A Financial Opportunity in a Down Economy – American Consumer Financial Network

San Jose based, ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley, offering a proven method of business success and remains unshaken even in the grip of this recession, showing organic growth of 35%.

With the economy still struggling to get back on its feet, many people are still in search of more original means to financial security. Skyrocketing levels of unemployment have even pushed some to delve into the world of business ownership. Yet the rash of recent store closures has left many wondering what can be done to prevent loss and ultimately business failure.

Even tried and true business models like that of Blockbuster, with its 960 store closings, and Starbucks, with their 300 store closures, are reporting colossal loses with no sign of short term improvement.

Still, some are determined, and have launched headfirst into projects of many different shapes and sizes, from the exclusively online to the normal brick and mortar. While physical business locations might be more comfortable for some, this does not mean that the process is an easy one to arrange. For example, factors such as location, need, and profitability are all arenas that must to be intensely explored.

When investigating a location to launch a business, it is customary to employ research professionals to assess proposed locations to determine the likelihood of operating a thriving business in that area.  Still, the predictions generated by these individuals are not without their drawbacks and are by no means absolute. Armed with innovation, ATM business, ACFN has overcome the brick and mortar disadvantage by granting their business owners the opportunity to relocate when profits do not meet set standards.

ACFN’s proven model of success lets franchisees reposition their products in the most important sense. The right to move an ATM from a contracted location is built into the franchisee’s agreement with every vendor.

President of ACFN Jeff Kerr notes, ”Our goal is to make every ATM placement a success and with ACFN’s experienced market research team and best-in-class marketing, we achieve that goal most of the time”. For those locations that fall short of expectations, in contrast to the typical retail franchise where there are little to no solutions for this problem, we have built in down-side protection by including the right to remove in our agreements” adds Kerr.

“This unique feature of our business has been particularly beneficial in today’s volatile market allowing franchise owners to protect their investment and maximize their profits”. says Avi Blankroth, Executive Vice President of ACFN

In a time of no guarantees, the chance for a ‘do-over’ can definitely be appreciated. ACFN’s ATM franchise is a recession proof way to prosper in any economy.

About American Consumer Financial Network (“ACFN”)

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Veterans Opt out of Corporate America and Into the ATM Franchise Business

They are among the nation’s elite when it comes to leadership, teamwork and getting the job done, so how do they work all of those skills into a stable, long-term career ?

Charlotte, NC – Of the approximately. 80 million small businesses in the U.S., four million are owned by US Veterans and 400,000 small businesses are owned by service-disabled veterans.

In the meantime, those veterans looking to get their feet into a small business are still having difficulty during this recession, as millions of Americans are.

Veterans are frequently overqualified for most entry-level jobs in terms of the technical expertise they have gained on the battlefield, yet they may not be quite experienced enough for mid-level jobs. They are among the nation’s elite when it comes to leadership, teamwork and getting the job done, so how do they work all of those skills into a stable, long-term career?

ACFN. a California based ATM Franchise Business is offering returning veterans the opportunity to start their own business, and fast.

Brian G, a veteran of the US Marines, is one of the many veterans who found his future with ACFN. After considering a transition into the corporate world, Brian instead opted to take a chance on business ownership. Now he operates a number of ATMs in his home state.

Brian’s main objective in owning his own business was the possibility of rapid expansion. He mentions, “I wanted to grow my business as fast as possible to produce an annual income large enough to sustain myself and my family. ACFN offered that without any major challenges.”

President of ACFN Jeff Kerr built his business with those goals in mind. He intended to create a business that was extremely flexible and allowed franchisees to dictate the size of their business without any drawbacks. He comments, “An ACFN business is very flexible and in most cases can be molded and scaled to fit a franchise owner’s specific set of circumstances.

“By allowing franchisees to retain their jobs and other business activities they have the benefit of rolling their ACFN profits directly back into their business to grow their business at a faster pace.”

VP of Sales Robert Harris, adds “Many of our franchisees have enough profitable locations to support themselves and so they choose to use their extra income exclusively for business growth. It’s a proven system and continues to make many of our owners very happy.” Over ten percent of ACFN Franchisees are Veterans.

The Veterans Administration is collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to certify Veteran owned small businesses and service disabled Veteran owned small businesses for listing on the Federal Supply Register, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness, creating jobs for Veterans.

The SBA also partners with micro-lenders and other financial institutions providing small loans of up to $35,000. The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan exists in case the vet’s business suffers economic damage after he or she is activated for duty. Another program, the Patriot Express Loan, is available to veterans, disabled vets, Reserve and National Guard members and spouses.

