Selecting this month’s employee of the month was an easy choice with all he has accomplished in just a short time. Congratulations to Austin James! Austin is one of our newer additions to the team, joining in July of 2018. Before coming to Buzz Franchise Brands, Austin was studying business at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (go Dukes!). He grew up in the Hampton Roads area and has the distinction of being one of Buzz Franchise Brands’ first college interns last summer. He made a great impression on us that summer, and we’re thrilled to have him with us full-time!

Austin’s Role in the BFB Family

Austin works across all of our brands as the Franchise Support Specialist. In this role his primary focus is analyzing the systems we use and creating/refining various data trackers to make them more user friendly and digestible. Austin has done an incredible job with all of his roles and responsibilities, as well as finding new and innovative ways to look at information and put processes in place to improve efficiencies. Austin said one thing he enjoys about working at BFB is that the company “challenges employees to think outside of the box to solve complex problems, and leadership provides all of the necessary guidance and tools to help their employees be successful and grow professionally.” We couldn’t agree more!

What Makes Austin #1

Austin excels at our core value, being curious and innovate. He doesn’t just do what is asked but goes above and beyond to find the best possible solution that will benefit everyone.He also acts with purpose, gleaning insights from data that are valuable to him and his team. He is also always willing to lend a helping hand. Last but not least, Austin knows how to have fun. Just ask any of his fellow employees who have gotten to hang out with him at our social events, such as the corporate offsite retreat. One coworker described him as “having a lot on his plate with the various analyses required to support our brands, but he does it with a smile on his face! He is arguably the best photographer at work events.”

Q&A With Austin

We asked Austin a few, fun personal questions to get to know him better. He had some great responses, enjoy! 

• What is your favorite joke to tell?
  What concert costs 45 cents? 
  50 Cent featuring Nickelback.

•  At which store would you like to max-out your credit card? Why?
  I would go to Best Buy, because I love new technology and I need better surround sound speakers.

• What is the worst pet you have ever had?
  Harry the Hermit Crab. He didn't last long...

While Austin has not been around the longest, he has certainly added great value to this team, and continues to impress everyone with his growth and ideas every day. Many improvements have been made that would not be possible without Austin’s drive and attention to detail. Not to mention, the laughs he brings from those great jokes! We are proud to have him in the BFB family, and look forward to continuing working with him, as well as attending corporate offsite with him. Way to go Austin!