Fidelity Bank

Based in Central Massachusetts, Fidelity Bank is one of the oldest, strongest and continually growing independent community banks in the region. Fidelity Bank offers the experience of a big bank with the personal service of a community lender. As a franchise owner client, you deal directly with the decision makers who are committed to responding quickly and knowledgably from day one of your relationship.

Fidelity Bank offers mid-to-large scale financing to franchisees throughout New England and New York State. The lender provides network financing for new stores, store acquisitions, expansions, remodels and related real estate. Fidelity Bank tends to work with franchise owners or owner networks with at least four or five shops. Its minimum transaction amount is $500,000 and the maximum is $10 million. The bank is a “relationship lender,” meaning its aim is to finance the relationship and be the primary lender for an operation, not just to fund a single transaction. Fidelity Bank can fit the bill no matter the size of the network, serving all of the needs of a network with a handful of stores or helping franchise owners with more than 100 stores to diversify their banking relationships.

While Fidelity Bank just initiated its Dunkin’ Donuts Commercial Lending Program six months ago, President and Chief Lending Officer John Merrill and Senior Business Banking Officer Sally Buffum each have more than 10 years experience providing financing to Dunkin’ franchise owners.

“We may be small, but we’re experienced. We understand the capital needs of a growing or existing network of Dunkin’ Donuts stores, but also recognize that each network is different and we’re nimble in our customization of services for individual franchise owners,” said Merrill. “We’re putting a lot of effort into growing our lending program, and we’ve had a number of early successes.”

Through Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign approach, your relationship would typically begin with a conversation with one of the bank’s commercial lending Relationship Managers to discuss what you’re trying to accomplish and what your capital needs are. Your Relationship Manager would require financial statements and other documentation to fully grasp how your needs and goals fit into your overall business plan. When it comes to the application and decision-making process, everything is tailored to the transaction type and complexity as well as the franchisee’s needs. Fidelity Bank would ask for a project timetable upfront and design a plan to meet that timetable. This would be part of the complete financial package and transaction outline ultimately provided by the lender. Throughout the process, your Relationship Manager is there to walk you and your associates (e.g., your accountant) through the steps and/or to answer any questions.

To find out more, visit www.fidelitybankonline.com or contact Sally Buffum at 508-762-3604 or sbuffum@fidelitybankonline.com.

Direct Capital Franchise Group

Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Direct Capital is a national direct lender that has worked with Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchise owners for more than a decade. In fact, the lender has a team of Franchise Finance Managers specifically trained to work with the Dunkin’ Donuts community. Offering small-to-mid scale financing for new store development, equipment and technology replacement and upgrades, remodels, store acquisitions and even relocations; Direct Capital’s typical minimum transaction amount is $2,500 and the maximum is $1 million.

In addition to traditional finance structures, working capital loans are available. Direct Capital has a brand new program exclusively for Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchise owners: All are automatically pre-approved for $25,000 of working capital financing per location and may be eligible for higher amounts. These short-term, unsecured loans can be used to boost liquidity and cover general business expenses such as inventory, labor, advertising and taxes.

Express underwriting and approval services streamline financing for Dunkin’ Donuts clients. A one-page application is all that is required for loans under $100,000, and approvals and documentation are processed the day of the application. For larger loans, the process is initiated with that same application, but additional financial review is required. Once financials are received, Direct Capital typically makes decisions within two business days on remodels, new stores, acquisitions and relocations in two business days. What’s more, the lender’s ClickFund™ electronic documentation system allows you to review and sign financial documents through a secure website, significantly reducing the turn-around time of “hard copy” processing. For multi-unit franchise owners, Direct Capital designed a Master Finance Agreement to simplify applications for subsequent financing with the completion of a one-page addendum to simplify the process of securing additional funds over time. Direct Capital also can consolidate all of your invoicing and offers flexible payment options (deferred and seasonal).

“We have grown so comfortable with the Brand and are so confident in the ability of franchise owners to perform that, even in a generally tight lending climate, we’ve had a wider credit window for franchisees in the Dunkin’ system,” said Robyn Gault, Vice President of Strategic Accounts. “In 2012, we are looking to expand our programs and allocate even more funding to the Dunkin’ Donuts community because it has been so successful.”

