Franchise Show

Stan returns for a second segment, this time to talk about his role with the IFA's Diversity Institute. Stan Friedman is a founding Board member of the Institute, where he currently serves as its First Vice-Chair, and he was also Chairman of the IFA’s Minorities in Franchising Committee in 2009, 2008 and 2007. The Diversity Institute is an outgrowth of work by IFA’s Minorities in Franchising Committee (MIF) and the IFA Educational Foundation to expand diversity education and communication within the IFA membership and to increase cooperation with other organizations working in the diversity arena. The Institute serves as the home for IFA and the Foundation’s diversity and minority programs – education, research, scholarships, and liaisons with other national organizations. The Institute provides information to assist IFA members in expanding their recruitment and multi-cultural marketing efforts at all levels –franchisees, employees, suppliers, and consumers. This is another topic that Jeff has asked Stan to come on the show regularly to discuss.

Guest: Stan Friedman

José de Jesús Legaspi is the owner and President of the Legaspi Company, a full service retail commercial development and brokerage firm, specializing in retail project development, sales and leasing, econometric consulting and retail tenant representation. Mr. Legaspi is considered an expert in Hispanic consumerism, and has managed joint ventures with pension funds and a major public real estate companies to invest in Hispanic areas of California and Arizona. He is involved in the development of unique mixed used projects involving housing, retail, and, educational components, such as La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, a 1.2 million square foot mall that includes anchor and specialty shopping, entertainment components, such as movie theatres and a Lienzo Charro (Mexican Rodeo Arena and concert venue), a small shop marketplace, and supermarkets uses.
http://www.theLegaspi.com

Roberto Litwak is a partner and director of international operations at Feher & Feher, where he is responsible of aiding franchisors from all over the world to successfully initiate operations in Mexico, as well as helping Mexican franchise concepts expand internationally. He obtained his degree in chemical engineering from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexicoand earned an MBA with a dual track in international business and management of technology from The Johns Hopkins University. He has completed the Franchise MBA program at NOVASoutheasternUniversityand he is also the co-founder and president of The Oscar Litwak Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Roberto was recognized February 16, 2009 as a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. Mr. Litwak completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the institute, which is the academic branch of the International Franchise Association’s Educational Foundation.
http://www.feherandfeher.com

José de Jesús Legaspi returns for a further discussion with Jeff and Roberto about the cultural elements of the Hispanic community.
http://www.theLegaspi.com

Roberto Litwak returns with Jeff to discus the recent International Franchise Association's annual convention in San Diego.
http://www.feherandfeher.com