Just Between Friends Franchise Owners Receive Top Two Awards at Company’s Annual Conference

California franchisees Matt and Jennifer Hundley earn Community Impact and Franchise of the Year awards

Just Between Friends’ top two awards this year belong to a dynamic husband-wife franchise team in California. Matt and Jennifer Hundley of North Bay, California, were given the Community Impact Award and named JBF’s Franchise of the Year 2018. Part of the Just Between Friends franchise system since October 2009, the Hundleys served their community during the deadly wildfires that began October 8, 2017, in Sonoma and Napa counties. Using the resources through their business, the Hundleys and Just Between Friends North Bay opened their storage facility full of donations and partnered with their charity, Active 20-30, to help victims. They spread the word that they had free items to help families and a team of volunteers worked to assess and meet the needs of hundreds of families victimized by the fire. They continued this process through the end of 2017. In presenting the Community Impact Award to the Hundleys at JBF’s annual conference in January, Shannon Wilburn, CEO and co-founder of Just Between Friends, remarked: “Our judges for the Community Impact Award were touched by how the winner heard of a staggering need within their community and then stepped in to do something about it, taking action to help make things better — MUCH better. We were really moved by the passion and commitment displayed by this JBF franchisee. To see a need and not wonder, not question, but just do, is inspiring and moving. This franchisee stepped in to take action and because of it, has changed the story for hundreds of families in the community.” The Hundleys were also given the Franchise of the Year Award. The independent judges who chose the North Bay franchisee said key deciding factors were their leadership skills and the ability to build strong business partnerships. They also cited their ability to respond to changes in the marketplace and work with their team members, consignors and shoppers to improve their events. “This franchisee understands the value of teamwork and leadership,” said the judges. These changes resulted in strong numbers for their event in just one year, including 13% growth in consignors and 7% growth in sales. “I am thrilled that the judges chose Just Between Friends of North Bay. This is such a well-deserved award. The Hundleys’ ability to adjust to changes in the marketplace has allowed them to continue to grow in the competitive resale market. They are a leader in our franchise system. Their generosity to their community, especially during the wildfires in Northern California, is a testament to their giving spirit and the mission of JBF to give back,” said Wilburn. In addition to winning Franchise of the Year and the Community Impact Award, The Hundleys were also awarded Ruby Top Achiever Status. “We owe both awards to our amazing team of selfless community members who help us pull off these large-scale biannual events! Many of these same angels sprang into action when the wildfires broke out. Within hours they were at our storage facility sorting donations and putting together a week’s worth of clothing and supplies for babies and children. They even hand delivered to families who were unable to reach us,” said Jennifer Hundley, JBF franchisee in North Bay, California.

Now is the time to join Just Between Friends Franchise

There’s never been a better time to join our growing franchise. Just Between Friends’ franchisees can support their families while having a flexible schedule and helping their communities. Find out more by exploring our research pages or requesting a copy of free Franchise Information Report.