to the likelihood of customer loyalty and retention.
  5. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure customer accounts are cleaned correctly and on time. But sometimes “life happens,”… which is why Corvus recommends having a backup cleaning crew who can take your place as needed. It is a good idea for your team to accompany you on several cleans beforehand and assure that all necessary background checks have cleared. That way, your crew understands what the customer expects from their cleaning service and can be ready to fill in at short notice.

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About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to Make Lives Better, Corvus Janitorial Systems offers professional commercial cleaning and disinfecting services to a wide variety of businesses throughout the United States. The nationally recognized Corvus brand and proprietary systems have helped our network of dedicated, local Franchisees succeed in their business goals and achieve independence, security, and freedom. Contact us today for more information on franchise opportunities with Corvus.

Franchise Disclosure Document: What it is and Why it’s Important

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What is an FDD?

Franchise disclosure documents were created by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help potential franchise owners gather the information they need to conclude whether they’re making a good investment or not. These documents are meant to protect American consumers and guide them as they search for the right investments to meet their needs. At first glance, a franchise may seem like a good investment, but it’s never a good idea to make such a big financial decision without digging a bit deeper first. Your franchise disclosure document will provide you with details on everything from affiliated companies to dispute resolution requirements.

Why is it Required?

This legal document is an important part of doing your pre-purchase due diligence. The information contained in a franchise disclosure document is essential to potential franchisees who are preparing to make one of the most significant investments possible. In your disclosure document, you’ll read about the roles of each party involved, among many other things. Knowing what falls on the franchisor and the franchisee will help you make a diligent and informed decision. Providing this information is also beneficial to the franchisor, as they now have their legal obligations and promises in writing should a conflict appear later on in the business relationship.

The Federal Trade Commission requires that franchisors provide the document to the franchisee a minimum of 14 days prior to it being signed, or before any money changes hands. This means that the start-up costs and annual licensing fee will be handled after the document is signed. This may seem like a lengthy period of time, but this document contains a lot of information, and you should take your time reviewing it section by section. Once you’ve reviewed and signed, keeping a copy of important documents like these for your records is always a good practice. It may be helpful to refer back to them later.

Why is it Important to Potential Franchise Owners?

When we were young, inexperienced students, we all learned how to make pro-con lists when we were making important decisions. Franchise disclosure documents are essentially the adult version of this useful organizational tool, except they’re put together by someone who already has all of the information we need. Potential franchise owners can use a federal disclosure document to weigh the risks and benefits of the investment they’re considering so they’re not walking blindly into a situation that may not work out for them.

When you’re teaming up with a franchise to access their business knowledge, established processes, trademarks, and more, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting. You’ll need to know which obligations fall to which party, and whether they’ll help you with things like finding the right location, training your team, management guidance, and marketing strategies. Franchises are unique investments in many different ways. For this reason, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, or risks and rewards, before you enter into this important business decision.

What is Included in an FDD?

Franchise disclosure documents contain 23 specific pieces of information about the franchise you’re looking into, the franchise’s officers, and other existing franchisees. This is an incredibly thorough and important document involved in any franchise purchase. It’s also long, and if this is your first franchise purchase, maybe a bit confusing. It may be a good idea to go through your franchise disclosure document under the guidance and watchful eye of an experienced franchise attorney before you sign.

Below is a breakdown of the items that will be included in your franchise disclosure document, what they are, and why they’re important:

1. The franchisor and any parents, predecessors, and affiliates
All corporate, affiliation and parent company information related to the franchisor should be included here

2. Business experience
Information regarding the franchisor’s management team

3. Litigation
If the franchisor, affiliates, predecessors, or management team members are involved in certain kinds of litigation, that information should be disclosed here

4. Bankruptcy
If any of the parties listed above previously filed for bankruptcy, that would be contained in this section

5. Initial fees
Having a clear outline of both initial and other fees will help both parties avoid disputes over undisclosed costs down the road

6. Other fees
Same as above

7. Estimated initial investment
This section of your franchise disclosure document should give you a range for the expected initial investment needed to get your franchise up and running

