UBCNews - Business

We’re all familiar with the situation: a glazier shows up, sucks some air through his teeth, and says, “We don’t do that type of glass,” or “We’ll need to come back later.” If you have an emerging glazing requirement in the Bexley area, SOS Glass Services stocks a full range of commercial and residential systems, so you won’t be left waiting.

Posing both a safety and a security risk, broken windows are among some of the most urgent repair requests for both homes and businesses. In the case of commercial premises, companies may be forced to close or limit trading until broken glazing is rectified, which could significantly impact their operations.

The team at SOS Glass Services takes their role seriously, and with proprietary glazing systems becoming increasingly common, they want to make sure they can always help. As part of the latest update, the firm includes replacement glass for a wide variety of systems, eliminating the need to leave your site and return at a later time.

“With over 25 years’ experience, we pride ourselves in providing a quality service and solution to all your glazing needs,” a company representative explained. “In the vast majority of cases, we are able to cut the glass on site and complete the work immediately, otherwise we will organise to make your property safe until the glass can be installed.”

In business for over 25 years, SOS Glass Services is one of the most well-established and experienced glazing firms in the Bexley and North Bexley region. In addition to local clients, the company now offers emergency glazing and architectural glazing services across the greater Sydney region, including Blakehurst, Campsie, Marrickville, and Bankstown.

“We used SOS Glass to fix the horrendous and incomplete job one of the local balustrade companies had left us with,” one client recently stated. “The team literally came to our rescue. They were very professional and efficient at all times, with a very short amount of time passing from when we gave them the go-ahead to when they had finished all the work. We would recommend them to anyone.”

Check out the link in the description to learn more!

Don’t let the name Oregon Carports fool you, because this home-grown company goes well beyond protecting cars and RVs. In fact, they offer an extensive range of commercial and agricultural metal structures, ranging from off-the-shelf options to fully customized designs.

Commercial applications can include warehousing, manufacturing, retail spaces, or office buildings, while farmers and ranchers can also request multipurpose barns to serve any need. The team can install your new structure in any part of the state, including Roseburg, Canyonville, Albany, or Salem.

An uncertain economic outlook is placing additional pressure on many Oregon businesses, including local farmers. Falling crop prices and higher input costs, such as fertilizer, seed, and machinery, all threaten to further squeeze profit margins.

Oregon Carports’ latest prefabricated metal structures offer a cost-effective option if your business or farm needs additional storage or other types of internal space. The company’s website shows an extensive line of pre-designed options, and a 3D design capability also allows for fully customized solutions.

“From warehouses and manufacturing facilities to retail spaces and office buildings, our steel structures are built for maximum strength and efficiency,” a company representative explained. “Prefabricated for quick assembly, these commercial buildings offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to conventional construction, allowing you to scale your operations with ease.”

In addition to commercial and agricultural buildings, Oregon Carports offers an extensive selection of metal carports, garages, and other residential structures. The company is headquartered in Eugene and is locally owned and operated.

“The quality and precision of the building Oregon Carports constructed truly exceeded my expectations, and I’m pretty fussy,” one client recently stated. “They made it clear to me that if I ever had any problems, a simple phone call is all it would take to remedy. I plan to have another smaller building installed later this year, and I will definitely be using Oregon Carports again.”

Check out the description to learn more!

Looking for a reliable supplier of lag screws for your next construction project? If you’re tired of inferior fasteners that promise compliance but rarely deliver or stand the test of time, turn to America’s favorite failsafe fastener supplier - Newport Fasteners!

Whether you’re a contractor, builder, joiner, maintenance engineer, or just a DIY enthusiast, you can bulk order heavy-duty screws, bolts, and other fasteners from the company's extensive web store.

If you’re based in the US, you’ll benefit from same-day shipping on virtually all products and can expect delivery to any North American location within one to three working days.

New additions to the inventory include uncoated, carbon steel lag coach screws – available in packs of 100. These screws are ASME B18.2.1 and SAE J429-compliant, providing long-lasting performance in both indoor and outdoor settings. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to your toolkit for construction, woodworking, furniture assembly, or more casual DIY projects.

Newport Fastener's new lag screws have a carbon-rich steel core with a galvanized zinc exterior which makes it resistant to rust: the zinc layer blocks any oxygen or moisture from reaching and weakening the core.

“There are many benefits of using lag screws depending on the application,” a spokesperson explains. “These screws are a good choice because they can sustain enormous amounts of pressure and strain. Manufacturing and construction companies use lag screws for better performance because of the bigger size, girth, and design.”

You can order this product in a range of standard thread sizes – from 5/16” to ¾ inches – and lengths from one inch to 2 and ¾ inches.

Other additions to the inventory include 5/16 x 4 Hex Lag Screws made from 18-8 Stainless Steel. This product is designed for outdoor applications and comes with an external hex drive system, hex head, and a self-drill point style.

