Franchise Update Magazine Issue I, 2016 | Page 14

Female Founders the right positions and then letting them go with guidance and direction, as needed. I don’t keep people in ill-suited positions for too long. What is the key to your company’s success? Hartnett: All in the company sharing a commitment to the highest standard of excellence—headquarters staff, franchise owners, and their staff— everyone sharing this commitment and passion. Rogers: 1) the people involved in the company—franchise owners, teachers, and staff; and 2) a great program that’s fun, educational, and always new! BEING FEMALE Was being female an advantage or disadvantage for you in building your company? How? Hartnett: Our franchise system consists mainly of women. I think this provided us great common ground to begin our relationship with our owners. They are often stepping into business for the first time, and we can relate to their challenges as women. Rogers: Perhaps an advantage because most of the people who purchase the Abrakadoodle franchise are women, and we can identify with the challenges they face in building a business while juggling personal and family issues. Have you found specific advantages or disadvantages to being a woman business owner? Hartnett: Women often make great multi-taskers, a good skill to have when you run a business. Rogers: I feel that women have an advantage in businesses that thrive on building relationships, such as Abrakadoodle. Our franchise owners build relationships with people in schools and other community locations. Also, there are a lot of organizations devoted to helping other women in business such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Women’s Franchise Network. A distinct disadvantage is that women are not always invited to the table to participate on boards and other influential venues. Less-qualified men are often chosen over highly talented women. What has been your biggest challenge as a woman entrepreneur? 12 Hartnett: Time management! Juggling all the balls—a family with 3 children and running a business. Rogers: Making everything work well—business, family, and other obligations. Why do you think there are fewer start-ups with female founders than male ones? Rogers: Really? There are conflicting reports on this. I think that women start smaller businesses than men. They are more likely to start small and build rather than to raise money and start a business on a grander scale. Hartnett: Mmm… I know quite a few women who are the founders of their companies! Women, in general, however, I would say tend to be more risk-averse. What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace? Hartnett: Being paid equally as their male counterparts and building confidence in their abilities. Rogers: Equal pay for equal work. It’s crazy that we are still talking about this. From a woman’s perspective, what notable changes have you seen for women in franchising since starting your brand? Hartnett: There are more women envisioning themselves in and achieving leadership roles than when we started in franchising. The fact that so many of our women leaders in franchising are committed to mentoring other women has and will continue to grow female leadership. Rogers: There are longer lines in the restrooms at conferences. Yes, there are a lot more women in franchising companies than when I started my career in franchising. And they are savvy and taking strong leadership roles in the industry. Which female leaders do you admire? Why? Hartnett: My business partner, Mary Rogers, who has provided great vision, friendship, and collaboration. She also has the best laugh you’ve ever heard! Kathryn Morgan of the IFA Educational Foundation and Jan Muhleman at re:group have served on our board of advisors and offered invaluable counsel over the years. Women like Dina Dwyer-Owens of The Dwyer Group, Melanie Bergeron at Two Men and a Truck, and Karen Powell of Decor&You have been longtime colleagues and friends who have shared their time, experiences, learning, and offered great examples in leadership. Rogers: Kathryn Morgan, who is wise, thoughtful, and fun. Rosemarie Hartnett of Abrakadoodle, who is a skilled communicator, steady, focused, and funny. And Jan Muhleman, who is a quiet force in the world of marketing, very innovative and smart. Has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life? How? Hartnett: It is so very important to be open to different perspectives and feedback. It is instrumental in helping you see the opportunities and different solutions to challenges for your brand, as well as your personal life. To surround yourself with positive and talented people you trust— and who won’t hesitate to sometimes “save you from yourself”—is invaluable. Rogers: We have been so fortunate to have a very strong board of advisors. They are always ready to offer their perspective and advice. They bring wisdom, experience, and encouragement. I’ve been fortunate to have friends and family who offer their support and do not hesitate to let me know what I need to hear. Are you involved in any female entrepreneur organizations? Hartnett: Yes, I am co-chair of the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Network in my area, and a longtime supporter of the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Committee. Rogers: NAWBO, and the Women’s Franchise Network. PERSONAL What does your typical day look like? Rogers: Busy. Hartnett: Very busy. How do you maintain a work/life balance? Hartnett: I’m still working on this one, but I do try to emulate role models who I think do a good job at this. Rogers: I like hard cider. Seriously, it’s not a big issue now that I’m an empty nester. What are your top 5 favorite things to do? Hartnett: Learn new things, travel to interesting places, explore museums, and wander... I just love to wander. As J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander Franchiseupdate ISS U E I, 2 0 1 6 fu1_abraka(10-13).indd 12 2/7/16 2:55 PM