Franchise Love Stories: How Shared Passion and Purpose Brought These Couples Together
Some people spend their entire lives searching for the perfect career or ideal life partner and fail miserably at one or both. However, franchising seems to make these goals a little easier. Perhaps it’s because of the vast size of franchising, which has exceeded 800,000 franchises in the U.S., according to the International Franchise Association’s Franchising Economic Outlook.
While the numbers are compelling, pure passion may have more to do with franchising’s ability to bring people together. If you talk to most people in franchising, you’ll notice the excitement in their voices when they talk about their work. People in franchising simply love what they do. “What’s not to love?” asks Red Boswell, the passionate president of the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG). “Franchising meets you where you are, provides transparency, delivers what you need to succeed and offers so many options. If you don’t love franchising, you don’t know love.”
Boswell isn’t alone in his love for franchising. While employment dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, franchise professionals talk about their work with childlike enthusiasm. What fuels this passion? Perhaps it’s the opportunity to find a renewed sense of purpose. Take franchise owners, for instance; they find purpose in improving their communities by creating job opportunities. Similarly, franchise consultants and franchisors feel fulfilled from helping people transform their lives through franchise ownership. At its core, franchising is about helping others discover their sense of purpose.
As it turns out, having a sense of purpose does more than make your workday meaningful; it’s also good for your health. The Mayo Clinic reports that those with a greater sense of purpose live longer, sleep better, have a more robust immune system, lower stress levels and better cognitive function. Now, just imagine the power of a couple with a shared sense of purpose. That’s a recipe for success. Having common interests and passions are key ingredients to lasting relationships, reports Psychology Today.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we went on a mission to find people who found love in franchising, and it didn’t take long to uncover several heartwarming stories. Below, meet seven amazing couples who found a career in franchising, a new sense of purpose, and the love of their lives along the way.
Andrew Titus & Taylor Gregory
I was extremely nervous and cautious because I had always thought that you shouldn’t date someone from the workplace, never mind the CEO’s son, of all people.
What are your roles in franchising?
Andrew Titus is the president of the Fully Promoted, a screen printing franchise. Taylor Gregory is the director of marketing for United Franchise Group (UFG).
How did you meet? Please share your story.
TAYLOR: We met four years ago when I joined UFG in 2020 as a franchise development representative. Andrew was a regional manager on the sales team at the time. But that’s not where the relationship started.
For several years, many people pushed us to date, including one of the biggest proponents of them all: Andrew’s father and UFG CEO Ray Titus. We never pursued a relationship until November 2022, when we started hanging out outside of work with mutual friends. I was extremely nervous and cautious because I had always thought that you shouldn’t date someone from the workplace, never mind the CEO’s son, of all people. However, after a work Christmas party with some good advice from Andrew’s future cousin-in-law and a few great dates, we became official on December 11th, 2022. Fast forward a year later, and we’re engaged and ready to start the next chapter of our lives together.
Do you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
TAYLOR: When we first started dating, we made a rule that we weren’t going to talk about work while we were together outside of work. That didn’t last long! Lol. Now, we balance this out really well. We make a conscious effort to prioritize quality time together, steering away from work-related conversations. Nevertheless, there are moments when certain topics naturally intersect with our personal lives. Simple questions about each other’s day often lead to discussions about work, as it’s an integral part of our daily experiences. Despite this, we’ve managed to keep work-related discussions to a minimum, reserving them for instances where advice or insights are genuinely needed. I will say in my role, dating Andrew has proven advantageous, especially given the intricate details I need to stay informed about within the company. He helps me get my job done efficiently, and I believe I help him and his brand out a lot on the marketing side, too! It’s a collaborative dynamic that has proven beneficial for both personal and professional aspects of our lives.
How has franchising made you a stronger couple?
TAYLOR: We wouldn’t be together without it! In so many ways, though. I got promoted to my current role just a month before we started talking, and he moved to his current position about a week after we started dating. With those new roles come challenges, and we’ve been there for each other through it all. I know I can lean on him in my times of need and vice versa, and it’s great that we both can understand what each other is going through better since we both work at UFG.
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
TAYLOR: Absolutely! We know so many fantastic franchise owners at UFG who are couples. I think the biggest thing for them to understand is that at work, you need to stay in your lane to protect your relationship. Andrew’s strengths are sales and building relationships with people. I don’t try to coach him on that or get in his way when he’s doing his role; he does the same for me in marketing. Instead, we complement each other with our strengths.
We also do a really good job of being at work when we’re there. He’s doing his thing when we’re at work, and I’m doing mine. He doesn’t come to see me too often because we both know we have work to do. However, we make time for each other. We eat lunch together once a week, say good morning and good night to each other, and come by each other’s office when we have about five minutes to spare to check in on each other. In my opinion, it’s the perfect balance.
Anything else to add?
TAYLOR: Our upcoming marriage is sort of like “an apple that doesn’t fall far from the tree” scenario. Andrew’s parents, Ray and Andrea, met through franchising as well. Andrea worked for Ray’s father, Roy Titus, before meeting. Roy thought those two should date as well, and eventually, they took the leap of faith and decided to give it a shot as we did. Now, here they are 35 years later, married with three boys and two granddaughters. I look forward to Andrew and I building our family like that some day!
Danielle Wright & Tim Parmeter
Franchising helps us remember that we are stronger together than we are separate.
What are your roles in franchising?
Danielle is a chief development officer. Tim Parmeter is CEO/founder of FranCoach, a franchise consultant business and host of the Franchising101 podcast.
How did you meet? Please share your story.
DANIELLE: We first met at a franchise consultant conference in Phoenix. Danielle was a franchise development manager for a moving and hauling franchise, and Tim was a recently graduated certified franchise consultant. We met in passing at my booth, but that was it. Many years later, we met at the IFPG Retreat in Ft. Lauderdale. Tim had said, “I have had a crush on you for three years,” and that was weird (but hey, in franchising, you have heard all the good one-liners).
Do you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
DANIELLE: We really try not to, but franchising for us isn’t just our job; it is our life. We were franchise owners of three franchises; we have both owned our own businesses and continue to grow and learn in franchising. However, we tend to tell each other when we need a franchising break. But then we talk about goals, the future, real estate investments, and pretty much all the things that highly driven couples talk about.
How has franchising made you a stronger couple?
DANIELLE: We are aligned in our goals. Franchising helps us remember that we are stronger together than we are separate. We tell franchisees, candidates, and colleagues it’s about a partnership every day. We see that in great franchise systems, and we like to embody the same principles in our lives. Furthermore, because I live in Florida and he lives in Arizona, we embody the strength of perseverance and consistency that you need in a franchise that you own as well.
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
DANIELLE: I think it can be. We were franchise owners and realized together that we were not great franchisees. We share the lessons that we learned with others. If you are a couple that can align on the roles and responsibilities of owning the business together, then business ownership can be great for couples. As they say, “Happy Wife, Happy Life,” and that doesn’t always mean one or the other is running the business or just supporting the spouse; it means they are equally on board and set the expectation together of what their life looks like in the business and, more importantly, outside the business.
Anything else to add?
DANIELLE: We get a lot of questions about how we are together and yet live in different states, especially not within driving distance. Our bonds in franchising, friendships in franchising, and shared beliefs strengthen that distance and our relationship. You don’t always have to live in the same zip code, town, or city to have a great partnership!
Kevin & Chelsea Drudge
We both helped each other tremendously with each other’s work. It was like having an in-house sounding board for lots of things.
How did you meet? Please share your story.
KEVIN: We met while working at an AdvantaClean restoration franchise. We worked in separate areas of the business and didn’t really know one another until Chelsea moved from the call center to the marketing department and began helping me with the franchise development marketing efforts. We got to know each other then, and the relationship continued to grow and progress.
What were your roles in franchising when you met, and how did they evolve?
KEVIN: When we met, I handled franchise development, operations, legal and compliance, pre-opening and training. Chelsea was a marketing manager. I left the company about six months or so after we began seeing each other. I stepped back from the other operations areas and focused solely on franchise development.
At AdvantaClean, Chelsea began working directly for then-CEO Jeff Dudan and helped him get featured on Undercover Boss. She eventually moved into franchise development. She was later recruited by Diesel, where she was hired for the VP of franchise development role. This is where she worked until she passed away in July 2022.
I took executive roles with some newer franchise companies and most recently finished helping a company franchise from scratch. Now, I’m slowing the pace and embarking on franchise consulting with IFPG after nearly 30 years.
Did you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
KEVIN: We couldn’t help but talk about work, especially once we started living together. However, we made sure not to let it consume us and still spend time with the kids, dogs and family. We didn’t discuss much at all when we were traveling unless it was for franchise events! It was certainly nice to have someone completely understand what each was saying especially once we were both leading development for companies. We both helped each other tremendously with each other’s work. It was like having an in-house sounding board for lots of things.
How did franchising make you a stronger couple?
KEVIN: I think we really got to know one another, especially through the pandemic when we worked from home and spent every minute together. We were together for eight years, and it honestly felt longer. We really enjoyed life as a couple. Franchising allowed us to attend all of the conferences and events together, and we had mutual friends with work, so it made everything so much fun. And we maintained a good work/life balance through it all.
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
KEVIN: It might not be for some people, but for many who are truly comfortable in their relationship and able to be open with each other, it can work great. No one is going to be more supportive and open with you than your partner/spouse. We also both maintained separate hobbies and interests, which we enjoyed as well outside the business which is also important.
Anything else to add?
KEVIN: Chelsea and I had an unbelievable connection with one another and loved each other like soulmates should. We never expected what happened with us, but we always were blessed and said, “You are the single best thing that ever happened to me” to each other all the time.
We had so many dreams and aspirations in franchising for many years to come. Unfortunately, she was taken from us too soon, so I’m doing my best to live the dreams we shared and had started to pursue, which was us doing franchise consulting together and eventually owning franchises. I’m starting that for us, and now she’s the angel pushing me daily to accomplish our goals. She drives me to do better and be better, and I always feel her love shining down on me!
Patti Rother & Sarah Rice
I would’ve never met her if it wasn’t for franchising, so I’ll be forever grateful.
What are your roles in franchising?
Patti is president of Stay In Your Lane, a franchise consultancy. Sarah’s last title was area manager for Noodles & Company but also does operations and training work at Stay In Your Lane.
How did you meet? Please share your story.
PATTI: I was working at a Panera Bread in Pennsylvania and needed to transfer to Colorado. Sarah was the general manager of the Panera Bread in Boulder. I interviewed with her over the phone (I was a shift manager at the time), and she sang the entire time. I thought she was nuts, and she thought I was an old lady (I acted very professional, and my legal name is Patricia). We met, and the rest is history! We’re still going strong after sixteen years, ten years of marriage this year, three kiddos, one dog, two cats, two fish, and one tree frog.
Do you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
PATTI: We talk about everything, including work. We are total opposites in the best way, and speaking to each other about work and our careers has always been so beneficial to us both.
How has franchising made you a stronger couple?
PATTI: I would’ve never met her if it wasn’t for franchising, so I’ll be forever grateful. The tight-knit community has always been so great to be a part of.
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
PATTI: It certainly depends on the couple! You have to know if you can work well together and if you can stay in your disciplines. The second you start overlapping your roles, stuff gets hard for your relationship and for your team.
Madeleine & Jesse Zook
We are very active in our kid’s lives and hope to raise them with an early understanding of small business ownership, franchising, and work-life balance.
What are your roles in franchising?
Madeleine is a multi-brand franchisee, founder of FranCareers, franchise advisor and director of marketing at Netsertive, a digital marketing agency. Jesse is CEO of Zook Industries and multi-brand franchisee.
How did you meet? Please share your story.
MADELEINE: Well, I like to say it all started with a hot tub, a franchise convention, and Nicholas Cage…YES, really.
So, picture this: back in the day, I was on the franchisor side, working for what we now call Threshold Brands, back when it was just MaidPro. And guess who was one of their top franchisees? Yep, my now-husband Jesse.
We were all down in Puerto Rico for our annual convention, mingling at one of the receptions by the pool. People were swapping franchising stories, drinks were flowing, and then someone spotted Nicholas Cage in the restaurant next door (he was in the area filming a movie.) Jesse dared me to go say hi to him, and sure enough, I did. Nicholas was even cool enough to snap a photo with me. When I got back, we all had a good laugh, and Jesse and I have been inseparable ever since.
Fast forward a bit, and I’m helping launch our second brand, FlyFoe, now known as Patio Patrol. We became franchisee No. 2! Then, a year later, I’m on the team acquiring our third brand, Men In Kilts, and guess what? We became franchisees for that one, too!
At our wedding, we had the founders of MaidPro speak. My maid-of-honor was my best friend, whom I also met at MaidPro — we started on the same day. It was the true essence of a franchise family.
Now, we are running four multi-unit franchise brands and wrangling three kids. We always joke, “No more kids, no more brands,” but somehow, one or the other always seems to pop up!
Do you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
MADELEINE: Franchising is more than just a job for us; it’s a constant topic of discussion, almost ingrained in our daily conversations. We find ourselves immersed in its nuances, dissecting various aspects and exploring its potential from multiple angles.
We don’t put too many parameters around our franchise discussions. However, we are more cautious of increased responsibilities as our time is limited. We are very active in our kid’s lives and hope to raise them with an early understanding of small business ownership, franchising, and work-life balance. Maybe one day, they will take over the family franchises!
