The Franchise Formula: Learn, Launch, Lead

After joining his family’s business in December 2019, Andre first honed his leadership skills at Ford—where he oversaw hiring and training at scale—before applying that corporate rigor to build community-rooted franchise operations. His unique approach blends strategic planning with deep local impact—hiring from the neighborhoods he serves and forging ties with community organizations to create sustainable growth.

At The Franchise Formula: Learn, Launch, Lead, Andre will share his entrepreneurial journey—from corporate America to family business, and from tradition to innovation in franchising.

• A candid retelling of Andre’s path: corporate transitions, community-first leadership, and franchise scale
• Practical insights into franchising fundamentals: mindset, operations, financing, and systems
• Real-world examples of merging brand standards with local community engagement

• Key lessons for launching and growing a franchise business
• How to lead with impact: balancing profit, purpose, and community
• Strategies to tap into franchise resources and affiliations, like the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association McDonald's Corporation
• The steps Andre used to scale operations and build a reputation for excellence

• Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring franchise opportunities
• Franchise owners/staff looking to deepen their leadership and operational edge
• Business professionals interested in social impact through enterprise
• Community leaders seeking to create economic opportunity through local hiring

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Aya House, 2055 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, United States