Fred DeLuca, a friend and mentor.
Yesterday the franchising world lost a friend and a great mentor, as did I.
For me, Fred DeLuca was much more than the founder of Subway and a franchising icon. Fred was a true inspiration and his advice and mentorship was instrumental in the success I have enjoyed over the past two decades.
Like me, Fred became an entrepreneur as a teenager and from the first time I met him he gave me the confidence that I, too, could build an international brand.
Over the years he was never more than a phone call away, ready to share his wisdom and support when things looked rough and his encouragement when times were good.
The franchise industry lost one of its best and the world lost a master entrepreneur who not only built a great company but helped so many others achieve success. And for those of us who had the privilege of knowing Fred, we lost a true friend. He will be missed.