FRANCHISE INFORMATION
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A comfortable investment in your future.
SHOES-n-FEET ® stores are no ordinary shoe stores. And our SHOES-n-FEET ® company is no ordinary company.
What we do: We provide shoe and shoe fitting solutions
Why we do it: For a better life
How we do it: Through knowledge and service
So, it's no surprise when we tell you that a SHOES-n-FEET ® franchising opportunity is no ordinary opportunity. We believe our unique franchise may be the best route for you to operate your own business.
You may have examined a number of franchising opportunities. There are hundreds to choose from; yet, we suggest none offers close to what we offer.
First, we are a highly trained, specialty business that believes in the importance of comfort, style, and health.
Next, we are selective about who we want to work with - and very committed to helping our franchises succeed. With us, you're getting much more than just a name. You will have a partner who will help you every step of the way.
And, we have a one-of-a-kind program to offer. If you are going to buy a franchise, why not align yourself with our business that fulfills the needs and wants of a growing population?
We hope this information answers most of your questions. After you have read it, give us a call and let's talk about the next step. Meanwhile, please picture yourself as a SHOES-n-FEET ® business owner.
Walk In Our Forefather's Footsteps.
Joseph Bentvelzen was born into a fifth generation shoemaker's family in Holland. His father, Jan Bentvelzen, opened a shoe repair store in 1932 and offered his customers the service of free pick-up and delivery. This extra step proved to be quite successful. Joseph learned the family trade of shoe repair and learned the company philosophy, "To become truly successful, real value must be created for everyone involved."
In 1958, the Bentvelzen family established the first "While-You-Wait" shoe repair store creating an efficient system of instant shoe repair and the business thrived.
Joseph came to the United States, earned a PhD in engineering, and eventually worked in research in the Pacific Northwest. He visited his family in Holland frequently and was impressed with the success of the instant shoe repair. Joseph saw enormous opportunities in bringing this whole shoe repair business to a different level in the United States. In 1982, he started a successful chain of instant shoe repair stores. In 1992, an employee "Ownership Program" was established and in 1997, the company successfully transferred ownership to employees.
In discussions with his customers over the years, Joseph discovered that many had foot problems. This inspired Joseph to research the population for foot problems and educate himself. After much research, education and developing relationships with podiatrists, he learned a startling truth - 80 percent of the population in America has foot problems, many caused by ill-fitting shoes. Following his family tradition of innovative thinking, Joseph combined expertise in medical knowledge, sales, and customer service into the SHOES-n-FEET ® concept.
In partnership with Larry Huppin, DPM and Don Greiert, C. Ped the SHOES-n-FEET ® concept was born in Midtown Seattle in November 1998 and quickly found a loyal clientele. In 2000, a second store was opened in Bellevue, Washington. These two locations are unlike any other shoe stores; they are designed to be fun, exciting and educational places offering customers shoes that fit their lifestyle! The SHOES-n-FEET ® concept ensures that your shoes look terrific while your feet feel wonderful.
Healthy Feet Will Carry You Far!
Imagine helping people choose stylish shoes that will keep their feet comfortable and looking good throughout the entire day. Gone are the old "orthopedic shoes" from the days gone by that no one wanted to wear. SHOES-n-FEET ® stores offer shoes that are good for your feet but that are also attractive. Our professionally trained staff has the know-how, technology and equipment to alter these shoes for a proper fit every time.
Our SHOES-n-FEET® concept has "closed the loop" between the medical community, their patients, and our specialty shoe retail stores. It is this "win-win" for everyone that makes us so unique and successful. We have developed an excellent and extensive referral network of podiatrists, orthopedists, physical therapists and chiropractors. Doctors and therapists trust that we will meet the physical needs of their patients.
We teach SHOES-n-FEET ® franchisees how to create an upbeat, educational franchise atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. Our unique selection of shoes for men and women are guaranteed to be a great fit.
Our SHOES-n-FEET ® belief is that, first and foremost, you need to be passionate about your business. We are passionate about what we have developed - a healthy and stylish approach to footwear. We will make sure the demographics work for you and develop a management plan for you to get to work.
A healthy and stylish atmosphere
We put our customers on the right track and our SHOES-n-FEET ® management will gladly share their step by step design for success with you, as a SHOES-n-FEET ® franchisee.
We'll put you on the right track as a SHOES-n-FEET ® franchisee
From fashionable dress and career shoes to walking and athletic shoes, our clients do not have to sacrifice comfort for style. We have selected our shoes based on their ability to combine style and comfort, all based upon quality. We work closely with some of the most respected foot doctors and shoe experts to develop a selection of unique shoes.
Joseph Bentvelzen's creative vision expands to the SHOES-n-FEET ® training and education. We seek to educate more than our staff. We want our customers to be knowledgeable about foot health and comfort. Once they are educated and feel the difference in the right shoes, our customers are hooked for life.
A good shoe can be hard to find, but we make it easy. We know what to look for and find shoes that look terrific and feel wonderful. The two factors that determine whether a shoe will be comfortable are how the shoe is made and how the shoe fits. A good shoe supports the foot and keeps the bones and joints in proper alignment. Feet need room to move and require stability in order to prevent excessive motion that can lead to injury. We feature career and dress shoes; walking and casual shoes; running and cross training shoes; sandals and clogs; slippers; and even extra deep shoes, all from the most respected and well-known manufacturers.
Our professional and knowledgeable staff adds the touches that make the SHOES-n-FEET ® atmosphere an excellent and unforgettable one for our clientele.
