Expert Advice
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Our Expert Advice Articles are written by industry leaders with proven experience in the franchising sector. Our experts cover financial, accounting and legal issues in addition to sound business strategies to help you succeed.
Be Curious, Not Judgmental
Why the Most Successful Franchise Owners Think Like Investors, Not Consumers If you are a Ted Lasso or Walt Whitman fan, you may have heard the quote “Be curious, not judgmental.” It’s a simple phrase — but in franchising, it’s one of the most powerful...
Sales in the Age of Total Transparency
By Evan Hackel Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dramatically reshaped how potential franchisees investigate the possibility of joining your system. Today’s candidates arrive with a wealth of research, armed not only with statistics but also with nuanced...
Stop Fighting Fires | Build on Four Franchise Pillars
From Firehouse Vision to Franchise Growth In 2007, I was asked to serve as chief of the Terrace Park Fire Department. We had 25 volunteer firefighters certified to Ohio’s 36-hour Volunteer standard. My two-part vision was simple: 1️⃣ Ensure every volunteer went home...
Beyond the Grand Opening: Sustaining Buzz in a 24/7 Media Cycle
The grand opening of a franchise location is a moment of energy and excitement. Crowds gather, coverage rolls in, and a sense of momentum takes hold. Yet once the ribbon is cut and the cameras move on, maintaining that level of attention becomes far more...
What’s Next for Fast-Casual Dining in 2026?
Three words: Value, value, value By Jonathan H. Vogel, CEO, Miami Grill Of all the misconceptions people have about running a restaurant, the biggest may be how “easy” it is. “How hard could it be? Have you seen the lines in that place?” We all know just how...
Hiring in the Age of AI: Why the Human Connection Still Wins
If you’re not using AI in your job search, you might be missing out on your next big career opportunity. Globally, 87% of companies are using AI driven tools to identify qualified talent. These systems scan resumes for specific terminology, and if yours does...
Key Trends Shaping Franchise Growth in 2026
With 2026 underway, franchisors are entering a pivotal moment for strategic expansion and sustained growth. Despite economic headwinds that have permeated the market over the last year, the 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook projected franchises to grow by 2.4%...
Strategize Your Franchise Investments for the Health-Focused Generations
The global wellness economy has already hit the $6.8 trillion mark, growing a staggering 35% since 2019 (source: Global Wellness Institute). It’s clear that wellness is not a fad—it’s a major shift in how people spend their money, deal out their time, and...
The Do’s and Don’ts of AI integration for franchisees
AI is becoming an essential tool for many business owners, including franchisees. Implementing AI software into your business workflow can be a huge boon when used correctly, increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving productivity by automating redundant...
The Great Roll-Up: How Franchisees Built an Empire Together
Not long ago, Planet Fitness was a mosaic of local owners — passionate, gritty, community-driven entrepreneurs who believed in democratizing fitness. They each built their own clusters of gyms, learned their local markets, and fought hard to win members. But then...