Business View - March 2015 67
The Allegra brand is also supported with an exclusive
program to help its members run their businesses at
optimum profitability. Dubbed The Profit Mastery Pro-
gram, it has three key elements.
• First is the annual Allegra Operating Ratio Study.
The franchisor compiles numerous financial and oper-
ating metrics from its centers and combines them into
a report that identifies targets for various business ra-
tios. This serves as a diagnostic and planning tool.
• Second is participation in a Performance Group—
a group of 5-6 other owners in similar-sized centers.
These groups serve as boards of directors for mem-
bers and assist one another with business planning
and accountability. Groups are facilitated by home of-
fice personnel.
• Third is a Profit Mastery Assessment, a report pre-
pared by a center’s Regional Operations Director that
analyzes the business by all important ratios and met-
rics. The report identifies areas for improvement and
drives corrective action for greater profitability.
Unlike most franchises, Allegra is not focused on
greenfield start-ups. Rather, growth is driven by con-
verting independent printers who want the support
and guidance to diversify and grow their businesses
as the Allegra members have. This is the Allegra Ad-
vantage program.
The company also adds members by matching inter-
ested prospects with existing, independent business-
es via its exclusive MatchMaker program and convert-
ing them to the Allegra brand.
Nelson points out, “There are many people who want
to own their own business. Many prefer a business-
FRANCHISE