An Extraordinary Franchising Opportunity Designed To Put You In Step.
The SHOES-n-FEET ® concept contains the right steps for success. Our customers know high quality when they see it - and comfort when they experience it.
We provide excellence in quality and style. Research has shown that the market is poised to grow in part due to the increased public awareness of the health benefits of an active, enjoyable lifestyle. According to the National Health Surveys, one estimate puts the percentage of people with foot pains or problems as high as 80%. Specialty Shoes/Orthotics Products continues to be an extremely fast-growing segment of the shoe industry. This market is growing tremendously as podiatrists are focusing on Shoes/Orthotics as a medical answer to foot problems. As a result they have paved the way to make specialty Shoes/Orthotics a part of the average American's life.
The SHOES-n-FEET ® staff is highly trained. They learn about foot problems, foot structure and problem solving. Our training never stops; all our staff meets regularly with podiatrists and pedorthists to learn new techniques of adjusting shoes and arch supports. Ours is a hands on, customized shoe fitting.
Our extensive training covers:
· Professional shoe fitting
· Matching foot shape to specific shoes
· Shoe construction and features
· Customization and modification of shoes
· Shoe evaluation
· Fitting over-the-counter arch supports
· Common foot problems
· Insoles
· Customer service
· Sales techniques
· Communication with medical community
Training includes:
· In-store clinics
· Shadowing doctors at work
· Pedorthic (shoe modification) clinics
· Written and oral testing
· Vendor clinics
· On-going formal continuing education
A Concept That Puts The Right Foot Forward.
There is no reason why you, as a person looking to start a business, couldn't open your own shoe store. However, it makes excellent sense to seize the opportunity (and reputation) that a SHOES-n-FEET ® franchise offers. With the competitive business climate today, leverage every advantage you have.
One value to franchising is that it provides you with a series of benefits that would take years to develop on your own. The SHOES-n-FEET ® opportunity gives you a ready-made framework within which to build a successful business.
For example, as a franchisee, you enjoy advantages that put your name years ahead of the independent business operator. With our unique opportunity and our proven methods of operation, you will be stepping to the beat of success!
Each year, more than $800 billion in goods and services are sold through franchises in the United States. There are over 550,000 individual franchise outlets nationally, and each working day, a new franchise opens every five minutes. With people looking for a better life, they are willing and eager to pay for sound, knowledgeable advice, products and services. We meet their needs and offer our customers the SHOES-n-FEET ® advantage.
We Are With You Every Step Of The Way.
The U.S. Commerce Department estimates that only 25 percent to 35 percent of independent, small businesses succeed in the long run, as compared to franchises, where the success ratio is closer to 90 percent.
What accounts for the difference?
First, a franchise is a "duplicate" of an already successful business and carries with it a much higher chance of success. The real value of a franchise is the experience, know-how, and operating plan that come with it. Our proven SHOES-n-FEET ® concept offers you all these elements in extra large sizes.
With franchising, there is the "value-added" advantage of name-brand recognition and a network of support. And there is the sizable advantage of avoiding the costly trial-and-error period that causes so many problems for start-up businesses. This is why more than 300 types of industries and businesses choose franchising. In fact, thirty-five percent of all retail goods and services are sold through franchises. With a SHOES-n-FEET ® franchise you will be stepping out from the competition.
If you would like to learn more about the opportunity we offer, contact us today! Let us tell you more about our exceptional business.
Contact us for an appointment ...and take the first step to your success!
Our Management Team
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Dr. Joseph M. Bentvelzen, President
Founder and President of SHOES-n-FEET®, Joe guides in the development of strategy for the entire corporation. An experienced business owner and accomplished engineer, Joe brings his extensive business experience and the discipline of an engineer to his vision for SHOES-n-FEET®‘s continued growth and development.
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Chris Bentvelzen, Director of Company Development
Chris is charged with establishing business growth strategies for SHOES-n-FEET® Corporate, as well as, franchise development. In addition, Chris is the buyer for SHOES-n-FEET®. He drives all purchasing decisions for the shoes and foot products sold at all franchise locations.
chris.bentvelzen@shoesnfeet.com |
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JB Smith, MS, Vice President
JB guides SHOES-n-FEET® franchise owners in the process of developing strong relationships with local medical professionals, including podiatrists and physical therapists. She ensures the highest level of interaction between the franchise owners and the medical community. In addition, JB interfaces with a public relations firm and franchise owners in the development and execution of the organization’s marketing strategy.
jb.smith@shoesnfeet.com |
Lee Henderson, Director of Training and Education
Lee’s extensive training in curriculum creation, work culture development, individual and team coaching, and customer relations enhances his ability to guide franchisees and their staff through the SHOES-n-FEET® University curriculum. Lee facilitates all continuing education throughout the entire organization.
lee.henderson@shoesnfeet.com |
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Kelly Carper, Marketing Coordinator
Kelly's extensive training is of great value to the marketing strategies to come. She will further continue to expand the public relations and advertising concepts within the realm of the Podiatry and Medical Communities, current and future Franchisees and further build strategies and create solutions while coordinating deployment of current and future marketing concepts of
SHOES-n-FEET®.
kelly.carper@shoesnfeet.com |
Donna Zirkle , Accountant
Donna will handle all accounts within the Franchise Support Center. Donna is a graduated accounting major. She will help streamline all accounts payable/receivable and vendor processing. Her abilty to bring her extensive trainging and skill set to SHOES-n-FEET® will help bring an over-all uniformity to the accounts department.
donna.zirkle@shoesnfeet.com |
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