“Franchising is the most equitable business model in our world today. The only way to grow a company is by having successful franchisees grow along with the franchisor. Everybody wins or the company doesn’t grow. I like that”
What was your route into franchising?
Boston’s Pizza in the early 2000’s. I had still not found the most suitable sales environment after leaving education and Boston’s was looking for a Spanish-speaking sales executive to develop their system in Mexico. My friend Bob Andersen brought me on board and has been a great mentor ever since.
Why specialise in the franchising industry?
It is the most equitable business model in our world today. The only way to grow a company is by having successful franchisees grow along with the franchisor. Everybody wins or the company doesn’t grow. I like that.
What’s the most important thing which the franchising model achieves?
Geez! Where do I start? Proven systems in place – which were developed as a result of years of trials and tribulations, along with the adequate training to execute those systems. Sharing of knowledge between peers: everyone wins by sharing business experiences and practice recommendations. A brand name that is recognizable and that carries equity in itself. Purchasing power for franchisees. Access to intellectual property. The list goes on…
What affords you most satisfaction about your work?
Establishing and nurturing relationships with our franchisees from A to Z: watching their world and ours evolve together. From welcoming them to our family to seeing them open their new restaurant, to congratulating them individually on their weekly sales to expanding their territory. These mutually-beneficial business relationships often become personal relationships and this is a beautiful thing.
What aspect of your work offers the greatest challenges?
Having to refile every year basically means that everything of substance and relevance that we work on is always ‘time sensitive’; while people’s calendars and priorities sometimes don’t coincide with ours. Real estate is also a factor in meeting both parties’ development schedules. There is definitely a need for controlled patience and emotional resilience in our field of endeavour!
How do you think would other people describe you?
My professional entourage hopefully sees me with the same eyes as my family does: intensely driven, passionate, caring, fun-loving and genuine.
What’s the next step in your career?
Take a minute or two to fully savour this year’s accomplishments. What a year this has been for Boston’s! Then on to Ignite 2018 with even loftier development goals.
What might you be doing had you not gone into franchising?
Probably would have remained a teacher and a coach like my dad did for four decades – and like my two brothers who are living his legacy today. Education still holds a very special place in my heart. Teachers and coaches touch people’s lives forever.
If you had to start over, what would you do differently?
Stop trying to please everybody earlier… 😊
How do you relax?
Music, sports events, spending time with my family, swimming.
