Business After Hours September 2022: Fountain Valley School

This month at Business After Hours, we will host a Business Franchise panel discussion, followed by open networking at Fountain Valley School. FVS is a college preparatory school for grades 9-12, located in Colorado Springs. The school provides an option for families considering relocating for business. Please enjoy an evening on this beautiful campus in the Historic Hacienda Courtyard and welcome the new Head of School Megan Harlan!

Also, learn more about what the Chamber & EDC is doing to connect the business community with emerging talent from our local schools and enjoy connecting with your colleagues in this beautiful learning environment.

Business Franchise Panel Discussion: Why I Bought a Franchise
Why do some people choose to buy a franchise over starting a business from scratch? Our panelists for this event will discuss why they decided to go the franchise route instead of starting their own business. Did you know that franchise ownership IS small business ownership? Franchises are locally owned, but some people may be under the impression that big corporations own and operate franchises. These businesses are frequently referred to as "chains" which may not always be viewed in a positive light. However, there are hundreds of franchise businesses in Colorado Springs owned by local people who live and work right here – and employ local talent too! Our panelists will talk about their journey to business ownership through franchising, and why franchises are an important part of this community. In addition, we will have a brief discussion on tax credits that franchisees can benefit from. Our speakers include:

Brad Briebenow Storm Guard franchise owner
Brad is president and owner of Storm Guard of Colorado Springs. He
has over 37 years of construction, engineering and project management experience. Prior to buying his Storm Guard franchise, he held senior positions at a variety of major corporations.
 
Richard Hubbard Signarama franchise owner
Rich is the owner of Signarama of Colorado Springs South, and a proud Air Force vet. Prior to owning Signarama, he was a technical professional for over 20 years, leading IT projects in enterprise technology and telecommunications.
 
Charity Richardson Stauffacher restaurant franchise owner
Charity is the owner of 2 restaurant franchises in Colorado Springs which will be opening in 2023. She is Director of Clinical Services at Cedar Springs Psychiatric Hospital and has a private therapy practice.
 
Aaron Grozniak with Stryde Savings
Stryde Savings helps franchise owners save money through specialized tax incentives. Aaron and Stryde provide multiple services to increase the bottom line for franchisees. There's no charge for services until actual savings are realized.
 
Cindy Rayfield franchise consultant, Moderator
Cindy has helped people in Colorado find franchises to invest in for their future and to create cash flow. She is also a franchise owner of hair salons and has a background in retail and publishing.


SCHEDULE
4:15 - 5:00 p.m. Business Franchise Panel Discussion
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.  Open Networking
6:00 - 6:15 p.m.  Welcome & Announcements
6:15 - 7:00 p.m.   Open Networking

Registration is required!   Event registration will close 24 hours prior to the event.