Lenny's Featured in Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Lenny's was featured in an article titled, "Jump-StartYour Career With a Franchise" in the April 2013 edition of Kiplinger'sPersonal Finance.

The article features various franchisees discussing why they chose a career in franchising and how they have found success in the industry. Edith Kelly-Green, who owns ten Lenny's Sub Shops in Memphis and Oxford, Miss., says she knew when she started back in 2005 that her business would have to compete with other sandwich shops, some on the same block. Kelly-Green, who retired from Federal Express in 2003, says her stores stand out because they offer larger sandwiches than her competitors. She also works hard to provide a welcoming environment. "The key is customer service," she says.

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Jump-Start Your Career With a Franchise

A franchise is quick way to invest in a ready-made enterprise

By: Sandra Block

When Rowley Mayo, 62, was downsized from his job as a finance executive in 2009, he wasn’t ready to stop working. But Mayo soon learned that companies weren't lining up to hire workers in his age group, especially those accustomed to earning six-figure salaries

Rather than accept early retirement, Mayo, who lives in Elk River, Minn., decided to start his own business. While researching opportunities, he consulted with a franchise broker who introduced him to Mr. Appliance, a home-service appliance-repair company with 148 locations in the U.S. After talking with franchise owners and company executives, he launched his franchise serving the Minneapolis suburbs in December 2010.

Franchisee Spotlight: Edith Kelly-Green, Owner of 11 Lenny's Sub Shop Locations

Each week, Lenny's will highlight a franchisee. This week, Edith Kelly-Green, is our spotlight franchisee.

Franchisee Since: 2005
Franchise Locations: Memphis, TN; Oxford, MS; Batesville, MS; Nashville, TN

How Edith Got Started with Lenny’s…

In 2003, Edith retired from a 26-year career at FedEx as the VP and Chief Sourcing Officer. At her time of retirement, Edith’s daughter, Jayna, was a college student at Rhodes College and ate at Lenny’s Sub Shop frequently. She was the one who introduced Edith to the concept, who at the time had no intention of owning one of her own. Edith’s plan was to retire and relax.

Her main motivation for becoming a franchise owner was her family. Edith wanted a business that she could involve her children in. Her son had just graduated from Florida A& M with a MBA and had always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Now, he along with Jayna, are Edith’s business partners.

Together, they own 11 locations. They started their development in Oxford, Edith’s hometown. That location was for sale at the time she was looking at buying and it was close to the university where she thought she would have a great customer base. Initially, Edith had envisioned owning 10 locations and she has surpassed her vision. Edith and her family own locations in Memphis, TN; Oxford, MS; Batesville, MS; and Nashville, TN.

What intrigued Edith about Lenny’s…

Edith loved that she could be a business owner with her family. She was exposed to Lenny’s through her daughter and knew George and Brent Alvord, the Lenny’s executives. When she looked more into the brand, she was extremely impressed by the values of Lenny’s and the way the Alvord’s ran the company. It ultimately aligned with her philosophies and she saw an opportunity for a return on investment for her family’s future.

Something Interesting about Edith’s Story…

Edith is the only Lenny’s franchisee with an airport location. She owns the Lenny’s location in the Memphis airport, which is one of Lenny’s highest producing stores. She purchased this location in July of 2005.