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Our Town America Tampa and Fort Myers Give Hurricane Irma Relief Checks

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Local Businesses Receive Relief Checks from Our Town America November 2017 – Hurricane Irma was projected to cost the US an estimated $172 billion worth of damage – including the devastating spoiled food product and revenue losses suffered by countless local restaurant owners in Florida. Power outages shut down restaurants all over town for a week or longer following the storm, costing restaurant owners, and their employees, tens of thousands of dollars. This inspired Michael Plummer Jr., CEO of Our Town America – a national New Mover Marketing company headquartered in Clearwater – to host a Hurricane Irma Facebook fundraiser that raised more than $2000, all raised by their very own corporate employees and franchisees. Our Town America divvied up the money equally (roughly $500 for each) to four Florida businesses who needed a post-hurricane boost – Jets Pizza in Dunedin, Brix 33 and Ice Cream Palace in New Port Richey, and Great Clips in Fort Myers – after losing a combined $40,000+ in spoiled food and potential revenues. Our Town America’s Tampa-area franchise owners, Mike and Julie Fisher,  as well as Fort Myers franchisee, Sally Hanson, personally visited their partnered businesses to give them their checks. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Shop Small Business – 7 Reasons To Shop Small

Written by John Guerra
7 Reasons to Shop Small by Our Town America

Shop Small to find unique things, while supporting your local economy In the 1920s and 1930s, cities and towns from the Appalachians to the Pacific Northwest had a busy shopping district, with independently owned businesses like shoes stores, clothing stores, jewelers, barbershops and other establishments serving the locals. A couple decades later, in the 1950s, the interstate highway system routed traffic away from downtown America, which led to the construction of shopping malls near exit ramps. This drained the commerce from downtowns. In the last 15 years, the explosion of e-commerce hurt shopping malls and big box stores the way highways harmed small-town shopping districts. Small Business Saturday, launched in November of 2010, has become a great way to support small business owners in your local town or neighborhood. The “Shop Small” program supports local economies and promotes vibrant, diverse communities, but there are other practical reasons to shop locally every day, not just on Small Business Saturday: 1) Small businesses give back to the community When you spend money in your neighborhood, your sales tax stays in your neighborhood. You help fund public education, parks, and street improvements, not to mention vital services like firefighting and mosquito control. 2) Local store owners create local jobs The Small Business Administration reports that local businesses added 8 million jobs to the American economy since 1990 while the expansion of large chains reduced jobs by 4 million. 3) Local owners buy local services themselves Independent local businesses go into their local community to buy the supporting services they need, including architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers and contractors for construction and accountants and lawyers to keep themselves operating within the guardrails. 4) Local establishments provide great customer service Business owners rely on great customer service to build a loyal customer base, so it is comforting to know you will be shopping in a store that is genuinely happy to assist you. 5) Small businesses create a sense of community Human beings seek a feeling of belonging and familiarity in the towns in which they live. It is only natural to seek connections with those we share our neighborhoods with. It’s always a comforting feeling to see that poster of the local Little League team in the coffee shop window. 6) It feels good to help neighbors and friends succeed There’s something special about knowing the owner of the store when you walk in. You can ask about family, congratulate them on their anniversary, and feel the comfort of familiarity. 7) It’s about preserving the community The American Independent Business Alliance has another great reason to shop locally: “The disappearance of local businesses leaves a social and economic void that is palpable and real — even when it goes unmeasured,” AIBA says. “A community’s quality of life changes in ways that macroeconomics is slow to measure, or ignores completely.” We hope you’ll shop locally year-round, as well as on Small Business Saturday, and when you’re visiting those businesses, make sure to thank the owner for keeping his or her doors open. After all, small businesses are what built America, one neighborhood at a time. John GuerraJohn is a guest blogger for Our Town America and previously worked in national sales at our Clearwater, FL corporate headquarters. www.ourtownamerica.com […]

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Franchisee Success Series: Luke Wood – Birmingham, AL

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Direct Mail EDDM Our Town America

