Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2015 | Page 16

2015 MVP AWARDS
they joke they had to get restaurants in
different states.
There’s nothing magical about the
Balens’ success managing a multi-unit,
multi-brand operation, says Alan, who
credits his drive and discipline to his
sports background. “We figured that if the
burger business had a bad year, maybe the
burrito business would be up. And we’re
in Florida because we have good sales in
the winter and are slower in the summer.

“We’re excited
now to
help people
around us be
successful.”

In Michigan, we get slowed down in the
winter by the snow.”
“Growing multiple brands makes
sense to us, and we continue to look at
other brands as well. I’d tell a singlebrand franchisee: if you’re committed
to it and have the infrastructure to do
it, do it,” he says. “We learn a lot from
each brand that helps us with the other
brand. It broadens us and makes us better operators.”

PERSONAL
Formative influences/events: I had some good football coaches, including Woody Hayes, who instilled in me a lot of drive and determination to win.
Key accomplishments: As a personal goal that went back to my childhood,
I wanted to start at Ohio State in football, and was able to do that. Businesswise, I’ve received the Legacy Award from Checkers/Rally’s, Tracy has been
Operator of the Year, and we’ve been Franchisees of the Year. But being a
member of the franchise advisory council means the most because I represent
the whole franchise community.
Work week: Seven days a week—it always has been. But I love working
for myself because today I’m able to watch my son in a golf tournament. On the

other hand, we’ve gotten the calls when the water line broke on Christmas Eve.
What are you reading? I read a lot of books on the mental aspect of
sports and a winning perspective.
Best advice you ever got: A high school football coach said, “Once a
quitter, always a quitter. After you quit the first time, it’s a lot easier to do it
again.” I may stop doing so Y][