Just Between Friends Honors Top Franchise Owners

Just Between Friends franchise system celebrates award-winning year at annual conference

Just Between Friends franchise, North America’s leading children’s and maternity consignment sales event, is celebrating an award-winning year. With 149 franchises in 30 states and system-wide sales of almost $30 million, 2017 was one of our biggest years to date. Our recent annual conference highlighted our company’s achievements, as we honored more than 50 franchises with top awards. “I am proud and honored to have these talented men and women as part of the JBF system and thrilled to be able to recognize them for their achievements. They all give back so much to their communities as well helping people save money and make money at our events,” said Shannon Wilburn, CEO and Co-Founder of Just Between Friends franchise system. Several teams of independent judges and leadership within Just Between Friends helped select the award winners in several categories. Top winners include: Franchise of the Year 2018 – Jennifer and Matt Hundley, North Bay, California A team of independent judges chooses the Franchise of the Year recipient based on a variety of factors including growth, resourcefulness, innovation, and commitment to community. Bright Star Award: Melanie Salamone and Melissa Cook, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan This award is presented to a franchise that introduces an innovative idea to the company. This year, Melanie and Melissa helped bring Deluxe eChecks to Just Between Friends, saving franchisees much time and expense. Rising Star Award: Courtney Evans, Marysville and Seattle East, Washington The Rising Star Award is presented to a newer franchisee whom Just Between Friends believes has a strong future with JBF and will rise quickly. Courtney Evans has shown a tremendous amount of initiative paired with an unstoppable positive attitude. Supernova Award: Eileen Cordero, Middletown, Delaware The Conference Planning Committee gives the Supernova Award to a franchisee who goes above and beyond to help out other franchisees, serving as a great cheerleader and supporter of the company. JBF recognized Eileen for sharing ideas, showing support and encouraging others through enthusiasm for her fellow JFB franchisees. Community Impact Award – Jennifer and Matt Hundley, North Bay, California Another team of independent judges chooses this winner based on the impact they have on helping their community with their charity partner or partners. The Hundleys served numerous families by giving away much-needed clothing and baby items during the California wildfires.

Hear from award-winning franchise owner, Tracy Panase

Tracy Panase is multi-unit franchise owner in Pennsylvania. Her four franchises topped $1 million in gross sales last year, and she holds the top two spots on our Top Ten Sales Overall list. She says that JBF is a unique business opportunity with high potential for entrepreneurs looking for a side hustle that fits into their existing schedules. “It’s a flexible opportunity,” says Tracy Panase. “It’s something I did alongside my regular, full-time job for the first six years that I owned my franchises. But as we grew, JBF is now my full-time job. It allowed me that time to mature to where we are today.” Gross sales determine all of our Franchise Sales Award winners. They include: Largest First Spring Sale: Yolanda Prince, Nashville, Tennessee Largest First Fall Sale: Kate Horowitz and Kelly Hardy, Eastern Main Line, PennsylvaniaLargest Percentage Increase from 2016 to 2017: Marisa Clark, Des Moines, Iowa Top Ten Sales Overall

1. Laura Staggs – Colorado Springs, Colorado
2. Stacy Ervin – Chattanooga, Tennessee
3. Amber Post – Lee’s Summit, Missouri
4. Melinda Herbert & Melissa Monsoor – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
5. Kate Horowitz & Kelly Hardy — Eastern Main Line, Pennsylvania
6. Daven & Paul Tackett – Tulsa, Oklahoma
7. Kathy Winslow – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
8. Allison Stephens – Tacoma, Washington
9. Tracy Panase – Reading, Pennsylvania
10. Tracy Panase – Western Main Line (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania

Million Dollar Club Franchisees who topped a million in gross sales become part of the million-dollar club. All three members own more than one franchise.

• Tracy Panase – Four franchises in Pennsylvania
• Laura Staggs – Four franchises in Colorado
• Kathy Winslow – Three franchises in Oklahoma

Also, 57 franchises are “Top Achievers” for 2017, meeting sales criteria of at least $100,000 in gross sales for at least one event. “The best part about our franchisees growing sales is that means we are helping more families in their communities by giving them a way to earn extra cash and save money to help them make the most of their budgets — all in a super fun, safe environment,” said Wilburn.

Now is the time to join Just Between Friends

Just Between Friends is actively recruiting entrepreneurs to join us as franchise owners. If you are looking for meaningful work that helps your family and your community, then owning a JBF franchise could be perfect for you. Learn more by visiting our research pages or by requesting a copy of our Franchise Information Report.