Franchising Your Business: Interview with Franchisor

Kirk Lance of

Insights about franchising and franchising your business from experienced franchisors

Interview By Franchise Lawyer Charles N. Internicola

www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com www.BusinessandFranchiseLawInterviews.com

The Internicola Law Firm, PC | 800. 976.4904

 

! THE INTERNICOLA LAW FIRM, PC

National Franchise Lawyers

www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com

   

A note from Charles Internicola, Esq.: What Is “The Franchisor Interview Series” All About?

Dear Start-Up and Established Franchisors,

s a franchise lawyer who spends a large amount of time assisting experienced franchisors with the various stages and steps of franchising a business and also being a managing member of my own franchise company, I am always

looking to find experience and advice about franchising a business to share with my clients. My goal in gathering and sharing information about franchising is to provide our clients with more than just legal knowledge during the franchise process but rather to also offer them business knowledge about the in’s and the out’s of what has worked for others who have been through the franchising process themselves. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Kirk Lance, the founder and franchisor of Aprisa Mexican Cuisine a company that offers high-quality Mexican food in a fast-casual dining experience. Kirk had some great insights about franchising, his role as a franchisor and his company. What follows is the transcript of our interview. Sincerely,

Charles N. Internicola P.S. If you don’t have a copy, feel free to contact my staff at 800. 976. 4904, to get a complimentary copy of the audio CD of this interview. P.P.S. Also, if you are a franchisor or franchise professional, feel free to contact my staff (800. 976. 4904). We would be glad to hear from you.

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The Internicola Law Firm, PC

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Charles N. Internicola:   As   part   of   our  continuing   series   about   franchising   your  business,   today   we   have   the   actual   benefit   of  speaking  with  Kirk   Lance.   Kirk   is   a   franchisor;  his  company   is  Aprisa  Mexian  Cuisine  and  Kirk  had   agreed   to   spend   some   time   with   us   and  share  some  of  his  insights  about  franchising,  the  process  of  franchising  his  business,  and  actually  letting   us   know   about   his   company,   Aprisa  Mexican  Cuisine.  Thank  you  for  your  time,  Kirk.  Kirk Lance: Thank   you   for   having   me.     I  appreciate  it.    CNI: So,  Kirk,  what  we  found  really  interesting  about   your   business   are   two   things.     I'm   a   big  fan   of   good   Mexican   food,   and   what   I   found  

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really  appealing  was  the  idea  that  it  was  all  fresh;   the   foods   you're   preparing   –   sort   of  gourmet  Mexican   –   but   also   the   innovative  way   that   you've   set   up   your   restaurants.    Could  you  just  describe  that  a  little  for  us?    KL:  Yeah,  you  bet.    Let  me  give  you  a  little  bit  of   insight   into   the   menu,   and   then   I'll   talk  about   the  building   just  briefly.    But  you  hit  the   nail   on   the   head:   everything   we   do   is  fresh;  prepared  in  house  daily.        Our  menu  isn't  extensive.    We  basically  offer  six   items   that   can  be   curtailed   to  whatever  your  desires  are.    So  we  have  burritos,  tacos,  tortas,  quesadillas,  and  taco  salads,  and  then  you   can   add   or   take   away   whatever  ingredients,  in  that,  that  you  like.  And  so  by  having   a   restricted,   smaller   menu,   we’re  able  to  really  focus  on  making  sure  that  our  recipes  are  as  strong  as  can  be  and  as  fresh  as  can  be.    And  then,  as  far  as  the  building  is  concerned  –   this   is,   I   think,   where  we   really   separate  ourselves   from   any   competition.    What  we  do   is:   we   manufacture   all   of   our   locations  from   recycled   shipping   containers   –   these  are   steel   shipping   containers   that   are  crossing   the   oceans   as   we   speak.     What's  happened  in  the  U.S.  is:  the  U.S.   imports   far  more   than   it   exports,   and   so,   consequently,  

