Use the buttons below to navigate to the right milestones to continue your journey each week!

Milestones

Milestones are prioritized to minimize start up cost, maximize training time & ensure an on time launch 100 days or less.
We recommend completing each milestone in sequential order to ensure best results.

Welcome!

* Pro Tip: If you have not yet received access to the Operations Manual please "request access"' and it will be promptly approved.

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1-800-Packouts Onboarding

Welcome to your onboarding Journey!

Let's rock 'n roll!
Onboarding should take about 14-15 weeks.Your onboarding coach is:
Rhonda! She's here to facilitate and guide you through this exciting process.

Not sure about something?
Review the Ops Manual for guidance.
Check the Toolbox for quick access to 1800-Packouts' support resources.

© Five Star Franchising. All rights reserved.

Let's Get started

What can you expect during the next 100 days?

  • Complete each Milestone on time.

  • Meet with your Onboarding Coach weekly.

  • It will be harder and more work than expected. This is normal.

  • Overcome obstacles as quickly as possible!

  • Your Population Fees begin 120 days after your Launch Call.

The Paperwork - Milestone #1

This milestone takes about 2 weeks.

Congratulations!

You made the leap! Take some time to celebrate!
Business Ownership is an adventure.
We're thrilled to be on it with you!

1/15

Register your new business Entity

We're unable to provide counsel on this. Consult with your attorney on this matter to be properly set up.Submit your EIN number at the completion of this Milestone.

2/15

Apply for Necessary Licenses & Permits

It is your responsibility to know what licenses & permits are required in your area.

3/15

Hire a Commercial Real Estate Broker

Acquiring a facility is historically the greatest inhibitor to the launch process.It's critically important to begin the process now.
Use the links provided to help locate some brokers to expedite locating a suitable location.

Insurance Quotes

The FDD & Franchise Agreement require a base level of insurance. We recommend shopping around and reaching out to 3-5 insurance providers to begin getting quotes.

The FDD & Franchise Agreement require a base level of insurance. We recommend shopping around and reaching out to 3-5 insurance providers to begin getting quotes.

Often insurance providers will ask for a classification code for the type of business you will be insuring. If asked, use the link below to provide the applicable classification code.Pro Tip: Getting the right code can and will drastically effect how a company looks at the risk you pose. Be sure this is accurate.

Pro Tip: You will purchase the insurance when you're closer to opening

5/15

Register a New Tax ID with the IRS

Submit your EIN number at the completion of this Milestone.

Need additional users?

Your company email has been set up and you should have received it already. If you have not, please contact Brian immediately.Additional email users are available at your request and cost $8/mo/each.
The full Microsoft Office suite is also available to them for $17/mo.
Contact Brian to get additional users added.

Brian.Wallace@1800packouts.com

8/15

Access FranConnect

FranConnect is the Five Star Franchising center for all resources, training, onboarding, news, communication and status updates.You can begin training at any time. However, we recommend doing this online training 1 month prior to opening.(We'll remind you when to start this later on)

Additional FranConnect users are free.
Fill out the form at the link below.

FranConnect Intro Tutorial

In-Depth Overview of FranConnect (19 mins)

Accessing Online Training (2.5 mins)

How to change your Password (40 Sec)

The Command Center (6 mins)

*Pro Tip

*You will need a computer to complete many of the onboarding tasks.*A WINDOWS Operating system is REQUIRED to use Xactimate (a major piece of software you will be using daily). You will need to purchase a computer with this capability or be able to run a windows OS on IOS. The 1-800-Packouts Corporate team will not be able to help you with this.

9/15

Request another Franconnect User

Setting Expectations Internally

As a new business owner it's critically important to set proper expectations within your own team, even if it's just you at the moment. We encourage you to define the culture you want to instill in the future.

  • What does that look like?

  • What are your company's core values?

  • How will they play a role in holding future employees accountable?

  • What is the decision making criteria for hiring?

  • What do you plan to do when you encounter challenges?

  • How do you plan on overcoming personal weaknesses?

  • What goals do you want to accomplish as a company?

  • How do you want employees to feel working for you?

  • Do you have a future exit strategy? What does that look like?

10/15

Setting Goals with your Business Coach

A weekly cadence call should be scheduled with your Business Coach. If you have not decided on a weekly day and time yet please let your Business Coach know when that works best for you.Together you need to determine the following:

  • What expos, conferences or events are coming up that you'd like to attend?

  • What day & time will work for a 1 on 1 cadence call?

  • Can you commit to attending training within 3 weeks of your official onboarding date?

  • Can you commit to launching by the anticipated launch date?

