Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2016 | Page 12

Mega Zees

7 franchisee superheroes reveal how they did it

W

e kick off 2016 with our annual Mega
99 issue: a list of the largest U.S. franchisees ranked by total number of
units—along with 7 profiles of multiunit mega-operators. For the profiles
we’ve identified movers and shakers
who have gone big, whether by revenue or by number
of brands, units, or locations—or by all of these signs
of franchising success. These truly are franchisees who
don’t settle for less.
Going big takes a certain kind of drive and initiative, as well as a nose for deals, leadership skills, business
savvy, and perhaps a dash of good fortune. Few actually
make it, and the ones who do have invested blood, sweat
equity, and sleepless nights to get there—building their
success on the four pillars of strong brands, passionate
teams, dedicated employees, and loyal customers.
Each year we discover women and men with unique
stories that have led them to their mega status. This year
is no different. Regardless of their journey, each of these
mega-zees has a riveting personal story that began as a
crew member, waiting tables, or working summers in the
family business—and, for one, playing in the NFL. Still
full of hopes and dreams, they’ve experienced the highs
and lows of wins and losses and faced painful setbacks as
well as triumphant successes.
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