Jonathan Steward CFE on Collective Franchise Growth

LET'S GET SOCIAL?

Swedesboro, New Jersey, United States-based Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Jonathan Steward is a franchise veteran. From 1991 to date, Jonathan has had a long career as a franchise operations manager across brands and as the franchise owner of Young Rembrandts and Mr. Handyman of Woodstown, Swedesboro, and Sewell. In 20+ years of consulting with franchisees on how to improve their operations, Jonathan has learned how to build effective franchisee relationships while maintaining brand integrity. As a multi-unit franchise consultant in the QSR and hospitality industry, he mastered the art of hospitality.

In his long career history, Jonathan started as a Restaurant Manager at Hilton Worldwide, followed by Outlets Manager at Sheraton, Senior Manager at Bennigan’s, Franchise Operations Manager at American Dairy Queen Corporation (IDQ Companies), and Senior Director of Operations at Great Clips, Inc. He started his franchise ownership journey in June 2016 with Young Rembrandts Franchise and in July 2020 with Mr. Handyman of Woodstown, Swedesboro, and Sewell. In all the organizations he has worked with, he has stayed with them the longest to culture his professional determination essential for every franchise owner.

Founded in March 2000, Mr. Handyman is a network of independently owned and operated franchises with more than 200 locations that provide commercial and residential property maintenance and repair services. Entrepreneur magazine has repeatedly recognized Mr. Handyman as the No. 1 handyman service. Founded in 1988 by Bette Fetter, Young Rembrandts has become a recognized leader in art education. With more than 60 locations worldwide, including in more than 30 states, what began as a one-woman operation has grown into a viable franchise business opportunity.

Jonathan says that he learned the art of hospitality from full-service hotels and executed in-kitchen operations during his casual dining experience. In QSR, he refined his training style, focused on systems and routines, and new restaurant opening skills. With decades of experience, Jonathan has grown as an astute leader and has made his presence felt across the brand’s management team. He has established great expertise in team development, unit-level profitability & operations improvement planning, building relationships with customers and franchisees, public speaking, and facilitation.

In 1993, Jonathan Steward CFE graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management from Drexel University. In 2016, he earned a Master of Science in Organizational and Strategic Leadership from Neumann University. In 2015, he earned his CFE certification from the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE). As a graduate student, Jonathan CFE also got published in the Journal of Student Research and Academic Scholarship issued by Neumann University. From all his life-long achievements and professional memberships, we can truly bet on his franchise leadership quality!