At The Franchise Fit Company, we guide clients through a trusted, thorough process to explore franchise opportunities with confidence. Our Founder, Casey Floyd, brings a wealth of experience from every angle of the franchising world—having served as a franchisor executive, helped launch a new franchise brand, and owned franchises herself. She also knows firsthand what it feels like to invest in a franchise that wasn’t the right fit—an experience that drives our mission today.
Our number one goal is to help you find a business that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and definition of success. With our proven process and personalized approach, we’ll ensure you’re making an informed, empowered decision as you step into your next chapter.
We take the time to understand your personal and professional goals, build a customized business owner profile, and identify franchise opportunities that align with your unique vision. Best of all, our services are provided at no cost to you—we’re here to educate, connect, and support you every step of the way.
We take time to understand your goals and build a business profile around your unique vision.
With deep experience across the franchise world, our team knows what to look for, and what to avoid.
We’ve been in your shoes. We're here to help you find the right opportunity, not just any opportunity.
Our guidance is 100% free, and always focused on your goals, not sales quotas.
One of the most common reasons people explore franchise ownership is a single word:
Freedom. But here’s the thing—freedom doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Here are a few direct quotes from clients:
“I am looking for a work/life blend”
“We are looking for control of decisions, family-time and flexibility”
“I want to have something that is OURS, not working from someone else’s dream”
“How can I do something that resonates with my lifestyle”
“I am tired of working for the MAN”
The list can go on and on…
For some, freedom means control over their schedule—being able to decide when they work and when they take time off. For others, it’s financial independence—earning enough to pay off debts, build wealth, or secure a future for their family. For a few, freedom is creative control—the ability to run the business their way, make decisions without corporate red tape, and steer their own ship.
The mistake? Believing freedom only comes in one form, or that someone else’s definition has to be yours. I post a lot about my personal freedom this career and business ownership has afforded my family but what I built may not be the same goal as you or the next business owner.
My Freedom: working from home, making my own schedule, defining my success, executing how I want, enjoying farm life and ballfields. What is yours?
Owning a business can absolutely deliver more flexibility and control than most jobs—but it also comes with responsibility. Early on, “freedom” might look more like the freedom to work harder than you ever have before. When I promote freedom in business ownership – believe me, I am not pulling the wool over on hard work. What I am saying is, YOU decide. I can take as much time as I want to be at the farm, riding horses, or day dreaming but when my foot comes off the pedal, my business reflects that. The key is that no one is looking over my shoulder determining when I hit the gas pedal…so I can complain about business being down or celebrate success. My decision, My Choice, My Freedom.
When I work with clients, I ask questions like:
Your answers to these questions shape the types of franchises that will actually deliver the kind of freedom you envision. For example, If you do not want to work weekends, I am NOT going to promote a restaurant-type business even if you came in asking about a Smoothie King. That does not align with your ideal FIT.
By designing to your definition of freedom will provide more opportunity for success and even financial outcomes – why? The business will cater to YOU and what you want your life and role to look like. Just because Billy down the street is looking like he is printing money, does not mean you will do the same since the work may not be what your goals and strengths align to.
FIT TIP: Freedom in business ownership isn’t something someone else can define for you. It’s a deeply personal choice—and the right franchise should be the one that aligns with your unique vision of independence. Be honest with yourself. It is your scoreboard.
Ready to define Freedom for YOU? Contact me today – no cost, no sales tactics, just learning and exploring together.
When you’re researching franchise opportunities, one of the most anticipated sections of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is Item 19: Financial Performance Representations (FPRs). This is where franchisors may (but are not required to) share historical revenue, expense, or profit data from their franchise system.
On the surface, it feels like the holy grail of decision-making—finally, some numbers. But here’s the reality: relying solely on Item 19 to decide whether to buy a franchise is a mistake. This document is the epitome of comparing Apples and Oranges!
Sit down for this one…here is why:
Franchisors are not required to include Item 19 but they do because it helps sell licenses. Some provide detailed financials, while others give partial or limited data (e.g., gross revenue averages without expenses). You might be looking at a “best-case scenario” instead of a complete financial picture. “It’s like a box of chocolates…”
Many Item 19 disclosures are based on averages, which can be misleading. An “average” can be skewed by a handful of top-performing franchisees, while the majority may be operating below that number. Without context, the average can set unrealistic expectations.
Even when revenue is disclosed, net income is rarely shown. Item 19 often leaves out critical costs—rent, labor, marketing, or debt service—which directly impact what you take home. High revenues don’t equal high profits. Oh but wait, what one owner expenses is wildly different from another owner. We are over here expensing home improvements and another person is expensing their new Audi. See my blog featuring Net Income – that is another story for another day.
