Bates International RV Blog

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 15 - Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems franchisees Walt and Wallace Williams of Temple Terrace, Fla. were honored today by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its Franchisee of the Year.  Franchise owner-operators representing nearly 50 franchise systems were recognized today during the IFA’s Ninth Annual Franchise Appreciation Day here for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.

As the association’s public affairs conference, Franchise Appreciation Day is a two-day event which began today and continues through Sept. 16. Attendees are meeting with members of Congress and Administration officials about issues important to franchising, including small-business health plans, immigration reform, business activity taxes and wages.  The event and the award are supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.

“The IFA is proud to recognize the commendable efforts of Walt and Wallace Williams with the Franchisee of the Year Award,” said IFA Chairman Steve Greenbaum.  “The franchising community is fortunate for the outstanding contributions of these exemplary individuals who have helped bolster the growth of the industry.”

According to a recent study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country, which are indirectly responsible for providing 21 million jobs and generating $2.3 trillion in economic output.  In Florida, 61,649 establishments directly provide 728,200 jobs and contribute $56.1 billion to the U.S. economy.

About The International Franchise Association the International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity.

For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org

The International Franchise Association has officially launched the first phase of an integrated awareness campaign designed to educate Beltway opinion leaders about the importance of franchising to the U.S. economy.

The franchising industry has seen record growth in recent years.  A new economic analysis released last month shows that franchising expanded by more than 18 percent from 2001 to 2005, adding more than 140,000 new businesses and 1.2 million new jobs to the nation’s economy.  Direct economic output of franchises grew by more than 40 percent to $880 billion during the five-year span.

“The growth we have seen in the franchising industry is expected to continue, even during the current economic downturn,” said Matthew Shay, IFA president and CEO.  “As policymakers address laws that impact the small business community, such as immigration and health care, we want them to consider the impact that potential reforms would have on franchised businesses’ ability to contribute so significantly to the economy in the future.”

A key component of the campaign is print and online advertising to educate opinion leaders about the franchise model, the product support and training it provides and the many diverse options and opportunities for people to own their own business through franchising.

The testimonial ad series will introduce actual franchises and franchisors and feature the campaign’s theme:  Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time.  The brand was developed through extensive opinion leader testing to communicate how franchising helps build businesses comprised of local owners who support communities all across the country.

The first ad that appeared in Roll Call and National Journal features Dunkin’ Brands CEO Jon Luther and Duke Carvalho, who owns 14 stores in the greater Boston are.  With the headline, “America Runs on Dunkin’.  Dunkin’ Brands Runs on Franchising,” the ad calls to action support for franchising and the dream of business ownership.

A new Web site, www.buildingopportunity.com, was developed to support the campaign and provides additional information about the economic impact of franchising, including access to the “Economic Impact o Franchised Business” report, which can be searched by congressional district.  In addition, the Web site includes a copy of the Dunkin’ Brands advertisement.

Consultants, classes help business owners sharpen their skills, grow their enterprises.

Perhaps your business ran well when you started it.

A couple of years later, though, your work force and your sales are multiplying and so are the issues you face in serving your customers and accommodating your employees’ needs.

For many entrepreneurs who reach such crossroads, one answer can be found in continuing education.  They want additional training to guide them through the rough spots that come with an expanding business.

Options abound for professionals on the hunt for fresh business skills.  Getting the most out of continuing education requires knowing what’s available in the market, and how much it will cost.

Small-business consultants say there’s a sweet spot in the business-startup are during which entrepreneurs should think about seeking additional training.

Plenty of business owners know they need help launching a new company, and businesses that have made it past the five-year mark are often in growth mode and have worked out their biggest operational questions.

Problems generally emerge in the period between startup and maturation – the two years to five years after a company opens, said Anna Seifert, operations manager of the Nevada Micro enterprise Initiative and project director of the Women’s Business Center in Las Vegas.  That “emerging” phase is a potential trap for many business owners.

“For most people who go into business, all they can think of from the start is getting to that growth phase (in five years),” Seifert said.  “They forget to plan for in between startup and their growth place.  They leave a big gap.  That’s why 85 percent of businesses fail in their first three to five years – they didn’t plan for that emerging phase.  They flounder because they didn’t plan.”

Michael Waters, president of Phase 1 Sports in Las Vegas, have attended training through Siefert’s group several times.  He said continuing education has been essential to the growth of his athletic-scholarship business.