Kirk Lance of Aprisa Mexican Cuisine Interviewed About “Franchising Your Business” with Franchise Lawyer Charles N. Internicola A franchisor discusses franchising and issues that you should consider when franchising your business

 

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these   steel   shipping   containers   are   coming  over   here   in   droves,   and   they're   not   leaving  nearly  at  the  same  rate.    So  you  have  them  just  building   up   in   container   yards,   so   you   can  purchase   them   relatively   inexpensively.     And  then   what   we've   done   is:   we   retrofit   those  into  a  really  pleasing  design.        And  the  benefit  –  or  one  of  the  benefits  –is:  we  have  really  small  buildings;  about  380   square   feet.     So,   that's   380   square   feet  that   you're   heating   and   cooling   and   insuring  and   staffing   and   purchasing,   versus   a   typical  franchise   restaurant,   which   would   be   –  minimum  2,000,  or  2,000-­‐plus.    CNI: So,   I   mean,   it's   definitely   a   compelling  concept,  and  the  architectural  elements  there  –  Kirk,  what  many  people  ask  us  about  is  –  so,  you've  gone  from  concept  –and  a  prototype  –  and,   actually,   an   innovative   one   –   and   then  you   took   the   steps   of   franchising   your  business,   and   now   you've   gone   through   the  process  where   you've   sold,   I   believe,   at   least  to  one  franchisee  already;  is  that  correct?    KL:   That's   correct,   yeah.   I   just   wanted   to  mention  –  as  far  as  the  timeline  is  concerned,  this   has   been   something   that   I've   actually  been  working   on   for   over   20   years.    When   I  

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say   that,   I   don't   mean   specifically   that   this  exact   concept   existed   in   my   mind   20   years  ago,  but  the  foundation  of  it  certainly  did.    And  so  through  trial  and  error  and  refining,  we  got  to   a   point   where   I   felt   like   we   really   had   a  good,   solid   base  of   systems   and   concept   that  would   be   desirable   to   a   franchisee   and   that  could   yield   profitable   business   for   a  franchisee.    CNI: Well,   let's   go   through   a   step-­‐by-­‐step  process,   because   you   used   key   terms   that  come   up   often   for   someone   who   wants   to  franchise   their   business   –   one   of   which   is  "systems."     That's   something   I   want   to   talk  about,   but   let's   take   our   listeners   to   the   first  step,  and  then  when  we  get  back  into  systems,  I'm  going  to  ask  you  about  your  construction,  also,   so   there   came   a   time   –   and   you   used   a  term   that   I   love,  by   the  way,   and   I  use  often,  actually,   with   my   children,   which   is  "beginning   with   the   end   in   mind."     And  when  you  described   it,   I   thought   it  was   right  on   target   –   that   when   you   established   your  business,   you   had,   in   the   back   of   your   head,  franchising   and   to   build   up   a   business   that  you  could   franchise   later  on.    Now,  when  you  reached  the  decision  to  franchise,  you  reached  out  –  did  you  work  with  a  franchise  lawyer?    KL:   I   did.     I   found   a   local   attorney   that  

Before  (left)  and  after  (right)  photos  of  a  recycled,  shipping  container  transformed  into  an    Aprisa  Mexican  Cuisine  restaurant.  

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specializes   in   franchising   and   worked   with  him   to   develop   our   franchise   disclosure  document,  as  well  as  our  franchise  agreement.    And   then   once   we   found   a   franchisee   to  purchase   our   first   franchise,   I   worked   with  that  same  attorney  to  ensure  that  the  process  was  done  correctly  with  the  franchisee.        

