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Melanie Bergeron is an original. She was one of the first franchisees of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and eventually became its president. Over the years, she has also served the brand as chief operating officer, chief executive officer and now sits as chairwoman of its board of directors. Under her leadership, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has grown to more than 330 locations worldwide. Bergeron’s business success at the brand level afforded her the opportunity to most recently serve as chairwoman of the International Franchise Association in 2015. Clearly Bergeron has made her mark in not only in the franchising industry, but also across the small business world as a whole.

How did you get your start in franchising?
I got my start in franchising in 1989 when I started a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise in Atlanta, Georgia. My mother Mary Ellen Sheets and brothers (the original TWO MEN) started the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® business in Lansing, Michigan. It was my mom that encouraged me to start a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise in Atlanta, even though I had a great pharmaceutical sales job.
 
Who was your mentor in business?
It would have to be my mother. She has encouraged me to work hard and not make sacrifices while teaching me about the enjoyment of owning your own business. She taught me by example - taking very good care of staff, customers and the community.
 
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is a collaborative one. I like to implement ideas quickly and I try to treat people fairly and with respect. I'm not a push over though, and if something doesn't seem right, I'm going to address it and also take the blame if I made a poor decision.
 
What advice would you give to other women that are considering a career path in franchising?
My advice to women would be not to get hung up on the gender thing. Get advice from great business people, be quick to help others, and treat others the way you want to be treated. Start your financial planning now. Having a nest egg is very empowering.
Melanie Bergeron is an original. She was one of the first franchisees of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and eventually became its president. Over the years, she has also served the brand as chief operating officer, chief executive officer and now sits as chairwoman of its board of directors. Under her leadership, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has grown to more than 330 locations worldwide. Bergeron’s business success at the brand level afforded her the opportunity to most recently serve as chairwoman of the International Franchise Association in 2015. Clearly Bergeron has made her mark in not only in the franchising industry, but also across the small business world as a whole.

How did you get your start in franchising?
I got my start in franchising in 1989 when I started a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise in Atlanta, Georgia. My mother Mary Ellen Sheets and brothers (the original TWO MEN) started the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® business in Lansing, Michigan. It was my mom that encouraged me to start a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise in Atlanta, even though I had a great pharmaceutical sales job.
 
Who was your mentor in business?
It would have to be my mother. She has encouraged me to work hard and not make sacrifices while teaching me about the enjoyment of owning your own business. She taught me by example - taking very good care of staff, customers and the community.
 
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is a collaborative one. I like to implement ideas quickly and I try to treat people fairly and with respect. I'm not a push over though, and if something doesn't seem right, I'm going to address it and also take the blame if I made a poor decision.
 
What advice would you give to other women that are considering a career path in franchising?
My advice to women would be not to get hung up on the gender thing. Get advice from great business people, be quick to help others, and treat others the way you want to be treated. Start your financial planning now. Having a nest egg is very empowering.

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Nick Powills

About the Author

Nick Powills

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Nick Powills, CFE, founded No Limit Agency in 2008 and serves as Chief Brand Strategist for the Chicago-based firm. No Limit is a full-service communications agency that establishes and elevates brands by bridging Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, and a lot of creativity, to best strategize well-rounded and successful campaigns for 50+ global franchise brands. By presenting visionary ideas and building real relationships, No Limit is able to create effective media branding strategies to help companies grow. Nick currently leads a staff of writers, media strategists, designers, social media experts and digital producers in an office think-tank where brands are humanized for strong, compelling media stories. Prior to starting No Limit at the age of 27, Nick spent four years working at a franchise PR agency where he mastered the art of building rapport with media outlets and creating newsworthy pitches for earned media placements. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Drake University in Iowa.

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