I didn’t set out to be a franchisee or franchise consultant. After graduating from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), my career actually started in Chicago at Xerox, as corporate as corporate gets and where the weather wasn’t the only thing stark and stagnant… I immediately felt restricted and saw limited opportunities for growth and creativity. The grind was definitely not for me!
From there I moved to Denver as a Director of Marketing for a small franchise, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies, and was introduced to the wonderful world of franchising – just one week before 9/11. As one of only five in the company, I wore many different hats for the business. From one day to the next, we didn’t know if franchising would survive that completely chaotic time. We were surprised (and excited!) to see how franchising actually thrived and grew in adversity.
Over the course of just a few years, I helped grow the company from 20 to 200 franchisees. I noticed how many people wanted to take control of their careers, be involved in their communities, and spend more time with their families. This experience showed me just how stable and transformative franchising can be and lit a fire to help more people gain control of their destiny.
This made me realize a valuable truth, summed up well by Paul Coelho in The Alchemist:
“There is only one way to learn. It's through action.”
I saw firsthand the franchisees who came in prepared, had done their research and were realistic in their projections. I also saw that some franchisees were not as prepared, and they were the ones who tended to struggle. That’s when I discovered my passion for helping more people start their franchises by being educated, prepared and ready to work hard for their future.
I became a franchise consultant in 2004 and have enjoyed over 20 years of helping others realize their dream of business ownership. Watching people push past their fears and take control of their lives through entrepreneurship fills me with so much pride and joy! This journey is not easy – it takes dedication and grit – but that’s what makes it so rewarding!
My straightforward attitude and intuitive entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in the success stories of thousands of people over the last 20 years – a testament to my adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges and uncertainty.
The people I work with tend to have a strong work ethic, a trait instilled in them from the ground up. They value hard work and resilience over accolades and prestige, and understand the importance of investing in themselves for continual growth and improvement.
These are the people who don’t just settle; they constantly push themselves to try new things, broaden their horizons, and explore the world around them. They’re stubborn in the best way, preferring to do things on their own terms and carve out their own path to success.
Throughout the years, franchising has enabled me to work with people from all backgrounds and professions. Some of my favorite moments are talking to individuals I placed years ago who are now growing their businesses beyond what they had ever imagined. It’s these moments of reflection that remind me of the profound impact franchising can have on people’s lives!
When meeting with candidates, my primary objective is to understand their unique vision, goals, and passions deeply. This personalized approach – along with my commitment to honesty and transparency – has been instrumental in building trust and fostering successful partnerships with the best in the business.
I believe in laying all the cards on the table so candidates can make the most informed decision possible. I also believe in lifelong learning – there’s always room for improvement! My dedication to personal and professional growth isn’t just about being better at my job; it’s also a reflection of how much I truly love what I do.
If this sounds like you…
After all this time, I remain bullish on what franchising can do for every determined mind. For those who dare to be different and push themselves to do hard things, this path can be extremely rewarding. It takes an investment-mindset, a willingness to take calculated risks, and a relentless drive to turn dreams into reality. It doesn’t matter what credentials or fancy degrees one has; if they can roll up their sleeves and seize opportunities with grit and determination, they’ll discover that the possibilities for success are endless!
Born in Detroit and grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
New Zealand, Argentina, or a weeklong horseback riding & camping (glamping) trip
Life is too short to be spent confined by limitations or bound by others’ expectations. Franchising empowers people to live life on their own terms, taking back their time to spend on their passions and with loved ones. For me, that is enjoying the company of my two beloved dogs, Peaches and Leo, and spending time with my amazing family, including my husband of 20 years and two wonderful kids, Van and Indie. Franchising has also allowed me to embrace many hobbies, like horseback riding, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, and, most recently, boxing.
Tony Robbins, Mel Robbins, Gary Vee, Mike Rowe, Dave Ramsey, David Goggins, Tim Ferris
"There is only one way to learn. It's through action."
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