Luke Wood Uses Every Door Direct Mail to Spark Rapid Success as Our Town America’s Birmingham, AL-Based Franchise Owner There are certain signs in our life that prompt us to act and chart a new path. Luke Wood’s path to owning his Our Town America franchisee in hindsight, seems like a no brainer. “I pursued becoming an entrepreneur when I knew I was going to be let go,” said Wood, the owner of the Our Town America franchise in Birmingham, Alabama. Wood is thriving with Our Town America, the nation’s fastest growing New Mover Marketing franchise, and is not looking back on his previous experiences (check him out on local TV here). However, it’s his past that is fueling his successful run helping introduce new Birmingham residents to a variety of reputable and convenient businesses that can result in long-term relationships. Those previous experiences include a couple of sales based gigs, including working as an inside sales representative for a company that sold raw materials that produced signage. “I wasn’t happy there,” says Wood. “I knew what I wanted out of life and that job certainly wasn’t it.” With the writing on the wall, Wood knew he needed something to pay the bills. Instead of filling out another employment application, Wood determined it was time to strike out on his own. With words of wisdom from his mother and his father (an entrepreneur himself), Wood determined Our Town of America was a perfect match. “It truly sounded like a great idea,” Says. Wood. “There was low overhead, no real estate involved, and Our Town America’s business model aligned perfectly with my principles.” Those principles include being self-motivated, disciplined and willing to put in the work to create a successful environment. Two-and-a-half years into his venture, Wood is cruising along. He’s targeting a 60% increase in monthly gross sales. One concept Wood is utilizing to reach that target is Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM). Wood said he toyed with the EDDM concept when he first opened his franchise and says it’s been an excellent addition to Our Town America’s core New Mover Marketing program. He says a key to taking advantage of EDDM is great customer service and having a good relationship with the decision maker. “EDDM customers usually aren’t as price conscious and like that they will see results up front.” Wood isn’t shy about why he is in business for himself. He wants to make money. And he says Our Town America is the vehicle that is driving him to his destination. “I would like for my investment accounts to increase drastically, so in two years I would like to have at least two more streams of income,” says Wood. And he knows that he only gets out what he puts in. Right now, he doesn’t have any employees, and there are no plans in the immediate future to bring anyone else onboard. His success lies squarely on his shoulders and he accepts that. “The first two years were tough, mostly because of myself,” he says. “There were challenges, but I was forced to look in the mirror and change the way I was approaching this business. I have greatly improved my time management skills, allowing me to grow and prosper.” Wood wouldn’t hesitate to go into business for himself again if he were to do it all over. And he says those considering making the move should do so as well. “Go for it or you’ll never make the kind of money you’re capable of and you’ll always be dependent on the whims of others.” Do you want to realize your own business ownership dreams, like Luke Wood?   Does the Our Town America franchise opportunity sound like it could be for you?   If so, learn more at https://www.ourtownamerica.com/franchise-us/. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Our Town America’s Franchisee Success Series: Sally Hanson, Raleigh, NC

