Multi-Unit Franchisee Insight – Formative Influences & Accomplishments

We talk to successful multi-unit operators constantly here at Franchise Update Media. These busy on-the-go people share great insight and wisdom with us through our profile stories in Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine. Here, from our archives, are some insightful responses from some of these franchisees.

Can you describe some of the formative influences and events in your life?
Michael (husband) has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. After attending business and law school and practicing for several years, he turned his interests to commercial real estate and business development, but Houston was in a recession in the 1980s. He’d learned about the franchise model as a vehicle for associating a business with a successful brand and began to explore an opportunity to purchase and build Jack in the Box restaurants. He was the first Houston market franchisee, successfully operating a portfolio of restaurants until he sold his interest in the late 1980s. My formative background includes an education degree and teaching experience, which led us to explore franchise opportunities in early education and care. We opened our first Primrose School about 20 years ago in the Houston area and have since opened additional schools. Our decision to work with strong brands owned by companies that possess an exciting mission and vision has driven our multi-unit success.

What would you say are some of your key accomplishments?
My degree includes a specialization in early childhood education. I taught kindergarten and all elementary school grades in both public and private schools in Texas and received a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Houston. I am also a state-certified preschool director and master trainer with the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System. I am proud to have served on numerous AdvancED accreditation committees and currently sit on the Texas AdvancED Council, which represents early childhood interests in our state. I also sit on the Primrose Schools Advisory Council, and my husband and I are proud recipients of the Primrose Schools President’s Award for outstanding achievement. We also consider our MVP Influencer Award for Husband & Wife (2018) as a key accomplishment. We especially enjoy the work we do with The Children’s Fund in Houston, which supports small charities serving children in need.
Lou Ann McLaughlin, multi-unit franchisee of Primrose Schools

Can you describe some of the formative influences and events in your life?
Having so many wonderful influences early in my restaurant career—people who believed in me, in my potential. Eventually being guided toward the franchise business model.

What would you say are some of your key accomplishments?
Being invited to serve on several National Advisory Councils and President’s Councils for different brands I operate. Earning awards at multiple brands for sales, marketing, and service excellence. Being named Franchisee of the Year by Jersey Mike’s Subs in 2016. Receiving the MVP Award for Multi-Brand Growth Leadership this year (2018) at the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference.
Bob Middleton, multi-unit franchisee of Little Caesars, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Sonic Drive-In, and Del Taco