And  I   think  that's   just  an   absolute   key  thing.     Using   an  attorney   that  

specializes   in  franchising   –   franchising   law   –   is   –   it's  complicated.    And  I  heard  one  guy  put  it  in  an  interesting  metaphor.    He  said  it  would  be  like  going   to   your   ear,   nose,   and   throat   specialist  for   a   brain   tumor.     You   want   to   stick   to   the  specialists  who  know  what  they're  doing.    CNI: And,  Kirk,  from  our  discussion,  I  –  which  I   was   glad   to   hear   –   you   had   a   great  experience  with  your  attorney,  and  it  worked  very  well  for  you.    In  terms  of  any  individuals  listening   to   this   CD   –   and   they   want   to   get  some   insight   and   say,   "Hey,   Kirk,   was   there  anything  that  you  thought  maybe  you  could've  put  greater  emphasis  on  or  worked  with  your  attorney   more   on   or   been   given   additional  support,   during   that   development   stage?"   –  what   advice   would   you   give   to   those  prospective  franchisors?  

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CNI: I  think  that's  good  advice.    I  think  that's  solid   advice,   actually.     And  what   I   –   just   my  two   cents  on   that   is   to   let   anyone   know   that  when   they   are   engaged   in   this   franchising  process,   I   think  they  need  to  understand  that  there's  great  flexibility;  that  there's  no  need  to  follow   some   cookie-­‐cutter   format;   and   that  you   could   really   create   a   dynamic   franchise  system  and  a  legal  program  that  matches  your  business.     And   it's   important,   because   once  you  launch  your  franchise,  you  need  a  system  that  actually  works  in  reality.    You  don't  need  legal   documents   that   basically   work   in  isolation   or   in   theory   but,   day   to   day,   when  you're   selling   franchises   and   looking   to  protect   your   business,   really   don't   customize  and  meet  your  particular  business.        But   –   so,   you   made   a   decision   to   franchise  your   business;   you   worked   with   your  franchise  lawyer.    One  issue,  Kirk,  that  you've  emphasized,   that   I   can   tell   you   is   a   big   issue  for  many  clients  that  we  discuss  all  the  time,  is  related   to   systems.     So,   if   someone's   hired  their   franchise   lawyer;   they're   working   with  their   franchise   lawyer   and   establishing   a  compliance  program  –  on  our  end,  in  our  firm,  we   do   go   over   system   components,   and   we  work   with   our   clients   about   how   to   define  their   systems,   but   for   someone   who's   not  experienced   with   franchising,   the   word  "system"   is   sort   of   odd.     And  could   you   shed  some   light   as   to   what   you   view   franchise  systems   to   be   and  what   a   startup   franchisor  should  consider  them?    

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KL:  “The  advice  I  would  give  is:  your  franchise  attorney  is  a  wealth  of  information.    If  they've  got  any  history  at  all  as  a  franchise  attorney,  they've  studied  and  seen  successes  and  failures,  and  to  be  able  to  garner  from  that  information  is  paramount.    So,  one  thing  that  I  would  suggest  to  any  potential  listener  that's  considering  franchising  is:  talk  to  their  attorney  and  just  find  as  much  about  case  study  as  you  can,  about  –  from  a  franchise  attorney:  their  

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successes,  their  failures,  what  they've  seen  in  the  marketplace.    There's  just  no  substitution  for  experience.    I  really  believe  that,  and  I  truly  believe  that  an  experienced  franchise  attorney  has  probably  seen  more  than  most,  as  far  as  that.    So,  I  guess,  to  summarize:  learn  what  they  know,  'cause  they've  seen  it  work  and  they've  seen  it  fail.”  

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KL:   Yeah,   absolutely.     When   considering  system,   I   think   the   simplest   definition   we  should   look   for   is:   can   the   business   perform  without  you  standing  in  the  middle  of  it?    Can  the   business   –   whatever   your   designated  chore  is,  or  whatever  you're  trying  to  achieve  –is   there   a   system   in   place   to   allow   that   to  happen  without  your  intervention?        And   so   let   me   give   you,   from   my   personal  experience   –  we're   a   restaurant   franchise,   so  we're   working   with   multiple   components   to  create  a  very  specific  product  that  needs  to  be  the  exact  same,  time  after  time  after  time  after  time;  has  to  be   the  same  as   it  was  yesterday,  as   it   is   today   and  will   be   tomorrow   –   and   it  has   to   be   the   same   at   this   location   or   that  location,   etc.     So,   it   adds   some   complexity,  because   we're   dealing   with   multiple  ingredients,   multiple   people,   multiple  

