Tampa-based national brand launches limited-time veteran incentives including 20% discounted initial investment and annual royalties waived for one year totaling up to $15,000 in benefits
TAMPA, Fla., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, the full-service custom apparel decorating shop with nearly 100 franchised locations specializing in "un-frog-ettable" Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, announced a new initiative focusing on franchising opportunities for veterans and first responders. The brand has set its sights on Arizona, Florida and Texas for expansion but is offering a nationwide incentive for veterans and first responders. The incentive program includes a 20% discount on the initial investment at the time of franchise agreement and waived annual royalty fees for one year. The financial incentives could add up to more than $15,000 for qualified veterans or first responders, depending on the location of the shop.
Big Frog launched the veteran-focused initiative to help veterans and first responders fulfill their dreams of owning a small business. Recently named one of the "Top Low-Cost Franchises" by Entrepreneur Magazine, Big Frog has made it a mission to help entrepreneurs start profitable small businesses.
"We have always been committed to the success of our franchise store owners. In fact, during the pandemic, we eliminated royalty payments for 14 months - the equivalent of an $800,000 abatement for our franchisees, and invested more than 2,200 hours in business coaching. Our average store sales were up 19% over 2019 numbers, so we know some of these incentives for veterans can translate into similar success," said Big Frog Franchise Group President & CEO Tina Bacon-DeFrece.
As a brand, Big Frog values veteran service. Bacon-DeFrece grew up in a military family. Her father was a commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, so the military connection runs deep.
Currently, veteran franchise owners account for more than 4% across the Big Frog system. This initiative aims to triple that number. Many stores also rely heavily on veteran and reserve employees to manage shops or run critical day-to-day store operations. In addition, many shops independently support local veteran causes. With a "veteran-friendly DNA" firmly entrenched in the brand, launching this veteran franchise development initiative is the right move.
"In the franchising world, veterans and first responders make ideal franchise candidates because they are so disciplined and follow systems well," said Bacon-DeFrece.
The new veteran incentives apply nationwide through September 2023. Big Frog will support the veteran franchise development plan by investing in a series of on-demand webinars, career expos, advertising and editorials in veteran and franchise trade outlets, digital media campaigns, and collaborating with veteran service organization to support the cause.
Ethan Corbin, Big Frog owner in Sioux Falls, S.D., served in the U.S. Air Force for six years and was deployed in 2012 to Oman in the Middle East. Upon his discharge, he began making t-shirts in his basement because he could do small quantities for friends and family members.
"When my dad and I found the Big Frog franchise concept, I was all in because the brand is built on a 'no minimum' business model as well as strong community support," Corbin said. "One t-shirt fundraiser helped an 18-day-old baby struggle to hang onto life and those parents still send me photos of a thriving 'Toddler Trey.' If that's not a reason to be in business, I don't know what is!"
The giving back benefit also resonates with Steve Haas, owner in Waco, Texas, who is a U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corp. veteran.
"We're very fortunate to be involved in many different aspects of the community including helping a graduating high school senior who was homeless," said Haas. "We were able to get him his cap and gown and invitations that allowed him to walk the stage with his classmates."
Another positive aspect of the Big Frog concept for veterans is that, unlike a restaurant or other typical retail shop, the brand is built on a "family-friendly" business model with no nights and limited weekends. This appealed to Mark and Jenni Maniscalco, owners of the Big Frog of New Braunfels, Texas. Mark was an aircraft technician for the U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed in California, Oregon and Alaska, and did four years of contract work in Afghanistan. When his tour of duty was over, Mark and Jenni decided to stay in the small community of New Braunfels to raise their young children. Mark and Jenni's shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed Sundays.
"I began researching franchises and Big Frog was the perfect fit because it let me come home at night to the family and actually have time with them on the weekends," Mark said.
ABOUT BIG FROG CUSTOM T-SHIRTS & MORE
Locally owned and operated, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More specializes in Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, a clean and green apparel printing technology. Big Frog is a one-stop-shop for "un-frog-ettable" custom apparel with a wide selection of services including screen printing, embroidery, vinyl, and Ultra Print (heat press). Established in 2008 by co-founders Leeward Bean, Tina Bacon-DeFrece and Ron DeFrece, the franchise brand has since expanded to nearly 100 locations in 25 states and Canada offering free 15-minute, in-person design help, no minimums, and fast turnaround (often 24-hours) on DTG printing. Globally headquartered in Dunedin, Fla., Big Frog Franchise Group is led by President and CEO Tina Bacon-DeFrece. To learn more about franchising opportunities in the United States, visit BIGFROG.COM. For Canadian franchise information, visit Big Frog Canada Corp. at BIGFROG.CA.
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Media Contact
Chad Cohen, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, 1 7864175769, [email protected]
SOURCE Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
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