Franchising’s Power Players: Don Daszkowski

IFPG’s Founder Reflects on the Importance of Building Lasting Relationships

Don Daszkowski sometimes can’t believe how far IFPG has come since the company’s humble beginnings back in 2012. His journey as IFPG’s founder included a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but he says there were two key ingredients that made all the difference: IFPG’s people and a commitment to always doing the right thing. “I always tell the IFPG team that ‘honesty is the best policy,’ and we follow this. Doing the right thing at all times will always give you a positive outcome and will help attract like-minded people. It has with IFPG,” he says.

Building relationships is something that comes naturally to Daszkowski and is what IFPG’s foundation is built upon. “Some members have been with us since the very beginning and have supported IFPG every step of the way. It’s so special to me because these well-respected franchisors and consultants believed in IFPG before we made a name for ourselves as a leader in franchising.”

Daszkowski is both proud and humbled by the company he has built, the lives that have been changed by it, and the legacy it will leave for years and years to come. Most of all, Daszkowski loves the culture he has built and nurtured through IFPG. “We are not just ‘like family,’ we are family. IFPG is my family in every sense of the word.”

Daszkowski has never been afraid to seek mentorship from others or ask for advice. Below, he shares some of his greatest inspirations and moments throughout his career.

What is Your Mantra or Motto?

I have two. The first one is something I always tell the IFPG team and my children: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This quote, attributed to Roman philosopher Seneca, reminds us that we make our own luck by working hard and being ready when opportunities arise.

The second saying is: “Always give 120%.” It’s one we live by at IFPG. Our team consistently strives to provide 120% effort to all members to deliver exceptional service. However, on days when we face challenges, 120% may not be possible and our performance may temporarily dip to 100%. With this mindset, our members consistently receive top-notch support that meets or beats expectations.

What was Your Most Impactful Moment in Franchising?

I was at a trade show a few years ago and met a franchisee who was celebrating a new account for his building management franchise. What struck me was that his placement with the brand was a collective effort involving IFPG members: A consultant, franchisor and vendor. They all worked together to ensure he found an ideal opportunity where he could thrive. He thanked me and expressed how franchise ownership had positively transformed his life in many ways. Despite my years in the business, that conversation drove home just how much our actions and our collaborative culture at IFPG make a meaningful difference every day.

Who Do You Admire in Franchising and Why?

David Barr is a great mentor, role model and friend. He has accomplished so much in franchising and makes it all look easy. He always gives raw and impactful advice and zeroes in on the real issues that no one else will tackle because he knows it’s the right thing to do. You can always count on David to share his true thoughts without the filter of politics or public opinion. In addition to helping countless franchisors grow their brands, David is a past IFA chair, sits on the boards of multiple franchisors, and is a multi-unit, multi-brand franchisee. Despite his extensive accomplishments, he is one of the most humble, helpful and down-to-earth individuals I’ve had the privilege of knowing.