This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Marissa Frois, CEO of The Entrepreneur’s Source. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Like many teenagers, one of my first jobs was at a restaurant. When I started there, I had no idea it would shape my whole career in an unexpected way.
While I was waitressing, I became friendly with Terry and Karen, a couple who came in regularly. They would talk to me about their company, The Entrepreneur’s Source, which helps connect potential business owners with franchise opportunities.
As a teen, I knew nothing about franchising — I thought franchises were all fast-food joints — but I liked how Terry was willing to share about his business, and the impact franchises had in our small town. That’s the thing I love about Terry: whether you’re the CEO of his company or a 16-year-old waitress, he speaks to you the same way.
I started with a summer internship
I enjoyed our conversations and thought that Terry and Karen were great people. We would discuss their business and the path I saw for myself: I planned to become a child psychologist and work with kids.
I enrolled in college, but came home every other weekend to work at the restaurant, where I continued to see Terry, talking about business and life. When I graduated, he offered me an internship in marketing and administrative work.
I figured it would be a way to build my résumé over the summer, while working alongside someone I had come to really care about and appreciate. I never imagined I’d still be working with Terry 17 years later.
I realized how this work impacts families
As soon as I started working, I fell in love with everything that The Entrepreneur’s Source does. Our clients were learning about possibilities that they didn’t even know existed. For many of them, business ownership through franchising was a way to achieve the American dream. I liked being part of that, even in a small way.
When I was growing up, my mom had her own struggles; sometimes she was stable, and sometimes she wasn’t. My aunt was always more of a mother to me, and eventually, my aunt and uncle adopted me.
Maybe because of my childhood, I especially enjoyed seeing how our work affected families. Business owners were creating a lifestyle and wealth that benefited their children. Their kids would come in, and I liked knowing the company played a part in changing their futures.
I was worried about being a young CEO with 2 kids
My internship turned into a marketing job. As I became more involved with the company, I realized that I could use the aspects of psychology — which I majored in — to relate to our coaches and clients. I didn’t have to choose between the two paths I was interested in.
Over time, I took on more and more responsibility. I became the director of the marketing department, then did a stint in sales and operations. Along the way, Terry was my mentor through and through.
Still, I was surprised when he asked me to become CEO four years ago. At the time, I was 34, with two young kids. I worried I wouldn’t be as good a leader as Terry had been.
Ever the mentor, he asked, “Have you failed at anything yet?” I’d trusted his opinion on everything else, so I had to trust him on this: I had proven I was ready to lead.
My teenage self wouldn’t believe where I am today
I like to think the universe was working out a path for me when I started working at the restaurant all those years ago. Teenage Marissa would never believe where I am today — she never would have thought it was possible to get here.
I’ve learned a lot from Terry, but one of the most important things is that everyone is worth talking to, even the young waitress. When you can spot talent and bring it into your organization, everyone benefits.
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