BF 038 – Mary Kennedy Thompson – Neighborly
PODCAST
Show Notes
Mary Kennedy Thompson
Neighborly
Mary Kennedy Thompson was enlisted in the United States Marine Corp for eight years from 1985 to the mid 1990’s during the first Gulf War. She led a platoon of 54 marines. She believed the Marines were an incubator for leadership skills. Married with kids didn’t stop her from getting involved with her first franchise in her early fifties which was Cookies by Design. After developing and selling the company she then went on to purchase her next franchise running that one successfully as well. She later became the COO (Chief Operating Officer of Neighborly formerly known as The Drwyer Group.
Neighborly is a Franchise corporation where they run, own, and sell franchises. Having her own family and being a grandmother is one of the reasons why franchising works for her because it gave her control of her destiny in order to have more family time. Mary has worn many hats from cookie maker to being a plumber. Being an army brat, her worldly experience gave her insight on how she wanted to live her life. She knew she wanted to create her own destiny and dedicate more to the aspects of life which are important to her. She believes franchising is part of the Great American Dream.
Podcast Highlights:
- The benefits of franchising and how to tell if you’re a good fit for being part of one.
- Franchising is a business for yourself but not by yourself. A built-in support system comes with a franchise.
- How serving others gets you to your goals.
- Using her Marine Corp eleven core principles to be a leader and to teach leadership.
- Why being in your 50’s is the perfect age to own a franchise.
- Options for financing your first franchise.
- Identifying what is the right franchise for you by using brokers to guide you.
- The importance of balancing helping others and taking care of yourself by developing healthy habits.
- Why retirement is not a good option in life and how to keep your mind sharp and engaged.
