Would you ever imagine that your part-time college job would turn into your full-time career? That’s exactly what happened for Toni Gilbert, a multi-unit franchisee in the Phoenix area, who started her Honey Baked Ham franchise journey as a temporary seasonal employee. Over the next two decades, Toni transitioned from employee to store manager to franchisee and today is a vital member of the HoneyBaked corporate team. Here’s a little bit about her impressive HoneyBaked career pipeline:
After working seasonally during college, Toni then became a store manager, and eventually a district manager, overseeing six stores and training new managers nationwide. Toni’s dedication led her to master not only the front of the store but also the back of the house. From learning the intricacies of smoking, glazing, and slicing hams to managing lower-volume stores, Toni’s commitment and expertise set her on a path to success. In 2008, Toni seized the opportunity to open her own franchise location, a journey that would see her expand to four successful stores in Phoenix, Chandler, Tolleson and Cave Creek.
During the height of the pandemic, Toni’s leadership shined brightly. Her team initiated a program to regularly serve meals to elderly homes and individuals, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to community welfare. Not stopping there, Toni continuously goes above and beyond to serve local firefighters during the holiday season, creating meaningful and memorable experiences for them.
As the Franchise Advisory Council Chairman for our brand, Toni’s impact extends beyond her own locations. She actively contributes to the HoneyBaked franchising community, spearheading training initiatives for incoming franchisees and fostering communication among franchisees to improve the system collectively.
Looking ahead, Toni’s commitment to growth is unwavering. Eager to continue expanding within her community, Toni has additional units on the horizon, embodying the spirit of a true Honey Baked Ham franchisee. Toni Gilbert’s journey is not just a success story within franchising; it’s a testament to the transformative power of dedication, leadership, and community engagement.
Learn more about franchising opportunities with Honey Baked Ham.
