On air with provider Jeff Franklin

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Provider Jeff Franklin loves to talk shop and recently found a home on 98.9 The Answer's “All Things Health” to do just that.    

After giving an interview on 98.9's sister station in March, Franklin, owner of three 101 Mobility stores in Ohio and Southeast Michigan, was offered his own platform on the first Sunday of every month to educate the public on trends within the aging-in-place movement.

“I am very passionate about what we do and I love communicating with people about what we do, what we have and the services we offer,” he said.

During the hour-long show, Franklin invites vendors, customers and sales staff on to discuss products, pitfalls and the kind of companies listeners should do business with.

Franklin's advice to guests: do not be scripted.

“This is not a scripted radio show,” he said. “Yes we're going to talk about your products and how they can benefit the aging-in-place or the disabled; how do you look at your distribution network and all these things, but I promise you, by the end of the hour…you're going to look at me and go, 'I didn't get it all in.'”

Although Franklin didn't see the sales needle move much during his first few months on the air, by the fifth month he saw an increase in phone calls and referrals.

“What I have found out over the years is, whether it's radio or TV or whatever plan a company comes up with, a lot of times they don't stay with it long enough,” said Franklin, who recommends investing at least seven to 12 months in a marketing plan.

“A lot of things we're doing is all adding up to more exposure,” he said. “But this has definitely helped our credibility.”