On the conversion from ACE Cash Express to Family Financial Centers:
When we were contacted by ACE Cash Express stating that they were no longer going to be in the franchise business, we were told that they were recommending Family Financial Centers as they had agreed to an exclusive referral agreement with them. From the very beginning, our dealings with Family Financial Centers clearly indicated as to why ACE Corporate entered into an agreement with them. They are truly focused on Franchisees, as they are not distracted by company owned units. The systems, support, marketing, additional products and enhanced revenue streams are beyond what we could have hoped for. The system they have developed is designed to help us as entrepreneurs monitor and control our business. On top of that, they are terrific people to work with. The conversion from ACE to Family Financial Centers was short, helpful, and most importantly effective. The Operations team was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and extremely patient. The team was wonderful to work with and we are so happy we made the conversion to Family Financial Centers. We are now proud owners of our own store and look forward to the future.
Nabil and Michael Gedeon: ACE to Family Financial Centers Conversion
Entrepreneurship is in my blood. My grandfather owned a convenience store in which I have fond memories of working there from the time I was five years old. From that experience, I always wanted to be my own boss. I like that the fact that he had control of his own schedule. However, my very practical mother steered me to accounting saying how being a CPA was a solid career path.
I’ve dabbled in starting my own businesses during my 19 years in Corporate America, but two years ago I decided enough was enough. I needed to be the boss of me. I hate asking permission to take a vacation. I even hate wearing a badge. I had to come up with an exit strategy.
My requirements for my new business were:
- I didn’t want to buy a job. I needed to be a remote manager for a while. The practical side of me knew that I had to keep my corporate job until the business became profitable.
- I didn’t want anything in food preparation. Ugh!
- I love financial services.
- The start-up cost had to be reasonable.
I found all of my requirements and a very friendly and welcoming family at FFC. The FFC Team has been with me from the very beginning of this process holding my hand through site selection, licensing acquisition, bank approval (ugh!) and opening. They have patiently listened to me moan and complain on the phone as I wanted to breakeven the second week. I am working on my fourth month of opening, February 2013, and I can honestly say that I made the right decision in selecting the FFC Team and even more importantly their business model.
Germaine Gross, CPA
Terrytown, LA
During the economy downturn many corporate managers experienced the effect of corporate consolidation and downsizing. I was one of those managers that after 30 years in corporate America I found myself unemployed. With a grim job market the future looked unpromising. After weighing my choices and options, I decided to purchase a check cashing franchise. Immediately, I began to research the available franchises in the industry, thoroughly reviewing the pros and cons of each franchisor.
I have to say that FFC impressed me the most. From the start, their professional presentation and assistance was impressive. They took their time to address all my concerns, from acquiring my license to finding financial sources to finance my investment. FFC was there each step of the way with advice, options, and finally through my grand opening.
Rafael Diaz
South River, NJ
After 25 years in the corporate world I decided I no longer wanted to work for someone else. I researched many business's, both franchises and independents , and decided on FFC. From day 1 I knew I would be working with professionals who had a passion about their business and the sucess of their franchisees. From site location to buildout to openning they were with me everystep of the way. Most importantly the support has not stopped since I opened. They are always there when needed and continue to help me grow my business by adding additional services. After 18 months I am glad I choose FFC and look forward to adding a second location.
Bob Abatecola
Stamford, CT
My family and I have been in the Convenience store business for the past 8-10 years. The timing was right to investigate another type of franchise. I had an alternative banking business in mind but didn't want to enter that field without having the expertise and support from someone. Search Light, a company who finds the best franchise for their customers, introduced us to FFC in December 2011. While attending FFC’s Discovery Day, we were convinced that our search was over. We knew FFC was the RIGHT company to help us. We are impressed with FFC’s high standards regarding products, support, hospitality, and business expertise. However, their staff’s availability is the most important thing to us. FFC has fantastic relationships with vendors, state offices, IT, and banks that serve this industry. Everyone helped us from start to finish. We like the relationship FFC maintains with their franchises. It took us only 6 months to open a business within our budget!
