Marietta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/28/2012 -- ShelfGenie® (http://www.shelfgenie.com), a franchised company that designs, builds and installs customized Glide-Out® shelving systems for existing cabinets, announced this week an offer to match 100 percent of every donation up to $250 per donation made by ShelfGenie employees, franchisees, designers, installers, suppliers and friends as part of its mission to raise $25,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ride to Cure Diabetes. Michael Falcon, the 22-year-old son of ShelfGenie (http://www.shelfgenie.com) President and Co-founder Barry Falcon, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 10 years ago, and this year will mark Barry's 27th Ride to Cure.

In addition to three 100-mile Ride to Cure bike rides Barry will partake in this year, he is also part of a small group of 24 cyclists from around the U.S. who will participate in the first-ever Hope on 2 Wheels bike ride to benefit diabetes research. The 250-mile non-stop bike ride on June 23 starts in New York City and ends in Washington, D.C.

"There is still no cure, so we continue to ride to support research so that one day Michael will have a normal life free from insulin, tubes and finger pricking," Falcon said. "It's a constant challenge managing blood sugar levels 24/7, and these fundraising efforts will help us one day persevere against this terrible disease."

The money raised will help JDRF move faster toward finding better treatments and a cure for Type 1 diabetes. To donate, visit http://www.michaelfalcon.com where all major credit cards are accepted or mail a check payable to JDRF to: Barry Falcon, 4501 Chattahoochee Way, Marietta, GA 30067.

SHELFGENIE FRANCHISE SYSTEMS
1642 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30067
Contact: Barry Falcon
Phone: 877-434-3643
Web site: http://www.shelfgenie.com

Press & Media Contact:
Nicole Benzer
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
1642 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30067 - USA
312-829-4350
nicole@sandersonpr.com
http://www.shelfgenie.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

First-Ever Survey & Analysis of More than 1.2 Million Members Reveals Top-Rated Professionals and Current Design Trends from Across the Country.

Oaks, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/18/2012 -- CertaPro Painters ( http://www.certapro.com ) has been awarded "Best Of Remodeling" 2012 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design. The nation's largest franchised residential and commercial painting company was chosen by the more than 1.2 million registered members of the Houzz community.

"We're thrilled that our work has been recognized in the 'Customer Satisfaction' category," said Kathi Mello, creative art director for CertaPro Painters ( http://www.certapro.com ). "As we continue to build our brand and work to increase awareness across every platform, it means a lot that we're acknowledged by a prominent name in the residential remodeling and design industry."

The Houzz Best Of Remodeling" award for 2012 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals. Design award winners' work was the most popular among the 1.2 million members, also known as "Houzzers," who saved more than 16.5 million professional images to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site and iPad/iPhone app.

"With 3.5 million monthly unique users and 80 million monthly page views, Houzz has rapidly become the largest community of active remodelers, providing homeowners and design enthusiasts with first-hand advice from Houzzers who have been through the renovating and decorating process," said Liza Hausman, vice president of marketing for Houzz. "This is a real stamp of approval for CertaPro Painters from the Houzz community and we're thrilled to welcome them to this elite group of 'Best Of' winners."

With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like CertaPro Painters ( http://www.certapro.com ) but also those whose work visually aligns with their own design goals. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

About CertaPro
Founded in 1991, Oaks, Pennsylvania-based CertaPro Painters is the largest painting company in North America and provides a customer-driven painting experience that is unparalleled in the industry (both commercial and residential). The company expects to add 50 new franchises in 2012, working toward its goal of having more than 400 locations by mid 2013. CertaPro franchisees establish large-scale, regional painting companies backed by CertaPro's proven business system that has made them North America's most referred painting company. CertaPro currently has more than 350 locations worldwide including the United States and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.certapro.com. @CertaPro

About Houzz
Houzz( http://www.houzz.com ) is the leading online platform for home remodeling, providing inspiration, information, advice and support for homeowners and home improvement professionals through its website and mobile applications. Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.2 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality. @houzz_inc

