The Franchise Game 2024
Yum! Restaurants International - 7100 Corporate Drive, Plano, TX00
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SECS
| Time | Event Details |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | REGISTRATION OPENS + BREAKFAST |
| 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM |
WELCOME TO THE GAME! Receive a warm welcome from Yum! Brands team and The Franchise Game founders. Learn about the franchise educational content offered at the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business. Hear why The Franchise Game was created, how it has grown since last year’s inaugural event, and all you can look forward to during the symposium. PRESENTERS: James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, Yum! Brands, Inc. Sara Awadallah, Strategic Partnerships, YUM! Global Franchising Tarji Carter, Co-Founder, The Franchise Game Dessie Brown, Jr., Co-Founder, The Franchise Game Daylon Goff, Co-Founder, The Franchise Game |
| 8:50 AM – 9:35 AM |
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FRANCHISEE In this session, you will learn from some of the industry’s best multi-unit franchisees. Learn how to create an ownership mindset, best practices for success, and which pitfalls to avoid. Attendees will leave the session with a new perspective and a plan aimed at owning and operating profitable franchise locations. INTRODUCTION: Will Baggett, Author, Speaker, and Commercial Real Estate Advisor MODERATOR: Cornelius “Neil” Foote, Jr., Executive Director, Frisco Marketing Strategy UNT Division of University Brand Strategy & Communications PANELISTS: Rachel Proctor, Mayor of DeSoto, TX, Multi-Unit Franchisee (Salata Salads) Andre Walters, Retired NFL Player, Multi-Unit Franchisee (Duck Donuts) Jody Edwards, Multi-Unit Franchisee (Dunkin’) Harrison Blair, President & CEO, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce |
| 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM |
FROM EXECUTIVE TO ENTREPRENEUR – Fireside Chat You will not want to miss the opportunity to hear from Mr. Roland Parrish, the CEO of Parrish Restaurants, Ltd, which owns and operates 24 McDonald’s restaurants in Dallas and the surrounding areas. Mr. Parrish also serves on the NBA Dallas Mavericks Advisory Board, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the MLB Texas Rangers Foundation. PRESENTERS: Roland Parrish, CEO of Parrish Restaurants Ltd, One of the Top 100 Black Owned Businesses in the United States Lady Jade - Journalist, Philanthropist and Media Personality |
| 10:40 AM – 11:10 AM |
TALK TO MY ATTORNEY! Learn about the legal rights and responsibilities of franchising from one of the best Franchise Attorneys in the business. All attendees will better understand the FDD and why having a franchise attorney on your side is one of the best investments you will ever make. PRESENTER: Tanya Nebo, Franchise Attorney, Nebo Law |
| 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM |
THANK YOU, SPONSORS! Hear from our sponsors about why they support The Franchise Game and their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. PRESENTER: Will Baggett, Author, Speaker, and Commercial Real Estate Advisor |
| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | LUNCH & LEARN Enjoy a delicious lunch sponsored by Pizza Hut and meet franchise brand representatives inside the Trade Show. Network with like-minded business professionals. |
| 1:10 PM – 1:55 PM |
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS – IDENTIFYING THE IDEAL FRANCHISEE? Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring top representatives from leading franchise brands as they share insights on what makes an ideal franchise candidate. Whether you aspire to own a franchise or are curious about the selection process, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives and practical advice. Discover what it takes to rise to the top and thrive in the competitive world of franchising. INTRODUCTION: Will Baggett, Author, Speaker, and Commercial Real Estate Advisor MODERATOR: Cornelius “Neil” Foote, Jr., Executive Director, Frisco Marketing Strategy UNT Division of University Brand Strategy & Communications PANELISTS: Shawn Caric, VP of Franchise Development, Smoothie King Pam Gore, Director of Development Marketing, Dine Brands Maureen DeStefano, VP of Franchise Development, Potbelly Sandwiches |
| 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
FROM ONE TO MANY: MASTERING MULTI-UNIT OWNERSHIP In this session, Franchise Industry Veteran Aicha Bascaro will provide detailed insight into the transition from the brand's franchisee training to the essential skills you must acquire independently to achieve exponential growth. Aicha's wealth of experience will offer actionable insights and practical advice for franchisees aiming to expand their footprint and achieve long-term success in franchise ownership. PRESENTER: Aicha Bascaro, Founder and CEO, American Franchise Academy |
| 2:35 PM – 3:05 PM |
TASTE OF OWNERSHIP: ACQUIRING A RESTAURANT FRANCHISE Join Dominique Maddox, a seasoned expert in restaurant acquisitions, for an in-depth session on evaluating potential purchases. Dominique will walk you through the key factors to consider, from location and market demand to the restaurant’s reputation and operational performance. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to expand your portfolio, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make an intelligent, informed decision. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insider insights and take the guesswork out of buying a restaurant! PRESENTER: Dominique Maddox, President, EATS Brokers |
| 3:10 PM – 3:45 PM |
FRANCHISE FREEDOM: SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES AMIDST DEI CHALLENGES Join Tarji Carter, CEO of The Franchise Player, as she explores the urgent need for marginalized groups to enter franchising now amidst increasing threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws. Discover how franchising offers a pathway to liberation from corporate trauma and micro-aggressions. During this session, you will also hear from a dynamic husband-and-wife duo about how they created a thriving snack business at the onset of the 2020 pandemic. Don’t miss this empowering session on seizing control of your future through entrepreneurship and franchising. PRESENTER: Tarji Carter, Founder and CEO, The Franchise Player Co-Founder, The Franchise Game Jeff and Marissa Allen, Founders, Cookie Society |
| 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM |
THANK YOU FOR COMING! PRESENTERS: Wanda Williams, Head Yum! Global Franchising, Yum! Brands, Inc. Tarji Carter, Co-Founder, The Franchise Game Dessie Brown, Jr., Co-Founder, The Franchise Game Daylon Goff, Co-Founder, The Franchise Game |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | TRADE SHOW RE-OPENS Spend the last hour revisiting the exhibit booth, gathering information, networking, and taking pics with your new BFFs (best franchise friends) at the YUM! selfie wall. |
Roland Parrish
CEO of Parrish Restaurants Ltd, One of the Top 100 Black Owned Businesses in the United States
Aicha Bascaro
Founder and CEO, American Franchise Academy
Tanya Nebo
Franchise Attorney,   Nebo Law
Daylon Goff
Brand Marketing and Media Executive / Co-Founder, The Franchise Game
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Nancy Williams
     Franchise Sales,     Ben & Jerry's
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Will Baggett
Author, Speaker, and Commercial Real Estate Advisor, Keller Williams
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Dessie Brown, Jr.
Founder, LD Unlimited Marketing / Co-Founder, The Franchise Game
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Tarji Carter
Founder and CEO, The Franchise Player / Co-Founder, The Franchise Game
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Shawn Caric
VP of Franchise Development, Smoothie King
Harrison Blair
President & CEO, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Rachel Proctor
Mayor of DeSoto, TX, Multi-Unit Franchisee (Salata Salads)
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