My Profile | Network In Action
  • Basic Information

  • Company
    The Franchise Ticker
  • Mobile phone
    +12546441503
  • Email
    ford.cassidy@thefranchiseticker.com
  • What is your "why"? Why do you do what you do?
    My 'why' is fighting discrimination and lack of education about a very personal issue. I live with Tourette Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition which causes me to make unwanted movements and sounds. I also love franchising and spend much of my time trying to promote the business model and the wonderful people of the franchise community, which means I operate in a constant crossroads between my personal and professional worlds. This is why I founded The Franchise Ticker!

    There are five action-oriented pillars of The Franchise Ticker initiative, all of which are near and dear to my heart:

    1. We, as a community, are here to normalize vulnerability and connection in both work and life.
    2. We collectively encourage women to embrace their inner badass.
    3. We build up new generations in the franchise space through mentorship and leadership by example.
    4. We champion diversity, equity and inclusion in franchising, including the LGBTQ+ community, individuals of all different abilities and people of color.
    5. We seek to shatter social stigmas about Tourette's and mental health issues, especially in the professional realm.
  • About me
    Cassidy Ford is Senior Director of Franchise Sales at Entrepreneur Media. Cassidy’s experience spans from launching franchise development departments with emerging brands like How Do You Roll?—a fast-casual sushi concept featured on ABC’s Shark Tank—to working with resales and under-performing franchisees with iconic brands such as Huddle House. Cassidy has a proven record of increasing lead conversion rates, establishing effective processes, and growing profitability. In her role at FRM Solutions, she used her expertise to consult with franchisors on CRM utilization and industry best practices. Now, at Entrepreneur, Cassidy helps promote brand visibility through digital and print advertising, lead generation programs, and the legendary Franchise 500 annual rankings.

    Cassidy has a neurodevelopmental condition called Tourette Syndrome, and in 2021 she founded The Franchise Ticker, an initiative to celebrate neurodiversity and future-thinking in franchising. Throughout her 11 years in franchise sales, development, and operations, she has learned valuable lessons about owning her uniqueness and embracing the struggles of life as a professional with Tourette’s. Now, Cassidy shares her insights, along with others’ inspiring stories, via social media, on YouTube and through her startup podcast, “The Franchise Ticker.”

    Entrepreneur Magazine named Cassidy one of the 2022 Top Influential Women in Franchising, and 1851 Franchise recognized her as a 2023 Top Franchise Influencer. As a Certified Franchise Executive and self-proclaimed “franchise nerd,” Cassidy is heavily involved with the International Franchise Association and community efforts to expand equal opportunities for entrepreneurship. She is the Podcast Task Force Chair for the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee, member of the IFA Pride Council, and current Chair of the Women’s Franchise Network – Atlanta Chapter.

    She is a native Texan, a proud Baylor Bear, an obsessive doxie lover, and now lives happily in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Profession
    Franchise Advertising Sales
  • Title
    Sr. Director of Franchise Sales
  • Hobbies and interest
    Atlanta Braves Baseball; eating delicious food and drinks at new restaurants (patios a plus); board games (solo and cooperative); Dungeons & Dragons (yes, I'm a nerd); quality time with friends (that's my love language); coffee (or Red Bull); Whiskey Wednesday; stalking interior decorating and dachshund groups on social media.
  • Website
    Https://linktr.ee/franchiseticker
  • Unique Selling Proposition
    An estimated 1 in 50 school-age children in the U.S. have Tourette Syndrome or another persistent Tic Disorder. Like me, many still live with Tourette in adulthood. Some cases of Tourette Syndrome are mild while others are debilitating, and we are still learning the science behind it. Let's talk about how you can help support and spread awareness for a highly stigmatized and misunderstood condition!
  • Contact Information

  • City / Town
    Sandy Springs
  • State
    GA
  • Zip
    30328
  • Country
    United States
  • LinkedIn Profile
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-franchise-ticker
  • Education

  • College / University
    Baylor University
  • Graduation Year
    2010
  • Qualifying Questions: What are three questions we can ask clients to help pave the way for a referral? List them here.
    Are you looking for a cause to support socially and financially? Does your company match charitable donations? Would you like to learn more about Tourette Syndrome and how to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities? Do you know how to support people living with Tourette Syndrome?
  • Describe How You Would Like To Be Introduced Via Email
    Any intro of any kind is welcome! A good example: "I'm excited to connect you with Cassidy, founder of The Franchise Ticker, who would love to talk to you more about supporting and raising awareness for the Tourette Syndrome and tic disorder community."