Franchising runs the gamut. If you can dream it, there is a franchise that does it. When prospective franchisees begin to think about options, one’s mind usually goes to the big brand food options… Chic Filet, McDonalds, Starbucks. Big brand names have advantages, but a big brand name does not guarantee success, and it certainly it does not ensure it’s the right business for you. There are so many criteria that should be considered beyond the brand name. I can help you understand the full picture of how to align your goals with the right franchise options to investigate.
There are thousands of franchised businesses, each with their own benefits, entry costs, and ROI. There are over 75 distinct industries that franchise. When looking at owning a business, it is important to consider how this business fits you than it is to consider what kind of product or service is being provided. In many cases, those wanting a specific food franchise aren’t even aware that other types of business are available as a franchise model. Most people equate franchises with burgers, subs, and coffee but there is a lot more to franchising than cheeseburgers and lattes. Let me open up your world of possibilities.
So, what kinds of business are franchised? Just about anything you can think of!
Child Oriented Franchises
Owning your own business working with kids is all about FUN and making a difference!
Businesses aimed at children not only fill an important niche in the community, they are a hot ticket in the franchise community.
Services and products for children abound in the franchise industry and you can find a variety of opportunities which will allow you to use your creative skills and talents. If you love arts and crafts, you’ll enjoy researching the variety of children’s art franchised businesses available. Children’s party/adventure franchises are a hit with both kids and their parents.
Children’s educational franchises have always been hot. From day care centers and learning centers these options allow you to have real impact on the future of our country. On-line learning options have reached new heights since COVID.
Children’s recreation, children’s fitness, youth sports, swim lessons, all options to get the younger generation off their computers and moving are fabulous options to explore.
If the child space gets your attention, in addition to my Masters in Business from Johns Hopkins University I have a degree in Education and have worked with several of the the leading franchisors in this space. Call me!
Pet Oriented Franchises
Another industry that has exploded since COVID is anything pet related. I have seen this pattern evolving for years, but COVID sent this industry to the moon. According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are over 76 million owned dogs in the U.S. and 39% of households have at least one dog. Thirty-four percent of households have at least one cat. Those precious pets need a lot of TLC – everything from pet supplies, pet training, grooming, boarding, day care, pet sitting, walking services, pet waste removal (yes, even that), Many options to combine your love of animals with a fun, exciting and growing industry.
This space I know well and love. Both my adult children own pet industry franchises. So, that should speak volumes of what I think about the potential here!
Business to Business Products
Providing top-notch products and service to the business community!
For quick ramp-up when establishing a new business, you can’t beat joining a company that provides B2B products and services.
Business-to-business companies offer a valued product or service along with a franchise model that can put you in charge. These opportunities range from very low cost, home-based businesses to store-front companies. You will find a plethora of franchised business in this category – everything from sign companies, business coaching, advertising, personnel and janitorial services, window cleaning, line striping, waste management, drug testing, commercial property management, glass and surface solutions, temporary wall systems, staffing agencies, sales training, IT Support, expense reduction companies, print and ship centers – and so much more. You are sure to find something here that matches your interests and experience – or, maybe, sparks a desire for a whole new career.
If you’ve always wanted to be a business owner, but you also wanted the stability of being part of the business community, a B2B franchise may offer you the right combination of security and entrepreneurial spirit.
Auto Care
What do Americans love more than their cars? Not much! And that’s why the auto aftercare market is so large. With concepts like auto painting, auto repair, auto maintenance, window tinting and replacement, detailing, batteries, door look opening services, EV Battery installation, and much, much, more, you can finally indulge your desire to do what you love while owning a great business.
Home Improvement
Because there are better ways to repair your home than with duct tape
One of the largest categories in franchising is the home-improvement sector and for good reason: our homes are not only our refuge, but they are a symbol of our success. Most of us spend more time at our homes since COVID. So the investment into homes has sky rocketed.
Franchise opportunities in this category are endless. If you have an inner interior designer dying to get out, look at one of the wonderful franchise opportunities available in window fashions and blinds, floors and carpets, kitchen remodeling, closet and storage design, outdoor lighting and holiday lighting, Handyman franchises are very hot because we all have a list of needed repairs with no time to do them.
And speaking of time, who wants to spend precious weekends fertilizing and weeding? Lawn care services are in demand and provide a great opportunity for someone who wants to spend more time in the outdoors. Now that most homes have two working adults, housework can be a real problem – which is why you may want to look into a home cleaning franchise. Also in this category of repeat business would be pest control, pool services and more.
This leads to services for your home that are a need not a want. Think about emergency restoration, heating, air conditioning, plumbing. Did you know franchisors for these essential services look for prospective franchisees with business and management skills, NOT experience in the trades. They help you do the hiring or find the sub contractors who do the work. You run the business side!
Think Green! We have looked for years for franchises that bring the right stuff to the table that are green. Solar energy, Irrigation services, insulation, window films. We finally have some strong options emerging as the leaders in this space.
Financial experts tell us that our homes are often our greatest assets and for that reason people are willing to spend money maintaining and even improving them, no matter the economic climate. You can help your community by providing such services as dryer vent or duct cleaning, junk removal, water damage cleanup, carpet cleaning, concrete repair, mosquito spraying, drain cleaning, and appliance and electrical repair. For those selling a home, an inspection franchises and home selling franchise can be a big help. Their are even franchises that plans and designs affordable, high-impact, cosmetic renovations for homeowners for sellers getting their homes “Instagram Ready”. The franchisor I have in mind even will finance the improvements paid once the house is sold. Home painting franchises are another option for someone interested in adding lasting value to his customer’s homes. With the number of home-centric franchise opportunities available, you are sure to find something that fits your needs in this category.
Fabulous Franchising Opportunities Abound
It may seem that I have already covered franchising from A-Z but there are so many more types of franchises available. Senior housing and senior care are important categories where new owners are desperately needed to keep up with demand. Health and beauty remain a popular category for much the same reason. Look up the “Lipstick effect.” Even in a recession these businesses thrive. People are more health conscious than ever and health-focused franchises offering diet, weight loss, nutritional supplements and fitness / exercise opportunities are growing quickly. Personal services, such as tax preparation, hair care, anti aging solutions, massage, the whole wellness industry is booming.
Recession Resistant Options
Many of the above industries are not impacted by a recession. Think need not want. One dramatic example is a trauma and crime scene clean up franchise. If the economy is a concern, I assure you their are ways to get into business NOW, during any economy. Many of the biggest brands in our country were born in a recession. Much like the stock market. savvy entrepreneurs buy low and sell high. Pick the right industry and you can thrive in any economy.
And back to where we started… Food, Glorious Food
And yes, there are lots of food franchises, too. In fact, there are more food franchises than you can possibly imagine, many more than the few food franchises you are familiar with in your neighborhood. The number of opportunities available in food franchises means you will be able to offer your customers something unique and different from what they are used to.
There’s a caveat about food franchises, however. They are most often the franchised businesses requiring the greatest amount of investment and the largest amount of specific skill/experience. Owning a burger or pizza franchise means you may need to manage a large number of employees, work long hours, and obey local health code requirements. Upsides to food franchises include status and brand recognition.
However, if you can meet the requirements and are willing to put in the extra work, a food franchise can be a very lucrative business. Just don’t limit yourself ahead of time by choosing your future business – food or any other franchise – by name rather than by qualities. With so many franchised businesses to choose from, the one that fits you to a tee may be the last business you expected to own – yet the best job you’ve ever had! Let me expand your horizon and open up your opportunities. Call me today at 443.977.8550.