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temperatures,   multiple   –   the   variables   just  continue  to  build.    So,  what  we  have  to  do  is  put  in  systems  that  allow  the  creation  of  our  product  to  be  exactly  the  same,   time  after   time  after   time.    You  can  take  the  person  away,  but  the  system  remains.    Take   the   person   away;   replace   them   with  another  –  and  the  product  result   is   the  same.    And   that's   what   our   focus   is   when   creating  systems.        As  I  mentioned  earlier,  when  I  started,  I  began  with   the   end   in   mind.     So,   when   I   was  considering,   for   example,   my   menu   –   how  complex  do  I  want  my  menu  to  be?    The  more  –  the  less  –  the  more  complex  the  menu  is,  the  less   potential   –   or   the   more   –   the   greater  potential  for  mistakes,  let's  say.    So,  my  goal  at  that  point  –  keeping  that  in  mind  –  became  to  

“…there's  no  need  to  follow  some  cookie-­‐cutter  format…  you  could  really  create  a  dynamic  franchise  system  and  a  legal  program  that  

matches  your  business!”  

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create  a  simple  menu  that  still  appealed  to  our  guests;   still   gave   them   something   that   they  felt  like  they  were  getting  something  different  but   something   that   could   be   duplicated   time  after  time  after  time.        And  those  systems  don't  just  stop  there.    They  don't   just   stop  with   the   food,   although   that's  primary.    Without  that,  we  have  nothing.    But  management   systems   –   as   far   as   how   the  managers  deal  with  the  staff  –  is  –  systems,  as  far   as   when   you   bring   a   new   employee   on  board  or  when   you   terminate   an  employee   –  those   systems   have   to   be   in   place,   to   make  sure  that  all  of  these  processes  that  we  handle  every  day,  as  business  owners,  can  be  done  by  somebody   else,   relatively   easily.     And   easily  learned  systems  are  another  key  part  of  that.    CNI: I  –  Kirk,  I  think  that's  a  great  description.    And   for   many   startup   franchisors,   there's  always   this   question,   "What   are   systems?"    And  we  have  worksheets  we  give  our   clients,  but  from  your  description  –  I  think  it's  a  great  one  –  what  I  think  listeners  should  take  out  of  this  is  that  systems  really  relate  to  the  how  –  how   you   operate   your   business:   the   types   of  equipment   you   use;   the   product  menu;  what  ingredients   you   use,   in   the   case   of   a  restaurant;   the   point-­‐of-­‐sale   system   you   use  to   manage   your   information.     And   so   for   a  startup  franchisor  –  I'm  taking  from  Kirk,  and  I  agree  with  this  –  is  –  your  systems  are  really  what   makes   your   business   what   it   is   –   and  how  you  operate,  how  you  manage,   and  how  you   advertise.     And   Kirk's   viewpoint   of   "the  

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simpler  the  systems,  the  better  the  franchise"  –   I   firmly   believe   in.     And   less   is   definitely  more,  when  it  comes  to  refining  a  process  that  franchisees  could  follow.        KL:  Exactly.      CNI: So,   you   have   no   idea   how   much   that  discussion   and   what   you've   described   helps  out  many  of  our  clients,  because  systems  are  a  big  deal.    One  thing  I  wanted  to  convey,  too  –  because   this  comes  up  a   lot   –   is:   I   frequently  tell  my  clients  that  we're  going  to  work  on  the  systems,  and  we'll  identify  them  and  get  them  in  the  FDD,  and  we  actually  assist  our  clients  with  their  operations  manual.    But  I  tell  them  that   their   systems   are   going   to   evolve,   their  operations  manual  will   evolve,   and  what   it   is  today   when   you   launch   your   franchise   –   it's  going  to  take  small  steps  and  keep  improving.  KL:  True.    CNI: How   do   you   feel   about   that?     Do   you  agree  with  that?    KL:  Oh,  100  percent.  I  think  it  doesn't  matter  if  we're  franchising  or  if  we're  working  a  job  for  somebody  else  or  we  own  our  own  business;  we  have      –  and  just  wanted  to  continue  doing  that   –   but   we're   in   an   ever-­‐changing   world,  and  we  have   to   expect   –  and  our   franchisees  have  to  expect  –  that  that's  going  to  be  true  for  us,  as  well.    Now,  with  that,  I  think  –  becoming  a   franchisor   –   something   to   keep   in   mind   is  that   change   isn't   all   easy   for   anyone,   and   so  when   you   have   a   big   change   in   a   franchise  

