Engagement Insider
4/29/13
ANN ARBOR, MI April 29, 2013 – NFL Player Engagement added yet another course to its ever-expanding menu when it served up its first-ever “Franchising Boot Camp” over the weekend.
And not only was this a new Boot Camp series subject, but for the first time spouses were invited to attend one of its business programs for current and former players.
So for 21 players and eight spouses, the four-day event at the University of Michigan featured franchising topics from food and fitness to trucking and sports as they learned about all aspects of the industry from franchisees, franchisors, professors, former players and executives at the International Franchise Association (IFA).
“This program was particularly meaningful for us since Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is a legend in franchising, and also because we held this event at the Ross School of Business, named for Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen M. Ross,” said Troy Vincent, Senior Vice President of NFL Player Engagement (NFLPE). “We always seek opportunities to include our NFL family, which is why we included players’ families for the first time, and which we are continuing by inviting spouses to attend our upcoming Hospitality & Culinary Management Workshop and Transition Assistance Program.”
This immediate success of including spouses was shared by Sophia King, wife of former player Eric King, who said, “It was very valuable to have the spouses involved since not only is franchising a family thing, it’s a teamwork thing. It’s very helpful for me to be here with Eric to take notes together so that we can be on the same page and actually work together when we open our franchise.”
Mrs. King also spoke for the other spouses, saying, “I spoke with all of them, and they were as excited as me since we couldn’t go with them to practice, but we could come here. We all need help learning everything from keeping the books to keeping our franchise clean.”
And what was her favorite part of the program?
“What I enjoyed most was attending franchise locations, such as a UPS store and a Qdoba, both of which reassured me that we are getting into right business for us, which will be cooking and pizza. We saw what a day in the life of a franchisee will be like.”
This personalized approach also appealed to Jahri Evans of the New Orleans Saints.
“I like that what we learned here is for us, and we will know if we want to get into franchising or not,” he stated. “The information from the diverse panels was so clear-cut, and there was not a dull moment as we learned the proper steps from people who have been successful doing it. I can’t see how this cannot be helpful.”
Former players also walked away smarter, as articulated by Adam Archuleta in discussing the four former NFLers who discussed their franchise ownership experience.
“We heard from other athletes who have had experience in franchising, as well as franchisors with very successful brands, but the best thing is speaking with players and others one-on-one to hear their real-life experiences, and to begin creating relationships with them. This Boot Camp gives me the opportunity to evaluate what is the best fit to achieve my objectives.”
To help determine that best fit, participants heard from the franchising industry’s finest.
"This program could save players from years of mistakes and thousands of dollars because they are hearing from the experts,” according to Kat Cole, President of Cinnabon, Inc. “Players can be successful in this business because they have a great propensity for teams, leadership, developing brands and fans, and just like an NFL team, success depends on understanding customers."
Multi-Unit Franchisee Sean Falk added, "The best way to build a management team is to know exactly what you have in mind for management and growth, and then stay ahead of the game and not get too far behind your growth plan, so you have the right people in place at the right time. Franchising is a 'system' and you have to execute it as such, and you have to execute it well. Don't try to be too independent."
In addition to these faculty perspectives, program participants also got a global view.
“The NFL Franchising Boot Camp gives players a real world view of franchising, and provides them the tools they need to decide whether or not they want to pursue this exciting, still expanding industry,” observed Judith Thorman, SVP of Government Relations at the IFA. “Players and spouses were able to hear directly from both franchisees and franchisors about the opportunities the business model presents, and draw parallels between the franchise model and an NFL playbook.”
Those parallels served as a perfect bridge from the football world to the real world.
"It was great to plan this program to assist players as they transition from a life dedicated to sports to one where all their energies and discipline now can be used to benefit them in other fields,” said Francine Lafontaine, Professor of Economics and Franchising Program Director at the Ross School of Business. “Franchising is not for everyone, and it is important for them to understand what it is, how it works, and what are its advantages and disadvantages before they venture too far in that direction. The goal of this program was to give them some basic instruction on how franchising works, what to look out for, and what they might like and dislike, so they could make the best choice for themselves.”