Source: FranopolisGrease Monkey Franchising, LLC
The Business
SourcesThe franchisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 10 · Item 1 · View Source
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Source NotesWe are a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”).
What It Costs
SourcesYour location, business format and operating plan can change the total.
Where Your Startup Money Goes
| Cost | Disclosed Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Office Cabling | $500 to $6,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $500 to $6,000 as determined by Market rates |
| Business Authorizations and Licenses | $500 to $3,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $500 to $3,000 |
| Signage | $60 to $9,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $60 to $9,000 |
| Security Deposits | $0 to $9,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $0 to $9,000 |
| Software Licenses and Fees for Staff | $135 to $550 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $135 to $550 per staff member per month |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $0 to $3,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $0 to $3,000 per registered office location per month |
| Support Staff | $0 to $3,400 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $0 to $3,400 per month |
| Optional Training Programs | $0 to $10,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $0 to $10,000 |
| Office Lease | $0 to $3,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $0 to $3,000 per registered office location per month |
| Network Monitoring | $25 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $25 per month per device |
| Initial Fee (including initial orientation program) | $1,500 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $1,500 |
| TOTAL | $9,577 to $138,403 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 TOTAL $9,576.62 to $138,402.60 |
| Office Aesthetics and Furnishings | $0 to $50,000 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $0 to $50,000 |
| Start-up Supplies | $100 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 Approximately $100 per month |
| Computer Hardware | $1,200 to $2,300 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $1,200 to $2,300 per computer (monthly lease option also available) |
| Internet Service, Mobile Communication Devices and Services, Phone Service, Printers and Scanners | $1,600 to $21,200 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 Approximately $1,600 to $21,200 as determined by Market rates |
| Landlord Association Fee | $290 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $290 per month |
| Technology Access Package | $595 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $595 per month |
| Computer Software Installation Service | $200 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $200 |
| Network Equipment | $1,410 to $8,200 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 28 $1,410 to $8,200 as determined by Market rates |
| Other Software Fees and Licenses | $20 to $200 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 $20 to $200 per a la carte subscription per month |
| Travel and Entertainment | $100 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 Approximately $100 per month |
Line items are shown as disclosed. Some costs overlap or apply to different formats; do not add them together without reviewing the source.
SourcesFees And Payment Terms
| Fee | Disclosed Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Other Software Licenses and Fees | $20 to $200 per a la carte item per subscription per month | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Network Monitoring | $25 per month per device | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Franchise Consultant Services Fee | Minimum of $200 per month or 1% of GDC equal to $200 or more | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Optional Additional Insurance Coverage | $0 to $4,000 per election per year | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Franchise Consultant Fee | $375 per month, plus $6 per month per affiliated advisor | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Association Fee – Associate Financial Advisor | $695 to $2,545 per month per Associate Financial Advisor | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Supervision | $296 to $2,717 per month per AFG or AFIG Independent Advisor $258 to $467 per month per AFG and AFIG Associate Financial Advisor ≤ 52 service periods $296 to $2,717 per month per AFG and AFIG Associate Financial Advisor > 52 service periods | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Education/Continuing Education | $0 to $5,000 per course/program | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Association Fee – Registered Staff | $260 to $1,085 per month per Paraplanner | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Computer Hardware | $1,200 to $2,300 per computer (monthly lease option also available) | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Optional Training Programs | We estimate the cost of attending an optional training program will range from $0 to $5,000 (for multiple day workshops) per training program. | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Technology Access Package | $595 per month | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| ATS Enhanced Services | $100 per hour, plus expenses and travel | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Administration Fee | .06% to .20% on Advisory Solutions (Managed Accounts) AUM | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Errors and Omissions Fee | $166.66 (standard) or $208.32 (supplemental) per month per AFG and AFIG Independent Advisor $41.66 (SPS Advisor certification surcharge) per month per participating AFG and AFIG Independent Advisor $83.32 (standard) or $124.98 (supplemental) per month per AFG and AFIG Associate Financial Advisor ≤ 52 service periods $166.66 (standard) or $208.32 (supplemental) per month per AFG and AFIG Associate Financial Advisor > 52 service periods $33.32 (SPS Advisor certification surcharge) per month per participating AFG and AFIG Associate Financial Advisor | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Ticket Charges | $2 to $85 per transaction | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Optional Research Packages | $0 to $800 per package | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Network Equipment | $1,410 to $8,200 per device per registered location (monthly lease option also available) | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Initial Fee | The Initial Fee is $1,500. | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
Some fees apply only to a specific event or service. These are not all monthly expenses.