More about the interview…  

1. LISTEN TO AUDIO PODCAST between Franchise Lawyer Charles Internicola and Franchisor Kirk Lance by visiting: www.BusinessandFranchiseLawInterviews.com;

2. ORDER A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE CD of the interview with Kirk by visiting our website or emailing a request to vg@BusinessAndFranchiseLaw.com;

3. ORDER A COMPLIMENTARY COPY of “The Franchise Formula: A Guide to Franchising Your Business” by visiting our website www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com  

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system   –   or   even   a   small   change,   for   that  matter  –  making  sure  that  all  your  franchisees  are   on   board   can   sometimes   become   a  challenge.        But,   no,   you're   exactly   right.     How   we   do  things   yesterday   doesn't   necessarily   mean  that's  how  we're  going  to  do  it  tomorrow,  and  typically   those   evolutions   are   for   the   better.    We   determine   easier   or   better   or   more  lucrative   ways   to   do   things,   and   it   stands   in  everyone's  benefit  that  we  implement  those.        But   if   you   look  at,   for  example,  McDonald's  –  they're   one   of   the   largest   franchisors   in   the  world  –  what  they  were  doing  in  1965  and  in  1975  and  '85  and  '95  are  completely  different  systems.     Their  model   stands   the   same.     You  would  still  recognize  it  in  '75,  '85,  and  '95,  but  I   think  we  can  all  agree  that   the  business  has  changed  dramatically.    CNI: Right.     So,   Kirk,   I'm   going   to   ask   –   one  question   I   really   want   to   ask   is   about   your  business,   but   I'm   going   to   leave   that   one   for  last.     But  what   advice  would   you   give,   say,   if  you  had  to  pick   three  pieces  of   advice  –  very  brief   –   that   you  would   give   to   someone  who  has   a   successful   business,   is   very   seriously  considering  franchising,  but  is  not  sure;  hasn't  taken  the  next  step  and  thinks  they  want  to  go  there  but  not   sure?    What's   some   advice  you  would  give  them?    

KL:   Do   a   lot   of   research,  first.    I   think  we  could   find  a  lot   of   businesses   that   are  successful,   but   when   we  analyze  what  it  is  that  makes  that   business   successful,   we  won't   always   determine   that  

it's   a   duplicable   thing,   that   –   for   example,   I  mean,  one  topic  comes   to  mind   is:  somebody  might  have  a  successful  medical  practice  or  a  successful   law   firm,   even,   and   what   makes  them   successful   is   most   likely   the   doctor   or  the   attorney   involved.     And   that's   not  necessarily   a   duplicable   system.     So,  my   first  

