YUM! CENTER FOR GLOBAL FRANCHISE EXCELLENCE
June 2021
THE PROJECT ON POSITIVE LEADERSHIP Progress Report
2021-2022 IMPACT REPORT
Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence
In June 2020, Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs announced the global Unlocking Opportunities Initiative, a $100 million commitment over the next five years to address inequality by focusing on three key areas: equity and inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship. And so, it was through this Initiative that Yum! Brands partnered with the College of Business at the University of Louisville to form the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 ................................................. Overview 02 ............................................... Education 03 ............................................... Innovation 04 ......................................... Collaboration 05 ................................................. Research 06 ...................................................... Impact 07 ................................... Moving Forward 08 .......................................... Recognition
Annual Impact Report 2021-2022
OVERVIEW
"
"Originally, I took the class just to take a class, but I very quickly decided that I am interested in becoming a franchisee. The people in the franchise industry come from all sorts of backgrounds. There is not one set path you have to take, and that is something that really attracts me to the idea of becoming a franchisee."
Bradley Sample, Junior
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE VISION & MISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
In one short year, the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence has made its mark in the franchising education world.
Our Yum! partners provided us with the generous endowment to create our Center last May. Our vision is to empower communities to build and sustain generational wealth through franchising; there are so many examples of this happening, and we want to help even more people achieve their dreams. Our mission is to provide franchising education and research focused on all, with a special focus on those historically underrepresented in franchising; all of our Center efforts are open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
"Our vision is to empower communities to build and sustain generational wealth through franchising; there are so many examples of this happening, and we want to help even more people achieve their dreams." - Kathy Gosser, PhD
Annual Impact Report 2021-22
A huge initiative was our partnership with Howard University to launch the Yum! Franchise Accelerator. Yum! walked the talk on their desire to diversify their franchise pool by providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A cohort of ten students were provided scholarships, experiences, and mentorship. Two students from the cohort (one from UofL, one from Howard University) were then given the opportunity to become franchise owners. More about that can be found in this report. This initiative was sponsored 100% by Yum! Brands.
We also have created a diverse, prestigious, and eager Board of Advisors this past year. Our representation of franchise brands is vast and makes their suggestions holistic. Their philanthropic generosity has provided funding for our first scholarships to be introduced late this summer. We will provide scholarships at all levels, including the Bootcamp and two experiential scholarships where two students will accompany us to the IFA convention.
We have sought and hired the best program coordinator for our Center, Annie Nell Wadley, who has a Master's degree in Higher Education and Social Justice. Her talents have enabled us to reach our students in meaningful ways, market our efforts with professionalism, and always have a caring person at the end of every email and phone call.
Kathleen Gosser, PhD Yum! Assistant Professor of Franchise Management Director, Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence
We have also had fun this year in so many ways - introducing our undergraduates to the world of franchising has been a big one! One student posted on LinkedIn that he "found his love of franchising." And, our FranchiseU! podcast series continues to provide inspiration and education surrounding the franchise model. Lastly, our collaborations with other universities teaching franchising and the IFA ensure that franchise education and research are needed and there are so many opportunities! We are so grateful for all support,
We are focused on education at three levels: Graduate, Undergraduate, and Non-Credit (our Bootcamp). By offering education at all levels, we are able to reach even more interested learners. We are growing our enrollments in all three and have high levels of satisfaction for our learners. We have a fantastic group of part-time faculty who are sharing their expertise to make the courses even richer.
Empower communities to create and sustain generational wealth through franchising.
vision
mission
Be a world-class center for franchising education and research, unlocking entrepreneurial opportunities for underrepresented populations.
Annual Impact Report 2021 - 2022
"Reflections in Franchising" virtual roundtables
53
INNOVATION
20
Total enrollment for Bootcamps
Total enrollment for Undergraduate courses
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Total enrollment for Graduate courses
50+ 4
Graduates from the Franchise Management Certificate Program
Taco Bell Business School cohorts
Faculty, staff, instructors, and support personnel
189
21
14
EDUCATION
FranchiseU! Podcast episodes released
Attendees to our Intercollegiate Franchise Network Launch Party
104
5
National and international conference presentations
ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-2022
3
The Yum! CGFE Executive Summary provides an overview of the progress our Center has made in its support of learners at all stages, through franchise education.
