Open for Opportunity made its way down to the Lonestar state to celebrate Texas’ ranking as the number one state for franchise growth in IFA’s 2023 Franchising Economic Outlook. With a projected 2,590 new franchise units, 863,312 jobs and $85.4 billion in economic output, it’s easy to see the impact that franchising has on communities across Texas. With many franchise brands headquartered in the state, there are no shortage of opportunities available, as the conversations during the Roadshow demonstrated.
The visit kicked off with dinner with Rep. Kay Granger to thank her for her support of Texas businesses and on issues critical to franchising.
The next day began with a roundtable discussion to break down what makes Texas such a strong environment for franchise growth in 2023. Discussion focused on the opportunity creation and the immense economic potential that franchising brings to so many communities, as well as the educational resources being developed and utilized at colleges across the nation, such as those at Dallas College. Participants included representatives from Dallas College, Massage Heights, Propelled Brands, Rent-A-Center, Stellar Brands, Streamline Brands, Bloomin’ Blinds, Crust Pizza Co., Sonic, BizCom Associates, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the Roadshow for a discussion including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker about investing in Hispanic and Latino businesses and the differences that franchises can make in the lives of immigrant families and traditionally underrepresented communities. As noted by Mayor Parker, “Everyone wants the new big venture capital fund to their city, but really you have to have small dollar investment and low dollar loans in demographic areas that have been long neglected.” Special guests in addition to the Mayor and host Jorge Ferraez, (publisher of Latino Leaders Magazine) included Councilmember Michael Crain, as well as representatives from Unleashed Brands, Chick-fil-A, Esperanto Development, Chicken Salad Chick, TaxiMom, FranFund, and Tarrant County College.
The day ended with some fun with North Texas Franchise Business Network where IFA President and CEO Matt Haller gave a policy update on the many issues facing franchising in Washington and around the states.
The stop concluded with a trip to Irving to visit the Neighborly Brands headquarters for a Veterans in Franchising roundtable discussion. As one of the most impactful advocates for veterans in franchising and a veteran herself, Neighborly COO and IFA Vice Chair Mary Kennedy Thompson spearheaded the discussion about the important role veterans play in the franchise community and how local elected officials, including Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer who was in attendance, and business leaders can support those who have served or are transitioning from active duty to civilian life. “Veterans understand what operation excellence looks like. They understand commitment through and through, better than anyone. As a veteran, I was served up this beautiful system, but I was the owner,” offered Thompson. Conversation centered around the power of veterans, and their capacity for success in franchising. The event included representatives from Neighborly, Propelled Brands, Chick-fil-A, Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce, DFW Veterans Chamber of Commerce, and Paychex.
They say that everything’s bigger in Texas, and with franchising, that couldn’t be more true. From opportunities in education, to providing pathways to business ownership to immigrants and underrepresented communities, to helping those who served our country, it’s clear – Texas is Open for Opportunity.