Biren Patel
Bridgeton, NJ
FFC has not only been totally supportive prior to establishing my business, but they continue to respond quickly and professionally since I opened my business 5 months ago. They address any concerns or assistance I may need no matter what time of the day or night and resolve it. Other franchise companies should take a lesson from the way FFC handles their franchisees’ needs and customer service.
Jerry Fragetti
Philadelphia, PA
As a new franchisee of Family Financial (we have about 18 months under our belt), we have come to appreciate the franchise and the opportunities its ample support has given us. While we have been a part of another franchise, the experience we have with FFC is completely and positively different. We relied on FFC to help us purchase our stores, convert and make them operational, complete all the paperwork (which as all you know never ends), and answer many of our day-to-day operational questions. We started with one store and as of today, we have acquired five stores. All these purchases have been made possible and smooth by the knowledgeable, competent and hardworking Family Financial Centers' staff.
Paul Shinder
Brooklyn, NY
FFC has provided me with a top-notch team to see that my center is successful. From the very beginning, even before we had a location selected, to the build-out of the store, to the daily operation, they have been there and served as true partners. It's amazing to learn what you don't know about the business you get into. The team from FFC really knows the business inside and out and they are always there ready to impart the knowledge. Family financial centers management team have been great. A response from them, if not immediate, is always prompt. They value the people they work with and for and make the experience of being a small business owner a rewarding one.
Lou Maranglo
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Some time back I decided that I was just no longer interested in working for someone else, so I began looking for a business that I could own. I looked at a number of franchise opportunities, many of which looked like a good fit for me, and in fact may have worked out just fine for me if I had decided to go in a different direction. But I chose Family Financial Centers and I am glad I did.
At the invitation of the company, I attended a Discovery Day, and it was this Discovery Day visit that really got me excited about the Family Financial Centers opportunity. Meeting with the President of the Company, Paul Eckert, on that same day was the turning point for me. When I met Paul I saw a man who believes in himself and in the company that he is running, a combination that is bound to be successful. Additionally Paul had surrounded himself with an outstanding support staff. I received invaluable guidance and support through all phases of getting the business up and running.
Family Financial Centers has the people and the business plan that I believe will guide me to a successful and profitable operation.
I first met Mr. Eckert about 5 years ago and I started my branch of Family Financial Centers a little over 4 years ago. During this time Mr. Eckert has shown himself to be a true professional and a very real friend. Any time I have had problems in my operation he has always been there to help. Any time I have had questions he has answered my questions or has found the answers for me. Any time I have wonder which way to go on a given issue, he has been there with his recommendation. This is really all I or anyone can ask for.
Paul Eckert wants my branch operation within this company to succeed and to be profitable just as much as I do. In all my 40 plus years in the financial services industry I have had a very great many very good people to work with, but none better than Paul.
Arnie Boyster
North Haven, Connecticut
After I sold my business I looked around for new opportunities. A local check cashing business was for sale near one of my other businesses. I looked into purchasing that store, but after visiting the franchise headquarters in Philadelphia I did not feel I could fit into that organization. At that time I contacted Family Financial Centers and went down for a visit. I was sold that day. The fit was perfect, they are very professional, well organized and had a vision and plan that I felt that I could fit into.
A couple of months later I opened up my first FFC store followed closely by my second store. The support has been fantastic from top to bottom. Now two years later I am very happy with my decision to join the FFC family and plan to open up a third store in the near future.
Bill Notarianni
Scranton, Pennsylvania
My brother Steven and I have been self-employed for over 20 years. We have owned a variety of businesses, including several national franchises. The check cashing business always held a certain fascination to us. We
researched several different opportunities in the check cashing industry. After meeting with Paul Eckert, Bruce Chamberlain and their team, we came to the conclusion that the FFC family was the direction we would go. We appreciated their commitment to the franchisee, as well as, their professionalism, knowledge and willingness to receive input. At the end of the day, my brother and I feel working with people is an asset you can't be
taught. We believe we found a match with FFC. We opened our first location in January 2008. Our second location opened in August 2008. Our third location will open in September 2010.
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David & Steve Miller
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
