Why Boroian Sticks

Don Boroian has a rough reputation. He's served time for misdeeds. He's been sued and he's known among long-time franchise people for things that would make the average man cringe. But you know what? I like him even though I've never met him. Why, because he hangs tough.

I like tough people in spite of their short comings, and by tough I don’t mean tough ‘talking’ or tough ‘acting’. There are lots of self proclaimed tough guys around that couldn’t get out of a bad relationship, let alone a bad situation. I’m talking about people who have been set on fire and keep on coming. Let’s say a Richard Pryor type of toughness.

Now, would I recommend him to a new franchisor?  No. Was I mad when it appeared that a journalist received nasty overtures? Yes, and I offered to stand between her and any type of upset. But then again, I really like the fact that you can't knock him out.

Like many people, I've seen rough times and I've stuck to my beliefs and fought until the sun came out again, but would I show my face (in the same business) following some of Boroian's disasters and the fact that I could be outted at any time while trying to sell my services? I don't know about that. It takes guts to do what he does. Not stupidity - guts.

A few Summers ago I had the great pleasure of going head to head four times with (what I consider to be) my three major competitors. I won three out of four new franchisor development assignments and I loved beating my competition. I loved it because I love to win, but I loved it more because I play the game differently. I don't sell a thing. Frankly, I tell people to go away if I don't think they are a good fit for me or for franchising. But the fact is that Boroian makes things very interesting.

I bet he knows franchising as well anyone in the business. I just think he prefers the kill to the nurturing. So, why does he stick and survive? In my opinion it's because he loves to compete - he's a great competitor.

In true production, meaning the development of new franchisors, I bet that I can beat him at every turn because I think our eyes are on different targets. But he loves his work, and passion is a hard thing to beat. 

I'm going to beat you whenever I have the chance, Don, but you are a legend, and you wrote the book on your way of franchising businesses.