CERTAPRO PAINTERS
150 Green Tree Road, Unit 1003
Oaks, PA 19456
Contact: Kathi Mello
Phone: 484-293-1027
Email: kmello@certapro.com
Website: http://www.certapro.com

Press & Media Contact:
Nicole Benzer
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
150 Green Tree Road, Unit 1003
Oaks, PA 19456 - USA
312-829-4350
nicole@sandersonpr.com
http://www.certapro.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Franchising Veteran Will be Instrumental in Company’s Aggressive Growth.

Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/02/2012 -- Pillar To Post ( http://www.pillartopost.com ) is pleased to announce Brian K. Wieters' addition to the corporate team as Vice President of Franchise Sales.

Wieters has spent more than two decades working in various capacities for some of the biggest names in franchising including Steak 'n Shake Enterprises, Inc., FASTSIGNS International, Inc., Schlotzskys, Inc. and Allied Domecq Retailing, USA (now Dunkin'Brands, Inc.). Over the course of his career, Wieters has been responsible for more than 500 franchise sales.

Pillar To Post( http://www.pillartopost.com ) added 20 new franchises in 2011. Wieters has lofty plans for 2012, aiming to more than double that number. Wieters will be instrumental in Pillar To Post's long-term plans to add 500-600 new franchisees over the next five years.

"Brian comes to Pillar To Post with a proven track record of franchisee recruiting within a number of industries," said Dan Steward, president and CEO of Pillar To Post ( http://www.pillartopost.com ). "We welcome Brian's leadership and innovation in the recruiting process and believe he will be a great asset to growing the brand."

Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post ( http://www.pillartopost.com ) is now the largest home inspection company in North America, located in 44 states and 8 Canadian providences, with over 400 franchisees. In 2012 Pillar To Post ranked 215 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 rankings

PILLAR TO POST:
Contact:
Dan Steward
416-620-3560

14502 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33618 - USA
877-604-8584

5399 Eglinton Ave. West, Suite 110
Toronto, Ontario M9C 5K6
416-620-3960

Press & Media Contact:
Courtney Thomas
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
14502 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33618 - USA
312-829-4350
courtney@sandersonpr.com
http://www.pillartopost.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Marketing Strategies and Technology Company Signs Three New Agreements in 60 Days.

Atlanta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/02/2012 -- Welcomemat Services ( http://www.welcomematservices.com ) announced today the signing of three new franchise agreements in the past 60 days, fueling the growth of the Atlanta-based marketing strategies and technology company that provides monthly direct-mail packages to new movers. The franchise agreements are for new markets in Nashville, Tenn., Asheville, N.C. and Bellevue, Wash. Additionally, Randy Rhea, an existing franchisee in Augusta, Ga., became the company's first multi-unit owner with the recent opening of a second territory serving the greater Charleston, N.C. area.

"One thing that has had a positive impact on our growth is that as the franchise matures, our current franchisees are able to validate the system with their results," said Brian Mattingly, CEO. "Utilizing their success has been extremely helpful in the recruitment process."

The Welcomemat ( http://www.welcomematservices.com ) program is designed to target new residents when they move into an area by presenting them with invitations to try various businesses and organizations, helping them to get acclimated to their new surroundings. Unique in the estimated $133 billion local advertising market, Welcomemat not only provides local businesses access to new loyal customers, but its specialized patented technology stores and logs customer demographics for use by the local businesses it supports. It's the first and only cooperative mail service to employ proprietary technology that enables new resident information to be barcoded onto every gift check, allowing clients to receive free customized tracking and information reports regarding responses to their offers.

Since franchising began in early 2010, Welcomemat ( http://www.welcomematservices.com ) has expanded to locations in Indianapolis; Columbus, Ohio; Wilmington, N.C.; Asheville, N.C.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Bellevue, Wash.; Nashville, Tenn.; Augusta, Ga., as well as corporate-operated offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, S.C. and Greenville, S.C. Projections call for the opening of 12 franchise locations in 2012 toward a goal of opening 200 locations during the next five years in high-profile, transient markets across the country.

WELCOMEMAT SERVICES
3348 Peachtree Road, Suite 1095
Atlanta, GA 30326 - USA
Contact: Brian Mattingly
Phone: 404-841-2226
Website: http://www.welcomematservices.com

Press & Media Contact:
Courtney Thomas / Nicole Benzer
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
3348 Peachtree Road, Suite 1095
Atlanta, GA 30326 - USA
312-829-4350
courtney@sandersonpr.com / nicole@sandersonpr.com
http://www.welcomematservices.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

National Organization of Professional Organizers Names ShelfGenie Corporate Associate Member Of The Year.

Marietta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2012 -- ShelfGenie®, a franchised company that designs, builds and installs customized Glide-Out® shelving systems for existing cabinets, is the 2012 recipient of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) Corporate Associate Member of the Year Award. The award is presented each year to a corporate associate member who has made a significant contribution to NAPO and the profession of organizing. ShelfGenie ( http://www.shelfgenie.com ) is proud to join past winners OfficeMax®, The Container Store, Lillian Vernon, and other top names in the organizing industry as the latest winner of this prestigious award.

NAPO, a group of about 4,200 professional organizers dedicated to helping individuals and businesses bring order and efficiency to their lives, is known as the leading organizing authority, and offers programs, information and guidance to professional organizers and consumers. Each year in February, the Corporate Associate Member Committee Chair recommends the recipient of the award to an executive committee, which nominates and approves the selected winner.

NAPO Board President, Angela Wallace, presented the award to Allan Young, CEO and Co-Founder of ShelfGenie, ( http://www.shelfgenie.com ) during the 24th Annual NAPO Annual Conference and Organizing Exposition that was held March 21-24 in Baltimore, Md.

"The entire ShelfGenie system is extremely proud and honored to be named the winner of this coveted award," Young said. "As the only franchised provider of custom-built shelving solutions in the U.S., we look forward to continuing our mission and following our passion of helping people stay organized with our customized Glide-Out shelving systems."

About Shelfgenie Franchise Systems
Marietta, Ga.-based ShelfGenie is a franchise concept that designs, builds and installs Glide-OutTM shelving systems that are custom-built to fit into existing cabinets throughout the home, resulting in durable, affordable and customized shelves that glide in and out with the touch of a finger. ShelfGenie is the nation's only franchised provider of custom-built shelving solutions and is well positioned for growth and to become the predominant brand in its industry, which is highly fragmented and comprised of many "mom and pop" competitors and online retailers. The company has over 140 locations and expects to grow to 175 to 190 locations by the end of 2012 by targeting major markets throughout the Northeast, Florida, Washington and California. For more information, visit http://www.shelfgenie.com.

SHELFGENIE FRANCHISE SYSTEMS
1642 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30067
Contact: Allan Young
Phone: 877-434-3643
Web site: http://www.shelfgenie.com

Press & Media Contact:
Nicole Benzer
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
1642 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30067 - USA
312-829-4350
nicole@sandersonpr.com
http://www.shelfgenie.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Extra Innings is offering local sports enthusiasts a chance to try their hand at creating a commercial video for the company with the launch of a video competition.

Middleton, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2012 -- Extra Innings, the indoor baseball and softball training facility based in Middleton, Mass., is offering local sports enthusiasts a chance to try their hand at creating a commercial video for the company with the launch of a video competition. The contest follows the company's latest ad campaign with Mullen Advertising, who created promotional material for the Extra Innings Mobile Instructor App. Check out 'The Perfect Swing' video here: [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxBQImW31TY ].

