Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2012 | Page 8

Chairman’
sNote
BY JOHN METZ

Eyes On Empire
John Metz is the incoming Chair of Franchise Update Media Group’s 11th Annual
Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, April 24–26, 2012 at The Mirage Las Vegas.
This is the only national conference focused exclusively on multi-unit franchisees.
The theme this year is “Empire Builders.”

C

reating an empire is no small task;
it wasn’t for the Romans centuries ago,
and it’s not for multi-unit franchisees
today. But it can be done. Conjure a
lot of hard work, elbow grease, and knowledge
gained from experience—and maybe a pinch
of luck—pour it all into a strong and thriving
franchise brand, and you’re on your way. Stories
abound of franchisees who started small and went on to make
it big. Most of them have a few
things in common.
Key components of any successful business organization
include quality people, partners,
tools, and intelligence. All of
these resources, and more, are available each year
for participants in the Multi-Unit Franchising
Conference. I began attending these conferences
in 2004, and I keep coming back every year. The
content and the people make this one of the best
events in franchising.
As a franchisee of Denny’s, Dairy Queen, and
Marriott Hotels, information is important to me.
At the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, attendees not only learn how to successfully lead
a business of this kind, we also are granted the
opportunity to share experiences with strong
players in the field. I have met people and been
exposed to ideas that have both encouraged and
challenged me. This conference is not only about
multi-unit concepts, but more about multi-unit,
multi-brand franchisees—adding another layer of
knowledge and understanding to the equation.
If information is critical to you and your op-

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Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue I, 2012

eration, this conference is a basic business essential. Whether you have three or 300 units there
is something here for you: quality speakers and
panelists, timely and topical subject matters, extremely interesting keynote speakers, a great array of vendors and suppliers, and the opportunity
to network with the top players in multi-unit
franchising.
In organizing this event each year, the Franchise Update team works in tandem with the
seasoned multi-unit franchisees on the Conference Advisory Board. Let me tell you, I make
the rounds attending numerous franchise events
throughout the year, and none has achieved a reputation for quality like the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference.
As incoming chair, I know I have some big
shoes to fill. Charles Smithgall did a fantastic job
last year. Before him were franchise stalwarts including Stan Novack, Bill Hall, and Gary Grace,
among others. But I know the Franchise Update
team and Advisory Board will create an outstanding event I will be proud to be a part of.
If you have your eyes set on building your own
empire, through growth, financing, or adding
brands, don’t miss this conference! There’s plenty
to benefit you. See you in Vegas!

John Metz
Chair
2012 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference