Month: May 2025

Big Frog Leaps Into Rochester Hills: Paco Beltran Rodriguez Brings Personalized Apparel to Michigan

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More is opening in Rochester Hills, led by the new franchise owner who’s ready to bring fast, high-quality personalized apparel to the community.

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More is hopping into Rochester Hills, Michigan, with a new location expected to open later this year. Leading the launch is Paco Beltran Rodriguez, a first-time franchisee with a background in international business and a lifelong exposure to entrepreneurship through his parents.

Rodriguez comes to Big Frog with a degree in international business and French and has worked in a variety of fields, including pharmaceuticals, insurance, and higher education. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, he always envisioned pursuing business ownership himself. After spending time in the corporate world in New York, he realized he wanted something different — something more personal and impactful.

“Corporate life wasn’t 100% my cup of tea,” he said. That realization, along with guidance from his father, a business coach, led him to explore franchising. Through the discovery and validation process, Big Frog emerged as the right fit.

What stood out most to Rodriguez during the discovery process was how approachable and responsive the Big Frog team and franchisees were. Rather than feeling like just another candidate, he felt genuinely supported and encouraged to ask questions, explore the model and build real relationships with people already in the system.

“One of the things I appreciated about Big Frog was how secure I felt during the process,” he said. “The representatives were always supportive on our weekly calls, but what stood out even more was the willingness of other franchisees to connect. I was able to speak with several of them one-on-one, and they took the time to answer my questions in depth. That helped me feel confident in my decision and made me feel a genuine connection to the brand.”

While he initially saw the custom apparel space as oversaturated, a closer look at Big Frog’s differentiators changed his perspective. The brand’s relationships with top-tier suppliers like SanMar and AlphaBroder, combined with its ability to deliver quality products quickly, gave him confidence that Big Frog could stand out.

“Time is money, and customers want to get their products as quickly and with the best quality possible,” he said. “Knowing that Big Frog can deliver on tight deadlines is something that sets us apart.”

Rodriguez also saw a unique opportunity in Rochester Hills. Though not the largest city in Michigan, the area blends a strong residential base with active schools and a thriving local business scene. From Rochester High School to nearby shopping centers, the community offers a wide range of potential customers — including families planning events to businesses in need of branded merchandise.

“There’s a mix of everything,” he said. “Being able to be right in the community and provide services locally is something I’m excited about.”

Community involvement is a big part of Rodriguez’s vision for the store. As a naturally social and outgoing person, he plans to network, attend events and build strong local connections that help grow both awareness and loyalty for the brand.

Now in the final stages of securing a storefront, he’s aiming to open the Rochester Hills location later this year. With energy, ambition and a commitment to quality, Rodriguez is ready to make Big Frog a go-to destination for custom apparel in his community — and a strong addition to the brand’s Michigan presence.

ABOUT BIG FROG CUSTOM T-SHIRTS & MORE:

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Dunedin, Florida, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, Inc. is an international franchise system with over 75 independently owned and operated stores serving consumers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada. Big Frog specializes in direct to garment printing (DTG) and is a one-stop shop for all custom apparel decorating techniques, as well as branded promotional products. Big Frog offers free design help, no minimums, no art/setup fees, and fast turnaround. Find a store at BIGFROG.COM, U.S. franchise opportunities at BIGFROGFRANCHISE.COM, Canadian franchise opportunities at BIGFROG.CA, and Big Frog on YouTube.

Decoding Big Frog’s Franchise Investment in Your Custom Apparel Success

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More offers a transparent breakdown of costs in its FDD, giving prospective owners a clear view of the investment needed to launch their franchise.

The franchise ownership journey presents a rewarding opportunity, but it demands careful consideration. In addition to the time and energy commitment associated with owning a business, franchisees must consider the financial aspect. To support its prospective owners in navigating this aspect of the due diligence process, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More offers clear insights into the initial investment.

“Our FDD [Franchise Disclosure Document] is designed to be a transparent resource, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about joining the Big Frog family,” said Tina Bacon-DeFrece, PhD, co-founder and CEO. “We encourage all prospective franchisees to carefully review these figures and seek professional advice to assess their circumstances.”

According to the brand’s 2025 FDD, the initial investment required to begin the operation of a Big Frog franchise ranges from $163,987 to $323,110. 

A significant portion of the initial investment comes from the initial franchise fee of $60,000. This fee, which is a one-time cost, is paid to Big Frog in exchange for the right to operate under the brand name and operating system.

Beyond the franchise fee, several other startup costs contribute to the overall initial investment:

• Training Travel Expenses: Franchisees and their designated staff undergo training to ensure alignment with the Big Frog system. The associated costs of travel, lodging and meals to attend this training generally range from $2,000 to $5,000.  
• Lease Deposits and Store Build-Out: Franchisees must secure a suitable retail space out of which they operate the business. Lease deposits and build-out to ensure the space meets Big Frog’s specifications generally range from $15,000 to $50,000.
• Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures: A Big Frog franchise requires specific equipment for custom apparel printing, as well as furniture and fixtures for the retail space. The cost of acquiring these items ranges from $14,787 to $112,350.  
• Computer System and Software: Big Frog uses technology to keep the business running smoothly, and franchisees must invest in approved computer systems, including hardware and software. This is estimated to cost $7,200 to $12,760.  
• Signs: Exterior and interior signage is crucial for brand visibility and attracting customers. Costs for signage are estimated to range from $4,500 to $13,000.  
• Office Supplies: Basic office supplies are necessary for day-to-day operations, with estimated costs between $1,500 and $4,000.  
• Insurance: Franchisees are required to obtain and maintain insurance coverage to protect their business. The FDD estimates insurance costs for the first three months of operation to be between $1,500 and $3,000.  
• Professional Fees: Legal and accounting services may be necessary during the franchise setup process. These professional fees are estimated at $1,500 to $3,000.  
• Franchise Opening Costs: Miscellaneous expenses such as utility deposits, internet costs and licenses also factor into the initial investment, range from $1,000 to $2,000.  
• Opening Inventory: Stocking the store with initial inventory is essential for commencing sales, with an estimated cost of $5,000 to $6,000.  
• Promotional and Advertising: Big Frog requires a $10,000 budget for grand opening and advertising. This covers promotional activities during the first three months of operations to encourage a strong start.
• Additional Funds: Franchisees are encouraged to have access to additional funds for the first three months of operation to cover ongoing expenses such as payroll, rent and utilities. Big Frog recommends budgeting between $40,000 and $42,000 for this.  

While these figures are good-faith estimates, based on the costs required to launch previous Big Frog locations, they are still just that — estimates. The actual investment can vary based on the specific location of the store, the size of the retail space, and other market conditions that influence costs.

“We aim to provide potential franchisees with a comprehensive understanding of the investment involved in starting a Big Frog franchise,” Bacon-DeFrece said. “While these are estimates, they represent our best approximation of the costs associated with launching a successful store.”