1851

How did you fall into franchising?

My first career out of school was working as a Fundraising Consultant for a wide variety of non-profit organizations throughout the east coast. I spent most of my time on the road and was looking for an opportunity to work in one location so I could spend time with my young son. A friend of mine served as the HR coordinator at Outdoor Living Brands (a local franchise company in Richmond). I had interviewed for a accounting support position and after 5 interviews was offered a role in their franchise development team. After a year I received my first promotion and, by the end of my 4th year, I was overseeing marketing, lead generation and development activities for all five brands.

I was approached by the CEO of sweetFrog almost 2 years ago who was looking for a strong development background to join the team. After 6 months with the company, I was given the opportunity to lead the development team and named the Director of Franchise Development.

&nbsp;What makes you love franchising?

Helping new prospective franchisees learn about franchising and assisting them as they venture forward with a franchise opportunity. There is no better feeling than seeing them grow and enjoy the benefits of owning their own business. I love when my candidates send me pictures of their first day in business, and the smiles they have are so rewarding. It is also rewarding to know that I had a small hand in helping them achieve their personal and professional goals in the years ahead. My candidates quickly become family, and it is such a rewarding experience.

What do you wish would change in franchising?

I wish there was a way to make the funding process stress free! It seems that this has been the most stressful process for many of my candidates, and it would be amazing if there was an easier way to handle this aspect for them.

What makes a great franchisee?

I have a special spot in my heart for veteran franchisees. I have spent a lot of my career developing veteran awareness programs (including discounts and incentives for them as owners as well as creating educational programs and working with military bases and resources to help educate military men and women on the opportunities available).

I believe that anyone who believes in the brand they are investing in, believes in the processes and procedures that are in place to help them achieve maximum success while bringing passion and excitement into their businesses set themselves apart from the rest of the pack.

&nbsp;What&rsquo;s the No. 1 thing that sells franchisees?

Personally, I believe it&rsquo;s the people. The people that are in place to support the franchisees as well as those who they are joining as franchisees. The brand is important but ultimately, as I was taught long ago by one of my former VP&rsquo;s, franchising is like marriage. If you don&rsquo;t take the time to get to know your soon to be in-laws, you are doomed for failure.

Franchise Development Players: Shemar Pucel of sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt

1851 Franchise

The Director of Franchise Marketing and Development talks about her professional journey and the qualities of a great franchisee

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. 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

franchise-development-players-shemar-pucel-of-sweetfrog-frozen-yogurt

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location

How Woodhouse Spas Leverages Learning Management Systems

woodhouse-spa-franchise-training-lms

Image Studios

image of studios salon suites stylists business owners

Finding Freedom: Why Beauty and Wellness Professionals Build Their Dream Careers With IMAGE Studios

benefits-image-studios-salon-suites

IMAGE Studios Offers a Scalable, Real Estate-Focused Franchise Opportunity in an Industry Projected to More Than Double Within a Decade

image-studios-franchise-opportunity

ServiceMaster Restore

ServiceMaster Restore - Disaster Response - 1851 Franchise

When Disaster Strikes, ServiceMaster Restore Moves

servicemaster-restore-disaster-response-carmen-coleman

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Mike Revak - Chief Business Officer - Sky Zone - Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Mike Revak — President and Chief Business Officer, Sky Zone

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-mike-revak-chief-business-officer-sky-zone

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Brittany Knollmiller — Head of Marketing, Yogurtland

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-brittany-knollmiller-head-of-marketing-yogurtland

BooXkeeping: Making Bookkeeping Cool for Franchisors, Franchisees, and Small Business Owners

booxkeeping-making-bookkeeping-cool-for-franchisors-franchisees-and-small-business-owners

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Franchise Development Players: Shemar Pucel of sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS