1851

For nearly four decades, <a href="https://www.kahalamgmt.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kahala Brands</a>TM has been growing some of the most well-known brands in foodservice franchising. Today, the management group supports 28 franchise brands, which include <a href="https://www.thecounterfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Counter&reg; Custom Built Burgers</a>, <a href="https://www.coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cold Stone Creamery</a>&reg; and <a href="http://bajafreshfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baja Fresh</a>&reg;.

Nicole Rayborn is Kahala Brands&rsquo; VP of Franchise Development. Rayborn has been with Kahala Brands for more than half of the management group&rsquo;s history, starting in 1995 as a franchise liaison. Rayborn has worked with Kahala Brands through more than 20 business acquisitions and helped each of its businesses expand in markets throughout North America.

We talked to Rayborn to learn more about her work and why she loves Kahala Brands.

What were you doing before you found Kahala Brands?

Before working with Kahala Brands, I was an assistant property manager for GTE Mobilnet in Northern California.

Did that experience prepare you for your work at Kahala Brands?

During my time with GTE, I had a great mentor who taught me the benefits of doing exactly what you say you are going to do; in the timeframe you say you will do it, in a professional and efficient manner. I learned the art of balancing my work with different teams; in that case, property owners and corporate executives, whose agendas and goals often did not align. I learned how to negotiate, find common ground, and work with both parties to strike deals.

How did you learn about Kahala Brands?

In 1995, the day after returning from our honeymoon, my husband and I packed our belongings and drove to Scottsdale for a new adventure. I answered an ad in the paper for a franchise liaison position with a small juice bar company. That was Surf City Squeeze&reg;, which would grow into Kahala Brands.

When did that go from being a job to a career?

I knew the minute I walked in the building that it was the place I wanted to work. At the time, they only had six employees and eight franchised locations. The vibe in the office was all about taking care of the franchisees and growing the brand in a family-friendly, fun and exciting environment. It wasn&rsquo;t long before I was traveling four to five days a week, all throughout the country, and working on the development side of the business. It was a baptism-by-fire mentality, and I loved the energy for growth and expansion throughout the company. Of course, since then, I&rsquo;ve been blessed to work with amazing franchisees and co-workers, and I have seen the company grow through more than 20 acquisitions.

What do you love about franchising?

Since my first day with Kahala Brands, I&rsquo;ve believed in the franchise model. We grew very quickly in the first several years, and I was always so impressed by the franchisees, who work extremely hard and closely follow a proven model. Most of them are just as eager to grow as we are and take on new locations as soon as they&rsquo;re able. Providing franchisees the opportunity to work hard for themselves by doing something they love in a business that they believe in is very rewarding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What has kept you with Kahala Brands for more than twenty years?

During my formative years, I had complete respect for my dad, and I watched him work for one company his entire career until he was forced to retire due to health reasons. I am grateful to have had a similar experience with Kahala Brands throughout my 23-plus years of employment.&nbsp; Throughout the years, Kahala Brands has blessed me with the opportunity to work with fellow employees and a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/thecounter/veteran-restaurateur-focuses-on-quality-service-after-a-decade-in-business-2706947" target="_blank">growing group of franchisees</a> who have a passion for the business, exemplify excellent work ethic and challenge each other daily. The culture at Kahala Brands is one of dedication and commitment to a common goal. Each acquisition has contributed to a strong dynamic within the company with a wide array of franchise options.

&nbsp;

&copy;2018 CB Franchise Systems, LLC.&nbsp; All rights reserved.&nbsp; All other trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise; nor is it directed to the residents of any particular jurisdiction within the U.S. or elsewhere.&nbsp; The following states currently regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA, and WI.&nbsp; If you are a resident of one of these states, or of a jurisdiction that has similar requirements, we will not offer you a franchise until we have completed the applicable registration or obtained the exemption from registration, and completed the applicable disclosure requirements.&nbsp; Regardless of what state you reside in, an offering can only be made by a franchise disclosure document.

Interview: Nicole Rayborn, VP of Franchise Development at Kahala Brands

1851 Franchise

Rayborn has been with the foodservice franchise group for more than twenty years.

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

interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands

Busy Bee Jumpers

From Solo Hustle to Franchise Muscle: Why Converting to a Busy Bee Franchise Just Makes Sense

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-conversion-opportunity

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette Franchise - Anusha Jonnala and Swapna Varala - 1851 Franchise

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

Minuteman Press International

The Brown Family and team at Minuteman Press in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: 30-Year Legacy in Rancho Cucamonga

minuteman-press-franchise-review-30-year-legacy-in-rancho-cucamonga

Beansquad

BeanSquad Franchise - How BeanSquad Is Taking the Stress Out of Franchise Bookkeeping - 1851

How BeanSquad Is Taking the Stress Out of Franchise Bookkeeping

beansquad-accounting-franchise-bookkeeping

Right at Home

20-Plus Year Right at Home Franchisee Turned Corporate Insights Into a Successful Home Care Business

right-at-home-franchisee-success-gregory-brewer

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 person in blazer, with laptop, holding sign that reads "LOOKING FOR A JOB"

Uptick in Jobless Claims Points to Continued Instability in Labor Market

jobless-claims-franchise-growth

Extraordinary Brands Acquires CycleBar and Rumble, Shaking Up Boutique Fitness Franchising

extraordinary-brands-cyclebar-rumble-boxing-acquisition

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

planet-fitness-texas-flood-relief

McDonald’s Is the Latest Franchise To Bet Big on Beverages with 500-Store Premium Drink Test

mcdonalds-is-the-latest-franchise-to-bet-big-on-beverages-with-500-store-premium-drink-test

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Jack Mashini — Co-Founder, Wing Snob

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-jack-mashini-co-founder-wing-snob

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Lynlea Rudell — Director of Marketing, Pool Scouts

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-lynlea-rudell-director-of-marketing-pool-scouts

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Cathy Chavenet — Chief Marketing Officer, Paris Baguette

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-cathy-chavenet-chief-marketing-officer-paris-baguette

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

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

Why This Real Estate Broker Decided To Bring Caring Transitions to Central Texas

caring-transitions-san-marcos-kyle-chad-hardin

911 Restoration Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

911-restoration-franchise-deep-dive

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Interview: Nicole Rayborn, VP of Franchise Development at Kahala Brands

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS