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Erica Farage is Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the International Franchise Association (IFA). Farage is responsible for elevating FranPAC, IFA’s political action committee at the federal level, as well as the association’s grassroots advocacy program, the Franchise Action Network, which engages thousands of advocates for franchising across the country on issues of importance to the franchise small business community.

Why do you love franchising?
 
Franchises are America’s hidden small businesses. Behind many familiar brands, are local small business owners that are creating jobs in their local communities. Franchising gives so many entrepreneurs a way to live their American dream. I love working closely with IFA’s members to tell that story.
 
What is the top challenge facing young people in franchising?
 
While franchise businesses continue to grow, there are major political and legislative headwinds that could hamper that growth. Young people in franchising must understand that in order for their businesses to grow and thrive, they must educate elected officials about the business model and its economic impact in nearly every community in America. Engaging in grassroots advocacy is one of the best ways to combat these political and public policy challenges. We must continue to tell the story of franchising in a way that makes it more personal – telling the story of these young small business owners utilizing a proven business model to generate their own success.
 
What is your dream position/goal?
 
To be the owner of the New York Giants (a different type of franchise!).
 
To connect with Erica Farage on LinkedIn, click here.
 

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Nick Powills

About the Author

Nick Powills

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Nick Powills, CFE, founded No Limit Agency in 2008 and serves as Chief Brand Strategist for the Chicago-based firm. No Limit is a full-service communications agency that establishes and elevates brands by bridging Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, and a lot of creativity, to best strategize well-rounded and successful campaigns for 50+ global franchise brands. By presenting visionary ideas and building real relationships, No Limit is able to create effective media branding strategies to help companies grow. Nick currently leads a staff of writers, media strategists, designers, social media experts and digital producers in an office think-tank where brands are humanized for strong, compelling media stories. Prior to starting No Limit at the age of 27, Nick spent four years working at a franchise PR agency where he mastered the art of building rapport with media outlets and creating newsworthy pitches for earned media placements. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Drake University in Iowa.

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