The numbers in the Item 19 are historical data points. They are not futuristic. They are not current year-to-date. They do not represent the current market landscape. The numbers are completely a reflection of the previous year’s performance by owners that were operating a full calendar year prior to updating the FDD (yearly occurrence).
Yes, I mean to tell you that just because this is a franchise, it does not mean you automatically make money! Sorry. Your results won’t just depend on the franchise brand, it will depend on the location, market size, your management style, and your ability to execute the model too. Item 19 can’t tell you how well you will perform—it only shows what others have done under different circumstances.
Numbers are important, but the real insights come from conversations with existing franchise owners. They’ll tell you what margins look like, what unexpected expenses come up, and how long it took them to cover expenses monthly, operate in the “black” or hit break-even. Validation calls reveal the day-to-day realities that Item 19 cannot capture. In essence, we can break it down to simple math: how much does it cost to run the business monthly (without bells and whistles) and how much does the average ticket bring in…pull your napkin out and see how many customers you need to breakeven monthly. Can you do it PLUS some?
As for Validation, we can talk later about how to manage validation calls and pull out the data to use in how YOU will operate. Remember, you are going to run the business and it may not be exactly like them. Can you get excited about the typical day-in-the-life?
FIT TIP: Item 19 is a useful tool, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Don’t let it be the deciding factor. Pair it with thorough validation, market research, and an honest evaluation of your goals and resources – Find Your Fit and that will show you the money!
Ready to Find Your Fit? Contact Us
One of the most common questions or requirements I hear from people exploring business ownership is: “Can this franchise replace my salary?”
It’s an understandable question — after all, most of us are conditioned to measure career success in terms of our paycheck, job offer and yearly raises. But here’s the truth: replacing your salary is only one piece of the puzzle, and focusing solely on it can cause you to miss the bigger picture of what business ownership offers.
Business ownership – you are in control. You define your paycheck! Let’s jump into helping you have a different perspective:
Many people think in terms of their gross salary, not their actual net income. “I make $180K a year!” No you don’t! Taxes, healthcare costs, retirement contributions, and other deductions mean your “salary” isn’t the same as the money hitting your bank account. When you consider franchising, the better question is: “How much do I actually need to run my household and live the life I want?” That number is often different — and sometimes lower — than the offer letter or raise in salary you’ve been chasing.
A corporate salary is predictable, but it ends the moment you leave. A franchise, on the other hand, is an asset. You’re not just building income for yourself today; you’re building equity in a business you can grow, scale, pass on or eventually sell. That long-term wealth creation goes far beyond “salary replacement.” Remember, you are in control of the business. You determine your raise and income based on what you put in and want out. This is a big change in mindset!
Think about why you’re exploring franchising in the first place. Chances are it’s not just about money. If it is – this isn’t a “get rich scheme”! It’s about controlling your schedule, creating more time for your family, or aligning your work with your personal values. These intangibles don’t show up in a salary comparison, but they’re often the reason people make the leap. What are these important factors worth to you? There is value and trade-offs in what you are searching for – only YOU can determine how this plays into your search decisions.
Your paycheck feels safe, but it can disappear with a layoff, restructuring, or merger. Franchising involves risk too — but it also gives you the ability to influence your results. Instead of hoping someone in a boardroom makes a decision that protects your job, you’re in charge of driving your own success. When you wake up each day, you make the decision on how hard you work, what you focus on and what happens in the business. I have not found one business owner to-date that has fired or laid themselves off.
When you build a franchise, you’re investing in something that has resale value or legacy for your kids. Many owners exit their businesses with a multiple of annual profits — something no salary will ever give you. Added Plus, the lifestyle benefits of business ownership (flexibility, freedom, fulfillment) add a dimension of wealth beyond dollars and cents. The value I place on time is much greater than when I was trying to climb the ladder of success. At the end of the day, who really cared about title and role – Oh, it was me! My family on the other hand cared if I was present or not.
If your only measure of success is whether the franchise replaces your old paycheck, you’re applying an employee mindset to an ownership opportunity. The real question is:
Fit Tip: Replacing your salary might be the starting point in your franchise search, but it shouldn’t be the finish line. Salary is a single number without meaning. Ownership is a whole picture — financial, personal, and lifestyle — that can transform the way you work and live.
I only wish I could explain the feeling of being on the other side. It is a journey each person must take individually and for their own reasons!
