If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert about how to take a hands-on approach to business ownership.
In this edition of "Ask the Board," we feature Robin Gagnon, Founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, a national restaurant brokerage firm. She discusses her view on business ownership and why she believes it's important to become a hands-on founder.
I founded We Sell Restaurants in 2004 and have served at the helm of the brand in the CEO role since its inception. There are two things that I feel passionate about: selling restaurants more than anyone else in the game and that there's not a single person that can lead my company quite like I can.
Here's why you should take a hands-on approach to your small business.
Incomparable vision for your brand
A founder brings an unmatched level of passion and commitment to their brand. To them, it's not just a business; it's their dream coming to fruition. Through a consistent generation of new ideas and ensuring that every decision reflects the brand’s mission, a founder serves as a visionary.
A founder instills and nurtures a distinct brand culture from the ground up, creating a strong sense of identity and purpose.
Robin Gagnon, Founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants
In-depth industry insight and perception
Having started their brand from the ground up, founders typically have a wealth of knowledge not only about their individual business but the industry as a whole. Their expertise hones in on their ability to spot uprising trends, anticipate market changes, and adapt quickly.
Franchisee buy-in
Franchisees often resonate significantly more with a brand that they feel has a family-like feel. Oftentimes, founders are the ones who enforce that dynamic from the top to the bottom. Knowing that a business you're potentially investing in is in the hands of someone who is as passionate about succeeding as you are is truly a game changer.
Deep commitment to culture
A founder instills and nurtures a distinct brand culture from the ground up, creating a strong sense of identity and purpose. This foundational commitment helps franchisees feel connected to something larger than just the business model, enhancing overall motivation and engagement.
Innovative problem-solving
Founders are naturally entrepreneurial, bringing creativity to problem-solving. Their hands-on approach means they're quick to identify challenges and innovate practical solutions that benefit both the business and its franchisees, ensuring a more resilient and adaptable brand. As founders, they move quickly and decisively, without an extended chain of command or bureaucracy to slow the implementation or testing of new ideas or processes.
Personal accountability and leadership by example
Founders embody a high degree of personal accountability, taking ownership of outcomes and setting the standard for their teams. Their active presence and willingness to lead by example create a culture of responsibility and dedication throughout the organization, driving everyone toward the same goals.
Direct communication and relationship-building
With a founder at the helm, communication tends to be direct and more transparent, fostering stronger relationships. In the early days of running their business, founders perform every function, including franchise sales, so they often develop relationships and open lines of communication with franchisees, employees, and partners, which helps address challenges swiftly and keeps everyone aligned with the brand's vision.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