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piece  of  advice  would  be  to  really  determine  if  what   they're   doing   can   be   duplicated   –   and  duplicated   not   only   in   their   area,   but,   if  they're  considering  nationwide  franchisees,  is  it  a  system  that  works  across  the  U.S.?    The   next   thing   I   would   keep   in  mind   is   that  you're   giving   up   a   piece   of   control.     Even  though  the  franchise  disclosure  document  and  the   franchise   agreement   are   very   stringently  going   to   specify   how   things   are   done,   you're  still   dealing   with   people   and   personalities,  and  people  want   to   change   things  and   tweak  things   and   negotiate   things.     And   so   being  malleable   sometimes   is   a   piece   of   the   puzzle  that  we  didn't  anticipate  in  the  beginning.    So,  I   just   think   that   that's   something   to   keep   in  mind.    And   then   I   think   a   third   thing   is:   it's   a   lot   of  work,   and   it   –   if   you  want  the   results,   you've  got  to  put  in  the  work,  and  there's  a  lot  of  it.    I  think   the   fruits  of  our   labor  will  be   fantastic,  but  it's  not  going  to  be  without  work.    CNI: Kirk,  that's  great  advice.    By  the  way  –  I  mean,  really  great  advice.    When  you  mention  "malleable"   –   I   agree   with   that.     A   good  compliance   program   is   not   some   rigid   "you  have   all   the   power   in   the  world"   type   thing,  because   it's   just   not   realistic,   and   it's   not  enforceable,   many   times   –   and   doesn't   even  work  for  you  as  a  businessperson.        The  other  thing  is  the  hard  work.    I  agree  with  you.     And   on   the   franchisor   perspective   –  because   I   do   manage   a   franchise   company,  also   –   I   agree;   it   is   hard   work,   but   it   is  absolutely  enjoyable.        Kirk,   the   most   important   thing   –   actually,  something   I'm   really   interested   in,   because   I  like   unique   businesses   that   really   focus   on   a  niche  market  and  a  very  specific  selling  point  –   what   do   you   believe   has   been   the   biggest  differentiator   for   your   business,   so   far,   in  terms   of   marketing   and   perception   among  consumers?  

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 KL:   Our   locations   are   100   percent   walk-­‐up  and  drive-­‐through.    However,  our   food  –  and  this   is,   I   think,   where   we   really   differentiate  ourselves  –   in  my  opinion,  there's  a  void  that  exists   between   fast   food   and   sit-­‐down  restaurants.          And  I   think   in   today's  world,  where  mother's  working,  father's  working,  time  is  becoming  a  much  more   valuable   commodity   than   it   ever  has   before.     Families   are   losing   the  ability   to  sit   down   and   have   dinnertime   together   and  have   meals   together.     Oftentimes   what   they  substitute   that   with   –   something   fast   food,  through   the   drive-­‐through,   or   they   try   to   go  out.     Well,   economics   being   what   they   are,  going   out   and   sitting   down   at   a   nice   fancy  restaurant   isn't   always   an   option,   and   the  quality   that   you   get   from   most   fast   food  doesn't  appeal  to  people  that  are  even  slightly  health  conscious  or  wanting  something  fresh.        So,   our   goal   is   to   fill   the   void   that   exists  between   that.     We   have   a   very   healthy  product:   very   fresh,   very   flavorful.     But   we  deliver  that  through  a  drive-­‐through  window,  and   so,   on   the   way   home   from   work,   either  parent   can   pick   up   dinner   for   a   very  reasonable   price,   for   the   whole   family,   and  they   can   sit   and   enjoy   each   other's   company  and   enjoy   a   healthy,   flavorful   meal   together.    So,  as   far  as  differentiating  ourselves  –  as   far  as  our  consumers  are  concerned,  I  think  that's  the  thing  that  makes  us  successful  today.    The   thing,   as   far   as   being   a   franchisor,   that   I  think  is  making  us  successful,  is:  our  system  –  it  allows  for  an  exit  strategy.  And  when  we're  –  I  think  in  any  –  you  know,  they  say  "Go  into  a  franchise  as  you  would  a  marriage,"  because  you're  married   to   it.     There’s   a   strategy   to   a  marriage,   but   ours   has   an   exit   strategy,   and  that   is:   our   buildings   are   built   from  modular  shipping   containers.     These   things   can   be  brought   in   on   a   trailer,   assembled;   the   city  considers   them   a   permanent   building,   so   as  far  as  zoning  and  codes  are  required,  it  fits  all  

