In their own words.

I had an opportunity to work with Ron Taylor in my time as owner of The Simple Greek franchise system. Initially, Ron and his team were our most successful franchisees. Their performance was so strong that I decided to collaborate with them on their third location. After watching how Ron conducts his business, with the highest priority on guest service, product quality, and taking great care of his team, I decided that I wanted Ron to oversee the entire Simple Greek brand.

Ron took over the brand, and just a few months later the QSR industry was devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Ron kept a small team and helped most of the franchisees navigate the most challenging period in the history of franchise restaurants. As we started to emerge from the pandemic, Ron was able to negotiate a deal where The Simple Greek was sold to WOWorks. This was a sale that was beneficial for all parties involved.

While I currently have no major involvement with any franchise brand, if I were to invest in that industry, I would want Ron involved from the beginning. He understands how to navigate the planning, permitting, and opening process as good as anyone I have worked with in the franchise industry. He operates with a high level of business acumen and a great deal of integrity. If you are starting a business or franchise, Ron could be a tremendous asset to help you pick the right brand and hit the ground running.

When I first met Ron Taylor in 2020, I was eager to deepen my understanding of the quick service restaurant industry but didn't yet have the full picture of what it truly took to build a thriving business. From day one, Ron's mentorship provided me with the clarity, knowledge, and strategic insights I needed to navigate the industry with confidence. He had a remarkable ability to break down complex challenges into actionable lessons, making even the most intricate aspects of operations, customer service, and brand growth feel attainable.

Ron didn't just teach me how to run a restaurant — he showed me how to build a business that could grow and sustain success. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership, financial discipline, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced industry. He instilled in me the mindset that success isn't just about serving great food; it's about creating a strong foundation through effective systems, team development, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Looking back, Ron's guidance was a turning point in my journey, and the principles he shared continue to shape the way I approach business today. He was a major reason why I left the workforce and became a Capriotti's Franchisee. I will always be grateful for the wisdom and support he provided.

Ron is an incredibly smart and passionate franchise owner. I was always impressed with how he approached the business. Mindful of what impacts his locations but also how decisions being made would impact the entire brand. Always willing to try new initiatives and creating his own as well. Relationships were top of mind for Ron, wanting to create an environment where his team and other owners had the best opportunity to succeed. Would always welcome the opportunity to work with Ron again in the future.

I have been an Edible Arrangements franchisee for 5 years. This journey was very bumpy at the beginning because it was my first ever experience in entrepreneurship. On my third year I met Ron during the Edible convention. I shared my struggles with him, especially regarding how to run a business during the busiest holidays. Without any hesitation he offered me to visit his stores when the time came and watch how they do it. Real help here — Ron and his partner owned the top-selling stores in the chain at that time.

Closer to the holiday itself I flew to Ohio. Ron and his partners showed me everything from A to Z. I visited 2 of their stores. We discussed production, marketing, selling strategies, team management and hiring practices. They gave me a folder with all the templates I could implement in my stores in Minnesota. I came back home well prepared, with strong confidence that during this holiday my stores would succeed. And we did!

Two years have passed now. I can say after that training and Ron's mentorship, my entrepreneurship ride became smoother. I feel confident in planning and executing. My team felt a significant change in management too, and they enjoy every holiday with me. Revenue rises and profit increases.

I have known Ron for 12 years. At Edible Arrangements he was one of our strongest franchise owner/operators when I managed Development. He has been a multi-unit owner with several locations. Ron bought and relocated several stores with this brand and also negotiated deals to sell them all. After Edible, Ron was involved with other franchise brands and businesses and has always been a great resource to me. He understands the challenges and rewards of franchising. He can certainly guide entrepreneurs to brands that may be best suited for them and guide them to ownership.

Back in 2006, Ron asked me to help demo a building for a franchise I had never heard of, Edible Arrangements. Within the first month I backed the delivery van into a pole, causing over $5,000 in damage. I thought for sure I would be fired. Instead, I was shown compassion.

From that November 2006 through today there has not been one year that I did not work at Edible Arrangements. Driver, to fruit expert, to in-store lead, to manager, to traveling manager — all because someone saw more in me than I had ever seen in myself.

In 2020, Ron offered me a partnership role so that I could be a franchisee myself. Today I am an owner of one of the best performing enterprises in the Edible Arrangements system — five locations in Avon, Boardman, Canton, Fairlawn and Stow, Ohio. We were awarded Manager of the Year, just like Ron. And most importantly, I've become a great husband and father while changing the lives of so many, because a neighbor named Ron changed mine.