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

After Thriving in Raleigh, NC, Franchisee Sally Hanson is Expanding to Fort Myers/Naples, FL The calming sounds of waves crashing on the shores. That distinctive feeling of sand running through the toes. The postcard perfect sunsets 365 days a year. It’s a way of life for Raleigh, North Carolina-based Our Town America owner Sally Hanson has anticipated for quite some time. It’s a way of life that’s more attainable as she prepares to open her second Our Town America, the nation’s fastest growing new mover marketing franchise, location in the Fort Myers/Naples, FL metro area. Traveling is embedded in Hanson’s soul. The mother of two adult children, she now enjoys every moment crisscrossing the globe with her husband, Roger. “We love to travel,” says Hanson. “We enjoy visiting different cultures and learning the history.” In fact, she is just coming off a trip to China. A decorated three-decade career based in sales and marketing afforded her plenty of opportunities to travel, quite often as a reward for her hard work and dedication to her craft. Hanson’s journey with Our Town America began with a trip to Hawaii. For three years, Hanson worked with an online marketplace that allowed registered users to buy and share things in their city. As one of the top sales representatives, Hanson earned a trip to the Aloha state. Refreshed and back home in Raleigh, the company informed Hanson she was being laid off. For Hanson, the news was a blessing in disguise. “I was tired of working for someone else, I had just had enough. My husband and I were already in the process of finding entrepreneurial opportunities when I learned I was losing my job.” That process got a major boost as she scrolled through her Facebook feed. A post from her high school friend, Mike Fisher, popped up. Fisher, along with his wife, Julie, are co-owners of an Our Town America franchise in Tampa, FL. The couple was profiled by the Wall Street Journal in an article highlighting people who left corporate America and succeeded as franchisees. Bang! The Facebook post allowed Hanson to catch up with her old friend, as well as pick his brain about Our Town America. The phone call, would forever change her life. After conducting their own research on various franchises, Sally and Roger concluded Our Town America was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. “We learned about the company and determined it would be a great fit for us. The business model allowed us to be in control of our earnings, and more importantly, gave us a better work-life balance, a pathway to retirement, and control of our destiny.” Three months after reaching out to Our Town America, Sally was the owner and operator of her very own franchise in Raleigh. The knowledge of the area coupled with her background in sales and marketing played to her strengths. So much so, by the end of the year, Sally was named Our Town America’s “Rookie of the Year.” “I just went out there and followed the blueprint the company laid out during training,” says Hanson. “I have 25 plus years of sales/marketing experience and I’m very comfortable in this market. I lived and worked in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area for more than 20 years, so I know the area well. It’s a thriving area, one of the fastest growing metros in the country which allowed me to help several businesses gain new customers.” Hanson wrapped up her second year of ownership similarly to her first, earning awards and accolades. She was one of two franchisees to earn a trip to Peru for having the highest revenue growth within the company. It’s those perks that confirm Hanson made the right choice. “I wish I would’ve done this years ago. I love having my own business and being in control. It hasn’t been all roses, but once I made the jump, it has and continues to be a really good journey.” It’s a journey that Hanson says wouldn’t be possible without the support from her husband. “It is vital to have a supportive spouse and I certainly have that with Roger. He’s the one who said, ‘you can do this.’ I wouldn’t have taken on this venture without him.” While Sally carries the bulk of the load, Roger is there to assist with the business. He works behind the scenes, handling billing and other back end functions, but mainly, he is Hanson’s number one advocate. Together, Sally and Roger are preparing for their next journey. The Fort Myers/Naples, FL location is opening-up this October. Sally is optimistic for the area’s potential. “The housing market is booming, the area, similar to Raleigh, is experiencing excellent growth in housing and overall economy. More importantly, it’s warm during the winter months, we like the area and may consider moving there permanently in the next several years.” Our Town America has made Hanson’s retirement dreams an achievable reality. For those looking to make the leap into entrepreneurship, she says don’t hesitate. “Our Town America is a great company, particularly for those who have a strong sales background. If you’re self-motivated, and if you can get out there and sell, Our Town America is a wonderful opportunity. Go for it!” Do you want to realize your own business ownership dreams, like Sally Hanson?  Does the Our Town America franchise opportunity sound like it could be for you?   If so, learn more at https://www.ourtownamerica.com/franchise-us/. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Our Town America’s Franchisee Success Series: David Cox, Phoenix, AZ

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
David Cox Our Town America Franchisee Success

