Business Woman magazine just announced its list of the 100 most influential women in franchising right now, and I must say what an impressive group of leaders they have there. To all of the women named to this prestigious ranking, I want to wish them, their companies…and their extremely proud parents…a hearty congratulations.
That being said, as one of those proud parents, I cannot pass up this opportunity to celebrate my daughter, Somia, who was included in this list among so many outstanding leaders. As any parent will tell you, your greatest hopes are to watch your children grow and succeed. That is exactly what Somia has done, and I’m thrilled to see her earning industry recognition for all she’s accomplished thus far.
Like so many family businesses, my children have had a front row seat at Edible from the very beginning. And Somia especially took a strong interest in the company from the start. She literally grew up alongside Edible’s entrepreneurial journey as she, herself, grew up and advanced her business interests.
Then she went to Babson College, the number one school in the world for its entrepreneurship program, and excelled in areas far beyond my wildest dreams. After school and some impressive hands-on experience in the business world, she returned to Edible and started working at the corporate office in 2017. Let it be said that her skills, knowledge and hard work made her right for the job much more than her family name. And already, her track record speaks for itself.
Having your daughter join your company is great, but to find that she is actually smarter than you and able to do things better than you?
That’s priceless (right, Mastercard?).
This coming week is National Business Women’s week, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything that Somia has accomplished over the years. Moreover, it puts a smile on my face to see her leading Edible as the VP of e-Commerce with skyrocketing sales. It’s one thing to be a strong leader for an organization. It’s another to do it so well in a pandemic that you help achieve new company records for the benefit of the system at-large and the customers we serve.
The milestones she has conquered in record time are something to admire. I always knew she was amazing, but now I can say she is so much better at aspects of the business than I ever was. She is a strong, independent leader who many people, including myself, look to for guidance.
It just goes to show that her hard work has really paid off. She is already in a management role at just 27 years old, but she is leading with the confidence and respect for others that many veteran business leaders struggle with. She has taught me so much, and I know she will continue to be influential in franchising and e-commerce for years to come.
Thank you, Somia, for all that you do. I couldn’t be prouder of you, and I know your mom is ecstatic about your accomplishments as well. You will continue to raise the bar and achieve great things. You will continue to challenge, test and prove what is best for the business in ways that I never thought possible. And, yes, I will continue to smile as your success translates into Edible’s success. I am excited for what the future holds for you as a leader for this organization.
Sincerely,
Your proud dad
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