SourcesSee how the disclosed startup costs fit your cash, reserves, and financing plans.
Your Role As An Owner
SourcesYou, personally, are responsible for the direct, on-premises operation and supervision of the Independent Financial Advisor Business.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 49 · Item 15 · View Source
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Source NotesYou, personally, are responsible for the direct, on-premises operation and supervision of the Independent Financial Advisor Business.
Territory
SourcesYour primary office location will determine which Region you will be assigned (“ Region ”), which is a geographic territory that has been defined by the franchisor based on market potential, client growth potential and similar marketing accessibility factors.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 41 · Item 12 · View Source
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Source NotesYour primary office location will determine which Region you will be assigned (“ Region ”), which is a geographic territory that has been defined by us based on market potential, client growth potential and similar marketing accessibility factors.
A disclosed territory policy does not confirm that your preferred area is available. Ask the franchisor about the specific area you are considering.
Training & Support
SourcesYou must open the Independent Financial Advisor Business within sixty (60) days after you sign the Franchise Agreement.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 40 · Item 11 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
The Technology Access Package includes a single license to use the franchisor’s base proprietary AdvisorCompass ® software that is used for conducting the Independent Financial Advisor Business (“ Software ”).
2025 FDD · PDF Page 26 · Item 11 · View Source
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You must open the Independent Financial Advisor Business within sixty (60) days after you sign the Franchise Agreement.
Source NotesThe Technology Access Package includes a single license to use our base proprietary AdvisorCompass ® software that is used for conducting the Independent Financial Advisor Business (“ Software ”).
Franchisor Financing
SourcesInterest will be charged at a competitive rate determined at the time of loan approval.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 10 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
Interest will be charged at a rate equal to one quarter point more than the semi-annual mid-term Applicable Federal Rate compounded annually, as published by the Internal Revenue Service.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Interest will be charged at a competitive rate determined at the time of loan approval.
Source NotesInterest will be charged at a rate equal to one quarter point more than the semi-annual mid-term Applicable Federal Rate compounded annually, as published by the Internal Revenue Service.
The Franchise Network
SourcesReported At Year-End 2024
| Year | Franchised At Year-End | Company-Owned At Year-End | Total At Year-End | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | 1,751 | — | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 78 · Item 20 |
| 2024 | 3,855 | 1,723 | 5,578 | 2025 FDD · PDF Page 78 · Item 20 |
These are reported outlet counts, not available territories or a measure of profitability. A dash means a count is not available in this record.
Review The Source Figures
2023 Year-End Counts
Company- Owned 2023 1706 1751 45
2024 Year-End Counts
Franchised 2024 3959 3855 - 104
Company- Owned 2024 1682 1723 41
SourcesTotal Outlets 2024 5641 5578 - 63
Inside The FDD
SourcesPlain-language summaries of the available FDD information. Each summary links to its source, with original excerpts available to review.
Sources
The Franopolis report provides the source research. FDD page references identify the supplied excerpts when available.
01The Business And Its Ownership
The franchisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 10 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe are a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”).
02The Leadership Team
The leadership team listed in the FDD includes Business Development (Brian Mora Senior Vice President), Ameriprise Franchise Group (William J. Williams Executive Vice President), Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group (Jay L. McAnelly Group Vice President) and Human Resources (Kelli A. Hunter Petruzillo Executive Vice President).
