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The Big Picture:
A longtime operator who built a multi-brand restaurant group from the ground up delivered a clear message to Hunt Business students: franchising can open the door — but it doesn’t carry you through it.

What He Said:

• “If the franchisor is a successful business, they’ve already worked the issues out. They have a business model that takes the risk down. It does not eliminate the risk — but it takes the risk down.”
• “I would recommend that you buy a business that’s existing rather than one you’re going to start from scratch. The risk is lower. If you buy, you get to see the numbers — you’re buying something tangible. If you build, you have to prove how you’re going to make it work.”
• “I believe in a self-assessment. You look in the mirror and understand your skills, your motivation, and your level of interest in doing what it takes to make something successful.”
• “When you’re doing your first deal, the first one’s gotta work. You can’t miss on the first one and then try to dig out of it.”

Between the Lines:
The structure of franchising is appealing — but the work is not optional. Robinson’s framing was simple: risk can be reduced, not removed; opportunity can be found, not given.

Other Bits of Wisdom:

• “If you wait for the phone to ring and somebody’s going to hand you an opportunity, it’s not going to happen.”
• “A lot of this is just common sense. It’s amazing how many people are bad at common sense.”
• “We hire for attitude. Experience doesn’t mean very much.”
• “Success is not easy — but it’s achievable. It takes time, and it includes failure along the way.”
• “Only you can define what success means to you.”

Last Updated on April 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM | Originally published April 7, 2026
Posted by Hunt Creative