For more information check out http://franchise.lendedge.com or contact Robyn Gault at 603-433-9476 or rgault@directcapital.com.

GE Capital, Franchise Finance

GE Capital, Franchise Finance (GE Capital) has more than 30 years experience serving mid-market owner/operators with multiple stores in the restaurant and hospitality industries. In January of 2010, GE Capital reorganized to a regional model and put a major focus on Dunkin’ Donuts becoming a core brand. While headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, GE Capital is dedicated to lending to franchisees across the country with originations teams embedded in the East, Central and West regions.

“We have the expertise in the restaurant space to understand key issues for franchise owners, and our regional focuses give us a better grasp of each client’s local marketplace,” said Brian Frank, Managing Director, East Region. “And because GE has the knowledge and expertise in a variety of industries, we not only provide the capital but also the insight on topics such as market competition, energy costs, local and global economies, health care and government. Our experts can tap into these and other areas to help a franchise owner grow their business.”

GE Capital stands true to its tagline, “We’re not just bankers. We’re builders.” The lender is committed to helping you do more than maintain your business; it aims to facilitate your growth vision. GE Capital offers term loans, refinancing, real estate mortgages, sales leaseback, acquisition financing and development lines for new stores and remodels. It predominantly does financing across the board for an entire business, working with seasoned owner/operators with at least three to five years experience and six to 10 stores. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, however, so the lender is always open to speaking with franchisees who might not fit this exact profile.

GE Capital has more than 300 employees nationwide who are solely dedicated to the restaurant finance business, so it can truly provide a national perspective. The lender also has a Brand Manager, Christine Keating, who works with Dunkin’ Brands directly to ensure GE Capital understands all of the brand’s issues and expectations, and to forge a triangle partnership since it works best when the franchisee, franchisor and lender are all working together to grow the business.

While GE Capital clearly has expansive operations, it remains committed to serving each franchise owner client as an individual. You typically begin by talking with an account executive in your region to establish the groundwork. The regional account executive gathers basic information about your business such as history and performance, scope of anticipated projects, overall business plan, financial history and documentation. The account executive then brings in an underwriter and closer to form a “Deal Team” specifically dedicated to you. This team subsequently walks you through the transactions step-by-step.

Learn more at www.gefranchisefinance.com or contact Ab Igram at     203-229-1885 or ab.igram@ge.com.

Joyal Capital Management

For 25 years, Joyal Capital Management, LLC (JCM) and its affiliates have provided financial services to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees. This longstanding association began with estate, business and financial planning and evolved into lending-related services. Today, JCM offers exclusive financing arrangements to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees along with outstanding personalized service, including a dedicated team that handles transactions in a 100% turnkey process requiring minimal franchisee involvement.

Based in Plymouth, Massachusetts, JCM primarily serves franchise owners on the East Coast, supplying traditional franchise financing for new store development, acquisitions, expansions, remodels, refinancing, and so on. What makes JCM unique, however, are the funding and debt structuring services available only to Dunkin’ Donuts clients. If you need immediate access to capital, JCM can help. The firm has very substantial secured funds set aside to provide the capital now and subsequently structure that debt, meaning you can get the money you need today, literally.

JCM also offers exceptional debt restructuring. When you have loans with more than one bank, often the banks and loan covenants make it impossible to access additional capital. In this situation, JCM will work with you to restructure your loans, getting rid of the other banks and terming out your existing debt in ways that meet your ongoing cash flow needs.

“We are proud to offer services to our Dunkin’ Donuts clients that go ‘above and beyond.’ It’s our mission to be there as a resource they can rely on to help grow their business,” said JCM Chairman and CEO Gary Joyal. “We currently serve the full spectrum—from franchisees who own just one shop to the largest franchisee in the system—and we believe in developing long-term relationships, not transactional-based relationships.”

