Female Fast Risers - Tara Osborn

Name: Tara Osborn

Brand: CMIT Solutions

Title: Director of Marketing

Age: 46

Years in franchising: 14

No. of units: 240

What attracted you to franchising? A couple of things. I was drawn to the ability to create a scalable business supported by systems that could be replicated. Also, the idea of helping others explore their dream of business ownership, while helping great brands gain exposure in new markets and to new people.

What was your first job in franchising? Co-founder of a sports retail franchise.

What do you attribute your success to? Persistence, a positive attitude, and a growth mindset. I stay passionate and focused on attaining the goals I set for myself. I believe anything is possible, but I know there is no shortcut to success.

What challenges and obstacles have you overcome in your career? At times, I’ve had to work twice as hard to demonstrate my value—not only because I am a woman, but because I’m also a fun-loving person. Sometimes it takes a minute for people to realize this gal means business!

Describe your journey to your current position: After my franchise business was acquired, I sought other franchise concepts where I felt I could apply my experience of developing a franchise from the ground up. CMIT Solutions was a unique fit as there was an opportunity to create a robust marketing system to support franchisees with their local marketing and lead generation. I quickly jumped in, and within 5 months my team and I delivered a complete marketing system for franchisees to drive lead generation and brand awareness. We recently rolled out our second year of the marketing system with innovative improvements.

What are your future career goals? I want to continue growing and learning in the franchise space and beyond. Today, business is moving at the speed of light, and I enjoy staying on the cutting edge of marketing technology and consumer trends. I look forward to managing larger teams and large, audacious projects with great outcomes!

Advice to young female executives in franchising: Success is a journey, not a destination. Don't be afraid of a challenge. Take each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow into an even better version of yourself. Consistently make decisions that align with your values, and be willing to work harder than the people around you 90% of the time.