In the highly competitive and ever-evolving world of restaurant and fast-food franchises, it takes a special franchisee to consistently excel, scale and outperform competitors in growing markets. These top-performing business owners possess a unique combination of skills, strategies, and qualities that set them apart and keep them at the front of the pack, positioned for growth.
Navigating the challenges of the food industry requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the market dynamics. Top-performing franchisees not only stay afloat in the face of fierce competition but also thrive and achieve remarkable success. They have an innate ability to identify opportunities, seize them, and turn them into profitable ventures.
These exceptional business owners understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. They keep a close eye on industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies. By staying informed and proactive, they are able to make strategic decisions that position them for success.
Matt Frauenshuh, the CEO of Fourteen Foods, the largest Dairy Queen franchisee in the United States, understands the strategies and mindsets behind food industry franchise success. His extensive industry experience and visionary leadership have afforded him valuable insights into the differentiators between the top franchisees and others, within the DQ Grill & Chill franchise and across the fast-food franchise sector.
The mindset of a top-performing franchisee
A key factor that differentiates top-performing franchisees is mindset. Exceptional businessmen maintain a mindset characterized by a unique combination of qualities and attitudes which drive their success.
"Successful franchisees possess an entrepreneurial spirit combined with a strong work ethic,” says Matt Frauenshuh. “They have a hunger for success and are willing to put in the effort required to achieve it."
Top-performing franchisees possess the spirit that drives entrepreneurs to success against the odds. They view their franchise as more than just a business venture; it's an opportunity to create something meaningful and impactful. They have a strong desire to innovate, take calculated risks, and explore new possibilities within the franchise model.
These franchisees also exhibit a strong work ethic. They are willing to put in the necessary time, effort, and dedication to make their franchise a success. They understand that success does not come overnight and are prepared to go the extra mile to achieve their goals.
Successful business owners view their franchise as more than just a job; they approach it as a business. They understand that their success depends on their ability to drive growth and profitability.
Frauenshuh adds, "They are not afraid to take calculated risks and think outside the box. They constantly seek opportunities for improvement and are willing to adapt their strategies to stay ahead in a competitive market."
High performing franchisees prioritize continuous learning and self-improvement. They stay abreast of industry trends, attend conferences and seminars, actively seeking out educational resources to expand their knowledge. This commitment to ongoing education helps them stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions that propel their success.
Building strong relationships with customers
One of the defining characteristics that sets top-performing franchisees apart from others is their exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with their customers. These franchisees understand that the success of their business hinges on the loyalty and satisfaction of their customer base.
Building strong customer relationships begins with a customer-centric mindset. Top-performing franchisees prioritize understanding their customers' needs, preferences, and expectations. They actively listen to feedback and take proactive steps to address customer concerns and enhance the overall experience.
The best franchisees go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. They prioritize personalized interactions, ensuring that each customer feels valued and appreciated. Whether it's a warm greeting, prompt assistance, or going the extra mile to accommodate special requests, they consistently exceed customer expectations.
"Franchisees who prioritize exceptional customer service create loyal customers who keep coming back," says Matt Frauenshuh. “Top-performing franchisees empower their employees to go the extra mile for customers. They encourage their staff to anticipate needs, address concerns proactively, and provide solutions that exceed expectations."
These owners understand that exceptional customer service goes beyond merely satisfying customer expectations. They strive to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. They invest time and effort in training their staff to provide friendly, personalized service.
Furthermore, top-performing franchisees foster trust and loyalty by consistently delivering high-quality products and services. They maintain strict standards of quality control to ensure that customers receive a consistent and satisfying experience with every visit. By constantly meeting and surpassing customer expectations, they create a strong foundation of trust and loyalty.
Effective communication is another vital component of building strong customer relationships. These franchisees maintain open lines of communication, actively engaging with customers through various channels such as social media, email newsletters, and feedback forms. They value customer feedback and use it to continuously improve their offerings and tailor their business strategies.
Operational excellence and attention to detail
Operational excellence serves as a fundamental pillar of success for any franchisee, and its significance becomes even more pronounced in a growing market. It encompasses a set of practices and principles aimed at maximizing efficiency, productivity, and overall performance within the franchise operation.
In a rapidly expanding market, competition intensifies, and customer expectations rise. Franchisees must possess a keen understanding of their operational processes to stay ahead of the curve and meet these heightened demands. Operational excellence ensures that the franchise operation runs smoothly, consistently delivers high-quality products or services, and maintains a competitive edge.
A vital aspect of operational excellence is the streamlining of processes. Top-performing franchisees meticulously analyze and optimize their workflows, identifying and eliminating inefficiencies. By identifying bottlenecks and implementing streamlined procedures, they can enhance productivity and reduce costs, leading to increased profitability.
Quality control comprises another crucial component of operational excellence. Franchisees with a strong focus on quality control consistently deliver products or services that meet or exceed customer expectations. They establish stringent standards, implement regular inspections, and train their staff to ensure consistent quality across all aspects of the business. By providing exceptional quality, franchisees foster customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and sustained business growth.
Operational excellence involves the strategic use of technology and systems to enhance efficiency. Franchisees leverage tools, software, and automation to streamline operations, manage inventory, optimize supply chain logistics, and improve communication channels. These technological advancements not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a seamless customer experience.
Notes Frauenshuh, “In a growing market, scalability is vital, and operational excellence allows franchisees to scale effectively. It provides a solid foundation for expansion, ensuring that processes, systems, and quality control measures can be replicated and maintained across multiple locations. Top-performing franchisees are relentless when it comes to operational efficiency. They focus on streamlining processes, ensuring quality control, and maintaining consistency."