“It’s helped me learn about expansion,” Waters said.  “I’ve been trying to progress from a small business that I started and ran for three or four years on m own to bringing in a team and hiring people to handle different parts of the business so we can grow.”

For most entrepreneurs, concentrating on a few key areas can pay major dividends for their business.

Just about any owner or manager of a smaller concern could benefit from even rudimentary accounting training, said Rene Colen, a business counselor with the Service Corps of Retired Executives.

Colen has guided a number of small-business operators whose companies were doing well and began to stumble.  The usual culprit:  Their administrative processes weren’t equipped to properly manage accounting functions as their enterprise flourishes.

“Things start to get out of hand,” Colen said.  “They don’t understand why they’re doing so well business wise, but they don’t have any money in the bank.”

Because financial oversight touches so many aspects of a business, there are benefits to streamlining and upgrading fiscal skills, he said.  Tracking numbers properly can allow business owners to identify  their best customers and vendors – and their worst – and enable swift redirection toward a company’s more lucrative elements.

Inventory management also hobbles many small businesses particularly companies in manufacturing and retail.  The flow of goods and services changes as a company expands, and that can challenge many managers.

Marketing, advertising and sales are also essential to a broad range of businesses, and they’re top issues that drive entrepreneurs into SCORE’s offices for guidance.

Other concerns, such as intellectual-property rights or labor law, are often prime candidates for outsourcing, because they don’t often affect a company’s broader survival.  Rather than developing intensive knowledge in such areas, entrepreneurs should consider hiring consultants to deal with patents or to write or review human resources manuals.

Company owners can establish their own list of continuing education priorities by weighing their particular professional strengths.  Ask where your time is best-used, Craft said.

Any entrepreneur considering continuing education will need to determine whether the expense is worth it.  And there are major differences in the prices business owners will pay to upgrade their knowledge base.

Franchise businesses have, over the years, been stable enterprises during economic ups and downs.  As large companies search for ways to streamline their operations and reduce expenses, they often cut jobs and benefits.

One popular alternative in such difficult times has been small-business ownership as a means to pursue financial independence.  Owning a franchised business entails purchasing the right to use the trademark and system of business. Franchisees may receive assistance with site selection of he business personnel training, business set-up, advertising and product supply.  For these services franchisees pay an up-front fee and an on-going royalty, which enables the franchisor to provide support for the entire system.

Even amidst rising fuel prices and higher inflation, franchised businesses continue to operate in communities across the country.  A recent report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the International Franchise Association Education Foundation titled “The Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses” revealed that franchise business growth between 2001 and 2005 outpaced other business sectors.  The industry expanded by more than 18 percent, adding more than 140,000 new businesses and 1.2 million new jobs to the U.S. economy.  There are now nearly one million franchised establishments in operation in the United States.

Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc. Announces Incorporating Campgrounds with Bates Franchise System

Las Vegas, Nevada, May 16, 2008 - Sandra Bate, president and CEO of Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc., announces that RV campgrounds have proven to be ideal locations for RV rental franchises.  Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc. (BATES) incorporates campgrounds in its business model and now offers you the opportunity to generate an additional source of revenue provided through its RV rental franchise system.

The Bates franchise program connects you to a select group of domestic/international travel agencies, tour operators and airlines.  The majority of these travelers seek campgrounds and touring recommendations.

Franchised businesses lead the way and we are eager to demonstrate the benefits of participation with the Bates franchise system.  Franchises are provided extensive training and procedures in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Additionally, they are provided with RV rental software, procedures, policies, inventory resources and the forms to do business.

To learn more about our company, visit our website at www.batesintl.com.  We look forward to extending our 30 years of experience in an RV business alliance with you. Take the next step now. Toll Free Phone:  800.732.2283 Office Phone:  707.737.9050

International Franchise Association Names Florida’s Sun Coast Franchisee Williams Recipient of the Franchise of the Year Award

Las Vegas, NV, August 7, 2007 - Las Vegas-based Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc., a leading provider of recreational vehicle (RV) rentals and revenue sharing opportunities, is proud to announce the International Franchise Association (IFA) has named Wallace Williams, executive vice president of Bates’ Florida Sun Coast Franchise, for the Franchisee of the Year Award. “There are a lot of people in the franchise business; I’m humbled to be recognized,” says Williams. “I really enjoy being a franchise owner. The secret to staying young is to have a challenging business that keeps you on the go. I’m 77 years old, and this job keeps me youthful.” “We really enjoy our relationship with Bates International Headquarters,” adds Williams. “They provide an industry-leading support and development system that offers all the tools we need to succeed, and the staff is always there to solve problems or answer any questions we may have,” he emphasizes.
“Bates is honored Wallace Williams has been selected for IFA’s Franchisee of the Year award,” says Sandra Bate, president and CEO of Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems and founder of the motor home rental franchise concept. “He is very passionate about the RV business and has worked very hard during the past two years to grow his Bates franchise business.” This is the second prominent recognition for Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems this year. Bates was recently named one of the 500 top franchises in the United States by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2007, and the company has been published on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list. Williams, a former president of Shop Rite Foods of New Mexico, came out of retirement two years ago to open Florida’s Sun Coast franchise located in Temple Terrace, Florida, near Tampa. “We have become much more successful than our business plan projected,” says Williams. “We now have 20 RVs, and 16 of our units are owned by individuals, who are making a good return on their investment by participating in Bates’ ‘Revenue Sharing’ program.” According to Williams, the most satisfying aspect of his job is dealing with customers. He admits that “matching the customer with the right RV is sometimes a challenge,” but when a customer is happy with his or her RV experience that’s music to his ears. A lot of his business is based on personal referrals. “Be honest; treat customers the way you want to be treated and offer good service,” Williams says, are his secrets to success. The Bates brand is recognized internationally as the first RV rental franchise company in the world. Bates extends quality service through its headquarters in Las Vegas and its network of franchise locations in selected cities in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit: http://www.batesintl.com or call Toll-Free 800-695-6514.

Tucson, Arizona, February 18, 2007 - Bates Motor Home Rental Network of Tucson, Arizona has opened new RV rental offices to serve the greater Tucson area. Bates of Tucson, located at 1588 N. Panorama Way, Cochise, Arizona, is a part of a long-established international RV rental franchise network that has locations throughout North America.

Bates invites RV owners and potential RV purchasers to contact Bates of Tucson to discuss the benefits of its “RV Revenue Sharing” program. This is an opportunity to enjoy income and favorable tax advantages.

RV rentals are one of the largest growing segments of the travel/tourism industry. The rental of an RV permits customers to enjoy the benefits of the RV lifestyle without the cost of ownership. RV rentals are often the first step toward the purchase of an RV, providing potential buyers the opportunity to “try before they buy.”

Bates of Tucson’s fleet consists of company owned RVs and managed units. Bates of Tucson is a valued member of the Bates International franchise, a system of reliable connections to proven programs, successful operating systems and an experienced management team. Bates International is known for its variety, from plush Class “A” diesel pushers to small Class “C” “cab over” styles.

Bates’ RV rental management techniques have been tried and tested for more than 30 years. Bates is the first RV rental franchise in the world, and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” for 2007. The Bates team collectively represents more than a century of travel business experience, and extends quality service through its network of franchise locations in selected cities in the United States and Canada.

Bates provides personalized attention to its customers and RV fleet. The favorable experiences of its customers reach far beyond the company and its franchise locations. Bates strives to always provide the highest quality of travel service and safe, memorable travel experiences for its clients as they experience the freedom and flexibility of journeying in an RV.

For more information, please visit: http://www.batesintl.com or phone 800-695-6514.

Orange County, Calif., April 30, 2007 - Bates Motor Home Rental Network of Orange County, California has opened new RV rental offices to serve the greater Orange County area. Bates of Orange County, located at 27964 Beacon St., Castaic, California, is a part of a long-established international RV rental franchise network with locations throughout North America.
Bates invites RV owners and potential RV purchasers to contact Bates of Orange County to discuss the benefits of its “RV Revenue Sharing” program. This is an opportunity to enjoy income and favorable tax advantages.

RV rentals are one of the largest growing segments of the travel/tourism industry. The rental of an RV permits customers to enjoy the benefits of the RV lifestyle without the cost of ownership. RV rentals are often the first step toward the purchase of an RV, providing potential buyers the opportunity to “try before they buy.”

