1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-blackwell-3801498?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kathryn Blackwell</a>, CEO and co-founder of cannabis dispensary franchise <a href="https://theopendorfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Open Dør Dispensaries</a>, comes from an impressive international franchising background. Prior to entering the cannabis market, Blackwell co-founded <a href="https://www.kahalamgmt.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">international franchisor Kahala Corp</a>, which owned more than 12 brands, among them <a href="https://coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/research/startup-costs/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cold Stone Creamery</a>, <a href="https://tacotimefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TacoTime</a>, <a href="https://samuraisamsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samurai Sam’s</a> and others, including more than 3,500 locations operating in 23 countries. Now, since starting Open Dør Dispensaries, Blackwell aims to make opening a cannabis dispensary more simple for entrepreneurs.When it comes to the advice Blackwell would have for her younger self when she was just starting to grow in the franchising world, she says it boils down to learning more about the individual franchisees.“It is important franchisors develop relationships with franchisees, get to know their skill sets and see how they can best contribute to the company,” Blackwell said. “That way, you can maybe rely on them a little bit more and gather their insight. They are working the business every single day, interacting with customers, so in some respects, they may know the business even better than the franchisor. Every franchisor should really take the time to get to know their franchisees.”Watch the full interview above, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ty02zJ7nMI&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries-2716690" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here to watch it on YouTube</a>.

Lessons From Franchise Executives: Kathryn Blackwell of Open Dør Dispensaries

1851 Franchise

Blackwell utilizes her 30-year career in franchising to help entrepreneurs achieve their dream of business ownership with the cannabis dispensary franchise, Open Dør Dispensaries.

lessons-from-franchise-executives-kathryn-blackwell-of-open-dor-dispensaries

TruBlue Home Service Ally

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

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Koji Kanematsu Turned a 2,000-Year-Old Japanese Staple Into One of the Most Scalable Restaurant Franchise Models

koji-kanematsu-turned-a-2000-year-old-japanese-staple-into-one-of-the-most-scalable-restaurant-franchise-models

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

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

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-financial-reporting-analytics-and-business-intelligence-qvinci-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Clarify Your Positioning – The “Why You/Why Now”

the-ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-clarify-your-positioning-the-why-youwhy-now

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

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

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Lessons From Franchise Executives: Kathryn Blackwell of Open Dør Dispensaries

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS