Female Fast Risers - Clare Moore

Name: Clare Moore

Brand: Tide Cleaners

Title: Head of Franchising

Age: 33

Years in franchising: 8

No. of units: 188

What attracted you to franchising? I started in franchising at only 25 with Tide Cleaners. Franchising was a business model that I frankly knew very little about, and the challenge of learning something new was really exciting to me. 

What was your first job in franchising? Administrative assistant at Tide Cleaners.

What do you attribute your success to? To hard work, dedication, and last but certainly not least, the amazing leaders and mentors I have been surrounded by throughout my career with Tide Cleaners. I have had the opportunity to work alongside individuals who always challenged me to think differently and to always strive for excellence. I have grown in ways I never thought imaginable because of this, personally and professionally, and it has taught me how to be a great leader for my team and my organization.

What challenges and obstacles have you overcome in your career? Tide Cleaners has been on quite the journey since I started with the organization 8 years ago. Using a franchise recruitment strategy that relied heavily on the strength of the Tide name (vs. store results), we have grown from one format option (plant store with a double drive-thru) and 14 stores into a network of more than 188 locations, 1,800 locker locations, delivery, campus services, multiple format options, and new innovations in chemistry and the way we care for clothes to become the second-largest dry cleaning franchise in the U.S. We’re quickly approaching number-one and we’re not done! I have overcome the adversity of constant change and helped to create something that I and our franchisees can be proud of. I’ve learned that change is hard and that to stay relevant change is constant. 

Describe your journey to your current position: I’ve been in quite a few roles since I joined the organization. In 2013, I joined as an administrative assistant to the leadership team and quickly found my way into the franchising department, while still supporting the leadership team administratively. In 2014, I was promoted to franchising coordinator to take on more responsibilities within the franchising department, assisting with sales and compliance. In 2015, I was promoted to franchising specialist in 2015; to franchising manager in 2016; to senior manager of franchising in 2017; and to director of franchising (head of franchising) in 2018. With my promotion to director in 2018, I also joined the leadership team. In December 2019, I decided that I wanted to become more involved in franchising and the IFA and went after my CFE. I applied for and was awarded the Irl Marshall Scholarship by the IFA, which paid my way through my certification, which I received in October 2020. 

What are your future career goals? I would love to continue on my journey as a servant leader for this organization, provide for myself and my family, and maintain a healthy work/life balance. 

Advice to young female executives in franchising: Franchising has historically been a male-dominated field, and I believe it is time for change. You and I can be part of that change, and we deserve a seat at the table. Join your local Women’s Franchise Network, and if there isn’t one, maybe you should start one! Speak up, be present, and be heard.