This week, we take a look at Great Harvest Bread Company, the largest group of specialty bread retailers in the United States with over 200 bakeries in 39 states. We’ll explore Great Harvest’s pioneering “freedom franchise” model and their democratic practice of choice.

Q: How can I promote choice within my franchise while maintaining a high-quality product?

A: Great Harvest’s “freedom franchise” business model encourages bakery owners to exercise free choice. Great Harvest is not a cookie-cutter franchise in the fact that no two bakeries are alike. Every bakery owner knows that his or her bakery is “the neighborhood bakery.” Unlike most franchises, owners of Great Harvest franchises can choose just about everything about their business, with the exception of wheat. Great Harvest buys all its wheat from family-owned farms located near Great Falls, Montana because of the taste and baking properties of wheat from that area. Beyond that, bakery owners can purchase other seasonal ingredients from local vendors.

Giving bakery owners the opportunity to make their own decisions on what specific ingredients to use in their products allows for a greater sense of control over their individual bakery and a feeling of uniqueness among competitors.

By implementing democratic practices within his company, including the principle of choice and the “freedom franchise” concept, CEO Mike Ferretti explains how his company benefits: “Democratic practices are central to our organization because empowered, happy owners run amazing and profitable bakeries. Our owners are connected to a lively network of people who love what Great Harvest stands for — having fun, creating the freshest whole grain bread in the neighborhood, giving generously to the communities they serve, supporting family-owned farms, and creating a local bakery that’s upbeat and family friendly. The longevity and success of our company speaks volumes about the value of democratic principles in the workplace.”

For more information on Great Harvest Bread Company and their democratic practices, click here.