As Employees Jump Ship, Francorp Brings Out Big Gun

Posted Sat, 2009/05/16 - 20:43 by Janet Sparks

McDonald's former CEO testifies about Francorp

Click photo to see video. Source/Francorp Website

OLYMPIA FIELD, Ill. – Donald Boroian, owner and principal of Francorp International, has long claimed that his franchise development firm’s credibility and track record are unsurpassed. Its website states, “Our extensive experience with successful big name franchises make us the safest option.” Since 1976 it has helped insure franchise success for over 2000 companies, naming Hershey Foods, Arco, Texaco, John Deere, USA Baby and Ryder Trucks. But recent comments on Blue MauMau and from inside sources tell a different story, one that portrays a company drowning in debt and unable to meet its payroll, causing faithful seasoned employees to jump ship. One source gives a count of 27 people who have left in the past 11 months, which is approximately 52 percent turnover in less than a year.

But this week Francorp gave a good reason why companies should sign up with his firm. Click on the photo above to see the video.

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Binging Francorp by Guests

Submitted by Guests on Sun, 2009/07/26 - 22:37.

Bing "Francorp" Does your "Related searches" column contain an odd search suggestion?

Francorp's Don Boroian Talks About Franchising Your Business by Mr. Blue MauMau

Submitted by Mr. Blue MauMau on Sun, 2009/05/24 - 12:14.

Someone called "BestFranchise" submitted the video above today, May 24, to Magnify Networks, a video sharing website. The submitter misspells the surname of Donald Boroian, chairman and CEO of Francorp, as Boroion in the title. But mistakes aside, "Best Franchise" seems enthused about Francorp selling services to franchisor wannabees. He prefaces the video:

"When does franchising make sense for your business? Is your business a good candidate for franchising? Call Francorp Today!"

Francorp is a company that offers services to create budding franchise chains from small businesses.

"Our [Francorp's] job is to create the vehicle for them [small business clients of Francorp] to replicate this [a franchised outlet]," says Francorp's chairman in the video. He continues, "It is sort of like we take the client and stuff them in a Xerox machine and push a hundred, or two hundred or a thousand and that somebody pop out. Now in the process, we consult with them (the beginning franchisor) on how to make it more streamline."

What sort of small businesses seek out franchisor developers such as Francorp? Boroian observes that it is small businesses who want to expand because they see market opportunity but do not have the capital to open more units or hire more people themselves.

But Boroian utters a word of caution. Not everyone is qualified to franchise their business. That's why Francorp is selective in choosing would-be franchisors. "The first thing we do with our clients, when they are franchising is develop a business plan," he states. "Sometimes during that process we find that what the plan shows is that what the client has in mind may not be viable."

Would I hire Francorp?....NO!!!! Below are reasons why. by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Mon, 2009/05/25 - 13:11.

There is no question that Don Boroian is absolutely a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to franchising. Frankly, the man has forgotten more about franchising than most will ever know. As recently as six months ago, Don was surronded by smart, franchise saavy, hard working consultants who had the ability to put together a top notch franchising program (albeit somewhat boiler plate) to give qualified, prospective franchisors the best chance to succeed in the industry. Oh how a few months have changed things at Francorp. In the past several months, departed from the firm have been the top strategic planning consultant, two marketing consultants, the project manager, one operations consultant, and numerous support staff. Why the mass exodus at Francorp?: Employees have not been paid in months and people finally got fed up and left. That said, below are several reasons why I would not hire Francorp to develop my franchise documents given a choice: 1. Lack of expertise. Despite Don's knowledge of the industry, he is not involved in the production and therefore has very little input into the documents that are being created on behalf of the franchisor. The firm has lost too much talent in the recent past that will not be replaced anytime soon. Francorp simply does not have the depth at this point to be a valuable resource. 2. Lack of contnuity. Once you hire Francorp and start their franchise development process, it is important that the internal consultants at the firm communicate readily to ensure that all of the documents, from strategic planning to legal to marketing and operations, are produced seamlessly. Because the firm is so far behind in terms of their payroll, many of the firm's consultants are actively seeking other employment opportunities. If/when more employees leave, the communication gap in terms of the client project will grow into a huge abyss. 3. Lack of employees: The Francorp development system has always been a fragile process that historically takes longer than advertised or expected. As the firm is now woefully thin due to employees leaving the firm, many bottlenecks in the process have surfaced. The firm just does not have enough bodies to work on projects and get things completed in a timely manner. Prospective franchisors need to think long and hard as to whether they want to committ $100K+ to Francorp based on the above. The firm is in a clear tailspin with no relief in sight. Add the reality of pending litigation and the ever present lien on the firm imposed by the IRS for back taxes and who knows if Don, the eternal survivor, will make it much longer. Caveat emptor for sure.

Comments left with out names, tough to be on top. by Chris Holman

Submitted by Chris Holman on Wed, 2009/06/17 - 11:25.

