For 20 years, Jennifer Hamilton has been an integral part of United Franchise Group’s (UFG) success story. As Executive Assistant to Founder and CEO Ray Titus for the past 14 years, she has seen firsthand how the right support system can empower leadership, drive growth, and shape company culture. What began as a leap into an unfamiliar field has evolved into a fulfilling career built on adaptability, dependability, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.
Hamilton’s career at UFG is a story of steady growth and resilience. She joined the company in 2005 as a Project Manager for Signarama National Accounts, developing lasting relationships with franchise owners before moving into administrative and international support roles. Each step expanded her skills and deepened her understanding of the organization. Two weeks before returning from her second maternity leave, she was offered the opportunity to serve as Executive Assistant to Ray Titus—a role she initially hesitated to accept until Titus assured her, “Your family comes first. Just communicate with me, and we’ll be fine.” Fourteen years later, that foundation of trust remains central to her success.
As Hamilton explains, the Executive Assistant role extends far beyond managing schedules and meetings. “No day is ever the same,” she says. “The role demands adaptability, quick thinking, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.” Acting as both gatekeeper and strategic partner, Hamilton manages communication, supports company initiatives, and ensures seamless coordination across departments. She credits communication, adaptability, and loyalty as the three pillars that have defined her career—and emphasizes that mastering them requires both professionalism and humility.
The position also carries unique challenges. Executive Assistants operate in a space that can feel isolating, balancing confidentiality with collaboration while often acting as the “alter ego” of their executive. “It’s easy to feel caught between teams,” Hamilton notes. “You’re part of the leadership circle but also deeply connected to the company’s operations.” To navigate that dynamic, she encourages other professionals to define their role clearly, develop consistent routines, build peer networks, and never stop learning. Her advice: “Don’t be afraid to fail, but fail forward.”
Hamilton’s insights reflect the culture that defines United Franchise Group—one rooted in trust, growth, and service. Whether supporting global expansion, mentoring fellow assistants, or representing the CEO at key events, she exemplifies UFG’s belief that people are the company’s greatest asset. Her journey reminds us that success is built not only by visionary leaders but also by the dedicated professionals who stand beside them—proof that, as Hamilton’s favorite motto says, “Behind every great leader is a trusted Executive Assistant.”
This article was originally published by She Owns It.