With the goal of establishing productive franchise partnerships, Mike DeBoer, franchise development advisor at Schooley Mitchell, is passionate about the role he plays in franchisee success. By Erika Ortega
The Virtual Model is Revolutionizing Business
With the goal of establishing productive franchise partnerships, Mike DeBoer, franchise development advisor at Schooley Mitchell, is passionate about the role he plays in franchisee success.
“My position is centered on helping individuals navigate the discovery process,” he explained. “My primary focus is education and support, ensuring prospective owners fully understand the business model, revenue potential and the systems that make our franchise scalable and sustainable.”
Offering a comprehensive analysis process to businesses, Schooley Mitchell specializes in identifying opportunities for savings and service optimization. It offers a risk-free service and a model designed to benefit owners and clients while giving owners the freedom to operate remotely.
“Because there’s no inventory, staffing requirement or retail space needed, franchisees can operate from anywhere,” said DeBoer. “As long as owners have a phone and computer, they are ready to operate our business.”
Schooley Mitchell employs nearly 100 corporate analysts who perform all auditing and analysis for clients, allowing franchisees to dedicate their time to cultivating relationships. It’s a true partnership that continues to deliver impressive results for both the franchise and owners.
“Ultimately, my goal is to help people build a business that aligns with their definition of success: flexibility, financial independence and the ability to make a measurable impact for clients,” said DeBoer. “I measure success by the strength of the franchise partnership, and seeing new owners become confident, thriving members of our business is deeply rewarding.”
The success stories are numerous for franchisees who embrace the Schooley Mitchell model. A franchisee in the San Francisco Bay Area found a niche market by focusing on dental clinics.
“He has built several referral relationships with dental associations across the U.S.,” explained DeBoer. “Because we don’t have territory restrictions, he’s been able to get dental clinics as clients across the country, all of whom he’s never met in person.”
Another franchisee in the Midwest recently assisted one of the brand’s largest clients, a public-sector organization on the East Coast. Schooley Mitchell saved the client millions of dollars while providing services remotely through analysts located across the country.
“Virtual success is the norm here,” said DeBoer.
The brand’s formula includes key pillars that support success on virtual platforms. In addition to having a team of corporate analysts trained to excel in audits and vendor negotiations, Schooley Mitchell provides proprietary technology and tools, comprehensive franchisee training programs and marketing and content support that facilitate prospecting and client development.
“These systems remove administrative burden and allow franchisees to focus on what truly drives revenue: building relationships and helping clients save money,” explained DeBoer.
Schooley Mitchell continues to see significant growth and currently has 370 franchisees operating across the U.S. and Canada. DeBoer believes their expansion is directly tied to adaptability and their virtual structure.
“The ability to operate virtually has removed barriers tied to geography, overhead costs and market limitations,” said DeBoer. “This year, we’re continuing to invest heavily in technology modernization and enhanced support services including improved AI-driven tools, virtual training modules and CRM.”
Erika Ortega