In 2011, Elise Wetzel and her husband Rick Wetzel, a co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzel’s, were in line at Chipotle during rush hour to grab a quick lunch when they were actually hoping to grab pizza instead. That’s when a light bulb went off in her head with the idea that a pizza restaurant with an assembly line could work. She grabbed a napkin and sketched out her ideas with Rick, which led to the beginning of one of the fastest-growing franchise pizza restaurants in the world, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza. Elise sheds light on her experience as a successful entrepreneur and brand marketer, having learned her skills in consumer behavior during her time at Northwestern. She shares the importance of establishing team inclusivity, adaptability, and brand awareness.

In light of celebrating Women’s History Month, Northwestern Intersections is featuring 4 female Northwestern trailblazers to honor those who have shaped and inspired the future of our community.