Winners Never Quit... Bright House Regional Business Awards

Big Frog Co-Founders: Tina, Ron, Kerry, Leeward (Left to Right)

2014 was the inaugural Bright House Regional Business Awards for the Tampa Bay Area.  I somehow missed the announcement of the award application and my father emailed me and said "Apply!"  So, of course, I did.  I always do what my father tells me - although (obviously) not counting my teen years and early twenties. I'll let you in on results up front, we did not win.  We were in the top 10 small business finalists, but we didn't win the top honor. 

While we were disappointed, we were also inspired to try harder next year.  After all, "Winners never quit, and quitters never win."  I know we can write a better application or create a more inspired presentation.  One of the themes of the award was community/charity involvement.  While we each do our individual part with local charities, we realized that we need to bring that to the office.  New 2014 Goal:  Find a local charity and putting our passion behind it in 2014. 

This photo represents the highest point of our Big Frog franchise system to date.  52 stores open in 22 states with 9 more to open (and some of the best franchisees in the world).  A great team of employees that are Big Froggers to the core.  And an enviable partnership that has lasted for over 7 years.   We have old bull, Leeward Bean, that brings wisdom and patience to our organization, young bull, Ron DeFrece, that exudes the passion that is needed to create a business and me - a bit of both worlds.  And finally, Leeward's wife, Kerry Bean, that has empowered and inspired him to create and partake in another successful business.

 

While this picture shows us at the pinnacle of Big Frog, we’re not done... our goal is 300 stores by 2018. And we’re not quitters, so you know that that means.  

Ugh, Not Another Meeting!?! … Ah, But the IFA Convention Isn't Just 'Another Meeting'

If you don’t know me well, you don’t know that I really hate meetings.  Let me clarify, I don't hate all meetings, I dislike meetings that digress and stray off topic to the point we’re talking about the vendor’s bachelor party back in '69.  Give me a solid agenda, with concrete objectives and a set time frame and I’ll be there with bells on.

Now, conventions are just really big meetings so I know you’re thinking, Tina is going to be down on conventions.  Not true, naysayer.    And why’s that?

• An agenda – check.
• A selection of items to meet your objectives – check.   
• A set time frame – check. 
• Happy hour at the hotel bar – double check.   

This year we attended the IFA’s national convention in New Orleans – during Mardi Gras, no less.  I am always amazed at the magnitude of the event IFA puts on.  The variety of speakers - always experts in their fields - and the Mini Super Sessions were spot on.  The exhibit hall alone has almost every vendor specialty represented, and for a growing franchise, we’re always on the search for new technology to help us become bigger/better.  

I shake my head in disbelief at how helpful and forthcoming all of the veteran franchisors are (don't they know we're competitors?). They are willing to share their knowledge, mistakes and even little tips and tricks for running a great Frog-a-thon (see previous blog post).  In turn, I try to pay it forward and share all our tips and mistakes to the newer franchisors.  It's a great cycle, let's keep it up!

Every time I consider registering for these conventions, I am skeptical about whether it’s worth the time and money.   But, I give them my credit card and go, because I know it’s the right thing for Big Frog.  And, inevitably, I come home with a list of ways to improve myself (yoga!), my management style (hate meetings less), my team (re-energize) and my system (Board of Directors). The experience is truly priceless.  

A quick photo digression from NOLA:

Bad Creek Bandits - Awesome Bluegrass/Ragtime Band

Grey Goose Martini at the Ice Bar in Harrah's  (Yum!)