More than 100 of the United States franchising and business elite gathered on Nov. 15, 2017 to officially dedicate the new Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Rinker School of Business, in West Palm Beach, FL.
Ray Titus, founder of United Franchise Group (UFG) and benefactor of the one-of-a-kind incubator, joined Robert Cresanti, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, and University President William B. Fleming, Jr. at the standing-room-only event.
UFG’s CEO, Ray Titus, made a $1.5 million endowment to fund the Titus Center for Franchising, which allowed the university to develop the unique program. Students who are looking to one day own and operate their own business can be educated and trained in franchising and entrepreneurship through the university’s Rinker School of Business, said veteran franchise practitioner and educator, Dr. John P. Hayes, who also serves as director of the center and Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership.
“Franchising can open the door to financial independence for entrepreneurs and jobs for hundreds of thousands of employees. It embodies the American spirit of opportunity and I am both honored and humbled that my family and our now 1400-plus organization can help provide opportunities for the next generation of business men and women,” Titus said.
In addition to funding the center, UFG will also provide hands-on internship opportunities at the company’s 50,000 square foot worldwide headquarters in West Palm Beach.
“One of our key missions at the International Franchise Association is to educate people who have saved a lifetime and are interested in getting into business themselves. In today’s environment, it’s more important than ever to provide an educational framework so both new and existing franchise candidates are equipped to launch and grow,” Cresanti said. “The Titus Center will play a critical role in helping thousands of entrepreneurs realize their dream and we hope to be right along with them.”
