Franchise embroidery shop appeals to former insurance executive Franks

A former insurance executive is using her corporate management experience to help other businesses promote themselves with style.

Helen E. Franks said she is living her dream of owning a business through her embroidery franchise, EmbroidMe. The store is at 5721 Highway 153, Suite 111, across from Wal-Mart in Hixson.

“I had thought of having my own business for years and had looked at franchises but had no product in mind,” Ms. Franks said.

She worked for 19 years at Unum Group, starting with the company when it was a health insurer called Provident Cos. She worked in marketing, information services and later in disability, and retired as vice president of disability claims, she said.

Ms. Franks said she was looking for franchise ideas in early 2007 when she read an article about EmbroidMe, which was cited as one of the top franchises of 2006.

“My company background helps me know what to look for,” she said.

The company’s management organization and franchise support appealed to her, she said, and in December 2007 she opened the shop.

EmbroidMe does embroidery and laser printing of fabrics on site, Ms. Franks said, and outsources screen printing. The store has samples of clothing, caps, towels, puzzles, mugs and other items that can be printed, but does not carry inventory. An order can be placed for one or virtually unlimited number of items, and turnaround takes from seven to 10 days, she said. The store can personalize clothing from dress shirts to costs to uniforms, she said.

EmbroidMe is a vendor for promotional product manufacturers like Chattanooga-based Gold Bond Inc., Ms. Franks said. EmbroidMe customers can order customized items ranging from ink pens to coolies.

EmbroidMe’s parent company, United Franchise Group, has 1,400 franchises in 52 countries, said Sharon Burman, brand marketing manager. The West Palm Beach, Fla.-based company’s brands include Sign-A-Rama, Billboard Connection and Franchise Mart in addition to EmbroidMe. There are 450 EmbroidMe stores in 15 countries, she said.

“It’s a very well-run organization,” Ms. Franks said. “And, they have bargaining power with vendors because of their size.”

PERSONAL GLANCE

* Name: Helen E. Franks

* Title: Owner of local EmbroidMe franchise

* Age: 50

* Education: Bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; graduate of LaFayette (Ga.) High School

* Career: Previously served as vice president of disability claims at Unum Group

* Family: Son, Josh Ernest, 16. Josh is a sophomore at Baylor School

* Web site: chattnorthembroidme.com