Taylor Titus has always had a competitive spirit and a passion for teamwork. As a collegiate volleyball player, she learned the value of discipline, strategy, and collaboration— lessons that have shaped her career in franchising. Her love for marketing began as a kid, captivated by clever TV commercials and YouTube campaigns that sparked her curiosity about how brands connect with people. Over time, her drive to create processes and strategies that lead to measurable results became her hallmark. Now, as the Director of Operations for United Franchise Group’s Services Division, Taylor combines her passion for planning with her love of problem-solving, equipping franchisors with the tools and partnerships they need to thrive. For Taylor, success is all about crossing the finish line — and helping others get there, too.
“Recognize that imposter syndrome is usually just you lying to yourself. You’re stronger and more resilient than you think, and you’re more than capable of handling the challenges ahead. The rocky start is normal — it takes time to find your rhythm and get your feet under you. Trust yourself, stay focused, and remember that every setback is just part of the process of building something great.” – Taylor Titus
Taylor Titus, Director of Operations for United Franchise Group
Can you share your story in your own words?
My name is Taylor Titus, and my story is really one of passion meeting an opportunity. As a kid, I was fascinated by how brands told their stories through TV commercials and YouTube ads — it planted a seed that grew into a lifelong love for marketing. In college, I played competitive volleyball, which taught me the value of working toward a shared goal, staying organized, and pushing through challenges. That mindset has guided me through every stage of my career.
I started at United Franchise Group™ (UFG) over five years ago as a Franchise Development Representative, where I gained a firsthand understanding of the franchising world and learned how to sell franchises. Later, as Director of Franchise Development, I took on the challenge of creating marketing strategies to generate leads for our brands, which was when I found my passion for building processes that drive results. That passion continued to grow and led me to my current role in operations.
Now, as Director of Operations for UFG’s Services Division, I focus on equipping franchisors with the right tools, vendor partnerships, and processes to help their franchisees succeed. I love what I do because it’s not just about solving problems — it’s about helping businesses and people thrive.
We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
A lot of it was by chance. I was moving back home from college and was looking for a marketing role. I ended up knowing someone who worked at UFG and highly recommended it so although I wasn’t taking a marketing role to start, I knew I would end up at a good company. My determination to be the best employee in the room pushed me to get a promotion to be our Director of Franchises Development and between my determination to succeed and some fantastic mentors around the office, I excelled in a role that many my age wouldn’t have. Later, I was promoted to be our Director of Marketing and oversee national public relations efforts, our corporate social media team – which was new at the time – and our brands’ grand openings project coordinator, which was also a new addition. Alongside my team, we created a streamlined system for tracking and producing content for social media and managing franchise owners and vendors through the entire grand opening process. That experience prepared me for my current role as Director of Operations.
What is a typical day like for you?
Every day is a little different, but a typical day consists of the following:
- Wake up and work out.
- Eat a hearty and healthy breakfast.
- Arrive at work 30 minutes early to plan and prep for my day.
- Conduct client consultations.
- Participate in team meetings.
- Participate in vendor meetings.
- Develop ways to improve our current systems.
- Eat a hearty and healthy dinner.
- Practice self-care.
- Pray and read my bible.
- Spend time with my husband.
- Go to bed early to get plenty of rest.
I value and prioritize my routine because I believe you have to take care of yourself in order to help others.
Yes, we have established UFG Cares to support our community through various outreach efforts. Throughout the year, UFG contributes to various local causes and charities, such as organizing holiday food and toy drives, collecting essential supplies for organizations like Place of Hope and The Hands and Feet Foundation, and contributing to numerous other community-focused efforts. These initiatives reflect our belief in giving back and helping those in need.
In addition to these efforts, we’ve established the UFG Cares Fund, designed to assist our franchise owners and their staff during times of crisis. Whether it’s disaster relief, financial hardship, or other unexpected challenges, this fund offers support to those in need within our franchise community.
UFG also made a significant contribution to the future of franchising with a $1.5 million endowment to create the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University. This center provides students with the education, resources, and support needed to excel in the franchising industry, ensuring the next generation of franchise leaders is equipped for success.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?