Top business owners understand that operational excellence is not limited to serving great food; it extends to all areas of the business. They set high standards for cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety protocols. They also pay close attention to inventory management to minimize waste and optimize cost efficiency. They invest in technology and systems that help streamline operations and enhance productivity. They continuously evaluate and refine their processes to eliminate bottlenecks and deliver exceptional service consistently.
Additionally, these franchisees prioritize the training and development of their employees. They provide comprehensive training programs to ensure that their staff is well-equipped to deliver the highest quality of service. By nurturing a culture of excellence and attention to detail, owners create a positive work environment that translates into a superior customer experience.
Marketing strategies
In addition to mindset, customer relationships, and operational excellence, top-performing franchisees distinguish themselves by excelling in their marketing strategies and local community engagement. These savvy business owners understand that effective marketing and community involvement are key drivers of their success, enabling them to establish a strong brand presence, attract customers, and build lasting relationships within the local community.
An important aspect of a top franchisee’s marketing strategy is a deep understanding of their target audience. Top-performing businesses conduct market research to identify the preferences, needs, and behaviors of their customer base. Armed with this knowledge, they tailor their marketing efforts to resonate with their target audience, delivering relevant messages through various channels, including digital marketing, social media, traditional advertising, and local promotions.
Smart business owners prioritize branding, investing in creating a consistent and compelling brand image. They understand that a strong brand identity helps differentiate them from competitors and fosters brand recognition and loyalty. In the realm of franchises, this job begins at the corporate level, but it’s vital for franchisees to uphold that brand reputation and reinforce their reputation for excellence. Through careful branding, businesses craft a unique value proposition that aligns with their target customers' desires, making their restaurant an attractive choice.
The top-performing franchisees invest time and resources in conducting market research to identify their target audience's preferences and needs on a local level. If this information is provided by their franchisor, they pay attention and make decisions based on the data. They leverage digital marketing channels, social media platforms, and localized advertising campaigns to reach their target customers effectively.
“Well run businesses understand the power of branding and create compelling marketing messages that resonate with their local communities," says Matt Frauenshuh.
Furthermore, top-performing franchisees actively engage with the local community. They sponsor local events, participate in charitable initiatives, and collaborate with neighboring businesses to create a sense of community. Frauenshuh adds, "By becoming an integral part of the community, franchisees foster loyalty and trust among their customers. They understand that a strong community presence not only drives customer traffic but also enhances their brand reputation."
Local community engagement
Community engagement plays a vital role in the marketing strategies of top-performing franchisees. These exceptional franchisees understand the importance of building strong connections and relationships within the local community. By actively participating in community activities, supporting local events, sponsoring charitable initiatives, and partnering with local organizations, they create a positive impact and establish themselves as valued members of the community.
One strategy top-performing franchisees implement to engage with the community is supporting and sponsoring events. They recognize that events are opportunities to showcase their brand, interact with potential customers, and demonstrate their commitment to the community. Whether it's sponsoring a local sports team, participating in festivals, or organizing charity drives, these franchisees seize every chance to connect with the community on a personal level.
“Our goal when we move into a new community is to integrate seamlessly with the culture, dynamic, and values of that space,” says Frauenshuh. “We are building more than DQ Grill & Chill stores; we’re building a legacy on a micro level that affects our greater legacy.”
Charitable initiatives are also a key aspect of their community engagement. By supporting charitable causes and initiatives, top-performing franchisees demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in the lives of community members. They align their brand with causes that resonate with their target audience and actively promote and support these initiatives through donations, volunteer work, and awareness campaigns. This not only benefits the community but also enhances their brand reputation and fosters a positive perception among customers.
Additionally, top-performing franchisees actively seek partnerships with local organizations that share their values and goals. These partnerships allow them to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives, leverage each other's networks, and amplify their impact within the community. By joining forces with local organizations, they can reach a wider audience, enhance their visibility, and build credibility as trusted partners within the community.
Community engagement is more than just a marketing strategy for top-performing franchisees; it is a genuine commitment to making a positive difference. By actively participating in the local community, supporting events, sponsoring charitable initiatives, and partnering with local organizations, these franchisees create meaningful connections, foster goodwill, and establish a strong brand presence rooted in community values.
About Matt Frauenshuh:
In the competitive world of restaurant and fast-food franchises, top-performing owners possess a unique set of qualities and strategies that set them apart in growing markets. Their entrepreneurial mindset, commitment to exceptional customer service, focus on operational excellence, and effective marketing strategies all contribute to their remarkable success.
Aspiring franchisees can learn valuable lessons from the mindset and strategies of top-performing franchisees like Matt Frauenshuh. By embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, prioritizing exceptional customer service, ensuring operational excellence, and engaging with the local community, they can position themselves for success in the dynamic and rewarding world of restaurant and fast-food franchises. Matt Frauenshuh, the CEO of Fourteen Foods, exemplifies these qualities in his role as the largest Dairy Queen franchisee in the United States. With a bachelor's degree in business economics and an MBA, Frauenshuh brings a strong educational background and extensive industry knowledge to his leadership role. His visionary leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to continuous learning have propelled Fourteen Foods to unprecedented success.
Frauenshuh's passion for family values and his involvement with organizations like The Salvation Army demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of business. He serves as an inspiration to other franchisees in growing markets, encouraging them to strive for excellence and achieve remarkable success.
