One of the most important aspects highlighted in any “how to buy a franchise” blog or manual should be the emphasis on carefully reviewing the Meet The Team section of a franchise development website or guide. This step is crucial because owning a business and having a business partner is a lot like a marriage; you’re making a long-term commitment that will impact your day-to-day life, and the people you partner with can greatly influence how well your business performs.
The First Step In Your Franchising Journey Begins With The Franchise Consultant
James Lloyd: Dank’s Expert Franchise Consultant
In short, James is a franchisee’s best friend. He is an experienced franchise consultant and expert with over two decades of experience in franchising. He is the first contact that candidates meet to be interviewed for consideration.
His Responsibilities Include: (but are not limited to)
- Prospect Qualification
- Sales Process Management
- Going over the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Conducting Discovery Days
In addition to his responsibilities as a franchise consultant, James will use his experience and expertise to guide you through the process of finding out if this is the right opportunity for you.
Discovery Day is one of the most important steps to owning a franchise. It is an event where you will often visit our headquarters or a location near you. It’s a chance to get a firsthand feel of the business, ask questions, and make a more informed decision about investing in the franchise. Discovery Day typically occurs later in the franchise sales process, after a candidate has shown serious interest in becoming a franchisee and passed initial qualifications.
He has been a franchisee many times over, so he has first-hand experience. His experience and expertise are available to you from Day 1 to help you consider this potentially life-changing decision.
3 Questions to ask James when you meet him:
- As an experienced franchise consultant, what is your best tip for how to buy a franchise?
- Can you share examples of how you’ve helped other franchisees overcome challenges during the early stages of their franchisee journey?
- Just for fun: Was the Lion’s run to the NFC title game last season a fluke?
Joel Sullivan: Director of Marketing & Technology
Next on our Meet The Team list is Joel Sullivan.
He is the dynamic Marketing Manager for Dank Burrito, where he leverages his passion for bold flavors and innovative marketing strategies to elevate the brand’s presence in the fast-casual dining scene. With over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, Joel has a proven track record of driving customer engagement and fostering brand loyalty.
3 Questions to ask Joel when you meet him:
- What kind of marketing support does the corporate team provide?
- What resources are available to franchisees for local marketing efforts?
- Just for fun: You are headquartered in Raleigh…Duke or UNC?
Robert McGinnis – Director of Operations
Another person you’ll come in contact with when you meet the team is Robert McGinnis. He is one of the original founding team members and Director of Operations for Dank Burrito. He has been the architect of Dank Burrito’s efficient operations. Once it is time to learn the “Dank Burrito Way” Robert becomes an integral part of your life. He will walk you and your team through our comprehensive franchise training program.
After opening your franchise location, Robert is still your go-to-guy for diagnosing critical aspects of your operations. He is always ready to offer advice on how to hire and train employees, suggested staffing levels, and operational instructions outlined in the Brand Standards Manual, ensuring you have the tools to effectively build and train your team.
3 Questions to ask Robert when you meet him:
- What are some common operational challenges franchisees face, and how do you assist in troubleshooting and resolving these issues?
- How do you ensure that each location maintains Dank Burrito’s high standards of quality and service?
- Just for fun: What is the weirdest challenge you never thought you would ever have to consider finding a solution for?
Clarke Merrell – Funder/Owner/Chef of Dank Burrito
Clarke is one of North Carolina’s most well-respected chefs and restaurateurs thanks to his love of cuisine and dedication to giving his patrons an outstanding dining experience.
He had a profound passion and enthusiasm for the culinary arts and knew he wanted to become a chef even as a young child. Growing up, Clarke was introduced to the restaurant and food industry when his parents’ took over DJ Shooters in Atlantic Beach in 1988.
Clarke graduated from the Florida Culinary Institute, where he developed his techniques and studied under some of the best cooks in the nation. Following graduation, he worked with several well-known chefs, picking up new skills and experimenting with various ingredients to produce inventive and delectable dishes.
As of right now, Clarke is the proprietor of a number of popular eateries in North Carolina, including:
- Dank Burrito
- Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
- Social Q Smokehouse
- Prime Bistro & Wine Bar
- Beaufort Olive Oil Company
- Merrell Estate & Gardens
3 Questions to ask Chef when you meet him:
- What inspired you to create Dank Burrito, and how do you see the brand evolving in the next few years?
- What inspires your flavor combinations and what is your personal favorite burrito on the menu?
- Just for fun: Who won the 2024 Sign Wars?
Leadership Matters
As the common saying in franchising goes “You may work for yourself, but never by yourself”. You want to know the people who lead the brand and their franchise development efforts.
Choose a food franchise that not only offers a proven business model but also provides a dedicated team of experienced professionals. Our team is patient, organized, and highly knowledgeable, ensuring you’re fully prepared to succeed. We’re committed to clear communication and are always available to guide you every step of the way. With our support, you’ll be equipped with the skills and insights needed to become one of our most profitable franchise owners.
Also, it is important that their system not only works for them but that it can work for anyone who takes the time and makes the commitment to follow it.
At Dank Burrito, we are humble. We do the hard work to hold ourselves accountable to maintaining the highest standards of franchisee training and ongoing support. Most of all we celebrate your milestones and are committed to your success. We are in this together and we are proud to lead you through every step of your franchise journey.
Schedule a call with our franchise consultant James Lloyd today to begin your Dank journey.
