franchise Archives

Out of work? Consider buying a franchise

Tough news in Charlotte, NC earlier this week. Wachovia Corp, one of the largest companies in Charlotte and the 6th largest bank in the United States, was purchased by Citigroup (Stock ticker C). 5,000 people...

byJack Burris

October 2, 2008

Franchise Organizations Secret Shop Employees

It's travel season ... last week Washington, DC for Franchise Appreciation Day and this week Franchise Update's annual Franchise Development Conference at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL. The conference agenda is helping owners of...

byJack Burris

September 27, 2008

IFA’s Franchise Appreciation Day Recap – Current Political Issues Facing Franchising

Earlier this week I attended the International Franchise Association's 9th annual Franchise Appreciation Day in Washington, DC. Over 500 people, franchisors, franchisees and industry suppliers, gathered together to discuss the current economic and political picture...

byJack Burris

September 17, 2008

Bennigan’s Files Chapter 7 – What happens to the franchisees?

We interrupt our regularly scheduled "How to research and buy a franchise" with this update ... Within the last week, two large restaurant franchise systems have declared bankruptcy, Bennigan's and Steak & Ale. Most of...

byJack Burris

August 5, 2008

Step #2 – Begin your franchise search

As you start deciding which franchise is for you, there are dozens of sources to reference to gain valuable information about available opportunities. If you are searching for a retail opportunity in your own town,...

byJack Burris

July 6, 2008

Is franchise ownership for you?

Good evening Startup Nation visitors! Today we begin a 15-part, five week crash course that will help you decide whether or not franchising is the right thing for you. Starting your own business can be...

byJack Burris

June 30, 2008

From “mom & pop” to franchised business

I recently attended the annual International Franchise Expo in Washington, DC. It's arguably the largest consumer trade show for franchise opportunities, attracts around 10,000 - 15,000 attendees from around the globe (I remember hearing there...

byJack Burris

May 1, 2008

Start your own franchise business – Part 2

Last month, we talked a little bit about the attributes necessary to turn your home based business into a franchise ... you can find that post here. Well, what about branching out from the home...

byJack Burris

December 13, 2007

Your Home Based Business: A Franchise?

I have to start by commending all of the businesses that participated and ranked in StartupNation's inaugural Top 100 Home Based Businesses. It's a true testament that working from home can be fun, productive and...

byJack Burris

November 15, 2007

Franchise Business Review releases 2007 Franchisee Benchmark Report

Have you considered investing in a franchise and just can't decide which one is right for you? As you explore your options, one of the most important factors is evaluating the satisfaction of current franchisees...

byJack Burris

August 2, 2007

Graduate from college … and buy a franchise?

An article in today's NY Times, Don't Go West Young Man ... Buy Yourself a Franchise Instead, asks a very interesting question. Should recent college graduates without any real-world experience forgo corporate America and buy...

byJack Burris

July 26, 2007

Not Necessarily a Franchise

It's a common misunderstanding that businesses with many locations are all franchises. In fact, many of the places you frequent on a daily basis are NOT franchises at all, but corporate-owned and operated stores. For...

byJack Burris

April 25, 2007

Franchising for winners

From Dennis Hitzeman My friend Mike probably holds the world record for building the most winning teams. We entered West Point in July of 1965, two Chicago dudes recruited for sports. He played basketball for...

byJack Burris

August 9, 2006

Cool Company of the day: PODS

"Cool" comes in many forms. PODS hits the "Cool Company of the Day" list largely due to the sheer convenience of their innovative moving and storage service. (But it's cool also based on the growth...

byRich Sloan

April 23, 2006

Get a massage and a franchise business opportunity

Oh boy, do I need a massage. Now, truth be told, I always feel like I need a massage. I mean, who doesn't? Seriously, I'm asking. Do you feel like you need a massage –...

byJoel Welsh

March 1, 2006

Being frank about franchising

We'd like to answer a question recently asked of us by one of our community members. How do I identify responsive and fair franchises? -Bill If you're determined to open a franchise, we recommend that...

byRich Sloan

May 5, 2005