Paul Bowes - Big Frog Franchise

Paul Bowes, Big Frog's Vice President of Operations

Big Frog Franchise Expansion

Charles Dean, our club's Sergeant-at-Arms, introduced Paul Bowes, Big Frog's Vice President of Operations, who will speak about his T-shirt printing franchise, Big Frog, located downtown.

Paul Bowes discussed the Big Frog franchise group, which was founded by Lewit Bean, Tina, and Ron Defries as a custom T-shirt printing business. He highlighted their unique selling proposition of on-demand printing with a 24-hour turnaround, using digital imagery for unlimited colors and gradients. Paul explained that the company changed the industry by offering same-day or within-24-hour turnaround times, unlike traditional screen printing, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. He also mentioned that the franchise system has over 75 locations in 38 states, with eight new stores scheduled to open by October, and has resumed franchising after temporarily suspending it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big Frog's Franchise Training System

Paul discussed Big Frog's comprehensive training and support system for franchisees, highlighting their unique approach, which includes over 200 hours of training before store opening and ongoing franchise business coaching. He highlighted their focus on profitability while maintaining a family-oriented culture, explaining that they turn away potential franchisees who don't fit their culture, even if they meet financial requirements. Paul also described their engagement strategies, including annual Frogathon events where franchisees can learn from each other. He noted that while some franchisees initially disengage after training, they often re-engage when they encounter business challenges.

Garment Printing Techniques Overview

Paul explained various printing techniques for garments, including direct garment printing, ultra print, screen printing, and direct to film. He highlighted the pros and cons of each method, such as the soft hand feel of direct garment printing versus the vibrancy of ultra print. Paul emphasized that their business is service-oriented, providing customized decorated items for clients in various industries. He described how they build relationships with customers by offering personalized services throughout the year, adapting to their seasonal needs.

School Fundraising and B2C Revenue

Paul discussed the company's revenue streams, highlighting B2C customers and schools as significant contributors. He explained their fundraising programs, emphasizing a method that involves selling products at full retail price with volume discounts and providing organizations with a check for the difference. Paul also shared an example of a school that successfully reran a popular shirt design, earning $10 per shirt sold.

Franchise Investment and Growth Strategies

Paul discussed the financial aspects of opening a franchise store, noting that typical initial investments range from $200,000 to $280,000, with a $60,000 franchise fee. He explained that stores typically break even in month three and emphasized the importance of focusing on marketing and business growth rather than day-to-day operations. Paul highlighted the success of some stores, such as the Jacksonville location, which exceeded expectations, and mentioned the company's strong supply chain and recent growth in B2B sales due to COVID-19. He also described a successful "shop local" campaign that featured small businesses in franchisees' areas.