At last year’s Edible Arrangements convention, it was my pleasure to bestow the President’s Award—the highest honor an EA franchisee can achieve—to Maurice Welton, a Texas-based owner in our system who has quite literally set the bar as far as positive attitude, enthusiastic determination and work ethic. I’ve been watching Maurice’s progress and growth for years, which is why it was so gratifying to see him recently featured in the March 2013 edition of Black Enterprise magazine.
With his unflagging passion for his business—the business of delivering certified happiness to his many loyal customers—it’s no wonder that Maurice is also a veteran. His can-do spirit and untiring passion has enabled him to expand his Edible Arrangements enterprise from his original McAllen, Texas store to three stores, with plans to expand to a fourth location soon.
It all started due to Maurice’s desire to be his own boss. Interestingly, it was an appearance by my brother Kamran and me on CNBC’s The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch that originally convinced Maurice that EA was the answer he was looking for. I believe it was our passion that connected with Maurice—it was something he also felt within himself. He challenged himself to match our enthusiasm. After researching our company, he decided it was the right fit for him, and started putting together his strategy for success.
Like the most successful of our franchisees, Maurice walked in the door with a plan. He hit the ground running. Every dime he got out of EA, he reinvested in EA. It’s that kind of approach that helped make him into one of the shining stars of the Edible Arrangements franchise system. It’s no surprise to me that he was profiled in Black Enterprise, but it does make me proud. I’d like to take this opportunity to send my warmest congratulations, and wish him continued success in the years to come!
To read the entire article, go here:
http://www.onlinedigitalpubs.com/article/Small+Biz/1343765/0/article.html