PAUL PICKETT: CDO/EVP of Franchising, Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc.
Th Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award was created to highlight organizations or individuals that have made significant contributions to diversity in franchising, whether it be through their organization or on a larger scope. Paul Pickett, CDO/EVP of Franchising, Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc., is the 2023 recipient of the Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award.Paul's career with Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) has perfectly combined his love of birds, nature and people. Paul joined the WBU team as the first full time employee in 1989 shortly after completing his MD in Biology/Ornithology from the University of North Dakota. Paul has more than three decades of experience in working with potential and existing franchisees, managing the franchise development, real estate and all legal for the WBU system, with a strong emphasis on maintaining stellar franchise relationships for the brand.
Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 350 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding and nature products, expert advice and educational events.
Paul has been a champion for inclusiveness and diversity, as he is the co-founder/chair of the Pride Franchise Leadership Council (PFLC). The PFLC, established in September 2019, is a part of the IFA's efforts to support diversity and inclusiveness among its franchisors, franchisees and suppliers--at every level of franchising. The council was formed as a way for the franchise industry "to be active rather than passive, reinforcing the idea that the IFA embraces diversity of all types, including the LGBTQ+ community," said Paul.
In 2020, Paul received the IFA's Women's Franchise Committee's Crystal Compass Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership in the franchising industry. He is only the third male to be given this recognition in the history of the award. Each year, IFA's Women's Franchise Committee selects one individual in the franchise community who has exemplified the organization's ideals of leadership and community involvement. Crystal Compass professionals must have demonstrated significant contributions to their own organization as well as to the franchising industry and the communities they serve.
Paul was a member of the IFA's Franchise Relations Committee for seven years. He currently serves on the Franchisor Forum, is a member of the IFA Foundation's Board of Trustees, has served on the IFA's Convention Committee and is a founding member of the Canadian Franchise Association's EDI committee. Paul is also a long-standing member of the Advisory Board for Franchise Update Media's Franchise Leadership and Development Conference and had the privilege of chairing the event in 2018. As chair, Paul ensured that there was not a single panel that did not have diverse representation, a first for this conference, and a guide for other conferences and chairs. Additionally, Paul serves on the University of Louisville's Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence Advisory Board. He has served formally and informally as a mentor to many other franchise brands.
Locally, Paul worked for many years as a "boots on the ground" volunteer for The Damien Center, Indiana's largest and oldest AIDS service organization and served on their Board of Directors for six years.
Paul and his husband, William Powell, reside in Indianapolis, IN.
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| Title Annotation: | RONALD E. HARRISON DIVERSITY AWARD |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Franchising World |
| Date: | Feb 1, 2024 |
| Words: | 536 |
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