The UPS Store® continues to develop solutions for small businesses

as it prepares to open its 5,000th store.

By Chris Kelsch

One thing most humans can agree on is that standing in line at the post office ranks as one of the most mind-numbing activities one could endure, and yet there are times it is simply unavoidable. As an alternative to this, Mail Boxes Etc. was introduced in 1980, and eventually grew to more than 3,000 stores by 2001. That’s when UPS took notice, seeing a huge opportunity to increase its retail presence for e-commerce shipping and returns. It purchased the company in 2001 and rebranded Mail Boxes Etc. as The UPS Store in 2003.

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H&R Block continues to provide services that maximize

its customers’ tax returns with innovative tech.

By Bianca Herron

In 1955, Brothers Henry and Richard Bloch created H&R Block Inc., a new firm that specialized in income tax return preparation. At the time, the IRS in Kansas City, Mo., had just discontinued its practice of preparing tax returns for free to taxpayers. Within weeks, the company grossed more than $20,000.

As the company started to thrive, Richard Bloch suggested expanding the business to New York City, the next city the IRS had scheduled to discontinue its tax preparation services.

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Stanley Steemer educates its customers about its deep cleaning technology

while continuing to add services and grow organically.

By Janice Hoppe-Spiers

Stanley Steemer has become synonymous with everything clean for homes and businesses. Thanks to its advertisements, we can’t help but think “gets your home cleaner” after hearing the Dublin, Ohio-based company’s name and jingle “Call 1-800-Steemer.”

With seven decades of cleaning experience this year, Stanley Steemer celebrates the past while focusing on the future.

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Jazzercise reimagines itself for the 20-something fitness enthusiast

while embracing its legacy as an accessible and fun workout.

By Tim O’Connor

The fitness market is filled with newcomers. It seems like every month a new boutique workout studio starts a wave across the industry – often by tweaking established programs to appeal to the millennial audience. Companies such as SoulCycle and Flywheel evolved the spinning class and yoga fans turned into hot yoga fans. Fitness enthusiasts have more options than ever before.

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