Alex Porter: CFE, Certified Franchise Executive

What Is A CFE?

You might be asking, “What is a CFE?” The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) gives us a clue. As stated on the International Franchising Association’s website, the mission of ICFE is “to enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education.”

In short, a CFE is a professional who has received specialized education and training in franchising. In the last year, I took part in a specialized training program to receive my official certification. Through a mix of in-person events, webinars, and even a few tests, I received a 360-degree view of the franchising world – from legal to HR, finance, marketing, and everything between.

And in the end, I officially graduated! – celebrating with my peers in a graduation ceremony at the IFA 2018 convention in Phoenix.

Why I Became A CFE  

At Location3, our mission is to be the leading franchise digital marketing agency in the world. And in order to do that, I need to know everything there is to know about franchising, and the CFE is a great step in that direction.

My interest in the franchising world picked up in 2017 after participating in the annual IFA convention as an attendee. I had exhibited and sponsored at this show for close to ten years but had never experienced all that IFA had to offer. I came away from that experience energized and enthusiastic about increasing my involvement in the franchising world. Here’s a recap of that experience.

What Is My Role As A CFE?

Now that I’m officially a Certified Franchise Executive, I plan on increasing my commitment to the franchising world as well as promoting the industry as a whole.

There are fewer than 4,000 CFEs in the world today, and certification requires about a year of training and participation. I’m honored to be a part of this incredible group of people. To be a CFE means that I not only have an in-depth understanding of the franchising ecosystem, but I am also dedicated to supporting the growth of the IFA and the franchising model.

It’s a commitment to myself to stay informed on changes in the industry, generate ideas for growth, and advocate for the franchising world. I’m excited to play a part in the success of franchising worldwide.

If you’re considering completing the CFE, know that it takes approximately a year to gain enough credits through the various activities and also requires some financial investment to complete the courses.

I also would like to give a huge thanks to Rose DuPont for helping guide us throughout the entire process. Her help was invaluable and greatly appreciated!

If you’re looking for an introduction to the IFA and CFE, check out their Wednesday webinars for a sense of educational opportunities that are available. This FAQ is also a great place to start. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line. I hope to celebrate your graduation at IFA 2019!