10/16

Create a Business Plan & Proforma

Not only is a business plan & proforma good business strategy it's also necessary to receive funding from the SBA!If you are using SBA or another source of financing you have a proforma already.Using a business coach and access to franchise owners and other resources, update your proforma with the most up-to-date information.The links below are resources to help you and not required or necessary.

What's the difference?

A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the overall strategy and operational details of a business. It includes a detailed description of the business concept, target market, competitive landscape, marketing and sales strategies, organizational structure, and operational processes.

A proforma is a financial statement that provides projected financial information for a specific period in the future. It is typically based on historical financial data and assumptions about future conditions. The purpose of a proforma is to estimate the potential financial performance of a business, project, or investment.

Time to Wrap up Milestone #1

Check each box, answer each question and submit to complete the Milestone.

Milestone #2
Apparel, Truck & Planning

Giddy Up Partner! It's time to look the part!
This milestone takes about 2 weeks.

Order Apparel & Swag

It's time to look the part!
Visit the swag shop to procure apparel & gear for you and your team.

1/10

Initial Marketing Call

Schedule an initial marketing call with Brian.You'll begin discussions around your market, strategy, list building & much more!

Brian.Wallace@1800packouts.com

2/10

Create an account with Victory Packaging

Victory Packaging is the 1-800-Packouts box supplier.
Please contact Scott Rockhill to set up your account there.
srockhill@victorypackaging.com

3/10

Find a local truck dealer

Purchasing a truck at this point depends on where you are in the financing process. If you're going through the SBA it is likely you are not ready to buy a vehicle yet. This is normal and expected.Now is the time to begin locating a truck and or dealer.Begin researching dealers in your area.We recommend nothing smaller than 18'.

*Pro Tips

  • If you're waiting for funding via SBA or another provider it is NOT wise to deplete cash reserves until AFTER your financing is fully funded. Be very careful WHEN you purchase a truck & make sure you have a place to store it until you open.

  • Diesel trucks get better mileage than traditional gasoline. However, some states require diesel exhaust fluid to help reduce emissions. This can increase ongoing costs.

  • Northern states that experience snow in the winter may think twice about purchasing a truck with a ramp due to ice build up & potential fall risks.

  • Lift gate trucks can sometimes breakdown. If you do not have an alternative access door you may be delayed until the lift gate is repaired.

  • Side entrance trucks are a plus.

  • Trucks with an extended cab are highly recommended by other franchisees as they limit the need for a 2nd vehicle to drive to a job site. These are often hard to find.

  • Consider the size of the streets you will be driving on. Are they filled with parked cars & people? It is difficult to navigate a big box truck in tight traffic situations or in small city streets.

  • Some older cities have bridges that are built short. Densely populated cities may have bridges that will not accommodate the height of your truck. Consider researching your city to find out what's typical for your area.

Decide on Initial Quantities

Initial supplies, inventory & equipment needs to be purchased to make sure you're ready for your first job.We've outlined a suggested amount of supplies to get you started.The SBA will need to know anticipated costs of starting your 1-800-Packout company. So decide on initial quantities you'll need now.

5/10

Set up Quickbooks

You're likely now incurring expenses with your business. You need to track these in a bookkeeping solution.QuickBooks is inexpensive and we recommend starting a subscription with them right away.The Plus plan is the minimum plan required in order for it to connect other software platforms you'll be using.

In QuickBooks, the "Chart of Accounts" is a foundational feature that helps organize and categorize financial transactions for a business. It's essentially a list of all the accounts where financial transactions are recorded, such as assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and equity. Each account is assigned a unique account number and a name, and these accounts collectively create a structured framework for tracking the financial activities of the business.Use the link below to access a recommended chart of accounts that you'll need for your Quickbooks instance

7/10

Online Training

It's time to access the Online Training System or OTS within FranConnect.These training videos are on a wide range of subjects and are available to you and your employees.They must be 100% completed by the time you come to in-person training.

8/10

Phone System

You need a phone system to have calls forwarded to from the Pronexis call center.(You'll submit this new phone number when completing this Milestone.)
There are many options out there. See the list below to get started.

8/10

Time to Wrap up Milestone #2

Check each box, answer each question and submit to complete the Milestone.

Milestone #3
Facility Acquisition

This milestone is critically important as nearly all others are dependent on it.

Warehouse

Your warehouse needs to be climate controlled between 52 Degrees and 85 Degrees.
Humidity levels should be controlled with dehumidifiers, fans or ventilation.
We recommend 10,000 sqft.
Bay doors are a plus!
Tall ceilings will allow you to stack your vaults and generate more revenue for the same square feet.
You'll need 240v electricity access for your ultrasonic tank and drying chamber.
You'll need running water & access to a drain to empty the water from the cleaning station tanks.
Ozone treatment is toxic so it must be done in a room separate from any other with exterior ventilation. This can also be done using a zip, plastic enclosed mobile room.