COLLABORATION
Scholarship amount to be awarded through our Board of Advisors Scholarship Fund
4
$10K
93%
IMPACT & MOVING FORWARD
1B+
Over one billion impressions from Taco Bell Business School press release
10
98%
MBA and Undergraduate students have a better understanding of the franchise business model after taking our courses
Scholarship amount awarded to each Yum! Franchise Accelerator participant
RESEARCH
MBA and Undergraduate students better possess necessary skills to work in franchising after taking our courses
Awards recognizing leadership and innovation
*Preliminary findings for all data
$41.5K
Universities currently comprising the Franchise Educators Consortium
MBA students (four from UofL) selected to participate in Yum! Franchise Accelerator
2
Bootcamp participants who would recommend our Bootcamp
Zach Mofield, Senior
FACULTY & STAFF ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING CONFERENCES
"I was always fascinated by the idea that you don't have to think of anything new to be a franchisee. The franchisee gets a proven concept and has the freedom to choose their passion without worrying about formulating the idea. I chose to study it because I am interested in buying a franchise location one day. I am not one that really has the entrepreneurial mindset, but I am very business-minded and that is what franchising is for me. That is a field that prides itself on relationships. I am a people person, and that could bring me success in franchising. My only regret is not taking the course sooner."
Senior Researcher, Yum! CGFE
CEO, FranNet
faculty & staff
Director, Yum! CGFE
Kathleen Gosser, PhD
Denise Cumberland, PhD
Assistant Professor Graduate: FRAN 601 Undergraduate: MGMT 410, MGMT 413 Bootcamp: FRAN 01
Jania Bailey, CFE
Instructor Bootcamp: FRAN 20
Associate Professor, College of Education
Sarah Hill, JD
Franchise Counsel, Director, Legal at KFC USA
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 620, FRAN 640 Bootcamp: FRAN 40
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 610
Retired Restaurant Executive, Yum! Brands
Director, Legal at Yum! Brands
Instructor Bootcamp: FRAN 10
Lauren Madden, JD
Gary Masterson, MBA
Rene' Zimmerman, MA
Program Coordinator, Yum! CGFE
Annie Nell Wadley, MEd
VP Learning and Tax Education, Jackson Hewitt
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 630 Undergraduate: MGMT 409 Bootcamp: FRAN 30
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 650 Bootcamp: FRAN 50
Business Strategy Consultant, WorldWideTeams
Bett Mickels, DBA
Julijana Curcic Program Coordinator Sr.
The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence is a part of the Corporate and Executive Education Department within the College of Business at the University of Louisville. Executive Education staff oversees all enrollment, Blackboard support, and distribution of certificates.
executive education
Alex Bryant Program Coordinator
Virginia Denny Assistant Dean, Executive Education
Manuela Perry Business Development Manager
TOTAL ENROLLMENT FOR AY 2021-22
GRADUATES FOR AY 2021-22
FRAN 601: Franchise Fundamentals FRAN 610: Franchise Law FRAN 620: Buying and Growing a Franchise
*Data Includes Cohort and Non-Cohort Graduates
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE Our graduate franchise courses can also be taken as a standalone within the Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Each course is one and a half hours and available in the spring semester — total of nine hours. Courses offered:
FRAN 630: Franchise HR Infrastructure FRAN 640: Leading Franchise Teams FRAN 650: Building a Profitable Relationship With Your Franchisor
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING
These courses have demonstrated their popularity with students. Seeing such positive reception to our franchising courses from our undergraduate students is encouraging, knowing younger generations are excited about this business model and can bring a fresh perspective and energy to the franchising field.
