Hibbard will Oversee the Charcuterie Board Franchise’s Expansion and More
United Franchise Group (UFG), a leading franchise development corporation, promoted Cory Hibbard to president of Graze Craze. Hibbard will oversee the charcuterie board franchise’s global expansion and work with the leadership team to execute its short- and long-term goals.
“Graze Craze is a strong concept in an untapped market. [Its] potential is endless, and the opportunity for growth and success is, as well,” Hibbard said. He is “excited to help build and grow a company that is already on a rapid rise to the top. I’m honored by the opportunity to team up with a great group of driven entrepreneurs to make Graze Craze a household name.”
He adds that Graze Craze will stay ahead of the curve by never becoming complacent with its growth and success. “We will absolutely celebrate our successes, but we won’t let them cloud our hunger to grow and innovate. This will ensure that we’re always providing the best experience to our customers.”
Prior to transitioning to Graze Craze, Hibbard spent the last 7-1/2 out of his eight years with UFG building and growing Transworld Business Advisors (TBA), a business brokerage franchise. Along with the leadership team, Hibbard grew TBA to more than 350 locations, 700 brokers, and over $3 billion in active inventory. Throughout his time with TBA, Hibbard was its operations, technology, and marketing support until it grew into a team with specialists in each area. Hibbard has spent the last five years overseeing the day-to-day at TBA as director of operations and then vice president of operations.
“As the vice president of operations, I’ve overseen the support team, digital marketing initiatives, national accounts, franchisee relations, and overall network success.”
Ray Titus, CEO of UFG, is thrilled to have Hibbard on board. “Going into 2023, we wanted to have a dedicated president for Graze Craze to lead the brand through a pivotal period in its development, so we are excited to have Cory join the team. He has been with United Franchise Group for eight years and was instrumental in the success of one of our fastest-growing brands, Transworld Business Advisors. Cory has proven himself to be a strong and capable business leader, and we couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to come into this special brand and take it to new heights.”
Hibbard has a marketing degree from the Rinker School of Business at Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) University, where he now serves on the board for the Titus Center for Franchising.
The Titus Center for Franchising
For Hibbard, it has been an honor giving back to the school that kick-started his career and the vessel that led him to UFG. “A.J. Titus, President of UFG and Signarama, and I went to PBA together,” Hibbard said.
After starting his career in the startup space, Hibbard reached out to A.J. to learn more about UFG and its global impact. “A few years after joining the company, Ray had a vision to provide a unique franchising tract for students looking to start the entrepreneurial journey straight out of college. The success stories and mentorships that have already developed through the early years of the program make you proud to be a part of something like the Titus Center.”
Advice for Prospective Franchise Owners
For prospective franchise owners, Hibbard advises trusting companies with a proven track record. “I’ve been blessed to have been coached and mentored by pioneers in the franchise industry here at UFG, but the industry is full of expertise and proven systems. The ones leading the industry are hungry to share their knowledge. A good franchisor is focused on franchisee success first and foremost; when that happens, everything else falls into place.”
Franchisors can make the development process easier for franchisees by listening to them as well as their leadership team and customers, Hibbard said. “I’ve learned over the years that many of the best ideas we ever have implemented have come from franchisees thinking outside of the box.”