A spokesperson explains, “These extremely sturdy fasteners are usually used to connect heavy lumber or other heavy materials bearing intense loads. These screws differ from normal wood, self-drilling, or sheet metal screws. They boast coarse threading to add extra strength and security to help hold things together.”

The above products are a small sample of Newport Fasteners’ vast inventory of over 100,000 SKUs that includes Brass, Alloy, Steel, Aluminum, and Nylon pieces. Since its inception, the company has become a reliable partner for the Marine, Solar, Electronics, Lighting, and Construction industries.

For the sturdiest screws and bolts, choose Newport Fasteners!

Click the link in the description for more details.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the United States: According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has seen an astounding 311% growth in participation across the United States over the last three years. An estimated 19.8 million Americans now play this addictive paddle game, making it one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the country.

Want to get into pickleball? Learn more at the link in the description.

Although pickleball is suddenly everywhere, many of us have no idea how to play, getting lost in the unfamiliar terminology, unique rules, and technical skills required to really get into it. The good news? You don't need years of athletic experience to become proficient at pickleball—just the right guidance and practice approach.

The Beginner's Dilemma:

Technique Confusion: Without proper form fundamentals, players often develop bad habits that limit improvement.

These barriers can lead new players to feel discouraged or plateau in their development, despite the sport's reputation for being easy to learn.

Learning Resources That Make a Difference:

Mastering Pickleball Basics guides detail everything from equipment selection to mental game strategies, providing clear, actionable advice rather than overwhelming technical details. The platform's approach focuses particularly on building player confidence through progressive skill development.

"Players often ask what they should focus on first to improve," notes a representative from the platform. "We created our guides to answer each of those questions with simple, easy-to-implement advice that helps new players build control, understand strategy, and avoid common mistakes."

Community Support for Growth:

Beyond technical skills, connecting with the pickleball community can vastly improve your experience. Understanding court etiquette and unwritten rules helps newcomers integrate smoothly into the social fabric that makes this sport special.

Many players find that local recreation centers offer beginner clinics, while online forums and communities provide ongoing support for technique questions. Resources like Mastering Pickleball Basics complement these community connections by offering structured guidance that players can reference between live sessions.

Taking Your First Steps:

Ready to improve your pickleball game? Start by focusing on one aspect of your play at a time rather than trying to overhaul everything at once. Mastering Pickleball Basics’s comprehensive guides let you review all the relevant information at your own speed. With the right approach to learning this increasingly popular sport, you'll find yourself enjoying more competitive matches and experiencing the satisfaction of visible improvement.

Whether your goal is social play or tournament competition, establishing strong fundamentals now will serve you well throughout your pickleball journey.

Want to learn more about Mastering Pickleball Basics? You can access all their free resources at the link in the description.

We’ve all dealt with the faceless nature of huge companies, and you’ll probably agree that small, locally-owned businesses offer greater levels of customer service. That’s why the Lower Hutt and Hutt Valley branch of Mr Green is independently owned—so you get the friendly, personalized service of a local business, backed by the reliability and resources of a trusted brand.

Established over 30 years ago, Mr Green has developed comprehensive policies and processes, including the use of eco-friendly products, and a colour-coded hygiene system to prevent cross-contamination. The Lower Hutt team receives regular training on these processes while also being responsible for their own area, allowing for a more personalised and tailored approach.

A recent Forbes article highlights some of the advantages that small businesses have over their larger competitors, including flexibility, tight-nit teams that encourage personal growth, lower overheads, and cost-effectiveness. However, larger companies have access to more resources, as well as economies of scale, which can also help reduce prices.

“All our cleaning tasks are carried out by independent business owners who uphold our fundamental values of being professional, dependable, and meticulous,” a company representative explained. “If you're in Lower Hutt and require a specific type of commercial cleaning, just inform us, and we'll customise our services to match your needs.”

Mr Green’s unique service combines both approaches, giving you greater flexibility and personalisation, along with the pricing efficiencies of a large organisation. As part of their offering, they use the Advance Nature line of eco-friendly products - non-toxic and biodegradable solutions developed for a variety of tasks, including disinfecting, heavy-duty floor cleaning, window cleaning, washroom maintenance, and more.

Mr Green can tailor a cleaning program to suit your specific requirements, including daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning schedules. Enquiries from Lower Hutt and Hutt Valley businesses can be made through the company’s website.

“The team that looks after our area is fabulous,” one client stated. “They are reliable, always do a stellar job, and are also nice people. I can definitely recommend them.”

Check out the link in the description so you can learn more.

