Titans of Franchising

Michael Poe

The Franchise Consulting Company | thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com

FROM “THE WIRE” TO “THE BRIDGE”

Having spent over 20 years working on a global stage developing and leading brands across countries on 5 continents, Michael is truly a global citizen who brings his unique perspective and business management experience to the world of franchising through his work as a consultant for The Franchise Consulting Company and as a Franchising Development advisor to the Swedish start up community.

Michael has been around the world and had a truly inspiring path that has taken him from his humble beginnings in the rough streets of West Baltimore to the far shores of Australia, to the beautiful land of South Africa, to the amazing deserts of Saudi Arabia and now to the vibrant land of Sweden. It is this global perspective that helps Michael navigate the varied types of brands, people, needs, wants, cultures and situations for a positive result which is built on a solid business foundation combined with the empathy, self-awareness, curiosity, confidence and ability to listen.

It was early on that the value and importance of a solid education and a lifelong passion for learning were critical to achieving the kind of life that I wanted for myself. In addition, having the confidence to believe in yourself and embrace the unknown gives you permission to expand and grow. I chose the business environment to operate in, but I believe these principals apply to all disciplines. Typically, the journey will not be a smooth or direct path, but it is how you respond to those bumps and forks in the road, and the choices you make that will provide the valuable inputs to building your character and your life. This is the advice that I will give my son when the time is right. Be curious, be smart, make good decisions without fear of failure and take care to nurture yourself, those around you, and the community in which you live. You’ll be happy and achieving happiness is successful life.

Michael received in BA in Religion from Trinity College in CT. and he obtained his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Originally from New York City, Michael continues his explorative nature and currently resides in Malmö Sweden with his wife and young son. With a purposeful balance between work and family and personal interests, Michael can often be found in the kitchen trying to perfect his favorite dessert (Chocolate Mousse Cake), or pounding the pavement as an avid runner constantly seeking to beat his personal bests, or dreaming of underwater exploration as a PADI Certified Rescue Diver.