Tod Cohen was selected from over 27,000 franchisees, representing more than 300 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research in the past 18 months.

“There are so many deserving franchise owners out there who are achieving their dreams of business ownership through franchising,” said Michelle Rowan, president & COO of Franchise Business Review. “It was incredibly difficult to narrow down the list, but in the end, we chose individuals who exemplify the qualities that make the franchising model work: a strong work ethic, leadership, and a real commitment to their business and community. Each one of them is truly a franchise Rock Star.”

In 2018 Tod received the Franchisee of the Year Award; this is based on overall growth, sales and being an outstanding leader for the franchise. This follows his impressive prior year where he was honored with having the largest growth in our system.

Tod was also presented with the prestigious TSS Mentor of the Year Award for giving his time and thought leadership to help improve the experience and businesses of fellow franchise owners. Tod routinely helps new franchisees when they are starting their business by participating in our formalized TSS University program. He also consistently attends network meetings and seminars where he shares tips on his success and spends time with other owners and staff. We know that participation in network events is one of the critical keys to success in any franchise.

Tod has been a member of the TSS President’s Club since 2016. TSS Photography national CEO, Jack Counts, Jr., said “The President’s Club is one of our franchise system’s highest honors, not only because its’ inductees have achieved growth, but because they have also met the highest standards in photography, customer service and business practices on the road to their achievement.”

In an interview with Tod, read what he had to say about his experience as a TSS franchise owner along with advice he would give to future owners.

What advice do you have for prospective franchise buyers?

Do your research. I first researched my local market to understand the competition and potenital. Next, I researched the franchise company speaking to people at the headquarters, as well as to other franchise owners. I felt a strong sense of camaraderie and support, as well as enthusiasm, and this has proven to be one of the best aspects of this work.

What was it about the franchise model and/or leadership that led you to purchase?

I was looking to expand my photography business and this seemed like a great opportunity. I did not know much about franchises at the time but learned what a good fit this could be for me. The leadership team was successful, experienced, innovative, and very welcoming. I was impressed.

What type of business experience, education, and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a franchisee that you have found helpful?

While TSS Photography does provide full photography training to new owners. I was fortunate to already be working as a wedding and portrait photographer. I had also been running my own business so I was familiar with things like paying sales tax, using QuickBooks and preparing presentations. This made it a bit easier for me, along with all the other new franchisee information I was learning.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most about my job is the flexibility and variety. I can set my own schedule and my work tasks can range from photographing sports teams, to presenting TSS beneifts to a prospective school board, to hiring and training new staff. When you run your own business, you certainly “wear many hats”. That variety suits me. I also enjoy knowing that there is no income limit for the work I do. From a financial standpoint, I like knowing that eventually I can sell parts or all of my territory and allow a new owner to enjoy the benefits of this franchise and to continue successfully serving my customers.

TSS Franchising Contact
James Calabrese
Franchise & Customer Development Director
800-336-4550, ext. 114
James.Calabrese@candid.com
tssfranchisingbusiness.com