I find it always amusing when someone writes a negative comment or a hatchet job by a jounalist. The recent comment on this page and article by a so called jounalist in Franchise times fits the bill. Having worked with Francorp since 2005 I have found a company that has like many of us evolved. In 2005 most the staff was at the end of a run, very knowledgeable but most in their 60's. We did our program during the transition of new blood coming into the company. This new talent is educated, smart, upbeat personalities, with modern consumer/customer driven skills. This is a brighter company still holding much of the information and knowledge that Don has guided for almost 50 years. I think there is quite a few people out there that have worked for Francorp, left with the skill and knowledge they gained, and started their own version. Being copied is what goes on in our communtiy, also a few personal vendetta's to grind. It happens when you are on top. Word of caution to any business owner when interviewing Franchise consultants, "if they spend more time telling you what others can't do", then telling you what they can do? Drop them like a hot rock. Our community is full of "used car salesmen", expressing what and how great their program is. Yet they do not own or operate a franchise? If it is so great why are they not doing it? My entire time of dealing with Francorp has been successful, their material is spot on, documents are solid, marketing guidance correct. This is a big process going from a business owner to a franchisor, we had bumps and minor issue's, each was corrected and dealt with head on and solved to our satisfaction. Do your own due dillagence. Oh, buy the way, our intial costs with Francorp have never gone up. Our firm has not been billed for 5 years of consulting and assistance as we have grown as a solid, successful franchise system. Ask that of all the copy cats out there.

No wonder.... by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Mon, 2009/06/29 - 17:24.

Francorp has not billed you for five years of ongoing consulting because yours is one of the few Francorp concepts that has actually sold franchises. They need to keep in your good graces so you will continue to say good things about the firm. If you have been working with the firm for five years, you know first hand the revolving door problem Francorp has in terms of employee retention. I will hazard a guess that there are only a handful of employees who are still working at the firm from the time you initiated the program.

Janet & Don by Paul Steinberg

Submitted by Paul Steinberg on Wed, 2009/06/17 - 14:37.

Don and the Francorp folks make a mistake in attacking any reporter, especially Janet Sparks.

I disagree with Janet on frequent occasions (most notably on the Sona MedSpa debacle), and I have written that Don's history is more nuanced than may be seen in Janet's reporting of the last few years.

That being said, Janet draws her research from sources including Cook County and federal court records. And she is reporting current news, not a retrospective of Don's advocacy for giving franchisees a fair shake back when few other franchisor consultants would consider such a thing.

You may feel that Janet has overlooked aspects of the Francorp history. But I don't see any objective basis for saying her reporting is a "hatchet job."

Paul Steinberg
Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

Paul Steinberg, Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

A Lawyer and a Reporter.... ahhhhhhhh by Chris Holman, Franchisor

Submitted by Chris Holman, Franchisor on Wed, 2009/06/24 - 16:23.

You make a good point on your comments and where she gets her info. Problem is she rarely balances her reporting with any of the hundreds of success's from this firms efforts and knowledge. As an attorney, you of all should know that being in the private sector and doing years of business will leave you with enemies, grievances, and matters that got beyond your control. So I would just like to see a balance on the body of work performed, less joy in her wording of problems. Funny how the problem employee believes the efforts by them are more valuable than the owner. The difference between and employee and an owner is RISK, Reward. Employee has no risk, so no reward beyond the agreed compenstion for thier efforts. The reward is to the owner, as they take all the risks. This site allow unkowns to post things that are not verifiable, so anyone with an axe to grind can cut loose. I would sue for slander...

Far and beyond all of this by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 2009/06/24 - 23:13.

I came across this site when my wife and I thought we would want to invest in a franchise-- I thought it would be helpful. It has been. Neither my wife or I have the stuff it takes to put up with any of this. But still I feel compelled to spout my mouth off. Recently it seems that people associated with Francorp have been embarking on a marketing campaign known in the net world as "Astroturfing"-- creating a fake "grass-roots" upswell. As an additional example, if one would look at the official francorp blog, every comment is about how great the company is-- after all, it's a moderated blog. When people get called out, they get scared. When people get scared, they get aggressive. Also, in more direct response to the above comment, I would like to point out that under every employer I have ever had I assume the risk my employer assumes-- that if he/she isn't around, I'm not around. I accept compensation with the assumed notion that the employer will work in both of our best interests. If not, gosh, that sounds like the bad franchisor screwing the franchisee thing if the employer gets all the rewards.

you read what you wish... by chris holmant

Submitted by chris holmant on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 13:11.

Empoyee's are due their compensation for work performed, as an owner those that show desire and effort and teamwork, will be rewarded. Every great empolyer rewards his people, its how you keep them. Your life will change if you become an owner of a business and like all will see the differences. Jump in the water is warm for those with drive, skill, effort and willing to take a RISK on themselves. Never covete what your boss may have, as with many owners we have many things going at one time, we have been conservative with our finaces, when others spent younger years spending to their last dime, we worked 14 hour days, weekends, went to training seminars, worked a second job to move our goals ahead. Lived in a one bedroom apartment, drove a used vehicle, put off the loan or purchase. Maybe you are one of us, so do not fall into the trap of, "I worked hard to get them where they are", no you did'nt. You have no idea what an owner does to keep his business going and started. Leave a name, that way you believe in what you say...

