For Immediate Release 
    
Gainesville, Woman-Owned, Small Business Receives Top National Award
Just Between Friends’ Karen Miner Named “Franchise of the Year.”

Gainesville, FL. – Feb 9, 2022 – A small, women-owned, Florida business is receiving national recognition as Franchise of the Year for Just Between Friends Franchise System, Inc. (JBF). JBF is North America’s leading pop-up children’s and maternity consignment sales event.

Karen Miner purchased JBF Gainesville in Fall 2017 and has since more than quadrupled revenue as of Fall 2021. Her event brings the community together twice a year so thousands of local families can save money and earn money on items for their growing children.

At JBF events, local families register to consign and sell the new and gently used children’s items their families have outgrown or never used, earning 60% of the selling price. Participating families declutter their homes, turning that “clutter into cash.”  Families also shop the JBF events where they typically can save 50% to 90% off retail prices on items they need for their children: clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment, furniture, games and much more.

The independent judges who chose Miner and her Gainesville event as the winning franchise said one key deciding factor is her passionate commitment to creating wins within and among all participants’ groups—from her staff, to the shoppers and charity partners whom her sale benefits.

The judges credited Miner’s heart and commitment to serving paired with her innovative marketing with the impressive increase in sales which grew by 54% from the Spring to Fall seasons: “This franchisee looks to continually grow consigners and shoppers and fosters strong relationships with multiple charity partners in unique ways translating not only to a strong Sale but also additional, meaningful donations to those in need.”

Miner accepted her award at the Just Between Friends annual conference in Seattle, Washington. She shares, "I am completely blown away to be named Franchise of the Year for 2022. The community we have built in Gainesville to help, validate and build up our families as we go through the trenches of parenthood is so great! For that hard work to be recognized on a national level is AMAZING! I can't wait to see what the future holds for my team and our community here in Gainesville. It takes a village, and our village is a strong one!”

Gainesville Just Between Friends is planning its spring event May 20 through 22 at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact Just Between Friends President Dianne Davis, 918-636-4106 or diannedavis@jbfsale.com.