WOMEN IN FRANCHISING FEATURE SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 2020

FranchisingFeature women in franchising

no v e m b e r 202 0

franchising

provides ideal opportunities for women

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the next big thing for women supporting women in franchsing

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what’s new!

HUSBAND & WIFE RESTAURANT DUO LOOK TO EXPAND CELEBRITY’S SOUL FOOD

Celebrity’s Soul Food, a casual restaurant concept that specializes in premium soul food, is opening up a new franchise opportunity catered to chefs and entrepreneurs.

The company founded by celebrity CEO Dr. Fredrick Jacobs and his wife, Taja Jacobs, has partnered with United Franchise Group to grow the brand.

The Celebrity’s Soul Food menu spotlights local flavors and specialties. They serve up soul food that is prepared from scratch and utilizes high quality ingredients. Dishes vary from classic favorites such as Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits and CornmealDusted Catfish to innovative twists such as Gold-Dusted Chicken Wings, Barbeque Glazed Alligator Ribs, and Red Velvet Chicken & Waffles.

“Celebrity’s Soul Food prides itself on embracing all cultures and inviting folks from various walks of life and tastes to join us at our tables,” said Taja Jacobs, Chief Sustainability Officer. “When it comes to franchisee partners, we’re seeking people who are open to being adventurous on the culinary front and who hold hospitality as a top priority. We believe our business model is attractive to chefs and entrepreneurs who are seeking a turn-key franchise opportunity.” www.celebrityssoulfood.com/franchise

Taja Jacobs on Women in Franchising: “Women were born for this. Wearing multiple hats is what we do, just make sure you wear the hat (business) that looks good on you! You are strong and courageous in the end you will win!”

WOODY’S BAR-B-Q CELEBRATES 40 YEARS WITH CHARITY FUNDRAISER In 1980, armed with some dog-eared recipes, a love of great food and a desire to make patrons feel “right at home” in their new restaurant, Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman opened the doors of Jacksonville-based Woody’s Bar-B-Q. Over the 40 years since, the co-founders and their franchisees have shown their support for the communities that surround their restaurants. Whether sponsoring the local high school football team or raising funds for an area nonprofit, the hospitality of Woody’s Bar-B-Q extends beyond the kitschy country interior of its restaurants.

During a 40th Anniversary Celebration at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra Beach, nearly 100 people were in attendance to commemorate Woody’s flavorful 40-year history by taking part in a silent auction and art show presented by Florida artist, Diana Patterson—the proceeds of which benefitted Tim Tebow Foundation’s Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry. By the time the event came to a close, $6,000 had been raised.

Yolanda Mills-Mawman, President and COO of Woody’s Bar-B-Q, thanked the community for attending. “It warms our hearts to see

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Artist Diana Patterson with Woody’s Bar-B-Q CoFounder Yolanda Mills-Mawman

this North Florida community come together year after year as they have since our first anniversary celebration in 1981,” she said.

“We are so grateful for Woody’s Bar-B-Q, Diana Patterson, and the community that rallied with them to support the fight against human trafficking through this event,” shared Steve Biondo, President of the Tim Tebow Foundation. www.woodys.com/franchise

JANICE BRANAM NAMED VP OF OPERATIONS FOR 9ROUND FRANCHISING, LLC Founder and CEO of 9Round Franchising. “As the brand weathers the effects of the pandemic, we have not had to permanently let go of a single person at our corporate office, but instead have hired Janice to help support the franchise network now and on the road ahead. Now is not the time to shrink an organization, but instead to fight forward and prepare to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever.”

Prior to joining 9Round Franchising, Branam worked for several rapidly growing franchise and corporate brands including Pizza Hut, Boston Market, Quizno’s, Smashburger and Teriyaki Madness.

In her various roles she designed and delivered operations and franchisee support programs and tools, worked with Franchise Advisory Councils, developed classroom and on-line training and provided coaching for franchise support teams, operators, and trainers.

9Round Franchising, LLC, has announced Janice Branam as Vice President of Operations. Bringing over 20 years of franchising experience to the position, Branam will play a key role in advancing the support programs and tools for the growing franchise network.

“Janice brings years of franchise experience to the table that will

help ensure the future growth of 9Round,” said Shannon Hudson,

“This is an exciting time to join 9Round and build on the incredible track record and solid foundation that Shannon, Heather and the team have started,” said Branam. “Franchising at its core is about support, and now more than ever with the effects of the pandemic, we are focusing on helping franchisees run healthy, profitable businesses to benefit them, their families, and their communities.” www.9round.com

WATERS EDGE WINERY & BISTRO ARRIVES IN KALISPELL, MT Wine lovers Angela and Trevor Zuba of Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Kalispell are excited to welcome visitors to their new 3,500 square-foot micro-winery a in the Flathead Valley.

