Business View Magazine September 2018

210 211 maintained the network but now has implemented a strategic growth plan offering the milliCare brand to additional prospects. That’s why Bill and I were brought in. milliCare is ready to grow.” BVM: Once you’ve found a po- tential new franchisee, what about training and support? Willis: “Once a new franchise is awarded, the new franchisee at- tends milliCare Academy–our new franchise training here in Spartan- burg. Once they complete that train- ing, they have an option to go and visit one of our existing franchises to see what an operation looks like – from admin, to operations, to sales - prior to setting up their own business. “Once they get back to their own market, we have a team ready to support them.When they’re ready to open, we’re there for that first week, reviewing systems, processes, and procedures.We join them out in the field, meeting customers with them, introducing them to the Milliken reps in their area, and focusing on marketing. “After that, there is a significant amount of ongoing support. They have an assigned franchise busi- ness manager, who is their go-to person for everything. The Director of Training and Education is also available at all times. Additionally, Bringing You the Power of the 3P Commitment franinsurance.com PROTECT Your Business Property & Casualty Insurance Loss Prevention Training Employee Background Checks Disaster & Continuity Planning Care For Your PEOPLE Employer/Employee Healthcare Plans Time & Labor Management Human Resources & Payroll Support Money Saving Perks & Discounts Grow Your PROFIT Revenue Generation Reduced Labor Costs Marketing & Training Materials Member Attraction & Retention MILLICARE we have a national account team that will reach out to them once they’re up and running to start discussing the opportunities in their area: any existing national accounts, what new potential national accounts may be based in their area, so we can do some joint marketing to them. At the end of the day, the franchise owner is the best marketing person for their territory, but we are in it with them.” BVM: Are franchisees required to use Milliken products? Willis: “We have some of the best products out there. For example, our dry powder is a product they can’t get anywhere else. There is no substi- tute for that; it’s the core of our brand. Since our products pretty much exceed anything they can purchase on their own, our franchises understand that our product quality is one of the things that sets us apart in the market, and an inherent part of how we market ourselves.”