40 = Max Capacity
UNDERGRADUATE FRANCHISE PROGRAM Our undergraduate franchise courses can also be taken as a standalones within the online Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA) degree. Each course is three hours and spans the semester of 16 weeks — total of nine hours. Courses offered:
MGMT 409: Franchise HR & Leading Teams MGMT 410: Franchise Fundamentals & Legal MGMT 413: Franchise Growth and Support
In the Bootcamps, we have observed a statistically significant increase in participants' knowledge gained between the pre- and post-test.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION (NON-CREDIT) BOOTCAMP The accelerated, non-credit version of the content can be taken through a six-week Accelerated Bootcamp. It is open to all with no prior educational background required. Each week contains five eLearning modules, and the time commitment is 10-15 hours per week. Courses offered:
PARTICIPANTS WOULD RECOMMEND
FRAN 01: Franchise Fundamentals FRAN 10: Franchise Law FRAN 20: Buying and Growing a Franchise
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
FRAN 30: Franchise HR Infrastructure FRAN 40: Leading Franchise Teams FRAN 50: Building a Profitable Relationship With Your Franchisor
November 16-17, 2021 | West Palm Beach, FL Educators Consortium in Franchise Education; participated in the Titus Center for Franchising Board Meeting representing Yum! CGFE.
February 26-March 1. 2022 | San Diego, CA Presented at board meeting as well as exhibited in the Supplier Expo.
EmpowHER
June 4, 2022 | Virtual and in Toronto, ON Canada Our Senior Researcher presented two Yum! CGFE research proposals.
CONFERENCES
August 18, 2021 | Virtual Presented at Yum! Brands' developmental conference focused on female franchise leaders.
International Society of Franchising
June 3, 2022 | Dallas, TX In partnership with Yum! Brands, shared the vision of Yum! CGFE and current Franchise Facts.
Palm Beach Atlantic Consortium
International Franchise Association
Latino Franchise Symposium
Reba O. Hamlin, Alumna of the Graduate Certificate
"The most valuable lesson has been how to create a business plan. There is so much research you must do before taking the plunge into being a franchisee. This program will teach you everything from evaluating your net worth to deep diving into a Franchise Disclosure Document and then using that information in the culminating event of creating a real-life business plan used to obtain the funding to become a franchisee."
FRANCHISEU! PODCAST INTERCOLLEGIATE FRANCHISE NETWORK TB BUSINESS SCHOOL
1
Host Kathy Gosser, PhD
Producer and Audio Engineer Jim Warner
6
Gene & Yolanda Camarena La Razza Pizza, Inc.
Luis Veras ITL Management
Jania Bailey FranNet
NEW EPISODES RELEASED Bi-WEEKLY!
Artie Starr Topgolf Entertainment
The first episode of our FranchiseU! Podcast debuted in September 2021. Since then, we have released over twenty episodes featuring interviews from leading franchise experts.
Rikki Amos & Matt Haller IFA
FRANCHISEU! PODCAST
Mike Grams Taco Bell
Omare Simmons Exaltare Group
Lauren Coulter Biscuit Belly
7
19
16
8
Jerry Akers Sharpness, Inc.
15
Doug Flaig Stratus
Jody Luihn LVE Partners
13
Patricia Perry Edible Arrangements
Aylwin Lewis Potbelly Corporation
11
Craig Dunaway Penn Station, Inc.
John Cywinski Applebee's Grill & Bar
Rob Weddle Authority Brands
18
Josh York GYMGUYZ
12
9
Maggie Harlow Signarama
Michelle Rowan Franchise Business Review
Sophia Swemba Marriott
Michael Browning Unleashed Brands
17
We kicked things off with our IFN Launch Party, hosted by founding members, seniors Dacia Berry and Christian Landin. Attendees enjoyed KFC, Taco Bell, and an interactive Q&A with Signarama Franchisee and Yum! CGFE Board Member, Maggie Harlow.
Founding Member Christian Landin, Senior
INTERCOLLEGIATE FRANCHISE NETWORK
This past year, the Intercollegiate Franchise Network (IFN) was formed with the purpose of connecting future franchise leaders with the resources, knowledge, and skills to be successful. The IFN is open to any student with an interest in franchising, regardless of major.
