How Franchise Education Creates Career Opportunities: The Direct Path From The Classroom To Franchise Leadership
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser explores how franchise education can open doors to careers that many students and professionals never realize exist. Franchising supports millions of jobs, fuels entrepreneurship, creates pathways to generational wealth, and touches nearly every aspect of business; from operations and marketing to finance, legal strategy, and relationship management. Yet despite its economic impact, franchising remains largely absent from traditional business school curricula.
Joining the conversation are two graduates of the University of Louisville’s franchise education programs who have built successful careers through the opportunities they discovered in the industry.
Marlee Henson, a recent University of Louisville graduate and Franchise Management Certificate recipient, shares how a single class introduced her to the vast franchising ecosystem. Now working at FranNet at the intersection of franchise development and marketing, Marlee discusses how hands-on coursework, including analyzing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), helped prepare her for a career dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the right path to business ownership. She also reflects on how internships, networking, and franchise education transformed her understanding of the business world.
Shannon Iverson, Vice President of Franchise Growth at El Pollo Loco, brings a seasoned leadership perspective to the discussion. After beginning her career in manufacturing and global business development, Shannon transitioned into franchising, helping drive growth for brands including Marco’s Pizza and Taco John’s before joining El Pollo Loco. She discusses how earning the University of Louisville’s Graduate Certificate in Franchise Management and leveraging Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credits accelerated her professional growth. Shannon also shares insights on franchise expansion, international development, leadership, and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of franchise professionals.
Together, Kathy, Marlee, and Shannon discuss the value of franchise education, the diverse career opportunities available within the industry, the role of mentorship and networking, and why franchising offers one of the most overlooked pathways to professional and entrepreneurial success.
Key topics include:
- The economic impact of franchising and its role across industries
- The University of Louisville’s franchise education programs
- How franchise coursework prepares students for real-world careers
- Career pathways beyond franchise ownership
- Reviewing and understanding Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)
- The connection between franchise education, internships, and job placement
- Transitioning into franchising from other industries
- International franchise expansion and development strategies
- Leadership, mentorship, and professional growth in franchising
- The value of the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program
- Building sustainable franchise growth through strategic partnerships
Whether you're a student exploring career options, a professional considering a career pivot, or a franchise leader interested in developing future talent, this episode highlights the many ways franchise education can create opportunities and shape careers.
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This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.