8. Restrictions on sources of products and services
This section includes a list of products or supplies that the franchisee needs to buy from the franchisor (or suppliers that they designate). It also included information on revenue and rebates that they earn from this

9. Franchisee’s obligations
As a franchisee, your obligations (legal, termination, etc.) will be listed in a table here

10. Financing
If your franchisor offers their franchisees financing for initial or other fees, you’ll find that information here

11. Franchisor’s assistance, advertising, computer systems, and training
This section will list the types of assistance or training you’ll have access to, advertising requirements, and the systems you’ll need to buy and use within the franchise

12. Territory
Your franchisor will disclose whether you have access to a protected territory, how that’s determined, and situations that will allow them to operate within your territory

13. Trademarks
If your franchisor has trademarks, they’ll include registration (with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) information, status, and related details here

14. Patents, copyrights, and proprietary information
Similar to the section above, here your franchisor will include information on any applicable patents, copyrights, or other proprietary information you may need

15. Obligation to participate in the actual operation of the franchise business
If you are obligated to have any involvement in the daily operations of your franchise, your franchisor will provide the details of that obligation here. Some may require that you work in the franchise full-time, while others have no requirements listed in this section

16. Restrictions on what the franchisee may sell
Your franchisor may limit what you can or can’t sell here

17. Renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution
Your legal rights, renewal obligations, termination process, and transfer details, along with a summary of dispute resolution requirements between you and your franchisor will be listed in this section

18. Public figures
Lists celebrities and public figures (if any) that were hired to promote the franchise

19. Financial performance representations
Outlines information about sales or other financial data. This is not always provided

20. Outlets and franchisee information
A table will be used here to summarize things like the number of opened franchises, the number of franchises that were terminated, closed, or transferred, and contact information for each franchisee in the franchisor’s system

21. Financial statements
Financial statements are one of the most important inclusions in any federal disclosure document. Your franchisor will need to provide three years’ worth of audited financial statements. This will give you insight into costs and cash flow, among other things

22. Contracts
Buying a franchise includes signing several contracts, like your franchise agreement. Others may include financial contracts, agreements made regarding products supplied, licensing agreements, and more

23. Receipts
The last section of your franchise disclosure document is a receipt page that you’ll sign to let the appropriate parties know (and keep a record of) when you received your FDD

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. Visit our website for more information regarding Corvus and the franchise opportunities we offer nationwide.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only. It is not intended to advise an individual on their purchase of a franchise and should not be used in place of legal counsel. There are many factors that affect the purchase of a franchise. Any person considering the purchase of a franchise should become familiar with their state laws related to franchising.

Franchisee Spotlight – Bryan Williams, Corvus of Jacksonville

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This month’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Jacksonville Franchise Owner, Mr. Bryan Williams. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

Corvus of Jacksonville had the good fortune of welcoming Franchise Owner Bryan Williams to the team in April of 2018. For nearly three years now, Mr. Williams has continuously proven himself to be a valuable partner to the Jacksonville market and the Corvus Community at large.

While Mr. Williams possesses several excellent qualities, it is his positive attitude that elevates him. “Bryan can make any customer happy…he is absolutely dependable,” says Corvus of Jacksonville Regional Director, Mr. Spencer Sandell. Customers can count on Mr. Williams to show up optimistic and enthusiastic about the job, and this consistency empowers him to foster meaningful, professional relationships.

This standout Franchisee treats his customer accounts with the utmost respect and professionalism. Mr. Williams makes an effort to learn what customers expect from their cleaning provider and works hard to exceed their expectations. He holds his cleaning business to a very high standard, and providing the highest level of customer service is the top priority.

Mr. Williams exemplifies what it means to be a team player. The Regional Director recounts fondly on the time Mr. Williams was the helper of a former Franchise Owner. This Franchisee eventually walked away from his business, and when he did, Mr. Williams took over his accounts without hesitation. With determination like this, it is no surprise that he has never lost a customer account!

Thank you, Mr. Williams, for all that you do! Corvus would not and could not exist without hardworking and determined Franchisees like yourself. We are all so grateful for your partnership and look forward to watching your continued success.