Young Ones: Matt Haller

Name:  Matt Haller Rank: 17 Age: 32 Company: IFA Position:  Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President & CEO for the International Franchise Association Not even Matt Haller himself can read his title aloud without taking a breath. As Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President & CEO for the International Franchise Association, the 32-year-old rising super star has a future path planned and a great mentor to follow in IFA’s President Steve Caldeira. Haller’s eyes have been on the ball ever since graduating from North Carolina State University where he was director of industry relations at the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association and manager of political affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Oh, and don’t forget legislative assistant for UPS Corporate Public Affairs and a director of public affairs at Levick Strategic Communications, LLC. Did we mention he is 32? I GOT INTO FRANCHISING: To enhance how the franchise community presents itself to policymakers in Washington, the media and the public as an engine of job creation in local communities. I LOVE FRANCHISING: There are few industries with a footprint in every lawmaker’s state or congressional district, so the chance to tell our industry’s story to various stakeholders we are trying to reach is compelling to me. IN THE FUTURE: I plan on leveraging technology to ensure the voice of all stakeholders in franchising (zors, zees, suppliers and consumers) are communicating the value of our industry through the same platform and with the same message. DO YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITY:  I am never satisfied, so certainly think they could be better represented. FUTURE FRANCHISORS SHOULD: Find some mentors who have done this already, but don’t be afraid to challenge the conventional wisdom at the end of the day it’s your concept. FUTURE FRANCHISEES SHOULD: Don’t try to be a hero. The concept works because of the systems, standards and structure put forth by the franchisor.