In fact, JCM stood by its Dunkin’ Donuts clients through a serious crisis. In 2007, while managing the Dunkin’ Donuts Lending Program created by Sovereign Bank in the early 1990s, JCM began getting panicked calls from franchisees: Sovereign was calling in loans that were technically in default solely due to not meeting growth criteria stipulated in the loan agreements. Gary Joyal immediately contacted Northern Bank & Trust Company (a small, privately owned community bank) to explore solutions. Joyal wanted: simple loan approval, no financial covenants and no overly burdensome cross-collateralization provisions—a key component that would allow larger franchisee networks to grow and prosper. Northern Bank President and CEO James Mawn agreed and further said the only criteria would be that franchisees make their monthly payments. In addition, Mawn would meet clients face-to-face and share his home phone number for use in case of an emergency. JCM established a partnership with Northern Bank in 2008 and began transferring business from Sovereign. The program has been extremely successful and, whenever a franchisee has faced an urgent problem, Mawn has come through with a resolution.

To find out more, see www.jcmfranchise.com or contact Manager of Client Services Kathy Rebello at 508-747-2237 or krebello@joycapmgt.com.

“I always knew today would be special, but I never dreamed it would be this grand,” said Octavio.

In a tent outside the shop, servers in retro uniforms offered free donuts, peppermint mocha lattes and cheddar bacon flatbread sandwiches to guests. The re-opening ceremony kicked off with a performance by marching bands from two local high schools. Emcees, from popular Boston radio station WROR, welcomed the crowd and introduced the first speaker John Costello, Dunkin’ Brands Chief Global Marketing and Innovation Officer.

Costello congratulated the Carvalho brothers and spoke of the location and brand’s rich heritage and bright future. “Franchisees like Victor and Octavio are our secret weapon. They are the ones who build a bond with Dunkin’ guests and with the community,” he said. “Today captures the best of the old and the new. We couldn’t be more proud of what this store represents.”

Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, State Senator John Keenan and Representative Tackey Chan followed Costello, expressing their congratulations and sincere appreciation for all the Carvalho brothers do to support the community. Each also shared his thoughts on the history and outlook of Dunkin’ Donuts in Quincy. “It seems to me the future is yesterday and it starts right here,” said Chan.

The final speaker, Victor Carvalho, received a rousing ovation as he took the podium. Victor spoke of his family’s involvement with the franchise, which began when his and Octavio’s father, Jose, took over the Southern Artery shop in 1979 from Hy Schwarz, brother-in-law of Dunkin’ Donuts Founder Bill Rosenberg.

“Octavio and I grew to understand what our family had—the history of the brand and this location. We take great pride in being able to say we own and work in the first Dunkin’ Donuts,” he said. “I can’t say enough about our team and our guests. Our guests are unique because they have an emotional connection with Dunkin’ Donuts. It’s a brand they love and want to come back to every day.”

At the close of his remarks, Victor invited his brother to join him to present a $5,000 check to Kathy Quigley and Claire Brennan of the Germantown Neighborhood Center (GNC), one of the local charities the brothers support. Since 1982, the GNC has provided critical services to youth and families in the Germantown community of Quincy.

At the close of the ceremony, guests gathered for the re-dedication of a plaque commemorating the location as the site of the original Dunkin’ Donuts and proceeded to tour the remodeled shop.

Franchise Owners Victor & Octavio Carvalo Beeming with Pride

At ages 12 and 14 respectively, Victor and Octavio began working at the store on day one of their father’s ownership. “We fell in love with it immediately,” Victor said. The brothers officially took over the franchise when their father retired in 1994. Now, Victor’s 20-year-old son works at the store while also attending Salve Regina University.

When the shop came up for its 10-year remodel, the brothers approached Dunkin’ Brands with the idea of doing something special to commemorate the historical nature of the location. Together they planned this one-of-a-kind retro remodel. To achieve the makeover, the store closed for 11 days before unveiling its new look last month.

“We’ve always been proud of this shop, but today surpassed our expectations,” said Victor. “We couldn’t be more proud to have the support of the community, our fellow franchisees and Dunkin’ corporate. We’ve all been on the same page working towards the same goal, and it all came together today in a big way. It’s such a great feeling.”

On July 1, 2011, Delphi Display Systems acquired the assets of Phase Research, including the Fast Track drive-thru timing systems. One of Delphi’s top priorities following this acquisition was to re-establish its relationship with Dunkin’ Brands and ensure delivery of the highest quality products and service. 

“Fast Track products were introduced at Dunkin’ Donuts stores when the drive-thru first became a key strategic initiative for the brand. As a pioneer in drive-thru timer technology, we helped Dunkin’ Donuts develop speed-of-service and drive-thru timer configuration standards and measure actual performance using Fast Track Timers,” said David Skinner, Vice President of Sales. “We are very pleased to have and continue our relationships with all Dunkin’ customers.”

Delphi provides turnkey site preparation and installation services throughout the US and serves major brands in 47 countries worldwide. With well over 20,000 timer systems installed in QSRs globally, Delphi is very proud that more than 2,300 of those are in Dunkin’ Donuts stores. Delphi continues to support all existing Fast Track timer systems. The company offers free video and webinar training as well as a toll-free customer service number manned by live technical support staff. When utilizing Delphi’s support staff, a striking majority of system problems—about 95 percent—are repairable by phone.

According to Delphi, its new Fast Track 3000 Series Drive-Thru Timer is the industry’s most accurate and reliable system. It is sleek and compact in design and network-ready for high-speed remote access. The system provides real-time speed-of-service data on LCD screens that are easy to read and easily customizable. Multi-colored graphs and other visual indicators allow you, your managers and crew to instantaneously see critical and detailed vehicle timing information as well as how your store is performing against benchmarks.

The Fast Track 3000 Series Drive-Thru Timer continually measures and logs service times and, with Fast Track PC software, makes generating corporate-required reports a snap. You can quickly download timer data; generate reports locally or remotely by daypart, shift, day or hour as well as month-to-month comparisons and weekly or quarterly reports; and automatically email reports. If you own multiple stores, an Enterprise edition enables you to download data from all locations into a single file to create customized reports and execute detailed performance analysis across all of your shops. Cost-effective upgrade packages and trade-in programs are available for Dunkin’ Donuts stores that already have a Fast Track timer but are looking to increase its functionality. 

 Delphi is looking forward to an order confirmation trial with Dunkin’ Brands and hopes to be able to offer its Order Confirmation Systems (OCS) to Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in the future. Delphi says its OCS displays have the longest product life, highest reliability and lowest total cost of ownership, and they are field repairable. Delphi displays are also readable in direct sunlight, operate reliably in harsh weather and are energy efficient. 

“We remain committed to improving our customer service and doing a great job for Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Skinner. “We continue to evolve Fast Track products to help franchise owners increase their operational efficiency and profits.”

For more information, call Delphi Display Systems at 1-800-456-0060 or send an email to sales@delphidisplay.com. You can also learn more at www.delphidisplay.com.

In just over a year, Sprint has seen tremendous growth in its Dunkin’ Donuts customer base, going from about 100 customers to 1,800. What accounts for this remarkable success? The carrier

Sprint signed its initial sponsorship agreement in June 2010 and immediately invested in optional promotional opportunities, advertising on the DDIFO website and in Independent Joe and sponsoring the 2010 National Members Meeting. Sprint also chose to spark off its new partnership by offering a 15 percent discount on select cell phone plans to any Dunkin’ Brands employee, whether a new or existing Sprint or Nextel customer. The carrier simultaneously implemented its own national marketing efforts to make sure Dunkin’ employees everywhere knew about the special offer.

“We were so excited to work with DDIFO that we wanted to hit the ground running, gaining immediate exposure through the Sponsor Program opportunities as well as creating a buzz with our own efforts,” said Account Manager Caroline Fedele.

In fact, the payoff has been so substantial that Sprint is now working towards offering a discount on Business Solutions to Dunkin’ franchise owners. Sprint offers Converged Solutions (moving from wired to wireless), Machine-to-Machine Technology and a host of other programs. Fedele says with Sprint, deploying a wireless network at multiple remote locations is easy and affordable.

“Sprint’s Business Solutions can be implemented in just days and often leverage existing infrastructure to minimize upfront costs. This enables franchise owners to rapidly and cost-effectively install wireless networks to deliver next-generation applications and services.”

