Multi-Unit Franchisee Insight – Career Turning Point & Best Business Decision

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.

What was a major turning point in your career/best business decision you’ve made?
Saying yes to my father-in-law when he asked me to join Panera Bread of Iowa. He offered me an opportunity that I never would have gotten on my own. He brought me into the world of restaurant franchising.

What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
You can’t do everything yourself. I thought I needed to do it all at the beginning and did not hire staff soon enough, nor did I let my staff do 100 percent of what I was paying them to do. I thought I needed to be in on every decision and know about everything going on in all facets of the business. As a result, I spent too much time on things that were not using my full capabilities or best use of time.
Mike Young, multi-unit franchisee of Panera Bread and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

What was a major turning point in your career?
John: Moving from being a CPA at a large firm to working at a local bakery company. I gained a lot of business and management experience in my 24 years at the bakery company, and I eventually became the chief operating officer. It gave me what I needed to go into franchising and operate my own business.
Patti: When I realized that I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people. We currently employ more than 250 hair professionals.

What’s the best business decision you’ve made?
John: Asking Patti to join me in this business early on was absolutely the best business decision I’ve ever made. She is a great people person. She handles the operations side of the business, and she is a wonderful mentor for our employees.

What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Patti: You learn to care and be a part of so many people’s lives, but it is a career for all of us and they move on.
John and Patti Pritchard, multi-unit franchisees of Fantastic Sams and Camille Albane