Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2013 | Page 20
MEGA
F
Mega-Stars
Six movers and shakers who shoot for the sky
ranchising is big. And so are some of its franchisees. Just take a look at our “Mega 99” list
(page 54) and you’ll see what we mean! We’ve
ranked the heavyweights by size, brands, number of units, and locations. These franchisees
definitely know how to Go Big!
Franchising at this level is not for everyone. It
takes a certain set of skills, drive, and initiative to
build and operate these large organizations. The risks
and rewards to the ever-growing multi-unit franchisee
hinge on savvy decision-making, dedicated managers,
hard-working employees, and loyal customers. Few
can do it; even fewer can do it well.
And beyond the numbers are the human stories of
passion, creativity, and sheer will and determination it
takes to succeed at this level. Year after year we continue to find multi-unit franchisees with compelling
stories to tell about their journeys to where they are
today, stories filled with dramatic twists and turns.
This year we have chosen six successful multi-unit
operators who exhibit the best of franchising, entrepreneurship, and commitment to their goals. It’s
revealing to hear their candid reflections on their successes and failures, goals and objectives, plans for the
future, and their thoughts about work, family, and life.
But perhaps it’s their insights into people—from their
employees to their customers to the communities
they serve—that makes these franchisees notable.
We get it started in this issue by “reconnecting”
with three franchisees we’ve previously profiled:
• Tony Lutfi has tripled the number of franchise
units he operates since last we visited with him three
years ago. The MarLu Investment Group CEO and
president now has 43 Arby’s, 46 Church’s Chicken, 21
Jack in the Box, 5 Little Caesars, 5 Sizzlers, and has
diversified beyond food with 8 Sears Appliance Showrooms and 6 Sears Hardware & Appliance stores, with
more likely ahead.
• Glenn Mueller is a consummate innovator,
and continues to be a beacon for the Domino’s Pizza
brand. The 57-year-old CEO (chief excellence officer) is Domino’s largest franchisee, with 135 locations and an annual payroll topping $25 million. And
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Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue I, 2013
he’s brought several of his family members into the
organization.
• Kelly Saxton is the founder and executive chairman of The Saxton Group, which operates 50 McAlister’s Deli and 4 Pinkberry locations. He’s been in the
food service business for 30 years, and he previously
owned more than 50 Mazzio’s Pizzas. Like many successful franchisees, he loves to see his employees succeed and believes that’s what leads to the ultimate success of the organization.
We also spoke with three more successful multiunit operators:
• David Grimaud grew up in the car repair business in his father’s Midas shop in Alexandria, La. His
passion for electronics led to a degree in electrical
engineering, but after starting a career in Dallas he
soon realized he liked “being the boss.” Today he is
president of Grimaud Enterprises, which oversees
93 Precision Tune Auto Care locations from Utah to
South Carolina.
• Tom McDonald spent 20 years traveling the
globe as an oil refinery process design engineer.
In 1986, during a cross-country trip with his family, a friend in Las Vegas asked him to be a partner
in a Burger King and the rest is history. Today the
66-year-old has 35 Burger Kings, 8 Panera Breads, 18
T-Mobile Premium Retail outlets, and 3 Fazoli’s.
• Don Copus grew up in a family of eight in a
900-square-foot home where he learned to work hard,
appreciate others, and never give up. Today the Indianapolis native operates 25 Hungry Howie’s in Michigan, Indiana, and Utah—and was named the 2012
Hungry Howie’s Franchisee of the Year.
Regardless of their background, experience, and
training, there’s always a fascinating real-life story
behind every successful franchise operator. Whether
you’re a single-unit operator or have dozens of units
across several brands, you’re sure to find something
interesting, educational, and entertaining in the stories of these successful six multi-unit operators. And
maybe even a nugget or two to apply to your business
or your personal life.
It’s Mega 99 time!