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Franchising has long been the preserve of those leaving behind their careers to embark on a new journey, but The Titus Center For Franchising at PBA is changing that idea. Ray Titus endowed the Center due to his experiences in trying to hire entry-level employees who knew too little or nothing about franchising. By establishing the Titus Center, the franchise industry is supplied with a steady pipeline of college-age students who are knowledgeable about franchising.
The proof is in the pudding, many of the Center’s graduates go on to work for franchises, and a few make the leap into franchise ownership too.
Experience and education
In addition to its educational mission, The Titus Center also produces the Selling Franchises Bootcamp, which is all about learning how to generate leads and ultimately, sell franchises. The two-day event is well-attended by executives from large global brands and emerging brands as they all seek to learn best practices and new techniques from the esteemed line-up of practitioner trainers. The Titus Center’s students also participate in the boot camp, exposing them to their future industry and potentially, future employers.
Franchise Hot Seat has been running for three years at the Titus Center, and provides emerging franchisors the opportunity to tell their story to a panel of experts, who are able to break it down, and provide guidance to the franchisor. Naturally, the Franchise Hot Seat attracts high-quality concepts and is proven by the fact that two brands that presented on the Hot Seat were bought by private equity firms.
The Titus Center’s commitment to the franchising community, and the new generation stems from the quality of its advisory board. By recruiting some of the most accomplished and forward-thinking executives and figures in the industry, its curriculum, alongside its events remain amongst the best in the world of franchising.
The Titus Center’s success is proven by the number of graduates (over 30) who have landed opportunities with franchise brands and by the many graduates who are now owners.
The most direct route into the world of franchising
The franchising industry operates differently from the corporate world. However, that is never, if rarely reflected in business courses at universities around the world. Consequently, franchisors find it more and more difficult to find entry-level employees who can immediately add value.
The Titus Center tackles that head-on with its Concentration in Franchising program. The program teaches students about the industry and prepares them for either employment or franchise ownership. By completing 12 credit hours and participating in an internship, students arm themselves with knowledge of the franchising industry and are able to add value to a franchised business.
Ample opportunities are provided to students to learn and grow, no matter where in the world the opportunity lies, such is the Titus Center’s commitment to its students. Steven Kronenberger will complete his internship with Speedy Freight, in Roehampton, U.K. Much like many of the program’s previous students, Steve will likely have a number of employers to choose from when he graduates.
At a glance
Year established: 2017
Location: Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Contact: Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE, titus_center@pba.edu
