Don Sniegowski's blog

Lessons for Kumon: Building Consensus the Japanese Way

Posted Tue, 2013-02-12 07:24 by Don Sniegowski

Akio Tsunoda, president of the Japanese holding company, Kumon Institute of Education Co., told a global management forum back in 2010 about its franchise services to its learning center owners. "I think our overseas operations are supported by our know-how, which is easily adopted in any country."

Blue MauMau News Site Attacked, Crashes

Posted Sun, 2013-01-13 14:50 by Don Sniegowski

The Blue MauMau site, a news service for franchise and small business owners, was maliciously attacked by a disruption in service (DoS) software program.

A 'Socially Responsible' Moment from Ice Cream History

Posted Fri, 2013-01-11 08:30 by Don Sniegowski

I want to share a tale about a glut of ice cream shops, a surplus of frozen yogurt stores and what one franchisor did about it. Ice cream retailers, the franchise industry and franchise owners everywhere need to know.

Top Tips to Manage Your Small Business While Vacationing

Posted Mon, 2012-08-06 11:47 by Don Sniegowski

Taking a vacation can be a daunting task for a small business owner. But thanks to technology, it is possible to keep an eye on the business in the few weeks that remain this summer while soaking up the sun on a beach with a mobile data signal.

Dicks Tout Former Spying for Dunkin’

Posted Sat, 2012-06-09 17:49 by Don Sniegowski

UPDATE: Dunkin' Replies
(click here, Jun 11, 2012 at 6pm ET)

Just when you thought Dunkin' has reformed, tales of former corporate spies have re-emerged. Private eye Michael Mershimer, who left Dunkin's employ years ago, says he was hired by the crafty franchisor to dig up the dirt on untrustworthy franchisees.

Lawyers to Gather at ABA Forum on Franchising

Posted Sat, 2011-10-15 05:20 by Don Sniegowski

Franchise lawyers will gather at the 34th ABA Forum on Franchising from October 19-21. Co-chair Mike Lindsey told me he thinks attorneys attending this year's event will be abuzz about several major lawsuits.

Main Street Parade

Posted Sun, 2011-09-25 09:48 by Don Sniegowski

Saturday afternoon I watched a parade. My town annually celebrates our country ham with floats, a marching band, big trucks, costumes and equestrians.

The Inside Story on CNBCs 'Untold Story of Franchising'

Posted Fri, 2011-03-18 07:29 by Don Sniegowski

CNBC has now queued up "Behind the counter, the Untold Story of Franchising" for airing on April 5. The program, originally broadcast in December, marked the first time that there had been an hour-long documentary covering the franchise industry. I'm pleased to say that Blue MauMau was the main outside guidance to the show, from beginning to end.

Creating a Harmonious Franchise System

Posted Tue, 2011-03-15 10:19 by Don Sniegowski

Franchisee lawsuits in the restaurant industry are heating up. Their existence causes both franchisor and franchisee to pause and ask, how can a harmonious franchise system be created?

The Silence of the Lambs

Posted Fri, 2011-03-11 13:46 by Don Sniegowski

I love this quote that appears in today's Quotables block on the front page. It reminds me of many stories that I have reported in this journal and the bravery it takes to put up the good fight.

Today's news for the franchise & small biz owner