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the  stipulations  there,  but  if,   in  five  years,  the  demographics  of  the  neighborhood  change,  or  –   one   example:   there   was   a   Wal-­‐Mart   down  the   street;   the   Wal-­‐Mart   closed   and   moved  two  miles  away.    Changed  the  traffic  patterns  completely,   and   the   business   was   no   longer  viable.        Ours,  you  could  pick  the  entire  thing  up;  move  it   to   another   location   or   sell   it   to   another  franchisee  or  put   it  in  a  storage  unit  until  life  changed.   So,   there's   just   a   little   bit   of   an   exit  strategy   and  when   you   consider   the   amount  of  work  and  money  invested  in  a  business  one  like  this  at  the  end  of  the  day,  if  you  needed  it,  there's  a  exit  strategy  available.    That  is  what  differentiates  us,  I  think,  with  our  franchisors  –  or  franchisees.    CNI: Kirk,   I   don't   even   think   anyone   could  ever   question   that.     I   mean,   actually,   I  understood  your  concept  and  I  was  impressed  by   it,   but   that   dimension   you   just  mentioned  is  something  that  wasn't  fully  apparent  to  me.    I'm   glad   you   described   that,   because   I   think  it's   important   for   franchisors   to   understand  that   you   don't   need   to   follow   a   fixed   model,  and   certainly   you   haven't.     So,   in   your   case,  rather   than   having   franchisees   just   crammed  into   a   strip   shopping  mall  with   high   rents   or  less   flexibility,   you  created  a  different  model,  and   –   boy,   I   think   that's   a   great   example   for  anyone   who's   listening:   just   focus   on  efficiency   and   what   you   call   an   exit   strategy  and   really   the   unique   elements   of   your  business.    That's  really  great,  Kirk.    I'm  –  that  was,   actually,   quite   surprising.     So   –   it   was  very  interesting.      KL:  Thank  you.    CNI: Kirk,   what's   your   website   address,   if  someone's   listening;   they   want   to   check   out  your  website?    KL:   It's   www.aprisacuisine.com.     That's  spelled   A-­‐P-­‐R-­‐I-­‐S-­‐A,   C-­‐U-­‐I-­‐S-­‐I-­‐N-­‐E,   dot   com.    

ABOUT

Charles N. Internicola is a franchise lawyer who represents start-up and established franchisors throughout the United States, in all fifty states. Mr. Internicola is the author of “The Revised

Franchise Formula: A Guide to Franchising Your Business in the New Economy”. Mr. Internicola has developed unique franchise compliance, franchise litigation and outside counsel services that are designed to facilitate and support franchise system development and growth. If you are establishing a franchise system or looking for a lawyer who knows franchising and how to timely deliver franchise compliance and franchise litigation services, contact Charles Internicola, to discuss the franchise services that he delivers to his clients every day.

Tel: 800. 976. 4904 www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com

1. LISTEN TO AUDIO PODCAST between Franchise Lawyer Charles Internicola and Franchisor Kirk Lance by visiting: www.BusinessandFranchiseLawInterviews.com; 2. ORDER A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE CD of the interview with Kirk by visiting our website or emailing a request to vg@BusinessAndFranchiseLaw.com; 3. ORDER A COMPLIMENTARY COPY of “The Franchise Formula: A Guide to Franchising Your Business” by visiting our website www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com

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Or  you  can  just  Google  the  word  "Aprisa,"  A-­‐P-­‐R-­‐I-­‐S-­‐A,   and   it'll  bring   the  results   right  at   the  top  of  the  page.    CNI: Kirk,   I   really   appreciate   you   taking   the  time  with  us  today  and  helping  out.    KL:  My  pleasure.      CNI: Thank  you  very  much,  Kirk.      KL:  You  betcha.    

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The Franchise Formula: A Guide to Franchising Your Business Written by national franchise lawyer, Charles N. Internicola, Esq., The Revised Franchise Formula: A Guide to Franchising Your Business in the New Economy is all about:

- The fundamentals of franchising; - Is franchising right for you?; and - How to franchise your business. In the book, Charles also discusses the "franchisor mindset", the "scalability of franchising", "why controlled growth is important" and

"how to avoid the franchising pitfalls". FOR A LIMITED TIME YOU CAN GET THE BOOK AT NO COST! If you are a successful business owner and you have questions about "franchising your business", you may receive a complimentary copy of the book. To automatically receive your complimentary copy, visit: www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com

To learn more about franchising or our franchise interview series visit

www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com

or Call us at

800. 976. 4904 If you are a franchisor and you would like to share your experiences, please let us know – we would be

glad to hear from you.