Sprint is the only carrier to offer truly unlimited 4G data plans with no cap or overage charges and is continuing to improve customer service and satisfaction, investing $4 billion in network enhancements. Its Network Vision is an innovative plan to further enhance voice quality and data speeds nationwide. The carrier will consolidate multiple network technologies (4G, 3G and Nextel) into one, seamless network over the next couple of years. When completed, customers will enjoy enhanced service coverage areas and additional network capacity. Launching in late 2011, Network Vision mobile devices will incorporate all three technologies and automatically connect to the best available network.

To find out more or to sign up for discounts, contact Caroline Fedele at 781-367-1057 or caroline.fedele@sprint.com. You can also meet with Sprint representatives at DDIFO’s National Members Conference and is sponsoring a breakout session:

“Access to Capital –Financing Options” Moderated by: Thomas Colitsas, CPA, Edison, NJ DDIFO Director, Panel of Presenters: Scott Kantor, Business Financial Services; George Ziminski, Capital One Bank; Robyn Gault, Direct Capital Franchise Group; Sally Buffum, Fidelity Bank, and Ab Igram, GE Capital, Franchise Finance.

“In the four years that I’ve been writing about Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees, I’ve been impressed by the abundance of interesting stories about franchise owners’ expertise as business operators and entrepreneurs, dedication to their communities and local charities, and the role they’ve played in the success of the Brand,” said DDIFO Communications Director Matt Ellis. “We need these stories, because all of our members can learn from and be encouraged by the experiences of their peers: They are simply the best source of information and inspiration.”

In recent years, Ellis and DDIFO Writer Susan Minichiello have covered stories like,

• The Boston Marathon challenges, success and lessons learned by franchise owner George Alepedis (read article; p. 10 of June 2011 Independent Joe)
• The success of Dunkin’ Donuts shops on college campuses as experienced by franchise owner Matt Doyle (read article; p. 5 of December 2010 Independent Joe)
• Two charity golf tournaments in memory of franchise owner and DCP Chairman John Henderson (read article)
• The response of the Brand to franchise owner Mike White’s predicament after flooding in the Atlanta area (read article)
• Franchise owner Neal Faulkner’s partnership venture with Citizens Bank (read article)
• President Obama’s recognition of franchise owner Andy Cabral in a speech about the SBA (read article)
• The 50th anniversary celebration of the Deslauriers family’s franchise ownership (read article) and its implementation of solar power and other green technologies (read article)
• Inside the largest CML in Chicagoland and why owner Vishal Shah says the 45,000 square foot facility can lower upfront costs for new franchisees in the market (read article; p. 10 of December 2009 Independent Joe)

“These are just a handful of the outstanding and uplifting stories we’ve been able to share,” said Ellis. “But it’s important to note that even if something you’re doing is routine for you, it could be eye-opening for other franchise owners, especially those who are new to the business.”

DDIFO’s communications team is working on Issue #10 of Independent Joe which includes articles on how the Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act paved the way for a fair franchising bill under debate in Massachusetts and what franchisees need to know about using social media to communicate with customers.

DDIFO is eager to hear your stories about daily operations, charity work and community involvement, innovative programs and practices, successes and celebrations, lessons learned, and legacy stories—i.e., those that highlight multiple generations of ownership. Please email your story ideas to Matt Ellis (matt@ddifo.org) or DDIFO President Jim Coen (jim@ddifo.org).

In business for 75 years, Bederson is an award-winning, nationally recognized company whose staff possesses impressive credentials and a proven track record few can match. Not only does the firm have a rich history of serving small business and entrepreneurial clients; it also has a solid commitment to providing the highest level of personal service. As a client, you will have direct access to and interactions with a team of senior staff and partners who work with you based on your individual needs and their according areas of expertise.

“Our senior staff and partners are all incredibly hands-on, available and invested,” said Partner and CPA Steve Bortnick. “We care about the whole person and focus on his or her business and life goals. Our team works together to offer insightful, sound advice and financial strategies that are based on years of experience but customized to each individual.”

