276: Breaking the Mold: How Antonio McBroom Became a Franchisee Extraordinaire

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What does it take to own a franchise? That’s the first question I had in mind when I sat down with Antonio McBroom… and then I was shocked when he told me he bought his first franchise before even finishing college. Antonio McBroom began as a franchise developer of Ben & Jerry’s throughout the US. While attending college, he began his journey with Ben & Jerry’s in 2004, “scooping his way up” from minimum wage scooper to shift leader to shop manager. In 2008, he seized the opportunity to purchase a shop, becoming the youngest franchisee in the company’s history. I left this conversation motivated and inspired – I know you will too.

More about Antonio McBroom

Antonio L. McBroom – Visionary Franchise Developer Primo Partners dba Ben & Jerry’s Catering and Special Events ~Headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Antonio L. McBroom is the franchise developer of Ben & Jerry’s with multi-unit double-digit retail and business locations throughout the Southeast and Midwest. Antonio grew up in rural North Carolina and earned the Morehead-Cain scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While attending college, he began his journey with Ben & Jerry’s in 2004, “scooping his way up” from minimum wage scooper to shift leader to shop manager. In 2008, he seized the opportunity to purchase the Chapel Hill shop, becoming the youngest franchisee in the company’s history. Antonio and his “Team Primo” have propelled and innovated the off-premise catering category by double-digit sales growth annually. While becoming a business owner, Antonio taught Mathematics through the Teach for America program in North Carolina, as well as internationally with World Teach in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His passion for education continues through the Myron Headen Scholarship Program, founded in honor of his mother. As a partner with the Vickers Bennett Group, Antonio is the lead curator and developer for multiple 100+ acre land assemblages. He is instrumental in the Vickers Village mixed-use development project by creating innovative, affordable housing solutions with a community of 180+ homes, dozens of condos, and a commercial retail village center. Antonio’s strength of character makes him a standout beyond his business endeavors, including his outstanding volunteerism in the communities he does business. In addition to serving others, he is involved with we are (working to extend anti-racist education) for social justice reform. Since 2020, Antonio has served as a member of the board of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Antonio’s professional and civic leadership has earned him many accolades; most notable are: the 2018 Black Enterprise Franchisee of the Year Award, the 2021 UNC Black Alumni’s Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumni Award, and the prestigious Ben & Jerry’s “Big O” 2021 Operator of the Year Award, the 2023 MVP Multi-Unit Franchise Award, and the 2023 Ben & Jerry’s Global Impact Award. Antonio holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and African American Studies from the University of North Carolina. He currently resides in North Carolina with his wife, Emma, and their two children.

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Contact Heather Today!
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I'm really interested in...

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