 

! THE INTERNICOLA LAW FIRM, PC

National Franchise Lawyers

www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com

ARE YOU A FRANCHISOR?

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PROMOTING YOUR FRANCHISE BRAND BY SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES?

IF SO, READ BELOW:

What is the Franchisor Interview Series All About? Charles N. Internicola, Esq. established the “FRANCHISOR INTERVIEW SERIES” to facilitate the exchange of information and “battle-tested” ideas between franchisors and franchise professionals and to share this information with the franchise community and those prospective franchisors interested in franchising their business. The purpose of the interview is not to sell or promote franchise sales, however, the interview may add a valuable perspective for prospective franchisees interested in learning more about you and the philosophy of your franchise system. These interviews also give each of us within the franchise community an opportunity to connect with other franchisors and professionals. In addition to being a franchise lawyer, Charles Internicola is also the Managing Member of a National maid cleaning franchise.

What are the (Complimentary) Promotional Benefits of this Interview? During your recorded interview with Mr. Internicola, Esq. you get to tell your story, the story about your brand, your franchise system and what makes your franchise unique. Your information and the experiences that you share will benefit other entrepreneurs who want to learn more about franchising. Because we value your information and the time that you share with us, you will receive the following complimentary benefits: The interview will be recorded and conducted on our teleconference system. Following the interview we will:

ü Have the audio interview transcribed (we will provide you with a copy); ü Have audio CD’s produced and we will provide you with at least 20 copies (if you would like

more, you could make copies or order from the company that produces the CD); ü We will blog at New York Franchise Law and Franchise Law Solutions about your interview; ü We will issue a press release about your interview; ü Anything else, that we could (reasonably) help out with and collaborate on.

TO GET STARTED SEE REVERSE SIDE

The Internicola Law Firm, PC 1000 South Avenue – Suite 104, Staten Island, New York 10314

Telephone: 800. 976. 4904 | Fax: 718. 407. 4835 | Email: vg@businessandfranchiselaw.com www.BusinessandFranchiseInterviews.com

GET STARTED WITH YOUR (COMPLIMENTARY) INTERVIEW: The Process is extremely simple. Just contact Mr. Internicola’s assistant, Victoria Gracia (info below), let her know your are interested and she will take it from there. Also, below is a pre-interview questionnaire that will help with the process.

Kindly forward this form to us by regular mail, fax, email, or web: 1000 South Avenue, Suite 104, Staten Island, NY 10314

Fax: 718. 407. 4835 Email: vg@businessandfranchiselaw.com

Phone: 800. 976. 4904. www.BusinessandFranchiseInterviews.com

Prior to our recorded interview, we will have some time to speak, get to know one another and get down / confirm some basics (to ensure we have a fluid interview with value to our readers and for you): YOUR NAME / BUSINESS NAME: ___________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________ YOUR TITLE: ____________________________________________________________________ A BRIEF DESCRIPTION ABOUT YOUR FRANCHISE COMPANY: _______________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS: _________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

Once we receive this form, we will contact you and will set up your interview with Charles N. Internicola, Esq. at your earliest convenience. Thank you!

CORPORATE INFORMATION FOR:

2311 SE 8th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Phone: 503. 505. 9006 | www.AprisaCuisine.com

Note: Thanks to Kirk and the great staff at Aprisa Mexican Cuisine. Also, please note that as a franchise lawyer we cannot and do not recommend franchise investments or the investment in a particular franchise opportunity. This interview and the information that we are sharing is intended to provide insights for those business owners who want information about franchising their business.

Again, much thanks to Kirk and his great team!

1000  South  Avenue,  Suite  104,  Staten  Island,  New  York  10314    |    800.  976.    4904    |    www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com