Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted (asi/284000), formerly known as EmbroidMe, has long been synonymous with brick-and-mortar retail locations in which franchisees perform apparel decorating.

But now, the West Palm Beach, FL-based firm is adding an additional option to its franchising opportunities that nixes the need for a retail location and production equipment – all in an effort to enlist more entrepreneurs as franchisees.

Mike Brugger, President, Fully Promoted

While Fully Promoted will continue to offer franchise opportunities through its retail location model that includes in-house production, the firm is now also providing a new office model concept that enables entrepreneurs to enter the firm’s franchising fold without having to open a store and invest in/oversee in-house production. Under this new option, would-be franchisees just open an office. Especially geared toward smaller existing distributor operations, the typical Fully Promoted office space model will be able to accommodate an owner, salesperson and a conference room, the company said.

"The ideal candidate for a franchise office model is a current business owner that can take advantage of (Fully Promoted’s) buying power, support, and training needed to make their business successful," said company President Mike Brugger.

According to Brugger, existing promotional products distributors can integrate their businesses into the Fully Promoted office model, with the benefit of receiving access to the company’s vendors. In addition, office model franchisees will gain access to some Fully Promoted locations that have equipment required for embroidery, screen-printing, garment printing, vinyl transfers and more.

"A franchisee can purchase a Fully Promoted as a standalone or convert their existing business and continue to sell their own products, while also expanding the universe of services that can be offered," said Brugger. "Our conversion program is offered at a special rate for those with industry experience."

In a marketplace disrupted by the digitalization of business, Fully Promoted’s new office model debuts as the company focuses on evolution. The rebrand from EmbroidMe to Fully Promoted that occurred several years ago was also an element of the intended progression – made, in part, to more accurately reflect the fact that EmbroidMe/Fully Promoted locations have long sold hard good promotional products, not just decorated apparel. As Brugger discussed in a recent podcast with Counselor, Fully Promoted is also set on upping its game in the realm of online business.

The office model is a further indication of Fully Promoted’s intention to be more diverse and nimble in how it goes to market, executives said.

“There are many qualified businessmen and women with good marketing experience that don't want to be involved in production, so this concept is a wonderful option for sales-minded individuals," said Brugger. "It allows these professionals to leverage their talents in marketing and customer service against the broad market presence and strong 20-year reputation for quality of the entire Fully Promoted brand.”

Speaking to Counselor, Brugger noted that Fully Promoted works with local real estate brokers and the firm's regional support staff to help new owners find spaces for their Fully Promoted locations. "We look for central locations and business hubs so they can service the local customers and organizations," he said.

With reported 2017 North American promotional product revenue of $101.3 million, Fully Promoted ranked 19th on Counselor’s latest list of the largest distributors in the industry. Fully Promoted says most of its sales fall in the business-to-business and business-to-organization categories. Part of United Franchise Group's affiliated companies and brands, Fully Promoted has more than 300 locations across the globe. It plans to have 400 by the end of 2019.