Northwood University adds re:group’s expertise to their Franchise Advisory Committee

Beginning in the fall of 2013, Northwood University, with campuses in Michigan and Florida, became the first and only accredited university in United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in Franchising Management. The program offers a unique curriculum that combines courses pertaining to franchising as well as entrepreneurship, management, accounting and marketing.

Recognizing the unique challenges in franchising, industry leaders partnered with Northwood University to develop the program, which is preparing the next generation of business owners and bridge the learning gap for both franchisees and franchisors.

In support of the new program, Jim Hopp, associate professor and the programs chair, has assembled the Franchise Advisory Committee. re:group’s CEO, Janet Muhleman C.F.E. and Director of Business Development, Lisa DiFalco, Northwood University, BBA Marketing Management ’87 are honored to be included on the Committee. Janet Muhleman has extensive franchise experience having worked with franchise clients since 1979 including Domino’s, A & W Restaurants, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, Goldfish Swim School, Pet Supplies Plus, Goldfish Swim Schools and many others. She is also on the International Franchise Association’s IFCE board of advisors. Jan remarked, “This is an educational opportunity long overdue and I am thrilled that Michigan-based Northwood University, has taken the lead.”

Other external advisory board members include: Greg Longe, president of Bizzie, who suggested the program; Melanie Bergeron C.F.E., chair of Two Men & a Truck; Mark Fleisher, partner and franchise practice leader, Plante Moran; Steve Olsen, president, Franchise Update Magazine; Rob Elliott, vice president strategic marketing, and Moe Shrikian, vice president and general council of Hungry Howies and Skip Star of SC Brand Consultants.

Northwood leadership serving on the committee include president and CEO, Dr. Keith Pretty; EVP, COO and CAO, Dr. Kristen Swafford; dean of students, Larry Lindsey; assistant academic dean, Amanda Swafford and professor and division chair, Dr. Chandran Mylvaganam.

re:group is an integrated marketing agency that works collaboratively to provide strategic clarity, and insightful creative, which results in digital and traditional marketing programs that build brand engagement and enterprise value.  Specializing in companies with a two- step distribution model, Ann Arbor based re:group has generated demonstrable results for franchise, health care and financial services companies.

Contact Information

Carey Jernigan

VP

re:group

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