01/21/15
The spring event in the Entrepreneur Direct Speaker Series at Fort Hays State University will feature Scott Redler, chief operating officer and co-founder of Freddy's Custard & Steakburgers, and Jason Ingermanson, the largest franchisee of Freddy's.

The Entrepreneur Direct presentation will take place from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in the FHSU Ballroom of the Memorial Union. Students, faculty, staff and the general public are invited to this free event.

Redler co-founded Freddy's with two brothers, Bill and Randy Simon, whose father, Freddy Simon, was the inspiration for the restaurant. Ingermanson is not only the largest franchisee of Freddy's, he is the franchisee of the Hays Freddy's and also of the Hays Mokas.

Freddy's savory steakburger is inspired by the '50s style staple and reminiscent of an era focused on quality, cooked-to-order meals that bring families and loved ones together. Freddy's was founded in 2002 in Wichita. It now has more than 122 stores across America.

Research has shown that franchises have a much higher success rate than other new businesses and are a special form of entrepreneurship. The FHSU College of Business and Entrepreneurship is pleased to bring the founder of a restaurant franchise company to campus as well as a franchisee who has successfully benefited from this business model.

Entrepreneur Direct is a speaker series that features successful entrepreneurs in an informal setting accessible to students, faculty and the public. The program is intended to connect students with successful entrepreneurs who have stories and advice to share. A panel asks questions about entrepreneurship and encourages questions and interaction with the audience.