DEPARTMENTS
Webinar Recording Available: Understanding the Franchisee Freedom Act (H.R. 4614)
The session was moderated by Keith Miller, AAFD’s Director of Public Affairs, and featured insights from Mark Dady of Dady & Gardner Law Firm. We hope this webinar provided ... Read More →
2025 Total Quality Franchising Awards Nominations Announced
One of the defining events of our yearly Franchisee Leadership Summit is the AAFD Total Quality Franchising Awards (TQF Awards). The TQF Awards allow us to showcase exceptional individuals for their outstanding contributions ... Read More →
AAFD GOLD CIRCLE SPONSORS
Need Basic Health Care Coverage? Introducing Limited Medical Benefit Plans
Let’s cut to the chase. Health care in the United States is a mess! Here at the AAFD, we want to make sure our members don’t face a financial calamity if they get sick or suffer an injury. That is why we are pleased to announce a partnership with SimplHealth to offer our members Limited Medical Benefit Plans as part of our AAFD Health Benefits suite of health care benefits.
AAFD Member Discount being offered by Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas – April 3-6
Several AAFD members have recently contacted the AAFD about the upcoming 2018 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, April 3-6 in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace Resort. We are pleased to advise that Franchise Update Media is extending a $100 AAFD Member discount to attend the MUFC.
Join an AAFD Action Task Force to Make a Real Difference in Franchising!
At the AAFD’s 25th Anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit last May, the AAFD Leadership Council created Six Task Forces focused on what AAFD Members consider to be the primary challenges/opportunities facing franchise owners.
Join The AAFD For A Franchisee Leadership Council Conference Call
The AAFD recently announced its 2018 Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference, which will take place Oct. 21 - 24 at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri. In order to prepare for that event, we invite all Chapter Leaders to attend a Franchisee Leadership Council conference call. (All AAFD Members are also welcome to join the Conference Call)
SAVE THE DATE – AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit Dates Announced for 2018
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2018 AAFD FRANCHISEE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AND ANNUAL CONFERENCE: “EMBRACING OUR TASKS” Last year’s AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Conference was a rousing success. Franchisee association leaders gathered from all over the country to learn, network, and forge a coalition to support Total Quality Franchising initiatives. We achieved a lot in 2017, but the fight for fair franchising is far from over!
Important Changes to the SBA Process that Franchisees Need to Know About
Many new and current franchisees depend on loans and financing from the Small Business Administration to get their franchises up and running or to expand their existing operations. The SBA recently updated its loan procedure for franchisors and franchisees, and every franchisee should be aware of these changes.
7-Eleven Franchisees Accuse Franchisor of Having “Total Dominion”
7-Eleven franchisees in California are bringing their franchisor to court claiming that the popular convenience store holds absolute control over every aspect of how its franchisees operate their locations. The suit, filed in the Central District of California, claims that the company has “most powers of an employer and all of the harshest, most overreaching rights of a commercial lender, landlord, and personal property lessor.”
Will My Franchisor Retaliate If I Join a Franchisee Association?
The AAFD hears frequent concerns from franchisees as they contemplate creating or joining a franchisee association. One of the most common fears is franchisor retribution. While these concerns are understandable, franchisees need to know that the law of the United States is on their side and that their franchisor cannot legally retaliate against members of a franchisee association. Additionally, the AAFD has developed and helped implement successful strategies to address and protect against attempts at franchisor coercion or punishment.
Collaborative Franchising in Action – Griswold Home Care Invites Its Franchisee Association to 2017 Conference
Griswold Home Care, a company that provides non-medical at-home care services, continues to be a model of the AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising ethos. In September, the company held its Griswold 2017 Conference, and, for the second year in a row, invited its franchisee association to participate.
The AAFD Welcomes Two New Franchisee Chapters
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) announced the formation of two new franchise associations as chapters of the AAFD. Both chapters will leverage the combined voices of all its members to establish an environment of collaboration between franchisees and franchisors. The two new chapters are the Engineering for Kids Franchisee Association (EFKFA) and the Independent Which Wich Franchisee Association (IWWFA).
Thinking of Buying a Franchise? Take Some Advice from a Past Franchisee!
In a new article for the Houston Business Journal, past franchisee Tarek Hassan offers useful advice for anyone considering purchasing a franchise. These no-nonsense tips include things like: • Make sure you have enough saved to cover your living expenses for at least 18 months as you build your franchise. • Carefully review your Franchise Disclosure Form. • Contact current franchisees and ask them as many questions as possible.
Change Happens With You – AAFD Recruiting for Leadership Task Forces on High Priority Franchisee Issues
At the AAFD, we have spent over 25 years pursuing Total Quality Franchising, but change doesn’t happen without people stepping up to define and implement that change. If you have been looking for a way to “step up,” and bring positive change to the field on franchising, here is your chance. The AAFD is developing six unique task forces that focus on major issues that often divide franchisees and franchisors. We need leaders to join these taskforces to help us define the problem and develop collaborative solutions for the entire franchising community. Interested?
Department of Labor Withdraws Joint Employer Doctrine…a Mixed Blessing for Franchisees?
On Wednesday, June 7th, The Department of Labor made the expected announcement that the Trump administration is withdrawing the Obama era joint employer doctrine. This action is a mixed blessing for franchisees. On the one hand, the threat of joint employer classification has clearly negatively impacted many franchisees, including triggering the withdrawal of vital HR support by many “threatened” franchisors.
The AAFD Celebrates Great Franchising at Its Total Quality Franchise Awards
On Tuesday, May 2nd, we put on our tuxes and dresses, and the AAFD rolled out the red carpet to celebrate significant achievement in the quest for great franchising at its Total Quality Franchising Awards Gala. The celebration recognized Griswold Home Care as the AAFD’s Franchisor of the Year, attorney Michael Garner for Lifetime Achievement among many other industry and association leaders. Attendees were surprised and entertained by an AAFD team cast (that included AAFD Chairman, Bob Purvin’s ‘Beatles’ impersonation) in presenting some endearing song and dance numbers. Then it was time to celebrate the AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards in a beautifully set ballroom at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa.
AAFD Health Benefits Upgrades Offer Franchise Owners New Health Care Options
In the Face of Great Health Care Uncertainty, AAFD Health Benefits Gives Business Owners Alternative Options. The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers has announced major upgrades to its AAFD Health Benefits programs. The past few years have seen great upheaval in the health care insurance market, with mixed messages coming from Washington and insurers raising rates and dropping out of insurance markets altogether.
Was the Magna Carta the Very First Franchise Agreement?
In 1215, King John of England signed the Magna Carta, granting, for the first time, legal protections and rights to his barons and noblemen. In effect, the Magna Carta was the result of the first franchisee revolt in recorded history. That’s exactly what I suggest in a great new feature article on the AAFD published by Blue MauMau, the premiere franchise industry publication.
Act fast and save. Early Bird rates Register by February 28, 2017
Don’t you just love getting a good deal? We do too, which is why we want to send out a quick reminder that early bird pricing for the AAFD’s 25th Anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting (April 30th – May 3rd) ends on February 28th.
What It Means to Celebrate 25 Years of Total Quality Franchising
For 25 years, the AAFD has supported collaborative franchising cultures and promoted the concept of Total Quality Franchising. Celebrate with us as we review the reasons we founded the AAFD, look at our biggest achievements, and consider the challenges that remain.
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