One in five Americans has reported to have left a job in the past five years due to hostile company culture. On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, we’re joined by Matt Mayberry, CEO, keynote speaker, and author. Matt’s newest book, “Culture is the Way: How Leaders at Every Level Build an Organization for Speed, Impact, and Excellence,” explores how leaders at every level can unleash the full potential of their employees.

In the book, Culture Is the Way: How Leaders at Every Level Build an Organization for Speed, Impact, and Excellence, management consultant, keynote speaker, and former NFL player Matt Mayberry provides an insightful and practical guide to maximizing productivity and employee engagement. You will learn how leaders at all levels can generate an environment that fosters organizational success and allows each worker to reach their greatest potential. 

Key Takeaways;

1. MayBerry’s book addresses the misconceptions behind what others believe culture stands for. For example, Mayberry believes, “Culture is viewed as fluff or something soft, and the book’s first half focuses on those negative misconceptions.” 

2. The second half provides an actionable handbook and highlights how leaders can inspire team members and help them become the best version of themselves while accelerating their growth strategies. 

3. Being a former athlete gave Mayberry the perspective that culture is everything. 

4. In the business world, the one thing that the competition cannot copy is your internal culture, which Mayberry defines as “the behavior at scale.”

5. Mayberry believes that culture can be taught, but it starts at the leadership level. Within his book, he outlines a five-step process on how to achieve world-class culture. 

6. Culture isn’t just about satisfying your team, but it’s the driving mechanism to execute your strategy in the marketplace.   

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

Did you know that franchising is a global phenomenon? Well-known franchises are operating in numerous countries around the world. Joining us on today’s episode of The Small Business Show is Troy Hazard, Franchising Expert, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker and Author.

Troy Hazard has faced and overcome various business challenges, from devastating financial loss to extraordinary success. The entrepreneurial genius’ primary line of work has been serving as a consultant to some of the most well-known brands in the world. Troy’s professional experiences have given him invaluable insight into how businesses operate and what customers are thinking. He provides insights as a best-selling author, speaker, and seasoned television broadcaster.

Key Takeaways:

1. The definition of franchising is a business where the owner licenses its operations- along with its products, branding, and knowledge- in exchange for a franchising fee. 

2. To operate as a franchisor, you must have operational instructions, HR manuals, marketing materials, and the appropriate branding and marketing.

3. To be a franchisee- just follow the systems.

4. Private equity firms and investors have examined the sector’s back end for the past ten years. Hazard believes they were drawn to the prospects for recurring revenue in the past. 

5. The industry determines the ease and challenge of entering the franchising business. For instance, since franchising B2B is more cost-effective, it might be simpler to get started. Whereas:

• The service-based franchise has an initial $20,000- $$50,000 fee and monthly royalty fees. 
• The fast food franchise has an initial $100,000-$300,000 fee. 

6. Suppose you want the freedom of being an entrepreneur and want to enter into franchising. In that case, it may not be the best plan since franchising is geared toward following a strategic system.

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

1. The Kind of Leadership The Franchise Has

While you are responsible for your own franchise branch, the fact is that the overall success of the company and how it is led will still rely heavily on its leadership. If the business owners have good ideas and are full of experience, then you should be fine. However, people new to running a business tend to have a poor understanding of what a franchisee requires and experiences. This means that their franchise program will likely have a few holes that you’ll have to patch up yourself, which you might not even have the right to fix, depending on your contract. You’re not looking for a fixer-upper – you want something that works out of the box.

2. Their Technology and Software

Each franchise comes with its own technology and software, and with them, unique procedures. However, just because they’re unique doesn’t mean they’re good. You need to make sure that whatever you’re buying into is up-to-date and won’t quickly become technologically obsolete. For example, you need to check on their website and see if it’s mobile-friendly or if it has e-commerce capabilities. You also need to find out if they have a support system in place to help you should you or your employees find their tech difficult to use.

