Franchisors: Extend Goodwill Offers to Java Jo'z Victims?
RE: Story on FranBest.com (Franchisors Extend Goodwill Offers to Java Jo’z Victims)
Know of any other companies willing to waive fees to offer a discount to those who lost money to Java Jo'z? Have them email me at seankelly [at] ideafarm [dot] net.
Most of the franchisors I've worked with (and all of those that I continue to work with) are honest businesspeople who want to build a successful chain by creating Win-Win situations with their franchisees.
This morning it occurred to me that there is an opportunity for franchisors to demonstrate this quality, and untarnish franchising's image (which has been taking a beating lately). As it's doubtful those who sought to open a Java Jo'z franchise will ever see their money again, would other franchisors be willing to credit them with some or all of their upfront fees if they joined their franchise system? Wouldn't it be worth the good press they would get, especially another coffee company?
I got a phone call from Mark Deloury of Parrot Pizza, a new franchise in Holden, MA. I told Mark (a really great guy, incidentally) about what Ben Scoble, The Moores and others had been through. Without hesitating, he offered to waive his $25,000 franchise fee (if they were interested and qualified, of course).
Now it might be a longshot that any of these individuals want to go into the pizza business, or that they meet all the requirements (including geographical). But the point is that not all franchisors are motivated simply by the cash. Many are out to create something meaningful, something of value, and truly want to help others own their own businesses.
Know of any other companies willing to waive fees to offer a discount to those who lost money to Java Jo'z? Have them email me at seankelly [at] ideafarm [dot] net.
Most of the franchisors I've worked with (and all of those that I continue to work with) are honest businesspeople who want to build a successful chain by creating Win-Win situations with their franchisees.
This morning it occurred to me that there is an opportunity for franchisors to demonstrate this quality, and untarnish franchising's image (which has been taking a beating lately). As it's doubtful those who sought to open a Java Jo'z franchise will ever see their money again, would other franchisors be willing to credit them with some or all of their upfront fees if they joined their franchise system? Wouldn't it be worth the good press they would get, especially another coffee company?
I got a phone call from Mark Deloury of Parrot Pizza, a new franchise in Holden, MA. I told Mark (a really great guy, incidentally) about what Ben Scoble, The Moores and others had been through. Without hesitating, he offered to waive his $25,000 franchise fee (if they were interested and qualified, of course).
Now it might be a longshot that any of these individuals want to go into the pizza business, or that they meet all the requirements (including geographical). But the point is that not all franchisors are motivated simply by the cash. Many are out to create something meaningful, something of value, and truly want to help others own their own businesses.
- Franchise topic:
Sean Kelly previously requested some information from Cuppy's about how we process Java Jo'z conversions. I emailed him on January 17, 2007 with a response; however, he has chosen not to post it. We have provided this goodwill offer since June of 2007. My email to Sean Kelly was as follows:
Mr. Kelly:
When we receive notice of a Java Jo’z licensee or anyone with an already existing concept desiring to convert to our franchise system, the terms of the conversion are negotiated individually. We disclose the Cuppy’s UFOC and ask them to enter into a Cuppy’s Franchise Agreement. Generally, if a Java Jo’z licensee has already paid funds for a deposit, we try to recognize their payment so that double-payments do not occur. For those that have not already found a site, we offer our assistance with site selection, including our connections with national real estate brokering companies and malls. Essentially, we attempt to effect these conversions so that the overall investment is similar for converting units and those that originate as a Cuppy’s, but as circumstances differ in every scenario, these terms may differ as well. Please advise if I can assist you further.
I have been sitting back for the last couple of weeks reading and going over all of this
this informatoin on Java Joz. I to have lost money, actually more than $30,000, The same scenario that everyone else has, I dealt with Robert Morgan and Hugh Darely.
My husband and I would not sign the contract unless our money was refunded less
variable costs, I was told no problem, our money was going into an escrow account anyway. Not!, Well after almost a year of trying to find a site, running into permit and places that would not allow to have a drive thru, we asked if we can pull our refund out.This literally took weeks for any response, no phone calls back and when we did speak to someone, they advised us that they can make this a $30,000 dollar lesson to us if they needed to. As far as getting someone to help us look for a site, no one would return our call. So when you say there is real estate brokers that will help, that is not true. I did receive a letter though from Roy Snowden, saying he is broke and he will not refund our money. I have been trying to get my money back since August. So make me number 11 on this list of people that got ripped off. by the way when you go on Mapquest and put in java joz address why is it only a vacant field. I could be wrong but that is what it appear to me. Mr. Kelly thank you for taking the time.
