https://www.franchisetimes.com/search/?f=rss&t=article&c=article_archive/publisher_column&l=50&s=start_time&sd=desc www.franchisetimes.com - RSS Results in section(s) article_archive/publisher_column only for asset type(s) of article TNCMS 1.90.4 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification 30 “Our north star: To make our franchisees more money.” Whelp, that’s it, folks. Enough said—my work here is done. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:06:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/33632f9c-f0b3-4f82-ad6e-bde6cee879f7 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/when-franchisee-profitability-comes-first-everyone-can-win/article_33632f9c-f0b3-4f82-ad6e-bde6cee879f7.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) “I can always reflect back and, at the very least, put the franchisee hat back on,” Empower Brands CEO Scott Zide told FT Reporter Alyssa Huglen. “That allows me to have an understanding of what franchisees go through every day.… Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/11bd1f98-6d9e-4ff5-b636-4312eb48cc6f https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchisors-embrace-empathy-along-path-to-success/article_11bd1f98-6d9e-4ff5-b636-4312eb48cc6f.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I began my fashion career in eighth grade home ec class, where I learned how to make a spring jacket. Never mind that in seventh grade, the project was a pillow—a much easier assignment. And, since my long history of… Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/7cd4d625-f983-460b-9c57-5e305e6a2827 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/big-or-small-success-starts-with-franchisees-in-mind/article_7cd4d625-f983-460b-9c57-5e305e6a2827.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) “A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 20th century famed aviator and author. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/a2060c6d-2d73-477d-a171-0b67ddc9e6a3 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchise-winners-are-true-innovators-at-heart/article_a2060c6d-2d73-477d-a171-0b67ddc9e6a3.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) In 1997, Charles Loflin opened Wingstop store No. 6 as a franchisee of the restaurant chain, and hasn’t stopped growing since. In fact, his company, San Antonio Wings, owns and operates 162 Wingstop locations in San Antonio and other parts… Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/6536f43d-b48a-44e9-a2aa-a543bb7883e5 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/top-franchise-operators-never-stop-learning/article_6536f43d-b48a-44e9-a2aa-a543bb7883e5.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Recent news headlines have not been comforting: “American Consumers Serve Up Bleak Outlook on the Economy”—Wall Street Journal; “Economists now say a dire economic slowdown has already Wed, 28 May 2025 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/d6e13efc-ccac-492b-8aec-aa8e4dbc0dc6 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/multi-unit-owner-success-creates-the-right-franchise-news/article_d6e13efc-ccac-492b-8aec-aa8e4dbc0dc6.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Private equity sometimes gets a bad rap. Some firms are accused of making short-term decisions without the long-term health of the company in mind so they can do a quick flip and make a larger profit. But in the case… Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:02:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/14848a74-9a77-4ba8-90a4-258b0761635c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/winning-deals-highlight-private-equity-s-impact-on-franchising/article_14848a74-9a77-4ba8-90a4-258b0761635c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) My grandmother had a lot of great sayings: “He’s windy.” (He talks too much.) “You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” (You’re more likely to get what you want when you’re nice.) And finally, one of my favorites: “He… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:11:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/d49f2d1d-9172-409d-8924-5cbc4b4f02d4 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/pearls-of-franchise-wisdom-come-to-those-who-read/article_d49f2d1d-9172-409d-8924-5cbc4b4f02d4.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) About 20 years ago, husband Doug and I wanted to sell our house, and enlisted a local realtor—let’s call him Bob—to do so. When Bob found out what I did for a living, he wanted to talk franchising with Doug.… Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:07:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/02b2208c-f06c-11ef-aced-8bc35e852c1c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/there-s-no-substitute-for-franchisees-putting-in-time-and-effort/article_02b2208c-f06c-11ef-aced-8bc35e852c1c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) During one recent weekend, husband Doug and I took our two grandchildren, seventh-grader Sydney, and fourth-grader Sawyer, to McDonald’s for a quick bite before Sawyer’s hockey game. Sydney frequents McDonald’s, as it’s a short walk from the junior high school… Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:02:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/ed53b33a-d744-11ef-a496-93905ed7440b https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchisors-drive-sales-for-franchisees-with-digital-initiatives/article_ed53b33a-d744-11ef-a496-93905ed7440b.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Husband Doug and I recently stayed at a resort in Costa Rica, a warm getaway for us Minnesotans wanting a break from cold temps. It was a delight, and not just because there was no snow there. Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:03:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/9be091bc-bc87-11ef-9fd4-33bf5f724c77 https://www.franchisetimes.com/issue-archive/2025/january/franchise-growth-stories-to-believe-in-and-learn-from/article_9be091bc-bc87-11ef-9fd4-33bf5f724c77.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) “I always say, ‘watch what consumers do, not what they say,’” said Meghann Martindale, principal and director of market intelligence/retail for global real estate firm Avison Young. I recently interviewed Martindale for our sister publication, Restaurant Finance Monitor. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:08:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/86094c90-8fdb-11ef-b864-374eca7e39e3 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/soak-in-the-tales-and-trials-of-smart-franchise-ceos/article_86094c90-8fdb-11ef-b864-374eca7e39e3.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I’ve done more than my share of presentations on franchising over the years, some on the state of the sector for industry groups, or for general business organizations on the considerations when choosing a franchise to buy. I’ll date myself… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:09:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/d235bfb6-7a7f-11ef-b53d-9f476a8f2d3e https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchise-success-must-start-with-a-strong-model/article_d235bfb6-7a7f-11ef-b53d-9f476a8f2d3e.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) In this column years ago, I talked about how I had two rules I taught years ago to my sons, Ben and Sam, now 36 and 31, respectively. No. 1: Timing is everything. No. 2, less is more. I gave… Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/0c6730de-5e3d-11ef-a374-07759ac1863b https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/simplicity-is-a-common-thread-no-matter-the-franchise-brand/article_0c6730de-5e3d-11ef-a374-07759ac1863b.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Franchise Times Associate Publisher Lucas Wagner recently told me this story about his first job: When Lucas was 14, a family friend, Jim, had just opened a restaurant and stopped by the Wagner house to see if he could recruit… Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:09:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/c1d28472-4511-11ef-bc0f-f3e11e3e5ff6 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/there-s-no-substitute-for-a-people-first-focus-in-franchising/article_c1d28472-4511-11ef-bc0f-f3e11e3e5ff6.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When my kids were growing up, I would repeat certain refrains: You get a reputation for who you hang with. At your job, when the work is done, ask for more to do (helpful advice for son Ben who worked… Thu, 23 May 2024 07:09:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/a49c87a2-1458-11ef-b4c5-9f84db2ed43c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/let-us-share-some-advice-you-can-take-to-the-bank/article_a49c87a2-1458-11ef-b4c5-9f84db2ed43c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I wouldn’t call myself old, but I’ve been in the franchise sector more years than I care to count. (Don’t make me do it!) I stay because I love my job, for many reasons. One of those is the opportunity… Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/15fb96b4-00e9-11ef-80b3-3fa1db92d122 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/meet-the-personalities-that-captivate-and-deals-that-earn-awards/article_15fb96b4-00e9-11ef-80b3-3fa1db92d122.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Actor Will Smith slapped comedian and 2022 Oscars host Chris Rock because of a joke Rock made onstage at the awards about Smith’s wife. Actor Alec Baldwin frequently fights with photographers and once punched a man after Baldwin accused him… Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:09:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/c0c0d852-e6d6-11ee-b42d-2b07af296c79 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/celebs-franchise-leaders-and-a-dose-of-legal-advice/article_c0c0d852-e6d6-11ee-b42d-2b07af296c79.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) We send each magazine to press around two weeks before the beginning of the month its dated. So, as I write this for our March issue, the Kansas City Chiefs have just won Super Bowl LVIII, defeating the San Francisco… Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:06:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/143c37f6-d00c-11ee-96e6-675199cd2be4 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/swift-franchise-success-requires-a-strong-team/article_143c37f6-d00c-11ee-96e6-675199cd2be4.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Every single franchise concept that operates today started as an emerging brand. Industry folks talk about emerging brands all of the time. Various private equity firms, lenders, attorneys and other consultants want to invest and work with start-up concepts because,… Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:06:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/44a01bd2-b640-11ee-8f42-c76bf70094d7 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/from-small-to-mighty-every-franchise-starts-somewhere/article_44a01bd2-b640-11ee-8f42-c76bf70094d7.