Griffons Compete
60 stores in 11 states
Over 700 people employed
Sales of more than $35 million
The Craig School of Business provides an incredible opportunity to students each year, by giving them the chance to vie for a franchise. The competition is sponsored by the Missouri Western’s Center for Franchise Development. This partnership allows students to compete for various franchises like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Auntie Anne’s, Jamba Juice and Cinnabon to name a few. They also receive significant support, including collateral loan funding provided by the Missouri Western State University Foundation to assist with the purchase of their franchise. The entrepreneurs also receive ongoing support from faculty members, the Craig School of Business Advisory Council, Steven Craig and each other. Additionally, owners are expected to donate a portion of their store’s proceeds back to the University. So far, the donations have totaled approximately $367,000.
Caleb Keling, along with Jakob Grimm and Hayden Glabius are a few of the many alumni that are still continuing to find great success in their franchise endeavors.
One of the common topics all 3 franchise owners agreed on, was the overwhelming support given by those that have come before them. I know I can send out a text and someone in the group has been through it and can give me advice on how to tackle whatever obstacle I come across. The camaraderie is unmatched and has been monumental in helping each of them succeed.
Meet our most recent awardee, Caleb Keling, a ’24 graduate and current owner of the Auntie Anne’s in Dubuque, Iowa. “Pretzels have chosen me twice now.” Caleb reflected on his business entrepreneurship which actually started in high school when his school group project decided to sell pretzels during lunch and made a $60 profit in one hour. Much like his success now, Caleb has seen significant growth in the first few months of taking over his current business. He like the other awardees felt this was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Caleb has set a goal for himself to own 10 franchises in the future.
Meet Jakob Grimm, ’23 graduate and owner of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory located in the Branson Landing. “When you own a business and build it as your own, it is really satisfying and a deep sense of pride when you see the impact that it has on your community. It’s a great feeling. I remember I stepped into the class without a clue where to start if I wanted to open a business. Throughout the semester, from setting up a business entity to building a financial model, this class builds a foundation for your success. The connections, conversations, and tools you build in this class will put you in a mindset to see if business ownership is something that you could see yourself doing, whether it’s a franchise you earned through the program or the dreams you chase after graduation. This is basically the opportunity to get a 10-year head start on your entrepreneurial career. That’s something I don’t see how you can pass up.”
Meet Hayden Glabius, ’21 awardee and owner of an Auntie Anne’s and Jamba Juice franchise in the Columbia, Missouri area. “I was always a hands-on learner, so while in the program I was just absorbing all of the information and now am able to apply it as a guide for my business. It was a great way to lay the foundation of where I am today.” Glabius currently employs over 21 individuals between both franchises. “One of the best pieces of advice came from another business owner that I have remembered- ‘Your highs will be your highs and your lows your lows, and I have made sure that the highs outweigh the lows, especially when I am going through an equipment break or low sales. I always try and remain positive with my employees so they never see the lows.'” Hayden is hands-on with his stores and visits them on a regular basis. He garners a positive work environment by showing his employees he is willing to get in the trenches with them and do the work he is asking of them. He also offers sales incentive goals to employees and offers gift cards and team events to show his appreciation for their hard work.