Matt asked me the other day if I wanted to go hear the CEO of Great Harvest Franchising (and our friend!), Mike Ferretti, speak at UVA. I said “Of course!”
We biked to Mike’s hotel and walked over to campus together. The class was part of a masters program in Commerce, and the topic of the day was franchising. We met with the professor and I soon learned Matt and I would be chipping in too!
As it turns out, we, along with Mike, led the discussion on all things franchisee and franchisor for two back-to-back courses! It was one of those “I had no idea I would be doing the talking but thank goodness it went really well” times : ) The students asked some great questions, and I think we did a great job sharing our experience to bakery ownership and what it’s like to be a franchisee. It was so strange being on the leadership side of a classroom, but I really enjoyed it!
Based on my original plan, I figured I’d be home by lunchtime. But it turns out the second class went until 1:45! That ended up being totally fine — thank goodness for hearty pumpkin cottage cheese oats! Matt and I considered a romantic business lunch, but both wanted to get back going on our days so after saying goodbye to Mr. Franchisor, we biked back home and I made the first food I could think of to get in my belly!
8 minute cooking No Bull burger on a Dakota bun (talking about bread for 2 hours had me craving the seedy goodness!!)
Plus a salad made of the last of our greens, carrots, celery, fallen seeds and leftover sweet potatoes.
Quick lunch, hunger satisfied
Erin (Travel Eat Repeat) says
That bun looks delicious — I’ve been baking my own bread lately but now I’m craving something new. Might have to swing by Great Harvest one evening this week…
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Glad the event went well! What a fun way to share.
m.e. says
My old stomping grounds Rouss and Robertson Halls. I recognize that stairs behind you. Hope you had fun!
Sweet and Savvy says
Nice job on that event! Sounds awesome! 🙂
I’ve really been wanting to try out those no bull burgers! They sound great.
Nancy says
You food always looks so darn delicious! Crazy question, do you typically use salad dressing or just eat your salads naked?
KathEats says
I usually use a drizzle of olive oil and a drizzle of honey plus a sprinkle of salt
Sweet Marcella says
How cool! That sounds like a fun experience 🙂 and those no bull burgers look seriously amazing!
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
That is a really cute picture of you two together. How funny that you helped lead the class, but that is way cool. I bet you inspired many students with your story.
And I am still highly
jealousenvious of the NoBull Burgers. They just look so delicious!Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
How cool! Sounds like a great day so far 🙂
katie @KatieDid says
mm those potato rounds look amazing, I LOVE cold leftover sweet potatoes more than anything. What a cool opportunity to teach and educate… spreading knowledge is the best thing you can do!
Johanna B says
Bought some yellow sweet potatoes the other day. They were very good but I wonder if they are as amazing nutritionally. Ya know, because of the lighter color. Do you know Kath?
KathEats says
I’m pretty sure they are comparable – all the colors are good!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
That’s so fun that you got to talk during the class! I would love that! I’m generally not a fan of speaking in public, unless it’s a topic I am very comfortable with personally
Fran says
That’s a pretty tasty looking lunch for short notice. And so many times, I’ve found I can accomplish something better if I’m not prepared for it!
Laura N. says
As a career counselor, I’m really glad that you presented to the class! (You probably spoke to some of my alumni actually!) I think the story of your GH is a great liberal arts success story actually!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
VERY cool. I love being able to share experience with others-it is a great way to really share your passions and help out!
I am all about quick lunchess—gotta go what ya gotta do to feed that machine 😉
Cathy says
Do you ever eat at Taco Bell or any fast food? If not, why? Just curious. You always seem to be able to put something together at home. Very inspiring I might add.
KathEats says
Nope. I have zero desire to waste meals on food that I don’t think tastes very good. I’m happy to eat fast food that’s like Panera – real food – but I really never, ever crave McD’s or Taco Bell.
Cathy says
Thanks Kath for your reply. I rarely eat fast food anymore since I stumbled onto your blog. I would only go to Taco Bell when I was lazy. Now I stock up my fridge on lots of salad finings so I don’t go there either. I am eating lots more whole foods too. I do go to Panera occasionally. Keep on inspiring us!! <3 Kath
KathEats says
That’s good 🙂 I’d much rather eat fresh food at home anytime 🙂
Hillary says
Those No Bull burgers are KILLING ME. They look so good.
Hope says
That sounds like such a great event. I’m sure the students learned a lot! Those burgers just look better and better every time you post them. Now I want sweet potatoes! 🙂
Susan (Oliepants) says
The roasted sweet potatoes on your salad gave me the perfect idea for a dinner side tonight! 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
The sweet potatoes look delish!
“I had no idea I would be doing the talking”— glad it all worked out. Cool as a cucumber, right? 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Love the Dakota bun!!
