In franchising, growth isn’t just about adding locations—it’s about building a brand that people believe in.
In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Jenna Law, Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a brand from the ground up.
Jenna’s journey is anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what makes her perspective so valuable.
From Restaurants to Franchising: A Full-Circle Journey
Jenna didn’t start in franchising.
Her background spans Disney, Darden Restaurants, and agency work—but restaurants have always been part of her DNA.
“Being in the people business has always felt like home.”
When the opportunity at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe came along, it wasn’t just about a new role—it was about returning to something deeply personal.
But there was one major difference:
She wasn’t stepping into an established marketing machine.
She was building one from scratch.
Building a Brand Without Losing Its Soul
One of Jenna’s biggest insights is that great brands don’t start from nothing—they start with something worth protecting.
When she joined Keke’s, the brand already had strong customer loyalty and organic growth.
Her role wasn’t to reinvent it.
It was to amplify it.
“I didn’t create the brand—I gave it a voice. I gave it a megaphone.”
Instead of forcing a new identity, Jenna focused on:
- Understanding what customers already loved
- Protecting operational excellence
- Identifying the core experience that made Keke’s unique
Only then did she build the marketing strategy around it.
Why Generalists Make Exceptional Leaders
One of the most powerful themes from this conversation is Jenna’s perspective on being a generalist.
For years, she believed it was a weakness.
She wasn’t deeply specialized in one area—she had broad experience across many.
But over time, she realized something important:
That is the strength.
Generalists:
- Connect ideas across departments
- Translate strategy between teams
- See the bigger picture
- Build alignment across organizations
“I know where we want to go… but I also know how to make it happen.”
In franchising—where marketing, operations, finance, and franchisee success all intersect—this ability is invaluable.
Leadership Isn’t About Title—It’s About Impact
One of Jenna’s most impactful insights is that leadership isn’t tied to position.
“You don’t have to be the most senior person in the room to make an impact.”
She describes leadership as the ability to “change the temperature of the room.”
That means:
- Bringing calm in chaos
- Creating clarity in uncertainty
- Inspiring confidence in others
And it doesn’t require authority—it requires awareness and intention.
Leading Through Change and Uncertainty
In today’s business environment, change is constant.
From AI to shifting consumer behavior, leaders are often building the plane while flying it.
Jenna’s approach is simple—but powerful:
- Overcommunicate
- Stay transparent
- Allow room for failure
- Stay grounded internally
“You can’t control what’s happening outside—but you can control what’s happening inside.”
This mindset creates resilience—not just for leaders, but for entire teams.
People-First Marketing Wins
At the core of Jenna’s strategy is a simple principle:
People come first.
In franchising, that means:
- Supporting franchisees as business owners
- Understanding guests as individuals
- Making decisions through a human lens—not just a financial one
This perspective helped drive meaningful growth for Keke’s—not just in numbers, but in brand loyalty.
“Bedazzle Your Own Box”
One of the most memorable moments from the episode is Jenna’s advice to embrace individuality:
“Stop trying to fit into someone else’s box. Build your own—and bedazzle it.”
For professionals—especially women in business—this is a powerful reminder:
You don’t need to conform to lead.
You need to understand your strengths—and own them.
Final Thoughts
Jenna Law’s story is a reminder that success in franchising isn’t just about systems—it’s about people, perspective, and the courage to lead differently.
Whether you’re building a brand, leading a team, or navigating growth, her insights offer a clear takeaway:
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be authentic—and willing to act.
🎧 Be sure to watch the full episode and discover how to build a brand—and a career—that stands out.