First-ever Louisville-area FranchiseMart Now Open in Louisville, KY

June 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Louisville, KY (October, 2008) – Maggie Payette Harlow believes this is a great time to buy a business – especially if the business is a franchise.  “People are looking for stability and a sense of control right now,” said Maggie Harlow, co-owner with her husband Brian of Louisville’s first FranchiseMart.

She explained that franchises offer many advantages during turbulent times.  Usually, financing is available through the franchisor so the buyer doesn’t have to go through traditional channels to get a loan.  And, often the purchasing price of a franchise – especially if a build-out is not required – is lower than that of an existing business. Another selling point is that buyers don’t have to prove that the concept they are considering is a viable business model.  “Besides, there are so many options available, from home-based to large retail ventures,” she said.

Harlow explained that FranchiseMart is a resource for those interested in a more efficient and effective way to research before investing in a business. The key to FranchiseMart’s success is the state-of-the-art showroom, free one-on-one assistance and broad selection of more than 100 franchise opportunities.  UNITED FRANCHISE GROUP, a $500-million company with 30 years of franchising experience and 1,400 franchise locations in 50 countries, developed the concept.

The Louisville location opened for business on September 26, and its grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5 at 4:00 p.m.  FranchiseMart Louisville is housed in the former Hausman Jeep dealership building at 909 E. Market Street, which the Harlows own, along with SIGN-A-RAMA Downtown, located in the same building.

The FranchiseMart Louisville team welcomes individuals with varying interest levels – from the curious to the certain – and it is the team’s goal to find the perfect fit for both the franchisor and the franchisee. The company also helps business owners develop a franchise format for successful enterprises.

“We have already discovered that this business is as much about helping the franchisor as it is about helping the franchisee,” said Harlow. “We provide support and serve as a resource for our clients long after the sale is complete.”

As part of their services, FranchiseMart Louisville will offer free seminars for prospective franchise owners on Wednesday, November 12 and December 10, 2008. These seminars will feature speakers from a variety of business-related industries who will showcase the many facets of a successful business including public relations/marketing, accounting, consulting/coaching, insurance, lawyers, etc.

FranchiseMart Louisville is the only location for FranchiseMart in the area of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, and the Harlows have the right to sell in other cities. They already have plans to open a second location in the Louisville area in the near future.

Brian and Maggie have a proven track record of operating a successful franchise. After opening their SIGN-A-RAMA Downtown location in August of 2003, the store did over $1.2 million in sales during its first year of business – a franchise record for a new location. The Harlows have also been honored with several corporate franchise awards including the 2008 President’s Award, Outstanding Achievement in 2006 and 2004 and the 2004 Rookie of the Year award.

“We understand what is involved in opening a franchise and operating it successfully, and we will bring that experience and understanding to the table whenever we meet with potential clients,” Maggie said.

The FranchiseMart Louisville Grand Opening will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with ribbon- cutting events beginning at 4:30 p.m. The event will commence with a flag ceremony presented by the Kentuckiana Girl Scouts, followed by remarks from Joe Reagan, president and CEO of GLI.

In association with the Grand Opening of FranchiseMart Louisville, the Kentuckiana Girl Scouts will kick off their “Taste of Home” cookie program. Area Girl Scouts will be accepting cookie donations at the Grand Opening with the proceeds benefiting local soldiers, including those serving overseas, as well as police officers and firefighters. The “Taste of Home” cookie program allows area Girl Scouts to develop entrepreneurial skills and – along with the community – say thanks to all the men and women who devote their lives to serving others. Donations can be made by cash, check or credit card. It is the team at FranchiseMart Louisville and the Girl Scouts’ goal to have 200 boxes of Girl Scout cookies donated to the “Taste of Home” program during the Grand Opening.

For more information about FranchiseMart in Louisville, please contact Maggie Harlow at
502-587-9999.

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FranchiseMart Louisville is a free resource for people looking to be their own boss. FMLouisville provides the most effective and efficient means of researching the world of franchising.