Franchisees Bullish about Future

June 29, 2006 - PORTSMOUTH, NH: According to The 2006 Industry Report on Franchisee Satisfaction published by Franchise Business Review, 72% of franchisees believe that their growth opportunity is strong to very strong. The report, announced today, is an industry-wide study of franchisee satisfaction compiled from over a half million survey responses from franchise owners in the U.S. and Canada. "The US economy may be weakening in many places but franchisees are very positive about their growth, “ stated Eric Stites, President of Franchise Business Review. “When you consider the little known fact that the top 50 public franchise companies have outperformed the S&P 500 by 70% over the last six years, you can understand why franchise owners are so optimistic. The focus of the media is always on the ‘doom & gloom’ of the economy…meanwhile, the franchise industry is booming! More people should stop watching the stock market tumble and consider buying a franchise business.” According to the report, 87% of franchise owners gave their franchise systems an overall positive rating, while 92% gave a positive grade to the quality of the products and services provided by their franchise company. On the question of business ethics, franchise companies scored a 91% favorable rating. And on the very important question of financial performance, three out of every four franchisees rated their long-term growth opportunity as strong to very strong. "This is the most comprehensive study ever done on franchise owner satisfaction,” continued Stites. “Our report shows that franchisees are very optimistic about their businesses. This report will be an invaluable tool for everyone in franchising and anyone thinking about buying a franchise." Over ten thousand franchise owners participated in the survey project, which included hundreds of different franchise companies from over 50 different industry segments including food, services and retail. The survey asked franchise owners 40 questions related to their franchise ownership experience. The questions covered franchisee training and support, system quality, franchisor – franchisee relations, financial opportunity and overall satisfaction. The 2006 Industry Report on Franchisee Satisfaction is available for free download on the Franchise Business Review company website at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com Chad Hallock, CEO of Budget Blinds, a custom window fashions franchise said, "Receiving such a high rating by our franchise owners is a true honor and salute to our overall support of our franchisees. Franchise Business Review has helped us set the bar in franchisee satisfaction and we plan to keep this as our top priority as we build the Budget Blinds brand internationally.” Budget Blinds was rated “Best in Category” for the Home Services industry category and third overall in the Franchise Business Review survey, based on feedback from 439 of their franchise owners.