Chuck Persing and Steve Bortnick

Bederson is a full-service accounting and financial consulting firm headquartered in West Orange, NJ and offers services in such areas as:
• Accounting & Auditing
• Business Valuations
• Mergers, Acquisitions & Capital Financing
• Tax, Estate & Financial Planning
• Insolvency, Reorganization, Turnaround & Litigation

While Bederson just came on board last year as a DDIFO Sponsor, the company has worked with more than a dozen Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in recent years. Throughout its history serving numerous franchisee clients, Bederson has developed a niche in franchisee/franchisor issues. Its staff understands the pressures of living up to franchise agreements and all of the financial intricacies those contracts involve. What’s more, partners Steve Bortnick and Chuck Persing have unique perspectives relevant to the DDIFO community: Bortnick helped to run a family business, and Persing is a former Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner.

“Combining our own owner/operator experience, working with Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to resolve disputes in and out of court, and preparation of valuations for estate planning and sales purposes makes Bederson an ideal partner to team up with DDIFO,” said Persing. “This experience, along with decades of having provided accounting and tax service to entrepreneurial family-run businesses, adds to the capability Bederson brings to the DDIFO community.”

When you engage Bederson’s services, the process typically begins with interviews and face-to-face meetings. The firm then gathers more concrete information such as prior tax returns and records, franchise agreements, litigation paperwork and history, and the like. Then an engagement letter is developed detailing the terms of your work together, including deliverables, timeframes, budgets and billing. Bederson’s staff works hand-in-hand with other involved entities like insurance agents, lawyers, other accountants and financial advisors, and lending and real estate agents and brokers.

Bederson has just re-launched its website to provide improved information and online services. In addition to the basics about each of the firm’s areas of service, you will find:
• practical financial tools (Events Calendar with important dates like state and federal tax deadlines, Tax Forms Library, IRS Tax Publications Library, Client Tax Organizer, interactive financial calculators)
• a downloadable company brochure
• a secure client login with file-share access
• live Reuters newsfeeds
• a press section with relevant articles and whitepapers
• a sign-up form for the Bederson e-newsletter (to launch later in 2011)

Whether analyzing your profitability and cash flow, preparing your business or individual tax returns, advising you on financing agreement terms or depreciation tax benefits, or providing dispute resolution services, Bederson has the experience and know-how you need to succeed.

“As newcomers to the DDIFO Sponsor program, my firm and I are energized by the commitment of the organization and its members to maximize the opportunities presented by this vibrant and iconic American brand,” said Bortnick. “We appreciate the opportunity to help support the success of the franchise owners in reaching their business and personal goals.”

For more information, contact Steve Bortnick at 973-736-3333 or sbortnick@bederson.com, or visit www.bederson.com. Bederson & Company will also be represented at the National Members Meeting in September and the Mid-Atlantic (IAFO) Meeting in December.

“I understand the importance of bringing people together to work for a common cause and fully grasp the reality that power lies in numbers,” says Mitch. “I also know what it takes to win the tough fights.”

Mitch is focusing on signing up new members in Florida and branching into the Carolinas as well. Taking a grass roots approach, he meets one-on-one with franchisees to learn more about their individual businesses, success stories and challenges. While he finds that the franchise owners share many concerns in common, he also says that every conversation reveals something new. He is keenly aware that most Dunkin’ Donuts shops are family operations, often multi-generational, and that these families are working as hard as ever to protect their equity and the blood, sweat and tears invested in their businesses.

“In my conversations with franchisees, I recognize their need to focus on day-to-day operations and stress that DDIFO provides the only insurance they have to not only defend their interests but to take proactive measures to ensure their businesses are successful,” Mitch says. “I let them know that as DDIFO members, we’ve got their back. So far, franchisees have been overwhelmingly receptive and appreciative to know they’re not alone.”

Since May, Mitch has been traveling throughout Florida, signing up new members. He says he’s getting traction and with that traction, helping DDIFO extend its footprint. While Mitch’s approach takes time, the benefit is undeniable as his comprehensive personal interactions are already leading to growing membership numbers.

“As we all know, there is strength in numbers and, as regions like Florida are on the cusp of significant growth, it’s vital that we have stronger membership numbers there,” says Mitch. “As our ranks grow, our leverage increases and, with it, the likelihood that franchise owners can maximize that leverage to their mutual advantage.”