Sounds like you guys did great at the discussion. Talking biz is fun! 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
That is so great you got so speak! What a great experience 🙂
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
those potatoes look delectable! i am forever jealous of your amazing access to a baker husband and never-ending bread supply… a girl can dream!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
That bun looks so hearty and delicious – my kinda bread for sure! Glad to hear your impromptu presentation went well! 🙂
Christina says
All that chatting about bakery stuff would make me crave that roll also! It looks delicious!! Gotta love a quick homemade burger also 😉 I’m all about the quick and easy on my blog
wendy sue says
aaah were you in Comm School, that’s where my office is!
KathEats says
Yeah!!!
Jennifer says
That is such a nice picture of you guys. 🙂
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Sounds like a good time — how convenient that Mike was there in the area. I’ve only heard him speak at convention! I love talking with people about the freedom franchise!! 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
what a colourful lunch – delish!
Amanda says
Glad the unexpected public speaking went well! I’m not so sure I would have handled it as calmly as you – public speaking makes me nervous!
Angel7 says
Those Dakota buns look sooo yummy to me right now!
Love the sweet potatoes on the salad!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Lynn says
What an excellent picture of you and Matt!
Kelly says
Sounds like fun. I’m in marketing and currently work on a client that has a franchisee model so it’s always interesting to see the dynamic between the company itself and the franchisees, particularly when it relates to building a brand. I always find it interesting to hear about the owner/operator issues and wants vs. what the company itself wants to do. Not sure if you got into that at all, but it definitely makes for a unique dynamic.
Guest speaking & teaching is also fun. I used to guest lecture at my alma mater a lot, which turned into my teaching for a semester. Sadly I was not able to keep it up because I moved, but it was definitely a lot of fun. The one thing I will say is I VASTLY underestimated how much work teaching would be, and I only taught one class. Creating guest lectures was one thing, but coming up with 3 hours of material per week and finding a way to keep it interesting and engaging for your students definitely took a lot of thought and time. It was definitely one of those jobs that can almost fill any amount of time you give it since there are always more articles to read, topics to research, and papers to grade. It really made me respect the professors I had and be in awe of the ones who taught several classes. It’s definitely not easy to keep things interesting and engaging.
KathEats says
I agree – it was hard being a student, but I think it sounds harder to be the prof!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
That’s awesome Kath! What a great opportunity!
Lauren says
I love those impromptu speaking opportunities. It actually happens to me quite often but I really enjoy it. Glad it went so well.
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i bet you’re a great teacher, kath!
mike ferretti says
No thinking you did a great job. You were just awesome. Really fun day and I am glad you were both there. I am jealous I couldn’t come for lunch. That No Bull burger looks just awesome! Really fun to see you today.
KathEats says
SO great to see you too!! I had a lot of fun. Glad you were glad! You gotta try the No Bulls next time you’re here – on a Dakota bun!! And Commonweath 🙂
Molly @ RDexposed says
Did any poor college student try hitting you up for free bread?
KathEats says
They did – and I felt SO bad for not bringing samples!
Kim @ Eat, Live, and Blog says
I love that bun; it looks delicious! 🙂
Health Bee says
Love the sweet potato photos!
Kristin says
Your lunch looks so delicious! I love how colorful the plate is and it’s all healthy. The bun looks incredible with all the seeds. I’m planning to try your recipe soon!
Cait's Plate says
Aw, I LOVE that picture of you and Matt!! 🙂
Becky O'Brien says
Must have felt good to know that you could have very well inspired someone in those classrooms to own their own business! You and Matt are shining examples!
Khushboo says
Ok after this and your evening post, sweet potatoes are definitely on the menu tonite! This sounds like a great event!
Michaela says
I love it when you get to hear first-hand experience on business!
I bet it was super helpful.
susan says
Sounded like an interesting class and I would bet the students were engaged for sure – how could they not be! So, I’m wondering what is some of the guidelines etc (in a nutshell) to open up a Great Harvest Bakery? I’d love one back here in Sonoma County, but not sure I would have the “expertise” to do it!
Oh yeah, I went to the library and they had on display your new book “Good Bite Weeknite Meals” – I really like it and will need to buy it soon!
KathEats says
Hey Susan,
It’s a bit of a long process to open a store – you can read more about it at Greatharvest.com here:
http://www.greatharvest.com/franchise/franchise.html
So cool the lib. had the book!
Erin @ Big Girl Feats says
As an aspiring teacher and current TA in my grad program, I always enjoy when people get the experience to lecture or teach! It gives you a totally new perspective on the classroom. I’m so glad it went well!
Lindsay says
YUM that lunch looks delish. And kuddos for the great college talk. I don’t even know you KNOW you (you know what I mean? lol) and I’m proud of you both! You are motivation and truth for starting your own business, and I’m glad to be along for the ride:)