Franchisee Spotlight: Michael Ward of Philly Pretzel Factory

After more than 20 years of working with General Electric, Michael Ward first entered the franchising industry with Philly Pretzel Factory.

Ward’s life as an entrepreneur began his senior year of college when he started his own trucking business, Mariner Distribution Inc., and later on a construction company, Forum Construction, followed by a day care center, Leaps and Bounds Learning.

After leaving the corporate world, Ward wanted to do something new and remembered Philly Pretzel Factory from his many business travels to Philadelphia. Enthralled with the product and untapped market in his home state, Ward decided he would introduce the brand to Bel Air, Maryland.

What were you doing before partnering with Philly Pretzel Factory?

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, in Harford County. I attended Frostburg State University and received my bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Directly out of college, I started my career with General Electric but after a few years, I wanted to go back to school to obtain my MBA from Loyola University.

I worked with GE for more than 20 years, but my life as an entrepreneur began my senior year of college when I started my own trucking business, Mariner Distribution Inc. Last year we did about $10 million in sales. As I continued to grow with General Electric, I also started a construction company, Forum Construction, as well as the day care company, Leaps and Bounds Learning. General Electric wanted me to relocate me but my wife was doing well with her company and we didn’t want to leave our community. I decided to take a buyout with General Electric in order to focus on my other projects. Although those businesses were thriving, I eventually became bored and started researching different business ventures.

How did you learn about Philly Pretzel Factory, and what made you ultimately decide to commit?

I frequently traveled to Philadelphia while I was working with General Electric, and each time I made it a priority to visit Philly Pretzel Factory. My kids go to a private school in Bel Air that is always looking for ways to give back to students. When my kids and I were talking about different ideas to contribute, we thought that pretzel dogs would be great but we weren’t happy with options around our area. That is what started my entire thought process, and I started talking with Philly Pretzel Factory about becoming a franchisee. I really appreciated the quality of the product and was completely sold on the business model.

What were your perceptions of franchising before starting the process?

Honestly, other than my construction company working with a few McDonald’s locations, I really did not have too much insight into franchising. I never thought I would go into retail, but when you have a solid business model and are willing to put the work in, I think franchising is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs.

If you were to speak with someone who’s considering signing on with Philly Pretzel Factory, what advice would you give them?
Do not become overwhelmed. If you are thinking about going into franchising and have the financials to support your decision, do it! It is an easy process and if you can take care of the investment, just be prepared to work hard and be dedicated to your business.

Why is Bel Air the perfect market for your Philly Pretzel Factory business?

Many people within our community work within the city surrounding. Bel Air is conveniently located within close proximity to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Ocean City. Plus, each and every person in the community is an avid supporter of one another; everyone wants everyone to do well and succeed.

What’s next for you and your business?

Personally, I am planning on expanding as much as I can. In addition to our Bel Air opening, we are pretty confident in opening another store this summer in the Innerharbor of Baltimore City, and I would love open in Ocean City and the White Marsh area as well.

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