Connect with us

Business and Finance

Franchisee of the Year 2023

Published

on


IHOP Brandon and Shaleeza Collins were named 2023 Franchisees of the Year during the brand’s Global Franchise Conference. This prestigious award recognizes franchisees for all-around excellence in leadership and a person who embodies the brand’s mission by leading excellent restaurant operations.

BLACK ENTERPRISES spoke to the husband and wife team to learn more about how they overcame years of difficult circumstances to develop into top award winners.

Brandon and Shaleeza weren’t unlikely candidates to own an IHOP franchise. However, in 2006, after retiring, Brandon’s parents, Ella and Larry Collins, decided to open an IHOP restaurant, recognizing the needs of their North Baton Rouge community. “There were no sit-down restaurants, and they wanted to make sure that need was met and create a legacy for their family,” Shaleeza explained.

Advertisement

“This legacy wasn’t just for children; it was a legacy for the community. We are in North Baton Rouge; there’s not much here. There is no economic development here. Our IHOP is still the only national franchise restaurant in North Baton Rouge,” Brandon added.

Changing the trajectory

After purchasing the IHOP franchise, the challenges began early. “Things took a turn when my mom started having difficulty with her daily chores and back-of-the-house duties, so I wanted to help her,” Brandon explained.

“We felt that we could help solve some of these difficulties in our own individual way, without having to be physically present – ​​at first. It snowballed from there, simply because my parents started a company that they technically had no experience in.”

Advertisement

Brandon and Shaleeza graduated from college and commenced working in the financial sector. “We never saw ourselves as restaurant owners,” Shaleeza interjected.

“I used to be a finance major, Brandon was a management major, so we just saw that we were focusing more on finance. But God had his own path for us. We couldn’t sit by and watch him struggle and never step in to assist. This was the driving force that made us change the trajectory of where we were going.

Passing the torch

In January 2023, after several years of learning the ins and outs of the restaurant, Brandon and Shaleeza purchased it from Brandon’s parents, excited to proceed the legacy that began all of it.

Advertisement

“We didn’t want it to go away, especially after everything we had to go through and what my parents had to go through to contribute to this area. We were told nothing would reach here. That has always been the driving force behind what we did and how we did it, to simply show that this is a viable business and a viable community worth investing in. We just wanted to be that example.”

Our time – our likelihood

The humility that Brandon and Shaleeza show in running their franchise is the same humble response they show in winning such a prestigious award.

“The victory was bittersweet. We’re doing the same thing we’ve been doing for over 15 years. I just think it’s our turn – our chance. We also received real help in getting to know the corporation and being recognized by the corporation while going through the interview process for the franchise application. I was invited to join the newly formed committee, which allowed us to have a voice that we felt was small and irrelevant for a large brand like IHOP. This allowed us to provide our perspective as actual Operators, because in many cases franchisees with multiple locations who are not actually in the store every day have a greater say. Winning this award is a really big deal for us.”

Advertisement

After 19 years of owning the franchise and winning this award, what’s next for Brandon and Shaleeza?

“Our goal as second-generation owners is to grow the company because we would like to see it grow. But we want to make sure that the way we’re doing it makes sense and that we’re doing it at a pace we can sustain,” Shaleeza explained. “We are currently working on another location, potentially one of DINE Brands’ new concepts.”

The IHOP brand supports the Collins family of their multigenerational journey. Firstly, taking advantage of the opportunity to open in an area struggling economically, but additionally approving the transfer of the purchase of the business from parents to children. Franchisors have sole discretion to approve latest owners. In giving this approval, IHOP expressed appreciation for the labor put into keeping the company open and recognized the potential for the future. And in the case of two children aged 14 and eight, all the pieces indicates that the ownership will pass to the third generation. “Our 14-year-old son is already hosting and serving, and our 8-year-old daughter is also asking to get into the business, but she still has a few years before that is possible.”

To learn more about IHOP franchise ownership, visit franchise.ihop.com/en/us.

Advertisement


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Business and Finance

7 ways to help this year cut the tax account –

Published

on

By


With the arrival of 2025, many people who find themselves guilty of cash are preparing to submit tax declarations 2024.

However, the spirits of the news of this unpleasant experience is that there are numerous steps that may now be taken to reduce taxes, avoid penalties and get monetary savings.

The internal income service provides that over 140 million individual tax declarations for the tax year will probably be submitted before the federal date on April 15. Over 50% of all tax declarations submitted this year are expected to help the tax specialist. IRS encourages people to use reliable Tax expert for scaring fraud.

Advertisement

You also can make a tax expert or financial advisor to check your return before submitting, although this will be an extra cost of accuracy and accuracy. Based on the research, listed below are ways of potential help in reducing the paid amount.

  • Full use of your deductions.

Deducements will be crucial in pruning taxable income, so try to use all deductions offered. This may, for instance, include mortgage interest and medical expenses. And charity input. These copies can help significantly reduce the amount due.

  • Contribution to pension accounts.

Bring the highest amount allowed to 401 (K) Or Traditional iRA To reduce taxable income. This can help reduce the tax account.

  • Study and find tax breaks you’ll be able to qualify

IRS discloses a tax relief, which is the amount of taxpayers, which taxpayers may apply for a tax return to reduce the income tax due to the dollar for the dollar. Qualifying taxpayers can use tax breaks to reduce tax accounts and increase refunds. You can examine more online details, check a tax expert, use tax software or visit IRS to find an inventory of tax breaks and check for those who qualify.

  • If you qualify, use the deduction of self -employment.

If you’re self -employed, you’ll be able to qualify for deductions. You can subtract expenses related to your organization. This may include equipment, travel, medical insurance premiums and office space. Ask a tax expert what other payments will be available.

  • Examine contributing to HSA or FSA.

Health savings accounts (HSA) and versatile expenditure accounts (FSA) can offer tax advantages. For example, HSA contributions will be deducted from tax. Thanks to the FSA, you’ll be able to submit dollars before taxing to repay medical costs that should not paid by insurance. Which may reduce taxable income.

This technique It allows you to balance capital profits in the field of investment, akin to artworks, with capital losses. You can use sales money to buy an investment that matches a part of your portfolio. Remember to cooperate with a financial advisor over this.

  • Check online for more information on the reduction of tax debt

Several sites help to reduce tax costs, including one and different Here.

For more information on tax submitting, including obtaining refunds, go Here.

Advertisement


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
Continue Reading

Business and Finance

The black entrepreneur is the largest franchisee of the Philly Precel factory

Published

on

By


Central Florida tastes in Philadelphia. The largest pre -style brand in the country in the style of Philly, Philly Preccek Factory, works with a black entrepreneur and a lawyer of Social Changes Derek Lewis to introduce beloved soft pretzels to the state of Sunshine.

Lewis is the former president of Pepsico Beverages on the first owner of the Big Dave’s Cheessteaks franchise locations in central Florida. He will use his experience to conduct the development of several stores with Philly Pretzel factories throughout the Orlando area. His last undertaking is based on his personal passion for showing brotherly love and sharing the iconic food culture in Philadelphia.

“The soft pretzels are woven into the cultural material of Philadelphia, and since childhood I wanted their characteristic taste,” said Lewis.

Advertisement

“This partnership allows me to introduce another authentic experience from Philadelphia to Florida, supplementing our successful Dave cheese operations. We create a complete experience from Philadelphia, which provides our guests with world -class taste and quality. “

What makes Philly Pretzel Factory so good?

College buddies Dan Dizio and Len Lehman founded the Philly Pretzel factory in 1998. He is known for the iconic Philly Precels. Pretals in the Philly style stand out in terms of shape, which is more like a figure-8, in comparison with two loops and a thick center. These are frequently not fluffy pretzels; They are thick, barely sweet, but salty and biting.

