Perspectives From Industry Leaders
Advice From a Trusted Industry Voice
On his podcast, Dr. John P. Hayes offers honest advice about how to evaluate and purchase a franchise that makes sense for you. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider so you’ll be notified when there are new topics.
Featured Episodes
Season 3
Why Now May Be a Good Time to Buy a Franchise
If you are among those whose careers have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and find yourself asking, “What do I do next?” or “Where do I go from here?” this video is for you. In it, Dr. Hayes discusses why franchising may be the right solution for you, but, just as importantly, why it’s not for everyone.
Season 2
From Corporate Accountant to Soccer MoM to Big Frog Custom T-Shirts Franchisee
In today’s episode, Jackie Pierce, franchise owner of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, shares the story of her transition from accountant in corporate America to soccer mom to successful franchise owner.
Robin Autopilot is the World’s First Robotic Lawn Service, Now Offering Franchises in the U.S.
Dr. Hayes interviews Justin Crandall, CEO and co-founder of Robin Autopilot, the world’s first robotic lawn service now offering franchises in the U.S. Robin Autopilot combines proven robot mower technology with highly-professional human crews to create a more eco-friendly, reliable, and affordable lawn care experience.
Season 1
Fastest Labs Franchise Opportunity Lives Up to Its Name by Increasing Efficiency in a Niche Market
Former franchisee Dave Claflin cold-called a client who influenced him to examine the drug-screening industry. By eliminating the medical portion and specializing in drug screening, Claflin developed Fastest Labs to compete against the existing providers, such as Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp.
Transforming Drug Screening Through Speed
By eliminating the industry-standard wait time and collecting the sample and reporting to the employer within 10 minutes, Fastest Labs is able to outperform competitors. Claflin “proved the model” of Fastest Labs and began selling franchises.
This Franchise Is All About Unique French Fries
Chris Covelli, founder of #getfried, is creating a network of food units that serve made-to-order topped French fries. Franchising for about a year at the time of this interview, Covelli has sold units in New York and Texas.
Reinventing a Classic Favorite
His first Texas franchisee, based in San Antonio, acquired rights to the entire state! Franchisees invest from $100,000 (for a mobile unit) to $275,000 (for a brick-and-mortar unit). Mobile units can be parked and operated or moved from site to site.
A Business-to-Business Franchise Providing Payroll Services
No business owner wants to worry about cutting payroll checks while also remaining compliant with ever-increasing rules and regulations from federal and state agencies. And every small business owner eventually realizes that doing payroll in-house just doesn’t make sense.
A Business Model Built on Simplicity
It’s more cost-effective and safer to outsource the service. Enter Payroll Vault, a new franchise opportunity that doesn’t require a storefront and operates 9 to 5, five days a week.
Dr. John P. Hayes Responds to Your Questions
Followers of the How to Buy a Franchise Show are always encouraged to submit their questions about franchising by leaving a comment on YouTube, on our website, or by emailing us. We thought these questions were important enough to record videos as the answer. Feel free to send us your franchise-related questions!
Just Released: Take the Fear Out of Franchising
Dr. John P. Hayes’ newest best-seller is now available in paperback and for pre-order as an eBook. Get your copy today at nofearfranchising.com.
Why Buy Edible Arrangements?
Franchisors are changing the way they train franchisees—or they need to! “Everyone’s thinking about it. . . They know they have to change,” says Tariq Farid, CEO of Edible Arrangements.
Technology Is Changing the Process
Today, technology makes it possible for a franchisor to train more effectively and for less money. Farid shares his experiences with Dr. John P. Hayes of the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
Talking With the Guru of Franchise Expos: Tom Portesy
Why are franchise expos popular, and how can franchise prospects get the most out of an online portal such as FranchiseExpo.com?
Insights from an Industry Leader
Dr. John P. Hayes talks to Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions, about franchise expos in the USA and FranchiseExpo.com, MFV’s online portal. MFV is the producer of the International Franchise Expo based in New York City and two regional expos in the USA.
How Much Can You Earn as a FastSigns Franchisee?
In just six minutes, Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS, explains the six key things that FASTSIGNS does to support franchisees. Then she adds a seventh: Increase franchisee profit, which is the company’s #1 mission.
