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Rachel Layton, 31, joined <a href="https://www.growwithtazikis.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-ones-to-watch-rachel-layton-vice-president-of-marketing-and-growth-for-tazikis-mediterranean-cafe-2711895" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe</a> as Vice President of Marketing and Growth in March of 2018. Prior to joining the Mediterranean food concept, Layton worked for a privately-owned restaurant company. She was brought onto the Taziki’s team by current CEO Dan Simpson, who had been mentoring her on marketing and growth ideas.In an interview with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/">1851 Franchise</a>, Layton shared what drew her to franchising, her advice for other up-and-comers and the advice she’d give her younger self.&nbsp;1851: What initially drew you to franchising?&nbsp;&nbsp;Layton: I fell in love with the idea of empowering future entrepreneurs. Franchising offers someone who hasn't owned a business before a chance to try something new and I just found that to be particularly inspiring.1851: Where do you see the most opportunity in franchising and why are you excited about the future of the industry?Layton: Restaurant franchising is continuing to grow, which is creating a lot of opportunities for our industry to participate in thought leadership on very important topics, like sustainable food-growing practices for the future and waste reduction. As more people become business owners, more voices make their way to the table.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other young up-and-comers in the space?Layton: Jump in and get on the front lines. The best way to advance in an industry is to become an expert at the entry and mid-level positions. That's where most of the future problem-solving comes in as you grow. Put your ego aside and learn as much as you can.1851: What advice would you give your younger self?Layton: Don't be so focused on your plans that you forget to live out your dreams.1851: Who is someone you look to for inspiration?Layton: Honestly, being in the field at Taziki's locations and meeting the staff and managers is what inspires me the most. I find conversations with them to always yield new learnings and findings for me.

Young Ones To Watch: Rachel Layton, Vice President of Marketing and Growth for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

1851 Franchise

The 31-year-old marketing innovator suggests younger executives shouldn’t be so focused on plans that they forget to live out their dreams. 

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Young Ones To Watch: Rachel Layton, Vice President of Marketing and Growth for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

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