The Power of Franchising

Like many of us who secure their first part time job at an independently owned and operated franchise, this was my first introduction to sales, customer service, operations, marketing, and yes, earning money.

I learned about the power of franchising when I signed my first franchise agreement at the age of 20. Franchising was the foundation that taught me about the importance of staying organized and how to run a small business successfully. Franchising also taught me about the power of teamwork and seeking support. I was not out there alone; I was part of something bigger than myself.

Back then, I had a mentor who inspired and supported me and I have been fortunate enough to have had many more mentors since.  It’s a privilege now  to step into a role where I can help lead and give back to others what was generously given to me.

As Chair of the Canadian Franchise Association’s (CFA) Board of Directors, I have an important job to do. One of the Chair’s primary responsibilities is to help lead the strategic direction of the CFA, and ensure that we all stay focused on that plan. The CFA team continues to overdeliver on all four pillars of that strategy. A few examples of this work include advocating for and protecting franchising in Canada through all levels of government; building a member community of over 650 brands; generating strong brand awareness; building strong brand awareness, earning nearly 250 million media impressions in the past year; enrolling hundreds of professionals in the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program; and attracting more than 400 industry speakers for the more than 70 events run throughout the past year. (That’s more than one per week!)

The CFA is bigger and better that it has ever been.  

However, we can always do more.

In my tenure as Chair, I want to highlight two important priorities that I am passionate about. 

First, the importance of education—specifically the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program—cannot be understated. Education is the foundation of our future success, and investing in the CFE is key. As the sole provider of CFE certification in Canada, the CFA is well-positioned to illustrate why franchise education matters and to spread the gold standard of professional development across the country. This educational focus needs to be integrated across all key areas of every franchise organization.

As a graduate of this program, you will receive instant credibility as a franchise leader and advanced industry knowledge, giving youdeeper insights into franchise law, marketing, and operations. You will also have access to a larger community of other franchise professionals, which will help your career and company grow by attracting the best in the industry. It is all our responsibilities as leaders to help educate our teams on the franchise industry.  I am currently enrolled and so are many members of our team. I would challenge everyone in the franchise industry to get involved. If you’d like more information, please visit [https://cfa.ca/cfe-program/]. 

Secondly, I want to encourage anyone who is a part of the franchise industry—and as Canada’s 12^th largest industry, employing nearly 2 million people, that’s a lot!—to get involved in all that the CFA has to offer. CFA members join a closeknit community of franchise professionals, who share best-in-class education, help support the CFA’s advocacy efforts, and increase awareness of franchising across the country and around the globe. We learn together, strengthen our industry together, and grow together.

Everyone can benefit from connecting with a much wider franchise community, whether you represent new and growing sectors of franchising, private equity, or the voice of our franchisees. We all need to be heard; and when we are, we collectively benefit and grow together. 

Our strategic plan’s goal is to make franchising stronger, and with such a powerful franchising community, there’s no limit to what we can do. It will be a lot of work but together, it’s achievable. I’m excited to get started.  

Onward!