Local Husband-Wife Duo Aim to Power Their Community by Investing in Top Battery Retailer


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 24, 2023 - Batteries Plus, the world's leading specialty battery franchise, recently welcomed its latest signed agreement for the development of six new units along Florida's Treasure Coast. This deal will not only expand Batteries Plus's well-known presence in the state, but it will also further establish the brand's expertise along the bustling business growth hub along its southeastern coast.

At the helm of this deal is local couple Kurt and Liz Storkel, who each bring unique backgrounds to their first franchising venture. Kurt spent over two decades as the Senior South East Regional Facilities Manager for The Cheesecake Factory and Liz spent over 30 years as an elementary school teacher. The Storkels are privy to the power solutions needed in businesses and school buildings from their everyday equipment to their lighting and Exit signage. Also, knowing their community's strong passion for fishing, the couple knows just how important a reliable battery source their locations can be along the coast.

"My wife and I couldn't be with a better franchising partner to begin the next chapter of our lives with Batteries Plus," said Kurt Storkel. "Other franchisees in the area have already become like brothers and sisters to us as we get started. Whether it's other local businesses or the plethora of outdoor toys in the area, we're looking forward to helping power the communities around us."

Florida ranked in the top 10 nationally for population and business growth last year and is projected to grow at nearly twice the rate of the national average in both categories by 2030. With the Storkels' six stores along the Treasure Coast, residents, business owners, and more will soon have expertise on any and all battery, lighting, smart home, key fob and phone repair solutions.

Of the Storkels' six locations, they're hoping to have their first location open by early 2024 in Okeechobee. The remainder would come over the course of the next six years.

"We're happy to welcome Kurt and his wife Liz to our franchise system and to grow the Batteries Plus brand in Florida," added Joe Malmuth, Chief Franchising Officer. "We already have over 70 locations throughout the state and our expansion along the Treasure Coast is in the hands of dependable and savvy new franchisees."

With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its 'plus' services – including cell phone repair and key fob replacement. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130. Plus, for the 30th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list, climbing 53 spots over last year's rank and even becoming one of only 49 franchise brands to be inducted into Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 Hall of Fame. To learn more about Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:
Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®' Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Danny Stewart, Fishman Public Relations, dstewart@fishmanpr.com or 847.945.1300 ext. 266

SOURCE Batteries Plus