1/4

Finalize Your Funding

If you are using SBA or obtaining financing another way, you may be unable to continue until your financing has been completed.It is extremely important that you do not deplete your cash reserves while waiting for your financing to be fully funded. This changes your financial position in the middle of the process and can stop all progress. Avoid large, significant purchases during this time such as equipment, trucks & payroll.

2/4

Schedule a Networking Event!

It's time rub shoulders with industry experts, contractors, adjusters and more!The 1-800-Packouts Corporate team goes to multiple tradeshows per year and we'd love to have you join us!Brian & Kenzie from the Marketing team are great resources to discuss these with.
Email Rhonda, or discuss with Marketing in your next sync up with them!rhonda@1800packouts.com
brian.wallace@1800packouts.com

3/4

Congratulations on Officially Acquiring your Warehouse!

At this point you're ready to mark this Milestone Complete!

4/4

Milestone #4
Truck, Registration & Insurance

This milestone sets up critical backend systems needed to run your business.

  • Purchase a Vehicle

  • Insurance

  • Training

  • Hiring

This milestone takes about 3 weeks.

This Step is for California Owners Only

(All others skip to next step)

California Owners, you will need to complete the following steps below required by the state.

  • Submit application to Bureau of Household Goods & Services

  • Vehicle Maintenance & Operations Proof

  • Finger Prints Taken

Xcelerate

Xcelerate is industry leading software designed to act as the main backbone of your business. It is the Job Management and CRM solution that sets you up for success and is required by your Franchise Agreement.

2/10

What is your initial Cleaning Room Strategy?

If you have a single territory then you'll need one type of equipment configuration.If you have more than one territory we highly suggest you plan on a larger more efficient configuration.Here are some important questions that need answering:

  • Where will the cleaning room be located?

  • Where is the electrical located?

  • Is 240v present? Or is it only 110v?

  • What are the amperage limits of the current wiring?

  • Is there plumbing that needs to be moved to accommodate draining of the water tanks?

  • Is there enough space for crews to work?

  • How many jobs do you anticipate feeding through your system?

Fireline is a preferred vendor but there are others that can get the job done. Check the Ops Manual for more info on this.

3/10

Purchasing a Truck

Before purchasing please make sure to submit images of the proposed vehicle for approval.

To be approved, the vehicle must not have any significant dents, rust or damage.
It must also be white and in attractive condition.

4/10

In most states a DOT# will be required to legally drive your vehicle for commercial use.Use the link below:

5/10

1 Month Left Marketing Call

Schedule a 1 month left marketing call with Brian.You'll find contacts to prospect into, make lists and continue building your initial launch strategy.

Now that you've purchased a vehicle use the link below to find a provider that will install a 1-800-Packouts decal on your truck.*Note: If you choose to do a vehicle wrap this must be approved by Brian before installation.

Brian.Wallace@1800packouts.com

Colors & Decals

Note: Above are Hex color codes. To convert to a Pantone color code use the converter tool below.

Decals & Graphics

Your printing & decal provider will need this information to ensure logos are printed accurately.Pro Tip: Ask for a "proof" to see before printing.

6/10

Insurance

Vehicle GPS

Call David Flores for GPS Installation - 678-327-4457

7/10

Online Training Continued...

Nice working so far!
You've been busy and making a lot of progress.
This is a reminder to be inside the Online Training Module in FranConnect and be watching the video trainings available there.Note: All online training courses must be 100% completed before your 1 week in person training at the training center.

8/10

Staffing

Now is the time to consider making the hires you've been thinking about.Consider hiring:

  • Technician

  • Sales & Marketing Expert

  • General Manager

9/10

*Pro Tip

Five Star Franchising has established relationships with ADP & Paylocity.
Head to the 5 Star buying group website to learn more about these providers and how they can help you with your time keeping & payroll needs.Decide whether to bring your new employee to the in-person training coming up soon!Job description templates are already available for you to use and tweak to your own needs in the Operations Manual.

That's a wrap!

Let's mark this Milestone Complete and move to #5

10/10

Milestone #5
Software, Supplies, Furnishings

It's time for the rubber to meet the road.
This milestone takes about 3-4 weeks.

  • Supplies

  • Order Vaults

  • Signage

  • Pallet Jack

  • .... and more

Upcoming In-Person Training

Training is around the corner. It's time to reserve a hotel & car rental.Five Star Franchising has partnership with a local hotel near the training center & national partnerships with Enterprise Car Rental.Use the links provided to make accommodations.

Qvinci

Qvinci is a system 1-800-Packouts relies on to maintain accurate financial reporting data across all locations.This is NOT a cost borne by you, or really something you need to manage. However, it is something we have to help you set up BEFORE coming to your in-person training.Your Onboarding coach: Rhonda will help you with this.

