Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2015 | Page 30

2015 MVP AWARDS
BY DEBBIE SELINSKY

Pair of Aces

M

“It’s important to work with a franchisor you trust”

ary and Ferrel Freer often finish
each other’s sentences. That’s
most likely because the Flagstaff, Ariz., couple have been
married 49 years—and for most of that
time have worked together as franchisees
for brands including Sizzler, Del Taco,
and Hampton Inn & Suites.
The winners of the 2015 MVP Influencer Award for a Husband & Wife Team
say they’ve learned a lot about franchising
over the years. After 43 years together
as franchisees, they are ardent supporters of the franchise business model and
continue to influence and inspire younger
team members working in their 16 units
in Arizona and Colorado. Their advice to

NAME: Ferrel and Mary Freer
TITLE: Ferrel, president, CEO,

owner; Mary, vice president
operations, owner
NO. OF UNITS: 7 Del Taco, 8
Sizzler, 1 Hampton Inn & Suites
AGE: Ferrel 75, Mary 74
FAMILY: Married 49 years

with three children and 10
grandchildren
YEARS IN FRANCHISING: 43
YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION: 43

2015 MVP AWARDS
Influencer Award for a
Husband & Wife Team
Why do you think you were recognized
with this award? There were so many who
were as deserving or more deserving than we.
We were totally taken by surprise when we
received the call about the award. I guess it’s related to our different and unique franchising story.
How have you raised the bar in your
own company? By not becoming complacent.
It takes constant nurturing, being dedicated,
being tenacious, believing, being confident, and
above all, continued hard work to continue to be
successful.
What innovations have you created and
used to build your company? We’ve been
strategic in knowing when to involve others and
to what extent to grow the business.
What core values do you think helped
you win this award? We credit, in a broader
sense, our belief in God, love and respect for our
country, putting family first, and cultivating relationships that are genuine and values that are not
to be compromised.
How important is community involvement to you and your company? We’re
involved in Boy Scouts, sponsorship of summer
softball leagues, local charities, school awards,
library awards, Wounded Warriors, NAU events,
and national charities.
What leadership qualities are important
to you and your team? We recognize that
working together as a team is at the heart of realizing the desired accomplishment. Sometimes we
need to let go of our pride and empower others
to achieve the better result. Personality conflicts
need to be put aside to make this happen.

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MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IS S UE III, 2015