“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.”

After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business experience prepare him for the pivot? And how did he ramp up a whole new skill set to establish himself as a successful and enthusiastic ‘zee?

Ab and Vini welcome Gary, who shares what he’s learned along the franchising path: Connecting with “both sides of the passion equation” when committing to a franchise. Why successful ‘zors embrace innovation from their ‘zees. Wrangling the “vapor trails” of online reviews. How young people — as employees AND customers — are influencing local social impact by ‘zees. And the personal trait that might make you want to think twice about getting into franchising.