Noble Cause Award
2017 MVP AWARDS
Stand Foundation , Auntie Anne ’ s national charitable partner that fights childhood cancer , and supports the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Children ’ s Miracle Network Hospitals .
It was a Children ’ s Miracle Network
BOTTOM LINE
Annual revenue : A bit over $ 11 million in 2016 .
2017 goals : Look to diversify service and delivery models , renew / remodel five existing locations , look for opportunities that might arise where it makes sense . Add one to two more Cinnabon locations .
Growth meter : How do you measure your growth ? Not really looking at a number of locations , rather just maximizing and / or surviving the current landscape and growing where and when it makes sense .
Vision meter : Where do you want to be in 5 years ? 10 years ? This is a good question , and one I need to perhaps think about more . I feel like I am trying to adjust , survive , and thrive in the current year and 2018 . Beyond that I have not firmed up yet !
What are you doing to take care of your employees ? Creating hybrid jobs that help us as we grow and that also leverage their unique skills ( IT , marketing / social media , maintenance tech , multi-unit ). I try to create career paths and added value for the company for long-term employees when it seems a good fit . Our Dream Builders fund allows me to donate money to help fulfill our team members ’ dreams or ambitions . This has also evolved into an employee assistance fund for those in need . We offer more than just money , also providing advice and methods to help them long term , not just pay a bill . Recently , I have been coordinating personal financial workshops with insurance brokers and bankers . Many people did not get financial coaching or skills from their parents or in school and do not know how to budget their own money and save . We have 40- to 45-hour work weeks for managers ( average around 42 ). And we try to pay our shift leaders and supervisors competitively so managers are able to retain a good team . We have fun contests and I love to take all my managers to franchisor conventions and business trips whenever possible .
What kind of exit strategy do you have in place ? There really isn ’ t an exit strategy for me . I guess renewing leases where it makes sense and diversifying my concepts and locations that allow us to grow smartly . radiothon that provided Stewart with a powerful epiphany on the power of giving : when manning the phones he took a pledge from a little boy and his sister who wanted to donate all the money they had in their piggy bank .
“ I was on the phone for 10 minutes while they counted the change ,” he recalls . “ I will always remember feeling that this donation ( something like $ 2.48 ) was the biggest donation I took that day . It wasn ’ t the size of the gift , it was the spirit of giving what they could . That still resonates with me and we do what we can , when
2017 MVP AWARDS
Noble Cause Award
we can . I always get inspired by others who give to their community in creative ways , especially those who don ’ t have a lot to give but still find a way .”
Leading with a noble purpose , Stewart says , is about reaching out . “ You don ’ t have to do much , just a little , and it can really make a difference ,” Stewart advises his fellow franchisees . “ Some things might really catch on and be amazing ! But even a little help to someone that needs it matters . I think most everyone wants to find ways to help others .”
Sometimes , all it takes is a dream .
Why do you think you were recognized with this award ? We have raised money for the Alex ’ s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Seattle Children ’ s Hospital over the years , but I think our Dream Builders is what is so unique . We have really engaged some people into looking into their future and seeing what their dreams are . We have bought airfare for a couple of people to go on missions . We have paid dancing school tuition . We have helped a deaf employee get hearing aids he could not afford , and we are giving away scholarships to our working students this year . Also , our employee assistance fund for those who need a little help has been an increasing focus for us . We have always hired people with special needs and have some individuals in most , if not every , store who use supported employment . I have always been an advocate for hiring people with disabilities and have seen so many lives affected by all companies that practice this . Most of these things are just being good members of the community and are what I see a lot of restaurant companies doing . It surprised me to get the award . Maybe it was the variety of things we do , but the theme is always helping people , especially those who can ’ t really help themselves , or who are doing all they can . I really want to help them — like I was helped when I was growing up .
How have you raised the bar in your own company ? I try to be a positive influence with our leaders . I want them to feel proud of where they work and to get the recognition of working for the best company compared with other franchisees . I love it when they win awards for being Pretzel Perfect , or for sales increases , marketing ideas , or fundraising . I also get involved in franchise leadership at the corporate level as best I can with our brands , and also in our industry . I think that my managers are aware of that and proud that our organization takes a leadership role .
What innovations have you created and used to build your company ? We have had a deliberate focus on manager and leader retention and promoting from within . Tenure is very real in my manager ’ s longevity ! We have compensation strategies , benefits , and HR policies that evolve to help retain our leaders ( including annual contests and a culture of giving back and helping those in need ). These don ’ t just happen , they need to be intentional , simple , consistent , and be always practiced .
What core values do you think helped you win this award ? Helping others , being a good example for others , being positive , and giving opportunities to people to realize their potential .
How important is community involvement to you and your team ? As mostly a snack brand ( Auntie Anne ’ s ), our role is to support the community by hiring , and to provide fundraising opportunities to our local community groups . I want to have a solid long-term reputation as being a great place to work . For hiring people with disabilities , I feel we are a great fit , as all our positions are customer contact . They all involve interaction with the public , even if it is just greeting people walking past the store . I think this is important as it shows people that there can be good jobs for everyone in their community . Last year I attended the funeral of an employee who passed away . I heard so many people comment at his service that they saw him in the mall , and they would talk to him about his job at church . I didn ’ t know him really well . He worked a couple of days per week , five to eight hours a week , for a number of years . But that was a big part of his world and his family ’ s world as well . I was proud to have been a happy part of his life .
What leadership qualities are most important to you and your team ? Trust . Be a good example . It ’ s okay to make mistakes — and fix them . Do the right thing . Have fun .
42 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE ISSUE III , 2017