Big Frog’s director of operations Zachary Smith reveals how the custom decorated apparel franchise made a splash in the Canadian market
You know your favourite band T-shirt that you wear anywhere and everywhere – to bed, lounging on the couch, going for a walk around the neighbourhood – have you ever thought about the forces that have come together to provide you with the quality fabric and a print design you adore? Among the many custom T-shirt empires in the clothing industry is Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More®, a franchise concept specializing in custom decorated apparel.
“As a brand, we are fully immersed within our community,” explains Zachary Smith, director of operations. “Whether you need a single item to celebrate a special day or 1,000 t-shirts for your school spirit wear, Big Frog has you covered!”
Big Frog currently has more than 88 locations open in the United States and is expanding the franchise opportunity into Canada. “Big Frog is excited to be opening our first store in Canada this summer in Edmonton, Alberta,” adds Smith. The garment decorating industry is valued at $20 billion and the brand’s niche is in retail direct-to-garment printing, giving it a big (frog) leg up as a franchise with a strong history of success.
Here, Smith reveals his passion for franchising and providing care and support for franchisees, the importance of spending time with friends and family, including his inspiring daughters, and much more.
The most interesting thing I’ve done recently is… Recently I’ve been working with my daughter through online kindergarten!
In its best form, work… Should be fun and enjoyed with great people in a collaborative environment.
A good franchisee… Is excited to take on a new challenge and motivated for their (and their team’s) success.
A good franchisor… Cares about its franchisees, supports its franchisees, and is open to new ideas that can better the franchise system for all.
My top advice for prospective franchisees is… Try to find a franchise that is fun, challenging, and rewarding – and then follow the system to success.
My top advice for new franchisors is… Always aim to improve the system.
The most important thing in life is… Family and laughter.
One of the most enjoyable things to do is… Spend time with family and friends!
The hardest thing for me to do is… Answer questionnaires.
My favourite drink is… Iced coffee!
If I could meet anyone… I would like to meet Toto Wolff! I would love to spend a day or two with Toto Wolff learning Toto’s leadership style and, more importantly, I would try to convince him to let me drive one of his team’s F1 cars.
The person who has had the most positive influence on me as a businessperson is… Tom Suggitt, CEOof Big Frog Canada! Tom has empowered numerous individuals throughout his career and I’m fortunate to be one of them.
Canadian franchising is… Growing! And empowering individuals to succeed.
The most positive influence on my life as a person is… My daughters! My girls keep me grounded, motivated, and on my toes all the time.
The key to success is… Surrounding yourself with great people!
The accomplishment I look forward to the most is… Helping to grow this fun and fulfilling franchise across Canada!
One necessary item on my life’s “to do” list is… I would love to take in every major sporting event live at least once!