Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue IV, 2013 | Page 28

D OM I N A T O R S
If Duffy wrote an instructional manual
for would-be franchisees, he says it would
contain many of the lessons he’s learned
navigating the economic downturn. “First,
I’d tell them, ‘Understand the dynamics of
the business you’re getting into, and do
that well in advance of making a commitment. Due diligence should include talking
to existing franchisees who are willing to
share information.’”

New franchisees should also “plan for
the worst,” he says. “Whatever capital you
think you need, double it. A five-year plan
on a spreadsheet feels different when you
have to live it out. It’s always harder than
you think it is.”
Another tip: find a good partner. In
Duffy’s case, that would be Bert Hayenga. “He is honest, hard-working, and a
genuinely great person,” says Duffy. “We

work extremely well together and our
skill sets complement each other, which
enables us to get more done and enhance
our productivity.”
Duffy, who is excited about continuing
to grow with Dunkin’ and his team, also
offers a piece of personal advice: “Always
surround yourself with good people, take
on challenges outside your comfort zone,
and live every day to the fullest.”

PERSONAL
First job: Newspaper carrier at about 10, and then worked in a pizzeria
at 16.
Formative influences/events: When I was in second grade, my mom
lost her vision. Her strength influenced me, and I became a more independent person early on. I became more aware of people and surroundings and
issues earlier than somebody else without obstacles in their early life. Sports
also played a big role in my life. I played football and basketball and learned
about teamwork, losing and winning, and dealing with challenges. Meeting
my wife in college was another major event. I guess there have been a lot of
things that formed me.
Key accomplishments: First and foremost, I’m most proud of my beautiful wife and three beautiful children. I’m proud of the work I did when I
started building my stores—the economy was the worst it had been in the
last 50 or 60 years when I opened my first store in Phoenix on Aug. 15,
2008. Having survived a lot of challenges and lived through them with the
brand, I’m proud of what I’ve learned and overcome.
Biggest mistake: I have no major regrets. One of the lessons I learned
from 2008 and 2009 is to be careful in making certain assumptions, especially around debt. There was a lot of stress during that time, and I learned to
be prepared if things go bad.
Decision I wish I could do over: Now, I always try to live life to the
fullest on a daily basis. I wish I had gotten here sooner.
Work week: As we were expanding and growing, there were a couple
of years when I worked six or seven days a week. However, in the last 18
months, I’ve been a lot more aware of putting the phone down and spending

time with the family. My hours are different every week, and I try to work
from home at least one day a week. I drop in on the stores and talk to customers and employees, but I don’t schedule those visits (by design).
Favorite fun activities: I love playing basketball and running, and I do
a lot of that. I take the kids fishing—they have a ball doing that. We also
take them hiking and camping—we’re an outdoor family. The beach is right
up there, too.
Exercise/workout: Running, basketball, lifting weights.
Favorite tech toys: I’m not a huge tech guy, but I use my iPod every day
when I run, and I also use my iPad a lot.
What are you reading? The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by
Eli Goldratt.
Do you have a favorite quote? I find myself saying this a lot: “Just
get a little bit better every single day, every week, every month, because
when you stop getting better, results start to slide.”
Best advice you ever got: My dad told me, “Show up and work hard.”
What gets you out of bed in the morning? A