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Earning High Marks - ACFN ATM Franchise - Amongst the Best Companies in America.

Recent independent studies have ranked the ACFN ATM Franchise amongst the top high performing companies in the U.S.


You are staying in a hotel and need cash. The front desk clerk directs you to an automated teller machine in the hotel. Chances are it’s an American Consumer Financial Network ATM. The company provides financial services and transaction processing solutions, with a national network of onsite ATMs in hotels and other travel and entertainment-based businesses.

The innovative ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) announces its inclusion in the top 300 franchise opportunities for 2010 by AllStar AllBusiness. The honors include top ranking in three categories: growth, financial strength and general listing.

Unlike other companies in the industry, ACFN owns and controls the ATMs and does not charge fees to the businesses hosting the machines. Franchisees receive training on how to construct, own, and operate onsite ATMs. ACFN also provides ATM processing, network, administrative, marketing, and other types of support.

“These awards are a tremendous validation for a young, innovative company from Silicon Valley,” says Jeff Kerr, Founder and President of ACFN.

The national recognition that ACFN has gained is rightfully earned as the company expands its interests to provide services at more than 1,200 locations in North America.

According to Allstar, the company’s growth wasn’t meager — in 2009, one of the toughest years in recent history, ACFN increased its number of units by more than 20 percent and improved its financial health ranking from #124 to #97 this year.

Inclusion on the Allstar Allbusiness list, a subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet brand is not an easy task.  After a daunting year of economic recession in 2009, many longstanding, established franchise companies have been unable to maintain their top 300 ranking.  

ACFN’s ability to secure a place on this elite list of companies is a testament to their innovation and prospective strength as a franchise company.

ACFN is also ranked 64th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and ranked 374th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Fastest Growing Private Companies and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” Franchise Companies”. 


About ACFN

ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.

Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.

More information is available at

http://www.acfnfranchised.com/

American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113

Tel 888-794-2236

Public Sector Employees - ACFN ATM - Your Trusted Retirement Partner.

Public Sector employees have successfully maneuvered the recession, still many are concerned about the next step upon retirement. ATM business ACFN is offering a practical opportunity that promises real revenue and no nonsense.


As the recession appears to come to a close and some Americans are slowly coming out of financial hiding, the nation is beginning to notice which employment sectors truly are the last ones standing.

In addition to the intelligently invested, government employees are proving to be an excellent example of recession survivors.

"While private-sector employment fell sharply in the last two years," the Manhattan Institute's Josh Barro noted earlier this year, "the public-sector, civilian workforce continued growing until mid-2008. It has since remained essentially flat.

"While private-employment rolls are nearly 10 percent smaller than they were three years ago, public-employment rolls have grown by nearly 2 percent."

Government employees have always kept our nation running smoothly, and have traditionally been paid reasonably well for it. From sanitation workers to public transportation operators, public sector employees have the backing of unions that work on their behalf to ensure they receive the best health care and pension plans available.

In terms of compensation, federal workers are rapidly pulling away from private employees. As USA Today's Dennis Cauchon recently reported, "Federal workers earned an average salary of $67,691 in 2008 for occupations that exist both in government and the private sector, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average pay for the same mix of jobs in the private sector was $60,046 in 2008, the most recent data available."

And that's only wages. Federal health, pension and other benefits are worth four times what private workers on average enjoy, Cauchon added.

However, health benefits and retirement plans weren’t the tools that allowed so many municipal workers to stay afloat. The real advantages are their high levels of job security, steadily increasing wages, and shockingly young retirement ages.

Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond of Georgia discussed the benefits of government employment, “Government has been a huge job creation engine for most of the 1990s and through the early part of this century. The communities that have been most successful [through the recession] have benefited from a huge government investment.”

With so many of these workers retiring between the ages of 40 – 55, several of them have gone on to explore new opportunities after servicing their government. Tending toward business ideas that supplement their pension, they generally prefer low commitment engagements with high levels of return.

In response to the interest of this community, The ACFN ATM Franchise, a Silicon Valley company is recruiting retired public sector workers into their ranks. With over 1200 locations across the nation, ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) offers the option to purchase their own ATM franchise. Franchisees can turn one ATM into dozens, and enjoy an excellent profit based on ATM service charges, incurred whenever their machine is used.

ACFN President and Founder Jeff Kerr directed this comment to government and municipal employees interested in owning their own business, “ACFN is an excellent opportunity for people who are interested in a straightforward opportunity that prides itself on being uncomplicated. We provide training and have a strong support team in place to help franchise owners with all aspects of operating their business including ATM placement and business management. No prior experience is required or needed to join ACFN”.