3. The Franchisor’s Marketing Strategy

Just because you’re buying into a franchise with an established brand doesn’t mean you don’t have to do any marketing. Without marketing, your branch will probably fail – so you need to make sure that whatever you’re buying into has a marketing support program and strategy that will help you out. For example, you need to find out if they’ll give you a marketing budget or if you’ll have to pay out of pocket for it. You’ll also want to take a glance at their social media team. If they’re doing well, the strategy they’ll hand you is probably competently made.

4. Their Training Program

Companies are constantly evolving. When new and relevant technology hits the scene, smart and successful companies will adapt to it to their needs. That means constantly evolving to suit these changes, which means constantly learning and training. Not only does a franchisor need to train your initial crop of employees, they should provide follow-up training for any changes to the franchise’s system. You’ll also want to find out if they’ll help you with additional lessons and support should you prove capable and willing to expand your business.

5. The Franchise Support System

As a franchisee, you shouldn’t expect to handle everything alone. You might be responsible for the day-to-day, but a respectable business wouldn’t risk letting someone new potentially damage their brand. If they’re willing to sell to you, they should be willing to support you. This can come in many forms, from helping you find a good location to financing programs for promising business owners who lack capital. The better the support system, the more tempting a franchise should be.

Running a franchise can be a spectacular opportunity for you. You get your own business, without the stress of running a startup, and from there can start building a more financially secure life. However, that’s only possible if you’re picky about the businesses you buy. If there’s any doubt, don’t buy into it.

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

This business opportunity works great for people who don’t want to invest their entire day till several months to run a business. It is also great for people who can’t live without a steady income until they establish a profitable business.

Want to learn more? Read further to get insights about semi-absentee franchise ownership and how to start one.

What is semi-absentee franchise business ownership?

A semi-absentee business, passive income franchise, or semi-passive ownership is a company you can start and operate while already having a job or other obligation. Typically, semi-absentee ownership requires owners to invest 10 to 15 hours weekly.

Precisely, it’s a business concept people can do while they have another job. This is impossible in a full-time business, which needs your attention and significant time and effort. In general, you require $100,000 – $300,000 money to invest in a franchise, but it can offer you a steady source of income.

How to get started

The first thing you need to do is to choose a semi-absentee franchise for investment. Unlike operator/owner types, it’s not indispensable to be something that interests you. To choose the right option, it’s best to research the business’s financial strength and then understand whether there is a gap or need in the market that you can leverage.

Investing time is important to make an informed decision. You need to do research well on the web, read trade magazines, and visit franchise shows. Also, start looking for an expert to help you navigate the franchise ownership industry.

You can find experts who might not charge you and know the ins and outs of the franchise world. When learning about franchises’ operations, take some time to speak with current and former franchisees. You will learn a lot by discussing the errors and trials of others. Once you have completed your research, you can start investing in a semi-absentee franchise.

Benefits of semi-absentee franchise ownership

The primary benefit of semi-absentee franchise ownership is obvious – you have the opportunity to make money from a business that doesn’t require you to invest your entire day to manage and supervise it.

Other pros of buying a semi-absentee-run business are you can have a full-time job. Since investing in a business is always a risk, having a job gives you financial security when you don’t know what the future will bring you. Hence, you can work full-time until you establish a business that generates higher revenue on which you can fully depend financially. This saves you from going through a startup period with no salary or personal income.

Lastly, semi-absentee franchise ownership gives you freedom and work-life balance. You can enjoy your weekends on the beach instead of bogged down with extra work. In fact, you can continue meeting your responsibilities and enjoy your leisure time the way you want.

Drawbacks of semi-absentee franchise ownership

Like every other thing, with the good comes the bad, and semi-absentee franchise ownership also has disadvantages. The primary con of semi-passive franchise ownership is that it puts your potential future as well as investment in the hands of someone else. People who want to control things and want things to be done in a certain way; this type of business is not for them.

When you give the entire responsibility of the business to your manager, you need to trust their gut and support them in their responsibilities. They will do whatever they think is good for the business in your absence, and you have to accept that. It will not be wrong to say that you need responsible, super qualified and skilled, and trustable employees whom you can trust explicitly.

