Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue II, 2013 | Page 30

M U L T I - B R A N D
Draper, who joined V&J in 1994, is a
staunch supporter of all V&J’s food brands
and believes the diversity makes the organization stronger and more nimble.
“Each brand operates in a different climate. Burger Kings are in urban markets
as well as suburban markets. Pizza Huts
are generally in our upstate markets, and

Auntie Anne’s are in the malls,” he says.
“Each point of distribution gives us a different sensitivity to our customer base.
The diversity in my opinion has been
a blessing because when one brand is
doing well and another is not, they can
help each other.”
This U.S. Army veteran, philanthro-

pist, husband, father, and grandfather is
also a cheerleader for franchising in general. “It’s a great time to be a franchisee.
Franchisors are looking for multi-store
operators, people with fire in the belly.
If you have fire in the belly, a humble
desire to serve, and are hospitable in
nature, get in now!”

BOTTOM LINE
Annual revenue: $50 million to $90 million

how we have to manage the business now.

2013 goals: To continue to grow profitably, look for deals, and increase
sales.

Is capital getting easier to access? Why/why not? No, not
easier. I’m also a bank board member. Banks want to lend money, but they’re
restricted because they have to be sure they have returns. It’s difficult to lend
money without a guarantee, and the restaurant industry in general has been a
bad investment lately.

Growth meter: How do you measure your growth? By sales and
profits.
Vision meter: Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years?
I’d like to double our business in 5 years. In 10, I’d like to possibly consider
retiring to consultant work.
How is the economy affecting you, your employees, your customers? It has been difficult because we have been forced to make decisions
we would not have made in a more positive environment. The economy has
been south since 2008. That’s a long time to fight internally. It’s affected us,
but