Welcome to the latest episode of Empire Builders! Today, Tommy Yionoulis is thrilled to introduce our guest, Thomas Belongia, also known as Tommy B. Tommy B, an area developer and Franchise Owner for Biggby Coffee, who shares his intriguing journey from France to Wisconsin and offers deep insights into the world of franchise operations.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to Tommy B:

• Tommy B's unique name story and why he goes by Tommy B.
• His family's adventurous history.

Tommy B's Professional Journey:

• Transitioning from a self-employed entrepreneur to opening his first Biggby Coffee shop in Wisconsin.
• The role and responsibilities of an area developer for Biggby Coffee.

Importance of Finding the Right Franchisee:

• Tommy B emphasizes the critical nature of identifying franchisees who align with Biggby's culture and values.
• The process of onboarding a new franchisee, from finding real estate to training staff.

Creating a Positive Work Environment:

• The impact of a happy and engaged staff on customer experience.
• Strategies for franchise owners to build community relationships and generate loyal customers.

Why Biggby Coffee?

• Tommy B and his wife's decision-making process in choosing Biggby Coffee after extensive research.
• The personal touch and alignment with values that drew them to the brand.

Marketing Strategies:

• Differentiating between paid and guerrilla marketing.
• Effective guerrilla marketing techniques like "drink drops" and engaging local businesses.

Community Engagement:

• The importance of building relationships within the local community.
• Examples of community involvement, such as supporting local causes and creative marketing initiatives.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Brand Awareness:

• Strategies for introducing a coffee brand to new markets.
• The significance of having a strong, supportive team and robust systems in place.

Personal Story of Resilience:

• Tommy B's experience overcoming a severe brain injury and the importance of well-established business systems.
• Advocating for owners to focus on strategic planning and growth, ensuring long-term business success.

Conclusion:

Tommy and Tommy B conclude the episode with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community engagement, and strategic marketing. Tommy B's story highlights the dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of franchise operations. Whether you're interested in the coffee industry or entrepreneurial stories, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on franchise development, creating positive work environments, and achieving business success with Tommy B.

Links And Resources:

• BIGGBY COFFEE
• Thomas Belongia (Tommy B) on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.