b'COVER STORYCreating inclusive, safe and welcomingcommunity to feel comfortable coming intogether and holding hands. You dont spaces for all franchises is somethingand applying for a job.normally see that in other big-brand coffee Bazely has fostered throughout her career.The COVID-19 pandemic may haveplaces, and for our customers, I think its The challenge, she says, is that biases stillput the start-ups franchising plans onbecause they know its a safe space. Thats exist, and there are businesses that havehold, but now that conditions are clearing,why, when we go looking for franchisees, been male and straight-dominant forGreg and David are looking forward toit will be important to us that they buy into some time, which can make them difficultsharing their name with franchisees whothis philosophy and support it.for anyone outside that demographic tounderstand the importance of providingIts a view thats increasingly shared navigate. Understanding this, Bazely playswelcoming spaces for all.a lead role at Driverseat in ensuring allIts important for a business ownerby other franchise owners across Canada. franchisees have the equitable support andto recognize that acceptance translatesThey are part of a growing push to create resources to succeed.into revenue, says Greg. There are a lota marketplace deeply attuned to diversity The relationships between theof times in our cafe where youll see same- and inclusivity in all sectors. Its good for franchisor and franchisee have to besex couples sitting down, having coffeemorale, and its good for business. very open and transparent, and they have to recognize the biases that exist in gender, race or sexuality, Bazely advises. Thats why its incredibly important for franchisors like ourselves to make diversity part of our core values and include it inWe never our dialogue with franchise prospects in the very beginning. We want them to feel comfortable sharing their personal livescall itand to have an open conversation about any barriers they might perceive. a day.In addition to promoting an open culture on the job, Driverseat Canada has celebrated Pride Month with their Ride with Pride campaign, which aims to help end stigmatism in the transportation sector overall. Workplace issues never sleep.Building an inclusive and diverseThats why our 24 hour line is franchise starts at the top. This is aanswered by a Sherrard Kuzz responsibility that Greg and Davidlawyer every hour of every Gardner-Orbon are also taking to heart asday, even on holidays.they begin the process of expanding their Sugar Daddies Bakery business. DavidWhatever the issue. If youre an employer,and I got into this because we had bothWhatever the time. were the only callstarted following a sugar-free lifestyle andyou need to make.we wanted to share that with other people,Our 24 hour line means our says Greg. Right now, were a franchise ofclients sleep well at night 24 HOUR 416.420.0738one, but were in the process of duplicatingeven if we sometimes dont.that first store across Ontario and Canada.Beyond sharing a healthier approach to baking, the pair also hopes to create a franchise experience built on the guiding principles of inclusion and diversity. Not only are these principles baked into the stores policies and procedures, no pun intended, they are embedded in its approach to hiring. Whenever were advertising for a new role, we make sureContact: Rhonda Cohen rcohen@sherrardkuzz.comto call out the fact that we are an inclusivesherrardkuzz.com | 416.603.0700 | 24 Hour 416.420.0738employer, specifically when it comes to LGBTQ2SA+, because were part of250 Yonge St #3300, Toronto, ON M5B 2L7 | @sherrardkuzzthat community and want people in that Issue 2 2021 | QBiz CANADA |7'