Your suit for slander would be dismissed. An open forum by RichardSolomon

Submitted by RichardSolomon on Wed, 2009/06/24 - 16:33.

includes the fact that people will post facts, opinions, agendas. Intelligent readers can sort them out and come to rational conclusions in most instances. The few who are incapable of sorting it out are not material to the purpose of any open forum.

Angry self righteous people always threaten to sue for slander or libel, and those threats have been received here as well. The self righteous have a tendency to resort to empty threats when exposed for what they really are.

One is free, if he can't handle the heat of open conversation with frequent no holds barred situations, to simply go elsewhere and seek only what seems to agree with him.

Francorp's success stories do not change what Francorp really is or what its leader really is. One would suspect that on balance, those success stories may have been largely in spite of having been clients of Francorp.

Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has over 45 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School

Defamation suit? Read CDA sect 230 while you wait in line by Paul Steinberg

Submitted by Paul Steinberg on Wed, 2009/06/24 - 23:10.

My understanding is that Mr. MauMau gets a few threats each month. So if you are going to threaten to sue him, at least make sure that the pleading is entertaining since it will promptly be posted on the Internet.

The last time someone threatened to sue Janet Sparks was when Mr. Caldeira of Dunkin' Donuts did so at the direction of Stephen Horn (Dunkin' Donuts general counsel and head of government relations). And ahhh.... you might want to find out what Ms. Sparks did to Mr. Horn & Mr. Caldeira .

Hell, I got 3 attorneys threatening me with defamation suits just from the stories discussing one particular franchise system. The only attorney that sent a letter was Nixon Peabody, and you can read their letter since it is posted on this very website. My franchising clients were actually impressed that I had Nixon Peabody threatening to sue me, and if I run into Mr. Zappia, I owe him a beer.

Franchisors are not used to obeying the same laws as the unwashed masses, let alone being questioned by the masses. So the ABA Forum on Franchising last year even held a session on how to silence bloggers. Again.... the matter is now detailed here on the internet for all eternity.

As to your specific beef:

Matters relating to CDA section 230 aside, you fail to specify any defamatory words.

Assuming arguendo that someone takes pleasure in saying things about you which are factually true but mean-spirited, this does not constitute defamation.
Frankly it is about time that the courts crack down on the attorneys bringing baseless defamation claims, and the clients of those attorneys should get their money refunded.

Paul Steinberg
Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

Paul Steinberg, Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

your assumtion is wrong by chris holman

Submitted by chris holman on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 13:50.

of course you can not sue the site, but you can access an individual if it warranted slander... take a breath...

Correct - That's why BMM cautions people about the rancor by RichardSolomon

Submitted by RichardSolomon on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 14:04.

in their accusations.

Angry people say angry things. People who have been swindled are angry in the extreme, but have been socialized to limit their response to the misfortune. Lacking the financial wherewithall to pursue legal remedies in most instances, and being too overly civilized to resort to self help, they rant and accuse.

Eventually the frustration level will drive people to self help.

Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has over 45 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School

On the other hand, in the instance of oppressive franchisors and by RichardSolomon

Submitted by RichardSolomon on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 14:30.

dishonest franchisors, the main reason why accusers are almost never sued to slander or libel is that most such cases end up being a trial of the plaintiff's honesty rather than a trial of the accuser's overstating anything.

If any franchisee gets sued for libel or slander, that case can easily be turned around on the suing franchisor.

Competent franchisor counsel caution their franchisor clients that you almost never can win anything by suing complaining franchisees for slander and libel.

The letter demanding retraction and threatening suit would certainly be posted on BMM. That would probably attract all sorts of volunteered information helpful to the franchisee, even if it were volunteered anonymously. Your disgruntled ex employees become anonynmous sources of very pregnant information. Names, events, dates, where files are located, other disputes relating to the same subject matter all come pouring in to help the defendant franchisee turn the case around to bite the suing franchisor in most tender places.

Suing people for slander and libel is not the threat you think it is. If you had ever done that, you would know what I am talking about, and you would now no longer be threatening people with libel and slander suits.

Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has over 45 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School

Tautology is not the standard of proof by Paul Steinberg

Submitted by Paul Steinberg on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 15:15.

"Chris Holman" writes: of course you can not sue the site, but you can access an individual if it warranted slander... take a breath...
Richard Solomon responds: Suing people for slander and libel is not the threat you think it is.
If you had ever done that, you would know what I am talking about, and you would now no longer be threatening people with libel and slander suits.

Solomon is correct, and there is a wealth of credible information available on legal websites discussing how difficult it is to prevail in a suit for defamation. This is particularly true where one is a "public figure" or a "limited purpose" public figure.

To say that you can pursue an individual "if warranted" begs the question of the legal standard of proof, and that is what Solomon is getting to.

Go to a law library in your hometown and see your state's jury instructions given in a defamation case. Then show us how FranCorp has been defamed in any of the BMM discussion.

