At the start of 2021, CorporateConnections® had a presence in 10 countries. Now, less than a year later, they’re operating in 19 countries and enjoying a membership boost of 40%, with no signs of slowing down. By Lizzy Yeserski
At the start of 2021, CorporateConnections® had a presence in 10 countries. Now, less than a year later, they’re operating in 19 countries and enjoying a membership boost of 40%, with no signs of slowing down.
“We are in growth mode,” said Matt Gerding, global director of franchise development.
CorporateConnections, where business leaders connect, is the premier platform that opens the world for members, through empowerment, education, strategic alliances and partnerships (not to mention lifelong friendships).
The organization offers a proven framework that allows members to collaborate on business endeavors, explore opportunities and grow in solidarity. Through regular meetings, continuous career development opportunities and networking, members inspire one another to advance personal and professional goals. But more than that, they unite to spark change in communities.
Franchise owners benefit from the same ongoing support and education as members. In addition to being part of an international network of business leaders, franchisees gain invaluable connections and opportunities. They have private access to director materials and leadership manuals, along with supplies, materials, and software.
Executive teams with decades of franchise experience guide CorporateConnections’ owners through the development process. They provide an intensive, two-part training, and advise on best-practice employee training methods. Plus, the company uses a membership differentiator that allows for multiple chapters throughout a region and one category per chapter within the exclusive member industry.
Surrounded by camaraderie and always inspired by member success stories, franchisees constantly discover varying perspectives and insights. They build bridges and expand knowledge alongside members, while capitalizing on experiences and elevating their own profiles.
And then there’s the undeniably heartwarming aspect of coming together to serve.
Hiten Shah and Shirish Patwardhan are two shining examples of peers teaming up to make a positive impact. When the two CorporateConnections’ members found themselves stranded in Uganda for 100 days during the height of the pandemic, they joined forces to improve the situation on the ground.
The well-respected businessmen had planned an exploratory trip to Uganda, not knowing that Dubai would close its borders within a few days of their departure. As soon as they arrived at K-Hotel (owned by Shah), they learned that the airport had shut down all commercial flights.
Shah, founder of One World Group, a holding company representing interests in aviation, brewery, travel, and hospitality, immediately opened his 48-room, privately-owned hotel to shelter guests who could not afford to quarantine in other hotels. And Patwardhan, founder of a chemical trading, distribution and marketing company, pitched the idea to pivot Shah’s distillery to a sanitizer-producing plant. At once, Shah mobilized his team to produce and bottle 50,000 liters of sanitizer for the community.
Shah and Patwardhan used their time in the unexpected lockdown to make a difference. They ended each day with a post-dinner karaoke jam session that united hotel staff and guests. And after months away from family, they left Uganda with an everlasting and meaningful bond. But, of course, none of it would have been possible without CorporateConnections.
To learn more about franchising opportunities with CorporateConnections and how you can harness the power of connections, visit corporateconnections.com/en/franchising today!
– Lizzy Yeserski