If you’re exploring franchise ownership, I’d love to share what I’ve learned—and help you find the path that’s truly the right fit for you.
I frequently speak to prospective clients that are really diving into the ETA evaluation – looking at existing businesses to buy. ETA is the “sexy” and popular route for investors and people looking to own a business without starting from scratch. Many haven’t even thought about franchising – but it is becoming more popular as a way to leave corporate or diversity revenue streams. Let’s dive in a bit more:
Both models have their pros and cons, and your decision should depend on your goals, risk tolerance, personality, and resources.
Let’s break down both options to help you make a confident, informed choice.
Franchising involves investing in a business model developed by an established brand. You pay fees to become a franchisee and get access to brand recognition, systems, support, and ongoing training.
Example: Opening a Jersey Mike’s or ServPro
ETA is the process of buying an existing, independent business with the goal of running and scaling it. These are usually small-to-medium-sized companies with stable cash flow, retiring owners, and untapped growth potential.
Example: Buying a local HVAC company or a regional marketing agency.
Factor | Franchise | ETA (Acquisition) |
Risk Profile | Lower (proven model) | Higher (varies by deal) |
Startup Time | Faster (weeks to months) | Slower (6–12 months for search and close) |
Support | Extensive franchisor support | Usually none—you’re on your own |
Brand Control | Limited (must follow rules) | Full control and flexibility |
Entry Cost | Often lower ($50K–$500K+) | Varies ($200K–$5M+) |
Operational Complexity | Simpler, more standardized | Often complex (employees, systems, legacy issues) |
Exit Potential | Depends on brand and territory | Potential for higher valuation/multiple |
Ownership Feeling | Shared with the franchisor | Full ownership and autonomy |
Best for: operators who want to plug into a successful machine and scale within clear guardrails.
Best for: strategic thinkers who want to grow and transform a business over time.
Some entrepreneurs start with a franchise to gain experience and cash flow, then move into ETA once they’re more confident. Others acquire an independent business and later franchise it themselves.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Whether you choose franchising or ETA, you’re already ahead by pursuing ownership over employment.
Ask yourself:
Both franchising and ETA can lead to financial freedom and personal fulfillment—if you choose the path that aligns with who you are and what you want.
The biggest question I ask of anyone considering ETA or Franchise Ownership – what do you want your role to be? Define your day-in-the-life. You still need to find FIT in any business.
Have questions about either path?
Becoming a franchisee was one of the biggest (and best) decisions I’ve ever made—but let me be real: it wasn’t all sunshine, roses, and rolling in dough. The journey came with surprises, challenges, and lessons I learned the hard way.
If you’re thinking about becoming a franchisee, here are the honest truths I wish someone had told me before I got started.
I assumed franchising would be like opening a business with training wheels—plug-and-play, smooth sailing. But here’s the truth:
YOU STILL HAVE TO HUSTLE. HARD.
This is not a take the bow off the box and SURPRISE here is a successful business! Yes, the brand provides a proven model, but it’s up to you to execute. You still need to build relationships, hire the right team, market your location, and solve daily problems. The system is a guide—not a guarantee. This is where the importance of finding FIT comes to play. If the hard work and day in the life does not align with your strengths and something you enjoy doing – it is even HARDER. You are your local business in your area. Franchise or mom and pop – it is your territory to build.
Fit Tip: Work with your franchise coach/consultant to define your ideal owner role. Take time to reflect on what you enjoy doing from previous roles.
Franchise support varies widely between brands. Some franchisors provide world-class training, marketing help, and a dedicated rep. Others… hand you a manual and disappear. I learned this now having owned two franchise brands with different franchisors. Support goes into the franchisee network as well. You are investing into a team of owners – how well do they support each other, share best practices and grow the brand is essential as well – see notes on Culture below.
Fit Tip: Speak with multiple existing franchisees during your research. Ask them how responsive the franchisor is after the ink is dry.
It is natural to ask friends, family and colleagues about your new idea, new potential business. While they all love you, they will give you all the BUTS, negatives, WHYS…you must be prepared to filter through this. Some will be excited for you, some will be jealous you are making a JUMP (because maybe they can’t) and others will not be buyers of your business so they can’t see the potential. YOU also may not be a buyer of your business. For example, we own an outdoor living business – we build decks. My husband would NEVER pay to have our deck built – he is handy and a do it yourself guy. But there are SO MANY people that are not in that boat – can you see the potential for others?
Fit Tip: Do the research, ask for feedback, look at your territory but take all with a grain of salt and use solid data points. I also like going with your gut too.