Paul Steinberg
Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

Paul Steinberg, Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

Thanks for the look back by Les Stewart

Submitted by Les Stewart on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 07:19.

Paul, A very much appreciated reminder. Les Stewart MBA FranchiseFool :: WikidFranchise.org

Les Stewart MBA FranchiseFool :: WikidFranchise

Paul Steinberg, Mike Webster and I think that BlueMauMau by RichardSolomon

Submitted by RichardSolomon on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 02:36.

is so important to the future of franchising - in terms of helping people understand its risks and in cleaning it up a bit - that any/all of us will happily tear the heart out of anyone or any group or any company that might think of threatening Sniegowsky (Sp?) or this blog site.

You have a better chance of getting into heaven than you would ever have of harming BlueMauMau - and you know how unlikely that is.

Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has over 45 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School

Reason Mr. MauMau never loses by Paul Steinberg

Submitted by Paul Steinberg on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 12:05.

The reason no one has ever won a lawsuit against Mr MauMau is because no one has ever managed to spell his name properly in the pleadings, so he gets them all dismissed.

Paul Steinberg
Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

Paul Steinberg, Franchisee Attorney, New York City, Ph: 212-529-5400

I love ya by Barbara Jorgensen

Submitted by Barbara Jorgensen on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 02:43.

Solomon.

Thank you Mr Holman by Ray Borradale

Submitted by Ray Borradale on Thu, 2009/06/25 - 04:46.

Mr Holman is this really you? - Advanced Maintenance If it is I would suggest you take the free advice you have been offered but I would also take this opportunity to thank you for participating. We need to hear more from franchisors. Whether we agree on some points or not it is always hoped that constructive comment leads to more healthy, honest franchising. That is the goal.

Bad franchising also damages the reputations of those who attempt to produce good franchises - by vague public association - BMM is not responsible for the scams and is not responsible for the your opinion, or mine, or anyone else's. BMM is a public service.

Anyway; how's business? At 53% ROI it should be booming. Love the wheels!

Ya' gotta luv that CDA section 230 - I want one!

Australian Franchise Opportunities, a common sense approach to franchising

Francorp: Saying the shallow things right by Darnelle White

Submitted by Darnelle White on Sun, 2009/05/24 - 19:43.

Francorp says the right shallow things to those just starting in franchising

It is no accident that the Big 5 consulting firms do not have a franchising arm. The reason they do not is because the market rewards only a nominal level of sophistication in launching franchise chains. If you doubt that then think of when Anderson Consulting (I think it was called Arthur Anderson back then) experimented with a very small franchise arm from someone who dabbled part-time. It eventually pulled out.

Why? Because start-up franchisors are at their heart small businesses with small budgets. Small businesses who want to become franchise chains seem satisfied with those who produce franchisors on an assembly line and that have little capability to understand the deep complexities of industry sectors, retailing, business models and even franchising. Founders of small businesses want to get on the franchise road with minimal expenditures and then trust their entrepreneurial and selling skills to bring them to their destination.

When a franchisor is given the wrong road map to follow, it will eventually lead to franchise failure, no matter how good a salesperson the founder is.That road is extremely difficult to correct. And franchisor consulting firms really aren't equipped to help because a consulting company of young franchisors is rewarded for assisting would-be franchisors to start. It is not incentivized to care about what happens down the road.

Thought for the day: "A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well. - Jeff Bezos

Some baby franchisor makers have already taken another well-worn marketing route in writing consulting books. In franchising, the best known books are given such titles as Franchising for Dummies and an Idiot's Guide to Franchising. Rumors are that there is a book in the works that will be titled A Rube's Guide to Franchising Your Company. It has the makings of being the next best seller.

Franchising is safer, you have their counsel, their system for by Barbara Jorgensen

Submitted by Barbara Jorgensen on Sun, 2009/05/24 - 17:42.

advertising, you are your own boss, there is less risk than going on your own, everything is set up for you. Most zees are sucessful. Who the first, second, third or fourth generation?

Baby franchisor makers want franchisee credibility by Darnelle White

Submitted by Darnelle White on Sun, 2009/05/24 - 17:43.

In search of a reputation: Developers of new franchisors feel strongly the need to differentiate themselves against their competitors. They cannot afford to put top-notch MBAs and PhDs on their payrolls that the smallest office of a big business consulting firm would use. The cheapest way to differentiate themselves is by showing credibility on the quality of their final product - franchisees satisfied with a quality system.

Quote for the moment: “No business in the world has ever made more money with poorer management.” - Bill Terry

Receiving recognition from the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, Franchise Business Review, American Franchisee Association, Fransurvey or others close to the pulse of franchise owners is one way for a franchisor developer to show that they produce high quality networks that franchise owners are satisfied with. Whether they consciously realize it or not, they are attracted to AAFD and others like fish to water. The blessings of such organizations are a cheap substitute for expensive payrolls, flexibility and profound business thinking. That's why franchisee associations and franchisee satisfaction survey firms need to be extremely selective and methodical in blessing, awarding or partnering with companies like Francorp. Because the very worst of players will particularly need and seek out the blessings of these organizations.

