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We are excited to introduce the newest addition to our Franchise Fit Company team: Colin Clark. Colin has been a business owner, a corporate employee, and a franchise owner. Now, he is channeling his expertise into helping others find the perfect franchise fit for their needs. Hear his story from Colin himself… 

Before I decided to purchase a PIRTEK franchise location, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to start another business. I had previously founded and operated a lifestyle brand that was dependent on discretionary income, and I was at least 50/50 about going back to a corporate role. 

So, I had some specific features I was looking for in my next business. As a result, I’m sure I caused the franchise consultant I worked with to shake their head when I dismissed brands with good track records of success. However, having previous business ownership experience focused my interests and caused me to ask myself important questions to ensure the best fit.

What I like about franchise ownership is the entrepreneurial nature with the support of a corporation. I have the flexibility to run my business mostly my way – while still having robust systems in place. You pay for that support and those systems through royalties, of course, but franchise ownership is a really nice way to concentrate on running your business instead of creating and managing internal logistics.

Owning your own business also allows for flexibility. You won’t necessarily work less (at least not at the beginning) but depending on the type of business, you can often choose when you work. I have been able to build my schedule around my kids, which means I try to do the bulk of my work 9-3 and then save many of my admin tasks for after dinner.

I have experience as a corporate employee, a business owner, and a franchise owner, so I truly have a comprehensive understanding of the differences. I can help you think about what’s important to you: What do you like to do day to day? What gets you excited? Do you enjoy managing people? Do you like the sales process or prefer operations? These questions and more will help us narrow your search and find the best fit.

Let’s Talk Franchise Ownership

Are you dreaming of building your family’s future? Of leaving the corporate world behind for a career that gives you freedom, flexibility, and agency? Of taking control of your own salary and earning potential? 

If that sounds appealing, franchise ownership might be the right path for you… and either way, it is worth taking a second look.  

Schedule a free meeting with Colin right here. He can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with The Franchise Fit Company is always 100% free, 100% of the time. We’ll talk to you soon!

Meet Colin: From Franchise Owner to Franchise Coach

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One of the biggest challenges when it comes to business ownership isn’t choosing the right business. It’s believing that the skills that made you successful as an employee are enough to make you successful as an owner.

Woman working at her computer

The reality? Owning a business requires an entirely different way of thinking.

I have worked with executives, military veterans, engineers, physicians, sales leaders, operations professionals, and countless high-performing corporate employees. While they bring incredible experience, the transition is so much more than simply changing jobs… It’s changing identities.

The most successful franchise owners do not just buy a business. They become business owners.

While that might sound simple, it is often the hardest part of the journey. Let’s take a closer look at the shift from an employee mindset to an owner mindset. What changes, why does it matter, and how can you set yourself up for success?

You Stop Having a Job Description

In corporate America, your responsibilities are generally well-defined:

  • You know your role.
  • You know who you report to.
  • You know what success looks like.
  • You have departments that support you—HR, IT, accounting, marketing, legal, recruiting, finance, and operations.

Business ownership changes all of that, especially in the beginning. All of a sudden, your list of responsibilities seems endless: You’re the CEO. You’re the recruiter. You’re the salesperson. You’re the customer service representative. You’re the marketer. You’re the problem solver.

Until your business grows, there isn’t someone else waiting to take care of the issue: The buck stops with you.

For many new owners, this is the first major adjustment. And by the way, no one is telling you what to do, how to do it, and giving you due dates! The responsibility rides on you.

Of course, as a franchise owner, you will have lots of support and a tried-and-true plan to help you get your business up and running smoothly. But YOU are still the person who needs to execute that plan.

You Don’t Get Paid for Being Busy

Corporate careers often reward activity: Attend the meetings, complete the project, hit your objectives. Sit at your desk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and take home a salary. Snooze.

Business ownership rewards outcomes: Customers don’t care how many hours you worked. They care that you solved their problem.

Revenue doesn’t appear because you were “productive” (or at least appeared to be). It lands because customers chose your business.

That shift from activity to accountability can be uncomfortable. Every decision has a direct impact on your business, your team, and your financial results. Are you ready for it?

Decision Fatigue Is Real

Many professionals spend years becoming experts in one area. Business owners must become competent in dozens. It’s a totally different type of arrangement.

