This story appears in the March 2021 issue of
Ryan Combe sat at his desk, staring through the window at a gloomy winter in Ogden, Utah. The year had started with such promise. After investing some $60,000 in business acquisition, his consulting company, Better Way Franchise Group, hit a hot streak with a slate of new clients and proposal requests. It was tracking toward its best year ever, a million dollars in revenue. Then the bottom fell out.
COVID-19 dashed hopes of profit for millions of entrepreneurs, and the consulting industry was hit particularly hard. Combe had to divert rent money to make payroll for his staff of three. He filed for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and applied for government relief through the Paycheck Protection Program. But the money didn’t show up as quickly as promised. With his next payday approaching, he had just $340 in his account.
Hot Head Burritos has hired John J. Stanton as creative director in Kettering, Ohio, the headquarters of the 70-plus Mexican chain franchise. Based in Dayton Ohio, Stanton is a seasoned marketing professional and has worked for brands such as Quiznos Subs, Boston Stoker Coffee Company, Aveda and Southpaw Creation and Design. As creative director, Stanton will oversee the strategy, development and growth of Hot Head Burritos Corporate and Franchise Marketing Teams. John has attention to detail and a creative touch that will further enhance the Hot Heat brand. He not only believes in our commitment to change the way people think, see and eat burritos, but he also celebrates our vision of building teams of top performers empowered to achieve high standards, says Ray Wiley, Hot Head Burritos founder, and CEO. We have great confidence in his abilities, and believe his leadership will help us enhance our objectives.”