Women Leaders in Franchising: Jania Bailey of FranNet

For Jania Bailey, the President and CEO of FranNet, every piece of her journey in franchising has prepared her for where she is now.

By Nick Powills1851 Franchise Publisher

SPONSOREDUpdated 9:09AM • 05/03/16

Flash forward to today, and that’s exactly where she is.

“If you take a step back and think about every piece of the journey, it has been preparing me for this,” Bailey said.

That journey began at a bank, where, for 18 years, she worked her way up from a secretary to a commercial loans officer. To this day, Bailey believes that the knowledge she gained as a commercial loans officer was invaluable to entering the world of franchising and her future with FranNet.

“I was working with people who were looking to grow their business and who needed funding,” said Bailey. “I did a lot of Small Business Administration loans. That was invaluable. I was making decisions on whether the bank would invest money, and I would really try to help coach people in investing in their business.”

Today, Bailey is preparing to reach her tenth anniversary with FranNet—and she has a lot to celebrate. One of her biggest accomplishments to date was bringing the FranNet team together and taking the company to the next level after she took over the role of President and COO. It has paid off. FranNet has spent six years on INC Magazine lists and is launching new products and divisions while continuing to move the company forward. FranNet just launched Pinnacle, a development company where they work with newer brands to prepare them for FranNet. In addition to Pinnacle, FranNet has also launched Proven Match, a tool to help match people to the best franchises for them.

How did you get into franchising?

I hit a point in my life where I knew I needed change. So I left my job at the bank behind and decided to create my own company—one that focused on consulting and training. Through my company, I began working with Fantastic Sam’s in Louisville, Kentucky. After training managers in the area, I was eventually asked to join the brand’s team as a regional director. Things evolved from there, and I ultimately went to work with Fantastic Sam’s corporate operations team. That’s where I was introduced to FranNet, and through that connection, my name was thrown into the hat to become the potential new president and COO. You never really know where this career and life journey will take you. I learned to take a hold of where I was. And ultimately that training and experience helped me up the ladder.

How would you describe your leadership style?

During my time with FranNet, I’ve also raised two great sons. I was a young, single mother for their growing up years, and we survived and grew up together. I learned a lot about myself during that time. I realized that if you work hard enough and if you’re committed, you can pull yourself out of any situation and advancement is possible.

What advice would you give to other women that are considering a career path in franchising?

The key to success is out-working your peers. I don’t think I’m smarter than everyone else, I don’t have the magic bullet, but I’m willing to work really hard. Use every opportunity you have to learn everything about your industry. Become an expert. It’s also important to believe in yourself.

Maintaining the work-life balance matters, too. The biggest challenge everyone has in their careers is being sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important—your family and your friends. I’ve had to readjust several times. You can’t let work consume you. Your job is what you do—not who you are.

What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?

While it’s impossible to see into the next five years, I’d like to see FranNet continue to work for strategic partnerships and investment opportunities that make sense for the company.

Women Leaders in Franchising: Jania Bailey of FranNet

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