As a business owner you are going to dip a toe in most or all of the following sectors of your business:

  • Hiring
  • Pricing
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Cash flow
  • Customer experience
  • Operations
  • Technology
  • Leadership

This is another important reason to consider franchise ownership versus starting a business from scratch. Franchisors have systems set up to support you in the areas where you have less knowledge or are not as strong. That’s part of the appeal! You’ll have a whole team of people in your corner helping you learn, grow, and succeed.

Many first-time owners struggle because they become afraid of making mistakes. Some decisions will be easy. Others won’t have a “right” answer. The irony? Not making decisions is often the biggest mistake of all. Progress almost always beats perfection.

Leadership Changes

Managing corporate professionals and leading employees in a small business are often two very different experiences.

Many franchise owners hire employees who are entering the workforce, working in hourly positions, or developing new skills. Leading these teams requires patience, coaching, accountability, consistency, and clear expectations. You’ll spend less time directing projects and more time developing people.

During the Franchise Fit Company Discovery Process, we will talk about labor and staffing. I’ll help you gain more clarity on what kind of staff you want to manage, discussing topics like skilled vs. unskilled labor, hiring, and so much more.

Whichever path you choose, remember this: Great owners don’t simply manage tasks. They build cultures.

No One Is Coming to Rescue You

This can be one of the biggest mindset adjustments when you go from an employee to an owner.

Corporate environments often have escalation paths. Need approval? Someone above you can make the decision. Need resources?  Another department may provide them. Need help? You submit a request.

Business ownership is different. The answer often starts with you.

That responsibility can feel overwhelming –but it’s also incredibly empowering. For perhaps the first time, you have the ability to change direction immediately. You don’t need five committee meetings. You don’t need twelve approvals. You simply need to decide.


Where New Owners Struggle Most

In my career, I have seen the world of franchising from all different angles. I have been a franchise owner. I have worked for franchisors. And I am a coach for people like you, who are considering franchise ownership for themselves. With this unique perspective, I have noticed several common patterns in where new franchise owners struggle.

Waiting Instead of Selling

Many new owners assume customers will simply find them. Successful owners understand that marketing, networking, relationship building, and community involvement never stop.  You must be ready to “get local” and do grassroots marketing.  

Trying to Do Everything Perfectly

Perfection delays momentum. Successful owners launch, learn, improve, and adapt. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…

PROGRESS beats PERFECTION, almost every time.

Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Whether it’s an employee, a customer, or a vendor, hard conversations are part of leadership.

Ignoring them rarely makes them easier.  You have to fire fast, always be hiring, and stay focused on providing a quality service or product. And sometimes, you have to fire customers. (It’s true!)

Holding Onto Their Corporate Identity

Many people continue thinking like employees months after becoming owners. The employee to owner mindset shift starts with language.

Instead of asking: “What does my boss want?”

You need to ask: “What does my business need?”

Those are two very different questions, but that simple switch can open up a world of possibilities as you consider how to best support YOUR franchise and YOUR team. Yep, it’s all yours.

How to Approach Business Ownership From Day One

The transition into business ownership begins long before you sign a franchise agreement. As soon as you start the Discovery Process, you are well on your way.

It is important to go into ownership expecting to learn.  Not knowing everything isn’t a weakness – it’s normal!

Approach every challenge with curiosity instead of frustration. Understand that your first year is about building systems, routines, relationships, and confidence… again, not perfection.

Accept that your business won’t look exactly like the corporate world you left. And that’s actually one of the greatest advantages of working for yourself.

You’ll have the freedom to create your own culture, define success on your own terms, and build something that reflects your values.

Most importantly, remember that business ownership is not an individual sport. The strongest franchise owners lean into their franchisor, fellow franchisees, mentors, coaches, accountants, attorneys, and local business networks. The people who ask questions early typically avoid much larger problems later.

My Advice to You

When I work with clients through The Franchise Fit Company, we spend just as much time discussing the role of ownership as we do discussing brands.

Why? Because even the best franchise cannot change your mindset for you.

The most successful owners understand that they didn’t purchase a business so they could recreate their corporate job. They invested in an opportunity to build something bigger than themselves.

That requires ownership in every sense of the word. Not just financially, but mentally. The businesses that thrive are often led by people who embrace that shift early.

If you’re evaluating franchise ownership, don’t just ask whether the business is the right fit. Ask yourself whether you’re ready to think like an owner. Cultivating the owner’s mindset may be the most valuable investment you’ll ever make.

Ready to Take the Leap to Becoming a Business Owner?

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!

From Employee to Owner: The Mindset Shift That Determines Success

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As a franchise coach, it probably comes as no surprise that I have a rich background working with brands in the franchising industry. But even more importantly, I have firsthand experience owning a franchise – and it is a family business!

