![Beachside Business Wins Top Prize in J.J.’s Entrepreneurs Contest at Palm Beach Atlantic University]()
by UFG | May 9, 2016 | News
For Immediate Release May 9, 2016
Contact: Becky Peeling, APR, AVP for University Relations & Marketing, 561-803-2018 or [email protected]
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Palm Beach Atlantic University junior Emily Hochheiser found a profitable way to combine her dreams of starting a business with her love of sun and surf.
She wrote a plan for a company called Mahalo, a mobile rental and retail business for various beach-related products, from chairs and umbrellas to paddle boards and sports equipment.
“I just wanted to figure out a way to put my passions into my job,” said the Manchester, Maryland, native who is majoring in management and minoring in communication. The company’s name, Mahalo, is a word used to express gratitude in Hawaiian.
Her idea now has the financial support to get it off the ground. As the first-place winner in the University’s fifth annual J.J.’s Entrepreneurs business plan competition, Hochheiser now has $10,000 in seed money to begin renting equipment to beachgoers from a vehicle similar to a food truck, a concept with potential to spread throughout Florida’s coast and beyond.
The United Franchise Group, the global leader for entrepreneurs, is home to seven leading franchise brands that can be found in more than 80 countries. It partnered with the University to create J.J.’s Entrepreneurs in 2011 to encourage and teach college students about the benefits of entrepreneurship and owning their own business.
The second-place prize of $5,000 went to Heidi Ferguson of West Palm Beach, a mother of two who is majoring in psychology. Her business is called Stitches & Rust, a multiple-dealer collective vintage store specializing in vintage clothing, handmade artisan goods and unique home accessories.
Ferguson said that while walking to class one day, she noticed several signs advertising the competition and decided to apply. Though she had already laid the groundwork for her business by that point, “writing the business plan was daunting,” she said.
Hochheiser agreed. For advice she turned to her parents, Bryan and Melaney Hochheiser, who operate a plumbing business in her hometown. She said she also consulted with PBA alumnus A.J. Titus ’14, grandson of the competition’s namesake, J.J. Prendamano. Titus also mentored several other entrants.
“This has been the toughest year to decide the winner,” said Titus, who serves as operations manager of United Franchise Group. During the awards presentation, he urged the remaining finalists to return and enter again next year.
That strategy worked for Hochheiser, who said she entered the contest previously but did not make it to the final round.
In all, four business plans made it to the final round of the competition. Like the entrepreneurs on television’s Shark Tank, each finalist faced tough questions from a panel of judges.
Also making it to the final round was the student team of Fabio Nagy and Christian Segurado. Their plan is for a business called ScholarAgents, a provider of a web-based service for transferring German athletes to American varsity teams.
The other finalist was Keenan Kauth, the founder of a startup called Church-Taxi. His company is a ride-sharing software application/phone call service that provides reliable transportation to churchgoers free of charge.
This year’s judges were Dale Hedrick, Ray Titus, Jim Tatem, Penny Murphy and Jared Reuter ’12. Reuter was the competition’s first $10,000 prizewinner.
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in West Palm Beach, Orlando, Wellington and online. The University is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.
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by UFG | Apr 19, 2016 | News
Palm Beach Atlantic University Announces Formation of the Titus Franchising Center, First in Florida
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Palm Beach Atlantic University today announced it has received a major financial commitment that will give students an introduction to and training in franchising and a launching pad for careers in the industry. The program would be the first of its kind in Florida. (See fact sheet)
William M. B. Fleming, Jr., Palm Beach Atlantic’s president, announced the $1.5 million commitment from Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group to establish the Titus Franchising Center at the University. Beginning in fall 2017, the Center will offer academic coursework in the Rinker School of Business to cover all aspects of franchising, an internship program and opportunities for job shadowing and training at United Franchise Group (UFG) global headquarters located on Vista Parkway in West Palm Beach.
“Franchising captures the entrepreneurial spirit of Marshall E. “Doc” Rinker, the business pioneer who founded Rinker Materials and the namesake of our business school,” President Fleming said this morning at the Business Development Board offices in West Palm Beach. “The Titus Franchising Center characterizes that spirit and the ideals of free enterprise that are foundational principles of Palm Beach Atlantic University.”
“United Franchise Group is investing in Palm Beach Atlantic University with the creation of the Titus Franchising Center to educate and promote the importance of this business sector as a viable and global career opportunity for students,” said Ray Titus, CEO, United Franchise Group. “Our company and key employees will be involved in every aspect of the Center’s operations. It became obvious to me that we wanted to expand and cement our relationship with PBA for a few reasons: our son A.J. graduated with an International Business degree, we founded the JJ’s Entrepreneur’s Business plan contest, UFG has hired some great alumni, and the University’s Christian values also match my family’s values. UFG looks forward to hiring many future PBA graduates who, with the opening of this Center, will come to us already trained in the world of franchising!”
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs and offers a broad range of industry leading franchise opportunities and development services with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 80 countries. Brands include Signarama, EmbroidMe, Transworld Business Advisors, SuperGreen Solutions, Experimax, Straetus, Jon Smith Subs and VentureX. World Headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. To learn more, visit www.unitedfranchisegroup.com or call (561) 640-5570.
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in West Palm Beach, Orlando, Wellington and online. The University is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.
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by UFG | Feb 16, 2016 | News
West Palm Beach, FL (February 16, 2015)…. United Franchise Group, The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, announced today it is offering the Venture X franchise, the first coworking space to be franchised in the state of Florida. Founded by David Diamond, CEO and Brett Diamond, COO and launched in October 2012 with its initial 8,000 sq. ft. location in Naples, Florida. Venture X provides private membership office space and a collaborative community to more than 120 companies. With its vision to expand nationwide and then globally, United Franchise Group partnered with Venture X, adding them to the family of brands that includes some of the world’s most successful franchises, with nearly 1,400 locations in more than 80 countries around the world.
“The way people work is changing” said CEO David Diamond. “Technology and innovation through mobile devices, cloud computing and social networking allow people the freedom to work from anywhere at any time.” Venture X members are freelancers, remote workers, startups, entrepreneurs, non-profits, small companies, teams from large corporations and those who are not satisfied by the status quo. Members are professionals that want a place that provides a rich work environment where they can focus on work as well as be a part of a larger collaborative community to share and exchange ideas and develop new business and relationships.
Venture X provides a revolutionarily designed workspace with an inspiring modern design and a boutique hotel atmosphere and experience. Designed with the right blend of private offices and focused workspaces, open seating areas and social gathering spaces where collaboration and networking happen naturally and organically. Amenities include high tech conference rooms, a boutique hotel inspired lobby/lounge, phone booths, 2 cafes, outdoor terrace seating, super fast internet, free coffee and teas, office equipment and supplies and community managers to meet members’ needs.
“Venture X is a unique coworking opportunity and an outstanding franchise opportunity available for domestic and international franchise expansion, “We have the systems and people in place to provide location and set-up assistance, training, marketing and on-going support,” said Jared Stresen-Reuter, Brand Leader, Venture X.”
“With its long-standing focus on providing business solutions and experience working with the entrepreneurial spirit of its franchisees, United Franchise Group is the perfect partner with Venture X, which provides an innovative space for those who are working to reach their financial dreams,” said Ray Titus, CEO, United Franchise Group. For Venture X franchise opportunities, please phone 866.557.8995 or visit venturexfranchise.com.
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About United Franchise Group
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs and offers a broad range of industry leading franchise opportunities and development services with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 80 countries. Brands include Signarama, EmbroidMe, Transworld Business Advisors, SuperGreen Solutions, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs and VentureX. World Headquarters in West Palm Beach, FL. To learn more, visit https://unitedfranchisegroup.com or call 551.640.5570.
Media Contact:
Sarah E. Flynn
Willcaro Communications LLC
[email protected]
by UFG | Jan 6, 2016 | News
Frank Chimaobi recently opened a new franchise location in Houston, TX. His new Signarama was recently featured in the Katy & Houston Texas Blog
Some people just aren’t content if they have time on their hands and nothing to fill it with. Frank Chimaobi would be included in the category.
The 56-year-old Chimaobi’s business background extends across multiple industries and he’s just getting his feet wet in another. He couldn’t be happier.
On Dec. 7, Chimaobi opened a Signarama retail location at 12579 Westheimer Rd. that serves all of west Houston. Signarama is the world’s largest sign franchise, providing a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both consumers and commercial customers….
Read More
Source: Katy & Houston Texas Blog
by UFG | Jan 4, 2016 | News
Transworld Business Advisors has announced it’s growth plans for 2016.
With a stellar 2015 behind them, Transworld Business Advisors is looking to build on that momentum as it looks to accelerate growth even further in 2016, both domestically and internationally.
Transworld Business Advisors is the world leader in the marketing and sales of businesses and franchises. Whether for an acquisition-minded corporation or individual interested in owning a franchise, Transworld offers the professional services that successfully bring buyers and sellers together.
Having already added 45 new franchised offices in 2015, Transworld is looking to increase that number to 75 in 2016, while also targeting the addition of three international offices.
The global expansion plans come on the heels of Transworld announcing in November the signing of a new Master License Agreement for the UK and Ireland, the first such license granted in Europe, which will provide for the eventual addition of up to 24 offices throughout England and Ireland…. Read More
Source: Franchising.com
