Own Your Business
Own Your Life by Stan Friedman
My name is Stan Friedman, and I am passionate about franchising. Over my 32-year franchise career, some have known me as a franchisor, others as a supplier and others still, as a franchise podcaster. All who know me, though, know this: I am deeply committed to doing well by doing good. That is the mantra that has led to my many years of engagement with the International Franchise Association (IFA). It is that philosophy, too, that has driven my resolute commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion in franchising. My work in this space has led to many fascinating introductions, opportunities and collaborations with some truly amazing people. Many of these people travel in orbits that would never have touched mine, but for our collective interest in this work. And that’s what led me here, as your Token Man. My mission as your Token Man is to introduce you to some truly amazing women, re-
22 The Franchise Woman
sources and initiatives that perhaps you might have missed too, had this Token Man not shown up with a bundle of information to share. So, what do you say? Let’s go! If you are at the early stages of exploring franchising, I hope that this will encourage and inspire you to learn more about how you can “own your business and own your life” and help you take charge of your destiny. For those already committed to franchise business ownership, these resources are available for you, too, and can enable and empower you to climb to even greater heights. For those of you that may be industry executives or play supporting roles, these resources can assist you in the administration of day-to-day responsibilities with those you serve.
Barb Smith My first introduction is Barb Smith. Barb is Senior Vice President
and Director of Key4Women at KeyBank. With more than 1,000 branches in 15 states, Key Bank is one of the nation’s largest. And, while there’s a reasonably good chance that you reside somewhere other than one of those 15 states, worry not. Key4Women resources can be accessed remotely from desktops or smartphones at www. key.com/small-business/services/ key4women/overview.jsp. KeyBank and Key4Women are deeply committed and engaged with The IFA’s Education Foundation. These groups are committed to helping inform and educate women and members of diverse communities about the power that franchising brings to the economy and the roles that we as individuals may play locally, delivering services to what are oftentimes underserved communities. Barb and other Key executives joined forces with members of the IFA team last fall, piloting a half-day program in