On the other side, franchisor developers should be willing to pay extra money for recognition with franchisor associations. This is a way to show the world that franchisors who have become big adults think the world of a particular baby franchisor maker.

This woud work if all zors were into seeing you succeed by Barbara Jorgensen

Submitted by Barbara Jorgensen on Sun, 2009/05/24 - 13:07.

The bad one's are into selling franchises and don't give a hoot if you are successful. There will always be another zee to replace you, even if you fail.

Many cases they lead you to the road of failing. Many of the rogue zors have found a faster way of making money and that is churning and turning. By now most peope I hope know this. Are franchisees chances of success greater? With rogue zors no. With the good zors I would say yes. That is the key to be able to see the red flags before signing on the dotted line.

Good zors know the money will come in slower but steady. Good zors also battle test their systems on their own buck. I read Curves Gary Heiven's book and he started the first Curves with his money and worked it for four years. It proved they were working. Then he sold it as a franchise. That is why I cannot understand why he has allowed encroachment problems. His book revealed his values, ethics and sincere desire to see his zees succeed.

Franchising is a reationship contract. That is the scary part. People do change.

franchise snakes admire Francorp with a bitter tongue by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2009/05/21 - 14:16.

Bravo, Boroian!!!! Just about any franchise consultant in the world would sell his soul and his children's to the devil, kill their own mothers and their pets, in order to get a former McDonald´s CEO to even THINK! about answering them the phone, let alone bless their floor stepping into their crummy offices and, the maximum emotion: better than sex with Julia Roberts and Britney Spears together, better that landing on the moon, short of (or better than) becoming President of the United States, if that former CEO would even pronounce their name in public and, in the true grand finale: blow their brains off with a shotgun (because their life in this world and in the next would be completed... there would be no beyond) if that CEO would endorse them on tape the way Ed Rensi endorsed Francorp. People like Ed have a reputation and their dignity is far above as to endorse a second rate consultant. Once anyone has experienced being CEO for McDonald's he is beyond good an evil... he may speak his mind (or not) at will. By the way; don’t look now but your petty jealousy is showing. You only dream about the successful companies Francorp has created that have sold literally thousands of successful franchises. If you want to compete with Francorp, why don’t you spend your time building your own businesses, creating successful franchisors and build a bigger and better company than Francorp. Maybe it’s because you can't. Those who can, do. Those who can't, blog and carp. When one of you, snakes, reaches any higher than Ed, then you will have enough credibility and you may speak your minds... in the meantime, bite your tongues and savor your own venom. Bon appetite. Robin

Bororian Rant by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2009/05/21 - 14:36.

It is always best to let people speak, and in this case, write for themselves. When people rant on incessantly, in quasi understandable English, it provides unlimited insight into the source and subject. Certainly Francorp has it's champions and it's detractors, as do all active organizations. The part that is undeniable is that this organization is run by a convicted felon, who continued to run the company from his jail cell. Now he seems to be unable to meet the payroll obligations of his organization and to be in deep financial trouble overall. I am sure they will find a way to work through these issues, but they will certainly damage the company even more then they have been damaged to date.

Shakespare from the grave by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2009/05/21 - 16:16.

Good, I see you followed my advice: you are savoring your own venom. Keep at it until the last consequences. It is gratifying to influence people into doing what you want them to. I am not going to get into a pissing contest with you, William. My English is poor because I have lived in more than 20 countries along my professional life, developing multi-national companies, but I am sure you have done better than me. In case you have not heard, THERE IS AN ECONOMIC CRISIS all over the world and many millions of people have lost their jobs and many companies are filing chapter 11. If some of the largest auto-makers had to resort to the Italians for survival, I would consider it a miracle that medium size companies are capable of surviving. Getting into debt is not a shame. Doing nothing to solve it is. Granted, nobody likes to lose their source of income but it is the law of gravity :(. It takes true courage, decision and (guts, mind you) to face such a crisis and do positive things in spite of it to keep afloat. Francorp or no Francorp, we should thank god that those companies remain to be a way to make a living for as many people as possible while in the eye of the storm. I am not Francorp´s Champion. Boroian is perfectly capable without me. I am a champion of franchising and I pity that the industry is so midget-minded and that, such pettiness reflects on how they manipulate the franchisors. If you are in the industry, come to think of that, and keep chewing. This is the end of it.

What the F... by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2009/05/21 - 17:14.

is this all about? If the corporate bar the only thing left with a reserve at the Olympia Fields office then it's in the process of being depleted.

A Long Time Ago by Granville_Bean

Submitted by Granville_Bean on Tue, 2009/05/19 - 23:07.

Ed Rensi's great achievements were a long time ago. He left (pushed out of?) McDonald's at an early age for a top manager. He now takes gigs as a motivational speaker. So did Francorp pay him some big bucks for a cameo appearance? What does Ed Rensi actually DO for Francorp???

Ed Rensi by Darnelle White

Submitted by Darnelle White on Sun, 2009/05/24 - 19:40.