I prioritize self-care by making it a non-negotiable part of my day, especially in the mornings. I believe that how you start your day sets the tone for everything else. I wake up early to carve out time for myself before the demands of work and life kick in. I have a routine that includes a workout, getting ready for work, preparing a healthy breakfast, and setting myself up mentally and physically for the day. These moments are my time to focus on myself and ensure I’m at my best.
I remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Showing up for others — my team, my clients, and my family — requires that I first show up for myself. Taking care of my health and well-being isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to be the best version of myself for everyone else.
We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing people effectively while recognizing that everyone is different. You can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Every employee on a team has different needs, motivations, and circumstances. Being an effective and respected leader requires understanding, adaptability, and a genuine effort to be considerate while still pushing each person to reach their full potential.
Another unique challenge I faced last year was managing people on a key project who didn’t directly report to me. It’s a different dynamic because you still have to motivate them to get the job done while respecting the boundaries of their reporting structure. That meant not only building rapport with the team members but also working closely with their direct managers to align expectations and priorities. It required a lot of communication and diplomacy to ensure everyone was on the same page and moving toward a shared goal.
This balance became even more personal for me after getting married late last year. In 2024, my own work-life balance shifted in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It reminded me how important it is to acknowledge that people’s lives outside of work impact how they show up every day. Navigating these dynamics has taught me how to lead with both compassion and accountability, ensuring we all work toward our goals while respecting individual needs.
What advice would you give to a new business owner? Or to your younger self?
The best advice I’d give to a new business owner — or my younger self — is to stop worrying about being liked. You’re not in business to make friends; you’re here to achieve goals, make decisions, and build something meaningful. Focus on earning respect through your work ethic, decision-making, and results, rather than trying to please everyone.
Also, recognize that imposter syndrome is usually just you lying to yourself. You’re stronger and more resilient than you think, and you’re more than capable of handling the challenges ahead. The rocky start is normal — it takes time to find your rhythm and get your feet under you. Trust yourself, stay focused, and remember that every setback is just part of the process of building something great.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
At United Franchise Group (UFG), we stand out as a privately held, family-run company with nearly 40 years of experience in the franchising industry. UFG is home to 10 franchise brands, ranging from signage to coworking spaces, as well as Accurate Franchising Inc., our dedicated franchise consulting division.
What truly sets Accurate Franchising apart is that it’s the only consulting company in the industry backed by an organization like UFG that owns and operates its own franchise brands. This means we don’t just offer advice — we actively practice what we preach. Our consulting services are rooted in real-world franchising experience, giving us the unique ability to understand and address the challenges franchisors face. With UFG’s broad expertise and Accurate Franchising’s specialized consulting approach, we deliver proven strategies to help our clients grow and succeed.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Determination: Success requires a relentless drive to keep going, even in the face of setbacks. Entrepreneurs who stay focused on their goals and push through challenges are the ones who make things happen. At UFG we always set three goals and work toward those every day.
- Adaptability: No matter how well you plan (this is a hard one for me to swallow sometimes), things rarely go exactly as expected. Markets shift, challenges come up, and opportunities can appear unexpectedly. Being able to pivot and adjust your approach is essential for staying ahead and thriving in a constantly changing world.
- Relationship-Building: No entrepreneur succeeds alone. Building strong, genuine connections with mentors, peers, clients, and partners opens doors and creates opportunities. Investing time in relationships fosters collaboration and support that can drive long-term success.
What social media platform is the best for business growth and why?
The best social media platform for business growth really depends on your target audience and what you’re selling. If you’re targeting a younger demographic with visually engaging content, TikTok can be a powerful tool for rapid growth, as its algorithm is great for organic reach.
For more professional or business-focused audiences, LinkedIn is unmatched. It’s ideal for B2B connections and building industry credibility. Platforms like Facebook are also effective for businesses targeting a slightly older demographic, as they provide broad reach and powerful advertising tools.
The best platform is the one where your audience is most active and engaged. Tailoring your strategy to meet them where they already spend their time is key to driving meaningful growth.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” As someone who tends to want to control every aspect of my life, I’ve come to realize that it’s simply not possible. This verse serves as a reminder that I’m not the one in control. I didn’t end up at United Franchise Group because it was part of my plan, and I’m incredibly grateful that things didn’t unfold the way I originally envisioned. Whether in times of joy or struggle, trusting in the Lord has guided me to where I need to be, showing me that His plan is always better than my own.
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Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?