Franchisees are part of a community. That can be a huge asset or a serious red flag, depending on the brand. A strong, collaborative network is gold—you’ll lean on each other more than you think. The Franchisor is a culture too – they will also be your support and guide.
Fit Tip: If other franchisees are bitter, frustrated, or disengaged, take note. Not every business owner is happy – maybe they didn’t do the work to find the right FIT.
The initial investment is only part of the picture. Be prepared for:
Fit Tip: Budget for the worst, hope for the best. Running out of cash is one of the top reasons franchise locations fail—not poor performance. If you are stressed to pay the bills, you will not be focused on building your business.
WOW – I should have put this as number one! As a leader in my corporate career for years, I have always prided myself in management principles, led good teams and supported growth. It is imperative you think through the business and the types of employees you will be hiring. I thought it would be easy. It wasn’t. Recruiting, training, and retaining staff took far more time and energy than I expected.
In some industries (like food, retail, senior care, some home services), employee turnover is a constant challenge. Be ready to become a people manager—even if that wasn’t your goal (but this needs to be considered in franchise selection).
Fit Tip: Hire and Fire Fast! Always be hiring and it is the biggest expense to the bottom line – be diligent about performance and expectations.
If you’re looking for a true “set it and forget it” business, franchising might not be the right fit (or most businesses will not be a good fit). The best franchisees think like entrepreneurs, even if they’re operating within a system.
Fit Tip: Creative problem solving, local marketing, and community involvement are all up to you. The more proactive you are, the more successful you’ll be. No one knows your market better than you – figure out how to reach your customers.
Franchisors have brand standards, operational rules, and marketing guidelines. Sometimes they’ll feel restrictive—but that’s part of the deal. Franchisors set up franchises for everyone to be successful. They charge royalties to support system growth and enhancements for you.
You have to be comfortable following someone else’s system. If you’re a rebel or an innovator at heart, this could feel suffocating.
Fit Tip: Franchisors are not looking for owners to figure out how to change the system – create new ideas and ways of doing things. Yes, there are franchisee advisory councils to help guide and provide constructive feedback to the franchisor but do not go into a franchise with a “I can do this better attitude”.
I thought I’d be profitable in 6 months. It took closer to 14. And that’s not uncommon.
Fit Tip: Franchising is a long game. If you’re expecting instant returns, temper your expectations. And you get out of it what you put in – part-time gets part-time results.
The ups and downs are real, but so is the satisfaction of owning something. I’ve grown more as a person and a leader than I ever did in a corporate role. I control my time, I build my team, and I make decisions that shape my future.
Would I do it again? Yes, we did! And we did it better.
If you’re considering franchise ownership, go in with open eyes and realistic expectations. Ask tough questions. Budget conservatively. Talk to franchisees—not just the ones the brand recommends.
Franchising can be a powerful path to business ownership, but success doesn’t come from the brand alone—it comes from you.
Got questions about becoming a franchisee or lessons I didn’t cover? Let’s talk – no cost, no commitment. I am here to educate you for your best FIT (and sometimes that is not franchising).
Becoming a franchise owner can be an incredible step toward independence—but not all franchises are created equal. What works for one person might be a terrible fit for another. Believe me, I learned the hard way! I will dive more into that in a second.
The top two questions that people ask me – which is NOT the most important question.
1. “What’s the best franchise?”
2. “What franchise makes the most money?
What you need to ask is – “What is the best franchise FIT for ME?”
Secret: If the franchise FITS you, then you will have the answer to the questions above. That will be the best franchise and you will increase your odds of business success.
Finding the right fit isn’t just about profit potential. It’s about aligning the business with:
Before I go any further, let me share my own story.
I was handed the opportunity to own a franchise—literally handed to me. Who wouldn’t be excited? Owning my own business had always been in the back of my mind. I’d gone to graduate school, built a solid career, and when this opportunity came along, I thought, Yes! This is it. Let’s do it.
Fast forward: I took over an existing franchise (stay tuned for my blog on the pros and cons of buying existing vs. starting fresh). Right away, I realized I had some serious fires to put out. The customer base needed to be cut in half. The staff turned over. Marketing wasn’t even turned on. It was go time.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and got deep in the weeds. And what I quickly realized was this: the day-to-day reality of running this business looked nothing like I had imagined. It didn’t align with my strengths. In fact, it pushed me into areas I dreaded. I started losing sleep. I cringed when the phone rang. I felt frustrated, overwhelmed—and worst of all—I started to resent something I was supposed to be building with pride.
