From One Wendy’s to 200+ Locations: How Mike Hamra Built Hamra Enterprises

Mike Hamra’s family legacy in the franchising industry spans generations. In this episode of Smart Franchising Podcast, Mike joins Dan Rowe as he shares insights into his remarkable journey from practising law to leading a powerhouse in the franchise world.

In this episode of Smart Franchising Podcast, Mike reveals:

• The Hamra family's journey as Wendy’s franchisees since 1975

• Growing a 200+ franchise empire across Wendy’s, Panera, and Noodles

• Investing in people and training to transform operations

• Family values and harmony as keys to multi-generational success

• Navigating the challenges and rewards of a family-owned business

  
  

On the Importance of Engaging Leadership

Mike: “You have to be a really strong leader, but you also have to manage. There's a difference between being a leader and somebody who's gonna manage your business. Managing your business is really creating a structure that things flow into the restaurant and get managed.”

On Building a Culture of Excellence

Mike: “We pay our student employees in high school and college to do their homework in our stores. That really drives a very different kind of culture inside our organization that, you know, you don't see across the industry.”

On the Future of Hamra Enterprises

Mike: “We're committed to a future of growth and continuing to develop or acquire markets where we can support people that work for us and their families. In ten years, we should be double in size, should be easily because we're getting to that size now where we can take bigger bites on acquisitions.”