Get to Know Our Mentors

by Elizabeth Denham

In every issue, we will take a Million Dollar Minute to get the perspectives of our mentors about all things franchising. This Q&A will focus on a variety of topics and get a variety of answers from Kristin Selmeczy, Jerry Akers, David Kajganich, and Ray Pillar. With their varied roles and experiences, they are the Dream Team in franchising.

Let’s get to know them!

Why did you get into franchising?

KS: Better work-life balance while starting a family. My husband and I have a visceral commitment to our children, and this allowed me to be there with them.

JA: As an investment in a business allowing me to leave my “real” job and to create a reoccurring stream of income.

DK: I was working for a corporation at the time and to keep advancing, I would have had to relocate every couple of years. I was not willing to do that. Also, I wanted to be responsible for my own success and income. I just didn’t see myself reaching my ultimate financial and freedom goals unless I was operating my own business.

RP: After being laid off for the third time, I needed to take control of my destiny.

How long did it take you to reach “million-dollar” status?

KS: Too long! It took 11 years. I was more focused on quality of life for me than hard targets in my business. As my kids got older and more independent, I put my foot on the gas and focused more on my franchise territories. Everyone does it at a different pace, and that is the beauty of business ownership.

JA: Three years.

DK: In our franchise (Buffalo Wild Wings), we are pretty high volume, so we were able to reach it within our first year.

RP: I think it was about seven years. We have since more than doubled that.

What surprised you most about franchising?

KS: The strong sense of community. Beyond the office, we spend time together.

JA: The ease of transitioning into a business in an industry you know nothing about. Buying a franchise takes all the mystery out of new businesses and gives you a great system that, if you commit to follow it and engage in your business, you will very likely find success quickly.

DK: How everyone pulls together and helps each other for the success of the brand.

RP: The help that you get, not only from the franchise but also from other owners and the business community.

Tell us something no one knows about you.

KS: I’m an open book, really. I have survived some very private struggles in the past, but I work hard to compartmentalize those and move forward. I’d like to write a book one day.

JA: I love to cook and prepare meals for my family and friends on a regular basis.

DK: I had a total shoulder replacement last year, and I can no longer race in obstacle course mud runs. I miss it.

RP: In the fourth grade my parents were told I was retarded. In the fifth grade, they were told I was a genius.

What do you do for fun?

KS: All things kids -- baseball, hockey, theatre, PTA, boosters, golf. But for me, personally, I enjoy the sand between my toes and the sun on my shoulders at the beach… it recharges my soul!

JA: Golf, fish, spend time with my family (grandkids are the best!) and, build businesses.

DK: I love to exercise and relax at the beach and the pool.

RP: I love to travel in my class “A” RV, and I love to fix things. I love working in my business.

What is the best thing about franchising?

KS: Flexibility, camaraderie, fun! It allows you to have the lifestyle you choose.

JA: You are not alone! You own your own business but have not only the franchisor to support you but your entire franchisee family!

DK: It shortens the learning curve and saves a ton of time, expense and trial and error since all you have to do is follow the systems that the franchisor has in place.

RP: Your chances for success are much greater.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

KS: Lack of communication

JA: Franchisees who won’t help other franchisees.

DK: Excuse making.

RP: People who label others without even knowing them.

What has franchising allowed you to do that you would not have had the opportunity to do otherwise?

KS: It has allowed me to be involved in my kids’ lives. I volunteer at school and help with their sports. I was in the first generation of latch key kids. I longed for my mom to be home when I got home, to help at school or to drop me off and pick me up. I can do that for my kids. You only get one shot with your children. I don’t want to miss a thing. I’m now getting my daughter ready for graduation, and we are getting excited about all the fun things in high school as she embarks on her own journey!

JA: I can create multi-generational income and change the trajectory of multiple generations of my family’s lives, and I can also do the same for many employees.

DK: So many things....to sum it up...the freedom to live the life that I have now.

RP: Be very successful!