At The Entrepreneurs’ Source, we believe that growth happens when we step beyond what’s comfortable and embrace the unknown. Our annual conference is the embodiment of that philosophy, when Career Ownership Coaches (Franchise Business Owners), Franchisor Members (Franchisors), and Strategic Partners come together for an event filled with networking, collaboration, and learning.
This year’s theme, From Visionary to Extraordinary, reflected what we strive for at The Entrepreneur’s Source – – empowering entrepreneurs and coaches to push past their limits and reach new heights. This year also marked an EXTRAORDINARY milestone of 40 years since our Visionary, Terry Powell, established The Entrepreneur’s Source in 1984. Conference attendees had an amazing few days of celebrating milestones and celebrating the mission of helping others achieve their dreams through business ownership.
One Career Ownership Coach, Greg Johnson, summed it up this way, “Our theme, ‘From Visionary to Extraordinary,’ perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this conference. The wealth of knowledge shared, and the connections forged have been truly extraordinary, leaving us all invigorated and ready to implement new strategies.”
Whether it was with connections made during collaboration sessions, the insights from our dynamic training classes, or the energy of the 80s-themed party, this year’s conference will be remembered as a week of transformation.
The Power of Community
Entrepreneurship is often seen as a solitary journey, but at The Entrepreneur’s Source, it’s nothing but. Our conference is the perfect example of how we foster community and collaboration, with participants from all corners of the business world coming together with a shared goal: to learn, to grow, and to inspire one another.
Our community of Career Ownership Coaches thrives on the sense of belonging. For a new coach entering the franchise system, the conference offers not just education, but friendship and support.
Career Ownership Coach, Andrew Ritterling, agrees with this sentiment, “Wow! What an incredible time at The Entrepreneur’s Source Conference! Surrounded by positive vibes, I’m reminded of how much my colleagues believe in helping others and unlocking their potential. Never did I imagine that, as a small business owner, I’d be part of such a supportive community where everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed! “
Collaboration Sessions: Sparking New Ideas
One of the most exciting parts of the conference is the collaboration sessions. In speed networking style, Career Ownership Coaches and Zor Members come together for quick, focused discussions, sharing ideas, and sparking potential partnerships. These sessions are designed to connect individuals who might not otherwise cross paths, opening doors to new opportunities.
For those new to our community, these sessions are a crash course in collaboration, offering a chance to dive deep into the franchising mindset, build rapport with peers, and discover potential new avenues for growth. Each conversation was a learning opportunity, allowing participants from each session to walk away with innovative ideas and perspectives.
Learning for Growth: The Entrepreneur’s Source Approach
At The Entrepreneur’s Source, learning is not just an add-on; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our training classes at the conference reflected this core belief, offering sessions that covered a wide range of topics designed to help attendees grow in both their personal and professional lives. From deep dives into franchise operations to practical advice on coaching techniques, the sessions catered to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
The energy in those sessions was palpable, as participants engaged with speakers and each other to exchange insights and share their experiences. These are more than just classes, they are moments of discovery, where new ideas are born, and personal growth is fueled.
One of the highlights of the conference was the educational sessions that took place in the afternoon, led by experts who challenged us to think differently and embrace new ways of leading. Our phenomenal keynote speaker, Dan Thurmon, took this idea of new heights with his powerful presentation, Positive Chaos & Off Balance on Purpose.
Thurmon’s message about the power of chaos resonated deeply with the audience. As entrepreneurs, we often face uncertain situations, but Thurmon reminded us that chaos can be a positive force if we embrace it. “Even the smallest step forward can lead to big changes,” he said, encouraging us to rethink the limitations we impose on ourselves. “If you limit yourself to what’s comfortable, you deny yourself what’s possible.”
Celebrating Success: Awards Night and 80s Party
Of course, no conference would be complete without a celebration of the success that our Career Ownership Coaches achieved over the past year. Our awards night was a time to recognize those who have gone above and beyond, demonstrating excellence in their work and commitment to empowering others. Watching our community come together to celebrate these achievements was a reminder of why we do what we do-it’s about lifting each other up and celebrating our collective success.
Another night, it was time to let loose! This year’s 80s-themed party was a blast, with attendees dressed in their best retro gear, dancing the night away. It was a fun, lighthearted way to end a day filled with learning and networking, and a great reminder that, while entrepreneurship is serious business, there’s always room for a little fun.
Looking Ahead: Greater Possibilities
As we reflect on this year’s conference, one thing is clear: The Entrepreneur’s Source community is stronger than ever. We’ve grown together, learned together, and celebrated together. From the transformative sessions to the new friendships forged, every moment of this event has reminded us why we chose this path.
Leaving the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what’s next, our community is ready to take on new challenges and continue building extraordinary businesses.
Career Ownership Coach Greg Johnson adds, “As we return to our respective ventures, we carry with us not only new insights but also the renewed energy that comes from collaborating with like-minded professionals. I’m eager to apply these learnings and build upon the momentum generated this week.”
So, as we look ahead, we do so with the knowledge that, together, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Whether it’s through collaboration, education, or the power of community, the conference has once again shown us that the future is bright and extraordinary.
In summary, Marissa Frois, CEO, says “If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be EXTRAORDINARY! Franchising is all about giving, empowering each other to be our best, and collaborating—and those qualities shined throughout the event. This year’s conference was not just an event; it was a journey, one that will continue to inspire and empower us long after the final session has ended. A huge thank you to our incredible community for an amazing week and even greater possibilities ahead!”
