Fast Casual: Why Relationship Building Is Essential In Franchising

Whether you're a franchisor or a franchisee there is one big common aspect tied to everyone's success: a supportive, collaborative, trusting relationship.

If that's not in place success can easily slip through a franchisee's fingers and cast a black mark on a franchise brand — something no franchisor wants.

The goal is building a strong relationship that benefits both, drives success for both and leads to growth for both.

But it's often not easy and it takes work, according to David E. Hood, president, iFranchise Group, a consulting firm offering franchise development and business planning. Hood spoke about how franchisees and franchisors can maximize their relationship during a session at International Franchise Expo held at the Javits Center in New York City in mid-June.

"It's [the relationship] an important part of your success," said Hood, who directed the franchised expansion of Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels. During his leadership era the company grew from a start-up concept to an international system boasting 640 domestic and more than 100 international retail locations, 320 corporate employees, and system-wide sales of over $200 million. Hood also serves as a partner and board member of Franchise Dynamics, LLC, a premier franchise sales outsourcing firm.

Cassie has over five years of digital and traditional media experience. She joined NLA after working as a television news producer in both Milwaukee and Chicago, and now specializes in aligning strategies across the board for her clients, ultimately building buzz and telling compelling stories through content marketing, social media, digital campaigns and traditional PR. Cassie has a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communications from Marquette University.

In her spare time, Cassie enjoys traveling and exploring what new cities have to offer in addition to spending time with her friends and family.