Earlier this year, I wrote about the growing diversity in today’s franchise buyers. It’s fascinating and wonderful to work with such varied stages of life, needs, goals and interests all finding their “right fit” in franchising. There’s Millennials to later career Boomers. Multi-generational teams and semi-passive investor/owners continue to surge. Women are flocking to business ownership through franchising.

The franchise industry has responded in kind, both with innovative new brands, improved technology and more strategic approaches for existing opportunities. As we contemplate the possibilities of a new decade, let’s take a look at some notable data from 2019.

• 62% Personal Services
• 48% Multi Unit, Semi-Passive
• 30% Business Services
• 15% Existing Franchise Acquisition
• 14% Health and Wellness

Personal services franchises topped our list, fueled by the buyers’ increasing desire to own a business that helps others while helping themselves. Franchises in this category include home services, children’s enrichment, fitness, beauty, and senior services. 2019 enjoyed a strong job market so it’s no surprise that semi-passively managed business models were also a popular choice. Companies large and small continue to outsource their needs, creating enduring opportunity for business service franchises

Where did they come from?

• Air Force Veteran
• Senior Vice President, SunTrust Bank
• Retired Educator
• Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals
• Executive Director, Cox Communications
• Technology Officer, Medical Practice
• International Serial Entrepreneur
• Sales Director, 3M Company
• Finance Executive, Nokia
• Part Time Business Owner, Travel Industry

Where are they now?

• Tree Services
• Hospitality Staffing
• Healthfood Cafe
• Apparel Customization
• Dance Fitness Studio
• Commercial Property Maintenance
• Child Enrichment
• Men’s Grooming
• Beauty Studio
• Graphics/Printing/Signage Manufacturing

Will you move beyond “what if” in 2020?

A common denominator among successful business owners is the ability to move beyond “what ifs” to achieving desired results. Michael Hyatt wrote this thoughtful article on the Law of Diminishing Intent, which says,

There have never been more options in this growing world of franchising. Take advantage of our free franchise readiness assessment and let’s talk about the possibilities to alter the course of your career. Email me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 770-579-3726.

Connect with us on LinkedIn, join our Active Network Program and look at the other areas of connection we offer.

Healthcare executives are discovering numerous reasons to turn to franchise ownership. In growing numbers, they are becoming entrepreneurs, whether they are new to healthcare or grizzled industry veterans. Healthcare leaders are fulfilling important personal and career goals by investing in franchise opportunities; here we’ll discuss the most common:

1. Providing Additional Security

The healthcare industry evolves rapidly, and there's no end in sight. The industry's future remains murky with ongoing talk and political steam of substantial healthcare reform. Franchise ownership is appealing as it can provide a secondary source of income independent of your employer. If there’s a sudden change in your organization or the industry overall, you won’t have all your eggs in one basket. Whether you’re planning on continuing in healthcare for the long haul or wanting to bridge out of healthcare in the coming few years, owning a “manage-a-manager” franchise model and scaling the business over time can provide added family income to rely on and enjoy. The number of people with a business on the side is growing rapidly, and few side gigs offer the earning potential or predictability of franchise ownership.

2. Helping to Build a Nest Egg

Franchise and business ownership is also a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and prepare for retirement. You can enjoy a reliable income while building a valuable future asset that can be sold for a premium or passed as a legacy to your children. By following in the footsteps of other successful franchise owners and reinvesting profits into additional locations, you'll grow your net worth exponentially faster than putting all your savings in a mutual fund.

3. Offering a Fresh Start

Most new opportunity seekers are pleasantly surprised to discover the wide variety of franchise opportunity choices spanning 90+ unique industries. It’s definitely more than just French fries. A hefty majority of new franchise owners choose a business in a completely new industry, not related to healthcare or the sector where they’ve been employed. Your diploma and your resume do not limit your options. Many people yearn to pour their strengths and energy into a fresh, new challenge. Strong franchise opportunities with a proven business model and streamlined training systems are the bridge for thousands of new entrepreneurs to blossom in new lines of business with much less risk. It’s a vehicle to succeed at something, gain more control over your destiny, and enjoy more flexibility rarely found in a corporate executive’s lifestyle.

No matter your reasons for considering franchise ownership, you don’t have to look far for success stories. Take Carey Winkel as an example. She spent 70 hours a week working as President of Commercial Operations for Sunrise Medical before switching gears and buying a cleaning franchise. In her first four years, her region won the company's national growth award three times!

Brian Foster is another great success story. He worked as a healthcare executive for over 30 years for the Illinois Hospital Association. After contemplating his future, he met with FranNet and was introduced to the idea of owning a franchise. He’s fallen in love with being his own boss, with a thriving business that’s poised to earn income for many years to come.

If you’re trying to transition from your career as a healthcare executive (or any other career) to franchise ownership, let us help you. At FranNet, “creating success stories” is our motto. We match aspiring entrepreneurs to the right opportunities for their strengths, goals and needs. To get started, give me a call at 770-579-3726 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Leslie Kuban is a nationally recognized franchise industry expert, CFE (Certified Franchise Executive) and owner of FranNet in Atlanta; a locally owned and operated franchise consulting firm. Leslie and her team have helped close to 500 individuals and families achieve their dreams of business ownership through a no-cost, extensive educational and coaching process.

Connect with Leslie online or call 770-579-3726 to start the conversation today.

Connect with us on LinkedIn, join our Active Network Program and look at the other areas of connection we offer.