We asked Robert Cresanti, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA), about the ingenuity and fierceness of franchisors as they take on the present pandemic – and how the IFA is leading the charge to protect franchise businesses during these unprecedented times. By Rose Mango
What separates and propels a select few franchises to the winner’s circle with most never getting any traction or getting derailed after a fast start? By Tom Spadea
by Brian LaCour
Certified Franchise Consultant
When you’ve got the entrepreneurial itch, you might be weighing whether to go it alone or invest in a franchise. Here are nine arguments in favor of the second option.
1. You get off to a head start with the backing of a named brand. By purchasing a franchise, you’re often buying into a business with a brand that’s already been developed or emerging, marketed, and, most important, familiar to consumers.
2. You can choose the franchise that accommodates your lifestyle. Maybe you want to work from home or work only certain parts of the year. Perhaps you don’t want to manage employees. Investing in a franchise allows for this flexibility. Franchises are diverse, and many of them don’t require employees or office space. You can opt for a franchise that’s right for your interests and skills.
3. You receive customized training designed to get you up to speed with your business. In a mix of classroom and on-the-job training, the franchisor will teach how to operate the business as well as the techniques particular to the brand. The transfer of knowledge during training serves as the foundation of a successful franchise network and is not available to someone in business by himself.
4. You benefit from intellectual property, trademarks, and patents. Many franchisors grant you access to proprietary technology or software that’s designed specifically to their brand and gives franchisees an edge over their competitors.
5. You benefit from strategic partnerships and agreements. By joining a franchise network, you become part of a much larger, more powerful network than you could have on your own. This applies to everything from negotiating the purchase of advertising to making supply arrangements.
6. You increase your chances of success. Franchise ownership increase your chances of being in business five or 10 years later and being profitable.
7. You have a team protecting the integrity of the brand. Being part of a franchise network requires adhering to rules and regulations. The upside is that there are standards for quality control among all franchisees. In addition, a strong franchise network will ensure all the franchisees are operating at peak performance.
8. You follow a formula that has proved successful. One discouraging aspect of starting your own business is testing the products and/or services you’re trying to sell. Going out on your own requires a leap of faith. A franchise network has already found what works.
9. You’re not alone. Starting a business can be intimidating. It is a test of endurance as you navigate unfamiliar territory. With a franchise, your network is just a phone call, email, or text message away. A support team will assist you when you open and as you continue to grow your business.
Brian LaCour has more than 20 years of business leadership experience in driving fiscal results, strategic planning, saving costs, increasing revenue, streamlining processes, and developing top performing teams. LaCour’s passion for helping people led him to the role as president of the International Franchise Group. Call LaCour at 561-502-7283 or email him at blacour@internationalfranchisegroup.com. Visit www.internationalfranchisegroup.com.
by Jill Abrahamsen
Stephanie Basile-Drileck and her husband Chuck did their due diligence before finally investing in a FASTSIGNS® business. The San Antonio couple looked at opportunities in every area of franchising—from food to fitness—and then weighed the pros and cons to each industry. Finally, they decided that drawing on their advertising and marketing backgrounds was the way to go.
“While we didn’t know anything about creating or installing signs, we did know how to help people market their businesses. Our advertising experience helps us help our customers. Collaborating comes naturally for both of us,” Chuck says. The couple ultimately chose FASTSIGNS above other brands because of franchisees’ comments about the company. “FASTSIGNS gave us a list of all their current store owners, not just the ones they wanted us to talk to,” Stephanie says. “Across the board, everyone we spoke to had great things to say.”
For Chuck and Stephanie, the process of looking and deciding took a couple of years. “This was a big investment for us and we wanted to make the right choice,” Chuck explains. “The FASTSIGNS brand is very strong and has a great reputation.”
Once the couple signed the agreement, the corporate team guided them through every step. “The support is amazing,” Stephanie says. “There are more than 120 people working in the corporate office to guarantee our success. That’s a great feeling.”
Besides wanting to invest in a solid business, another must-have for the Drilecks was a franchise that let them contribute to their community. “We get to do that with FASTSIGNS. We never turn down an opportunity to help people,” Stephanie says. They work regularly with the Petco Foundation and the Fisher House, providing signage for events and helping raise money. “It feels good to give back,” she adds.
The Drilecks love that they can customize the business to their market and to their strengths as business owners. “We can add on services as we wish, but don’t have to offer everything FASTSIGNS produces,” Chuck says. “We are able to scale the business at our own pace.” In fact, the Drilecks plan to open another location and will bring their daughter on board to help.
The Drilecks are thrilled with their decision to go with FASTSIGNS. “We get great joy from what we’re doing now. I only wish we had done this 20 years ago,” Chuck says.
For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com or call 214-346-5679.
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by Jill Abrahamsen
Stephanie Basile-Drileck and her husband Chuck did their due diligence before finally investing in a FASTSIGNS® business. The San Antonio couple looked at opportunities in every area of franchising—from food to fitness—and then weighed the pros and cons to each industry. Finally, they decided that drawing on their advertising and marketing backgrounds was the way to go.
“While we didn’t know anything about creating or installing signs, we did know how to help people market their businesses. Our advertising experience helps us help our customers. Collaborating comes naturally for both of us,” Chuck says. The couple ultimately chose FASTSIGNS above other brands because of franchisees’ comments about the company. “FASTSIGNS gave us a list of all their current store owners, not just the ones they wanted us to talk to,” Stephanie says. “Across the board, everyone we spoke to had great things to say.”
For Chuck and Stephanie, the process of looking and deciding took a couple of years. “This was a big investment for us and we wanted to make the right choice,” Chuck explains. “The FASTSIGNS brand is very strong and has a great reputation.”
Once the couple signed the agreement, the corporate team guided them through every step. “The support is amazing,” Stephanie says. “There are more than 120 people working in the corporate office to guarantee our success. That’s a great feeling.”
Besides wanting to invest in a solid business, another must-have for the Drilecks was a franchise that let them contribute to their community. “We get to do that with FASTSIGNS. We never turn down an opportunity to help people,” Stephanie says. They work regularly with the Petco Foundation and the Fisher House, providing signage for events and helping raise money. “It feels good to give back,” she adds.
The Drilecks love that they can customize the business to their market and to their strengths as business owners. “We can add on services as we wish, but don’t have to offer everything FASTSIGNS produces,” Chuck says. “We are able to scale the business at our own pace.” In fact, the Drilecks plan to open another location and will bring their daughter on board to help.
The Drilecks are thrilled with their decision to go with FASTSIGNS. “We get great joy from what we’re doing now. I only wish we had done this 20 years ago,” Chuck says.
For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com or call 214-346-5679.
Share this story