Young Ones: Jeremy Lee

Name: Jeremy Lee Rank: 23 Age: 32 Position: Field Marketing Manager Company: Huddle House, Inc.

When Jeremy Lee happened into franchising, he certainly wasn’t planning on staying in it forever – especially since he has always had the entrepreneurial bug to open his own restaurant. But, then things changed as he realized he could have significant influence on franchisees and their local store marketing. The local store marketing guru has since helped hundreds of franchisees strengthen their local communications through events and promotions. Lee’s helping hand has also given him real life experience, which will, someday, provide beneficial for him opening his own restaurant – or perhaps starting his own franchise brand. I GOT INTO FRANCHISING: Shortly after finishing college, I went to work as the business development manager for the largest franchisee of Steak n’ Shake restaurants. We operated 24 restaurants located throughout the Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina markets. I was hired to help offset the impact of competing quick service restaurants through the execution of custom local store marketing plans. I LOVE FRANCHISING: The franchise community is largely composed of hard working franchisees that are committed to both the growth of their restaurant(s) and the brand. I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from having an influence on these two aspects of the business. I also feel a great deal of accomplishment in forming the partnership that comes from working with this type of motivated individual. IN THE FUTURE: I see myself as either a franchisee of an existing quick service restaurant or the owner of my own restaurant concept. DO YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITY: For the most part, yes. My only hesitation comes from knowing that most aspects of franchising involve people with experience and working knowledge. It can take many years to learn how to operate successfully as a franchisee or franchisor; I believe this intimidates some young people from becoming part of the franchise world. FUTURE FRANCHISORS SHOULD: Listen to all the feedback from your franchisees, good and bad. If you are a new franchisor, you must be willing to accept that some change to your system might need to occur to accommodate to unfamiliar markets and situations. FUTURE FRANCHISEES SHOULD: Be sure to take advantage of all the tools and resources that your franchisor provides. Remember, a franchisor does not become a franchisor without the secret ingredients that are needed to succeed. --NICK POWILLS