Business View Magazine
9
Franchising
Octob r – Business View
1
increasingly popular with all levels of investors, and
the number of opportunities and types of businesses
within the space increases every day. However, as we
caution with every franchise model at every investment
level, not all franchises are equal, and not all “low-cost”
opportunities are as good as they sound. It is important
to do your homework, talk to current franchise owners,
and be sure your expectations are realistic.
No matter how good the franchise brand and the
franchisee satisfaction, ultimately, what matters most is
how you fit into their franchise system. That’s why Ken
Hutcheson from U.S. Lawns says a portion of your
franchise research should include time in the home
office of the franchise company you’re considering and
“in the trenches” with franchisees.
“There is nothing like meeting people face to face,
because this is still a personal type of enterprise. See
what the people behind the franchise brand look
like and whether you fit with them as individuals,”
Hutcheson said.
