Franchising has all the time been about greater than revenue. For me, it’s about individuals — and extra particularly, my household. My father was one of many unique Subway franchisees in our area over 20 years in the past. We constructed the enterprise aspect by aspect, and that have has formed how I take into consideration entrepreneurship, relationships and management to this present day.
With a lot of my dad’s knowledge in thoughts, I launched new ventures throughout Southern Ohio and ultimately introduced my very own sons into the fold. Since opening our first Scorching Head Burritos in Portsmouth in 2015, we’ve grown to 3 models and expanded into space growth throughout Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Immediately, my sons play lively roles within the enterprise. Kyle runs each day operations and focuses on visitor expertise, whereas Kurt leads our actual property and building efforts — from new retailer buildouts to residential housing initiatives. We’ve every discovered a lane primarily based on our strengths, and that’s been key to our development.
Fom Entrepreneur to Franchise Household
Our household has all the time constructed issues — from auto components to lodges to housing developments — however meals franchising has change into the center of what we do. After leaning into the foodservice house, we’ve grown into a number of models and expanded into residential building and space growth.
Our success relies on staying in sync, holding one another accountable and taking part in to our strengths.
We don’t draw a line between enterprise and household. Our success relies on staying in sync, holding one another accountable and taking part in to our strengths. That’s how we’ve constructed a multigenerational group that may develop collectively and keep collectively.
The Benefit of a Household-Owned Operation
Working with household means you understand who you’ll be able to rely on. You additionally know that disagreements are a part of the method. The secret’s discovering a rhythm and assigning obligations primarily based on particular person strengths, not titles. All of us have a stake in making selections that profit the enterprise long-term.
The sort of construction additionally builds belief amongst employees. Our workers see that we’re current and invested. We’re not absentee homeowners, and that makes a distinction in how the group operates.
Classes from the Lengthy Haul
Franchising provides a transparent path into possession, but it surely’s not a shortcut to success. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or increasing an current portfolio, you’ll want to deal with it like a protracted recreation. Success doesn’t come from signing a franchise settlement — it comes from displaying up each day, fixing issues and staying accountable to your group and your company.
Begin by selecting an idea that matches your vitality and displays your values. Should you’re chasing a pattern, you’ll be out of the sport the second it shifts. But when the model looks like one thing you’d be proud to place your identify on, you’ll put within the effort it takes to construct it proper.
Lean into the techniques and assist your franchisor provides, however by no means count on the playbook to run itself. It’s important to know your numbers, watch your labor, handle stock and construct relationships in your group. Individuals can inform if you’re actually invested.
And for those who’re constructing with household, keep in mind: it’s a present, not a assure. Discover the correct stability of construction and adaptability. Talk consistently. Respect one another’s roles. When it really works, there’s nothing extra fulfilling than rising one thing collectively — and understanding it’s going to outlast you.
High picture from left to proper: Kyle, Ed and Kurt Newsome
