"The Master value is trust. There are no relationships that can survive for very long without it."

- Jim Amos

Franchise Owners Should Stay Committed to Their Dreams

August 2nd, 2012

Dreamers have built this country on a foundation of hard work and hope

What separates extremely successful people from others who muddle through life? Plenty of smart, hard-working individuals seem to stumble and fall while others soar. What makes the difference?

Tasti D-Lite chairman and CEO Jim Amos has more than 30 years of experience guiding successful franchise companies such as Mail Boxes Etc.

Every accomplishment starts with a dream, and dreams are realized when people have the passion to persevere.

Smitten young men and women dream of ways to attract the objects of their hearts’ desire. Politicians dream of limitless power and influence — and, perhaps, a chance to do some good for society. That brings us to small business owners. They dream of prosperity for themselves, of course — but also comfortable futures for their families and the chance to support their communities.

Developing a dream or vision and living it is one of the essential elements of leadership. A dream serves as a guidepost, allowing a person to stay on course through life’s setbacks and drudgery. Seeing the dream through to the end is a function of dedication, determination, hard work and character. Not every dreamer will succeed, but they will move with purpose — and a sense of purpose is one of the most rewarding things a person can possess.

Dreams can also provide an oasis during tough times and provide the motivation to move forward.

KFC founder Harland Sanders is a great example. The roadside restaurant that he started in Corbin, KY, in 1930 became such a huge hit that Kentucky’s governor honored Sanders for his contributions to the state’s cuisine. Sanders’ restaurant remained popular until the interstate system diverted traffic away from the store.

The interstate may have killed Sanders’ restaurant, but it didn’t kill his dream. Instead, he began franchising, using his knowledge and secret recipe to build an empire.

America is steeped in a rich tradition of dreamers, starting with the first colonists who set out across the Atlantic in search of a place where they would have the freedom to pursue their own ideals and enterprises.

During my 30 years in franchising, I’ve seen the industry grow to where it generates more than 12 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Hundreds of thousands of franchisees have improved themselves, their families and their communities by chasing their dreams. Many, like Sanders, have stumbled only to pick themselves back up and keep going.

Dreams nourish the spirit and help us dedicate our lives to a purpose. They are some of God’s greatest blessings. Nurture yours, whatever it may be.

Tasti D-Lite chairman and CEO Jim Amos has more than 30 years of experience guiding successful franchise companies such as Mail Boxes Etc. He was inducted into the International Franchise Association’s Hall of Fame in February.

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