1851

This past April, Amy Seedorf celebrated National Pretzel Day the way she does every year, by raising funds for the <a href="https://www.fallenheroesfund.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisees-who-give-back-amy-seedorf-of-bens-soft-pretzels-2707662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund</a>, a nonprofit that supports military families. With her husband, Matt, Amy owns two <a href="http://www.benspretzelsfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisees-who-give-back-amy-seedorf-of-bens-soft-pretzels-2707662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Ben&rsquo;s Soft Pretzels</a> locations, one in Southeast Michigan and the other outside of Toledo, Ohio. Both locations host fundraisers for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund on National Pretzel Day, but the Seedorfs&rsquo; commitment to giving back extends throughout the year. The Seedorfs also work closely with the 180th Fighter Wing, a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard, where their children are currently enlisted.

We talked to Amy to learn more about how and why the Seedorfs have taken such an active role in their stores&rsquo; communities. Here&rsquo;s what she had to say.

How does giving back to your community help you grow your business?

Seedorf: We are blessed by blessing others with our time, talent and treasure!

What local charity efforts have you pursued to connect with your community?

Seedorf: Locally, we are able to reach out to our service men and women serving in the 180th Fighter Wing, where our three boys all are Air Force members.

What are your best tips for marketing a local business?

Seedorf: Social media is the best and fastest way to reach large groups of people immediately. We also participate in in-store specials regularly for our customers. And nothing beats friendly service with a smile!

How effective have your charitable efforts been in growing your business?

Seedorf: When we invest in a charity or outreach effort that&rsquo;s important to us, whether it&rsquo;s a huge or small event, it makes us happy and we see the blessings flow back to us 100 fold.

What advice would you give to new local business owners to be successful?

Seedorf: Be prepared to work in your business at every level when everyone else is relaxing. &nbsp;Be prepared to invest in the individuals that are working your front lines. They represent you! &nbsp;And be prepared to invest in your community &mdash; they will be the ones ringing your register!

Franchisees Who Give Back: Amy Seedorf of Ben’s Soft Pretzels

1851 Franchise

The multi-unit franchisee supports veteran and active military personnel.

franchisees-who-give-back-amy-seedorf-of-bens-soft-pretzels

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue’s Home Maintenance Plans: Peace of Mind for Homeowners

trublues-home-maintenance-plans-peace-of-mind-for-homeowners

Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions Targets Peoria, Illinois, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-peoria-illinois-for-franchise-growth

Caring Transitions Celebrates a Strong Start to 2025 With 19 New Franchise Sales and Momentum-Building Training Events

caring-transitions-celebrates-a-strong-start-to-2025-with-19-new-franchise-sales-and-momentum-building-training-events

Right at Home

Right at Home 30th Anniversary in Home Care with Right at Home Logo

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence and Future Innovations in Home Care

celebrating-30-years-of-excellence-and-future-innovations-in-home-care

Why TruBlue is the Ideal Franchise for Multi-Unit Owners: Scalable Growth With a Purpose

why-trublue-is-the-ideal-franchise-for-multi-unit-owners-scalable-growth-with-a-purpose

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 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

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Amy Lepke and family and Papa Murphy's logo

After 14 Years as a Stay-At-Home Mom, Amy Lepke Returned to Papa Murphy’s — This Time as an Owner

papa-murphys-franchise-amy-lepke

Franchisee Spotlight with Micki Waters and Papa Murphy's Logo

Work Mom: How Micki Waters Became a Mother Figure to Her Entire Papa Murphy’s Team

work-mom-how-micki-waters-became-a-mother-figure-to-her-entire-papa-murphys-team

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

Franchisees Who Give Back: Amy Seedorf of Ben’s Soft Pretzels

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS