Franchisees Who Give Back: Amy Seedorf of Ben’s Soft Pretzels

This past April, Amy Seedorf celebrated National Pretzel Day the way she does every year, by raising funds for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a nonprofit that supports military families. With her husband, Matt, Amy owns two Ben’s Soft Pretzels locations, one in Southeast Michigan and the other outside of Toledo, Ohio. Both locations host fundraisers for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund on National Pretzel Day, but the Seedorfs’ commitment to giving back extends throughout the year.

The Seedorfs also work closely with the 180th Fighter Wing, a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard, where their children are currently enlisted.

Seedorf: We are blessed by blessing others with our time, talent and treasure!

Seedorf: Locally, we are able to reach out to our service men and women serving in the 180th Fighter Wing, where our three boys all are Air Force members.

Seedorf: Social media is the best and fastest way to reach large groups of people immediately. We also participate in in-store specials regularly for our customers. And nothing beats friendly service with a smile!

Seedorf: When we invest in a charity or outreach effort that’s important to us, whether it’s a huge or small event, it makes us happy and we see the blessings flow back to us 100 fold.

Seedorf: Be prepared to work in your business at every level when everyone else is relaxing. Be prepared to invest in the individuals that are working your front lines. They represent you! And be prepared to invest in your community — they will be the ones ringing your register!