From offices and schools to restaurants and retail outlets, Mr Green covers almost any commercial cleaning requirement in the Lower Hutt area. The team uses an advanced hygiene protocol, based on the universal colour-coding system, and all products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Part of the nationwide Mr Green Group, the Lower Hutt division is an independently owned business unit, allowing it to focus its efforts on your property above all else. However, the latest hygiene protocols form part of an organisation-wide initiative, which has now been adopted across more than 200 locations.

Originally developed by the British Institute of Cleaning Science, colour-coded cleaning systems take their inspiration from practices used in hospitals and are designed to prevent the spread of microbes. The approach has primarily been adopted in areas where health and safety are critical, but is increasingly being used more broadly to improve hygiene.

Mr Green explains that the use of a colour-coded cleaning protocol in an office, for example, limits the use of tools to specific areas, such as red for high-risk washrooms and toilets, green for food preparation areas, and blue for general use spaces. In doing so, the company’s goal is to limit the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, giving you a much healthier working environment.

“Whether it’s a home, office, or public space, our single goal is to provide spotless, healthy environments where people can thrive,” a company representative explained. “With a legacy dating back to 1992, our dedicated, independent business owners guarantee every job is completed to the highest standard.”

Mr Green is a 100% New Zealand-owned and operated company, with each region being managed as a franchise. This business model offers the purchasing power and advanced processes of a major organisation, while maintaining the agility and attention to detail of small independent operators.

“Mr Green's quality of work has always exceeded our expectations,” one client recently stated. “We have the whole interior cleaned, along with the windows and carpets, and everything was completed to an immaculate standard. I can highly recommend this company and want to commend them for the great work.”

Check out the description to learn more!

Ever wonder why your homegrown tomatoes don't taste quite like the ones at the farmer's market? The secret's in the soil. True plant magic happens when your soil is alive, teeming with beneficial microbes that build a rich, self-sustaining ecosystem beneath your plants.

While organic farming is on the rise, many garden centers across Australia still fall short on growing media that truly support plant health from seed to harvest. Easy as Organics fills this gap with their specialized living soil formulations that support your plants through their complete life cycle.

Their flagship blend, Easy As Organics Living Soil, is made from a precise mix of peat, compost, biochar, perlite, and scoria. This combination creates the perfect soil structure for beneficial microbes to thrive—converting nutrients into forms your plants can easily absorb and use.

The newly redesigned online store makes it even easier to shop for certified NASAA organic living soil, and to access helpful growing guides that walk you through your gardening journey step-by-step.

You'll also find their full product range, including the Regenerate All Purpose Organic Fertiliser, which restores depleted soil to a rich and balanced nutrient profile. The MycoBiome Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculant, which establishes symbiotic associations with plant roots to boost nutrient uptake. And the BacTerra Bacillus Soluble Powder, which contains specific strains of beneficial bacteria that improve soil structure.

Each product is designed to complement their organic soil blends to make growing organic food simpler—and more successful!

Founded by gardening enthusiasts, Easy as Organics emerged from backyard experiments with the soil food web and a mission to provide better growing options for Australian gardeners. The company focuses on creating nutrient-dense growing media that requires minimal or no additional fertilizers.

All products undergo rigorous testing and analysis through partnerships with EAL Laboratories and Logan Labs to ensure balanced nutrient profiles. The company's manufacturing process uses state-of-the-art facilities to produce consistent, high-quality organic soil blends.

A customer said, "Amazing. My vegetables are thriving, and I love the no till, no fertilizer aspect. Simply water, so easy!"

Shipping is available nationwide—excluding Western Australia due to quarantine restrictions. For more information, click on the URL in the description.

Today’s update is all about a newly released episode of Franchise Marketing Radio, produced by Franchise Now, and it’s one that should be on the radar of anyone interested in franchise leadership, community-driven business, or smart brand innovation. This brand-new episode features the leadership team from Slumberland, a respected furniture retail brand with a rich history and a bold vision for the future.

In this powerful episode, Kenny Larson, CEO of Slumberland, and Josh Priniski, VP of Franchise Development, join the podcast to share how a family-founded business from Minnesota has grown into a regional franchise powerhouse operating in 12 states, with more than 120 stores across the U.S.

The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into Slumberland’s founding story. Larson walks us through the company’s roots—founded in 1967 as a mattress specialty store—and how his father helped pioneer the concept of retail franchising in the mid-1970s. While many businesses were still trying to understand the franchise model, Slumberland leaned into it with clarity and purpose, recognizing it as a way to scale not just stores, but values.

Today, those values are still at the heart of the company. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear how love, dignity, honesty, and excellence aren’t just talking points—they’re operating principles that guide hiring decisions, customer service protocols, and most importantly, franchisee recruitment.

Slumberland isn’t looking for just any business investor. As Josh Priniski shares, the brand seeks franchise partners who are committed to making a difference in their communities. This means that passion, alignment, and purpose often matter more than prior retail or furniture experience. That’s a powerful message for aspiring entrepreneurs who want a proven system but also want to build something that feels personal and impactful.

