Just Between Friends franchise seeks to glorify God and save South Florida families money Nov. 20–21

When friends Shannon Wilburn and Daven Tackett decided to host a glorified garage sale in their living room to sell gently used baby gear, they included friends that wanted to sell baby, maternity and children’s items, too. Each mom went away with a few extra bucks in their pockets and hopes to have another event real soon.

The women saw a franchise opportunity in the making that night in 1997. Twelve years later, the Just Between Friends (JBF) franchise is a more than $4 million dollar annual business including 73 franchises in 19 states across the country.

Jumping on board is local franchise owner Amanda Yannotta from Tequesta.

“While I was expecting our son, Rocco, my parents went to a JBF sale in Missouri,” she says.

“They began to purchase things they would need when we were visiting. They only made it to the last day of the sale, but found some much needed items at great prices,” she says.  

Yannotta checked for a JBF in South Florida and found none. So she bought a plane ticket and attended the next sale in Missouri.

“This was when I knew we needed something like this in Palm Beach County,” she explains.

Yannotta read the JBF’s mission statement which says that the company seeks, “to glorify God by bringing communities and families together in a welcoming, friendly venue that allows them to care for children and be good stewards of what they have been given.”

Yannotta, who attends Calvary Chapel Jupiter with her husband, Matthew, was hooked.

The JBF franchise model is much different than owning a franchise like McDonald’s or Starbucks.

Owners host just two sales a year and have the marketing and branding support of the franchise.

Events are held at a variety of venues from small church meeting rooms to fairgrounds and convention centers.

Yannotta’s hosting her first sale at the Borland Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Nov. 20–21 providing an event where people can participate by selling their baby, maternity or children’s gear or by attending and buying much needed items at deep discounts.

Proceeds from the event will also support two local charities (a requirement of the franchise). The Yannottas selected ministries they are fond of, First Care Family Resources and Urban Youth Impact.

“My husband and I feel that JBF allows us to use our gifts and talents to serve our community and share our faith. The current financial downturn only confirms our decision to be a part of this, knowing we will be able to help families still purchase needed items and make it through this tough time,” she says.

For more information, visit JBFSale.com.