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One of the most common questions or requirements I hear from people exploring business ownership and looking at a franchise for sale 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 the owning a franchise salary can cause you to miss the bigger picture of what business ownership offers.
With business ownership, you are in control. You define your paycheck, and there are many different ways to compensate yourself as a franchise owner. 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!” Well… 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 have been chasing.
If you are looking at a franchise for sale and thinking of your salary or compensation as one concrete amount, you are thinking about this all wrong. Owning a franchise salary is dynamic, and you can make it work for you in many different ways.
A corporate salary is predictable, but it ends the moment you leave your job. A franchise, on the other hand, is an asset. You are 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!
Fit Tip: There is also the pitfall of looking for the most profitable franchise. Remember, it takes time to build up your franchise to the level of profitability. Any franchise for sale will come with plenty of numbers and statistics to try to demonstrate that it is the most profitable franchise. But really, the most profitable franchise for you is the one that you will enjoy working in and that plays to your strengths.
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 quick” scheme! Owning a franchise is about controlling your schedule, creating more time for your family, or aligning your work with your personal values. These intangibles do not 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.
Fit Tip: Looking at a franchise for sale or exploring low cost franchise opportunities? Here at The Franchise Fit Company, we can help you find the perfect option for you. We’ll take into account your needs, budget, skills, interests, preferences, and so much more. Remember, the most profitable franchise is one that brings you joy and makes you excited to invest in a franchise for sale.
Your paycheck may feel 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.
The reward of investing in low cost franchise opportunities comes in many forms. You will reward yourself with compensation, but you will also reward yourself in living the dream of owning your own business and investing in your financial future.
When you build a franchise, you are 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. 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 only me! My family, on the other hand, cared if I was present or not.
If your only measure of success is whether a franchise for sale replaces your old paycheck, you’re applying an employee mindset to an ownership opportunity. The real question is:
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.
Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!
The best franchise to own depends on your personal needs, preferences, and desires. During The Franchise Fit Company process, we will closely examine what you need to succeed and build a profile of your ideal brand. Then, we will explore a few different options that suit your needs to discover what is truly the best fit for YOU. Remember, the most profitable franchise to own is the one where you will succeed and put your skills to good use.
There are certain low cost franchise opportunities that have higher average profits than others, but the most profitable franchise to own is one where you will succeed. You can buy a franchise with high margins and a strong track record of success, but if it does not play to your strengths, you will not see the same strong results.
Franchise owners compensate themselves differently from those who are paid an annual salary. You will pay yourself a certain amount, but you may also make more during certain seasons of the year. Additionally, there are many tax benefits to business ownership, as you can embrace certain write-offs and other wealth management strategies.
During the franchise discovery process, you will find out more information about how much owners with a certain franchise brand make per year. You can also discuss this topic with existing owners on validation calls, which help you learn more about the experience of being an owner with a certain brand. Of course, your own earnings will depend on your personal business success and the market you are in.
Here at The Franchise Fit Company, I am here to help you find the perfect franchise for sale that meets all of your individual needs. Together, we will craft a plan to help you find a profitable franchise model that plays to your strengths and will yield you excitement and success.
Contact Me to get started today!

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I frequently speak to prospective clients that are really diving into the ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) 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 a franchise business – but owning a franchise is becoming more popular as a way to leave corporate or diversify your 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 about the best businesses to buy, whether that is a franchise business or the ETA route.
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
There are many different types of franchise business opportunities out there, from pet franchises to gym franchises, wellness franchises, home service franchises, home remodel franchises, plumbing franchises, painting franchises, design franchises, and so much more.
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.
There are advantages of a franchise business as well as an ETA. Now, we will take a look at the key differences between these opportunities and how to select the best businesses to buy.
| 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 |
This chart can guide you in determining whether you prefer a franchise business or ETA. But if you are still decided on the best businesses to buy, keep reading – or book a consultation to talk about it with me, 100% free. I’m happy to help you discover whether or not franchising is right for you.
Best for: Operators who want to plug into a successful machine and scale within clear guardrails. In some cases, you may even be able to find a home based franchise business for ultimate flexibility.
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.
Choosing the best businesses to buy is all about understanding your individual risk tolerance, cash flow options, and long-term goals for your financial future and career. Beginning your investment journey with a franchise business can help you build wealth and confidence, opening the doors to other opportunities like ETA in the future. You may also try owning a franchise and discover that it does fit your goals and that you prefer this lower-risk, proven option and the actionable systems involved in a franchise business.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the best businesses to buy, franchise vs ETA. It’s all about determining your personal preferences.
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? Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!


