Meet Michelle Tigley, CFE!
I’m Michelle Tigley, a Filipino who recently moved to Canada. I’m a proud mom of two: a 13-year-old daughter aspiring to join the Canadian Olympic swimming team, and a charming 5-year-old son who loves cars, Roblox, and chicken. I’m married to my husband, whose career with Caterpillar has spanned both the Philippines and now Canada. Ironically, despite my daughter’s swimming talents, I don’t know how to swim myself! Professionally, I am a Juris Doctor in the Philippines and have had a fulfilling career as an Executive Assistant. For 10 years, I supported C-level executives at TTEC, a U.S.-based company, while simultaneously working with a CFO for a New York-based firm. .
Currently, I am working with Master Mechanic and am excited to be back in the franchising world, where my professional journey first began in the Philippines. I’m also a people person, blessed with a wide circle of friends, and I truly enjoy connecting and chatting with others
What inspired you to join the CFE program?
What inspired me to join the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program was my desire to become the first Filipino to complete and earn this prestigious certification through the Canadian Franchise Association. I believe this achievement would not only be a personal milestone but also serve as an inspiration to other Filipinos in Canada. Franchising is a highly promising avenue, offering so many opportunities, and I am passionate about encouraging fellow Filipinos to explore this path. By becoming a certified franchise executive, I aim to advocate for and support the Filipino community in navigating and thriving in the world of franchising.
What does having your CFE Designation mean to you?
Personally, earning this designation would be a proud milestone, especially as it aligns with my goal of becoming the first Filipino to achieve this certification through the Canadian Franchise Association. It would also mean creating a platform to inspire and empower others in my community to explore franchising as a viable path to success. Also, I am passionate about fostering a cultural and business exchange—introducing promising Filipino franchise concepts to the Canadian market while bringing innovative Canadian franchise ideas back to the Philippines.
What has been the most challenging part of obtaining your designation?
Understanding the franchising industry in a new country has been a unique challenge. Learning about Canadian market dynamics, laws, and documentation required significant effort. Thankfully, my experience with the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) provided valuable insights and guidance that helped me understand franchising in Canada. This knowledge grew even further when I joined Master Mechanic with Todd Wylie, where hands-on experience gave me a clearer view of how franchising works in the Canadian market.
Do you have any advice for current CFE participants or those looking to get started?
My advice for current CFE participants or those thinking about joining is to keep learning and stay updated on industry trends and opportunities. Be sure to check the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) emails regularly, as they provide valuable resources for growth and networking. For my fellow Filipinos interested in franchising, I encourage you to get your CFE designation through the CFA. The Canadian market offers great potential, and this certification can open many doors, helping us succeed and make an impact in the industry.