David Mattson Named One of the Franchising Industry’s Top Leaders by Franchise Business Review

Creating an environment of trust congruency is key to experiencing success as a leader in franchising, according to David Mattson, CEO of Sandler Training. Mattson was named one of the top leaders in the franchising industry by Franchise Business Review.

To create such an environment, Mattson emphasizes the importance of being open and accessible to franchisees. He makes himself available to them at any time and encourages them to provide feedback and suggestions.

Another trait that Mattson values is congruency in a franchise system. He believes that franchisors should not ask their franchisees to do anything that they themselves are not willing to do. This approach has earned Sandler Training the respect of its franchisees.

Mattson also emphasizes the importance of empowerment in his leadership style. He gives his team members the freedom to make decisions and take action, as long as they are within the guidelines set by the company. This approach has led to a culture of innovation and creativity at Sandler Training.

In addition to empowerment, Mattson also values inclusivity in his leadership style. He encourages open and honest communication among his team members and is willing to listen to their ideas and suggestions.

When asked for advice to other founders, CEOs, or Presidents leading franchise brands into the future, Mattson emphasized the importance of listening to the field and treating employees as partners. He also stressed the need to stay adaptable and innovative in a rapidly changing market.

Mattson has been influenced by several companies and individuals in the franchising industry, including The Dwyer Group and United Franchise Group. He admires their ability to scale their operations and replicate their back-office systems across multiple brands.

In terms of his typical day, Mattson is a hands-on leader who is involved in all aspects of the business. He spends his time attending meetings, making calls to franchisees, and preparing for upcoming meetings. He also makes time for podcasts and webinars, and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

Looking to the future, Mattson sees Sandler Training expanding its operations and marketing efforts. He plans to bring in new talent and expand the company's presence in Europe. He also sees the company making a significant shift in its marketing strategy, focusing on marketing directly to the end user rather than just to franchisees.

• Traits and skills that make Mattson a top leader:

• Trust

• Being open and accessible

• Congruency in a franchise system

• Empowerment

• Inclusivity

• Being future-looking

• Advice to other leaders:

• Listen to the field

• Treat employees as partners

• Stay adaptable and innovative

• Focus on scaling and replicating back-office systems