When I was 15, the franchise owner of the local pizzeria I frequented to play video games got know me and offered me my first job. Who knew it would lead to a 30+ year career in the restaurant industry. Some highlights of my career are: • Leading my current brand to three consecutive years of same store sales growth while reducing attrition of existing restaurants.• Improving sales and profitability for franchise owners as a Franchise Business Consultant. • Leading the opening of over 35 new restaurant locations. • Growing sales and profit by focusing on people development and speed of service as a District Manager.• Growing revenue from purchasing programs while reducing costs for franchise owners while leading purchasing in my current role.The key to successful leadership is knowing who the real customer is and aligning the team culture to take care of them correctly. For a direct restaurant operator it is hopefully obvious who that is. For a franchisor, it is your franchisees as their success will make or break your brand. So many brands get this wrong. In the last 30 years so many restaurant brands have moved from corporate locations to franchise locations but they seem to miss this basic truth. How is your brand doing? How are you treating your franchise community? Feel free to reach out and connect if you want to discuss.