“We are beyond thrilled to open our doors,” said Angela Zuba, owner. “We are excited to recreate the winemaking and tasting experience while contributing to our community’s wine and culture scene.”

Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Kalispell is a warm, welcoming space adorned with authentic elements of rustic Montana.

All wines are made in-house and feature classic selections as well as lesserknown grape varietals grown locally. To accompany its extensive wine and beverage menus, food offerings include a selection

of globally inspired tapas, salads, paninis, flatbreads and desserts.

The Zubas relocated to the Flathead Valley from Coaldale, Alberta, Canada to pursue their American entrepreneurial dream. Prior to this new venture, Angela spent nearly 20 years growing businesses and not-for-profit organizations and was active in local business and politics. After spending time in the Flathead Valley area, Angela and Trevor decided to relocate, opening their new business and raising their family in the Valley.

“It is truly a lifelong dream of ours to own a winery, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to move to America to pursue our dreams,” said Zuba. “We are excited to share our love of wine from around the world with the residents and tourists who stop in to visit us, and we look forward to providing them with a place where they can create memories over a glass of wine.” www.watersedgewineries.com/thefranchise

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Cover Story: Assisted Living Locators

Franchising provides ideal

opportunities for women to experience business ownership ALL CEO says

Franchising provides flexibility and a predictable path to business success for women who are interested in owning their own business says the CEO of Assisted Living Locators.

Angela Olea started her franchise company which helps find senior living options for the elderly and family members needing assisted living, back in 2006.

Over her 14 years in franchising, Angela has seen tremendous growth in the industry for women, and notes that the International Franchise Association is now woman-led, along with many franchise brokerages that support the industry.

“Franchising provides such an amazing opportunity for women and you’re not locked into choosing traditional femalespecific roles,” Olea said during a recent interview from her second home in Savannah, GA. “Women are buying franchises in everything from plumbing to home repair to something more service oriented such as Assisted Living Locators.

It’s a wide-open sector.”

Angela Olea

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It’s been Olea’s experience that when women are getting into business ownership, they tend to put a priority on flexibility and balance.

Alane Roberts

According to Assisted Living Locators of San Gabriel Valley, CA franchisee LeeAnn Allman, her franchise provides a muchneeded work-life balance, giving her the flexibility to still work, but also meet her children’s needs. “During the pandemic, I have been able to homeschool my children and fulfill my dream of entrepreneurship,” she explained. “Owning your own franchise, being your own boss while having an incredible corporate office that always has your back is the best of all worlds!”

Jasilika Davidson

“The opportunities are endless out there, so take that chance and embrace the opportunity to embark on a new endeavor.”

Even if women don’t choose to buy an Assisted Living Locators franchise, Olea wants her story to inspire women to explore business ownership through franchising.

“Franchising is ideal for women who want to modify their work schedules around their lives,” Olea noted. “As a franchisee, you’re also never alone. It’s not a lone wolf venture -- it’s a true team mentality.” She added that franchising also typically provides a faster ramp-up for business ownership and a more reliable path to success.

“We may not be the right fit for everybody, but I try to educate them on what options are available,” she explained.

“There’s no ceiling to where they can go,” said Olea.

Family obligations

Inspiring women One way Olea tries to help women get into franchising is by being an inspiration to them by sharing her story. She’s heard from other women that it’s a really strong draw to hear the story of how she went from being an employee to a business owner.

“Seeing the path I followed has inspired other women, so I try to share the story of where I came from, where I’m going and what the franchising path has created for me,” she says.

To share her story, Olea does public speaking and interviews on podcasts and tries to be a mentor to women thinking about getting into business.

Olea noted that sometimes women can have barriers imposed on them because they tend to be the ones in the household taking care of other family members, whether that is an elderly family member with failing health or children who are now having to be homeschooled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It can slow down the trajectory of where they’re going if they let it,” she said.

Anecdotally speaking, Olea said when she was calling her

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Cover Story: Assisted Living Locators

“Owning your own franchise, being your own boss while having an incredible corporate office that always has your back is the best of all worlds!”

Columbus, OH franchise owner Jasilika Davidson, who was looking for a career after leaving the South Carolina National Guard, said joining Assisted Living Locators has been fantastic.

“This is the best decision I’ve ever made for my career as a veteran,” she said.

Slight pandemic impact Because Assisted Living Locators is considered an essential service, it wasn’t impacted by COVID-19 as badly as some other franchise options, Olea said.

The most significant impact is that the franchise had to shift all of its training to online and also had to embrace virtual tours of the facilities they recommend to families. It also shifted family timeframes by about a quarter- COVID delayed placements, but the aging process and family needs didn’t fundamentally change with the pandemic, it just deferred them slightly.