2025 FDD · PDF Pages 12, 13 · Item 2 · View Source
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Brian Mora Senior Vice President – Business Development
William J. Williams Executive Vice President – Ameriprise Franchise Group
Jay L. McAnelly Group Vice President – Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group
Source NotesKelli A. Hunter Petruzillo Executive Vice President – Human Resources
07Estimated Startup Investment
The FDD estimates a total startup investment of $9,576.62 to $138,402.60. Review the listed costs and any conditions before setting your own startup budget.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 29 · Item 7 · View Source
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Source NotesTOTAL $9,576.62 to $138,402.60
10Financing Offered By The Franchisor
Interest will be charged at a competitive rate determined at the time of loan approval.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 10 · View Source
Interest will be charged at a rate equal to one quarter point more than the semi-annual mid-term Applicable Federal Rate compounded annually, as published by the Internal Revenue Service.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Interest will be charged at a competitive rate determined at the time of loan approval.
Source NotesInterest will be charged at a rate equal to one quarter point more than the semi-annual mid-term Applicable Federal Rate compounded annually, as published by the Internal Revenue Service.
11Support, Training And Advertising
You must open the Independent Financial Advisor Business within sixty (60) days after you sign the Franchise Agreement.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 40 · Item 11 · View Source
The Technology Access Package includes a single license to use the franchisor’s base proprietary AdvisorCompass ® software that is used for conducting the Independent Financial Advisor Business (“ Software ”).
2025 FDD · PDF Page 26 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
You must open the Independent Financial Advisor Business within sixty (60) days after you sign the Franchise Agreement.
Source NotesThe Technology Access Package includes a single license to use our base proprietary AdvisorCompass ® software that is used for conducting the Independent Financial Advisor Business (“ Software ”).
12Territory
Your primary office location will determine which Region you will be assigned (“ Region ”), which is a geographic territory that has been defined by the franchisor based on market potential, client growth potential and similar marketing accessibility factors.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 41 · Item 12 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesYour primary office location will determine which Region you will be assigned (“ Region ”), which is a geographic territory that has been defined by us based on market potential, client growth potential and similar marketing accessibility factors.
14Patents, Copyrights And Proprietary Information
The Parent does not own any copyright registrations that it deems to be material to the Independent Financial Advisor Business, but it does own licenses to use third-party software.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 46 · Item 14 · View Source
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Source NotesThe Parent does not own any copyright registrations that it deems to be material to the Independent Financial Advisor Business, but it does own licenses to use third-party software.
15Owner Participation
You, personally, are responsible for the direct, on-premises operation and supervision of the Independent Financial Advisor Business.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 49 · Item 15 · View Source
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Source NotesYou, personally, are responsible for the direct, on-premises operation and supervision of the Independent Financial Advisor Business.
16Products And Services You Can Sell
You must obtain all Products & Services solely from the franchisor or approved suppliers.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 50 · Item 16 · View Source
You must offer and sell only Products & Services that have been expressly approved by the franchisor and meet the franchisor’s then-current standards, as set forth in the Manuals or otherwise in writing.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 50 · Item 16 · View Source
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You must obtain all Products & Services solely from us or approved suppliers.
Source NotesYou must offer and sell only Products & Services that have been expressly approved by us and meet our then-current standards, as set forth in the Manuals or otherwise in writing.
18Public Figures
The franchisor says it does not use public figures to promote this franchise.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 54 · Item 18 · View Source
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Source NotesWe do not use any public figures to promote our franchise.
20Franchise Locations
At the end of 2024, the FDD reports 3,855 franchised locations and 1,723 company-owned locations. These are reported locations, not a count of territories available to buy.
2025 FDD · PDF Page 78 · Item 20 · View Source
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Franchised 2024 3959 3855 - 104
Company- Owned 2024 1682 1723 41
Source NotesTotal Outlets 2024 5641 5578 - 63
Find The Right Business For The Life You Want.
You don’t have to compare every brand on your own. A franchise consultant can help narrow your options and work through what ownership would ask of you.
Bring your questions about this brand, your priorities and the kind of business you want to run.
Your Role
Understand the hours, sales and people responsibilities behind the ownership model.
Your Shortlist
Spend less time sorting through brands and more time on options worth exploring.
Your Market
Check territory options with franchisors and identify the next questions to ask.
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