National Franchise of the Year Award 2008  Chattanooga, TN
Small Business Wins Big Award

Just Between Friends of Chattanooga Named as National Franchise of the Year Chattanooga, TN franchisee, Nicole Wilfong (center) featured with last year's winners, (right) Pam Willingham and Joanie Morrison of Fort Worth, Texas and JBF Founders (left) Daven Tackett and Shannon Wilburn.Chattanooga, TN - Topping more than 70 other franchises across the country, Just Between Friends of Chattanooga has been named “Franchise of the Year” by Just Between Friends Franchise Systems, Inc. - the nation’s largest children’s and maternity consignment sales event. 

Owner Nicole Wilfong is getting ready for her fourth year in Chattanooga. JBF helps families in Chattanooga and is one of the city’s most popular events –with three sales a year.  The state’s largest consignment event provides thousands of families throughout Chattanooga a chance to save money and earn money on thousands of items for children.  Consignors earn 65-70 percent of what they sell at the event and save a bundle on what they buy.

The panel of professional judges chose Wilfong and the Chattanooga Just Between Friends for her “strategic, creative and professional approach to cultivating consignor relationships” and for her “marketing and branding ….by investing in a public relations professional.”   The judges also noted that JBF of Chattanooga also had incredible financial success in 2008.Wilfong’s marketing efforts have helped make JBF of Chattanooga a household name. 

During a two year period, Wilfong grew her business from 78 consignors to more than 700 and her gross sales increased from $21,000.00 to more than $200,000.00.  For Wilfong, the motivation is helping her community.   “I’m so excited that Chattanooga has been recognized with this award.  The families in the greater Chattanooga area embraced the concept of JBF and are benefitting from the success that it has had!  I love being a part of ‘something bigger’.  Helping local families outfit their children while they also make some much needed extra cash is a thrill.  I feel so blessed to be alive in a time, a generation, when women can reach for the stars.  Moms today can follow their dreams and expect to be successful if they’re willing to push those dreams through to fruition,” said Wilfong.Wilfong is getting ready for her next big event March 22nd – March 28th at Camp Jordan Arena. 

Families can sign up as a consignor by visiting www.jbfsale.com.   

Shannon Wilburn, President of JBF Franchise Systems, Inc said she was not surprised that the judges chose JBF of Chattanooga as “Franchise of the Year” "The Chattanooga franchise has seen phenomenal growth and has consistently led our organization in many areas.  It is wonderful to see Nicole recognized for her accomplishments. She deserves it!" said Wilburn.