I am Edible Arrangements franchisee for 5 years. This journey was very bumpy at the beginning because it was my first ever experience in entrepreneurship. I got a business during the busiest times you could ever imagine, and it was very challenging to run the business without any experience.

On my third year I met Ron during the Edible convention. I share my struggles with him, especially regarding how to run a business during the busiest holidays. Without any hesitation he offered me to visit his stores when time comes and watch how they do it. It was unbelievable. Real help here. I have to mention -Ron and his partner owned Top Selling Stores in the chain at that time. Obviously, they were super busy. We connected in a couple of months. Ron included me in his zoom team meeting, that included all partners, store managers and their assistants. I got a huge impression, how everything was well organized ahead of time.

Closer to the holiday itself I flew to Ohio. Ron and his partners showed me everything from A to Z. I visited 2 of their stores. There was a team meeting that covered the execution of production operations in detail. During visits we also discussed marketing aspects, selling strategies, team management, hiring practices. They gave me a folder with all templates that I could use and implement in my stores in Minnesota. I came back home well prepared with strong confidence that during this holiday my stores will succeed. And we did!!!

Two years have passed now, multiple holidays have gone by. And I can say after that training, Ron and his team mentorship,  my entrepreneurship ride became smoother. I feel confidence in planning and executing. My team felt a significant change in management too and they enjoy every holiday with me. We are getting better every year with every holiday. Revenue rises and profit increases. I am very thankful to Ron and his amazing team for their time, for sharing the experience, for the training and mentorship after my visit. 

When I first met Ron Taylor in 2020, I was eager to deepen my understanding of the quick service restaurant industry but didn’t yet have the full picture of what it truly took to build a thriving business. From day one, Ron’s mentorship provided me with the clarity, knowledge, and strategic insights I needed to navigate the industry with confidence. He had a remarkable ability to break down complex challenges into actionable lessons, making even the most intricate aspects of operations, customer service, and brand growth feel attainable. 

Ron didn’t just teach me how to run a restaurant—he showed me how to build a business that could grow and sustain success. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership, financial discipline, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced industry. He instilled in me the mindset that success isn’t just about serving great food; it’s about creating a strong foundation through effective systems, team development, and a commitment to operational excellence. His mentorship helped me develop a sharper business acumen, empowering me to make strategic decisions, overcome challenges, and see opportunities where others might see obstacles. Looking back, Ron’s guidance was a turning point in my journey, and the principles he shared continue to shape the way I approach business today.  He was a major reason why I left the workforce and became a Capriotti’s Franchisee.  I will always be grateful for the wisdom and support he provided.

I had an opportunity to work with Ron Taylor in my time as owner of The Simple Greek franchise system.  Initially, Ron and his team were our most successful franchisees.  Their performance was so strong that I decided to collaborate with them on their third location.  After watching how Ron conducts his business, with the highest priority on guest service, product quality, and taking great care of his team, I decided that I wanted Ron to oversee the entire Simple Greek brand.  

Ron took over the brand, and just a few months later the QSR industry was devastated by they Covid-19 pandemic.  Ron kept a small team and helped most of the franchisees navigate the most challenging period in the history of franchise restaurants.  As we started to emerge from the pandemic, Ron was able to negotiate a deal where the The Simple Greek was sold to WOWorks.  This was a sale that was beneficial for all parties involved.

While I currently have no major involvement with any franchise brand, if I were to invest in that industry, I would want Ron involved from the beginning.  He understands how to navigate the planning, permitting, and opening process as good as anyone I have worked with in the franchise industry.  He operates with a high level of businessacumen and a great deal of integrity.  If you are starting a business or franchise, Ron could be a tremendous asset to help you pick the right brand and hit the ground running

I have known Ron for 12 years. At Edible Arrangements he was one of our strongest Franchise owner/operators when I managed Development. He has been a multi-unit owner with several locations. Ron bought, and relocated several stores with this brand and also negotiated deals to sell them all. After Edible Ron was involved with other franchise brands and businesses and has always been a great resource to me. He understands the challenges and rewards of franchising. He can certainly guide entrepreneurs to brands that may be best suited for them and guide them to ownership.

Ron is an incredibly smart and passionate Franchsie owner. I was always impressed with how he approached the business. Mindful of what impacts his locations but also how decisions being made would impact the entire brand. Always willing to try new initiatives and creating his own as well. Relationships were top of mind for Ron wanting to create an environment where his team and other owners had the best opportunity to succeed. Would always welcome the opportunity to work with Ron again in the future.

My name is John Grover, I am a husband, and father of two kids, Gia (8) and Nicolette (4).  In the professional world I am a Franchisee of five Edible Arrangements locations.  Avon, Boardman, Canton, Fairlawn, and Stow Ohio.  I am writing this letter in an attempt to describe the profound impact Ron Taylor has had in my life as an influencer, mentor, business partner, and friend. 

I was introduced to Ron and his wife Lori in the early 2000’s when they moved into my parents’ neighborhood.  During this time, I was just exiting high school and starting college.  Very early on Ron saw attributes in me that I did not see in myself.  He would ask me to do chores around the house from landscaping to cutting grass to help earn a living.  He would include me in his sons’ aspirations to learn sports.  At the time, it simply felt neighborly.  But in time, it has been one of the most foundational examples I have ever witness in being a husband, father, business owner, and most importantly, someone who strives to give their very best in all they do. 

Back in 2006, Ron asked me to help demo a building for a franchise I never heard of, Edible Arrangements.  I thought, sure, I can learn new things and hopefully make some extra money during the winter because I could not cut grass.  I did not expect much.  But the most powerful thing of my life was that a lot was expected of me.  I went on to go through the Edible Franchise training and did well, up to and including enjoying it.  Within the first month I made a mistake where I backed the delivery van into a pole, causing over $5,000 in damage.  I thought for sure I would be fired.  Instead, I was shown compassion.  I was shown the very principles to help forgive, show empathy, and in return change the thoughts and distractions in my mind that helped cause the accident itself. 

From that November 2006 through current day there has not been one year that I did not work at Edible Arrangements.  Under the guidance of Ron, I grew from a risky teenage driver to an aspiring leader.  In time, I used the principles Ron taught and lived by to elevate my life and those around me.  Driver, to fruit expert, to in-store lead, to manager, to traveling manager – all because someone saw more in me, then I had ever seen in myself.  Pretty noble in itself and it is just half the story. 

In 2020, during the pandemic Edible had seen an increase in volume that very few companies ever experience.  It was a critical time when business and the world needed to make adjustments, remain tough, and adapt to change like no one has seen.  Once again, Ron evaluated my character, my drive, and passion to be my very best.  It was then he offered me a partnership role so that I could be a Franchisee myself and one day look to follow in his foot steps as an owner in an enterprise and he and Lori would look into the next steps of their life. 

Present day, I am an owner of one of the best performing enterprises in the Edible Arrangements franchise system, an extension of Ron.  We were awarded manager of the year, just like Ron.  We exceeded enterprise volume, just like Ron would expect.  And most importantly, I’ve became a great husband and father while changing the lives of so many, because a neighbor named Ron, changed mine.