The Seasoned Franchise Attorney Will Focus on Streamlining Processes and Strengthening Franchisee Support
Scooter’s Coffee has announced Susan Tegt as chief legal officer. With this role, the experienced attorney will lead the popular coffee franchise’s legal team and provide strategic counsel.
“I’m really looking forward to finding new and innovative ways for our legal team to support our franchisees, particularly as we grow rapidly. As new technologies develop, there will always be ways to improve our franchise administration and compliance processes so our other business units can focus more on franchisee support and less on bureaucratic processes,” Tegt said.
Prior to joining the executive team, she worked with Scooter’s Coffee as one an outside attorney with Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, Ltd. This allowed her to form close relationships with the leadership team. “Everyone I met and worked with during my time as outside counsel put the success of Scooter’s Coffee franchisees first, and all decisions were made through the lens of the brand’s adherence to its core values of integrity, love, humility, and courage.” The experienced franchise attorney also noted how ingrained these values are in Scooters culture.
CEO Joe Thornton believes in Tegt’s ability to help lead Scooter’s Coffee forward. “I am incredibly excited to have Susan join our team and bring along with her a deep understanding of the franchise model. Susan is a talented leader who aligns with our core values. Her diverse set of experiences will help us think strategically in the legal space as we accelerate our brand.”
Legal Aspects of Franchise Ownership
Tegt suggests that franchisors and franchise owners hire a lawyer to review the FDD and the franchise agreement. She notes that a franchise relationship is contractual in nature and must be upheld by both parties. She adds that the attorney walks entrepreneurs through these documents, so they have a full understanding of the obligations of the franchisor-franchisee relationship.
Since she started in franchising about 15 years ago, Tegt has worked as senior counsel for umbrella franchisor Self Esteem Brands and has developed a love for seeing entrepreneurs build their businesses.
A Leap of Faith
Tegt emphasizes that while franchising offers incredible opportunities, running any business requires hard work and dedication. Thus, she urges aspiring franchise owners to not be over reliant on the franchisor’s proven model, training and support.
Additionally, Tegt’s unexpected journey into franchising made her realize the importance of mentors. Becoming a franchise attorney was never on her radar until joining Larkin Hoffman and learning about franchising from the experts there. By taking the leap of faith into franchising, she has not only expanded her own horizons, but has become a vital resource for countless entrepreneurs.
