No Business Like Show Business

People often ask: what's it like owning a home staging franchise? Do you enjoy it?

I always answer with an enthusiastic, "Yes!" I love being a Showhomes franchisee because we get such great support. The corporate office offers practical, tangible help for franchises and tries to keep things fun and light-hearted whenever possible.

Take last year's Owner's Conference, for example. The theme was 'No Business Like Show Business.' We were invited to a formal dinner at corporate headquarters. We were encouraged to pretend that we were out for a night at the Oscars. Awards were given to various franchisees based on performance.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes the best actors in the film industry for their significant accomplishments each year. Approximately 40 million people tune in to see who has earned the highest honor the Academy bestows.

Just as momentous, although not witnessed by as many people, was the awards ceremony at the Showhomes Franchise Corporation Annual Gathering. The event was held January 27th at Union Station Hotel in Nashville and celebrated the success of the men and women who were honored. Showhomes is America’s largest home staging company and has 24 franchises in 19 states.

In a year in which the real estate market experienced a considerable decline in sales, Showhomes franchise owners encountered double-digit growth – helping homeowners and their Realtors sell more than $192 million in real estate. Leading the rapidly growing company was the Central Arkansas franchise, based in Little Rock.

Jeff and Heidi Ross, Central Arkansas franchise owners, took home the best prize of conference. Their record growth, outstanding loyalty, high customer service, exceptional design quality and their promotion of the Showhomes brand earned them the 2007 Franchise of the Year Award.

“When we purchased our franchise in 2003, we decided then that we would build our franchise on quality and not quantity. Now, almost five years later, the fruits of our consistent diligence have paid off,” said Jeff Ross. “We believe the key to our success has been practicing quality in every area, without compromise, and the continual discipline of marketing to our customers. We now look forward to duplicating our Central Arkansas success as we begin a new franchise in Memphis, Tennessee.”

“Jeff and Heidi Ross operate a business that provides true value to Realtors and home owners in and around Little Rock. They produce some of the best home staging in the country and have a lengthy track record of succeeding and beating market conditions. We are proud of their performance and look forward to what they will accomplish in 2008,” said Bert Lyles, Showhomes CEO. “We are excited that Jeff and Heidi are expanding their expert service to the Memphis market.”

The Ross’ were also honored with the Strongest Market Presence Award for highest market saturation and largest brand presence. This is the first time Showhomes has bestowed this recognition.

Other awards were given to:
Sherri Nichols, Pensacola/Destin, Florida franchise owner, earned the Best New Franchise Award. In her first full year of operation, Sherri performed record growth, exhibited outstanding loyalty, high customer service and exceptional product quality in the promotion of Showhomes.

Beth George, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California franchise owner, earned the Top Revenue Producer

Cindy Montgomery, Minneapolis, Minnesota franchise owner, earned the Top Design Award, for highest product quality and excellence in design and the Most Homes Sold Award, for highest number of homes sold.

Jim Biby, Jacksonville, Florida franchise owner, earned the Most Homes Contracted Award¸ for the highest number of homes contracted and staged in 2007.

Andy Wilson, North and Central Houston, Texas franchise owner, earned the Fastest Sale Time Award, for fastest time to sell, averaging 46 days.

Circle of Excellence Awards

The following Showhomes franchise owners were recognized for excellence in operation, product quality, loyalty and customer service:

Angela Blankinchip – Mobile, Alabama
Jody Lovitt – Southeast Michigan
Donna Muelver – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jim Biby – Jacksonville, Florida
Judy Pokorny – Toledo, Ohio
Henry Graham – Charlotte, North Carolina