Furthermore, when you give your business to someone to operate, it’s hard to expect them to put in the same effort as you might put in when you were running the business. All the employees might be trustworthy and skilled; still, the money invested in the business is not theirs, and they might sometimes ignore their responsibilities. They also know that they can find another job easily if the business fails. So, yes, it’s going to be pretty difficult to find a manager and other workers who can treat your business as their own.

One of the major problems a business owner can face is employees stealing from them. If you choose semi-absentee franchise ownership, you must create a proper procedure that offers a check and balance system to ensure your inventory and money are not going into your manager’s pocket. Also, an occasional sudden supervised visit can limit the risk.

5 top franchises for semi-absentee ownership

If you have struggled to find the best semi-passive franchise ownership, we have you covered. Here we have discussed some profitable franchises that quickly grab the audience’s attention.

Fastest Labs

This franchise provides alcohol, DNA paternity, drug, and background screening. As the name suggests, Fastest Labs are popular for its speedy process and customer experience. Not to mention, this field has a $1.5 billion growth industry.

This company can see clients within five minutes, unlike other screening providers, with one hour of waiting. They even send test results immediately after the test rather than 1 to 3 days. Another appealing feature for customers is they have affordable pricing.

While the medical facility is super beneficial for patients, it offers an opportunity for growth to you. Anyone interested can start the business with $50,000 to $100,000 capital and 50 to 100 units. This makes it extremely appealing for people who want to get rid of the 9 to 5 job in the future.

9 Round Fitness

You can enter the fitness industry if you have a capital of more than $100,000. Well, it doesn’t matter whether fitness is your passion. Health and fitness businesses have the potential to make money; that is all you need to choose for passive franchise ownership.
This is a kickboxing franchise and provides you with a passive franchise model that ensures a close partnership between you and the manager. However, 9 Round requires you to work at least 10 to 15 hours a week once you sign the contract. Since the startup cost is lower than other popular gym franchises, 9 Round is ideal.

Koala Insulation

$100,000 to $250,000 – this is what you need to start your franchise. Koala Insulation benefits both franchise partners and customers. Every home and business property requires insulation to protect the people living or working in it. Not only do people need installation services, but they also require maintenance and repair service that keeps insulation companies in demand.

Koala Insulation offers green and eco-friendly services, making them popular among customers. Getting their name will help you attract customers immediately after establishing your business. They have a simple business model and normal business hours, making it easy to handle. With this company, you can ensure great work and life balance.

Two Maids & A Mop

You need to invest $83,140 to get the franchise and begin your business. Once the franchise establishes, you should expect to pay for around 10 to 30 hours weekly.

The business’s digital marketing, immediate scheduling, and pay-for-performance will help you improve the industry’s reputation. Also, this business will always stay in demand. Therefore, you can expect to earn profit in the future without worrying about the impact on the business world.

DonutNV

It’s a mobile franchise that is interesting, unique, and profitable. This food business serves fresh squeezed lemonade, hot mini donuts, hot and iced coffee, and other food items. They are superior to their competitors, offering a mobile franchise that operates through custom trailers.

The trailers they offer have exclusive donut machines. DonutNV has proprietary donuts that customers need to pre-order, preventing getting wasted if not sold. Also, the capital you need to invest is $100,000 to $250,000. We understand it’s probably too much, but this business is worth it. Due to its unique selling techniques, it’s super easy to get customers and earn incredible monthly profits.

Summing up

In a nutshell, semi-absentee franchise ownership is a way to become an entrepreneur by investing less time in your business and meeting all your other personal and professional responsibilities. Whatever money you have to invest, look for franchise options that you can start with the capital.

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

Franchising offers many a secure path to business ownership, so on today’s The Small Business Show, we’re exploring the advantages of buying rather than starting a business from scratch. We’re pleased to welcome Jordan Krolick, Consultant, Professor, and the President of Tound and Drowth.

Since 2008, Tound & Drowth has assisted clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to the largest institutional investors and small entrepreneurs. By utilizing brand, analytically-based growth, and change techniques, they strive to aid chains in reaching their next level of success while generating profitability for all types of businesses.

