The Journal
Aaron Stone is the first student winner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise through Fort Lewis College’s Applied Entrepreneurship course. Stone, a senior in business administration, had the best business plan of the semester and won ownership of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store.
“I wasn’t expecting this,” Stone said. “I just want to thank you for the sweet opportunity to do this.”
Debbie Smith, director of strategic development, and Fred Sabatini, director of operations at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, announced the news Thursday night at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory University Program Celebration at FLC’s School of Business Administration.
Students in the Applied Entrepreneurship course with Franchise Venture Program option spent the semester creating business plans to compete for the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise in Peoria, Illinois. Students presented their plan to a committee of SOBA faculty, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory staff, and area business owners.
Of three finalists, Stone was selected based on his plan’s merit and presentation.
“After a hard semester of work, we are awarding them with a franchise,” said Elias. “How cool is that?”
The Peoria, Illinois, store is up and running. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will support Stone in learning about expenses and financing and management training. Because students don’t have the money for moving costs or a franchise fee, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will help Stone and future student winners financially.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has 351 stores open worldwide, as well as 92 self-serve frozen yogurt stores operating under several yogurt brands.