Having a former CEO of a sophisticated chain like McDonald's give public praise is just what the marketing doctor ordered for Francorp.

Still, watch in the video how the McDonald's former chief executive does not say that he used Francorp's services when he headed up the burger chain. About the highest compliment he dishes out is that Francorp meets their deadlines and is a one-stop shop in the scope of new franchisor development.

Uh huh. In a testimony, sometimes it is more telling of what is omitted rather than what is said.

Jealous of FranCorp, Boroian by Millionaire Ric...

Submitted by Millionaire Ric... on Mon, 2009/05/18 - 10:28.

Sad to see an AAFD Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient maligned by the petty, jealous and less-successful. Ironic that this group would side with the petty snipings of some slacker ex-employees and disregard the heartfelt praise of the former CEO of McDonald's AND the esteemed AAFD. How many of YOU are AAFD Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients?

"Donald Boroian, Founder and Chairman of Francorp, a leading franchise consultancy firm, has been selected to receive the AAFD's "Life Achievement Award." Boroian has led a distinguished career as a Franchisor and merchandiser, and as a franchising consultant. Long associated with franchisor causes, Boroian's being honored by a franchisee advocacy may surprise some. Not so, said AAFD Trustee, Carl Unger. "Don Boroian has distinguished himself as an advocate of franchising - not franchisors or franchisees." Boroian has dedicated Francorp as the leading underwriter of the effort to negotiate and draft the AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards. Boroian gratefully acknowledged the Award as evidencing an inevitable and necessary change in the franchising community."

If Jesus Christ himself did a video testimonial for Francorp, I'm sure you would all find fault. I'm sure if he decides to franchise, he will hire AAFD Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Boroian!

See you on the veranda!

Millionaire Richard Quick, Esq.

Website: FranWorst.com

See you on the veranda!

Millionaire Richard Quick, Esq.

Website: FranWorst.com

Jealous of Francorp, Boroian by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Mon, 2009/05/18 - 15:21.

Jealous - sure some are , especially of the way Boroian treasures his employees, files for his taxes, and conducts himslf in custody of Uncle Sam. Not to mention his clients. If you look at all the effusive praise that former clients have heaped upon Boroian in this forum, and other forums just like this one, you will certainly see a man who is universally respected and adored thoughout the industry. I can think of no Franchise consultant the world over who has such a deserving reputation. Just take a look at exhibit Alpha in this thread - A Francorp resignation letter from persona non grata, thanking Boroian for his attendence to his fiduciary responsibilities to his employees. While we are at it, why not contact Culvers and see why Francorp can no longer run the Culver's testimonial video that spoke so highly of Don. They say that those who are great are so from nature, and remind us of no one. Clearly, Boroian was the catalyst for that wisdom.

In fact He did decide to franchise, and He made Peter his first by RichardSolomon

Submitted by RichardSolomon on Mon, 2009/05/18 - 12:14.

territory developer after getting a lifetime achievement award from Emperor Constantine. Through slippage in quality control, that first franchise of His experienced a breakway led by that Kraut Martin Luther (no relation to John Luther) and some of his ilk. Now the whole thing has become generic, with many religions and psuedo religions all following the same financial model as His first franchise.

Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has over 45 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School

Ed Rensi Joins Francorp by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 20:30.

Take a look at this link - If you go about half way down the page, you will see a posting by "focus" it does say that Ed Rensi has decided to work with Francorp. Maybe Ed did join the firm. Man, I hope he knows what he is in for. http://www.topix.com/forum/topstories/T52TDBBPLNGGL2HLV/p5

Watch out Ed!!!!!! The Francorp ship has hit the iceberg. by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 21:53.

Don must have incriminating photos of Mr. Rensi in his desk with the negatives in a safe deposit box.

Rensi negatives by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Mon, 2009/05/18 - 14:17.

Don keeps them next to his negatives of Bobby Hull in a fur-lined jock strap.

Rensi's Secret by Millionaire Ric...

Submitted by Millionaire Ric... on Thu, 2009/05/21 - 17:54.

Your claims that Bororian is blackmailing Rensi is infantile, like every other comment on this forum save mine. Years ago, when Rensi begged us to never disclose his deepest, darkest secret (that he is, in actuality, a Dr. Seuss character), Don and I both did so free of charge. That's how we roll.

See you on the veranda!

Millionaire Richard Quick, Esq.

Website: FranWorst.com

See you on the veranda!

Millionaire Richard Quick, Esq.

Website: FranWorst.com

Hmmm by Howard R. Morrill

Submitted by Howard R. Morrill on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 13:41.

I failed to catch any mention of any personal experience with Francorp. Best I could tell, he said he'd been "around" Francorp.

Is Francorp still the biggest? by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 12:55.