Founding Member Dacia Berry, Senior
Ken Doyle Senior Partner, Halifax Group March 22, 2022 | 7pm Hosted by: Ab Ingram Babson College
Monica Rothgery Chief Operations Officer, KFC US January 27, 2022 | 7pm Hosted by: Kathy Gosser, PhD University of Louisville
REFLECTIONS IN FRANCHISING
Our 2021-22 IFN Speaker Series, Reflections in Franchising, allowed students across partnering universities to take part in a virtual roundtable with today's leaders in franchising.
Matt Haller CEO, International Franchise Association February 15, 2022 | 7pm Hosted by: John Hayes, PhD Palm Beach Atlantic University
Branded photos
TACO BELL BUSINESS SCHOOL
Curated videos from Taco Bell Executives
Company articles that align and support curriculum
Through expanding our relationship with Yum! Brands, our Center was able to customize our six-week Bootcamp curriculum for participants in Taco Bell's Business School. We launched our first Taco Bell Business School Bootcamp in January and have already hosted four cohorts to date.
CUSTOMIZED CONTENT
"I know that for most people, they only think about restaurants when they think about franchises. That's not even a fraction of the different areas and industries that can utilize the franchising model. It's a powerful tool, to be able to increase the likelihood of success for people who have a desire to be entrepreneurs." John Mays, Bootcamp Graduate
"I've always wanted to own my business, but at the same time it is hard to start from scratch, build an entire working system and sustain it. A way to mitigate all these high risks is by acquiring a blue print of a working business and sticking to it, and that is why I like franchising; It's an option for financial freedom." Santiago Aguilera, Senior
"Watching people build generational wealth in marginalized communities makes franchising fulfilling to me. Growing up, my family lived in squalor and never owned much. I am part Hispanic and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Knowing that I could own and manage my career, solely due to the work I put in, is what is motivating me to pursue a franchise. I would love to be the representation that franchising can be for anyone."
YUM! FRANCHISE ACCELERATOR FRANCHISE EDUCATOR'S CONSORTIUM
Christian Landin, Senior
LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Anthony Wilbon (Dean, Howard University College of Business), Wanda Williams (Head of Yum! Global Franchising), Dr. Todd Mooradian (Dean , University of Louisville College of Business), Scott Catlett (Chief Legal and Franchise Officer Yum! Brands), Dr. Allison Bryant (Assistant Dean of Innovation and Administration, Howard University), Dr. Kathy Gosser (Director, Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence), Dr. Yuvay Ferguson (Assistant Dean of Impact and Engagement, Howard University).
This past spring semester, we were honored to partner with Yum! Brands and Howard University to provide ten MBA students (four from UofL and six from Howard University) the opportunity to become a franchisee through the Yum! Accelerator Cohort. All ten MBA students were also awarded a scholarship in the amount of $10,000 by Yum! Brands.
YUM! FRANCHISE ACCELERATOR
Monique Davis Howard University
Charlie Coleman Howard University
Naomie Baptiste Howard University
Kris Sanford Howard University
Willie Coleman University of Louisville
Sally George Simmons University of Louisville
Garry Johnson Howard University
WINNERS
BrieAnna Cade University of Louisville
Paul Ateru University of Louisville
Jessica Tarver Howard University
Experience Mentorship - Each student was paired with a franchisee leader in the field. Louisville, KY Summit - Students enjoyed a welcome dinner at Churchill Downs followed by KFC Day at Yum! Headquarters. Washington, D.C. Summit - Students attended a congressional reception and took part in an IFA and KBP panel discussion.
Education Six Graduate Electives - Students completed coursework in all six franchise courses. Yum! Virtual Day - This day-long virtual learning session included the CEO and COO of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger, as well as Brand Managers and Franchisees from each brand. Internship - Each student participated in a 20-hour internship at a local Yum! restaurant. Research Focus Group - All participated in this research.