Advantages

The thing to remember regarding franchising is that it’s a trade. Krolick believes, “Buying a franchise, you’re getting a reduced risk to failure and a proven system of solutions. But, you’re also giving up your independence and fees.” If you are looking into acquiring a larger franchise system, they will usually teach you just about everything from starting, operating, managing, and funding that franchise. “And hopefully, they’ll give you a reduced risk to failure while emphasizing the prototype of success for the business,” claims Krolick. He continues, “Now, this doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed you won’t fail, but it gets you closer to the right path.”

As a potential franchisee, it’s crucial to understand the company you are looking to buy and the documentation that comes with it. For example, Krolick asserts, “Corporations have to release to the public a Franchise Disclosure Document, FDD, highlighting which franchises are failing or succeeding.” The FDD includes information about the franchisor, the system, and the agreements the potential buyer needs to sign. Additionally, the document highlights the current stores in the system while outlining 23 separate items the government deems vital in understanding before you buy. 

From the government’s perspective, the FDD doesn’t limit what a franchisor can do but protects the buyer. For instance, say a franchisor wants to collect 120% of every dollar spent. Though it may be ridiculous, as long as the franchisor clearly discloses that in the agreement, whoever wants the business can sign for it. Jordan adds, “As long as the franchisor doesn’t guarantee that it won’t take any more than the disclosed information, they can avoid litigation.” 

Professional Advice 

In contrast, Krolick claims that “buying a franchise is probably the biggest decision you’ll ever make in your career.” A franchise isn’t like buying a car. There is much depth, research, and advice involved. Jordan notes, “When you buy a franchise, and it doesn’t work out, you can’t just walk away because the franchisor signed you up through a document that outlines that if you buy, you owe them five to twenty years of fees in that area.” In light of this, buying a franchise is probably not a good idea if you think you’re passionate about something but don’t first recognize your values. 

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

Welcome to the Roadmap, an ASBN all-exclusive resource designed to educate CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders on the value of growing and monetizing their businesses. On today’s episode, host Ted Jenkin is joined by Alan Mishkoff, the founder and president of Granite Garage Floors, to discuss how he entered the flooring industry and franchised it. 

The name represents the company’s best-in-class garage floor coating system’s appearance, durability, and quality. They have remained tightly aligned with the largest coatings manufacturers throughout the years, offering customers the most recent industrial-grade coating technology & installation methods.

Due to this, they now have over ten million square feet installed and countless satisfied customers. Since garage floor coating systems are their only focus, they can devote all their attention to that area, giving customers the best possible service from the initial consultation to the last installation.

After 25 years working in the corporate sector, Mishkoff thought the time had come to try something new. His brother-in-law was employed at the time by a business that collaborated with Home Depot. As the company was set to shut down, his brother established his own flooring business in South Florida. As Mishkoff helped his brother and transitioned out of corporate, he then began his own flooring company in Atlanta. After starting his company, Mishkoff realized he needed to rebrand it if he ever intended to sell it.

Franchise Business 

At the time Mishkoff entered the flooring market, it was misunderstood. He uses the example of when his kitchen was redone; visitors would walk through his garage to witness the granite floors, resulting in his rebranding strategy. 

Mishkoff asserts, “By rebranding my business on a global scale, it helped to take the same strategy from both stores in Flordia and Atlanta and duplicate it nationally.” However, he discovered that franchising allowed his business to grow swiftly. But the most crucial aspect of franchising, according to Mishkoff, “Is identifying the appropriate individuals to hire who have the same essential background as you.” Because if you want to sell your business and get the highest multiple, the best thing to do is engage with M&A firms that know the industry you contract with, who will dive into your business, and then do what they can to help sell it. 

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

Similarly, modern franchises rely heavily on new technologies since they may considerably boost the likelihood of acquiring more franchisees and customers. Franchise models are more appealing to business owners and customers, especially tech-savvy millennials.

This article will talk about the advantages of integrating technology in your franchise and how to ensure you are keeping up with tech advances. Lastly, we’ll discuss how to explore different types of technology for franchises.

