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Buddy Home Furnishings welcomes 22 new locations

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Buddy’s Home Furnishings

Key Highlights:

  • Buddy’s Home Furnishings has signed 70 franchise agreements in 2021.
  • The company has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500 list.
  • Buddy Home Furnishings also welcomed 22 new franchise locations.

Buddy Home Furnishings has recorded a successful 2021 tenure. The retailer has specialized in the sales and rental ownership of furniture, electronics, appliances, and home accessories and opened 22 new franchise locations. In 2021 the company has signed 70 franchise agreements.

Buddy Home Furnishings has always had a strong foothold with multi-unit success. The company has 88% franchisees operating at two or more locations. Buddy Mac Holdings and Pentex, have expanded this year signing additional 18 units and 20 units respectively. These new stores bring Buddy Mac Holdings and Pentex’s nationwide footprint to 77 and 82 stores respectively.

The CEO of Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Michael Bennett has commented on the growth, “It was an incredible year for Buddy’s.  Between our devoted existing franchisees expanding their portfolios and adding new entrepreneurial-minded individuals to our family of franchise owners, we’re looking forward to building on that success in 2022 and planting more Buddy’s stores in communities across North America.

Buddy Home Furnishing wins recognitions

Buddy Home furnishings has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500 and Franchise Times’ 2021 Top 400 Lists. Michael has also been elected as the First Vice President of the APRO executive committee for the 2021-22 years.

Buddy Home Furnishing has celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021 and now is all set to open its first store, Buddy’s Bi-Rite in Tampa, Florida. The company has further expanded and rebranded into Buddy’s Home Furnishings to include furniture, electronics, appliances, and home accessories.

Buddy’s franchise system

The Buddy franchise business model allows the customers to attain ownership of items through cost-effective payments without the constraints of traditional credit or financing. The company adopted the franchise model in 2009 and was acquired by the Franchise Group, Inc. in 2020.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings is a subsidiary of the Franchise Group, Inc. It is a retailer specializing in the sales and rental ownership of furniture, electronics, and appliances. Currently, the company has over 300 stores in the U.S. and Guam.

Innovid and Mondelez expand their partnership for improved personalized advertising

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Mondelez

Key Highlights:

  • Mondelez and Innovid expanding their partnership to deliver personalized creative advertising globally.
  • Mondelez increased personalization avoiding the old advertising tactics.
  • Innovid has increased 30% year-on-year revenue for 2021.

Mondelez and Innovid will be expanding their partnership to deliver personalized creative advertising across the world, which is a priority for the marketer and other CPGs for years. Having personalized advertising results in higher click-through and conversion rates. Given the advantages of personalization, most of the marketers are working on implementing plans to support personalization, although only 13% are confident in their ability to deliver.

Innovid will be leveraging its offerings to close this gap with the DCO solution that uses first and third-party data to generate multiple ad versions from a single creative asset. The privacy-compliant tech does not require third-party cookies or smartphone IDs. With the rising concerns to data privacy, relying on third-party tech is not idle.

Mondelez increases personalization

Mondelez’s new marketing strategy involves increasing personalization while avoiding the traditional marketing tactics. Mondelez and Innovid’s partnership has expanded by building on the previous efforts, which infuses empathy with personalization.

The Global VP of Consumer Experience, Jon Halvorson commented, “Now, we can further that success across new markets, ensuring our customers experience our portfolio of iconic global and local brands in an even more human way. At Mondelez, we are committed to delivering the most relevant experiences to our customer base, wherever they may be, and across any channel, device, or screen, including CTV.”

Innovid beneficial campaigns

Innovid has successful campaigns across channels including social, display, video, digital out-of-home, and TV, its focus is on CTV. Innovid has benefited from the growth accounting for nearly half of their video impressions.

The company went public in December and has projected $89 million to $90 million in revenue for 2021 with a roughly 30% year-on-year increase. Innovid acquired TVSquared intending to help the company build a unified buy and sell-side platform for advertisers.

More investments towards science innovation, professor urges the government

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science innovation

Key Highlights:

  • Lagos State University (LASU) held the 83rd inaugural lecture at the institution.
  • Daunda outlines the importance of scientific innovation for the welfare of Nigeria.
  • Investment in technology will not render human resources irrelevant.

In the recent lecture of “Managing Technological Challenges: Workers’, employers’ and Governments’ Perspectives”, the Professor of Industrial Relations and HR Management, Yunus Dauda, has urged the government at all levels to invest in science innovation centers across the country’s universities. Prof. Dauda also highlighted that up-to-date science and technology centers in universities will help meet the challenges of the economy.