David Cox is thriving in the Valley of the Sun as the proud owner of a pair of Our Town America franchise locations. He opened his first location with Our Town America, the nation’s fastest growing new mover marketing franchise, in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Hard work, a dedicated staff and perseverance allowed Cox to return to his Southern California roots, where he’s cooking up something special in San Diego with his second franchise location. David Cox’s Our Town America San Diego franchise is a pseudo-homecoming. Southern California is where Cox was born and raised.  It’s also where he got his first taste of entrepreneurship. He left the area after he sold his initial business and headed to Arizona where he enrolled in graduate school. After a successful stint in corporate consulting work, the entrepreneurial bug came roaring back to life. “I was starting to feel the urge of being a business owner again,” says Cox. “There’s always risk involved, of course, because you never know how it’s going to turn out. However, I wanted to be in control of my own operation.” Ever the student, Cox proceeded to do his homework, researching what business opportunity best fit his requirements of sales and marketing. A four-month project of due diligence reached its tipping point when a friend’s brother introduced him to Our Town America. In January 2014, David purchased the rights to become the Our Town America franchise owner in Metro Phoenix and he hasn’t looked back. “It’s a very independent operation, you have the ability to work from home and work on your own hours,” says Cox. “Success is dependent on your work ethic and your organization skills.   It’s also imperative to manage mandatory networking with community members, chambers of commerce and fellow business owners. The Our Town America business model presents each franchise owner with fantastic income potential if they’re willing to get out in their community and create relationships.” Our Town America helps businesses reach out to residents just moving in to their new community, creating long term, loyal relationships before they connect with competitors. And according to Cox, he couldn’t have chosen a better area than Phoenix to build his first Our Town America business. The Phoenix metro is one of America’s fastest growing areas. In fact, the latest data from the Census Bureau says the area adds 88 people per day on average. “There’s a lot of franchisees and small businesses who moved from other parts of the country here for a new life in the desert,” says Cox. “There are quite a few people in the same boat as me – working hard and trying to make a living. That makes it easier for me to meet with them, strike up a conversation and hopefully establish a new business relationship.” What was once a calculated risk has paid off big time for Cox.  “I went in thinking six to seven percent growth a year would be good, and I’ve been close to that if not spot on each year.” He credits a dedicated staff, who have followed his “cookbook.” “My cookbook lays out exactly what it takes to be successful as a salesperson,” says Cox. “The number of calls you make, how you approach folks, your ability to knock on doors, networking, plus your attention to details, your propensity for datamining. Following the cookbook produces sweet results.” Cox says finding that right personnel takes time. Thankfully for him it didn’t take long to make that discovery. A successful two years in Phoenix had David eyeing expansion, and he knew San Diego was the perfect spot to deliver Our Town America. “It is a wide-open market, a huge area with tons of different people and businesses,” says Cox. Plus, as he points out, it’s San Diego. “It’s a beautiful city. If I need to spend some time to relax and gather my thoughts, might as well do it in sunny San Diego.” Our Town America is giving him the opportunity to appreciate a good work-life balance. He says it’s a great franchise for those looking for a healthy challenge. “Be curious, work on your communications and sales skills.   Also, realize it’s all about being consistent out there. Doing a few things right every day will go a long way.” What’s in store for David Cox? 20 years from now, he says retirement. As for right now, the father of a seven-year-old daughter is focused on personal growth as well as making sure his two Our Town America franchises continue to flourish. Do you want to realize your business ownership dreams like David Cox?   Does the Our Town America franchise opportunity sound like it could be for you?   If so, learn more at https://www.ourtownamerica.com/franchise-us/. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Why Send Targeted Postcard Mailings During the Holidays

Written by John Guerra
Targeted Postcard Mailings Our Town America

Now is the time to develop a targeted postcard mailing plan for the upcoming holidays. The fourth quarter is vital – a make or break time that includes football season, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. What you do to ensure a strong showing during peak buying season is up to you, but targeted postcard mailings are sure to grab the attention of buyers. […]

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The How and Why of Direct Mail Personalization

Written by John Guerra
Direct Mail Personalization Our Town America New Mover Marketing

So how does one personalize direct mail pieces? How far can one take it? Personalization includes details that attract customers within a cohort, such as common hobbies, beliefs, or lifestyle. The images one chooses on the envelope can be matched to the personal likes or interests of the recipient. If the target likes golfing, then a photo of golf clubs, a long fairway or houses near a green personalizes direct mail intended for that consumer. […]

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Top 4 Things That Help Build Customer Loyalty

Written by John Guerra
Customer Loyalty Our Town America New Mover Marketing

Marketing experts and business consultants who help companies win more market share always urge clients to build customer loyalty. Why does everyone keep harping on customer loyalty? It’s because loyal customers return repeatedly resulting in you making money. They spend more at your store because they trust your products and customer service. […]

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Maximizing Your Marketing Budget

Written by John Guerra
Marketing Budget Our Town America New Mover Marketing

Your marketing is underway whether you have a plan or not. That sign above your store? That’s marketing. How you treat customers? That’s marketing. What your customers tell their friends? That’s marketing. Read on for more ways to identify marketing within your business. […]

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