A Central Alberta couple has earned a spot on the cover of a national business magazine.
Don and Elaine Lysons, who own the local PropertyGuys.com franchise, were chosen to appear on the front of the January issue of Canadian Business Franchise.
The trade magazine’s circulation exceeds 10,000 and it’s also available online at: www.kenilworth.com/publications/cbf/de/201301/index.html.
“It’s something different when you’re on the front cover of a national magazine, and you walk by Chapters and you see your picture looking out at you,” said Don. “It’s a little strange.”
Canadian Business Franchise, which is published by Kenilworth Media Inc. of Richmond Hill, Ont., had decided to feature PropertyGuys.com on its January cover.
It also wanted to profile the private sale real estate business, which helps clients sell their homes on a fee-for-service basis rather than for a commission.
PropertyGuys.com asked the Lysons, who have been with the company since early 2010 and last year were named its top Western Canadian franchise and runner-up nationally, to pose for the cover shot.
Adrienne Corcoran of Red Deer’s Adrienne Marie Photography obtained a variety of photos in the early fall — including some featuring horses and western gear.
Don explained that they thought it might be a good idea to show Alberta’s cowboy culture. But ultimately, it was decided that such a portrayal might confuse readers about what PropertyGuys.com does.
A story in the magazine describes the PropertyGuys.com concept, with insights from and another photo of the Lysons.
Don said he and Elaine are already getting feedback from people who have seem the magazine, including some who are interested in franchising opportunities.
“More importantly, we’ve had other people phone us up and say, ‘I was aware of what you guys did, but not 100 per cent sure, and I want to market my property.’”
Founded in 1998, Moncton, N.B.-based PropertyGuys.com has about 120 franchises across Canada.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com