The lecture took place at Lagos State University (LASU), and Prof. Dauda delivered the 83rd inaugural lecture of the institution. In his lecture, he stated that to benefit from global technology, the Nigerian government should direct the resources and policies towards improving technological innovation for improved organizational performance.

Science innovation vs human

Prof. Daunda outlined that the nation is in poverty when the human development index is low. This happens when life expectancy, health, education, income, and participation in the social life of the people are very low.

Giving his insights on humans vs machines, he encouraged man’s creativity and ingenuity to create technology and that machines are here to serve the human race and not the other way around. “Many scientists have argued that technology will soon take over all jobs in industries and render human resources useless. My studies and findings over the years dismissed these arguments that technology cannot displace workers completely from their jobs,” he added.

Nigeria Government step towards the development

There have been several debates on the man vs machine topic. However, manpower will be required across industries and organizations. The former British Steel Chief, Finniston also stated that technological development will not make human resources irrelevant.

Today the global economy is driven by technology and investing in science innovations will further advantage the nations. Prof. Daunda believes that Nigeria has not been able to substantially explore, manufacture, and use technologies to further enhance the well-being of the citizens.

10% rise in U.S. house prices, stretching affordability for homebuyers

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U.S. house prices

Key Highlights:

  • The U.S. house prices are expected to surge by 10%.
  • The new homebuyers are already struggling with the affordability of real estate.
  • The U.S. has underlying demand for houses with a limited house supply.

The Federal Reserve has hinted towards a rise in U.S. house prices. The rates may climb in double digits this year as there are expected series of interest rate hikes for another two years.

Last year, there were record low-interest rates and scarcity of homes to buy, alongside unexpected demand during the pandemic. This caused average house prices up to 17% in 2021 the strongest annual rise in at least two decades.

The pandemic also stretched the affordability of real estate for the new homebuyers. Due to the pandemic, the economy is already struggling to gradually come back to normal and central banks raise interest rates.

U.S. house prices rise

Earlier in February, a poll of analysts suggested that U.S. house prices will rise 10.3% this year. It was upgraded by 8.0% in December suggesting underlying demand for housing is still soaring with limited housing supply.

The price forecasts indicate that there might be a rise of 5% next year and 4.1% in 2021, comparing the marginal upgrades with 4% and 3.7% in the last poll. The predictions are based on the Case/Shiller index.

The invasion has affected the interest rates

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting conflict have influenced some caution into interest rate expectations. It could keep 30-year mortgage rates lower and might leave the near-term trend largely intact.

The head of independent consultancy Hunter Housing Economics, Brad Hunter, commented that the recent surge in the U.S. house prices is unsustainable and might experience under 8% house price inflation this year, following 4.1% in 2023.

He added, “The expectation is for the rate of increase to slow to a pace closer to the pace of income growth of households made up of people who are in their late 20s and early 30s. The millennials are driving the surge in demand for single-family homes. There is, however, a very little risk that home prices will decline in this cycle.”

DAMON SUNUNTNASUK: Raising The Standard For Naturally-Derived Dietary Supplements

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DAMON SUNUNTNASUK

Supporting and maintaining immune health has never been more important. Recent events have elevated the focus and attention to personal wellness in unprecedented ways, and dietary supplements have risen as one of the tools individuals have reached for in their search for better immune support. Indeed, Fortune Business Insights suggests that immune support supplements are forecasted to grow by 7.4% to $29.40 billion by 2027. This builds on the estimated 86% of American adults who already take vitamins or supplements according to the Harris Poll.

The challenge for many is navigating the broad range of supplement options – with many alternatives featuring poor quality ingredients, synthetic fillers, and a lack of supporting research. In this highly competitive industry, Palmara Health stood up to change the narrative for good. Established in 2015, Nature Cure Labs LLC, now branded as Palmara Health, started with a mission to help individuals support and maintain immune health by focusing on quality, transparency, and compliance to help support those looking to gain access to natural supplements.

“The ability to impact the lives of many has always been a personal motivator for me, which has transcended my entrepreneurial and professional career paths,” said Damon Sununtnasuk.

Damon is the Founder and CEO of Natural Cure Labs LLC – the parent company of Palmara Health and VitaTails brand supplements – and has a rich history of entrepreneurship. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he started his first business – a software program designed to help people with visual disabilities read text on a personal computer. Throughout his professional journey, he has gathered some impressive industry acumen. The journey to success was not always easy, though, with initial business plan obstacles, several international moves, and aggressive competitive pressures. However, an innate curiosity to learn from these setbacks combined with the persistence to persevere through adversity has helped Damon’s future ventures to succeed.

