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

Chairman’
sNote
BY JOHN METZ

Are You an Entrepreneur?
Do you know what to do with an opportunity?

T

here is an ongoing debate about
franchisees: Are they entrepreneurs
or not?
The answer for me is a resounding “Yes.” By definition, an entrepreneur is
one who organizes, manages, and assumes the
risks of a business or enterprise. However, I
truly believe that an entrepreneur is someone who knows
what to do with an opportunity. For many multi-unit
franchisees, including myself,
we have created portfolios
based on opportunity.
In economic times like
this, taking risks is harder. Loans are harder
to come by, consumers are timid, and the
overall economy is shaky. Franchising has
become a cornerstone of the economy, as
well as an opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Prospects are out there, and when something feels right it is the true entrepreneur
who goes with it.
As a multi-unit franchisee for Denny’s,
Dairy Queen, and Marriot Hotels, I know
firsthand how difficult it is to sign that final
piece of paper. Every time I have to put my
name on the dotted line, while I may have
doubts, I know it is the right thing to do.
Furthermore, franchising offers a fairly
“safe” platform for entrepreneurs. It allows
one to be their own boss and grow a business
without having to create branding, image,
and overall marketing strategies. When you

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Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue II, 2012

get involved with a franchisor, you bank on
their relationships, discounts, offers, and even
financial opportunities. Any new franchisee
is able to open a shop and be part of a brand
that has a known successful name and reputation. With that in mind, the risk is a little less
scary to me as an entrepreneur; and that is
how I manage part of the risk.
With the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference approaching this April at The Mir