A Transparent Look at Financial Performance
FASTSIGNS is one of the few franchisors to include not only a financial representation in the franchise disclosure document but also actual numbers showing franchisee net income. Monson also tells Dr. John Hayes why FASTSIGNS makes such a great business opportunity in this quick interview.
How You Behave as a Prospect Tells How You’ll Behave as a Franchisee!
FASTSIGNS is careful about whom they allow to become a franchisee. CEO Catherine Monson tells Dr. John Hayes that this is not a business where franchisees can create their own wheel; franchisees must implement the franchisor’s wheel.
Behavior Predicts Future Performance
Unfortunately, many people don’t understand or accept that concept, and franchisors need to weed out those folks. That’s why FASTSIGNS tracks the behavior of every prospective franchisee. Prospects are told, for example, to contact at least 25 existing franchisees as part of their due diligence. But some will contact one and say that’s enough.
Why Due Diligence Is Essential
They’re ready to buy! But that’s enough for FASTSIGNS to turn down their franchise application because the prospect’s behavior is an early indication that they will not follow the franchisor’s system. Franchisees who fail to follow the franchisor’s proven system are most likely to fail themselves.
Expect to See More FASTSIGNS Franchises
With 540 locations already operating in the USA, FASTSIGNS has determined there are another 300 locations where they can place franchises without negatively impacting their current franchisees.
Growth Opportunities Across New Markets
In Canada, where they have 30 locations, they’ve found room for 35 more. CEO Catherine Monson tells Dr. John Hayes how the company pursues these opportunities and what FASTSIGNS is doing to expand internationally as well.
Is Buying a Franchise Right for You?
With 8 franchise brands at United Franchise Group, CEO Ray Titus says it can be “daunting” to match the right person to the right brand. Not every business is a fit for every person. Titus suggests prospects begin by asking themselves some key questions.
The Importance of Long-Term Compatibility
The brand you want to buy is less important than the fit. Titus tells the How to Buy a Franchise Show how prospects should begin the process of evaluating a franchise opportunity. And what new franchisees need to do for the first six months!
The Real Reason Franchise Businesses Fail
At United Franchise Group, which is approaching 1,500 franchisees in nearly 80 countries, CEO Ray Titus says there’s a concentrated effort to eliminate two types of franchise failures: franchisees who are “under-capitalized” and franchisees who are “undereducated.”
Training and Mentorship for Success
For each of UFG’s 8 brands, the company provides up to two weeks of initial training, followed by two to three weeks of field training. In addition, seasoned franchisees mentor some franchisees. This level of education, along with vetting the franchise prospect financially, helps eliminate failures.
Buy a Franchise to Resell It!
One of the smartest things a franchisee can do is begin with an exit plan in mind. And yet, few franchisees ever do so. They’re more focused on “now,” says Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group, with 8 franchise brands.
Building a Business With Resale Potential
However, Titus shares the story of one franchise couple that invested in a Signarama with one major goal: to sell it for a lot of money. And they did—more than $1 million! Tune in as Titus speaks with Dr. John P. Hayes on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
Why Buy a Franchise?
Tipton Shonkwiler, Brand Leader at SuperGreen Solutions, discusses the process of selecting franchisees at United Franchise Group. It’s not just about “gut” reaction, and it includes the input of numerous people.
Executing the Proven System
Shonkwiler also talks about the importance of executing on the franchise system and the franchisee getting out of his or her own way to succeed!
The Franchise Discovery Day
Tipton Shonkwiler, Brand Leader at SuperGreen Solutions, discusses the process of selecting franchisees at United Franchise Group. It’s not just about “gut” reaction, and it includes the input of numerous people.
Success Starts With Following the Model
Shonkwiler also talks about the importance of executing on the franchise system and the franchisee getting out of his or her own way to succeed!
When Product Drives Franchise Sales
Tipton Shonkwiler, Brand Leader at SuperGreen Solutions, discusses the process of selecting franchisees at United Franchise Group. It’s not just about “gut” reaction, and it includes the input of numerous people.