Generous retirement packages aside, the twenty-first century was a good time to be publicly employed. And with the advantage of large payouts upon departure, retirees are outfitted with lump sums of money that would be perfectly invested in ACFN’s entrepreneurial opportunity.

The franchise fee for ACFN starts at $25,000.

The company provides a comprehensive  training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that is frequently described as second to none. 


About ACFN

ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.

With over a decade of experience in ATM services and more than 150 Franchises and 1,200 locations in North America. ACFN is a leader in the ATM industry with a proven track record and an impressive client list.

Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue. 


More information is available at

http://www.acfnfranchised.com/

American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113

Tel 888-794-2236

Unemployed Manufacturing Workers Find New Opportunities Off the Line

The U.S. manufacturing sector accounted for 23 % of all mass layoff events and 27% of initial unemployment benefit claims filed in March 2010. Nationally ranked, ACFN ATM Franchise offers the opportunity to get off the line and start a business.


The manufacturing sector continues to take it on the chin with layoffs in that industry accounting for more than a quarter of the men and women applying for unemployment benefits for the first time.  

The Department of Labor’s May 11th report of industry specific statistics stated 128,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in March 2010.  

Economic forecasters do not expect the one million jobs lost in the recession, in the auto, steel, furniture and other manufacturing industries, to return.

More than 450 jobs are being eliminated as Whirlpool Corp. ends a production shift at an Evansville factory that is being shut down in June. Whirlpool announced last year that it would shut down the 1,100-worker refrigerator factory and move production to Mexico.

Angry participants of the www.manufacturing.net website’s “talk back” section offered  “Appliances made in Asia and Mexico come with far less crushing tax burden, abusive union contracts, and high operating expenses". Check the labels at your local appliance store. Americans do not buy "Made in America", they buy what they can afford. The more jobs exported, the less they can afford.

Like an umbrella in this rain of manufacturing pink slips, a San Jose, CA business is offering the hope of the bright future off the assembly line. The American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN) is an ATM business that extends an opportunity to individuals from all walks of life, the ability to own and operate their own business.

For a reasonable fee, new business owners receive training, and the backing of an experienced group of marketing and sales people to get a boost into the business world.

ACFN is the only ATM Franchise in North America and appeals to  people from every walk of life. In fact, the highest grossing machine in the ACFN ATM network belongs to a retired California public school teacher.

With the economic downturn, ACFN has kept their franchise fees cost effective, to accommodate those who are in search of a way to increase their nest egg as they plan for the future.

President and Founder Jeff Kerr says that his business offers laid off manufacturing employees countrywide the opportunity to weather the storm, “As a business owner since 1986, I am very aware of how effected the manufacturing industry has been by this recent recession. The unemployment numbers are terrible and have forced many people to re-think how they plan for a better future.”

Kerr urges anyone with a desire to develop an independent income to stabilize their future to explore the options ACFN has to offer. They might find a long term answer to their problem, and with it, the tools to build a successful business.

Franchise Fees are reasonably priced and start at $25,000

The Company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none 

Baby Boomers Face Retirement Age Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Not Ready to Embrace Full Retirement

