BIGGBY COFFEE

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleduncanwilson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-michelle-duncan-wilson-biggby-coffee-ohio-2718110" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michelle Duncan-Wilson</a>, one of the newest owners with fast-growing coffee shop franchise <a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-michelle-duncan-wilson-biggby-coffee-ohio-2718110" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, was no stranger to the business before she signed on as a franchisee. Duncan-Wilson got her first job as a barista at the age of 16 and went on to manage several coffee shops over the next decade before taking some time off to raise her children.When Duncan-Wilson decided to get back to work, she wanted to take her career to the next level. With BIGGBY® COFFEE, she says she found an opportunity for ownership with a brand that supports its franchisees and cares about its people.&nbsp;We spoke to Duncan-Wilson to learn more about her journey to franchising and her experience with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>.<h4>1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?</h4>Michelle Duncan-Wilson: I was in the coffee industry for 10 years. I started as a barista at 16; it was one of my first jobs. I eventually managed several different coffee shops in the area before BIGGBY® COFFEE came to town. I stopped working 12 years ago when I started growing my family. Now that my kids are a bit older, I decided to start looking at different careers and investment opportunities. I was familiar with BIGGBY® COFFEE and decided to meet up with the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area representative, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanna-novosel-8279216a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-michelle-duncan-wilson-biggby-coffee-ohio-2718110" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shanna Novosel</a>. She had a great experience with the brand, and it further solidified my decision.<h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?</h4>Duncan-Wilson: The coffee company I worked with before did not follow a franchise model. I was very comfortable with the corporate model and skeptical about the franchise model. I had my own preconceived notions of what a franchise would be like for customers and owners, but I didn’t know much about it. I think so many different franchisors run their companies in different ways. I’ve been very impressed with BIGGBY® COFFEE and how they support their franchisees.<h4>1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?</h4>Duncan-Wilson: A friend of mine opened a BIGGBY® COFFEE in the area eight years ago, and she told me about her experience. I knew how much work it takes to open a coffee shop and that it is a big investment. That same friend opened her second location, and I just watched as her stores grew. I was impressed by the positive experience she had. After watching how her businesses did through lockdown while many businesses were suffering, I realized that this could be a viable option for me, too.<h4>1851: How did you perform your research?</h4>Duncan-Wilson: I didn’t look into any other franchise brands. I wasn’t ever before interested in opening a franchise. It was only after seeing my friend’s positive experience that made me want to do it. As for researching BIGGBY® COFFEE, I did a lot of online research to get a sense of the brand’s history. Throughout my research, I was impressed with the company’s values and principles. I spoke with a few other franchise owners briefly, and I could tell that BIGGBY® COFFEE really supports its franchisees and cares about its people.&nbsp;<h4>1851: Why did you pick BIGGBY® COFFEE? What excited you most about the potential?</h4>Duncan-Wilson: I felt confident in choosing BIGGBY® COFFEE after watching my friend’s success and doing my own research to get a sense of the brand. Everything about BIGGBY® COFFEE resonated with me. I’m most excited to start working with people again and start building relationships with customers, baristas and employees. I truly love connecting with people over coffee, and I’m thrilled that I get to provide that service.<h4>1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4>Duncan-Wilson: Be sure that you are both mentally and financially prepared. There will be surprises along the way, but if you expect them, they won’t be so intimidating.&nbsp;<h4>1851: What do you do in your personal time?</h4>Duncan-Wilson: I love playing classical guitar, and I’m an avid Spanish learner.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>About BIGGBY® COFFEE</h4>BIGGBY® COFFEE, based in East Lansing, Mich., was started with a single store on March 15, 1995. One year later, and on the cusp of opening a second location, Bob Fish and Michael McFall, on a handshake and $4,000, decided to franchise the concept. BIGGBY® COFFEE’s cultural values of Make Friends, Have Fun, B Yourself and Share Great Coffee help coffee-lovers and the coffee-curious alike benefit from a less pretentious and fun approach to the standard gourmet cafe paradigm. Besides connoisseur-worthy drinks with names like Teddy Bear® and Caramel Marvel®, BIGGBY® baristas provide a unique experience focused on brightening their customers’ day and supporting them in building a life they love. The “Big ‘B’” on the orange background caught on, and today BIGGBY® COFFEE has more than 240 cafes across many states including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Florida. In 2018, BIGGBY® launched an Area Representative Program and currently has 8 Area Representatives in 6 states.

The Great Franchisee: Michelle Duncan-Wilson, BIGGBY® COFFEE, Ohio

1851 Franchise

The former coffee shop manager made the leap to coffee shop owner with the fast-growing franchise last year.

This brand page has been paid for by BIGGBY COFFEE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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The Great Franchisee: Michelle Duncan-Wilson, BIGGBY® COFFEE, Ohio

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