Fred Morton and his wife Marilly have moved into a new world as Subway franchise business owners.

The Mortons stand proudly in front of their Subway franchise.

Photo by John Davis, Alpha Creative Design

Fred Morton, originally from Hartford, Connecticut, had always wanted to start over in a new city. After receiving his pre-med Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut, he took a road trip with a friend, staying in San Francisco for a while. He came to visit a friend who was staying at Christian communal house Prince of Peace and ended up staying and meeting his future wife Marilly, a Portland native.

After the marriage of Fred and Marilly Morton in 1975, Fred returned to school at Portland State University, earning his teacher’s certification working nights as a janitor. With the help of his wife, he then founded and administered the Prince of Peace Christian School, teaching 2nd through 8th grades. He continued this for 13 years. Marilly assisted him, working in the school’s office. She took several leaves of absence to care for her children, but she was always very active in supporting the school. During their thirteen years, she taught art and coached softball and volleyball.

When the Prince of Peace Christian School closed, Fred continued his work as the church’s financial advisor and took on an Associate Pastor position for a year. He then made a move to City Bible High School, where he was a teacher and athletic director. However, twenty years of working in the private sector left the Mortons with no retirement plan.

They looked into buying a Subway location, but were unable to obtain a bank loan because of their lack of experience in the food industry. They then had a meeting with a Subway Development Agent, who interviewed them and tested them. The agent was so impressed by the Mortons that she offered to back the loan herself - if they would buy two locations. It was a golden opportunity. So, in 1998, the Mortons took a leap of faith, refinanced their home and became business owners. They poured their hearts into it, working long hours to assure their success. Marilly spent the first two years working as a sandwich artist, while Fred ran all other aspects of the company.

They have been able to create a friendly, peaceful, family atmosphere. At one point, their 11 year-old-son would run the cash register during the lunch rush. They strive to use only the freshest ingredients, preparing fresh vegetables twice a day. And Jared isn’t the only to one lose weight eating Subway sandwiches: Marilly and Fred lost 55 pounds between them after taking over ownership. They have now managed their dual stores for nearly four years, and have just opened a third store. Ownership of three stores provides a comfortable “nest egg” against retirement. However, if you think they will stop there, you don’t know the Mortons!

The addition of a third store required a change, from managing stores to managing managers. Fred Morton moved the business office into his home and still visits each store daily. However, each location has its own manager, which frees up his time for other things.

Fred Morton has been taking courses from a correspondence real-estate school. He passed both the state and national real-estate certification tests with over 92%. He is currently working part-time out of Prudential Northwest Properties, learning about the real estate business. Once the Mortons have their stores paid off in a few years, they plan to go into real estate investment to provide retirement funds. Good luck to the Mortons in all of their endeavors!

Visit their Subway franchises today to enjoy a fresh sandwitch and support this hardworking family. The first Subway the Mortons operated was their Gateway location, at 10355 N.E. Halsey St, and can be reached at 503-254-4476. The Rockwood Subway is located at 18000 N.E. Glisan St., and can be reached at 503-669-8049. Glisan Station Subway, their newest location, has been up and running for about a year at 11946 N.E. Glisan St., and can be reached at 503-408-0273.

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