On March 20th, Mail Boxes Etc. Worldwide Development brought together 12 MBA students from 12 countries in Barcelona for a hands-on strategic workshop. The goal was simple: co-create real business development plans, learn from fresh perspectives, and identify the next generation of Business Developers and Master Franchise partners.
The Business Challenge
The session was built around two business simulations designed to mirror the strategic decisions MBE and our Master Franchisees face every day.
Game 1 — Market Prioritization in a Changing World
Students analyzed the global landscape, factoring in geopolitical dynamics, transportation costs, and economic conditions, and classified markets across different regions into strategic tiers: where to focus now, where to monitor, and where to hold. The exercise covered markets across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Game 2 — Go-To-Market Strategy
Each team received a fictional budget of €100,000, a six-month runway, and the objective to secure two Master Franchise agreements. They defined target markets, built lead generation strategies, allocated resources, and presented a clear action plan. The quality of thinking, grounded in market research and financial modeling, was exceptional.
The Workshop
The event closed with a formal certification ceremony for all participants, recognizing their commitment and the quality of the work produced. But equally valuable was the networking that took place throughout the day where both students and MBE team members networking in an entrepreneurial vision.
About Mail Boxes Etc.
Founded in 1980 in San Diego, California, Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) has grown from a single store into a global network of over 1,735 locations across 46 countries. Operating under parent company Fortidia with €1.45 billion in global revenue, MBE provides shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses worldwide.
What Is a Master Franchisee?
A Master Franchisee is an exclusive partner granted the rights to develop and operate the MBE brand within a specific country or region. This is not a passive investment, it is a full-scale business leadership role that requires vision, financial capacity, and a deep understanding of logistics and market dynamics.
Are you ready to lead MBE in your market?
If you have the entrepreneurial mindset, the business background, and the ambition to build something lasting, we want to hear from you. Explore our Master Franchise opportunities and take the first step.