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Years ago, at a franchise industry event, I was the moderator of a CEO panel discussion. One panelist included the very candid Jimmy John Liautaud, the founder of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. Thu, 28 Dec 2023 07:07:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/f9c7a9e6-9f55-11ee-a518-4f8b829bd6c6 https://www.franchisetimes.com/issue-archive/2024/january/franchisees-are-at-the-heart-of-sustainable-growth/article_f9c7a9e6-9f55-11ee-a518-4f8b829bd6c6.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I’ve always admired couples who can work together in their own business, but I’m pretty sure it takes more than love to create a good partnership both at home and at the office. I say this from experience, because after… Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:07:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/fa302640-71d5-11ee-b239-cfd5b1757a20 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/along-the-franchise-path-family-ties-help-bind-leaders/article_fa302640-71d5-11ee-b239-cfd5b1757a20.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) My scientific research for this column was to ask Green Bay Packers fans I know to define, in one word, former Packers wide receiver Donald Driver. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:07:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/ab428dac-40f7-11ee-b82e-8f90de7f922b https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/stories-abound-when-stars-find-their-franchise-passion/article_ab428dac-40f7-11ee-b82e-8f90de7f922b.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) If you’re a history buff millennial—or someone my age—you’ll remember presidential candidate Lloyd Benson delivering a comeuppance to Dan Quayle during the vice-presidential debates in 1988 with the now famous line: “I knew Jack Kennedy...(and) Senator, you are no Jack… Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/d4e7ba72-2669-11ee-ae4b-2758456b5f5d https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/among-large-multi-unit-franchisees-a-show-of-sophistication/article_d4e7ba72-2669-11ee-ae4b-2758456b5f5d.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I also write for our sister publication, the Restaurant Finance Monitor, a niche newsletter that focuses on finance and real estate topics for multi-unit restaurant companies. I recently had a phone interview with an individual who started his own real… Thu, 25 May 2023 07:05:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/007b338c-f8b4-11ed-912a-9705bc77ef7f https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/so-much-to-discover-in-the-stories-of-franchisees/article_007b338c-f8b4-11ed-912a-9705bc77ef7f.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When my kids were little, I counted Santa’s Christmas presents to make sure the jolly old man had left them both the exact same number. What kid wants to watch their sibling open more presents while they sit there empty-handed? Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:05:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/91b9fc5e-dfad-11ed-9d51-d3a11973d57f https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchise-deals-don-t-have-to-be-big-to-also-be-bold/article_91b9fc5e-dfad-11ed-9d51-d3a11973d57f.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Recently, son Sam and I were texting about a television show patterned after a video game, which he had convinced me to watch. Our text thread continued along the video game vein, and I sent him a link to the… Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:05:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/aed347d6-c8bb-11ed-b1fa-ff47a0e43e6e https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchise-stories-to-love-in-the-virtual-or-real-world/article_aed347d6-c8bb-11ed-b1fa-ff47a0e43e6e.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) A millennium ago—or around 2005—Nothing Bundt Cakes served its desserts at the International Franchise Association Convention’s Taste of Franchising. The event’s intent was to offer attendees a festive evening celebrating the diversity of franchised restaurant cuisine, while brands had an… Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:01:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/b571f1fa-af02-11ed-a9ef-63f620977811 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/in-franchising-it-s-more-than-just-moral-support/article_b571f1fa-af02-11ed-a9ef-63f620977811.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) You know the feeling: You have a conversation with someone so engaging, so positive, you walk away with a spring in your step. And whenever you get the chance, you seek out that person for more of their positivity. Thu, 26 Jan 2023 07:05:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/49a771de-974c-11ed-8817-3b7655dad5c7 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/unlocking-the-age-of-franchise-enlightenment/article_49a771de-974c-11ed-8817-3b7655dad5c7.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When sons Ben and Sam were growing up, I taught them two rules that would get them far in life: “Timing is everything” and “less is more.” Wed, 28 Dec 2022 07:05:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/06ddbb58-8151-11ed-bf1c-db81ba5efbcd https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/applying-life-lessons-to-smart-franchise-growth/article_06ddbb58-8151-11ed-bf1c-db81ba5efbcd.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Punctuation can save lives. Let me illustrate: What’s the difference between these two sentences? “Let’s go eat, Grandma.” Or, “Let’s go eat Grandma.” That’s an old one, but as a punctuation geek—this is a magazine, after all—I know how important… Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:02:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/f1756c9a-4fdf-11ed-b557-37429aa33d3a https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchise-ceos-punctuate-key-reasons-for-success/article_f1756c9a-4fdf-11ed-b557-37429aa33d3a.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I’ve been in this role for a long time, so when I say I’ve seen every type of franchise concept out there, you should believe me. There was the autopsy franchise, which could have co-branded with the crime scene clean-up… Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:08:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/8ac224d4-3a86-11ed-b364-a305d651b495 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/a-little-franchise-prep-goes-a-long-way/article_8ac224d4-3a86-11ed-b364-a305d651b495.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Over the years, I have met or interviewed my share of famous people, either because of their investments in franchising or because they keynoted at our various conferences. Let the name dropping begin: comedians Jim Gaffigan and Dennis Miller, news… Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:07:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/c37ce438-2232-11ed-ae27-d7f51cedd4e6 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/celebrities-and-new-brands-on-the-franchise-stage/article_c37ce438-2232-11ed-ae27-d7f51cedd4e6.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Phong Huynh landed in the U.S. in 1973, two years before the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. At 12 he was put on a Greyhound bus with $10 in his pocket to make the long trek from his… Wed, 27 Jul 2022 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/aea60658-0779-11ed-839a-db1bffeafdd9 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/at-franchise-times-we-can-t-get-enough-entrepreneurial-journeys/article_aea60658-0779-11ed-839a-db1bffeafdd9.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Netflix. Wine. Chocolate. Or maybe it was HBO Max, margaritas and nachos. So many choices for all of us stuck at home during the pandemic, aaaaand maybe those choices weren’t as healthy as they should have been. Hopefully, we didn’t… Thu, 26 May 2022 07:02:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/2aa35370-d6ef-11ec-bbfb-535643fe4900 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/from-biohacking-to-food-tech-this-issue-has-it-all/article_2aa35370-d6ef-11ec-bbfb-535643fe4900.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I joke that I started at Franchise Times Corp. when I was 15. (Because I’ve been here 30 years. Get it?) It’s an old joke, I know. During that time, I’ve seen some things in the franchise sector, but I… Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:03:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/410617e2-c01a-11ec-ba39-67825e7a31c9 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/the-boldest-m-a-deals-all-have-a-human-element/article_410617e2-c01a-11ec-ba39-67825e7a31c9.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When son Sam moved into his college dorm years ago, I was there, helping to hang up clothes, wipe down his cupboards and generally make him comfortable. His older brother, Ben, came along to help Sam and my husband, Doug,… Tue, 29 Mar 2022 07:07:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/8a1f1478-af77-11ec-bc5f-236368e0359c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/our-star-powered-issue-entertains-and-informs/article_8a1f1478-af77-11ec-bc5f-236368e0359c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When my now-adult children Ben and Sam were young, they played both basketball and baseball throughout the years. In fact, husband Doug coached many of those teams along the way. What I witnessed, and what Doug encountered from the kids,… Thu, 24 Feb 2022 07:06:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/2ad9932e-934f-11ec-82bb-6fa05b8df4ab https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/with-healthy-competition-readers-are-the-winners/article_2ad9932e-934f-11ec-82bb-6fa05b8df4ab.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When my adult son Ben was in elementary school, he couldn’t get enough of Michael Jordan. Even though we lived in Minnesota, the Chicago Bulls basketball great had all the moves fifth-grade boys especially loved to admire. Wed, 26 Jan 2022 07:02:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/772b19a6-78aa-11ec-baee-03012865ce6d https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/the-stars-align-for-franchise-brands/article_772b19a6-78aa-11ec-baee-03012865ce6d.