``Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Reaches Milestone 100th Franchise''.

Business Editors

What Jim Murphy and Mark Lucas began as a children's magazine in the mid 90s, soon thereafter launched a thriving tutoring company.

This month, just a few short years later, Club Z! In-Home Tutoring has successfully attained a substantial milestone with the sale of the company's 100th franchise.

"During the early days of publishing our children's magazine, we heard from parents about their difficulties finding appropriate and well-trained tutors for their struggling students," remembered Mark Lucas, CEO of Club Z! "We saw an opportunity that would build on our magazine, and began to study other franchise companies and models," he added.

The 100th franchise was purchased by Ken Filosa of Hartford, Conn. "I was looking for a new venture that utilized my prior business experience and would also achieve something I could be proud of," remarked Filosa.

"After researching several business possibilities, I discovered Club Z!, and knew it was the perfect business for me. I'm thrilled to be the 100th franchisee and feel that Club Z!'s reaching this milestone adds great credibility to the company and reinforces my decision to go with a leader!" he added.

The Club Z! concept is simple, yet unique in a number of ways. "What sets Club Z! apart from other tutoring services comes down to four essential differences," explained Lucas.

"First, our tutors meet with students one-on-one. Second, our tutors come to the home of the student, providing a more comfortable setting for students, and relieving parents of another activity destination.

"Third, while all our tutors are vigorously screened and well qualified in their subject area, we also look for a tutor who will be compatible to a student's personality and learning style. And finally, there are no long-term contracts to sign and families can pay as they go," he added.

Club Z! tutors can assist students in reading, math, language arts, science, foreign languages, and SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAT preparation, from pre-Kindergarten to adult. Club Z! tutors also work on developing academic skills, improving self-confidence, and nurturing the love of learning.

One of the most appealing advantages is the affordability of the Club Z! opportunity. Area Directors (franchisees) can open a Club Z! franchise for less than a $20,000 total investment.

Franchisees receive a protected territory geographically defined, assistance with acquiring tutors and students, comprehensive training in the city where the franchise is to be located, and unparalleled on-going support.

According to Filosa, Club Z! offered him the necessities of a proven method, reputable and growing name recognition, marketing creativity and materials, on-going support and the flexibility to run his business from his home or from a small office.

"Jim and Mark want me to be a success and they show it with everything they do," commented Filosa.

For more information about Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services and franchise opportunities, call Lucas at 800/434-2582 or visit the Web site at www.clubztutoring.com.