To say that Angelee Brown lives and breathes franchising is not an understatement. Brown, Franchise Development Manager with Little Caesar of Canada ULC, says it’s hard to find a moment when she’s not talking about franchising, and with Little Caesars’ recent franchise growth, it isn’t hard to see why.
Brown says Little Caesars, which is famous for its Hot-N-Ready Pizza, is attracting more and more dedicated franchisees with its simple operating system and continued innovation, and is already on pace to surpass its franchise growth goals for 2017.
While Brown is truly passionate about franchising, it’s not the only passion in her life. As the mother of three, Brown is always ready to put family first, and embraces every moment she spends with her kids. Here she dishes about everything from her advice for franchisees, to her inspirations and obsessions, to her mixed feelings about becoming an empty nester.
The most interesting thing I’ve done recently is…
I celebrated a milestone birthday, and went adventure caving. I don’t like confined spaces, so it was a great opportunity to challenge my comfort zone and have fun at the same time.
In its best form, work is…
Not feeling like it is work at all, because if you love what you do, it will invigorate you every day to push harder.
A good franchisee…
Wants to be better every day, and is receptive to feedback.
A good franchisor…
In turn, a good franchisor should do the same!
My top advice for prospective franchisees is…
A 360-approach to discovery which involves your own self-discovery and also that of the prospective franchisor is key. Take time to reflect on what you need and want from a franchise system, consider what you are willing to accept or reject with a franchise system, and ensure that no matter where your passion is derived from (money, love of the product, family balance, etc.), that the system can complement this, not conflict.
My top advice for new franchisors is…
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great franchise systems! Use your network to raise awareness, and lean on the Canadian Franchise Association and its members to learn as much as possible about franchising and best practices.
The most important thing in life is…
Passion. I always tell my kids to find love and appreciation in whatever it is they are doing – embrace the experiences life brings, and be open to new things.
One of the most enjoyable things to do is…
Hike Sequoia National Park and watch the sunset.
The hardest thing for me to do is…
Not talk about franchising. I seriously talk about franchising 24/7. I think I talk about it in my sleep.
My favourite drink is…
I am addicted to sparkling water – I bought a sparkling water maker at Christmas, and already have had to buy a replacement gas refill cartridge in the first two months!
If I could change one thing…
So many things I wish I could change in the world – some serious and also not-so-serious. On the fun side, I wish Deep Deep Dish Pizza contained zero calories. I would eat it for breakfast every day.
If I could meet anyone…
I would probably want to meet Barbara Walters. Having interviewed a wide variety of people from all walks of life, I would love to pick her brain on some of her best questions and responses.
The person who has had the most positive influence on me as a businessperson is…
My grandfather. He loved franchising, and operated a number of systems, including a Big Boy Restaurant in the ‘80s. He was always smiling and loved his customers. It was an impactful memory that still lives with me today, even though he has passed on.
Canadian franchising is…
Evolving and growing every day, and is a major contributor to the business sector. Over one million Canadians are employed either directly or indirectly by a franchise system!
My franchise system began because…
Mike Ilitch had a sports injury, which interfered with his dream of becoming a pro baseball player. That turned into him investing his life savings in a single pizza restaurant, and now owning the third largest pizza chain in the world – it is a truly remarkable story.
The most positive influence on my life as a person is…
My kids. I live and breathe for them every minute of every day.
The key to success is…
From what I can tell, it all boils down to passion, vision, dedication, and perseverance.
I’d like my friends to describe me as…
Fun, kind, giving, and hard-working.
The accomplishment I look forward to the most is…
Little Caesars growing to record new numbers over the next few years – it is a really exciting time for this brand in Canada in both the traditional store growth and non-traditional sector!
My personal motto is…
Never give up.
One necessary item on my life’s “to do” list is…
Watch all of my kids move out and buy a condo – wait, are they going to read this? Sometimes I fantasize about buying a one-bedroom apartment near my office, with visitation to my own house on weekends. Did I mention my teenaged son has five electric guitars? But then I realize I would probably miss them – a lot.