You're not alone there. I've seen this Robert Morgan guy's name on one of the other blogs, but the person who was chiefly responsible for (just as your situation describes above) cheating my family was Ben Doyle...after over a year of getting in the trenches and putting my heart and soul into securing a location, I then asked Mr Doyle to honor what was in the contract about receiving my money back. I talked to him once...he was very short and told me to call him back. When I called back, he REFUSED to take my phone calls and had his secretary give me the runaround saying I could "email him" from now on.
What I also find ridiculous is that somebody was able to put Ben Doyle's picture on a website before Cuppy's took it down. And now that Cuppy's can't prevent everyone from knowing the truth, they backpeddled into a panic and put a new picture of Ben Doyle on the site as if to say "See, we have noting to hide". Nice try. Ben Doyle is every bit the crook Roy Snowden is...no wonder they're such great friends and business partners. Go to Cuppy's website and you'll see a picture of Doyle in the company headquarters category in a slide show with all the girls around him at the bottom of the stairs.
Word of advice to all....if you're giving your hard-earned money to ANY company represented by Ben Doyle (and it looks like Robert Morgan isn't any different), run away FAST. Roy Snowden could very well be in jail at the end of this month after his court date, but his partner in crime Ben Doyle will still be there to lie and rip off innocent, unsuspecting people. You've been warned people. Take heed and stay away from Cuppy's and Java Jo'z.
I must admit that I am muddled on what "partner" Ben Doyle means as far as Cuppy's and Java Jo'z. It still seems to me that you are accusing this guy because he was the agent that accepted your $30k and then didn't return your calls when you wanted it back. What exactly is meant by Doyle being a partner?
Close friend? Or business partner? You seem to be saying both.
Nothing wrong with being a close friend to Snowden. All of us understand that it is easy to be conned, especially by boss friends who can help us go places.
If a business partner, how so? Is he a partner in the business mission like the rest of the employees are? Is he a major shareholder in the business? (We didn't gather that from their holding company's information shared here.) And if so, in what way? 2%? 50%? What's the relationship? I guess the essence of what we want to know is did Snowden "snow" Doyle, and then as a boss order him to not return calls or funds? Or were the two of them in collusion, and how do you know that?
I gather from the posts that Roy Snowden has not yet had his court hearing. Am I correct in this? This means the law still presumes him innocent. His court date for tax evasion will be at the end of this month. And it is possible that he will not be found guilty, correct?
Frankman
Here's the press release:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fln/press%20releases/2006/nov/Snowden.htm
Just found this link.
From a guestbook post by Roy Snowden (among several other Java Jo'z employees, it appears) where he acknowledges Ben Doyle as a friend and partner.
Point taken. I know I would be unbelievably upset if it were my $30k. However, being an outsider, I tend to want to sort out what is fact and what is angry accusation.
Frankman
Thank you for the link on Snowden pleading guilty to tax evasion and waiting his sentencing next week. Clearer now, especially this part:
Frankman
Personally I think Frankmans comments go a long way to help those who have lost their 30K.
Frankman started this thread.
Frankman has consistently tried to bring clarification to the discussion.
Frankman's methodology should allow reasonable people to 'self discover' that Doyle is or isn't the one who time should be wasted on, in an effort to get lost funds back from his (Doyle's) previous employer.
Frankman doesn't tend to hold his punches, and is normally fair, impartial and consistent in his message.
And Finally it is my understanding that Snowden's Tax hearing, admition, sentencing, conviction etc....is PERSONAL....and unrelated to Java Joe's. Does it show character or a lack thereof? Perhaps, I don't know the facts of the case, but nevertheless it's Snowden going down for tax evasion personally and not as CEO of Java Joe's.
Believe & Succeed,
FranSynergy
Synergizing Franchising 1 Franchisee at a time!
www.fransynergy.com
Believe & Succeed,
Dale
FranSynergy, Inc.
Synergizing Franchising!
www.fransynergy.com
Don't know what that means. Isn't 'partner' also a synonym for friend? I had someone the other day that I didn't even know end the call by saying "thanks partner'. I think it's a Southern / Texas thing. Is he my partner?
Frankman
"Just found this link... 'My partner and friend Ben Doyle introduced me to your boat.'"
Let me see here....he already used the word "friend" in that sentence, correct?
So why would he use an inappropriate synonym to sound like a redundant child? That would be no different than saying "My buddy and friend"
Forgive me for going out on a limb an interpreting it like someone who didn't drop out of grammar school....sheesh!