Commentary

Focus Brands franchisee: 'Focusing on disparities will not advance your career'

Melanie Hoggard is a Focus Brands franchisee with her hands in three concepts — Moe's Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon.

March 28, 2017 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Editor's note: In honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, FastCasual interviewed several female leaders in the restaurant industry to learn about their success and how they feel about leading in a male-dominated industry. To read the entire series, click here.

Melanie Hoggard is a Focus Brands franchisee with her hands in three concepts in Arkansas. She and her husband own six Moe's Southwest Grills as well as Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon units. Juggling a variety of brands may seem like a challenge, especially for a female business owner, but Hoggard refuses to focus on the negative.

"There are certainly different challenges that we face, but everyone faces challenges each day," she said. "The way we choose to address them is what will determine our future and potential. Focusing on the disparities that still exist will not advance your career. Never allow that to control or guide your thought process. Focus on the challenges of the position or industry and be a part of the solution, not the problem."

Do not allow the idea that women are not yet equal in the workplace to hold you back or slow you down."

Got her start in the biz
Hoggard started in the restaurant industry in 2003 with Moe's.

On why women make great leaders
"It's not that women's views are better, but they can be very different, and that different approach or view can be invaluable to any organization's leadership team. While women embrace competition, they tend to lead through collaboration, relationship and team building and mentoring others. Every business should strive for a more inclusive and balanced view and leadership model to include all segments of modern society. Research shows that companies with women in leadership roles have better financial results."

Advice to women looking to lead
"Follow your dreams. They are only yours and no one else can achieve them for you or take them away. Focus on education and while working hard in every position you can to gain experience, find a mentor and be open to learning and new ideas. Allow someone to guide and help you along the way. There are very successful women in our industry, but successful male role models are also a great resource."

Franchising

About Cherryh Cansler

Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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