20
2017 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING CONFERENCE
Greg Vojnovich
noted that the company is celebrating 30 years in business — another milestone to be proud of in any business . As she looked out onto the crowded room , she recalled that just 10 years ago only 150 attendees were on hand for the conference , held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs .
More than 1,650 registered for this year ’ s conference . Of those , 716 were franchisees , representing more than 500 franchise enterprises . All told , the franchisees oversee 12,000 units , employ more than 200,000 people , and conducted $ 15 billion in business in the past year . And they ’ re expansion-minded : collectively , they expect to add 4,000 more units in the next 12 months and 12,000 units over the next
Therese Thilgen
5 years . Fifty percent of the franchisees operated 2 or more brands .
Greg Vojnovich , chief development officer at Arby ’ s , introduced Marcus Lemonis , the first keynote speaker . Lemonis , star of CNBC ’ s show “ The Profit ,” began by sharing stories of his difficult childhood and adolescence , which he said has given him insights into business leadership . “ Vulnerability and the compassion you have for others is ultimately the golden ticket to be successful ,” he said . He challenged attendees by asking what their definition of success is : money , a personal definition , or what you do to help other people to success . For himself , he said , “ It ’ s not franchisee , former Applebee ’ s CEO ). They held a lively , informative conversation discussing current challenges , how they built their companies , how they differentiate themselves , their biggest mistakes , key metrics , where they found advice as they grew , and where they find it now .
Two separate luncheons followed , one exclusively for franchisees , the other for franchisors and exhibitors . The topic of the franchisor / supplier luncheon was “ Franchisee Challenges in Finding Great Sites .” The franchisee-only luncheon offered franchisees a pitch-free environment where they could rekindle old relationships and build new ones .
Michael Kulp , Guillermo Perales , Adam Saxton , Omar Simmons , Dave Goebel
about the glory , but about the opportunity .”
He said the reason he invests in small businesses that are struggling — not necessarily financially — is that they ’ re the underdogs . He called small-business owners “ the most dysfunctional , hard-working , selfless people you ’ ll ever meet .”
Comparing franchisees ’ role to that of a parent , he urged them to be better leaders of their companies . ( Yes , your employees want your attention and approval !) “ It ’ s important to understand the magnitude of your responsibility ,” he said . “ As business owners , you ’ re responsible for the humanity within your four walls . At your funeral you want people to say you changed their life ; what you did for other people .”
A general session panel , led by last year ’ s chair , Michael Kulp ( 450 units including KFC , Taco Bell , and First Watch ), took on the challenge of “ Franchisee Growth & Success in a Changing Environment .” Panelists were Perales , Adam Saxton ( 70 McAlister ’ s ), Omar Simmons ( 54 Planet Fitness ), and Dave Goebel ( Pie Five Pizza
Afternoon breakouts The afternoon ’ s concurrent breakout sessions provided something for everyone : M & A ( one session for buying and one for selling ); remodel trends ; scaling your organization for growth ; franchisee advisory councils and franchisee associations ; lease negotiations and renegotiations ; and reputation management .
The Money Room , introduced last year to unanimous acclaim , opened at 3 p . m ., offering franchisees an opportunity to meet one-on-one with potential lenders to discuss financing options .
The Law Room , new this year , provided attendees with a chance to sit down with franchise attorneys and speak privately about their legal concerns and any related issues keeping them up at night .
Another new feature this year was a lounge where attendees could sit and relax , make phone calls , catch up on email , or hold impromptu meetings .
After a full day of speakers , panels , breakout sessions , networking , and plenty
64 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE ISSUE III , 2017