Extra Innings ( http://www.extrainnings-middleton.com/ ) is encouraging baseball and softball players, parents and other youths in the community to submit videos of themselves or their children playing ball. The videos can be creative, humorous, educational or just downright embarrassing. The winner of the best video will have the opportunity to work with a professional advertising firm to develop the next promotional video for Extra Innings, which is distributed nationally and on all Extra Innings social media accounts such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. A gift pack with Extra Innings gear is also included. To enter, players should post their video to the company's corporate Facebook page or they can share the video on Facebook using the Mobile Instructor App from now until May 31. A winner will be announced on June 4. Coinciding with the opening week of major league baseball from April 1-8, the Mobile Instructor App will be available for download at a discounted price of $2.99.

The competition was sparked after the recent launch of the company's Mobile App, the Extra Innings Mobile Instructor ( http://www.extrainnings.net ), which allows baseball and softball players to improve their technique. Players can record a video of themselves, and coaches can record video of their players swinging or pitching, and then provide their own commentary using a "white board" technique. The Mobile Instructor's state of the art telestrator features a full set of professional tools including scalable shapes, freehand drawing, ball icons, and full screen grid and text notes. This app also provides the capability to save the analyzed video and send it via email, complete with title card and summary screen with customizable voice over. Players who need professional instruction, however, can submit their recorded video to Extra Innings instructors, most of whom are ex-Major League and Minor League ball players, for professional analysis. Retailing for $4.99, the app also gives access to online ordering at Extra Innings' Pro Shops where baseball and softball equipment and apparel can be purchased directly through the app as well as access to the Extra Innings center finder. Video submissions are sold in bundles of three.

The Extra Innings Franchise Company was started in 2004 to franchise the unique and profitable business model throughout the United States. Based in Middleton, Mass., Extra Innings has nearly 40 locations in 17 states in all regions of the country and projections call for close to 60 locations to be in operation by the end of 2012. For more information, visit http://www.eifranchise.com.

Contact Information:
Rob Nash
Extra Innings
EI Franchise Company, LLC
264 South Main St.
Middleton, MA 01949
978-762-0448
http://www.extrainnings.net
http://www.eifranchise.com

Press & Media Contact:
Nicole Benzer
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
264 South Main St.
Middleton, MA 01949 - USA
312-829-4350
nicole@sandersonpr.com
http://www.extrainnings.net
http://www.eifranchise.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Special Sambazon Açaí Smoothies, Bowls Available for Limited Time.

Franklin, TN -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2012 -- Planet Smoothie (http://www.planetsmoothie.com), which serves fresh fruit smoothies with low calorie, low sugar and high protein options, has launched its Flavors of the Tropics campaign. The campaign promotes the Sambazon® products including the limited time only Acai smoothies and bowls. Acai (ah-sigh-ee), a fruit packed with antioxidants, healthy omegas and delicious powers, is found atop 50-foot palm trees in the Amazon.

From March 19 through April 15, the Acai Gold Smoothie, featuring Sambazon Acai blended with pineapple, mango and orange juice, will be offered along with the Crazy Carnival Bowl, made up of Sambazon Acai blended thickly with mangos, raspberries and a splash of apple juice, then topped with sliced banana and granola. The Amazon Kick smoothie, featuring Sambazon Acai blended with strawberries, blueberries and banana, will be available from April 16 to May 14. The Ipanema Beach Bowl, which is Sambazon Acai blended thickly with banana and peanut butter and topped with sliced banana and granola, is also available from April 16 to May 14. From May 15 to June 10, customers will be able to get the Original Acai Smoothie, which is Sambazon Acai blended with the customer's choice of fresh apples or apple juice, strawberries and banana. The bowl from May 15 to June 10 is the Rio Bowl, featuring Sambazon Acai blended thickly with fresh apples and banana and topped with sliced banana and granola.

