Helping Everyone Succeed…

‘Karen and Jay discuss the goodness of helping everyone get into the game and helping everyone be a winner!'

This week I’d love to share a thought about ‘making everyone feel welcome’ – ‘making sure that everyone can be successful.’ Not just one group or another. Not just a few. I’m sure you’ve been in situations where perhaps you’re having a conversation and there is someone on the periphery who would clearly like to be included. It would be so easy to ignore them and continue your pleasant conversation. But that would be a mistake. And deep down, you know it. The right thing to do is to be inclusive, be welcoming, validate that other person – and in truth, everyone will benefit. The same is true of a community. At the Sunshine Initiative, we are focused on helping to revitalize small towns and communities across the country. And it would be so easy to focus on a small group within a particular community become successful – for instance, working only with the business leaders. But that would miss the point. For our revitalization to be successful, we need to lift everyone up. We need to make sure that everyone succeeds. That means reaching out to the folks who may not naturally raise their hands. It means actively seeking out the quiet voices, the overlooked, and those who may have given up hope that anyone will ever listen. Whether it’s the single mom working two jobs, the high school student who’s unsure of their future, or the retired veteran wondering what comes next — they all have a place, a purpose, and a potential to contribute to the fabric of the community. When we engage them, when we empower them, our entire effort becomes stronger and more sustainable. True revitalization doesn’t happen from the top down — it happens from the inside out. It grows from connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. When people see that they matter, that their voice counts, they step forward with energy, creativity, and commitment. The community becomes more than a collection of individuals — it becomes a team, a family, a movement. And that's when real transformation takes place. So, let’s remember: the goal is not just progress for the few, but opportunity for the many. Not just new businesses and buildings, but new dreams and renewed hope. Getting everybody in the game isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing. It’s how we build stronger towns, healthier communities, and a more united nation — one inclusive step at a time.

We are delighted this week to highlight a wonderful, inclusive entrepreneurial leader, Catherine Monson. In the world of franchising, few leaders have been as impactful as Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, parent company of FASTSIGNS. Under her leadership, Monson has made it her mission to help everyday Americans become business owners, often giving first-time entrepreneurs from all backgrounds a real shot at financial independence. Franchising can serve as a powerful entry point for individuals who may lack traditional business experience or large amounts of startup capital. Monson recognized this early in her career and has since dedicated herself to making franchising more accessible. Through flexible training programs, hands-on mentorship, and streamlined processes, Propelled Brands empowers people from all walks of life to take control of their economic destinies. Her efforts have opened doors for veterans, immigrants, and women - groups that are often underrepresented in business ownership. Monson's approach goes beyond simple business transactions; she actively fosters a culture where franchisees feel supported, connected, and equipped to thrive. Catherine Monson also serves as a strong voice for the broader franchising industry, advocating for policies that make entrepreneurship more accessible across America. Her work reinforces a fundamental truth: when barriers are lowered and support is provided, hardworking individuals can transform their lives and their communities.

Quote of the Week

"When we all do better, we all do better." — Paul Wellstone

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