Family Pizza had been operating in Alberta and Saskatchewan when I purchased the franchise network in 2018 with plans to expand the Family Pizza brand across Canada. We needed a franchise consultant who could assist us in bringing all aspects of the franchise system up to date to ensure we had an efficient franchise system. After discussing our needs with several franchise consultants, we selected Norm Friend to provide us with the advice and assistance we required moving forward. Norm has been invaluable to us in reviewing all the documents, manuals, website information, and franchise recruitment procedures and revising them perfectly. He also introduced us to and works in conjunction with, a first-class franchise lawyer. Norm provides solid straightforward advice and industry examples, and he is always accessible. I strongly recommend Norm if you need assistance in developing your Franchise System or if you just need a review and updating to your current Franchise System.
Stacey Ballantine, President
Family Pizza
Norm Friend is highly respected across Canada for a reason! When I started my franchise journey in 2017 with my cleaning business The Pink Wand Cleaning Services, Norm came highly recommended by my business coach. Since then, Norm has proven to be honest, quick to respond and top notch in education and experience in his industry. Every franchise-based colleague that I have interacted with has said “Norm is the best in the business!” Franchise 101 has been proven to be top notch. Norm is effective with his time and has built his reputation by focusing on his client’s best interest as a core value. I highly recommend Norm.
Jacqui Jepson, President
The Pink Wand Cleaning Services
I met Norm in 2014. I was fairly new at franchising and was feeling overwhelmed. When Norm came along it was much easier to make difficult decisions. As issues arose, I contacted him, and he provided me with several options that were fair to both the franchisee and the franchisor. He has comprehensive knowledge and over 35 years of experience in the franchise industry. He helped me bring the right people into my franchise system by speaking with potential franchisees prior to signing the franchise agreement. Norm made sure they fully understood the commitment of becoming a franchisee. This has been extremely valuable and has prevented any future misunderstandings. I can honestly say that I would not have made it this far without his help. I will continue to work with Norm and take my franchise system to the next level. Norm is approachable and easy to work with. He returns emails and phone calls quickly. He’s always pleasant and has a great sense of humour. All this is in one package! He is a gem.
Susan Cumberland, President
School Is Easy Tutoring
Norm was an amazing asset to the Life Maid Easy franchise expansion. With his support and guidance, we had 5 franchise sales in year 1 alone. His tenured experience and vast industry knowledge allowed us to avoid some rookie mistakes saving us thousands of dollars. I would highly recommend Norm for anything franchise related.
Balbina Dabrowski, COO
Life Maid Easy
I would highly recommend Norm. He is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. He definitely helped us launch our franchise more quickly and also to avoid some mistakes that we otherwise would have made.
Scott McInnes CEO
TAPSNAP
I have found tremendous value in working with Norm Friend. Not only did he provide me with impeccable franchise materials, he also made everything understandable. Norm also assisted me with my first franchisees and helped to onboard them through the documentation process. A million questions always come up and Norm has the depth of experience to not flinch at any question. This man is a veteran in the franchising world and has seen it all. Not only does Norm answer all FAQ’s, he also is great at preventing problems based on his experience. In addition, over the years, Norm has always been a great resource to call or email and he always makes time. It’s not like I am a client, it’s more like I now have a board of directors and a friendship with Norm to continually help me navigate my ship.
Lorne MacInnes, President
Ferguson Moving and Storage Ltd.
Early in 2007 I began searching for someone to help me prepare my business for franchising. I spoke with and emailed with many individuals who often gave me conflicting information and informed me that an enormous budget was required to complete the work. Then I was fortunate enough to connect with Norm Friend of Franchise 101 Inc. His engaging, direct, and professional manner was a welcome change. It was clear that he has substantial knowledge and experience with franchising law and practices. He was forthright about his fees and freely provided references.
His past clients with whom I spoke confirmed for me that Norm is an expert in the field of franchising and said that they had a very positive experience in working with him. I am happy to report that I also had a great experience. He answered questions in a timely manner, all stages of the process were completed thoroughly and correctly, and he was always accessible.
Rebecca Page Chapman, President and Director
Concierge Home Services
When we launched our franchise system at Nurse Next Door in 2007, we were referred to Norm Friend of Franchise 101 Inc. to help us build the initial platform on which to launch our system. It was important to us to find someone who was compatible with our philosophies, and would provide us with a thorough, measured approach in establishing our growth strategy.
Norm provided us with expert assistance in every phase of the of the franchise development process and used a systemized approach to ensure that all our documents, manuals and procedures were consistent, complete and inter-related.
The whole project was completed on schedule, on budget, and with a high level of professionalism. Since completing the project, Norm has always been accessible to provide quick and candid feedback to any of our questions.
John DeHart, Co-Founder
Nurse Next Door
Norm was instrumental in FROGBOX's franchise development and franchise recruitment. His advice and expertise allows us to confidently navigate the world of franchising. Along with that, Norm has always been enjoyable to work with and is very timely with his communication. I would recommend Norm without hesitation.
Phil Harbut, Director of Franchising
FROGBOX Inc.
I just wanted to let you know how appreciative Kelly and I are for the advice and ongoing guidance you have provided us since the conception of our Curb-Ease franchise. In 2005 when we approached you about franchising our business, you reviewed in detail our existing business model and identified areas that needed adjustment in order to properly ‘fit’ into a franchise system.
We have appreciated not only the knowledge and professionalism you have as a franchise consultant but also the high ethical standards and character you possess as a gentleman.
We would recommend you in the highest regard to anyone considering franchising their business. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for us.
Garry Tynan, President
The Concrete Advantage Company Ltd.
Norm will be the best money you have ever spent, if you are thinking of franchising. We have now sold our franchise model, because we changed our business model, but he had everything in place for us and it prevents you from re-inventing the wheel. He is in constant contact with you and will help you every step of the way. It is worth the money and if will save hundreds of hours trying to figure out stuff, he will just do for you.
Helene Whitfield
Yogacara
I have known Norm for many years. He is a totally trustworthy man and will do whatever he promises to do. More than that he truly is an expert on franchising, and you will be lucky to obtain his services.
I would not hesitate for a moment to engage Norm in any franchise venture as I consider him one of the few honest experts available to you.
Peter H. Thomas
Chairman Dogtopia Enterprises, LLC.
Founder Century 21 Canada
We engaged the services of Norm Friend to carry out an in-depth review of the franchise recruitment and franchisee support areas of our business. He provided several useful tools and many helpful insights that have been implemented into our franchise operation. We enjoyed our working relationship and look forward to working with him again in the future.
Kevin T. Walker, President
Great Canadian Dollar stores (1993) Ltd.
We engaged the services of Norman Friend to assist our organization in two key areas related to franchising. He provided consulting in the areas of franchise training and development and in the development of a new franchise agreement for our retail partners. The project was very intense both from a time and results perspective. We found Norman to be extremely professional and knowledgeable in all facets of the project and he handled the pressure and the demands we placed on him very effectively.
Norman provided leading industry expertise in the area of franchising which included citing numerous examples of the best practices along with practical suggestions and ideas for our particular situation. He truly added value to the projects we asked him to assist us with. I would highly recommend Norman for any similar project.
Neil B. Zambik, Director, People Development and Communications
Mohawk Oil Co. Ltd.