Why You Should Consider a Franchise: My Case for Franchise Freedom
Hey everyone, Giuseppe Grammatico here, your franchise guide, and welcome back to the Franchise Freedom Podcast! Today, I want to dive deep into a question I get asked a lot: “Why should I consider a franchise?” We’ve talked about business ownership, but let’s zero in on why franchising can be a game-changer, especially for corporate executives like you who are seeking time and financial freedom.
What is a Franchise?
Before we jump into the “why,” let’s quickly revisit what a franchise is. Think of it as a business on training wheels. You’re not starting from scratch. Instead, you’re leveraging a proven system, a recognized brand, and established operational procedures. My own journey started when I wanted a business with a clear path forward, where I could hit the ground running. I found that in franchising, and I was able to open my business and generate revenue within 30 days.
Franchising isn’t for everyone, though. If you’re someone who thrives on creating everything from the ground up—from the logo to the menu—a franchise might not be the right fit. But if you value a proven system and a fast track to business ownership, keep reading.
5 Reasons to Consider a Franchise
Here are the main reasons why I believe you should seriously consider a franchise:
1. Control Over Your Destiny
As a corporate employee, I felt a lack of control. Mergers, layoffs, compensation changes—I experienced it all. In three years at my last employer, my revenue increased, but my income decreased. It was frustrating, to say the least. I had no control over my compensation, my advancement, or even my retirement options. We blindly invest in 401ks without control over the investments.
As a franchise owner, the game changes. You control your daily operations, your effort, your hires, and your marketing budget. You also have the power to pivot. I remember when the 2008 recession hit, we switched our focus to recession-resistant industries like healthcare, and it saved us. You have the safety net of a business being built on the side, while you keep your corporate role.
2. You’re Never Truly Alone: A Built-In Partnership
Many people look for business partners, but in a franchise, your franchisor is essentially your partner. Their goals are aligned with yours: the better you do, the better they do. This means you get support and coaching, assistance with marketing, and a team invested in your success. I remember when I was starting out, it was a huge weight off my shoulders knowing the brand had my back with a fully built system for everything from websites to employee handbooks. I could focus on operations knowing the backend was rock solid. This partnership allows you to scale faster and be up and running typically in 90 days or less. This has saved a lot of would-be entrepreneurs time and money from costly mistakes.
3. Culture That Fosters Growth and Support
Culture is key, and you’ll get a good sense of it early on in your conversations with the franchisor. Look for transparency, open communication, and a willingness to share information. This culture extends to fellow franchisees, who are eager to support you because they’ve been in your shoes. Many of them have never owned a business before. I’ve seen the power of this firsthand at annual conferences and regional gatherings, where franchisees share ideas, best practices, and even resources. This support system and the culture extends to your own staff that you build.
Plus, I’ve seen many resales happen between franchisees. Selling within the network is a great benefit because both parties save on broker fees and have less of a learning curve.
4. The Power of Money and Economies of Scale
Franchising offers incredible economies of scale. As the franchise company grows, so do the savings and opportunities, like lower marketing costs, better pricing on supplies, and more efficient call centers. I’ve seen firsthand how buying in bulk saves money on supplies. The savings are passed down to the franchisees. Franchises also get you up and running much faster and are a great way to diversify your income streams. Some people diversify within different brands, some diversify with different streams of revenue and some diversify with both.
Also as a business owner, you have the opportunity to take advantage of more robust retirement plans compared to being a W2 employee. You also 100% own your business. Yes you are paying a royalty, but you own the business and you can sell when you want.
5. Unparalleled Support Every Step of The Way
Finally, the support system in a franchise is crucial. You’re buying a proven system, but that system is only good if there is the support to back it up. When you are doing your due diligence on a brand you should ask “what am I getting for the royalty?”. It’s a question a lot of people don’t ask. A good franchisor will provide training, help with marketing, and offer ongoing support for the life of your business. You should also seek out what type of technology or new initiatives they are working on as well. You want the franchise to evolve and be cutting edge.
I had a candidate tell me he was overwhelmed by the idea of creating a P&L, and the franchisor walked him through it, and connected him with an accountant to help him with the process. Many franchisors will also offer weekly calls, assign you a franchise coach or even give you dashboards so you can monitor your business and see how you’re performing relative to other franchisees.
Is Franchising Right for You?
Franchising is a business, and like any business, it comes with risks. The key is to find a franchise that aligns with your goals, your investment capabilities, your location preferences, and your skill set. Start by identifying your strengths and transferable skills. Are you a natural networker or an extrovert? Consider that. And spend ample time doing due diligence, speaking with franchisees, and researching the company. Ask the million-dollar question: Knowing what you know now, would you do it again?
My Personal Experience
I remember starting my franchise journey and opening my business in 30 days. I scaled quickly, reinvested my profits and sold my business in 2020. It was because of the system, support, and network.
That’s why I want to encourage you, if you’re on the fence or just have some general questions about the process, to book a call with me. Let’s explore if franchising is a right fit for you. We’ll dive into your goals, skillsets, and financials to find the ideal business for your lifestyle.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
I hope this episode has given you a clear picture of why you should consider a franchise. It’s more than just a business; it’s a path to freedom. If you’re ready to explore your options, I’m here to guide you. Remember, I don’t work with a team, you work directly with me.
Find the franchise that is a right fit for you at https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/right-fit
Check out my other podcast episodes at https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/podcast/