The Philly Precel Factory menu incorporates classic Precle Philly, pretzel phrases, mini pretzels, rivets, pretzel dogs, cheese pretzels and plenty of others, together with various sweet and salty dips. With over 170 locations throughout the country, Lewis will likely be the largest franchisee in the southern region of the United States.

After starting, Lewis will likely be the largest franchisee in the southern region of the United States.

Advertisement

“Lewis command regarding operational excellence and a deep understanding of the gastronomic services industry makes him an ideal partner to expand our presence in central Florida,” said Dan Dizio, general director and co-founder of Philly Factory. “His passion for food culture in Philadelphia and proven success on the market will play a key role in introducing our brand to new communities.”

The first traditional locations under this partnership are to be opened at the end of 2025, but non -traditional locations can open earlier. Each traditional location will contain classic elements of the Philly Pretzel Factory menu with freshly baked pretzels and modern pretzel products.

(Tagstotransate) Philadelphia

Advertisement
This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
Continue Reading

Business and Finance

Leadership hack, which drives success: being trustworthy

Published

on

By

National Leadership Day, which Takes place every February 20offers a likelihood to reflect on what really defines leadership-not just a method or decision making, but The ability to construct trust. In the era of quick changes, when the teams are searching for leaders for stability and direction, trust is an invisible currency that drives organizational success.

How economistI do know that there are a lot of studies confirming this point. I conducted a bit, including work on how trust is mandatory for leaders Intercultural business environments. IN expansive study From the Chinese restaurant industry, my colleagues and I discovered that the leaders who practice trust Reduce employees’ departure AND Improve organizational efficiency.

While my study focuses on one sector, his lessons go far beyond it. It offers observations for leaders in any field, from corporate directors to community organizers.

Advertisement

Understanding of influence

In China, as within the USA, the restaurant industry is thought from High speed indicators and Cutthroat competition. But our study showed that managers who show credibility can stop employees from escaping to their rivals, making a more stable and engaged labor force.

First, we conducted a field experiment in which we asked managers in about 115 restaurants, how much money they were able to send to employees in investment game – trust indicator. Then we found that for each 10% increase in activities managed by managers, worker trading dropped by 3.7 percentage points. This indicates the strength of trust within the workplace.

When managers are trustworthy, employees are more loyal, involved of their work and productive. Employees who perceive their managers as trustworthy, report higher job satisfaction and usually tend to make a further effort that directly brings the organization’s advantages.

We also discovered that when employees trust one another, managers get well performance grades. This is smart, because trust promotes higher cooperation and innovation all over the world.

Advertisement

Practical steps to support trust

Fortunately for managers – and employees – there are a lot of research on the right way to be a more trustworthy leader. Here are some insights:

• • Strengthen your team. Let employees take over the ownership of their duties and make decisions as a part of their roles. This not only increases their commitment, but additionally adapts their goals with the broader goals of the organization. Reinforcement It is a key strategy for constructing trust.

• • Be honest and transparent. Managers should attempt to be consistent of their activities, immediately solve fears and distribute prizes. These practices can create psychologically protected and supporting the work environment.

• • Promote cooperation. Encourage the atmosphere in which employees can openly share ideas and support one another. Activities promoting team cohesion and open communication can significantly increase the trust within the team.

Advertisement

• • Measure and manage trust. The implementation of standard surveys or opinion sessions might help assess the degrees of trust and management within the organization. Consider integrating trust indicators with performance assessments to emphasise their importance.

Some to remove on the National Leadership Day

Regardless of whether it’s an organization, non -profit organization or area people initiative, leaders should recognize that credibility isn’t only “soft skills”. This is a measurable force that increases success. By constructing a deliberate purpose, leaders can create stronger, more resistant teams.

So this national leadership day is a superb time to reflect: how do you construct confidence in your leadership? And how will you support the culture of credibility?

Managers should commit to trust, act with honesty and support of jobs in which people feel valued and strengthened. Impact will speak for itself.

Advertisement

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending