Women's Franchise Committee Podcast: Saunda Kitchen

The IFA Women's Franchise Committe presents: Her Success: Stories of Female Franchise Leaders In this episode, we interview Saunda Kitchen, CFE. She began her career in franchising at the age of 16. Over the course of the next 20 years, she built and sold three other franchised businesses and is currently The Franchisee and President of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Sonoma County. Over the course of her tenure with The Dwyer Group, Saunda’s franchises have earned Top Gun Status, Franchisee of the Year, The Don Dwyer Award of Excellence, Excellence in Mentorship, Excellence in Leadership, and Sales Leader of the Year for 10 years in a row. In 2008 she was honored to receive Woman of the Year for Mr. Rooter Corporation as well as North Bay Business Journal, 40 under 40 award winner. In 2010 Saunda was awarded the Crystal Compass for extraordinary leadership in franchising. She served on the IFA's Board of Directors for 8 years. The award she covets most is the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work as voted by her team members the last 10 years in a row. Saunda recently founded a new FSR concept tasting lounge called Barrels, Brews & Bites. Saunda is interviewed here by Michelle Rowan, CFE, President of Franchise Business Review and WFC Committee Chair.