For our June issue Special Section: Food + Drinks, we asked Janice Durant, CFC and president of New Trails Business Consultants, Inc., a FranServe, Inc. affiliate, to share some of the expert advice she provides clients on the largest franchise industry in the world. By Nancy E. Williams
I recently came across a quote from Aaron Harper, Founder and Chairman of Rolling Suds, that perfectly captures why anyone considering entrepreneurship through franchise ownership should seriously explore working with a Certified Franchise Consultant. By Don Clayton
After spending years in the nonprofit sector serving families impacted by muscular dystrophy, heart disease, and arthritis, Laura Rolfe realized she wanted to continue changing lives – just in a different way. So she took a page from her parents and grandparents – who have run a family business since 1955 – and explored business ownership, something she believed would create independence, stability, and long-term opportunity. By Jessica Petrucelli
Franchise resales are a hot topic for aspiring entrepreneurs who don’t want to start from scratch, but to understand the world of franchise resales, it’s important to consult an expert. Mike Halpern, CAFC, owner of Franchise Freeway, a FranServe, Inc. affiliate, is just that. Halpern was asked to share his knowledge and insights on this topic. By Nancy E. Williams
Don’t get me wrong – I love a good burger and some fresh, crispy fries. And there are some fantastic franchise brands that offer exactly that. However, when a novice investor assumes franchising only exists in the fast-food space, they’re missing the bigger picture. In reality, franchising spans dozens of thriving industries and opportunities that many investors never even realize exist. By Don Clayton
Ray Glover was working 12 hour days and clocking in on the weekends, serving a large national tenant in the commercial real estate industry. He was stressed, overworked and not loving the life he was living. So, he decided to use that same time and energy to launch his own business and seek a better work/life balance. By Jessica Petrucelli
When considering an investment in a franchise opportunity, prospective owners naturally hope the franchise will invest in them as well. While franchising can be an exciting path to business ownership, it can also feel like a daunting step. Knowing the franchise’s support system is strong and reliable can make all the difference. By Don Clayton
Andrea Dobkin launched her career in franchising more than 20 years ago, working in franchise development for an emerging brand – an experience she calls life-changing. However, franchising had been part of her story long before that first job. By Jesicca Petrucelli
As International Women’s Day approaches, the story of women in franchising has moved from inspiring to transformational. Today, women represent roughly 30% of all franchise owners in the U.S., a significant rise from about 20.5% a decade ago. This marks a clear shift in entrepreneurial leadership, and it redefines how women engage with business ownership through franchising models that offer structure, support and scalability. By Rose Mango
Have you ever wandered up to a lovely buffet with so many delicious options that look tantalizing? Your mouth is watering just waiting to take the first bite. You walk up and down the aisle smelling the delicious delicacies available to you. You then look down and your plate is still empty. Too many options to choose from. By Don Clayton