Family photo of a man, woman, and son. They are franchise owners.

My husband, Ben, and I invested in Archadeck Outdoor Living in 2024 – and I owned another franchise before that. The Archadeck brand is all about making beautiful outdoor spaces for our customers. Think screened-in porches, decks, outdoor kitchens, patios, pergolas, and more. 

But that does not mean that I am trying to sell you on becoming an Archadeck franchisee… or on becoming a franchise owner in general!

If anything, it means the opposite: I have a genuine understanding of both the advantages and drawbacks of franchise ownership. Seriously, I have seen it all. And I understand how important it is that you understand what lies ahead as an aspiring franchise owner. 

So, let’s talk about what it’s really like to own a franchise that is your family’s business. I’ll start by sharing our story. 

Franchise Ownership Meets Family Business

Some people imagine franchises as cold, corporate operations. But that could not be further from the truth! 

Individual franchise units are often family businesses, locally owned and operated, serving communities where the owners live, too. Our family’s Archadeck franchise is just one example of many. 

When Ben and I decided to invest in a franchise, we knew we wanted more freedom and flexibility for our family. Like many families, we had spent years balancing careers, raising our son, and chasing professional goals. Ultimately, we realized that we wanted more control over our future and the chance to work toward a shared vision. 

Building a business together gave us the opportunity to combine our strengths while also creating something meaningful for our family, providing jobs in our community, and investing in our future together. 

An added bonus? Our son, Cannon, gets a front-row seat to real entrepreneurship. He sees all of the hard work, commitment, and cooperation that go into running a business. Those lessons are invaluable – and they will stay with him for the rest of his life. 

Setting Boundaries Between Home Life and Work

As you can imagine, when you spend all day working on a business together, it can be easy for conversations about sales, marketing, or projects to follow you to the dinner table. We make an effort to draw boundaries between home life and work life so that we can dedicate meaningful time to being present with our family. 

After all, that is why we do the work that we do – to build wealth and stability for our family now and down the line. We love having the flexibility to attend Cannon’s sports games (Ben even coaches his baseball team!) and pursue our own hobbies, too. 

Owning a franchise together has given our family gifts we would not have even dreamed of in the corporate world. Spending more time together is just one of many. 

Finding YOUR Family’s Franchise Fit

Running a franchise business as a couple or as a family can certainly be challenging at times – but what career isn’t? 

My perspective? Obstacles in a career that you can control are infinitely better than roadblocks in the corporate world, where you have no way to take back the reins. Whatever challenges come your way as a franchise owner, you are the one in the driver’s seat. 

Success as a franchise owner begins with finding your perfect fit – and that is exactly what we are here to help you with at The Franchise Fit Company

Our process begins by exploring your career goals as well as your strengths, areas of expertise, and lifestyle needs. Based on a thorough exploration of what you hope to achieve as a franchise owner as well as your financial position, preferences, and other requirements, we will pair you with a selection of top brands. 

Throughout the course of the Discovery Process, you will learn more about each brand and find out which one may be the best fit for you. We will be there every step of the way to ensure that you are getting the most out of this process. 

At the end of the day, an opportunity that is amazing for one person might be terrible for another person. Every individual has a different vision for what they want their career to look like. Our goal is to match you with a brand that will help you achieve just that. 

Let’s Talk Franchise Ownership

Are you dreaming of building your family’s future? Of leaving the corporate world behind for a career that gives you freedom, flexibility, and agency? Of taking control of your own salary and earning potential? 

If that sounds appealing, franchise ownership might be the right path for you… and either way, it is worth taking a second look.  

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!

Our Story: A Family Business Built Through Franchise Ownership

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Family of a man, woman, and son. They are franchise owners of a family business.

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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 every person. Here are a few direct quotes from my clients related to finding freedom in owning a franchise:

“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…


Freedom Is Personal

For some, freedom in owning a franchise means control over their schedule – being able to decide when they work and when they take time off.  For others, it is 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 that this career and franchise business ownership has afforded my family… But what I built may not adhere to the same goals that you or the next business owner have.

My Freedom: A work from home franchise, making my own schedule, defining my success, executing how I want, enjoying farm life and ballfields. What is yours?


Owning a Franchise Gives You Options – But Not Without Trade-Offs

Owning a franchise 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 franchise business ownership – believe me, I am not pulling the wool over on hard work. What I am saying is, YOU get to decide. 

I can take as much time as I want to be at the farm, riding horses, or daydreaming. 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.


