Reflecting on two years as chair of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)
In the world of business, there is a persistent myth of the “solitary founder” – the individual hero who builds an empire through sheer force of will. But after serving two years as chair of the Canadian Franchise Association, I can tell you that the most incredible achievements don’t happen in a vacuum. They happen when people lean in.
The phrase “better together” is used so frequently in our industry that it risks becoming a cliché. However, having seen the inner workings of this association first-hand, I can confirm it is an absolute truth. When we pool our resources, our intellect, and our passion, we accomplish things that would be impossible for any of us to achieve alone.
Leadership through collaboration
My time as chair has been defined by the power of collective action. The work of the CFA board of directors is a primary example of this synergy. This is a group of busy professionals, each running their own successful organisations, who consistently chose to lean in for the greater good of the industry.
By supporting the tireless work of the CFA staff team, this group has fostered an environment where innovation can thrive. To the board members I’ve served alongside: thank you. Our community is demonstrably stronger because you chose to be active participants.
A new standard for education
One of the most tangible results of this collaboration is the expansion of the CFA’s education programmes. We recognised that for franchising to flourish, we needed to create more opportunities for the brightest among us to share their knowledge.
The CFA team was instrumental in transforming our programming, but they couldn’t do it in isolation. It required the help of dedicated CFA volunteers—industry veterans who donated their time to mentor, guest lecture, and develop content. We now celebrate 80 CFE (Certified Franchise Executive) graduates and counting. These graduates are leaders who will carry our industry forward, equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Canadian franchising community on the global stage
Perhaps one of the most exciting highlights of the past two years has been the creation of World Franchise Day. This initiative is a point of immense pride for two specific reasons.
First, it illustrates the expanding leadership role that Canada is playing within the global franchise community. Through our active involvement in the World Franchise Council, the CFA has become a leading voice, helping to shape the future of franchising on an international scale. We aren’t just following global trends—we are setting them.
Secondly, World Franchise Day has provided us with a vital platform to shine a spotlight on the “boots on the ground”: our franchisees. While the brands are the names on the signs, it is the franchisees who bring those brands to life in our neighbourhoods.
The heartbeat of our communities
Franchising impacts the lives of Canadians every single day, from coast to coast. Whether it’s the morning coffee, the local gym, or the service that keeps a home running, franchising is woven into the fabric of daily life.
At the forefront of this work are the franchisees—local business owners who work tirelessly to support their staff and provide essential services to their communities. They are the sponsors of local hockey teams, the donors to community food banks, and the employers providing first jobs to young Canadians. By leaning into the CFA, we are able to better advocate for these individuals and ensure their contributions are recognised and protected.
A bright future ahead
As I look back on my two-year term, my heart is full. There is much to reflect on in the challenges we’ve navigated and the milestones we’ve reached.
But what brings me the most optimism isn’t what we’ve done—it’s what comes next. The future of franchising in Canada is brighter than ever, not because of any one person’s leadership, but because of the strength of the community.
When we lean in, share our expertise, and commit to being better together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
