American Poolplayers Association

Founded: 1981 Franchising since: 1982
In 1979, professional billiard players Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart pursued a novel idea-why not create an organized league system for amateur pool players? Dubbed the American Poolplayers Association (APA), their brainchild now operates franchise leagues across the United States and Canada (where the organization is known as the Canadian Poolplayers Association). Members participate in annual 8- and 9-ball championships, pay a yearly membership fee to the APA and pay a weekly fee to the League Operator (franchisee) each time they play. League Operators host team games each week; winners go on to compete in division and national tournaments.

1000 Lake St. Louis Blvd., #325 Lake St. Louis, Missouri 63367

Phone: (636)625-8611 Franchisee Association Franchise Owners Association

Franchisor has 47 employee(s); 3 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	295	17	1	0
2008	286	16	1	0
2007	276	19	1	0
2006	280	20	0	0
2005	274	20	0	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Outside the U.S.: Asia, Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies

Total investment: $11.9K-14.7K Franchise fee: $5K+

Ongoing royalty fee: $2.50/team/wk. Term of agreement: 2 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• 18% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 5 days

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Internet
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Ad slicks
• National media

Other marketing support

• Print materials, extranet

Franchise 500® rank:
#214 (2009); #224 (2008); #173 (2007); #176 (2006); #218 (2005);

Ranked #1 in category in:
2008; 2007; 2006; 2005;

Low-Cost Franchises:
#41 (2009); #46 (2008); #38 (2007); #44 (2006); #56 (2005);

Top Home Based Franchises:
#50 (2009); #53 (2008); #46 (2007); #47 (2006); #59 (2005);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#165 (2009); #198 (2008); #131 (2007); #128 (2006); #161 (2005);