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) When I’m at a social event and someone brings up something they’ve seen or heard on the news, whether it’s the labor shortage or supply chain issues, I relate it to a franchisor or franchisee I know who is not… Tue, 28 Dec 2021 07:08:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/1cd04fe4-61df-11ec-adf1-975f7d01a56c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/founder-tales-yield-useful-insights-and-inspiration/article_1cd04fe4-61df-11ec-adf1-975f7d01a56c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) We’ve all seen the quips and memes on social media or those quirky signs that announce: “2020: 0 out of 4 stars. Would not recommend.” And 2021? Well, it wasn’t what we thought it would be, either. Best to look… Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:02:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/2297bcde-31bd-11ec-ba81-efbd41383f0c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/no-shortage-of-inspiring-tales-and-maybe-a-meme/article_2297bcde-31bd-11ec-ba81-efbd41383f0c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) It’s like remembering where you were on 9/11 hit. We all had that moment when we realized this COVID thing was going to be a big deal. Mine was when our governor shut down the state, closing everything except essential… Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:04:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/655fab94-1a2f-11ec-8b86-976a4d45ace9 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/top-400-leaders-have-tales-to-tell/article_655fab94-1a2f-11ec-8b86-976a4d45ace9.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Husband Doug and I were attending a charity function here in Minneapolis a few years ago, and as all good fundraising events have, there was a silent auction where I saw it: A Minnesota Vikings helmet signed in gold pen… Fri, 27 Aug 2021 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/6ee86848-00f5-11ec-82e9-63f5edee9c00 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/along-the-franchise-path-roles-are-ripe-for-reinvention/article_6ee86848-00f5-11ec-82e9-63f5edee9c00.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I just finished reading “Pachinko,” a work of historical fiction written by Min Jin Lee. It’s the saga of a Korean family that immigrated to Japan in the early 20th century. The story sweeps through generations, but a theme emerges:… Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:31:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/7ac64612-f146-11eb-a77b-278427ac2ce0 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/the-best-franchise-stories-come-from-the-operators/article_7ac64612-f146-11eb-a77b-278427ac2ce0.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know I have been with the company a few years—a few years being…mmm…a lot. My first event soon after I joined was our Restaurant Finance & Development Conference, where restaurant operators… Thu, 27 May 2021 07:27:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/add3d3dc-b81e-11eb-ac03-6f2fa67e97d1 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/equity-diversity-business-are-intersecting-interests/article_add3d3dc-b81e-11eb-ac03-6f2fa67e97d1.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) For years, we’ve swatted aside the stereotype that women are risk adverse. “We” being most of the folks who make up the franchise sector. That stereotype just doesn’t prove out. We have reported within these pages the scores of women… Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:26:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/c8d7e3f6-a1f0-11eb-a297-d72b95a3443d https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/entrepreneurs-make-the-franchise-world-go-round/article_c8d7e3f6-a1f0-11eb-a297-d72b95a3443d.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) Optimism seems to be taking hold of all of us. As I am writing this, states are beginning to open up more and vaccines are being delivered at a speedier rate. And I will be watching baseball, live and in… Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0500 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/3a08129a-8d96-11eb-b215-b39e4cc3647c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/look-no-further-for-your-next-dose-of-inspiration/article_3a08129a-8d96-11eb-b215-b39e4cc3647c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) This year’s NFL Super Bowl should have been an interesting one. I mean, you had the GOAT, for sure, playing against a hotshot youngster. But I’m not going to talk about them. I want to talk about The Weeknd, the… Wed, 24 Feb 2021 07:55:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/dfb7a924-7614-11eb-8ae5-ef91a17251d8 https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/no-debate-here-for-best-brand-insight-ask-a-zee/article_dfb7a924-7614-11eb-8ae5-ef91a17251d8.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) I used to love the old bit when late-night talk show host David Letterman would work in a QSR drive-thru. At Taco Bell, he would mess with the folks in their cars who were just trying to get some nachos.… Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:45:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/4bcb890a-5ff4-11eb-909f-cfab9b2fd8ae https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/all-joking-aside-heres-useful-insight-not-to-miss/article_4bcb890a-5ff4-11eb-909f-cfab9b2fd8ae.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson) It’s January 2021, and aren’t we all glad? We can officially put 2020 in the rearview mirror and look for better things to come. There isn’t a person reading this who has not been touched by the pandemic in some… Tue, 29 Dec 2020 09:33:00 -0600 http://www.franchisetimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/31cd6646-49eb-11eb-8020-b7b6cfe8333c https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/challenges-bring-stories-of-inspiration-to-learn-from/article_31cd6646-49eb-11eb-8020-b7b6cfe8333c.html mlarson@franchisetimes.com (Mary Jo Larson)