2017 Annual FEAR Retreat in Cancun, Mexico Provided Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

Cancun’s balmy weather and sandy beaches were the perfect spot for the 7th annual Franchise Education Adventure Retreat (FEAR), held May 9-12, 2017 at the El Dorado Royale Resort and Spa.

More than 80 percent of Assisting Hands Home Care franchise owners made the trek from all over the US. Those in attendance included corporate officers, franchise owners, area representatives, vendors and industry experts. According to AHHC’s director of franchise development, Diane Wright, overall franchise industry participation is about 40 to 50 percent.

Informative workshops and engaging roundtable discussions were held during the day. In the evenings, franchisees gathered for informal conversations and shared tips and advice as they relaxed by the poolside or gathered at the dinner table. Numerous awards were also given to franchise owners in a variety of categories, including Best Marketing, Outstanding Growth and Best Support Role. Among the more humorous awards were Best Scout and Best Frick and Frack. Also recognized were eleven franchisees in the Million+ Top Producers, five in the Silver Top Producers group and one in the Gold Top Producers category.Team members from AHHC’s national office announced a new partnership with Caregivers Kitchen, which offers culinary skills classes and teaching certifications. Caregivers Kitchen also provides courses for caregivers who work with elders struggling with diabetes, COPD, heart disease, Alzheimers, food allergies and other chronic conditions.

Sponsors and workshop presenters for FEAR 2017 included:

 Age Path

SilverStone Group

Caregivers Kitchen

Paragon Home Resources

Other sponsors were AXISCare and Personal RX.

Following the retreat, AHHC’s national office compiled results of a satisfaction survey. A majority of franchisees were very satisfied with the retreat, and all of the participants thought that the workshops were “relevant” and “helpful.”

Comments from the event were overwhelmingly positive: “Every part of the resort was excellent,” said Daniela Momtcheva, of AHHC-Schaumburg. 

“I learned what others are doing to recruit and retain staff, the best ways to compensate marketing reps, the new technologies available, and industry trends,” said Armando Morales of AHHC-Miami. 

“I was able to remove myself from my day-to-day business, which really helped me focus on strategy and leveraging the successes of others,” said John Pearce, AHHC-Toms River-LBI-Central & Southern NJ. “I’m blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people,” said Marisol Reyes, AHHC-West Houston.”I love how everyone is willing to share and help each other.

In the survey, a majority of the franchisees said that they will attend future FEAR events because of the opportunities for professional development and networking. There was a lot of anticipation during the three days regarding the announcement of the 2018 location. Hints were given each day as to the location, including a guitar-shaped bottle of bubbles for all attendees. Drumroll, please…Nashville, here we come!