Paul’s extensive expertise in advertising, marketing and technology development plus his familiarity with public markets (specifically taking a company public) allow him to direct the organization on its desired path. His duties involve liaison with the franchise development team, product development and enhancement, directing advertising/creative department, technological systems development management and managing the overall direction of the organization and personnel. He is also the key contact for Investor (IR) and Public Relations (PR).
BeTheBoss - What is the SNAP Newspaper Group franchise opportunity all about?
Paul Dutton - Each SNAP Franchise Business acts as a hub for serving the public relations, marketing, advertising, and networking needs of its community becoming a trusted tool to connect people, and to sell goods and services within that community. The fundamental core of all SNAP franchise business is to deliver quality B2B and B2C media products through print, web and other dynamic platforms, with a heavy photographic thrust and inspirational editorial content. Our franchise businesses produce community-based publications and hyper-local advertising, public relations, networking and marketing initiatives. The central component of each SNAP Newspaper Group Franchise is the monthly publication of a SNAP branded newspaper, specializing in a "non-political" friendly and entertaining photographic view of living in the particular local community. Our publications are photographically rich, free to consumers, showcasing the life, entertainment and overall spirit of each and every community in which they're published. Local content from the print publication is further included into local and/or regional web sites, and is used in conjunction with other new media initiatives.
BTB - Who is your ideal candidate for a SNAP Newspaper Group franchise?
PD - Not everyone who applies for a franchise meets the criteria to become a SNAP Newspaper Group franchisee. For mutual success and satisfaction, we must ensure that every franchisee possesses the necessary skills, commitment level, dedication, work ethic, character and strong people skills required. Aapplicants must demonstrate a strong desire to interact within their community, and the dedication to own and operate their own successful business. SNAP looks for high potential franchise owners who are committed to the business and to making it a success, as well as those with the experience and confidence to relate well to community members and the advertisers within. The ideal candidate will be extraverted and social, having a true interest in people and the community as a whole. Previous marketing and sales experience is a definite asset, and we look for individuals with an understanding of general business principles and the financial rating to invest in and support a SNAP franchise business.
BTB - What type of training and support do you offer at SNAP Newspaper Group?
PD - New Franchisees receive training for
themselves and their key people for two full
weeks including both practical and on-the-job instruction within
their marketplace. Training will be provided at SNAP corporate
offices for 5 days and an additional 5 days within the Franchisees
territory. On-going support is provided as needed by the
Franchisor.
BTB - What are some of the advantages in being a SNAP Newspaper Group franchisee?
PD - SNAP Newspaper Group's franchise development structure is built on the principle that we are successful only if our franchisees are successful. With this in mind, our priority is to develop strong partnerships with our franchisees as crucial members of our team. This relationship begins with a comprehensive training week spanning a wide range of operations, creative, sales and management skills development, followed by ongoing and expert support. With such a strong support system in place, you will become an operational expert focused on providing an outstanding experience for your clients and community each and every day. You will become a strong contributing member of our team, and reap the rewards of owning a business for yourself, but not by yourself. SNAP Newspaper Group franchise owners operate this white collar, home-based business by utilizing our proven systems. This opportunity enables franchisees to benefit from our successful community–centered publishing, advertising, marketing and Public Relations model that eliminates the need for high overhead costs associated with a traditional brick and mortar business. SNAP Newspaper Group uses a comprehensive and centralized customer relationship management (CRM) software application that assists with the ongoing coordination and management of the franchise business. This application was built in-house and has been custom designed to make the entire process of running a SNAP franchise as simple as possible.
BTB - Are you a member of any Associations?
PD - SNAP Newspaper Group and its franchisees are members of over 100 Business Networking, Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
BTB - Tell us a little about your industry?
PD - The newspaper and publishing industry overall is undergoing a tremendous amount of change. Historically, this marketplace has been driven by negative or sensational editorial content and features from a select few, often with little or no connection to its readers. The internet and other technological advances (television, wireless and others) are now delivering content as “users” (consumers/businesses) want it. SNAP is poised and has been capitalizing on these phenomena since its inception. By focusing on our consumers and clients needs and utilizing the desire of the groups on “how they want it” has allowed us to undergo tremendous growth. (27% increase in “local” sales from Oct 2008 to Oct 2009 – in spite of global economy slowdown). SNAP will continue to develop current brand products utilizing its’ newspapers, video, web and wireless media to ensure its ongoing and future success.
BTB - How successful is your company today and what are your future growth plans?
PD - SNAP Newspaper Group has grown from 1 franchise to over 50 franchise units in the last 4 years. SNAP Newspaper Group was recently ranked #34 by Profit Magazine in their Top Hot 50 listing of Canadian Growth Companies of 2009, and our franchises have won numerous local Chamber of Commerce awards for “best new business”, innovation and technology. We anticipate the continuation of this strong franchise growth and recognition, and are actively seeking franchise and master franchise applications across both Europe and North America.
BTB - What are your franchisees saying about the business?
PD - Our franchisees enjoy; the personal and professional freedom of running their own business, the solid “return on their investment”, and generally operating a business that is financially, personally and socially rewarding.
BTB - What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
PD - First, research the franchise market in your area and look at all the options available to you and request a SNAP Newspaper Group Information and Consideration package. If the opportunity is one of interest, we highly recommend talking to our franchise owners to learn more about us. You owe it to yourself to thoroughly investigate any business opportunity that comes along. We are happy to spend whatever time is required to review all the facts regarding franchising in general and a SNAP Franchise opportunity in particular.
BTB - In your opinion, why do you think that SNAP Newspaper Group franchise would be a great opportunity for someone?
PD - The strong and growing popularity of franchising around the world has resulted from the built-in advantages that franchises enjoy over the newly started independent business. SNAP Newspaper Group offers you the opportunity to provide a much-needed service, showcasing and changing the lives of those within your community! The SNAP Newspaper Group business model is based on a Proven System and we pride ourselves in the continued development of the relationship we have with our franchisees, encouraging collaboration and creative participation in the ongoing growth of the company.
