Workforce Archives - Open for Opportunity
2.2+

Franchise firms pay 2.2 – 3.4% higher wages than similar non-franchises

65%

More than 65% of franchise workers are offered health insurance, a greater proportion than among small establishments in general

76%

More than three-quarters of franchise workers (76%) are offered vacation, holiday, and sick leave

Veterans

Vashti Moore, Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce

Vashti Moore has become a passionate advocate for military spouses and their entrepreneurial aspirations. Vashti mentions how events like Open for Opportunity are critical to raising awareness of the opportunities…

Meet Vashti
Veterans

Jeff Mulkey, Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner

Jeff Mulkey, a former Navy Pilot and Epsilon executive, is a franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Irving, Texas. After his time as an Epsilon executive, Jeff took on the challenge…

Meet Jeff
Veterans

Darrin Lawrence, FASTSIGNS Franchise Owner

After 22 years of service in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class (E-7), where he specialized in Armor Tactics, Infantry Leadership, and Tow Missile Integration, Darrin thought he…

Meet Darrin
Veterans

Brad Stevenson, Chief Development Officer at Neighborly

Brad Stevenson, Chief Development Officer at Neighborly, has played a pivotal role in helping veterans transition into the world of franchising. As a Texas A&M graduate with a strong background…

Meet Brad
Veterans

Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI

Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI, began her professional journey as a logistics officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After her military service, she sought a new way to lead…

Meet Mary
Diversity

Yolanda Stevenson, TaxiMom

Yolanda Stevenson grew up immersed in entrepreneurship, inspired by her father’s business. Her journey led to the creation of TaxiMom, a safe, reliable transportation service designed specifically for busy families…

Meet Yolanda
Diversity

Larissa Palatiere, Chicken Salad Chick

Larissa Ortiz Palatiere’s career in franchising is rooted in her educational journey at the University of North Texas and her commitment to professional growth, earning her Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)…

Meet Larissa
Diversity

Becky Encinia, Chick-fil-A

Becky Encinia’s journey into franchising began during her time working at a Chick-fil-A franchise while attending college. As the first in her family to graduate from college, Becky earned her…

Meet Becky
Community

Mattie Parker – Mayor of Fort Worth

At the Open for Opportunity event in Dallas, community leaders and franchise owners gathered to discuss how franchising supports local economic growth. The conversation highlighted the role of franchising in…

Meet Mattie
Workforce

Kristopher Stuart – Bloomin’ Blinds

Kristopher Stuart has been an integral part of Bloomin’ Blinds since its inception, starting as the very first employee and field technician. His commitment to the company helped propel it…

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