From football to franchising

Troy Williamson made it to the biggest stage of professional football, the National Football League, but he never forgot where he came from. He credits being raised in the small town of Aiken, S.C., for motivating him to reach his full potential, and as an entrepreneur he wants to give back to Aiken, starting first with his franchised location of Which Wich. As one of 11 kids in a single-parent home, Williamson learned at an early age how to scrap and get by. Along the way, he lost many that were close to him, including a brother. But his determination and the positive role models in his life powered Williamson through Silver Bluff High School, where he excelled in athletics, especially football, where he dazzled the crowds under the lights on Fridays from the wide receiver position. His achievements on the football field were rewarded when he received a scholarship to play at the University of South Carolina under legendary coach Lou Holtz. Holtz was another positive influence on Williamson’s development as not just a player, but as a man. Williamson followed up his college career by playing 5 years in the NFL, 3 years with the Minnesota Vikings and 2 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He retired in 2012 after suffering an injury and decided it was time for the next chapter in his life. Williamson went home to Aiken, where it all started, to focus on his family and his business aspirations, and to give back and improve the hometown where he grew up. Troy has three boys and adopted his 14-year-old nephew. He and his wife, Charity, have known each other since they were teenagers. “I grew up in a rough area so my foundation is based in Aiken,” Williamson said. He established roots in the area by opening a Which Wich location. He came across the brand while in Atlanta, after a friend recommended it for lunch. He was immediately drawn to the family-friendly aspect of the business as well as the menu of made-to-order sandwiches. Chad Todd, Which Wich franchisee and area director for Virginia and the Carolinas, said Williamson’s continual drive to give back to his community has made him a standout member of the brand’s roster of franchisees. “Troy is a role model in the community,” Todd said. “He devotes his efforts to helping those around him and lifting up those in need. Troy is a family guy that has his heart in the right place. He always makes me feel like family.” Williamson said his ultimate goal is to build a sports complex in the city of Aiken. He believes that will become a reality in the next five to 10 years. When he’s not overseeing his business ventures, Williamson mentors middle school and high school kids in Aiken. Remembering the struggles he went through in middle school, Troy understands the importance of having solid role models. He also spends time doing motivational speaking, focused on kids who have had a hard upbringing, a situation he was able to rise above. His future business plans include opening a Smoothie King franchise, and then another Which Wich location in Evans, Ga.