The biggest demographic segment in the US, the Baby Boomers are now retirement age, or very close. This group is not embracing retirement like generations before them. Many are seeking part-time employment and opening small businesses. According to University of  Montréal demographer Jacques Légaré, baby boomers will remain among the most self-reliant generations to reach their golden years.  According to Légaré, they never wanted to depend on their progeny to look after them in their golden years. "They are usually well educated and have great financial means," says Légaré. "They benefited from generous pensions and have contributed to retirement for decades." In an effort to fend off boredom, keep a nimble mind and body, maintain community relationships and  remain confident in their abilities, this legion of retirees are taking control of their retirement and their destiny by becoming small business owners. Jeff Kerr, the President and Founder of ACFN, the San Jose based ATM Franchise Business agrees that baby boomers make the perfect small business owner.  “When you have the benefit of 30 years of experience in the business world, no matter what the industry was, you possess assets that can’t be taught in any MBA classroom.  Sharp retirees who have no desire to sit back and ease into old age have a huge leg up when developing a small business. Time, Money and experience" Business coach, mentor and author Karen Newman is a firm believer in the new trend of retirement careers. “Building a home-based business is undoubtedly one of the most viable, lucrative, and personally satisfying career options out there for baby boomers. With the Internet as your consummate leverage, becoming a successful entrepreneur beyond your wildest dreams can quite suddenly become a reality,” Newman said. The wisdom Henry Emerson Fosdick offered when the first baby boomers were still in diapers seems to be their anthem “Don’t simply retire from something.  Have something to retire to.”   Retiring to the “working smart, not hard” methodology of franchises these boomers are working part time running their own business via ACFN and like companies to maintain an income stream fund travel, spoil grandchildren and indulge in uniquely baby boomer activities like nights at the casino and light cosmetic surgery. ACFN identifies and provides their franchisees with high traffic locations through the use of a state of the art technology. Once a location is identified, ACFN handles all the heavy lifting, even adding a clause to each agreement that states if profits aren’t acceptable, business can and will be taken elsewhere. A guarantee that solid is impossible with other brick and mortar franchises, but the ACFN difference offers unparalleled protection. Anyone can purchase the tools necessary to start their own network of working ACFN ATMs. The package includes training, marketing and sales assistance, and award winning customer service that guides franchisees through the ATM servicing process one step at a time. Even Jeff Kerr has operated his own network of ATMs for more than a decade. He comments, “My personal experience from owning and operating a network of ATMs has been very valuable. I know the many benefits that can be achieved and have done the work required to secure them. The Return on Investment (ROI) ATMs generate is the highest I have seen in my 24 years of business ownership”. "When you add to that the transparency provided by our franchise documents ACFN offers an attractive path to join the ranks of entrepreneurs”.   The ACFN system requires no more than a few hours a week. With over 1,250 locations across North America, and more than 150 happy franchisees, ACFN is the right opportunity at the right time. The franchise fee for ACFN starts at $25,000. The company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none. CFN the ATM franchise business opportunity is for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector. With over a decade of experience in ATM services and more than 150 Franchises and 1,250 locations in North America ACFN is a leader in the ATM industry with a proven track record and an impressive client list. Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue. American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN) Sixth Floor, Community Towers 111 W. St John Street San Jose, CA 95113 Tel 888-794-2236 Visit their webpage http://www.acfnfranchised.com/ # # # ACFN is North Americas only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses. Providing ATM services since 1996, franchised in 2003 with 150 franchises, 1200 ATM Machines in the US and Canada.

ACFN moves to new HQ – 12,000 SQFT in Community Towers Downtown San Jose, CA

On the heels of double digit growth in 2009, Silicon Valley Based, American Consumer Financial Network (“ACFN”) continues to see the recessionary economy as an indicator that business can survive, and thrive, if it is malleable.


 Now occupying their new 12,000 SQFT Head Quarters, the entire sixth floor  of the Community Towers building in downtown San Jose, as well as a nice position on “Inc.  Magazine’s fastest growing private companies", a national industry-wide ranking, American Consumer Financial Network, (“ACFN”), is projecting only blue California skies ahead.

Lauded locally as the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley, President and Founder Jeff Kerr must know something that others don’t: How to leverage competitive advantages as spring boards to business growth. “ACFN is growing through the recession by watching costs, serving core customers, and aggressively pursuing new business.

Completing the move to our new HQ more than doubles our office space, achieves better compartmentalization to increase productivity and provides the added capacity needed to support current and future growth”

Kerr credits their achievements to the unique innovation of ACFN’s business model boasting the lowest cost of operation in his industry.

ACFN Executive Vice-President, Avi Blankroth believes "ACFN’s rapid growth isn’t in spite of the recession, but indicative of the changing needs of businesses hoping to survive. He mentions, “We provide a means to fulfill a need at a time when every business is vying for a tactical edge to outlast and outshine their competition. Our services allow our clients to alleviate an obstacle for their customers.”

The prediction for ACFN to double in size over the next three years may seem bold, but could be an underestimated forecast when the numbers are all in.

Since its conception in 1968, ATM usage has evolved into a widely accepted and trusted convenience.  With global ATM use on the rise, there are 2 million ATM machines waiting to help you around the world and ATM acceptance is growing steadily among average Americans.  The American Bankers Association reports half of the US adult populations use an ATM every month, and more join that group comfortable with that technology every day.

"ATMs are becoming more like super ATMs with more intelligent software and technology," says Tracy Kitten, senior editor for ATM Marketplace magazine. "Many industries are encouraging self-service, so people are more comfortable with that. We trust technology sometimes more than a person."

When you combined the statistical numbers for ATM business with the increase in automated functions that many businesses now offer, like airline check-ins and grocery store checkouts – you come out understanding that people are happy to automate many of their in-person transactions, Kitten says.

ACFN has placed over 1,250 ATMs in the US and Canada at travel and entertainment based businesses since 1996.

Franchise Fees are reasonably priced and start at $25,000

The Company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none

About ACFN

ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.

Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.

More information is available at

http://www.acfnfranchised.com/

American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113

Tel 888-794-2236