Richard Pope’s broad-based experience offers instant credibility and provides a knowledgeable resource to those he works with in his role as an independent consultant with FranChoice. Having worked in the franchise business for over 30 years in hotels, restaurants, automotive and consulting, he is uniquely qualified to help those seeking to find their niche in franchise ownership.
Mr. Pope holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Berea College in Kentucky. He began his career in hotel operations, progressing rapidly from single unit to multi-unit operations and on to management contract development. A rising star in the hotel business, Ramada Inns promoted him to vice President of franchise development for the United States and Latin America. Richard found franchise development fun and intriguing and he has never looked back.
With an offer he could not refuse, Richard made the switch from hotels to food and became vice president of franchising for Swensen’s Ice Cream Company. Not only was he responsible for franchising, but for all allied areas of franchise development as well, including franchise administration, real estate, design and construction. Soon thereafter, he was promoted to senior vice president and became a strong influence in the strategic direction of the company.
A sale of the Swensen’s company brought another career change for Richard, moving from food to automotive as the vice president of franchise development with Midas International. At Midas, Richard was responsible for franchise development throughout the U.S., Central & South America, Asia and the Middle East. This dramatic shift in operating cultures once again points to Mr. Pope’s adaptability to change, which broadened his knowledge to yet another major franchise segment.
After ten years at Midas, Richard returned to Arizona to accept a position as executive vice president with Frozen Fusion, a fruit smoothie franchise. In May of 2000, he founded First Franchise Associates LLC., a franchise services consulting group providing services to franchisors in all facets of the franchise business.
Now, as one of the top independent consultants with FranChoice, Richard is ready to help you realize your dreams of business ownership. Among the notable candidates he has worked with, Richard proudly includes both of his children who have found happiness as franchise business owners after an unfulfilling start in corporate America. Richard strongly believes in franchising and the opportunities it offers for those seeking to take control of their own life.
Richard resides in Cave Creek, Arizona and can be reached by e-mail at RPope@FranChoice.com or by calling (800) 780-3985 or (480) 575-2705.