Today, he is not only a founder of an industry-recognized health and wellness company but also operates an award-winning consulting firm with a global client base. “The ability to create businesses and products which go on to impact the lives of many is the true gift of entrepreneurship and one which I intended to contribute to for many years to come,” asserts Damon.

In an interview with Damon, we explore what makes these industry-famous natural dietary supplements unique while he walks us through the company’s journey to success. Here are the snippets.

  • As the CEO of multiple companies, what do you attribute your success to?

No one success factor can propel an individual to the highest echelons of a company – it’s truly a combination of character, competencies, and timing. For me, it’s been a serendipitous series of interactions and lessons which have combined to give me a toolset to build and lead companies. Having the humility to learn from mistakes, the courage to fully pursue opportunities, and the inclination to listen to others with an open mind are areas I continuously strive to apply and improve.

  • Could give us a quick tour of Palmara Health and its vision?

Natural Cure Labs LLC, and in turn Palmara Health, aspires to be a leader in the quality, safety, and trust of supplemental health. All of our products are formulated, blended, and bottled in the USA under the supervision of a team of industry professionals. Our research-based formulas are supported by a dossier of clinical research, and all products are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Our finished products are the third party tested for safety, and a team of compliance experts ensures our labeling and marketing conforms with local and national laws.

  • According to you, what makes Palmara Health unique?

While some competitors may cut corners by using low-potency materials, synthetic excipients, or low ingredient weights, Palmara Health truly differentiates on quality. Our products begin with research – identifying the most promising ingredients which can support individual health goals. Premium ingredients are sourced, rigorously tested, and expertly blended without the use of artificial fillers, preservatives, colors, flavors, or other synthetic additives. This obsession with quality and purity has helped us differentiate our products since inception, and customers have responded with incredible loyalty and positive feedback.

  • The entire portfolio of Palmara Health’s supplements has received positive reviews. Could you walk us through the whole process?

Every product in our award-winning lineup is thoughtfully formulated, tested, and managed with the customer in mind. Our team of experts start with research-based ingredients and design proprietary formulas in response to consumer interest and emerging market trends. Our certified manufacturing facilities source the finest ingredients from trusted suppliers to make the highest quality products available, while our distribution channels ensure convenient and reliable access to our products. With nearly 35% of customers returning every month, it’s clear that our dedication to quality, transparency, and trust has built a community of loyal consumers who value our brand and offering.

  • What in your opinion has made “Monolaurin supplements” popular in the audience?

Monolaurin is a dietary supplement derived from lauric acid which is found naturally in coconut and palm kernel oil. Monolaurin is used in several industries including food and cosmetics and is the beneficiary of several research studies. Monolaurin has been a popular supplement for years, but Google Trends suggests its popularity has increased by nearly 300% in the past year. People enjoy Monolaurin as a dietary supplement for its potential immune and digestive supporting properties.

  • Over the years, your company has received several formal industry recognitions – what do you attribute these wins to?

Our dedication to quality has been recognized not just by our customers, but by the industry too. We have been honored to be featured in Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine, Taste for Life Magazine’s “Immunity Guide”, and have received numerous accolades. Most recently, we were awarded “Company of the Year” and “Product Development Executive of the Year” in the 2020 and 2021 American Business Awards. The formal recognition is a testament to the importance of putting quality and compliance ahead of what might be an easy alternative. The trust built with customers and the industry is an invaluable resource in this highly competitive space.

  • Immunity boosters have significantly increased in demand. How did you handle the unprecedented demand?

2020 was an unprecedented year in many respects, and immune supplement sales were no different. Given our immune-focused product lineup, our own sales saw dramatic increases in 2020 which put enormous strain on our manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics capabilities. Instead of succumbing to these disruptions, we used the opportunity to respond to changing customer interests and launched three new products, a line of pet nutrition (VitaTails), and won several industry awards recognizing our response to the challenges of 2020.

  • Lastly, being recognized as the industry leader now, what will be your next goal?

We are committed to the ongoing development of research-based, quality supplements to help individuals achieve their personal health goals. In the future, we aim to provide our products to a broader set of consumers, geographies, and marketplaces that are most convenient to the customer. We also look to expand our award-winning formulas to support our furry companions too, with additional specialty products designed exclusively for pets. With pet adoptions up 27% in 2020 according to industry data from PetPoint, our lineup of VitaTials brand pet nutrition is poised to meet the growing needs of supplemental pet nutrition.

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“In an often opaque industry, Palmara Health aspires to be a model company for open, honest, and safe dietary supplements.”