Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a business method for efficiently allocating and operating franchises based on customer assignment rather than the traditional geographical assignment. A franchisor allocates customers to a particular franchise based on the franchisee's ability to service such customers. A franchisor can control the growth of a franchisee by (1) assigning specific prospects to the franchisee, (2) tracking the franchisee's initial surveys of the assigned prospects, (3) assign the surveyed prospects to the franchisee as customers, and (4) only assigning additional customers to the franchisee upon satisfactory servicing of its currently assigned customers. The franchisor also provides centralized sales, marketing, distribution, and accounting support to the franchisees.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a removable fire extinguisher sleeve that serves to customize the exterior appearance of a fire extinguisher to make it more appealing in various environments or uses. The fire extinguisher sleeve is sized and shaped so that it slides over a fire extinguisher and is kept in place by friction or any other securing means. The sleeve may have a visible graphic, design, logo, color, and/or outer texture that serve to customize it for different environments and uses. The sleeve may also include a fluorescent material that increases its visibility in the darkness to help locate the fire extinguisher. The sleeve may also serve to protect a fire extinguisher, display instructions in multiple languages, and/or house various devices.