Back Yard Burgers franchisee successfully juggles three careers

Having one career takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and time management. But three careers? That’s more than most people can handle.

But Bridgforth Rutledge isn’t most people. He’s a lawyer, realtor, and a six-location Back Yard Burgers owner. He’s been franchising for 17 years and bought his first Back Yard Burgers location when he was 25.

He was drawn to franchising because it gave him the opportunity to grow a business without having to spend time creating the underlying product and marketing materials. With a franchise, he doesn’t have to spend time building a brand from scratch, which could take years. Rutledge was specifically drawn to Back Yard Burgers because he has always enjoyed its unique, high-quality products.

In his interview with Entrepreneur, he said that many of the brand’s menu items are “arguably unmatched in the fast-food or fast-casual space.”Before opening his first location, Rutledge said he didn’t know anything about franchising. He did a lot of research, but mentioned that he’s learned the most from his trials and errors over the years.

He stressed that his team at Back Yard Burgers has helped make his six locations the successes they are today.“I have had the pleasure of working with some extraordinarily talented and dedicated people who have really helped the company grow and prosper.”Back Yard Burgers currently has 63 locations in 14 states.