Creating Growth Through Consistency
Shonkwiler also talks about the importance of executing on the franchise system and the franchisee getting out of his or her own way to succeed!
Two Franchises With a Flat Royalty Fee
When Chad Hames discovered the franchise concepts Border Magic and Boulder Designs, he loved the products, but he really loved the idea of paying a flat-fee royalty instead of a percentage based on his gross sales. Chad shares his experiences as a franchisee during this interview on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
Warm, Fuzzy Feelings Sell Franchises!
Chad Hames tells Dr. John P. Hayes how he investigated Border Magic and Boulder Designs before he committed to buying both concepts at $70,000 each.
Building Trust Through Discovery Day
He said the reception of the franchisees motivated him, and the franchisor’s Discovery Day gave him a “warm, fuzzy feeling” that led him to decide to buy both businesses.
The Franchise as a Social Network
You might think that boulders and borders don’t have much to do with social networks, but franchisee Chad Hames says otherwise.
A Community-Oriented Environment
He says that a selling point of both Boulder Designs and Border Magic is that the franchisees feel they are part of a family. Chad shares his experiences as he continues his interview on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
Inside a Border Magic and Boulder Design Franchise
Tipton Shonkwiler, Brand Leader at SuperGreen Solutions, discusses the process of selecting franchisees at United Franchise Group. It’s not just about “gut” reaction, and it includes the input of numerous people.
Supporting Long-Term Performance
Shonkwiler also talks about the importance of executing on the franchise system and the franchisee getting out of his or her own way to succeed!
The Secret to Success as a Franchisee
Chad Hames, at 38, has been a satisfied and profitable franchisee of two brands for 10 years, and he’s hoping to continue working another 20 years and then see his sons take over.
The Question Every Owner Should Ask
Chad tells the How to Buy a Franchise Show that the first step to success in a franchise is asking an all-important question. Hear what he has to say in this segment of his interview with Dr. John P. Hayes.
Who Qualifies to Own a Master Franchise?
Tony Foley of United Franchise Group tells the How to Buy a Franchise Show about UFG’s process for finding master franchisees. He also explains the differences between master franchises and area development agreements.
Key Insights Into Global Development
Foley visits as many as 25 countries annually and has sold master franchises in nearly 80 countries. If you’re interested in owning a license to expand an American brand in one or more countries or regions of the world, this is an important lesson to help you understand key basics about international franchise development.
Who Makes a Good Master Franchisee?
United Franchise Group is approaching 1,500 franchisees in nearly 80 countries, and one of the reasons for the company’s amazing success is “getting the right people on the bus.” Not everyone has what it takes to become a franchisee or a master franchisee, but veteran salesman Tony Foley specializes in helping people recognize whether franchising makes sense for them.
Starting With Research and Due Diligence
During this interview with Dr. John P. Hayes, Foley said people should not go to franchise expos to buy a franchise. Instead, they should go to gather information and begin the due diligence process.
What’s the Cost of a Master Franchise?
The job of the master franchisee is multifaceted, explains Tony Foley of United Franchise Group, and it usually involves more than one person. UFG likes to see a master franchisee develop a team that can handle the development of a pilot store, then the recruitment, training, and support of franchisees.
Understanding Investment Requirements
What’s it cost to buy a master franchise? Every region or country is different, and the fees are based on specific metrics. However, Foley explains what would be required to purchase a master franchise for a country the size of New Zealand or Kuwait.
Can You Finance a Master Franchise Opportunity?
If you’re the right fit to become a master franchisee at United Franchise Group, Tony Foley says you may discover that UFG is willing to help you finance the payment of the master license fee. But long before UFG even decides to award a master franchise to an individual or group, Foley will spend months developing a relationship with the candidate/s.
A Selective Qualification Process
In fact, for every 10 prospects, he says he’s likely to find only one who will make the cut to become a UFG master franchisee. Getting to know people, however, is part of what excites Foley and keeps him engaged in a career approaching 30 years.
What’s an Area Development Opportunity?
Why would a successful Cartridge World master franchisee also decide to build more than 20 Liberty Tax franchise markets in Manhattan as an area developer? And how does an area development opportunity differ from being a master franchisee?