Mike Kulp President and CEO, KBP Brands
Opportunity Pitch Competition - Through the Yum! Brands Pitch Competition, students competed for a development deal with Yum! Franchisee Mike Kulp, President and CEO of KBP Brands. Sincere appreciation to the generosity of KBP Brands and Mike Kulp.
LEFT TO RIGHT: John Hayes, PhD (Palm Beach Atlantic University), Ben Litalien, DBA (Georgetown University), Kathy Gosser, PhD (University of Louisville), Ab Igram (Babson College)
The Franchise Educators' Consortium was launched this past year to support educators who teach franchising. In February, Consortium members united to host a booth at the International Franchise Association Annual Convention (IFA) as well as presented an update on franchise education to the IFA Board of Advisors.
FRANCHISE EDUCATORS' CONSORTIUM
Denise Jones, Senior
"My very first job was at a Steak'n Shake in my local community. I enjoyed my brief period of employment there, but I was always curious about the flexibility in my manager's schedule. I asked him about it one day, and he said he was a franchisee. He explained what that was and told me about the initial startup fee. After I got off my shift, I went home and did my own research on franchising. Although I was younger during this encounter, I now knew what it took to have your own business and operate it. That moment has impacted my interest in franchising today."
OVERVIEW CASE STUDIES RESEARCH
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence is committed to conducting educational research that will benefit current and future participants in the Franchise Bootcamps as well as current and future students enrolled in UofL’s franchising courses. This is accomplished by: Creating and measuring learning outcomes for every session/course Assessing students’ perspectives on the materials, course design, and instructors’ level of support Measuring the impact of the courses on outcome variables that contribute to the success of entrepreneurial endeavors The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence is also: Open to assisting those in the franchise community with research collaborations that can drive organizational change efforts that lead to improved experiences for stakeholders, including franchisees, franchisor employees, and/or customers Supportive of basic research by the academic community and welcomes ideas for scholarly projects For research opportunities or ideas, reach out to: Dr. Denise M. Cumberland (denise.cumberland@louisville.edu)
In August 2021, the Center sent out a call for teaching cases in franchising. Winners were awarded $500 and invited to submit their work for a special issue of the Small Business Institute Journal.
John Hayes, PhD "Truth in Franchising"
Martin J. McDermott, DBA "KLMN Junk Removal: A Case Study on Identifying A Unique Selling Proposition Via Market Segmentation"
Nina Gorovaia, PhD "Comfort Dental: Franchising in Dental Care"
CASE STUDIES
Cumberland, D. M. (2022). How learning collaborations can transform the faces in franchising. Franchising World 54(2), 74-76. Cumberland, D. M. (2022). Focus on franchising. AACSB Insights Online. https://www.aacsb.edu/insights/articles/2022/03/ focus-on-franchising Cumberland, D.M. & Gosser, K. (2022). A case study of inter-institutional collaboration to support diversity in franchising (Abstract).International Society of Franchising Proceedings, Toronto, Canada. Cumberland, D.M., Thomas, B., Gosser, K., & Hayes, J.P. (2022). The impact of franchising courses within higher education institutions (Abstract).International Society of Franchising Proceedings, Toronto, Canada.
IMPACT
Chase Recktenwald, Senior
MEDIA AWARDS
"Dr. G brings a great attitude and really cares about her students. She not only wants to see her students succeed, but she'll do whatever she can to help them succeed—whether that be referring us to people she knows, enlightening us with her experiences, or simply teaching us the course materials. She's taught us that franchising is really about the relationship that you have with your franchisor, if you're the franchisee. That not only goes for franchising but life in general—the relationships you have are everything."
June 10, 2022 Introducing Franchising | Toni Harris Taylor & Jennifer Callendar
MEDIA
February 7, 2022 WDRB News | Joel Schipper "Yum! Brands, U of L, Howard University Start Fellowship to Train Future Franchisees."
November 21, 2021 KYCPA | Kimberly Lindsey Behind the Numbers Podcast - "The Secret to Happiness"
FEATURED MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
January 20, 2022 Yahoo! Finance | Mike Pomranz "Taco Bell is Starting a "Business School" That's Offering Real, Accredited Courses." Yahoo! Finance.