The Advantages of Using Technology in Your Franchise

With the right tools and confidence, you can scale your business by using franchise technology to manage your expanding franchise at every stage. Technology such as AI and digital solutions may help you run your business while keeping track of client communications, synchronizing several franchise locations, and allowing your internal team more time to concentrate on other tasks.

Technology Can Help You Increase Profits and Reduce Costs

When it comes to running a business, every dollar counts. Many franchise technology tools require monthly payments. But you won’t need to worry about making a sizable upfront financial commitment to get access to the service. The AI or digital marketing tool will be maintained on-site, and before making monthly payments, you can evaluate whether the investment is worth it.

Improve Efficiency and Productivity

Franchise technology now routinely uses Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices to track inventory levels for franchisees and automatically submits restock requests to franchise owners.

Using machine learning and predictive analytics, Franchise owners may get real-time data on consumer spending patterns and the likely next purchase a client will make.

In order to increase earnings and speed up turnover, several large national full-service food chains already have terminals that let customers pay for meals at the table. Therefore, it makes sense to look for franchise chains that accept payments using digital wallets like PayTM and GPay. The days of using a fast swipe of our phone reader to pay for our items at our favorite franchise store are over.

Provide a Better Customer Experience

The point of integrating technology in franchising is to meet the demands of both customers and franchisees. The importance of the customer experience in gaining and retaining customers makes it crucial to ensure that the technology in use is user-friendly and efficient.

Here are a few franchising technologies you can leverage:

• Self-scheduling options for clients
• Mobile payment options
• Relevant email marketing tactics
• An engaging social media presence

How to Make Sure Your Franchise Keeps Up With Technology?

As a franchise owner, you’ll be leading franchises and staff. You will be constantly re-evaluating processes and making changes accordingly. Here are a couple of ways your franchise can keep up with dynamic tech trends:

Attend Virtual Conferences and Webcasts

Thanks to AI and ChatGPT, we see tech advancements every day. Trade fairs and conferences, formerly an essential component of several industries, are poised to undergo a major change.

Accept invitations to join webcasts hosted by IT corporations. They provide information on how their solutions, products, and businesses may help your franchise.

Streamline Operations

As newer technologies emerge, systems have become more streamlined, operating faster than previous technologies. Tasks that were formerly considered laborious can now be readily performed or even automated with the correct technologies. By being aware of the latest trends in tech, you can ensure smooth and efficient business operations.

Automate Software Updates

There are many programs that will automatically update or remind you when it is time to upgrade. Meanwhile, others do not inform you when upgrades are available, even if they are available. Plan how to automate these updates so your business does not fall behind and use outdated software as part of its IT strategy.

Exploration of the Different Types of Useful Technology for Franchisees

As a result of the pandemic, franchise businesses have adopted or greatly accelerated their digitalization strategies. Here are a few types of technologies you can adopt:

Automated Business Intelligence

Automated BI refers to data collection, management, and analysis in order to help businesses, including franchises, make informed decisions. It enables franchise owners to analyze customer behaviors, improve their products and services and boost profits.

Here are some benefits of automated BI:

• Better decision-making
• Cost saving
• Increased employee productivity
• Better customer service

Cloud-Based Systems

Cloud-based systems, or cloud computing, involve the delivery of hosted services via the Internet. Remember that a public cloud can sell services to anyone with WIFI access.

Franchise owners and workers can employ cloud computing anywhere with a cell-connected device. This allows for production and financial data to be accessed in real time. Owners of multiple businesses can analyze a comparative view of all their locations using this method.

Mobile Technology

Lastly, you can leverage mobile technology to further your franchise. Smartphones, laptops, mobile applications, and GPS devices help business owners stay in touch with customers and keep colleagues in touch. Mobile marketing is a growing field especially relevant to small businesses trying to connect with customers in their local area.

Conclusion

As shown by franchising companies like Chipotle, which gained massive success from leveraging digital solutions, technology is a great way to generate value for franchisees while building a more robust franchise brand. Thus, franchise owners are urged to look towards powerful and intuitive technology.

If you are thinking about starting a franchise, it is important to consider how technology will impact your operation. Learn more about how you can use software to run your franchise more efficiently.

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

• Low Overhead

While this certainly isn’t true of all coffee franchises, many emerging coffee franchises allow business owners to invest in their franchises and build upon the capital of their good names for well under the costs of other industries. This is huge in the world of franchises, with more popular franchises selling in excess of one million dollars for the first restaurant or store.

Profits are the goal when investing in a coffee franchise or any other business venture. The less money spent on expenses equals more significant profit. This is yet another great reason to look to the wonderful product of the coffee bean upon which to build your business.

• High Profit Potential

When you consider the cost of a cup of coffee at your average coffee franchise store, the return on the investment is phenomenal. People spend more on a cup of coffee than they will spend on a gallon of gasoline at today’s prices and consider it money well spent for the pleasure a good cup of joe provides. The costs involved in creating that cup of coffee are relatively low compared to the price of a fast food hamburger, yet the cost of the cup of coffee is generally much higher.

• Product Popularity

“Culture is the most important thing because it’s how your organization behaves; it’s the DNA of any and every organization.” – Matt Mayberry

Coffee is popular with millions of drinkers worldwide, and new people turned on to the historically rich world of coffee each and every day. Not only are we looking at a world of growth as a business, but coffee drinkers are growing younger than in years past. Coffee is a part of pop culture these days and seems to be a fad that is here to stay. You will need very little advertising to get your message across. Your biggest concern will be to continue providing excellent products and service so that customers will return day after day.

• Pop Culture Appeal

As mentioned above, coffee houses, stores, and cafes have become a part of pop culture. This is appealing to many would-be business or franchise owners and a huge reason that the coffee franchise has become prominent across the country in big towns and small communities alike. It is an opportunity to become a part of a generation’s popular culture, and that is the momentum that many business owners would love to capitalize upon.

A coffee franchise may be the perfect solution if you are considering buying into a franchise business. Examine carefully your reasons for wanting to do so and take the time to put pen to paper before buying in to make sure you are getting the best value for your investment dollar.

5 lucrative coffee franchises to consider

1. Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is a famous American franchise chain founded in 1950 and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest coffee and baked goods chains. Dunkin’ has over 8,500 restaurants in 41 states in the U.S. alone. The brand is known for its signature coffee, donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches and has expanded its menu in recent years to include a range of offerings for those with dietary restrictions. The company’s success is mainly attributed to its focus on providing fast and convenient service, high-quality products, and affordable prices.

Total initial investment: Ranges anywhere from $97,500 to $1,717,103. You’ll need to have a minimum of $250,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $500,000 per restaurant.
Agreement length: Typically 20 years
Learn more: Dunkin’ franchising

2. Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is a specialty coffee franchise that offers a wide range of coffee-based drinks, smoothies, teas, and pastries. The company was founded in 1998 and has since expanded to almost 500 locations in 20 states, primarily in the Midwest and West regions of the US. Scooter’s is known for its high-quality, handcrafted coffee made from sustainably-sourced beans and its commitment to providing exceptional customer service. The company offers drive-thru and sit-down locations and has a loyal following of coffee lovers who appreciate its unique flavors and commitment to sustainability.

Total initial investment: $200,000 liquid capital
Agreement length: 10 years
Learn more: Scooter’s Coffee franchising

3. Biggby Coffee

Biggby Coffee is a popular coffeehouse franchise founded in Michigan in 1995. The company has since expanded to over 300 locations, primarily in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Biggby Coffee offers a wide variety of coffee and tea drinks, including signature lattes, cappuccinos, baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks. The company is known for its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to supporting local communities through charitable giving and community involvement.

Total estimated investment: Ranges from $276,000 – $439,000
Agreement length: 10 year agreement
Learn more: Biggby Coffee franchising

4. Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees

Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees is known for its premium, handcrafted coffee made from high-quality beans sourced from around the world. The company offers a wide range of signature blends, flavored coffees, teas, baked goods, and gift items. What sets Gloria Jean’s apart is its focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere in its cafes, where customers can relax and enjoy their coffee in a comfortable environment. The company also has a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community involvement, which helps build customer loyalty.

Total estimated investment: Anywhere from$300,000 to $400,000
Agreement length: 10 years
Learn more: Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees franchising

5. Dunn Brothers Coffee

Dunn Brothers Coffee is unlike the other coffee franchises on our list. The company roasts its coffee on-site in small batches to ensure freshness and uses only sustainably-sourced beans. The company’s cafes have a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to stay and relax. In addition, Dunn Brothers strongly emphasizes community involvement and local sourcing, helping foster and support customers in the community.

Total investment: $501,620 – $739,232. This includes construction, equipment, other start-up costs, and the initial license fee of $40,000.
Agreement length: 10 years from the date the shop opens
Learn more: Dunn Brothers Coffee franchising

When their first business becomes successful enough to branch into new locations, entrepreneurs may struggle to select the right franchise holder. Entrusting one’s brand to another indvidual is a challenge in of itself, but add in finding the right location, constructing the facility, and assisting multiple operations from afar and it can quickly turn into more trouble than it may seem worth. Rick Mayo is the Founder and CEO of the Alloy Personal Training Franchise, a successful gym brand, and has had years of success in scaling his business. Today, he joins The Small Business Show to discuss his advice for those looking to expand their businesses through the franchisee system.

Find the right person

Mayo notes that, when interviewing franchisee applicants, his team pays close attention to their personal traits. It is important to select an individual who matches or understands the business’s customer demographic. This way they can relate to the needs of clients in their space, and it allows them to enthusiastically promote the products and services of the business. Other qualities, such as familiarity with the industry, and leadership, are important aspects to consider. Since the new owner will typically be responsible for developing their own teams, they must also attract the right employees for the brand. Mayo explains that he looks for franchise holders that can “attract outgoing, energetic, fun talent that’s going to be the face of their business.”

Opt for owners interested in multiple locations

The more locations in a business’s reserve, the more revenue streams it has access to. However, Mayo explains that franchise holders who open more than one storefront in the same zip code typically see the greatest success. Having multiple buildings in the same general area allows the owner to consolidate their marketing budgets and allocate their management teams based on day-to-day demand. Additionally, strategies targeting local demographics can be more easily implemented across multiple locations if they share the same customer base.

Franchisees are owned by investors

Those who purchase a business are making an investment: sometimes that is the extent of their relationship to the company. Mayo notes that many of his franchise holders are people who work full time in another industry. “90% plus of our franchisees don’t plan on quitting their day job,” he comments. Instead, they view their purchase only through lens of increasing their lines of income, or diversifying their portfolio, and will hire others to take care of operations. Most entrepreneurs have no need to be afraid of these types of business owners. So long as they understand the brand and employ the right individuals to oversee their location(s), they should not be judged simply because it is not their full time pursuit.

Business owners who have managed to scale their businesses enough to become a franchisor should focus on feeling proud of themselves, rather than stressing over their applicants. Although the struggle to find the right franchise holder can be overwhelming, Mayo’s advice can help cut away some of the uncertainty surrounding the task.

ASBN, from startup to success, we are your go-to resource for small business news, expert advice, information, and event coverage.

Atlanta-based Franchise PITA Mediterranean Street Food, the made-to-order Mediterranean cuisine franchise, continues to expand across state lines since opening its first location in Peachtree City. They now have over 30 locations but share some of the same concerns as many other small business owners, the rising costs of goods and the high cost of real estate. The fresh, made-to-order Mediterranean cuisine, has been recognized once again by Fast Casual magazine as one of the Top 100 Movers & Shakers.

Today on the Atlanta Small Business Show, we’re pleased to welcome the CEO and Founder of PITA Mediterranean Street Food, Nour Rabai, who takes a deep dive into experiencing growth despite rising costs.

The Atlanta Small Business Network, from start-up to success, we are your go-to resource for small business news, expert advice, information, and event coverage.