Nick Bibby has come a long way from his early days as "Kennel Boy." His international consulting firm, The Bibby Group, focuses on the development of franchise systems, as well as due diligence services for prospective franchisees. He hosted AOL’s "Franchise Forum" for six years and is a prolific writer on the franchise community.
Workstyle
First job: My father, among other things, raised show dogs, and he appointed me "Kennel Boy" when I was 10 years old for $2/week. But to sweeten the deal, he gave me a .22 rifle and paid me a nickel for any rat I shot around the kennel. I became an expert at earning nickels.
Dream job: I'm in the right vocation. Whether discussing feasibility and strategies with a prospective franchisor, performing 'best practices' work with active franchisors, or providing due diligence services for prospective franchisees, I'm enthused about my work. And my two, apparently desperate, formal studies, an MBA & MA Counseling, are perfectly blended. Why? Because it is the 'people' side of franchising that both interests me and drives me.
Nick Bibby
Your 15 minutes of fame: I have not had any type of 'fame', but for a lot longer than 15 minutes, as a young Marine infantry officer in Vietnam, I was honored to lead tough men in difficult times. It changed me. I became more intense about life.
Greatest accomplishment: I do what I say, and that is my life. It's called "Semper Fi" (always faithful) in the Marines, and that is my simple code.
Best advice you've been given: My father said, "Do what you like to do and the money will follow."
What motivates you? I am motivated by challenge; to accomplish the hurdles in front of me.
Which talent would you most like to have? Both of my parents had wonderful singing voices, but I can't carry a tune. I would like to have that gift.
Office decor: I live and work in a clean, crisp and comfortable space. I found Feng Shui some time ago and stuck with it because it works for me. I cannot operate in clutter, and believe that I would have been a Spartan in an earlier life.
How do you de-stress? Although I have things pretty well lined up for my temperament, meaning my work, home, and other interests, if I'm stressed just a little, it's martini time or working out (depending on the time of day). If I'm overwhelmed, I pray a lot. That's the truth. I've been delivered from too many difficult situations to ever think that I'm the only one watching over my life.
Lifestyle
Hometown: I have two -- I was raised near Boston (and did a lot of my homework in the Fenway Park bleachers having paid a gate guard $1 for entry in the late innings; that's not possible these days), and now live in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Signature accessory: I've had a worthy moustache forever.
Most prized possession? I have two: memories and faith.
What actor would play you in your film biography? Nick Nolte
What would your last meal be? That would be seafood, crusty bread, and great wine with those I care about.
After-hour activities: I could say a lot of trite things that are technically accurate, like cooking, writing, and biking along the Red River, but the truth is that I have learned something about spontaneity. I do what I feel like doing short of intentionally hurting others. I really don't like daily schedules.
