The path to becoming the owner of a franchise business isn’t always clear. At Jeremiah’s, our cool-as-ice brand and operational excellence give aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to take charge of a fast-growing ice cream franchise. Here’s a look at how one of our very own made her American Dream come true.

1. Find a Brand You Love

Megan Bourke spent two years working at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice while attending college in Orlando, Florida, Jeremiah’s home market. Megan left the state after college, but never forgot the experience she had working in her favorite ice cream franchise. She had always been drawn to the family-friendly atmosphere and the brand’s dedication to providing a fun environment for people to come together and bond over delicious frozen treats.

“When I learned Jeremiah’s was now franchising, I saw that I could become my own boss and run my own business with the help of an experienced leadership team and supportive network, and I immediately worked towards becoming a franchisee,” said Megan.

2. Identify and Develop Skills in Business

You may not know it yet, but you probably already have many of the skills required of a business owner. And the Jeremiah’s Italian Ice ice cream franchise system is designed to help you capitalize on the skills you already have and provide expert training to fill in the gaps of your know-how.

Before deciding to return to the Frog Squad, Megan worked as a store manager for Tiffany & Co. in Dallas, Texas. During that time, she utilized many of the skills she developed while working as a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice store supervisor, including budgeting, staffing, sales and payroll. She also knew the importance of providing a great customer experience for her jewelry clients, a skill she learned at Jeremiah’s as well.

“My experience as a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice employee prepared me for my career in management and customer relations,” said Megan. “It taught me about accountability, how to manage employees, and the importance of creating a welcoming, exciting and vibrant atmosphere for customers.”

3. Find a Market That’ll Love Your Ice Cream Franchise

Not only was franchising with Jeremiah’s a fit for Megan culturally, it also offered a proven concept, and an attractive business model with an ROI too sweet to ignore. Between her connection to her fellow employees and passion for providing a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Megan became the brand’s first franchisee to bring Jeremiah’s from Florida to her new home in Texas.

She loves her community, and she knows her community will love Jeremiah’s. “For me, it all comes back to the Jeremiah’s motto of ‘Living Life to the Coolest.’ That motto has driven me to become a small business owner, become a mentor and leader for my team, and be a role model in my community,” said Megan. “I am eager to be serving the McKinney community and am proud to be creating a fun environment where people of all ages can come together to grow and learn together.”

4. Hop In While the Franchise Opportunity’s Ice Cold!

The easiest way to start your journey to business ownership? Check out our website and dive in! We love hearing from hopeful entrepreneurs who love their community and love our brand. Get in touch with us when you’re ready to learn more.