Mitch first met DDIFO President Jim Coen in 2005 while working on a political campaign in Boston. Recently, they reconnected after Mitch completed his work on Tampa’s mayoral run-off election, and Jim realized that Mitch had a lot to offer DDIFO.

Mitch is a consensus builder and his efforts are helping DDIFO better understand the various issues that impact franchisees in all markets. We have learned how franchisees in outlying markets can feel disconnected from the franchisee community. Having someone with his experience on the ground, listening to franchisees’ concerns brings them closer to the franchisee community,” said Coen.

“For my part, this feels like a great fit and I’m really enjoying it,” says Mitch. “I’m meeting these incredibly dedicated, hard-working people and already feel a sense of responsibility to help them. As DDIFO continues to grow, we’ll be that much more powerful and influential on their behalf.”

You can reach Mitch via email: Mitch@ddifo.org

“The whole premise of DDIFO—an organization that unifies franchise owners to band together over common causes and concerns and work towards mutual benefit—is not only a smart way to do business; it’s also really exciting,” said Joan.

Joan began working as an advertising account executive in 1992. In 2000, she took a media buying position with Moynihan Lumber Company. In 2006, she returned to ad sales. These positions afforded Joan a unique and valuable perspective since she served as both a seller and a buyer.

“I got to experience both side of the sales equation. As a media planner and buyer, I learned firsthand just how important it is to have your time appreciated, to be thanked and recognized for your business,” Joan said. “When I returned to sales, I brought that new understanding with me and made sure that my clients were aware of my genuine gratitude. I’m eager to bring that perspective to my work with DDIFO and believe it will be invaluable in developing and maintaining Sponsor relationships.”

“Joan has a great understanding of advertising and marketing. Her experience will be very beneficial to our sponsor community, and I am confident she will provide excellent customer service,” said Coen.

Joan began working with DDIFO on June 6. She has already picked up on several potential Sponsors in the pipeline and is working with them to develop individualized plans that meet their goals within given budgets. She also is open to hearing from franchise owners with leads on vendors they feel are trustworthy and that offer products and services that would be beneficial to other franchisees.

“I can’t wait to take part in my first Members Meeting so I can meet and interact with people face-to-face” said Joan. “I’m excited to get to know the players and grow the Sponsor program in ways that profit both the membership and the vendors.”

Joan can be contacted with Sponsor leads at joan.gould@ddifo.org or 508-422-1161.

The main advantage Kensington Company delivers to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees is the staff’s unique familiarity with Dunkin’ Brands. Franchise Advisors David Stein and Dave Ron used to sell territories for Dunkin’ and were extremely successful, earning multiple awards and other recognition from the Brand. They know firsthand how Dunkin’ Brands (DBI) works with regard to specific transaction processes, criteria for buyers, newer in-store technologies, products and franchise agreement requirements. When Kensington Company screens buyers, it performs a rigorous pre-approval process similar to that of DBI and presents only the cream of the crop to its clients, those who meet or surpass DBI standards (e.g., food service operations experience, amount of liquid capital). When determining a realistic financial valuation of an existing Dunkin’ shop or network of shops, that assessment is extremely thorough and accurate.

Based in Roslyn, New York (about 15 miles outside NYC), Kensington Company provides services nationwide and has 15 years of experience in national franchise sales. In the past three years, the firm has successfully sold 60 Dunkin’ stores. With a database of 50,000 qualified buyers—both existing and new franchisees—plus its use of a variety of marketing avenues, including website listings and email blasts, Kensington Company is confident it can identify the ideal buyer(s) for you. The staff also know what to look for operationally. They can pinpoint issues that potential buyers might not like and advise how you might address such concerns before engaging in a transaction process.

“Right now, there are so many people looking for a business they can invest in and run profitably,” said Stein. “The Dunkin’ concept stands out from the pack. We receive about twice as many calls for Dunkin’ listings as for any other franchise brand.”