Those feelings made it hard to justify investing more time, energy, or money. I felt like I was failing. And as a competitive person, that was a tough pill to swallow. But quitting? That felt like giving up.
So I kept going. I led the business for two years. I turned it around. We became profitable. And I’m proud to say I had built an exit strategy—and I took it.
The experience taught me a lot. I’m grateful for it. But here’s the biggest lesson: business ownership is hard enough. Trying to be someone you’re not just to make it work? That’s not success—that’s survival. And in my opinion, those aren’t the same thing.
Ok – now let’s talk about finding the FIT:
Before looking at brands or industries, ask yourself:
What kind of owner do I want to be?
There are generally three types of franchise ownership:
Fit Tip: Be honest about how much control, time, and energy you want to commit. And, a business needs to be “run” – so involvement will be required.
What are you naturally good at? Are you a people person, a problem-solver, or a sales machine? Picking a franchise that complements your skills will make everything easier—from hiring to customer service.
Fit Tip: Franchising works best when you run in your lane—not force yourself into a role you’ll burn out in or dread.
How much time are you really willing to spend in the business?
Fit Tip: Everyone defines working hours and availability differently. Full-time doesn’t always mean 40 hours, especially if you came from Wall Street! Do you want to work weekends? Evenings? Many people underestimate the time it takes to launch and stabilize a business. Start small and grow into a bigger commitment.
You’ll be interacting with customers—either directly or through your staff. So ask yourself:
Fit Tip: Passion isn’t everything, but liking who you serve definitely helps on tough days.
The type of business you choose will determine the kind of team you’ll build.
Ask yourself:
Fit Tip: Your ability to lead and retain the right team can make or break your business.
Finally, ask the big-picture questions:
Fit Tip: This is your business—make sure it aligns with your definition of success, not someone else’s.
Franchise ownership is a powerful vehicle—but only if you choose one that aligns with your strengths, goals, and lifestyle. The right franchise won’t just make you money—it’ll make you better at what you love to do.
So before falling in love with a brand or business model, ask:
Fit Tip: Answer those honestly—and the right franchise will be easier to uncover. You will know what questions to ask, what to look for and with the help of The Franchise Fit Company, find your way into business ownership with the RIGHT franchise for YOU.
Thinking about franchise ownership but unsure where to start? Let’s connect—I help aspiring owners find the right fit based on who they are, not just what’s trending.
Corporate professionals
laid-off leaders
mid-career professionals
Corporate professionals who are tired of job instability or chasing the next title.
Laid-off leaders looking to take control of their future instead of re-entering the job market.
Mid-career professionals seeking more flexibility, lifestyle freedom, or impact
early retirees
career changers
side hustlers
Early retirees or those looking for a second act that’s both meaningful and financially rewarding.
Career changers ready to invest in themselves and build long-term equity.
Side hustlers who may not be ready to leave corporate but want a transition and additional income, diversify assets.
Military Veterans
Veterans looking to use their experience leading teams, following proven process and operational systems for a post-Military career.
When my husband and I started looking for a franchise, we wanted something that aligned with our values—something we’d be proud to build. Working with franchise coach Casey Floyd made all the difference. From the start, she made us feel at ease and truly listened to what mattered to us. Her thoughtful guidance led us to Archadeck Outdoor Living, a well-established brand with a strong track record and an excellent fit for our background. We’re grateful for Casey’s support and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.
carrie f.
Alejandro M.
Working with Casey was critical to help me understand the franchise business model and landscape. From our very first conversation, Casey’s guidance, industry knowledge, and honest advice helped me with the clarity I needed to move forward, and to gain some confidence that this journey was one I was capable of pursuing. She genuinely cares about her clients’ success and ensures you feel supported at every step. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Casey to anyone considering franchise ownership — she’s an outstanding coach and partner in the process.”
norah p.
Casey was instrumental in guiding us through the process of business ownership through franchising. She takes the time to get to know you, what drives you, your morals and then she gets to work! She is super efficient and has a huge network of businesses in her back pocket to find the perfect fit! If you are thinking about being your own boss, Casey Floyd is the person to contact!
sam p.
Casey was incredible in helping me search for the right franchise to own and operate. She's thoughtful, intelligent, and exceptionally well-connected in the franchising world. More than that, she’s an empathetic listener who genuinely wants what’s best for you. Throughout the entire process, Casey was by my side — always available to answer questions and never once making me feel rushed. Even now, after having signed a franchise agreement, she continues to check in on my progress and offer support. She's truly a gem, and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done!