According to the Canadian Federal Government 2022 statistics, there are 1.19 million small businesses and of these, the Canadian Franchise Association reports an estimated 657,000 are franchise small businesses.
Why is this important? Small businesses help drive the Canadian economy from creating employment to giving back to the community. They may be small but they play a big role in our lives!
Here is the story of one of a million small business owners who support us:
Meet Paula Dober – Mary Brown’s Chicken in Newfoundland and Labrador
Paula Dober is a second generation franchisee to her family’s Mary Brown’s Chicken. They first opened in 1973 in Marystown N.L., a second location followed a month later in Fortune, N.L. Paula and both her brothers, Paul and Billie, were involved in the family business from as early as she can remember.
They became second generation when her parents were ready to retire. Paula left for a while to explore real estate for a few years, and when she was ready for a change, came back into the family business.
“We have all been owners of other businesses outside of Mary Browns, however, Mary Brown’s is in our family! Mom & Dad has us follow them around. We grew up in it, so that’s what we know.” Paula says, “We wanted to continue on her parents legacy. They worked hard to open this business and provide for their family, employees, and community.”
For the Dobers, Mary Browns is part of the family. “We truly believe in the product and are very proud of this as owners and of the brand.”
It’s taken a lot of time, hard work, and many sleepless nights but for Paula, it’s worth it. “You are never truly off when you are an owner/operator of a business, but it’s very rewarding to see something you put your heart and soul into grow.”
When asked what advice she would give to prospective franchisees, Paula says “It takes a lot of hard work, time, and dedication. It’s so very rewarding to watch something you put your heart and soul into grow into a successful business. Mary Browns is a brand that you will be proud to be a part of.”
Support local small business owners like Paula! Treat yourself to a Big Mary at your local Mary Brown’s Chicken.
