Yeah for Costa Rica!

There are a few benefits of being a franchise owner.  We get great advertising across the nation, great discussion with other Maids franchise owners on what is working and not in their area, and some resources in marketing, strategy, and processes from the corporate office.  Not to say all of that doesn't cost a ton though!  Well, another huge benefit is a small competition they put on every year.  The Maids will take the top franchises around the country on an all expense paid trip every year, usually to a tropical destination.  We have won 6 out of the 8 years we have been open.  Last year was really close and we didn't qualify :(  Since the beginning, John and I have rotated with John's parents for each trip.  John and I enjoyed Hawaii the most!  I think Sue and Gary liked the Caymen Islands the best.  Sue helps us babysit the kids for us to go when it is our turn.  We are on track to make it this year - we will know at the end of the fourth quarter for sure in Dec.  It was just announced that the 2013 trip is to Costa Rica.  We are very excited!  John and I are both trying to improve our Spanish and this is right down that alley.  The trip is planned for the Spring, but the dates aren't listed yet.  We are going to be very busy traveling next year.  Here are a few of our plans...

Jan - Omaha training with my good friend Pam who we recently hired at the Maids as our Operations Manager.  She and I will go for a week, but John and the kids are planning to come up for a weekend.

Feb - Mahoney State Park in NE with our good friends the McKinzies

March - Las Vegas for the annual Maids convention

April - Costa Rica (thanks to the Maids)

May - Mission trip with John (destination narrowed down to 2 places, both Spanish speaking)

Summer - Possible road trip to MN or CO

We better start saving our $$$$ now :)