key takeaways
- Lily Wilford became the franchise of Papa Murphy at just 17 years old, she financed the deal with years of savings and a family friend’s debt.
- In the first year of his ownership, he achieved an increase of 22.8% year-on-year and was named Papa Murphy’s Rukhi of the Year.
- His leadership style – Taekwondo, shaped by a senior thesis on homescooling and leadership – emphasizes raising the culture, community, and others.
Most 17-year-old children spend their summer college applications, part-time jobs or driving under the stress of learning. Lily Wilford bought Papa Murphy’s Tech ‘N’ Bake Pizza franchise.
In August 2024, just a few days before her senior year began, Wilford Ciox City became the majority owner of Iowa, where she was working since the age of 14 – saving to fund the deal and using loans from a family friend. It is now 18 years old, he has already rejected the store, has started new marketing efforts, has created a customer-first culture and has given a double-point increase, giving him Papa Murphy ( # 370) “Ruki of the Year” award for the top new franchise.
Here, she talks about how to buy a franchise as a teenager, Taekwondo and Homidoing that she has learned and why she believes that the best opportunities come when you are willing to jump.
Connected: Consider franchise ownership? Start finding your personal list of franchisees matching your lifestyle, interests and budget.
At the age of 17, most people are just learning to drive. Why did you believe that you are ready to take a franchise at such a young age?
When I was 14 years old, I started working at Papa Murphy, so I had three years of experience before taking charge. By the junior year of high school, I was visiting colleges, but nothing was right. I like science, but I did not find anything that could make me so excited that I could justify big investment. At the end of the junior year, the previous owner came to my parents about selling. He had shown interest earlier as well, but he was not in a position to take it over himself. Since I had not yet committed for any way, he asked me if I would be interested. The more I thought about it, the more excited I was – it was something that I loved and I could learn and move forward in it. We had to undergo many obstacles because I was only 17 years old and could not legally sign my own, but until August 2024, we officially transferred ownership.
How did you make a financial deal, and how did you feel at the age of 17 as the owner of the majority?
I have been earning money and saving since I was about five years old – cutting lawn grass, taking care of children, working. In addition to the Lego set occasionally, I saved almost every percentage. My goal was to always pay the college to make loan free. When this opportunity came, I used that savings instead. I still did not have enough money, so a family friend provided a loan which helped the rest to cover. It was unrealistic to be the owner at the age of 17. I am thankful that my parents taught me how to save money and become intelligent, because without it, I could not do it.
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Lily Wilford
Image Credit: Papa Murphy
How does a teenager lead a team that includes people of his age – and very old?
This is definitely a challenge and there was a protest in the beginning. But I think the leadership is about how you present yourself and how much you care about. Taekwondo played a big role for me. I have been practicing since the age of five and have taught me values such as etiquette, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
Was there some challenges with the employees working with you after becoming the owner?
Definitely. It is difficult to go from a colleague to the boss, and sometimes it causes stress in old friendship. But overall, most of the people were collaborative and ready to help. I tried to establish a clear standard and lead with goodwill and helped.
How did you balance in running franchises with general social life in high school?
I was home school, but I had a wonderful homescool group and a truly close friend. I also continued Taekwondo, which has always been an important part of my life and has been a way to connect with great people. Being rooted in those communities, I got a social life along with business.
Are you planning to open more places of Papa Murphy?
Vikas is always in my mind and my eyes are on some points. But first, I want to make sure that the foundation of this store is strong. Once we achieve this, I will be ready to see additional places.
Is the college still in the picture?
I am not against college, and I can take business courses in future. But now, the experience I am getting is very valuable. I am also teaching myself through leadership and commercial books, learning how to manage people, how to work effectively and how to overcome mistakes. For now, this is the right place for me.
Related: According to the co-founder of a $ 32 billion company, this is the most important thing that you can do to improve your business
You still have a large number of large numbers-including 23% year-to-year increase. What do you give for that success?
Community participation. When I took charge, this was my biggest passion. We joined the Chamber of Commerce, first offered free pizza for respondents and money -raising and hosted middle school field trips, where children got a chance to learn about food security and make their own pizza. People want to support businesses that cares, and we have tried to become that store.
Has anyone wondered knowing that you are the master?
All times. When I tell people that I am the boss, they are shocked. My favorite story was about a customer who moved to Sox City for a job at our local news station. We started the conversation, and I told her that I am the owner, and she was stunned. He wrote his first story on me, which was a very cute moment.
What advice will you advise to other youth who want to adopt entrepreneurship?
Jump, even if it is scary. The best things occur when you overcome fear with courage. But don’t try to do it alone – you need a support system. My parents have been incredible for me, and everyone should find its own version. Also, know your “why”. For me, it is about serving the community and becoming an ideal for young employees. If your goals are only older than you, then you will have the inspiration to keep moving forward even in difficult days.
This article is part of our ongoing young entrepreneurship that highlights stories, challenges and victory to be a young entrepreneur. Youth Business Swami.
Related: According to the co-founder of a $ 32 billion company, this is the most important thing that you can do to improve your business
key takeaways
- Lily Wilford became the franchise of Papa Murphy at just 17 years old, she financed the deal with years of savings and a family friend’s debt.
- In the first year of his ownership, he achieved an increase of 22.8% year-on-year and was named Papa Murphy’s Rukhi of the Year.
- His leadership style – Taekwondo, shaped by a senior thesis on homescooling and leadership – emphasizes raising the culture, community, and others.
Most 17-year-old children spend their summer college applications, part-time jobs or driving under the stress of learning. Lily Wilford bought Papa Murphy’s Tech ‘N’ Bake Pizza franchise.
In August 2024, just a few days before her senior year began, Wilford Ciox City became the majority owner of Iowa, where she was working since the age of 14 – saving to fund the deal and using loans from a family friend. It is now 18 years old, he has already rejected the store, has started new marketing efforts, has created a customer-first culture and has given a double-point increase, giving him Papa Murphy ( # 370) “Ruki of the Year” award for the top new franchise.
Here, she talks about how to buy a franchise as a teenager, Taekwondo and Homidoing that she has learned and why she believes that the best opportunities come when you are willing to jump.
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