Franchise Update Media Group Announces Winners of First-Ever All-Pro Sales Awards

Judges and Audience Determine Winners

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2010 - Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG), the leading industry resource for franchise development, announces the winners of the first-ever All-Pro Sales Awards. The competition was held as part of the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference in Atlanta at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Sept. 22-24, 2010. Two teams participated in the live, on-stage unscripted competition for the All-Pro Sales Team award, and each team's Best Performance awards. The winners were determined by a panel of judges and the audience.

The Red and Blue teams engaged with a prospect through the three stages of franchise sales: Prequalification, Validation, and Closing the Deal, for the hypothetical FRANZOO concept. Each team member participated in one of the three stages with the prospect. Team members were informed ahead of time about the concept, but were unaware of who the prospect was going to be until the contest began.

"The unscripted format and audience participation in voting for the winners involved everyone," said Steve Olson, publisher and chief development officer for FUMG. "Franchise sales are key to driving growth, and this competition showcased the real-world issues and challenges that franchisors face, as well as the creativity and resourcefulness of the team members in overcoming obstacles and making the sale."

The prospective buyer was played by Stan Friedman, senior director of business development for FranConnect. Barb Moran, president of Moran Industries; and Greg Vojnovic, vice president of development for Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, were the judges.

• The Red Team members were all from PostNet International:
  Jeff Mullin, director of franchise sales;
  Brian Spindel, president and COO;
  Steve Greenbaum, CEO.
  
• The Blue Team members were:
  Mark Titcomb, senior vice president of franchise recruiting for CertaPro Painters;
  Nick Neonakis, director, FloorCoverings International;
  Steve Hearon, vice president of franchise development, CertaPro Painters;
  Tom Wood, president and COO, FloorCoverings International.

The Red team won the All-Pro Sales Team award. The Best Performance awards went to the Red Team's Steve Greenbaum, and the Blue Team's Tom Wood and Steve Hearon.

Another highlight of the competition was the surprise appearance of Snickers the baby goat. She was a last-minute addition to the Blue Team, as part of their Closing the Deal strategy.

Click here to view photos from the All-Pro Sales Awards: http://www.flickr.com/photos/franchiseconference/sets/72157625291672884.

About Franchise Update Media Group

Founded in 1988, Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) produces online franchise sites, magazines, research, books and conferences in franchising. Targeting franchise audiences online, in print and in person, FUMG delivers a unique combination of education and lead-generation sources that helps franchisors, multi-unit franchisees and suppliers achieve their growth objectives. For more information, please visit www.franchiseupdatemedia.com.