Beyond the firm’s intimate knowledge of Dunkin’ Brands, it also offers services that many other business brokers do not. For example, Kensington Company completes buyer and seller riders and provides referrals to highly reputable, reliable transaction attorneys. It does not co-broker with other firms, instead bringing together sellers and buyers it determines are well-matched. What’s more, Kensington Company has the sophistication and experience necessary to identify potentially complex challenges early in the process and provide innovative and creative solutions that will help you accomplish the best transaction.

As Stein highlights in his presentations at DDIFO Members Meetings, the numbers speak for themselves:

• 97% of Kensington Company’s buyers have been approved by Dunkin’ Brands
• 85% of Kensington Company’s buyers were new franchisees
• 38% of all sales had no financing contingencies

“We are proud of our track record of service to Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners and are eager to bring our expertise and experience to benefit DDIFO members,” said Stein. “Kensington Company is no fly-by-night operation. We’re in it for the long-haul.”

For more information or a free consultation, contact David Stein at 718-490-2218 or dstein@kensingtoncompany.com, or visit www.kensingtoncompany.com. Kensington Company & Affiliates will also be represented at all remaining 2011 Members Meetings.

KK Insurance Agency is headquartered in New Jersey, but insures restaurants and other businesses in all 50 states. Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner clients in New Jersey brought the DDIFO to the agency’s attention, and KK Insurance Agency President Kiran Sondhi immediately initiated conversations with DDIFO President Jim Coen and former Sponsorship Director Amy Levine. Since the agency operates on a convention-marketing basis—finding higher value in face-to-face interactions to grow its business as opposed to other means of advertising—Sondhi felt that working with the DDIFO could be a great fit.

While KK Insurance Agency has served Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees in the New Jersey area for more than three years, Sondhi and his staff are eager to expand services to other regions and believe sponsorship of Members Meetings is one of the best ways to achieve this goal. The agency began by sponsoring the New York/Mid-Atlantic members Meeting in December 2010. It has since signed on to sponsor all 2011 Members Meetings and advertise in Independent Joe. Most recently, Sondhi, Vice President Deepak Vaidya and Marketing Manager Ashish Vaidya staffed a table and met with franchise owners at the Northeast Members Meeting on March 3, 2011.

“We are looking forward to building relationships with each and every Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner,” said Sondhi. “That’s why we’re sponsoring the meetings. It makes a huge difference to speak personally with the franchisees so they understand that they each matter to us.”

In business for more than 25 years, this agency has the know-how and experience to meet all of your insurance needs and prides itself on the highest level of personal service. In advance of soliciting Dunkin’ Donuts clients, KK Insurance Agency worked with a variety of insurance companies to first ensure they were willing and able to meet the needs and guidelines of Dunkin’ franchise owners. Some insurance companies can’t or don’t want to cover businesses that are open 24 hours, have cooking facilities and/or offer drive-through services. KK Insurance has built up a base of 35 insurance companies that can meet these, and all, Dunkin’ Donuts franchise requirements. What’s more, the agency is open six days a week and created a dedicated department of six staff members who work only with Dunkin’ Donuts clients.

KK Insurance Agency offers the following types of coverage:
• Commercial Property
• Fire Legal Liability
• Commercial Auto
• Hired & Non-owned Auto
• Workers’ Compensation
• EPLI
• Crime
• Umbrella

You can easily request a quote online or by phone. If you already have insurance, KK Insurance Agency additionally requests your current declaration page so it can accurately compare pricing, advocate for the best rates and/or discounts and ensure you have all the coverage you need. Once you agree to a recommended policy, the agency sends forms for signing via fax or email and offers secure electronic payment options. Your coverage becomes active upon payment. KK Insurance Agency has dedicated staff members who only process certificates for proof of insurance, so you can have this documentation immediately (in advance of the actual policy arriving in the mail) in case you need to share it with the bank, a landlord, etc. The process is that simple.

“Our goal in working with Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners is to offer a streamlined process to meet all of their insurance needs with the highest level of personalized customer service,” said Sondhi. “We enjoy the relationships we’ve already built with Dunkin’ franchisees and look forward to serving more of them in the future.”

For more information or to request a quote, contact Ashish Vaidya at 866-554-6799 or ashish@kkinsuranceagency.com or visit www.kkquote.com.