For years, one of Francorp's selling points was that they were the oldest and largest in the industry. I still believe that they are the oldest, having been founded in 1976, however, a review of their website may call into question whether they are the biggest. Francorp has finally updated the personnel part of their site to reflect the recent employee departures, mainly due to months and months of missed payrolls. Currently, Francorp has 21 employees listed on their website, a far cry from the 50 or so in the employ of the company only a few years ago. With more employees eected to leave the firm in the not too distant future, that number is sure to decrease further. The big question is whether Francorp can actually finish any client projects, new or otherwise? The firm is so thin in strategic planning(one seasoned planner), legal (one attorney), marketing (no staff in marketing currently), and operations (two staff, stretched to the limit) that projects are sure to be backlogged very quickly upon starting. Prospective franchisors, do not believe it if you are told that your project will be done in 9-12 months.

I believe that Mr. Rensi makes a very cogent observation. by Nick Bibby

Submitted by Nick Bibby on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 00:16.

He lets us know that FranCorp is 'a life preserver' when it comes to "boilerplate detail stuff".

Nick Bibby founded BibbyGroup.com, an organization dedicated to franchise and entrepreneurial excellence.

Francorp Resignation Letter by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sat, 2009/05/16 - 23:37.

This was posted under another topic, this is unbelievable stuff here!! If you watch the Ed Rensi video, the glum look on the faces of the Francorpian's present in that meeting tells the whole story. That was clearly the meeting where Don told his executive staff that he would be purchasing Hawk's playoff tickets. You can see Rensi trying to talk him out of it, pleading with him to pay his employees, but the furrowed brow and determined hand motions of Boroian spell it all out - Give me four tickets, two rows off the glass! Staff Resignation Letter, MAY THE TRUTH BE TOLD Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Mon, 2009/05/04 - 17:34. I have just obtained a resignation letter from another Francorp staff. May the TRUTH BE TOLD.... I am going to start with the hard part first. I am not returning to Francorp. Please send my two checks that I am behind to my home address by May 15th. This has been a very difficult decision for me in all regards!! When I first hired on at Francorp I truly believed I had found the job I will have for as long as you would have me! I whole heartedly believe in the work that all of the wonderful people there do. I can't think of one person that doesn't try their personal best to be the best for Francorp....up until we started not getting our paychecks for the third month in a row and some of us havent gotten up to 4 paychecks deciding on where on the list they fell in priority. We all understood that the economy was hit hard and that we would all have to rally together and help each other to get through! I believed that so did most of the people still there. We believed that we ALL were in the same boat! Not until recently did we ALL learned that is not the truth. I like so many of us have had to borrow money to make rent or mortagage and to pay the gosh darn electric bill so we didn't have it shut off!! A daily stress I believe has taken a toll on my relationship with my family, with my significant other and has trashed my credit standing with my apartment complex. I realize now that it has taken a physical toll on me as well. We all know that checks have been going to Judy Jones instead of the people who work 9 or 10 hours a day in our office with no pay. We all know that Don you have been wining and dining your girlfriend Rose and golfing down in Florida while I and so many others are not sleeping because I can't figure out how I am going to buy groceries for my house!!!! I know it is not just me to think that this kind of behavior is down right immoral!!! Jesus Christ himself has decreed! "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you!!! On Tuesday when Theresa gave her notice I literally got sick to my stomach! I thought " Oh my gosh they are going to turn all of this over to me" When Don and you called me into his office I thought what the heck am I going to do! I think i spent the rest of the day in total SHOCK!! I don't really remember a lot of the things we talked about just this sick sinking feeling I had inside about the future of Francorp. I heard you Don yelling at Linda last week through your door! "I don't care where you have to get it Linda I want $5000 on my credit card at all times I don't care about payroll I don't care about vendors I don't care what you have to do , sell drugs, rob a bank, get that money on my credit card and keep a balance of $5000 at all times do you understand me Linda!!!" That was the turning point for me "I don't care about payroll?". I thought we all were supposed to be doing this together? I realized that you Don really don't care about any of us employees getting our checks you just see a bunch of idiots stupid enough to let you get away with it so why not keep doing it right??? This is abusive Don!!! All of the nice things that you have done could never ever make up for all of the deceitful behavior now and the hurt you are intentionally inflicting on great, dedicated,faithful,true,hardworking people!!! I was even thinking that maybe I would be one of those on tuesday after talking with Pat because I believe that Pat really does have his heart in the right place for the most part. I know for a fact that Pat has tried to fight on behalf of us employees pay to only be told "This is a dictatorship, this is my company, there will be no more discussion!" When I came out of Pat's office I was told by a number of employees that i should know the truth about how much you care about our pay! That you have taken Francorp money and paid for next years Blackhawk season!!!!!!!!!!!! How much Don $7,000? How many paychecks is that? Then you purchased Playoff tickets $12,000 first round and on May 4th you had to pay another $ 14,000 for the secound round playoffs!!! DO THE PEOPLE IN THOSE SEATS REALIZE THEY ARE HAVING FUN ON THE BACKS OF US YOUR EMPLOYEES??????? I have met Rose and I think she is a smart and very nice lady does she know that her family and friends are enjoying themselves on US?? Does she know that all of the money is our pay? That was the straw for me I cannot work for man that puts himself and his extravigant first class spoiled needs above the simple needs of someone needing to put a roof over their childs head and food in their mouth. There is this thing I am a big believer in and that is Karma! I have had so many people ask me why I won't report you to the labor board? If I do not receive my last two paychecks by May 15th you will be forcing me to file with the labor board however, I believe that no one can set things right better than God himself and I know that everything that has happen to us is recorded with God and someday that bill will come due and you won't be able to use your employees or your family to pay that bill you will have to face him yourself and explain!!!

