Dina Dwyer-Owens - Chairwoman of IFA
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At the IFA convention, Franchise Direct was fortunate enough to secure an interview with incoming chairwoman of the IFA and the head of the Dwyer Group, Dina Dwyer-Owens. In this video, Dina shares her thoughts on a life in the franchising industry and says that franchising is “the real economic stimulus plan”.
“We’re creating jobs, we’re creating businesses. Franchising is about stimulating our economy.”
For Ms Dwyer-Owens, franchising is a proven business model that will provide entrepreneurs with new opportunities.
“The reason that franchising as a business model is so successful is it’s all about systems,” she says. “If you start a business from scratch, you have to figure the systems out yourself. With franchising, it’s been proven. The systems have been put into place. They work.”
During these difficult economic times, Dina says that securing financing is the number one challenge for someone starting a franchise, but she adds that the IFA is doing everything it can to free up credit for franchisees. The Dwyer Group is one company that provides financing for franchisees.
Ms Dwyer-Owens also points at the various benefits of the working with the IFA.
“I grew up with the IFA. My father had me attending IFA conventions when I was in my teens. I look back and I’m so appreciative he introduced me to franchising and the IFA at such an early age,” she says.
She singles out the help and support she received from the IFA after her father died.
“Everyone was there to help and support me,” she says. “You’re going to make lifelong relationships.”
The IFA has also helped Ms Dwyer-Owens realize how important it is to stand up and fight for the interests of the franchising industry.
“The IFA taught me how important it is to be a voice for franchising. Not just franchisors, but franchisees and our suppliers. That we need to speak out and protect the interests of franchising.”
And despite the present economic gloominess, she is confident that 2009 will be a good year for franchising.
“I think it’s going to be positive at the end of the year. We have some members who are struggling, but they have an optimistic outlook. The IFA is going to provide some incredible things to get them through this challenging time. “
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