2/12

*This task is for your awareness only. There is nothing for you to complete on your own until your Onboarding Coach brings this to your attention.

Matterport (Optional)

Subscribing to Matterport Axis is an optional work flow to enable you to more easily capture & document the condition, location of items within view.It creates a digital twin of the interior and facilitates field crews to know what items go where.Costs start for less than $100.

Purchase Supplies

It's time to order your supplies.
There's a lot to do!Discuss your strategy with your Onboarding Coach if you need help knowing what to buy and how much.* See the next step for information on the cleaning room equipment & more.

  • Small Boxes

  • Medium Boxes

  • Large Boxes

  • Tape

  • Large 1" Bubble Wrap

  • Hand Truck

  • Equipment & More

Visit the Operations Manual for access to vendor lists, quantities, pricing & much more.

Purchase Vaults

Vaults are how items are stored, organized & kept secure. They come in different shapes & sizes.
You need to understand how you're going to best use the space in your warehouse.Here are some questions to consider.

  • How tall are you ceilings?

  • How many vaults can you stack?

  • What is the profitability of 2 large vaults vs 3 smaller vaults?

  • How much space do you need in the isle way is necessary to drive a forklift and safely maneuver around people?

  • What is your numbering system you will use to track these?

  • How will you organize them inside your warehouse to enable efficient retrieval of items on demand?

Purchase Office Supplies

It's time to set up your office.
You'll need a printer, desk, Microsoft Windows operating computer (required for Xactimate) and much more.Don't go overboard. You can always buy more later. Now is the time to get what you need.

7/12

Pallet Jacks

Moving vaults is easy with the right tools.
Pallet jacks are widely used and can come from many suppliers.* Pro Tip - Facebook Marketplace is often a great place to find used, inexpensive equipment.

Forklifts

Forklifts come in a huge range of sizes, styles & capabilities.We recommend electric forklifts due to no emissions, lift capacity & increased surrounding visibility.Here are some questions you need to ask:

  • How long are your vaults?

  • How much room will you have to maneuver in the isle way?

  • What is the weight capacity of a vault & is the forklift capable of safely handling that?

  • How many vaults high will you be stacking? (This will determine how HIGH your forklift should reach)

  • Do you want electric, diesel, gas, natural gas or propane?

  • How is your facility vented?

  • Will exhaust fumes cause a problem over prolonged use?

  • Will your facility's electrical capabilities meet the demand of charging a forklift regularly?

Facility Signage

It's time to brand up!
Each facility is unique so placement of the signage is up to you.Ask yourself the following questions to determine what your needs are:

  • Do you have your company core values determined?

  • Where will you put those?

  • How will employees & visitors know where things are?

  • How will new employees understand the workflows?

  • Are your hours posted on your front door?

  • Is your building clearly marked with your logo & name visible?

9/12

Get Ready for In-Person Training

Please fill out the form below:

Encircle

Encircle is our inventory tracking software. It documents what items are packed in which boxes. It facilitates transparency in the Packouts process and provides Evidentiary Support for the line items in your invoices. Without it you cannot easily prove to the adjuster why you're charging a given amount.

Use the link provided to create an account with Encircle.Once created - Upload your 1-800-Packouts logo to your Encircle Account.This must be completed BEFORE in person training because we will be using Encircle during your time with us.You will need an Ipad to go with it.* Pro Tip: We recommend an Ipad with cellular data built in so as not to limit the sync up of data, pictures & information between wifi hot spots.

Xactimate

Xactimate is industry leading software that uses vast amounts of data from other providers to give standard pricing suggestions for restoration companies.We use Xactimate because insurance adjusters trust the pricing models as they're widely accepted in the industry.Once created - Upload your 1-800-Packouts logo to your Xactimate Account. (see the next step for more info)Upload your price list to Xactimate.Please download Xactimate app (for IOS) on your new Ipad. We will use this for 2 days during training week. A Microsoft Windows enabled device MUST be available to use Xactimate on a web browser; which is the recommended workflow when not actively in the field.

Install Xactimate

In preparation for your upcoming training at the Packouts HQ please review & install the Xactimate App onto your Desktop now and add a header.This must be done BEFORE you come to training.

12/12

Almost There!

Ready to move to Milestone #6? Let's mark this complete and move on!

Training - Milestone #6

Training is here! Let's get ready to start.
This milestone takes about 1.5 weeks.
Much of this milestone will be done on site at 1800-Packouts HQ.

Pre-Launch - Milestone #7

It's official! You're about ready to take claims!This milestone will take about 3 weeks.This is the last milestone. Well done!
A ribbon cutting is around the corner!