MAUI WOWI FRANCHISEES OFFERED "SMOOTHIE SAILING" WITH COMPANY SUPPORT PROGRAM

In an effort to support its fast-growing Franchise system and help successfully develop local small businesses, Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends, the leading franchisor of gourmet, all-natural Hawaiian blends sold nationwide, has initiated a franchisee support program that has proven to be just what the “Dr.” ordered.

The directors of regional support (DRS) are Maui Wowi area developers who work with the home office and other franchise owners within their designated regions of the country, assisting them with location selection, lease negotiations, construction supervision, grand openings, store trainings, promotions and operational support needed for efficient territory management.

The program was created in November 2000 and was an immediate success. Pioneered in Michigan , the number of franchise owners throughout the state quadrupled in four years with the help of Jeff Fortenbacher, the first DRS who still oversees the Michigan market. In addition to Fortenbacher, six directors of regional support, or “doctors” as they are often referred, operate in Arizona, Illinois, Virginia, New York, Missouri and Kentucky. The company plans to expand the DRS program in markets throughout the country in upcoming years.

“Our goal is to provide an additional level of local support services for franchise owners while increasing opportunities for potential new franchise locations and venues,” said Michael Haith, CEO of Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends. “The directors of regional support are dynamic leaders within their regions and continue to work hard to support local franchise owners, the Maui Wowi concept and our product line.”

About Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends
The Maui Wowi concept started out in 1983 in a wooden shack at the Utah State Fair, with founders Jeff and Jill Summerhays serving a then unknown product- Fresh Fruit Smoothies. Before long, their delicious and original Smoothie recipe had people talking. Maui Wowi has since become a successful Franchising opportunity, with substantial growth during the past 20 years.

The leading franchisor of gourmet, all-natural Hawaiian Blends sold nationwide, Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends has more than 300 units operating in 43 states and Puerto Rico . Maui Wowi's product line includes Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees, Smoothie Rip-Sticks, Hawaiian Springs Natural Artesian Water, and EAS Supplements. Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends was ranked #33 in the category of Fastest Growing Franchises on the Entrepreneur Magazine "Franchise 500" list and ranks #175 in Inc. Magazine's issue of “ America 's 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.” Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends has also been featured on CNN’s “People in the News” and Bloomberg News.