Before Tom Portesy became the overlord of franchise shows, the current president of MFV Expos was a franchisor for Print Shack, where his “wife and kid brother” were co-franchisees. “They were my worst franchisees,” Portesy says, adding, it was due to his wife's proximity and the fact that she complained a lot. Portesy has been married 25 years to his high school sweetheart, and we're guessing it's a strong marriage because few husbands can get away with such candor. But, then again, they do have four children still at home.
Actually, it's Portesy's candor that has made him a favorite with Franchise Times. Back when we were reporting on sensitive subjects like the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and the alleged misuse of a Gallup study, Portesy never once resorted to doublespeak or blandness. He was honest and quotable—what's not to love?
“I'm a Jersey guy,” he says about his plain talk. “I grew up with people who wouldn't take, ‘say that again.'”
Workstyle
First job: Usher in a movie theater.
Dream job: Playing third base for the Mets.
Greatest accomplishment: Winning the Heisman Trophy (unless these answers are checked for accuracy).
Work philosophy: Nothing takes the place of a great team effort and stick-to-itness.
Best advice you've been given: Be sure your goals are crystal clear, while being extremely flexible with your strategies to get there.
Advice you give: Have a lot of fun, (it's obvious to everyone), be a mentor to at least one person, work hard and remember your clients pay your mortgage and feed your families. And just be a good guy/gal.
What motivates you? A new challenge and a “That-a-Boy” every once in a while.
Which talent would you most like to have? Shoot (golf) in the 70s.
Is the glass half empty or half full? Half full, on its way to filling all the way up and running over.
Office décor: Lots of dark wood and family photos.
Office attire: Anything but jeans, (except on Fridays).
Weekend attire: Sweats, shorts and a T-shirt, jeans or whatever is appropriate for the occasion: However, avoid shaving at all costs.
Lifestyle
Hometown: Jersey City, N.J.
Favorite franchised restaurant: All the ones that are clients of MFV.
Favorite location for a franchise show: That's like asking which of my children I like best...My favorite locations are: Miami; Washington, D.C., Mexico City and LA.
Biggest headache at a franchise show: The 10 minutes before any event opening. (“I've opened 500 shows and I still get butterflies.”)
Do you bring or buy lunch? Buy
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi of course, they're a major sponsor of the Mexico City Expo.
Favorite reality show: I HATE all reality shows.
Most prized possession? Sounds terrible, but I can't think of one. I need to work on that.
What's your favorite indulgence? A good cigar after a great meal.
What would your last meal be? One that would take forever to finish.
What makes you laugh? Most things, especially little kids and people old enough that they don't care what they say to others.
What bugs you? Selfishness.
I'd rather be… coaching baseball.