And speaking of impact—one of the standout parts of the conversation is the story behind the 40 Winks Foundation, Slumberland’s charitable initiative aimed at providing new mattresses to children sleeping on the floor. This isn’t just a token cause—it’s a fully integrated part of the brand’s culture. Every year, Slumberland allocates 10% of its profits to charitable programs, with 100% of 40 Winks donations going directly to mattress distribution. All administrative costs are covered by the Larson family, ensuring complete transparency and trust.

Franchisees are encouraged to be active participants in these efforts. Many organize local campaigns and contribute beds to underserved families in their communities. It’s this combination of brand integrity and community integration that helps set Slumberland apart in a competitive franchise landscape.

Midway through the episode, the conversation shifts to innovation—and this is where Slumberland’s forward-thinking approach really shines.

Over the past few years, the brand has heavily invested in data infrastructure and backend transformation, particularly in response to the pandemic’s impact on supply chains and retail fulfillment. Rather than patch short-term solutions, the leadership team used the disruption as an opportunity to rebuild. Today, Slumberland is equipped with streamlined systems that are now laying the foundation for AI integration across its operations.

From automated inventory forecasting to AI-powered franchisee training tools, Slumberland is positioning itself as a digitally agile franchise system that supports smarter, faster decision-making without compromising on quality or customer experience.

What’s particularly impressive is that the brand is exploring ways to use AI in ways that benefit both the franchisor and franchisees. One initiative under consideration is an internal knowledge assistant—an AI-powered platform where franchise owners or staff can ask real-time questions about product specs, store policies, delivery options, or customer handling protocols—and get instant, accurate responses based on Slumberland’s training documentation.

This is the type of innovation that removes friction, reduces overhead, and enhances franchisee autonomy—all while protecting brand standards.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at tech. In the final portion of the episode, Larson and Priniski discuss leadership. Larson shares his experience stepping into the CEO role and continuing the legacy his father began, while also establishing his own voice and vision for the future. Priniski adds perspective on how transparent communication, shared values, and mutual respect have become the cornerstones of franchise system leadership at Slumberland.

It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about scaling a business—it’s about building a culture where franchisees, employees, and community members feel seen, supported, and aligned with a bigger mission.

So what’s the bottom line?

If you’re looking for a franchise brand that combines retail excellence, social impact, and digital innovation—this episode is a must-listen.

You can stream the full episode right now on FranchiseNow.ai

Hey everyone! Ever wondered why it's getting harder to find a working air compressor at your local gas station? Today we've got a fascinating discussion ahead about tyre pressure and a growing problem facing UK motorists.

Extra storage doesn’t have to be pricey or inconvenient. A refurbished 10-foot shipping container from Conexwest combines rugged durability with compact dimensions, making it the perfect choice for on-site construction facilities, equipment storage, and for homeowners who've maxed out their cupboards, closets, and carports. Whether you're housing tools or helming a pop-up shop, Conexwest has just the right container for your needs.

While standard I-S-O -certified containers are primarily designed for intermodal transport and stacking, non-ISO containers are built for adaptability and customization. Basically, they can be transformed into just about anything, or simply used for storage. Their compact design is ideal for locations with limited space, while their steel construction ensures they withstand demanding conditions.

A spokesperson for Conexwest explains:

“Our new line of refurbished containers offers an excellent solution to those seeking compact, durable, and cost-effective storage. Whether for homeowners, small businesses, or creative projects, these units deliver the value and versatility our customers expect, backed by our commitment to quality and customer service.”

Every refurbished 10-foot container that leaves the Conexwest building undergoes a meticulous restoration process, including thorough cleaning, priming, and painting with high-quality Direct-to-Metal (DTM) paint for corrosion protection. Containers are then finished in RAL1015 beige for a polished appearance. You also get handy insulation options with these units to maintain a stable internal climate, safeguarding your contents from extreme heat, cold, and condensation.

Conexwest operates as a vertically integrated company, performing all work in-house by their crew of AWS-certified technicians. This approach means you can count on strict quality control, streamlined production timelines, and minimized costs that respect your budget. True to their tagline, “We Build It Better,” Conexwest offers new, used, and refurbished containers, along with extensive customization and fabrication options to meet diverse client needs.

Known for high-quality products and award-winning customer service, Conexwest maintains an impressive 4.8-star Google rating. With delivery times as fast as 1-3 days and seamless logistics, you can have your container delivered directly to your site, provided the drop-off location meets proper space requirements for flatbed dimensions. Check their website for all the details on these considerations.

With their refurbished, top-of-the-line shipping containers ready to go, Conexwest keeps your timelines on track, and your budget on point.

Ready for the difference convenience and quality make?

Click on the link in the summary to find out more!