My journey into franchising began before I fully understood its significance. Shortly after my fifth birthday, my dad sold his Domino’s store in Michigan, and we moved to the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where he developed 12 successful stores. As the oldest of five children, I had a front-row seat to the growth of the business. I started working in the stores at age ten. From my early experiences growing up in a franchise family, I absorbed some key values that have guided me throughout my life. I learned the importance of empathy—treating people with genuine respect and understanding. I also discovered that investing time purposefully in the right system can lead to greater control over one’s future. Additionally, the ability to collaborate effectively with others is a valuable skill that applies to any business or work environment.
In the early years, my dad worked diligently to grow the business. However, after putting management systems in place, he seemed to always have time for us. He attended my baseball games, went on Boy Scout campouts, and what stood out the most—he was the only dad on school field trips. I eventually realized that unlike most dads, who had jobs with set hours, my dad’s franchise business gave him the flexibility to be present for family moments. He had built a system through franchising that afforded him time, something many traditional jobs couldn’t offer.
My parents were part of large families—two of sixteen children. When we moved, we were the only ones living outside the northern suburbs of Detroit. However, my dad’s ability to run his business without being there allowed us to spend extended time with family, visiting Michigan during holidays, spring break, and over a month in the summer.
This experience left a lasting impression on me. I noticed the lifestyle difference franchise ownership gave my family compared to others. Many of my friends’ parents worked jobs or owned independent businesses, but their presence was required for the work to get done. They were the “secret sauce” in their businesses. In franchising, I learned that the system is the secret sauce.
One of the most valuable lessons I gained growing up was the power of collaboration among franchisees. I attended my first Domino’s rally at 11, and it was the first of many over the next 20+ years. Franchisees openly shared best practices, knowing that when everyone succeeds, the brand grows stronger. Unlike traditional jobs, where knowledge is sometimes withheld out of competition, franchisees act as teammates, supporting each other’s success. Even new franchisees can benefit from the experiences of others who have already navigated similar challenges. It is not often in life that you can get advice from people that are or have gone through the exact same thing. One place is in a franchise business.
My dad sold his stores when I was in high school after a family tragedy. I was able to see another side of a franchise business, the exit. The time spent building his business my dad sold his stores for multiple times cash flow and had ready-made buyers in his supervisors and other franchisees.
I eventually went to college at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Spending 4 years studying business, psychology and communication. I graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration.
I then moved to Tampa, Florida to help grow a juice bar business that was doing $750,000 on $4 drinks. Later I ventured into real estate. I worked as a loan officer, short sale specialist and sold homes for a builder. Eventually, I returned to Illinois, going back into the Domino’s world where I won the Chicago area General Manager of the Year award in my first year, trained and developed over 25 General Managers, and supervised more than 10 Domino’s stores.
Along the way, I also partnered in two independent businesses, including a 25,000-square-foot family entertainment center with a roller rink, laser tag, games, and food. After selling my stake in the business, I found my way back to franchising through a franchise consultant. I became a regional developer and franchisee in an employment franchise, and after a few years of developing an office and other franchisees, I sold the business.
For the last five years, I’ve worked alongside my dad, who has been a franchise consultant for nearly a decade. Together, we’ve helped people explore franchise ownership as a potential path for their lives, transitioning into a franchise consultant myself.
I bring a unique perspective from growing up in a franchise family, combined with extensive experience in high-level operations across both franchising and independent businesses. Having been a franchisee myself and navigating the franchise award process with a consultant, I understand firsthand the challenges and considerations you’re facing. I can help you explore franchising from all angles to make a well-informed decision.
I’m passionate about the franchise system and believe that nearly anyone can succeed if they find the right franchise fit. However, franchise ownership isn’t for everyone, and there are many factors to consider. I look forward to helping you explore whether franchising aligns with the life you want to create.