Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Misetic.
Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for public relations was actually discovered by my cousin while we both attended Loyola University-Chicago. She approached me at a time when my priorities were a bit off-center and I had declared a Political Science major with the vague intention of becoming a lawyer. “I’ve seen what you’ve written – it’s great,” she said. “I’ve seen you speak in public – you’re good at it. You’re not shy – you’re very extroverted. You should do PR.” Not too long after that, I began taking some PR-related classes and, like the vast majority of college students, ended up switching majors.
About a month before graduation, as the job search panic was settling in and I found myself on the verge of accepting a job selling copier toner, I caught the attention of a woman who knew about a job opening at the Croatian embassy in Washington, D.C. (I’m fluent in Croatian). Within a couple of weeks, I was offered a position in the embassy’s press office, graduated, packed up my things and moved to Washington, D.C. I was 22-years-old. Living on my own for the first time. Halfway across the country, no less. Sitting in meetings at The White House and State Department. To say it was all a bit overwhelming would be putting it mildly.
I eventually returned home to Chicago to work at a small PR agency where I served as a spokesperson for 2000 Miss America Heather French. Eight months later, I took a job in the market development department of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
After about five years with the CTA, I transitioned to Fishman Public Relations, where I rose to vice president and stayed for nine years. When the founders asked me to join them in starting a new company – Franchise Elevator PR – I accepted and have been generating business there ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Trying to balance a career, maintain a social life and figure out where you fit in this world is the everyday life for any professional. There will always be setbacks, roadblocks, and defeats that will stand between where you are now and where you want to be. Sure, I’ve been punched in the mouth by life. Who hasn’t? When it happens, however, I think about all the people I’ve met or known who have been through unbelievably difficult circumstances and not only made it through them but found a way to turn them into something positive.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Franchise Elevator PR – what should we know?
Often times, when people think franchising, they think the likes of McDonald’s, SUBWAY and Dunkin’ Donuts, to name a few. But the truth is, the franchise industry extends well beyond the brand giants that everyone knows. In fact, there are approximately 4,000 franchise systems in North America, more than half of which have 20 or fewer units. These emerging franchises account for a critical component of the franchise industry and Franchise Elevator PR is proud to be the ONLY public relations agency in the country that works exclusively with them.
Our mainstay is to help emerging franchise brands, no matter their size, get the “big” attention they need to grow and support their systems. Our specialty PR programs are designed specifically to create the media exposure they need to attract both franchise candidates and customers that will effectively elevate them to their desired levels of growth.
Our clients have been featured in/on a wide range of media outlets, including: Entrepreneur, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, FOX Business, MSNBC, Good Morning America, TODAY, Bloomberg Television, and more, as well as countless local media outlets all across the country.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost… my immigrant parents and grandparents. Nobody has contributed more to my success than them. Growing up, I saw them work countless hours at multiple jobs, seemingly never sleeping, just to provide me and my brother a better quality of life and better education. I saw them sacrifice any semblance of a life of leisure by devoting their time and energy to the needs of their children and grandchildren. I love them for many reasons, but I love them most because of this.
Secondly… my cousin, Ana. As I mentioned earlier, I would have never gotten into public relations if it wasn’t for her. Very few days go by when I don’t think about how different my career would be today without her encouragement. Here’s your formal and public acknowledgment, Ana… Thank you, cuz!
Finally… Brad and Sherri Fishman. They took a chance on me back in 2005 when I joined Fishman Public Relations and an even bigger leap of faith when they asked me to join them in starting Franchise Elevator PR. They have been excellent friends, teachers, and mentors. They will forever remain major contributors to my success and achievements, particularly in franchising. I really look forward to the day I can do the same for someone else.
Contact Info:
- Address: 325 W. Huron, Suite 417
Chicago, IL 60654 - Website: www.franchiseelevator.com
- Phone: (847) 239-8171
- Email: mmisetic@franchiseelevator.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranchiseElevator/
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