June 9, 2022 Atlanta Small Business Network | Leslie Kuban "Atlanta Franchise Today."
January 6, 2022 Franchise 500 by Entrepreneur | Zoe Hannah "These Next-Generation Franchise Leaders Are Ready to Take the Business World by Storm."
DR. KATHY GOSSER - OVERALL FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD Presented to the faculty member in the College of Business who has demonstrated excellence in all areas of their work.
AWARDS
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
L-R: Mary Nixon, Sara Awadallah, Dean Todd Mooradian, Dr. Kathy Gosser, Naveen Dasa, Scott Catlett.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FACULTY AWARDS
WANDA WILLIAMS - DISTINGUISHED CORPORATE PARTNER Presented to a corporate partner who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the success of the school's students, faculty, and programs.
LOOKING AHEAD
"We've heard multiple stories from franchisees over the semester about how they've gone above and beyond their title of franchisee. They've put in long hours and done multiple jobs in the franchise. For example, if there's not a line cook at a fast-food restaurant, a franchisee would have to step in and take on that role, because they need that to make their business successful. They have to put in that effort and that work, because at the end of the day, the franchisee is only successful if their business is successful."
SCHOLARSHIPS CENTER & CERTIFICATE APPROVAL CUSTOMIZATIONS
Grace Abeln, Senior
Award Amount: $3000 The Graduate Level Scholarship will be awarded to help students cover the cost of enrollment in the Online Franchise Management Certificate for the 2022-23 Academic Year. Courses include FRAN 601, FRAN 610, FRAN 620, FRAN 630, FRAN 640, and FRAN 650.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Undergraduate
TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT TO BE AWARDED FOR AY 2022-23.
Our Board of Advisors' scholarship fund will reward deserving learners who wish to further their education on the franchise business model by taking courses at either the graduate, undergraduate, or executive education (non-credit) level in the College of Business at the University of Louisville. All are encouraged to apply.
Executive
The Yum! CGFE Board of Advisors is excited to announce its first scholarship fund.
Award Value: $2400 The Executive Education Level Scholarship will be awarded to help learners cover the cost of enrollment in our 6-week Online Franchise Management Certificate Bootcamp.
Award Amount: $1500 The Undergraduate Level Scholarship will be awarded to help students cover the cost of enrollment in the Undergraduate Franchise Program for the 2022-23 Academic Year. Courses include MGMT 409, MGMT 410, and MGMT 413.
Graduate
We are in the process to obtain approval for our Undergraduate Franchise Management Certificate approved by the Office of Academic Planning and Accountability and Faculty Senate. Additionally, we are taking steps to get the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence officially recognized by the Office of the Provost at the University of Louisville. Both of these processes involve rigorous assessments to ensure the quality of our Center and academic programs are of the highest caliber and in alignment with University objectives, strategy, standards, and accreditations.
CUSTOMIZATIONS
CENTER & UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE APPROVAL
With the success of our curriculum customizations for the Taco Bell Business School, our Center is looking forward to providing the same type of customizable options for companies looking to provide branded franchise education for their current or perspective employees.
RECOGNITION
BOARD OF ADVISORS GRATITUDE
Carmyn Greenwood, Graduate Student
"Starting a business from the ground up, you don't know if you're going to be successful. You don't know the time you're going to be wasting. You come up with your methods and standards instead of them being given to you. As you go along, you'll notice things you're going to have to buy and add because you didn't see that from the start, but if you own a franchise from a franchisor, you already know everything you're going to need."
Maggie Harlow Owner, Signarama
Liane Caruso, CFE Sr. VP of Franchising, Entrepreneur Media
Karen Grissom VP of Operations Support & Training, Tropical Smoothie
Rick Keuber Founder/CEO, Sun Tan City Franchisee, Planet Fitness Franchisee/Owner, Buff City Soaps
2021-2022 board of advisors
Rebecca McDade Senior VP/Regional Wealth Advisor, Northern Trust
Jania Bailey CFE CEO, FranNet
Ron Gardner Managing Partner, Dady & Gardner, P.A.