Defining Your Freedom Before You Choose a Franchise Business

Before owning a franchise, it is crucial to determine what freedom looks like for YOU. Freedom and flexibility are some of the main advantages of a franchise… But they look different for every person. So, how do you find out your own definition of freedom in franchise business ownership?

When I work with clients, I ask questions like:

  • What do you want your day-to-day life to look like?
  • How many hours do you want to work, realistically?
  • What’s more important: income potential or time flexibility?
  • Do you want to be customer-facing or behind the scenes?
  • Do you want a team to manage, or do you want to be the primary face of the business?

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 (yep, even if you came in asking about a Smoothie King).  That does not align with your ideal FIT. 

By designing franchise business ownership according to your definition of freedom, we will provide more franchise opportunities 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 with a particular franchise business does not mean you will do the same, since the work may not align with your goals and strengths.

Your Freedom, Your Fit

Fit Tip:  Freedom in franchise 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.

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.

FAQs About Franchise Business Ownership and Freedom

How do franchises work?

A franchise business is part of a proven system run by the franchisor, who determines brand guidelines and structure that the franchisees follow. When you look at owning a franchise, you need to be comfortable with adhering to these guidelines while building your business and embracing the freedom and other advantages of a franchise.

What is a franchise owner?

A franchise owner is someone who owns a franchise business. Normally, they are not the creator of the business – but they believe in the brand and have bought into the company. A franchise owner pays royalties to the franchisor in order to use the brand’s reputation, branding materials, marketing prowess, and more. There are advantages of a franchise to both the owner and the bigger franchisor.

How to become a franchise owner?

Becoming a franchise owner begins with defining your ideal picture of career success. What kind of freedom are you looking for in owning a franchise? Do you want a work from home franchise or one where you will be on the move every day or eve in an office? If you are looking at owning a franchise, let’s talk. I’ll help you find the perfect FIT for you.

How much do franchise owners make?

There is no one answer to the question of how much franchise owners make. It depends on the brand, the market, and their individual levels of success. Franchise owners who work to find the right FIT before owning a franchise are likely to have better success as a franchise business owner and make more money. That’s a fact!


Ready to define Freedom for YOU? Contact me today – no cost, no sales tactics, just learning and exploring together. Talk to you soon!

Freedom in Franchise Business Ownership – Your Definition, Your Path

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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.


1. The Franchise Isn’t a “Business-in-a-Box”

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. 


2. Not All Support Is Equal

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. 


3. Friends, Family and You

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.  


4. You’re Not Just Here to Buy a Franchise—You’re Joining a Culture

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.  


5. You Need More Cash Than You Think to Buy a Franchise

The initial investment is only part of the picture. Be prepared for:

  • Working capital for at least 6–12 months
  • Marketing expenses not always covered in your franchise fee
  • Delays in breakeven—even if you’re doing everything right
  • Owner salary – I highly recommend setting yourself up to not need anything in year one. 

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. 


6. Employees Can Make or Break You

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.  


7. You Still Need an Entrepreneurial Mindset

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.


8. Compliance Can Be Frustrating (But It’s Non-Negotiable)

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.


9. ROI Takes Time

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.


10. It’s Not Easy—But It’s Worth It

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. 


Final Thoughts

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!

Contact Me

Lessons in How to Buy a Franchise: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Franchisee

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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:

  • A business that had once grossed over $1M annually
  • At takeover, it was bringing in ~$40K/month and declining
  • 8–10 staff members, solid customer accounts, 2 office locations, and all the equipment and supplies

Sounds great, right?

Well, here’s what I actually found:

  • Jobs were severely underpriced—no profit in sight, lots of “friends and family” discounts
  • A team with poor attitudes and little accountability—zero leadership, zero quality control
  • No GM in place (and I had planned on running this semi-absentee)
  • Marketing? Nonexistent for the last 6–8 months
  • Leads weren’t being worked, and new business came solely from word-of-mouth

So yes, I got a deal—but it came with surprises.

What I did next:

  • Cut the business in half within 60 days—raised prices, lost some customers, but that was OK
  • Addressed the team—some left, others were let go. Also OK
  • Promoted a manager to oversee the day-to-day
  • Restarted marketing efforts

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. 


Starting a Franchise from Scratch

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:

  • Make every decision with intention
  • Shape the customer experience from day one
  • Stay laser-focused on margin and quality

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.

Contact Me

Franchise Ownership: Buying Existing vs. Starting from Scratch

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