When my husband Jonas and I started Auntie Anne's in 1988, we never expected or anticipated building an international pretzel franchise. It was the farthest thing from our minds.
— Anne F. Beiler
It's so important for business leaders to discover what their purpose is. In the days when the business seems overwhelming, or you aren't certain you can continue, it is your purpose that will compel you to push through.
Have faith in God. It will make you dig deeper and become a better leader.
I never went to college. But the structure I grew up with was planted so deep that when it came to doing business, I knew how to be disciplined, create teamwork, and persevere. It set me up to be an entrepreneur and a successful franchiser.
I didn't build Auntie Anne's alone. That would have been impossible. From the very beginning, we had a team around us that was exceptional. Our company was successful because of the dedicated people who worked for us.
If you knew my life and understood where I came from, you would agree that Auntie Anne's, Inc. is a modern day business miracle.
To overcome adverse circumstances, you have to learn to overcome your own hang-ups, values, and idiosyncrasies in order to value other people, cultures, and ideas.
It's good to have plans and dreams, but don't be surprised if God brings you somewhere else.
Discovering your purpose doesn't have to be complicated. Look at what you do and why you do it. Is it to support your family? That's your purpose. Is it to make a difference in your customer's life? That's your purpose.
My philosophy is: Life is hard, but God is good. Try not to confuse the two.
Auntie Anne's is a modern-day business miracle that never should have happened.