Denise Cumberland, PhD Associate Professor, UofL Senior Researcher, Yum!CGFE
yum! center for global franchise excellence
Yuvay Ferguson, PhD Assistant Dean, Howard University
Michelle Rowan President/COO, Franchise Business Review
Reese Neumann Interim Chief Financial Officer, KFC Global
Patricia Perry VP of Development, Bagel Brands
Wanda Williams Head of Global Franchising, Yum! Brands
Rich Watson VP, Bank of America
Rob Weddle CEO, Authority Brands
Erica Spector Wishnow Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Southpaw
Alfonso Ramirez Managing Director, Premium Restaurant Brands
Sophia Swemba VP/Franchise Advocate, Marriott International
Yum! Brands Scott Catlett - Your support of all of our efforts. Wanda Williams - Your strategic vision, influence, and motivation to ensure our Center continues to add value. Mike Kulp - Your generosity made the Yum! Accelerator a reality. Your guidance on mentorship and experiences for the students was critical. Sara Awadallah - Constant support and being a partner in all Bootcamps. Naveen Dasa - Your keen eye for the financials and attention to detail with planning and executing travel and events. Andrea Whitney - Your championing our efforts!
GRATITUDE
University of Louisville College of Business Dean Todd Mooradian - Your vision and leadership that drives innovation and growth. Joseph Neary, PhD - You are the best cheerleader our Center could ask for. Thank you for always being enthusiastic and supportive of our growth. Lynn Boyd, PhD - Your knowledge of all the processes necessary was critical. Kristen Lucas, PhD - Your early support of the franchise Certificate and guidance through many complex challenges! Stacey Schoen - Facilitating communication and collaboration with our Center and Dean Mooradian. Kelly Watson - Your passion, organization, and all-around wonderful attitude. Your talent has helped to make all of our events successful. Jessica Kidd - Your patience, guidance, and understanding with all things finance! Angela Cox - Helping us work through operational procedures to achieve Center commitments and goals. Tessa McGilbra - Teaching us how to set up our scholarship funds and operate them efficiently.
As we reflect on the past year and all the progress made, it is evident how many people helped us in our journey. Truly, we couldn't have done any of this work without you. To those below, thank you.
OTHER Yuvay Ferguson, PhD - For our dynamic partnership and your unwavering commitment to student success. John Merchant - Whether it's help with IT or loaning us your dolly for events, thank you for always being a friendly face who's eager to help. Laurie Anne Roberts - Always being cheerful and supportive in our endeavors. Yum! CGFE Faculty, Staff, Instructors - Providing our learners with a first-class education. Yum! CGFE Board of Advisors - Infusing your passion for supporting others and expertise in franchising into the heart of our Center.
Executive Education Virginia Denny - Great leadership over an incredible team that supports our efforts in bringing franchise education to learners at all stages of life. Alex Bryant and Julijana Curcic - Always being diligent to make sure the details of our Bootcamp and its participants are perfect. Quite literally, our Bootcamp could not run without you! Manuela - Your encouragement and congenial support for our Center.
Management and Entrepreneurship Carl Maertz - Your support of franchise education and ongoing encouragement to move forward. Robert Garrett, PhD - Your inclusion of franchising into your entrepreneurship world and your responsiveness to helping us move forward. Ryan Quinn, PhD - Your constant support and guidance, especially with all the details needed for our university approvals—your patience is unlimited. Paula Sacher - Your time spent educating us on the details of PeopleSoft and Expense Reports.
Public Relations and Marketing Team Sharon Handy - Your steadfast dedication to excellence in your work and encouragement of others. Jim Warner - Your enthusiasm and commitment to our FranchiseU! Podcast is invaluable. Thank you for help with our website and making sure our rhetoric is always engaging and effective. Sonja Faul, Jill Wegenast, Elijah Humble, and Amanda Lucas - Your creativity, attention to detail, and overall support in producing professional digital content for our Center.