A Real-World Perspective
Greg Carafello, who is both a master franchisee and an area developer, explains his roles in this segment of his interview on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
Trials and Tribulations of a Master Franchisee
Master franchisee and area developer Greg Carafello talks about the importance of “trust” and “chemistry” when buying a franchise. He’s building Cartridge World in six states and the District of Columbia and Liberty Tax in Manhattan. He was interviewed by Dr. John P. Hayes on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
Why Do Some Franchisees Fail?
What happens when franchisees fail? And why do some fail? Jim Tatem, veteran franchise brand executive and trainer, talks about the transition process for failed franchisees but also explains how franchisees can avoid failure.
Six Steps to Success in a UFG Franchise
Six Steps for Successful Franchisees at United Franchise Group. Veteran brand leader Jim Tatem explains UFG’s approach to training franchisees in both the startup and ongoing stages of development. Includes a mentoring program called First Contact. Here’s how the franchise fee is reinvested in franchisees!
Understanding the Franchise Royalty Fee
Jim Tatem, brand leader of Signarama and master trainer for United Franchise Group (UFG), talks about franchise royalty dollars. How are they spent? How are they reinvested in the franchisee’s business? What does a major franchisor like UFG do with the franchisees’ royalty money? Highlights the importance of research and development on behalf of the franchise network.
Why a Signarama Franchise Makes Sense!
Signarama Brand Leader Jim Tatem discusses the company’s 5-year strategic plan. He explains the evolution of Signarama as the go-to vendor for business products as well as services. It’s not just signs anymore! Good overview of the Signarama business.
Value of the Franchisor/Franchisee Relationship
Master franchisee and area developer Greg Carafello talks about the importance of “trust” and “chemistry” when buying a franchise. He’s building Cartridge World in six states and the District of Columbia and Liberty Tax in Manhattan. He was interviewed by Dr. John P. Hayes on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
From Auto Sales to Computer Sales via Franchising
Master franchisee and area developer Greg Carafello talks about the importance of “trust” and “chemistry” when buying a franchise.
The Role of Trust in Franchise Growth
He’s building Cartridge World in six states and the District of Columbia and Liberty Tax in Manhattan. He was interviewed by Dr. John P. Hayes on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
How Accurate Franchising Helped Jim Muir Create Experimac!
Jim Muir turned his hobby—collecting Apple products—into a thriving online business that he initially launched from his home in a gated community.
Turning Entrepreneurial Vision Into Growth
However, when 8,500 customers showed up to buy his products in one month, his HOA told him it was time to find a retail location! He did, and soon thereafter discovered Accurate Franchising, which helped him franchise his concept. The business—now known as Experimac—now has more than 100 locations worldwide!
Why Jim Muir Chose Accurate Franchising to Franchise His Business
Master franchisee and area developer Greg Carafello talks about the importance of “trust” and “chemistry” when buying a franchise. He’s building Cartridge World in six states and the District of Columbia and Liberty Tax in Manhattan. He was interviewed by Dr. John P. Hayes on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
The Team That’s Building the Experimac Franchise
Jim Muir, founder of Experimac, explains his partnership with United Franchise Group and Accurate Franchising. From the beginning, the business was treated as a partnership largely because Muir wanted to take advantage of UFG’s expertise, and UFG wanted to tap into Muir’s ideas.
A Partnership Built for Expansion
In this video interview, he explains his approach to customer satisfaction and how it complements the development of the Experimac franchise, now in more than 100 markets.
Experimac: America’s New “Hot” Franchise Opportunity
Master franchisee and area developer Greg Carafello talks about the importance of “trust” and “chemistry” when buying a franchise. He’s building Cartridge World in six states and the District of Columbia and Liberty Tax in Manhattan. He was interviewed by Dr. John P. Hayes on the How to Buy a Franchise Show.
How to Become a Franchisor
“Sales is my business,” says Experimac founder Jim Muir, and that suits him fine as a new franchisor. In this short video, he discusses how he’s helping people get into the business of repairing and selling Apple products through Experimac outlets. His target is to open more retail locations than Apple, Inc., and he plans to be at the 500-store level in about five years.