Women's Franchise Committee Podcast: Mary Kennedy Thompson

In this episode, we interview Mary Kennedy Thompson, CFE, Chief Operating Officer of Neighborly.  As chief operating officer (COO), Mary oversees the ongoing business operations within Neighborly. Working hand-in-hand with 13 brand presidents, she leads the execution of strategies. Prior to her appointment as COO, Mary served as executive vice-president of Neighborly and president of Mr. Rooter® for nine years. Mary served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a logistics officer. She began franchising 25 years ago as a multi-unit franchisee at Cookies by Design. After successfully selling her franchises, Mary joined the corporate headquarters to build their field support program, eventually leading the brand as its president. As president of Mr. Rooter®, U.S. Business Review selected Mary as one of its Editor's Choice Executives of the Year. The International Franchise Association (IFA) awarded Mary the Bonny Levine Award, IFA’s highest award for women who have made an impact on franchising and the Crystal Compass award for extraordinary leadership in franchising. A certified franchise executive, Mary serves as a trustee for the IFA’s Educational Foundation. Interviewed by Katherine LeBlanc, Chief Marketing Officer at Painting with a Twist.