Re: Francorp Resignation Letter by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Fri, 2009/06/12 - 01:01.

This is very sad. Where are his morals? Oh wait! He never had any. I wonder how much back pay is owed to some of the higher up employees like VPs Christopher Conner and Tom DuFore? You know they are probably in the hole $20K - $30K / each or the cost of purchasing a business plan from Francorp. Anyone know if Francorp can get assistance from TARP? HA-HA-HA.

Francorp by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sat, 2009/05/16 - 23:14.

At 1:17 of that Rensi video there is a shot of 5 Francorp executives sitting in a row. In order from left to right - they are the senior project manager (she) the director of strategic planning, another strategic planning executive, the president of the firm and the director of marketing. The senior project manager, director of stratetic planning and director of marketing have all since left Francorp in the last 2-3 months. Ed Rensi is a very impressive guy,and I am sure he is being well compensated for his assistance to Francorp. Borian's minions will have their eyes open when they guage the disparity of talent between Boroian and Rensi

Francorp employees cannot get out of there fast enough by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 10:53.

The employee exodus in the past several months has been absolutely staggering. Some employees are leaving the firm despite the fact that they do not have another job in place. They would rather be unemployed in a tough job market than work at Francorp. That is an amazing statement to the current environment at the self proclaimed "franchising leader" (Remember how Michael Jackson annointed himself the "King of Pop"?) Many more are looking for jobs and I expect more departures in the coming months. Ms. Sparks mentions a 50%+ turnover rate in just under a year. Those familiar with the firm will note that there are only about a dozen or so employees at the firm from the same time in 2007. That is roughly a 75% turnover rate. Fortunately, many employees leaving have versed themselved with the various codes of the Illinois Department of Labor regarding due payment of monies owed on departure from the company. Although Francorp is still several months behind in terms of payroll, maybe the mass reduction in staff will be what the firm needs to finally become current with many others who are owed tens of thhousands of dollars. Have fun at the Hawks game Don.

Authority by michael webster

Submitted by michael webster on Sat, 2009/05/16 - 23:37.

From Ed's recent bio: 'Today Ed Rensi serves on the boards of directors for Snap On Tools, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The National Italian American Foundation and the International Speedway Corporation."

Interesting.

Michael Webster, a franchisee attorney in Toronto, Ontario, publishes a website on business opportunities and franchises called "The BizOp News"

Ed Rensi by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 2009/05/17 - 11:11.

I know Ed is Ilinois based, but I cannot believe that he is associating with Boroian. I am sure he will go the way of Craig Culver soon enough. Culver's made a great testimonial video with Francorp a few years ago, but Culver pulled it once he realized that Boroian was a convicted felon and had earned such a reputation in the industry. It will be interesting to see if Ed sticks around.

Francorp and Payroll by John Power

Submitted by John Power on Mon, 2009/05/18 - 23:46.

If they really are that far behind on payroll, they are probably going to be in for some even rougher times. Once it gets to that point it is very hard to turn around. I don't like to see anyone have problems, though. John Power Biltmore Franchise Consulting www.biltmorefranchise.com

John Power Biltmore Franchise Consulting

Francorp payroll woes by Guest

Submitted by Guest on Tue, 2009/05/19 - 15:38.

It will be tough for Don and Francorp to dig out of the whole that has been created. A conservative estimate is that he is at least $100K in arrears to his employees, current and departed. Add that to the hundreds of thousands if not millions he still owes the IRS and it may be a very long time before the firm returns to the black in terms of their operations. Although a great deal of the troubles at Francorp have been self inflicted by Don Boroian's follies, I agree that you do not want to see anyone fail, especially when things are so tough all over.

Francorp's History of Payroll Woes by P Quinn, Francorp Refugee

Submitted by P Quinn, Francorp Refugee on Mon, 2010/01/18 - 00:43.

I'm new to the MauMau having been sent here by a fellow FCI refugee, so please forgive me for responding to a dated, yet not-so-dated topic -- the ongoing payroll and financial woes of Don Boroian.
Having the dubious distinction of being laid off from Francorp not just once, but twice, I can personally attest to the fact that creative payroll measures have been going on at Fracorp since as far back as the early '90s if not prior to then. Time off without pay, missed paychecks......and yes, continuous multiple layoffs were the norm. I always found it puzzling why some of my colleagues stayed. But what really made all of this hard to swallow was Don's level or arrogance flaunting limos, and jewels and his wife's furs in the staff's faces at a time when the rest of us weren't getting paid.
What goes around comes around.......sometimes it just takes a little longer than you would like.

As Employees Jump Ship, Francorp Brings Out Big Gun

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