Bates of Orange County’s fleet consists of company owned RVs and managed units. Bates of Orange County is a valued member of the Bates International Franchise, a system of reliable connections to proven programs, successful operating systems and an experienced management team. Bates International is known for its variety, from plush Class “A” diesel pushers to small Class “C” “cab over” styles.

Bates’ RV rental management techniques have been tried and tested for more than 30 years. Bates is the first RV rental franchise in the world, and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” for 2007. The Bates team collectively represents more than a century of travel business experience, and extends quality service through its network of franchise locations in selected cities in the United States and Canada.

Bates provides personalized attention to its customers and RV fleet. The favorable experiences of its customers reach far beyond the company and its franchise locations. Bates strives to always provide the highest quality of travel service and safe, memorable travel experiences for its clients as they experience the freedom and flexibility of journeying in an RV.

For more information, please visit: http://www.batesmotorhome.com, http://www.batesintl.com or phone toll free 866-906-4RVS (4787).

Santa Clarita, Calif., June 7, 2007 - Bates Motor Home Rental Network of Santa Clarita, California has opened new RV rental offices to serve the greater Santa Clarita area. Bates of Santa Clarita, located at 27964 Beacon St., Castaic, California, is a part of a long-established international RV rental franchise network with locations throughout North America.
Bates invites RV owners and potential RV purchasers to contact Bates of Santa Clarita to discuss the benefits of its “RV Revenue Sharing” program. This is an opportunity to enjoy income and favorable tax advantages.

RV rentals are one of the largest growing segments of the travel/tourism industry. The rental of an RV permits customers to enjoy the benefits of the RV lifestyle without the cost of ownership. RV rentals are often the first step toward the purchase of an RV, providing potential buyers the opportunity to “try before they buy.”

Bates of Santa Clarita’s fleet consists of company owned RVs and managed units. Bates of Santa Clarita is a valued member of the Bates International Franchise, a system of reliable connections to proven programs, successful operating systems and an experienced management team. Bates International is known for its variety, from plush Class “A” diesel pushers to small Class “C” “cab over” styles.

Bates’ RV rental management techniques have been tried and tested for more than 30 years. Bates is the first RV rental franchise in the world, and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” for 2007. The Bates team collectively represents more than a century of travel business experience, and extends quality service through its network of franchise locations in selected cities in the United States and Canada.

Bates provides personalized attention to its customers and RV fleet. The favorable experiences of its customers reach far beyond the company and its franchise locations. Bates strives to always provide the highest quality of travel service and safe, memorable travel experiences for its clients as they experience the freedom and flexibility of journeying in an RV.

For more information, please visit: http://www.batesintl.com or phone toll free 866-906-4RVS (4787).

San Fernando Valley, Calif., June 5, 2007 - Bates Motor Home Rental Network of San Fernando Valley, California has opened new RV rental offices to serve the greater San Fernando Valley area. Bates of San Fernando Valley, located at 27964 Beacon St., Castaic, California, is a part of a long-established international RV rental franchise network with locations throughout North America.

Bates invites RV owners and potential RV purchasers to contact Bates of San Fernando Valley to discuss the benefits of its “RV Revenue Sharing” program. This is an opportunity to enjoy income and favorable tax advantages.

RV rentals are one of the largest growing segments of the travel/tourism industry. The rental of an RV permits customers to enjoy the benefits of the RV lifestyle without the cost of ownership. RV rentals are often the first step toward the purchase of an RV, providing potential buyers the opportunity to “try before they buy.”

Bates of San Fernando Valley’s fleet consists of company owned RVs and managed units. Bates of San Fernando Valley is a valued member of the Bates International Franchise, a system of reliable connections to proven programs, successful operating systems and an experienced management team. Bates International is known for its variety, from plush Class “A” diesel pushers to small Class “C” “cab over” styles.

Bates’ RV rental management techniques have been tried and tested for more than 30 years. Bates is the first RV rental franchise in the world, and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” for 2007. The Bates team collectively represents more than a century of travel business experience, and extends quality service through its network of franchise locations in selected cities in the United States and Canada.

Bates provides personalized attention to its customers and RV fleet. The favorable experiences of its customers reach far beyond the company and its franchise locations. Bates strives to always provide the highest quality of travel service and safe, memorable travel experiences for its clients as they experience the freedom and flexibility of journeying in an RV.

For more information, please visit: http://www.batesintl.com or phone toll free 866-906-4RVS (4787).