Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
Women Leaders in Franchising: Jena Henderson of Saladworks
Saladworks Vice President of Brand Services Jena Henderson recounts her journey in franchising and what it has meant to her professional and personal life
Saladworks Vice President of Brand Services Jena Henderson started as an avid consumer of the brand’s fresh-tossed salads before becoming a proud member of the corporate team 11 years ago. She graduated from St. Joe’s University in Philadelphia with a degree in English, unaware of the fact that she would one day become an impact player in franchising. The industry veteran oversees Saladworks’ marketing, public relations, social media, information technologies, distribution and procurement, research and development, design and construction, as well as real estate departments for the brand.
How did you get your start in franchising?
While attending St. Joe’s, I was working in retail at Pier 1 Imports. I started babysitting for one of our repeat customers who owned a small coffee shop franchise in the Philadelphia area. When she asked me to help type up her operations manual, I ended up reading through and making notes in the margin on how she could improve her business. It was then that she decided to hire me. Shortly after, within six months, she named me the director of operations. This opportunity was really where I cut my teeth in the business world, learning the legal and marketing aspects of the industry
Who was your mentor in business?
I grew up in the restaurant business. My father and mother were both involved in the industry so I had tons of exposure following my parents around as most kids do. I was fascinated from a young age. Although they introduced me to the industry, my biggest influence in business has actually been the Saladworks corporate team. Just one example is Roseann Maillie, who has taught me how to successfully juggle the tasks of corporate leader, mother and wife.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who are smarter than me and better than me at what they do, which has translated into my macro-management style. I want to be able to give people the tools they need to succeed and let them discover their own path from there. My internal struggle has been delegating. I’ve become accustom to taking on all responsibilities of a position, and I needed to train myself on how to be a more strategic manager. Now that’s become a dominant part of my leadership style.
What advice would you give to other women that are considering a career path in franchising?
If you’re not a fast learner now, become one. While there are a ton of women in the franchising and restaurant business, it’s still a predominately male-dominated industry. I think there’s a fine line you have to walk as a woman between being competent and self-assured without being labeled hostile. Finding that balance is vital. It’s ok to be assertive and powerful because ultimately you are in charge of the growth of your own career. It’s not about catching up to the men in your industry. When I walk into a room, I don’t see men and women. I see people for their potential.
What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?
I feel fortunate both personally and professionally to be a part of the explosive growth Saladworks has in store. I’ve spent the last 11 years helping to build a foundation for this brand and look forward to the moment five years from now when I can say we doubled the size of the brand.
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