How has franchising made you a stronger couple?
MADELEINE: Franchising ignites a shared passion that lets us thrive in our individual lanes within the same arena. It’s a journey where we deeply understand and support each other’s daily challenges and triumphs. Through franchising, we’ve discovered an invaluable support network for our personal and professional lives as individuals, small business owners, and as a couple. It’s a unique ecosystem that fosters growth and solidarity, unlike any other industry.
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
MADELEINE: The potential for success in franchise ownership varies depending on the couple. To run and grow a business effectively requires special skills, including trust, delegation, and communication. In my view, franchise ownership becomes a truly rewarding and enriching journey when a couple has diverse strengths that complement each other, enabling them to excel in different facets of the business while maintaining alignment and mutual commitment to success.
Anything else to add?
MADELEINE: I fully support someone making a new dating app for franchising!
Kim & Sean Falk
We talk “franch” all the time, lol. We have some boundaries and know each other well enough to know when not to bring up work.
What are each of your titles/roles in franchising?
Kim is VP of franchise development at Beans & Brews, and Sean is president and COO at Careertopia franchise executive search.
How did you meet?
KIM: We met in 2008 when the company I worked for acquired various brands, and he was a franchise owner among them. We became friends and shared common interests. It wasn’t until 2014 that we started dating. Both of us are outgoing and love adventure, so our relationship seemed to grow easily. We married in 2018, blending our family of five children. We partnered two years ago with our daughter Keely and her husband Chris to open a Scenthound franchise. During that process, our son, Daniel, and his wife, Tabatha, showed interest, and we offered to also partner with them. To be clear, they are the operating partners; we are mentors and investors.
Do you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
KIM: We talk “franch” all the time, lol. We have some boundaries and know each other well enough to know when not to bring up work. We are blessed to have our family in franchising, many of our friends in franchising (that we call family), and careers in franchising that never get boring to talk about.
How has franchising made you a stronger couple?
KIM: Being able to attend conferences together and support each other in all our roles is amazing. We both have our own busy lives. In addition to being franchise business owners and our day jobs, Sean is a member of the IFA Board of Directors and the leader of VetFran. I recently took on a larger role at Beans & Brews coffeehouse and was a speaker at different events in franchising over the last few years.
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
KIM: Yes, if you both agree on the ultimate goal and promise to stay out of each other’s lane. We complement each other in our talents and skills. We divide the tasks needed to develop our family’s ownership portfolio and work closely with each other. We have regular meetings, like any organization, and hold each other accountable.
Anything else to add?
KIM: We just celebrated a fantastic sixth wedding anniversary in Turks and Caicos. It was an amazing trip and gave us time to re-center and focus on what’s next.
Jennifer & Austin Alexander
We got married on April 17th, 2023, and we have franchising to thank for our greatest blessing in life.
What are each of your titles/roles in franchising?
Austin is a senior director of franchise development, and Jen is a director of franchise marketing and development. Austin has held roles as a franchisee and franchise business coach, and Jennifer has held roles in franchise marketing, new franchisee training, franchise communication, and franchise coaching.
How did you meet? Please share your story.
JENNIFER: We met at a franchising event when Austin was a franchisee and Jen was in a franchise education role on the franchisor side. We bonded over a leg day workout (Jen was the coach, and Austin was the client) and developed a strong friendship.
Soon after, government-mandated business closures forced Austin’s gym to shut down for 92 days because of Covid. The pandemic had a unique way of deepening our relationship. Long story short, we got married on April 17th, 2023, and we have franchising to thank for our greatest blessing in life.
Do you talk about franchising outside of work, or do you have any rules around that?
JENNIFER: We are both achievers and continuous learning fills our cups, so, yes, we absolutely talk about franchising out of work. A lot. With that said, we try to be mindful that the time spent discussing franchising out of work aligns with our long-term vision — and that we also spend time talking about other shared values.
How has franchising made you a stronger couple?
JENNIFER: Franchising has played a key role in developing (no pun intended ;)) our family vision. We love to spend time together traveling. Franchising has allowed us to spend the last couple of summers on our boat on the Long Island Sound, and we look forward to traveling in our RV this summer. We’ve met so many wonderful people in franchising who support us. Team Alexander was founded in franchising!
Do you think franchise ownership business partnerships are a good idea for couples?
JENNIFER: Absolutely! Quality time is important to us, and franchising provides the opportunity for quality time. Franchising also creates freedom and the opportunity to change the lives of entrepreneurs and their communities.
Anything else to add?
JENNIFER: We sound like broken records in our house, but franchising has truly changed our lives!
