When I was younger, the most important thing to me was winning. No matter the situation, I had to find a way to win. I'd struggle for days after I lost a basketball game. I had to graduate first in my high school class — not because it was best for my future, but to beat everyone else. I had the same drive at WVU and graduated in the top 1% of my class.
As I've matured, I still like winning, but I've come to prioritize learning and helping.
Edible Arrangements: 17 years, 9 stores
My career in franchising started in 2006, when my wife Lori and I decided to take more control of our financial future and opened our first Edible Arrangements in Youngstown, Ohio. I had a lucrative job in pharmaceuticals, but I hated going to work most days. With a wealth of food service experience, Edible felt like a good fit.
Seventeen years later we owned 9 locations in 3 states and became the brand's all-time leader in gross revenue at just over $52 million. We were named Multi-Unit Owner of the Year in 2010 and Franchisee of the Year in 2013. Our Youngstown store was the top store in sales in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and the only single location in brand history to eclipse $2M in one calendar year.
The recognition we appreciated most was when our Regional Manager, Shakera Brown, was named 2013 Manager of the Year. Shakera started with us on our first day in 2006 with no work experience, and rose to run our entire multi-location enterprise. I cried tears of joy when she walked on stage to receive her award from our founder and CEO, Tariq Farid.
The Simple Greek & Marcus Lemonis
We also invested in a fast-casual brand born on CNBC's The Profit: The Simple Greek. Our first Youngstown location broke every franchise record — over $56,000 in opening week, and more revenue per square foot than a Chick-fil-A. We opened two more in 18 months. We performed at such a level that Marcus Lemonis, owner of the brand and billionaire owner of Camping World, asked me to become CEO.
Six months after I started, Covid-19 devastated the industry. We suspended royalties and fees so franchisees could survive, and I essentially worked for free. Marcus and I decided the best thing for franchisees was to sell the brand to WOWorks, who could give them more support. I sold myself out of a job I loved — but it was the right thing to do.
What's next: SweatHouz
After an incredible 2020–2022, Lori and I sold our Edible locations to a long-time employee and current business partner. Listening to The Wolf of Franchises podcast, I heard Jamie Weeks — owner of 100+ Orangetheory locations — describe a new contrast-therapy wellness brand, SweatHouz. I knew I wanted in. Our group has a studio open in Youngstown with up to 10 more planned.
Are you looking to purchase a franchise, or turn your business into one? I would relish the opportunity to help you on your journey.