Many people have taken many routes to success in franchising. There is no one set way to do it. But there's much that can be learned from the failures and successes of others.
The UPS Store is one of America's most successful shipping and packing franchises. There are many reasons why they've become one of the global leaders in packing and shipping at a time where top-class private shipping has become an invaluable service. Certainly their leadership of their franchise executives has played a certain role in their franchise success. Stuart K Mathis is currently CEO of The UPS Store and he has written a story for the New York Times where he explains his own path to franchise success that I think would be very inspiring for aspiring franchise executives.
Mathis started his career frying bacon for $1.80 and today he is the boss of one of the biggest francihse brands in America. Through solid education and a dogged work ethic, Mathis climbed the ladder at Domino's before starting work with The UPS Store. With the right attitude, he feels anyone can make it far in franchising:
Giving people a chance is one of the lessons my mother instilled in me. We were on welfare, which in those days meant flour, sugar and dry milk handouts. Mom emphasized working hard and getting an education. She set the example by going to school at night and on the weekends to earn her advanced teaching degree