About Us

Franchise Bancorp is a specialized multi-concept franchise organization whose management team has a history of success in the Canadian franchise industry. Franchise Bancorp determined that growth opportunities existed by consolidating and integrating small and medium sized franchise companies. Creating a larger network brought synergies, efficiencies and expertise to the individual companies and better buying power was achieved through economies of scale.

In 1968, Edward (Ted) Kenneth Loyst, the Chairman and CEO of Franchise Bancorp (FB), founded LIV Canada Ltd. and launched the original Living Lighting chain of residential lighting stores. The concept has grown to include several other franchise concepts in giftware, home decor, and pet food.

In 1995, Loyst incorporated Franchise Bancorp, a multi-concept franchise company to capitalize on the new growth strategies of the company. Franchise Bancorp trades on the TSX under FBI.

Ted Loyst, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Franchise Bancorp Inc., loves franchising. "It's the only way the little guy can compete in today's wild world of retailing. We can provide a brand name, a business format that works and buying power that independent stores cannot match. We have focused on niche areas of retail business, and with an owner in every location, we have a major advantage in understanding the customer and reacting quickly to their needs."

Edward (Ted) Loyst Chairman and CEO

"We provide a brand name, a business format that works and buying power that independant stores cannot match."

We are a small business franchisor. "If you have a million bucks cash", says Loyst, "you probably don't need us. If you want to operate a business that can give your family a good living, then give us a call. If you want a lifestyle change, a challenge and the opportunity to control your own destiny, then one of our concepts will fit the bill and the budget. We can put you in a business for as little as $70,000 up to $350,000".

Franchise Bancorp believes that franchising will continue to dominate specialty retail growth. It's the only way you can give individual storeowners the independence and the tools they need to be competitive. Our franchised stores are owner-operated with an independent business person on the scene daily to make decisions. Franchise owners have the latitude to use their own initiative, energy, taste and style. Franchise Bancorp contributes the major elements of accumulated experience, sound training, marketing and advertising expertise, as well as the purchasing power of a large chain.

"Independence is the best motivator I know", says Loyst. "We've seen a store have a 40% increase in sales within weeks after a franchise owner takes over…and that's when the place had been run by well-trained, hard-working, staff members. Nothing succeeds like being your own boss, and having a stake in what you are doing".

The franchisee's desire and enthusiasm to own their own business will be linked with our experience, systems and buying power. Our retail training and guidance, from location selection to store opening and beyond, allows the franchise owners to operate effectively from day one. Unlike many of our competitors, we treat each and every franchise associate as a full business partner. Franchise Bancorp offers as much support as the franchisee needs on an ongoing basis. Home Office is never more than a phone call away. Owner networking, active merchandising and advertising committee's keep us focused on the development and growth of our brand names. Other components of our ongoing professional support include:

• Marketing Programs - such as the tremendously successful Air Miles Reward Miles Loyalty program available in our lighting and pet food divisions, as well as, flyers, posters and gift cards.
  
• Merchandising and display updates
  
• Cash flow planning and analysis
  
• Inventory planning and control
  
• Staff hiring and human resources management guidance
  
• Lease negotiations and construction management
  
  

Franchise Bancorp currently owns the following four (4) companies:

• Living Lighting Inc. established in 1968, is Canada's largest franchised chain of residential lighting stores operating in Ontario, Alberta, and the Maritimes.
  
  
• LIV Canada Gift Group Inc. operates nationally under the brand names The Panhandler, Rafters and Rafters Home Store.
  
  
• Global Ryan’s Pet Food Stores Inc. is a chain of corporately owned and franchised pet food and pet supply stores, operating as Global Pet Foods and Ryan's Pet Foods coast to coast.
  
  
• Franchise Bancorp Consulting Ltd. specializes in franchise marketing and sales activities for all divisions of Franchise Bancorp, as well as providing franchise consulting services to developing franchise companies.