Fred Pose has been Gelatissimo franchise development manager since 2013 and has brought a wealth of understanding from both a franchisee and franchisor point of view.

He began his career at Oporto as a crew member and moved up the ranks to set up and manage the first company owned food court store, and then bought two franchise stores. When Pose sold his franchises he returned to Oporto as head of franchising, where he developed a successful franchise recruitment system.

Here he answers our quickfire questions…

Who do you admire in the franchising sector and why?

I admire people who’ve started with an original idea and through sheer hard work and determination have grown into franchises, which are successful for their franchisees as well.

What is on your playlist?

Ed Sheeran, old school RnB.

What book would you recommend and why?

‘Onward – How Starbucks fought for its life without losing its soul’ by Andrew Schultz.  The book deals with re-invention and change but my favourite message is the focus on people to implement that.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

Talent and ideas are important but there is no substitute for hard work and persistence.

If you could choose someone to play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?

Hugh Jackman – he would make me look good.