Our HistoryIn the summer of 2002, the Cartridge World family of stores was growing quickly in Australia and Great Britain. Company Directors Bryan Stokes and Paul Wheeler then set their sights on the world's most promising consumer market: The United States.
Mike Fuller, CEO of Franchise Development, was dispatched to the United States to make Bryan and Paul's vision a reality. Mike quickly settled on an office and warehouse location in the City of Emeryville just 6 miles east of San Francisco, California. With the location now secured, it was time to start looking for the people who would lead Cartridge World North America to prominence in the refilling industry.
First on board in December of 2002 was CEO Burt Yarkin. Burt came to Cartridge World with a wealth of franchising experience including a successful tenure in Franchise Development with Gymboree. John Dring was named EVP after having been a senior executive at UPS Stores. An outstanding staff of professional men and women were assembled and ready to guide the tremendous growth of the fledgling company.
With a top notch staff in place, the system began to grow. 2003 saw the creation of 13 Master Territories in the United States, each owned by Master Franchisees that began to populate the U.S. market with the Cartridge World brand. By the end of 2003, 40 store franchises had been awarded and 10 stores were open and doing business.
In 2004, a new corporate headquarters was occupied in July of 2004. This new facility consisted of over 18,000 square feet and included the first North American training center. This new facility, located at 6460 Hollis Street in Emeryville, now houses an 20,000 square foot warehouse and over 12,000 square feet of corporate offices and 8,000 square foot training center.
2004 was also a break out year for store growth. The 100th store in the United States was sold in June and three new Master territories were added. | | |  |
