NIFA Fall Luncheon Celebrates Veterans in Franchising
November 18, 2015
The Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA), founded by All Points PR’s executive leadership Jamie and Lauren Izaks alongside friend and colleague Andrew Bleiman, managing attorney with Marks & Klein, one of America’s leading law firms focused on the franchise industry with a Chicago office, recently hosted its Fall Luncheon Nov. 5.
Sponsored by Patriot Software and held at Formento’s in Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood, the Fall Luncheon addressed an important and timely topic: veterans in franchise ownership.
Attendees enjoyed and learned from a panel discussion featuring seasoned franchisors John Kohler, area developer for Illinois, Eastern Missouri and Western Michigan for Sport Clips; Vince Caffarello, president of Duraclean International, Inc.; and Thomas Kasbohm, director of franchising for Snap-On Tools. Each of these franchisors has great knowledge and experience hiring and franchising alongside veterans. The panel explored the qualities that make veterans so ideal for franchising, including leadership skills and a desire to succeed. Several veterans were also in attendance and were recognized for their service to our country.
At the luncheon, guests learned about how franchising can provide a structured, turn-key program for veterans, who are used to working toward a common goal in the military. Also discussed was how companies and governing organizations can better help make veterans aware of franchising opportunities. Resources such as Bunker Labs, a veteran-focused incubator for start-ups, and Vet Exchange Careers, which connects veterans to small businesses, can aid franchisors in finding qualified veterans to take their post-military careers to the next level.
Following the panel, guests networked, mingled and enjoyed a delicious lunch together in the bright and spacious restaurant, with the skyline of Chicago not far in the background.
The NIFA Winter Luncheon will be held in February of 2016. Click here to visit the site to learn more about the organization, and click here to learn about membership in the New Year.