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When I set out to buy a franchise, it 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 that to buy a fanchise 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 and there are many advantages of a franchise, 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, and all franchise opportunities are different.
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. When you buy a franchise, you want to feel confident that you will enjoy this new chapter in your career.
Franchise support varies widely between brands. Some franchise opportunities 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 more 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 and if they would buy a franchise from this brand again.
It is natural to ask friends, family and colleagues about your new idea and 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 home service franchises – 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. So ask yourself, can you see the potential for others?
Fit Tip: Do the research, ask for feedback, and look at your territory. Take outside feedback 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, and this is one of the big advantages of a franchise. 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 – but on the flip side, 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. Franchise opportunities all have different times to break even.
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. One of the advantages of a franchise is that many brands give you a framework for how, who, and where to hire. But you will still need to put in some legwork.
In some industries (like food, retail, senior care, some home service franchises), 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 remember, people are 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 (really, most businesses will not be a good fit). The best franchisees think like entrepreneurs, even if they’re operating within a system of franchise opportunities.
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 when you buy a franchise. No one knows your market better than you – figure out how to reach your customers.
Franchise opportunities 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 or 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. Now, our home service franchises make us money and help us to support our family. But it didn’t happen overnight.
Fit Tip: Franchising is a long game. If you’re expecting instant returns, temper your expectations. And remember, 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 – in fact, we did! And the second time around, we learned from our mistakes and we did it better. Now, I love getting to share my insights on franchise opportunities with all of you.
If you’re considering franchise ownership, go in with open eyes and realistic expectations. Ask tough questions. Budget conservatively. Talk to franchisees, and 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 to buy a franchise).
Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!


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Owning a franchise 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. But first…
Take a look at the top two questions that people ask me when they are looking at owning a franchise, which are NOT the most important questions.
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?”
Fit 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 best small business fit isn’t just about profit potential. It’s about aligning your small business ideas 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 (check out 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. That is not to say that owning a franchise was not for me… but maybe owning this franchise was not for me.
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: owning a franchise 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.
Okay. Now, let’s talk about finding the FIT and finding the best businesses to buy for you:
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 some level of involvement will be required in any of the best small businesses.
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. This is how you find the best businesses to buy – “best” is a relative term dependent on your unique strengths and preferences
Fit Tip: Franchising works best when you run in your lane. Do 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 owning a franchise into a bigger commitment.
You will 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. When you think about the best small businesses, your customer base makes a huge difference.
The small business ideas you gravitate toward 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, and it also helps determine the best businesses to buy for YOU.
Finally, ask the big-picture questions about your small business ideas:
Fit Tip: This is your business, so make sure it aligns with your definition of success, not someone else’s.
Owning a franchise is a powerful vehicle – but only if you choose small business ideas that align 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 best businesses to buy 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, you can find your way into the best small businesses with the RIGHT franchise for YOU.
Thinking about franchise ownership but unsure where to start? Let’s connect—I help aspiring owners find the best small businesses based on who they are, not just what’s trending.
Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!


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I took over an existing franchise for almost zero investment—literally just opened a bank account and added some operational funds. Yes, these opportunities exist. Sometimes, an owner is ready to move on, and you can get a steal of a deal.
But let’s be clear: nothing is ever truly free.
What I inherited:
Sounds great, right?
Well, here’s what I actually found:
So yes, I got a deal—but it came with surprises.
What I did next:
It still took over a year (and a lot of trial, error, and tough calls) to turn a profit.
Lesson: Buying in doesn’t guarantee a head start. You must dig in, evaluate thoroughly, and be ready to do the work.
In contrast, my husband and I launched a brand-new franchise location together—and the difference was night and day.
With strong franchise training, a detailed launch plan, and ongoing support, we were able to:
Within six months, we were closing projects, protecting our profits, and putting money back in the bank.
Yes—it was still work. But when you’re aligned with a franchisor that has proven systems, real support, and a solid structure, starting from scratch doesn’t have to be scary.
Moral of the story:
Whether you buy existing or build new, the right FIT matters.
Know your strengths, understand the work required, and partner with a brand that aligns with your goals.
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.