All Planet Smoothie (http://www.planetsmoothie.com) locations are participating. Atlanta, Ga.-based Planet Smoothie offers customers a quick, portable snack or meal replacement with their fresh fruit smoothies. The menu is organized into lifestyle categories like protein, weight loss, energy, wellness and cool blended. Planet Smoothie has more than 100 units in operation, mainly in Georgia and Florida. The brand was acquired last year by Franklin, Tenn.-based Tasti D-Lite, the great-tasting, lower-calorie frozen dessert chain with a cult following among health-conscious consumers as well as celebrities. Now that Tasti D-Lite is the official franchisor of Planet Smoothie, the collaboration will offer dual brands, with Tasti products being added to selected Planet Smoothie stores, and Planet Smoothie's offerings to join the menus at some Tasti D-Lite locations.

Planet Smoothie:
Franklin, TN
Contact: Donna Smith
Phone: 615-550-3118
Website: http://www.planetsmoothie.com

Press & Media Contact:
Courtney Thomas / Caitlin Varley
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
Franklin, TN - USA
312-829-4350
courtney@sandersonpr.com / caitlin@sandersonpr.com
http://www.planetsmoothie.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Decorated veteran seeks financing via Boost A Hero program.

Pensacola, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- After 10 years in the United States Navy, Tom Perez has signed with Meineke Car Care Centers to take over the location at 2871 West Michigan Ave. in Pensacola, Fla. Meineke quickly approved Perez's franchise application because of his skills and personality. Meineke has discounted its franchise fee by 25 percent and is financing nearly 75 percent of the entire purchase, but Perez still needs to raise additional capital to get started. He is the first Meineke franchisee to use Sprigster's Boost A Hero ( http://www.sprigster.com/boost-a-hero ) franchise crowdfunding program.

Perez, 31, who was honorably discharged last year due to downsizing, served as a master of arms in the Navy. He completed three tours in Iraq and many tours in other locations. Perez is a decorated veteran who has received four Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Expeditions Medal and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

"Tom is a great franchise candidate who served our country for 10 years and just recently returned to the U.S.," said Dave Schaefers, senior vice president of franchise development of Driven Brands. "Tom has a great personality and the skills to be a successful business owner. Veterans make great franchise owners because they are hard working and know how to follow a system. We look forward to bringing Tom into the system and we're doing everything we can to help him get the financing he needs to get started."

Boost A Hero is dedicated to using crowdfunding to get U.S. veterans the start they need to be franchise business owners. Veterans who are accepted by Boost A Hero create a project campaign telling their story and funding goal. The projects can be viewed on the website ( http://www.sprigster.com/boost-a-hero ) where people can make contributions. View Perez's project at http://www.sprigster.com/projects/6-help-navy-vet-tom-open-a-meineke.

"In my 10 years in the military, I spent half that time in hostile environments. Now I am ready to use my leadership and management experience combined with my education to be a successful entrepreneur," Perez said. "I know that my military training will help me excel in business because it instilled in me the leadership skills and the work ethic to make it happen. I'm really looking forward to getting started with a great brand like Meineke and I'm very excited to be one of the first people to use the Boost A Hero ( http://www.sprigster.com/projects/6-help-navy-vet-tom-open-a-meineke ) program for financing."

Meineke is owned by Driven Brands, the parent company to six franchised automotive brands. Other Driven Brands companies include MAACO Franchising, Inc. (collision repair and auto painting), Econo Lube N' Tune (automotive repair/quick-lube services), Aero Colours (automotive paint repair), AutoQual (vehicle reconditioning, protection and appearance maintenance services) and Drive N Style (aftermarket installation services), as well as Tortal.net, a training company that specializes in developing interactive online training solutions.

DRIVEN BRANDS, INC.
2871 West Michigan Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32526
Contact: Tom Perez
Phone: 850-377-0561

Press & Media Contact:
Caitlin Varley
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
Pensacola, FL - USA
312-829-4350
caitlin@sandersonpr.com
http://www.sprigster.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm