AUGUST 2026 ISSUE

What I Witnessed From the Audience I was sitting in the audience when I first heard Seema Govil tell her story. She had a few minutes to present. I expected what you usually expect from someone describing a cancer journey — the diagnosis, the fear, the fight. That's the honest arc of it, and no one would fault her for telling it that way. That's not the story she told. Here's what stopped me. When most people go through something as hard as cancer, every ounce of energy turns inward — and it should. The treatments. The scheduling. Managing food, managing your body, managing your own survival. That's not selfishness; that's what the disease demands of you. It takes everything. Seema did the opposite. In the middle of her own treatment, she started thinking about the other patients. The ones in the infusion chairs beside her. The ones who looked how she felt. And instead of waiting to get well before helping anyone, she began bringing flowers into the clinics — while she was still in treatment herself. Watching her describe it, I kept reaching for a word she would later name in her own language: seva — service offered without expectation of return, the kind you give not after you are whole, but as part of becoming whole. There was a poem, too. She had written it during the peak of her own treatment, and one day a nurse read it aloud while Seema sat waiting. It stayed with the nurse. When Flowers for Joy began, it was the nursing staff who suggested attaching the poem to the deliveries — because coming from a patient who had lived it, the words carried a kind of encouragement no card from a stranger ever could. The poem itself reads like a quiet prayer — surrender, letting go, a sense of connection to something larger than the illness — the contemplative register of the tradition she was raised in, offered to strangers in their hardest hour. Sitting there, I remember thinking: how does someone do that? How do you have anything left to give when the disease is taking everything? She'll tell you she didn't even notice she was doing something unusual — it was only afterward, when person after person pointed it out, that she understood how rare it was. That, to me, is the whole story. Not the illness. The instinct to turn outward when everything was pulling her in. That instinct has a lineage. Seema's background is in philanthropy — long before Flowers for Joy, she supported Akshaya Patra, the Indian nonprofit whose mechanized kitchens cook staggering quantities of food to feed underprivileged schoolchildren, on the simple principle that a child who eats well learns well. In 2022 she traveled to India to make a documentary about that work. Service wasn't something she picked up during cancer. It was already who she was. The disease just revealed it. It's fitting, then, that she found her way to The Franchise Consulting Company, where she has been a consultant since 2022 — a world built around the idea that a good model, once proven, can be handed to others and grown. That's exactly what she's doing with Flowers for Joy. I'll admit I didn't stay in my seat as a spectator for long. Something about what she was building pulled a few of us in, and found ourselves inspired to help — brainstorming how the initiative could grow city by city, what it would take to bring it to New York, how to give it a home online. I took on building the website and whatever else Seema needs to carry this forward. It stopped being a story I watched and became one I'm part of. Here's how it actually works, because the discipline of it matters. The clinics don't permit outsiders, so the flowers are delivered to the nurses, and the volunteers and nursing staff bring them the rest of the way to patients in chemotherapy and radiation. Every week. Never a missed Monday since November 2024. It began in Austin, and it's expanding now — in New York, Seema's daughter and a friend's daughter are leading the effort. But the number that stays with me isn't the deliveries or the cities. It's the one I did the math on from my seat in that room: one person, mid-treatment, deciding that her hardest season would be about someone else's comfort. And from where I was sitting, that was the most remarkable thing I'd seen in a long time. Flowers for Joy is powered by the nonprofit MDJunior.org. To collaborate or follow along, reach Seema at Seema@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com or find the initiative on Instagram at @flowersforjoy24 . ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ozzie Grupenmager is a franchise consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and founder of NextGen Business Solutions, a business coaching and franchise advisory firm. A former COO in the franchise industry and CIO at a global advertising network, he built a franchise system from the ground up as a franchisor. His background spans franchise development, multi-unit operations, branding, marketing strategy, and business intelligence. He is also the founder of VyBeos, an AI and technology company that powers NextGen's platforms and develops its own applications. Ozzie advises entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging brands on franchise ownership, operational systems, and scalable growth.

Ketan Parmar, Speedy Freight franchisee serving the Orlando area, is building his logistics business on the same values of trust, hard work, and service instilled by his immigrant parents. As I sat down with Ketan Parmar, a Speedy Freight franchisee just four weeks into his new venture, it was clear his path to entrepreneurship was shaped as much by the values his parents instilled in him as by his 19 years in corporate engineering. Could you tell us a little about yourself and your professional background? What experiences led you to entrepreneurship? I'm a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents who came to the United States in search of greater opportunities. Growing up, I watched them work tirelessly and make countless sacrifices to ensure my siblings and I could earn a quality education and build a better future. Their work ethic, resilience, and determination shaped my outlook on life from an early age. Because of their support, I earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. While in college, I interned with a major defense contractor, which led to a full-time career spanning 19 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, developing skills in operations, continuous improvement, problem-solving, leadership, and customer focus. More importantly, I learned the value of taking initiative, being accountable, showing up consistently, and always looking for better ways to serve customers and improve processes. Although I enjoyed my career, I always had a desire to build something of my own. Watching my parents create opportunities through hard work instilled an entrepreneurial mindset in me. I wanted the chance to take ownership of my success, make a direct impact on my community, and create a business built on trust, relationships, and exceptional service. Entrepreneurship became the natural next step—a way to combine everything I had learned throughout my career with the values my parents passed down to me. What first sparked your interest in franchising as a business model? Why did you feel it was the right path for you? My interest in franchising began after watching my brother and several close friends build successful franchise businesses. Their experiences showed me the value of a proven business model backed by established systems, training, and ongoing support. With my background in engineering and operations, I've always appreciated structured processes and continuous improvement. Franchising is a natural fit because it combines business ownership with a tested framework, allowing me to focus on serving customers, growing the business, and executing a proven system with discipline and commitment. With so many franchise opportunities available, what attracted you to Speedy Freight? What ultimately convinced you to invest in the brand? Leaving a secure corporate career to invest in a business with no guarantees was one of the biggest decisions I've made. While it was a risk, I've always believed that meaningful opportunities require stepping outside your comfort zone. As I evaluated franchise opportunities, my top priority was finding a franchisor truly committed to its franchisees' success. After speaking with several Speedy Freight franchise owners, I consistently heard about the strong support, guidance, and resources the franchisor provides, giving me confidence that I would be building the business with a trusted partner. I was also drawn to Speedy Freight because it aligns with my long-term goal of creating both financial opportunity and greater flexibility for my family. I know success will require hard work and sacrifice, but I'm confident that by following the proven system and putting in the effort, I can build a business that delivers both. You've been a Speedy Freight franchisee for about four weeks. What has your experience been like so far? Have there been any pleasant surprises or early lessons? The first few weeks have been both exciting and humbling. There have been encouraging conversations that led to promising opportunities, along with days filled with rejection. I've quickly learned that success in this business requires grit, persistence, and the ability to stay motivated despite hearing far more "no's" than "yes's." Every conversation is an opportunity to learn and improve. One pleasant surprise has been discovering just how much freight moves through the Orlando area. I had no idea how many local businesses depend on freight transportation every day. Even after several weeks of prospecting, I feel like I've only scratched the surface of the opportunities in my market, which makes me excited about the future. What are your goals for the business over the next few years? What milestones are you hoping to achieve? My goal is to build and grow a business that creates lasting value. I measure success by the goals I set for myself, and I'm motivated by the challenge of proving that hard work, persistence, and the right mindset lead to success. In the near term, my focus is on building a strong customer base and establishing a presence in my community. As the business grows, I look forward to hiring talented team members who share my commitment to exceptional service. Long term, I want to build a business that becomes a valuable asset, creating financial security for my family while positioning it for a successful future sale. Do you see yourself expanding into multiple territories or owning additional franchise locations in the future? What does your growth strategy look like? When I invested in Speedy Freight, I chose to start with two territories because I believed they offered strong long-term opportunities and gave me the room to grow without having to worry about those markets becoming unavailable in the future. At this stage, though, my focus isn't on expanding further. Being only a few weeks into the business, my priority is building a solid foundation , earning the trust of local businesses, and becoming a reliable logistics resource within my community. I believe growth should be intentional, and I'd rather execute well in my existing territories than expand too quickly. As the business matures, I'll certainly be open to additional opportunities if they make strategic sense. But for now, my strategy is simple: focus on serving customers exceptionally well, grow the business the right way, and let future expansion be the result of that success rather than the goal itself. Where do you envision yourself and your business five to ten years from now? What are your long-term aspirations? Five to ten years from now, I envision a well-established business with a loyal customer base, a strong reputation for exceptional service, and a great team that can help the business continue to grow. My long-term goal is to build a valuable business that creates opportunities for others while providing financial security and greater flexibility for my family. Whether that leads to expanding the business or eventually selling it, my focus is on building something sustainable that creates lasting value. Every entrepreneurial journey comes with both opportunities and challenges. What mindset or principles have helped you during this transition into franchise ownership? The biggest thing I've learned is to stay patient and keep showing up every day. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and setbacks are part of the process. I also believe in trusting the system while staying open to learning and improving. That mindset, along with the work ethic my parents instilled in me, has helped me stay focused and keep moving forward. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are considering investing in a franchise? Are there any key lessons or insights you would like to share from your own experience? My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay committed and don't let the early challenges discourage you. Building a business takes time, and there will be ups and downs along the way. I've found that staying connected with my family and friends, especially my wife, has been incredibly helpful. Talking openly about the challenges and progress helps me stay focused, maintain perspective, and remember to be patient with the process. I would also encourage anyone considering a franchise to do their homework, trust the system, and be prepared to put in the work. A franchise provides a strong foundation, but your commitment, consistency, and willingness to learn are what ultimately drive success. If you had to describe your decision to become a Speedy Freight franchisee in just one sentence, what would you say? I chose Speedy Freight because it offered the right combination of a proven system, strong support, and the opportunity to build a business I could be proud of. About the Author Seema Govil is Vice President of the India Franchise Council and a franchise advisor with The Franchise Consulting Company, specializing in business advising, marketing, PR, and journalism. Contact Seema at Seema@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

The global franchise model is fundamentally built on a paradox: it requires rigid operational standardization to maintain brand integrity, yet it completely depends on local relationships to survive. While standard operating procedures, supply chains, and technology stacks can be replicated from a corporate manual, the human element cannot. To truly thrive, a franchise must embed itself into the fabric of the neighborhood it serves. As we celebrate Indian Heritage Month, the franchise community has a unique opportunity to look closely at a cultural framework that aligns perfectly with this business challenge. For centuries, traditional Indian society has been anchored by profound values regarding community, duty, and mutual support. When applied to modern business, these cultural pillars—specifically the concepts of Seva (selfless service) and deep-rooted community mentorship—provide a powerful blueprint for building high-performing franchise teams and deeply loyal local customer bases. The Power of Seva : Redefining the Service Standard At the heart of Indian heritage lies the concept of Seva . Often translated as "selfless service," Seva is the practice of performing actions for the benefit of others and the wider community, without any expectation of personal gain or recognition. In a traditional context, it is viewed as a moral imperative and a form of spiritual dedication. When translated into the franchise ecosystem, Seva completely redefines the standard approach to customer service and employee engagement. In many Western business models, service is transactional—a calculation of value exchanged for money. However, a franchisee who operates through the lens of Seva views their business as a vehicle for community well-being. This mindset shifts the focus from a standard transaction to a meaningful relationship. Customers quickly sense when a business genuinely cares about their experience, rather than just their wallets. In a highly competitive retail, hospitality, or service environment, this cultural dedication manifests as an extraordinary level of hospitality. It builds a distinct emotional equity with consumers, transforming casual buyers into passionate brand advocates. When a franchise becomes known as a place that serves the community rather than just exploiting it, local customer loyalty becomes incredibly resilient. Cultivating the Enterprise from Within: Mentorship and the Extended Family Another cornerstone of Indian culture is the emphasis on close-knit community mentorship and the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam —the belief that the world is one large family. In the business world, this philosophy transforms a standard workplace into an ecosystem of mutual advancement. High-performing franchise units are rarely built on high employee turnover. They are built on stability, trust, and shared growth. Indian-heritage entrepreneurs have long excelled in the franchise sector by treating their workforce not merely as labor, but as an extended family network. This approach replaces cold corporate management with deeply invested, hands-on mentorship. Under this blueprint, a franchise owner acts as a mentor who is actively accountable for the holistic growth of their team members. Training goes far beyond teaching someone how to operate a point-of-sale system or follow a cleaning checklist. It extends to teaching financial literacy, developing leadership skills, and supporting personal milestones. When employees realize their employer is genuinely invested in their long-term career trajectory, team dynamics change completely. Operational execution improves because employees take personal pride in the brand's reputation. Turn-over drops significantly, saving the operator thousands in recruitment costs and preserving institutional knowledge. Ultimately, this tight-knit mentorship creates a self-sustaining cycle where senior team members naturally step up to mentor new hires, maintaining high performance across multiple shifts or locations. Operational Synergy: Why the System Works The reason the Indian value system integrates so seamlessly with franchising is that the franchise model itself is inherently communal. A franchise network relies on a shared pool of knowledge, collective buying power, and a mutual interest in the success of the brand. When an individual operator infuses their local unit with these heritage values, they bridge the gap between corporate structure and human connection. They create an environment where the brand's systems are executed with a distinct warmth and purpose. This cultural blueprint reminds us that the strongest asset on a franchise balance sheet is not the real estate or the proprietary equipment, but the depth of the relationships established both inside and outside the store walls. A Blueprint for the Future As the franchise industry continues to evolve in an increasingly digital and fast-paced market, the human connection remains our greatest competitive advantage. The traditional Indian value system offers a timeless reminder that sustainable business growth is always tied to community enrichment. By embracing the spirit of Seva in customer care and adopting family-style mentorship within our teams, franchise systems can build operations that are highly profitable, operationally resilient, and deeply respected. This Indian Heritage Month, let us recognize that cultivating a true community isn't just a cultural ideal—it is a proven blueprint for enduring commercial success. About the Author Ron Filian is a trusted franchise development consultant dedicated to helping individuals and multi unit franchise business owners navigate franchise business opportunities and expand their portfolios. Contact Ron at rfilian@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com .