LeeAnn Allman

franchisees to see how they were doing, typically the women franchisees told her they were finding it challenging having to deal with their children’s homeschooling whereas the male franchisees didn’t seem to mention that as much.

This is where the flexibility of franchising can be helpful, she noted, because she found that when she called her franchisees in a household where both parents were self-employed and working from home, they had an easier time than households where one of the parents was working remotely for a company.

About 55 percent of Assisted Living Locators’ franchisees are female and 45 percent are male, Olea said, which has held pretty steady throughout her 14 years as a franchisor.

Currently, the franchise has about 140 franchisees spread throughout 36 states and the District of Columbia.

Olea said although it is frightening to embark on a new venture, what can be gained from women stretching beyond their comfort zone is amazing.

“The opportunities are endless out there, so take that chance and embark on a new endeavor,” she advised.

Assisted Living Locators, which is based in Scottsdale, AZ, has successful female franchisees from all walks of life. They range from women in their late 20s looking for a career to women who have retired from corporate America and now want to do something where they have more control over their own destiny.

Female franchisees in the Assisted Living Locators’ system run the gamut from Wall Street to being homemakers their whole lives and everything in between, Olea noted.

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Pre-COVID, all the training was in person in Scottsdale and they routinely took families for in-person tours of facilities.

The franchise has always had virtual tours, but they’ve picked up drastically now.

“It went from playing a 20 percent role to playing a 100 percent role,” Olea noted.

Even though things are opening back up to in-person interactions, facilities have upgraded their virtual tours so much out of necessity that they’ve become a valuable tool for Assisted Living Locators.

“We’ve benefited and the families have benefited from the facilities really having to step up their virtual tours so families could get a good experience,” Olea said.

Olea gave the example of Houston, TX franchise Alane Roberts who has thrived throughout the pandemic. “During COVID-19, Alane went the extra mile to help seniors and families virtually connect with her provider network, resulting in her revenue increasing,” said Olea. “We are also proud of her leadership in mentoring her other fellow franchisees to adapt to the use of technology to succeed during these challenging times.”

Another big difference for Assisted Living Locators has been holding their annual conference virtually instead of in-person, but it was important to still have a conference so the franchise system could hand out its annual awards, the CEO explained.

For any women who are looking to get into business ownership, Olea and Assisted Living Locators offer an inspiring story and a solid business opportunity to go with it. As Olea says, there are no ceilings to where women can go in franchising. www.assistedlivinglocatorsfranchise.com

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Featu re

R o b S w y s t u n | Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

Continued Growth for

Women in Franchising Will Depend on More Women in Leadership Roles, Experts Say

More women are looking for a good worklife balance and the opportunity to be their own boss and a lot of the time they’re turning to franchising to help them accomplish these dual goals.

role, as it provides an easier path to business ownership and success.

Women are well positioned in franchising, with the International Franchise Association currently having a woman, FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson, as its chair. Many franchises and franchise brokerages are also helmed by women.

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), as of 2017, over 11.6 million companies were owned by women in the United States, employing 9 million people and generating $1.7 trillion in sales.

There are also numerous groups dedicated to helping women explore the world of franchising, including the Women’s Franchise Committee (WFC), which was formed in 1996. The WFC’s goal is to inspire and encourage women in franchising by creating a network of business professionals to provide international networking opportunities for the exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences.

Clearly, women-led businesses are a huge part of the US economy and encouraging more women to enter into business ownership is important for the continued health of the economy.

The committee has created a number of local networking chapters, has an annual conference and a podcast entitled Her Success that shares success stories from female franchise leaders.

Franchising’s Role Encouraging more women to try business ownership and helping them succeed is where franchising can play a significant

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The local networking chapters of the WFC are collectively known as the Women’s Franchise Network (WFN).

These local networks are meant to develop relationships between women franchising

professionals and address business issues, share ideas and provide solutions related to franchising.

The first WFN was launched in Denver, CO in 2002 and now includes networks in markets all throughout North America.

“Women are incredible leaders who can—and do—add tremendous value to any organization,” Nancy Bigley, former chair of the WFC said in a press release.

“Thus, everyone being mindful of how you can bring along and guide other female leaders is a huge step. We can raise the level of female leadership by setting the right example and being more mindful of creating opportunities for them to flex their muscles.”

One woman who is leading a successful franchise and being a role model for other women wanting to get into franchising is Assisted Living Locators CEO Angela Olea. She started her franchise business in 2006 and says in the time she’s been involved in franchising, she has seen the number of women business owners grow.

“The amount of growth from 2006 until now—14 years—has been tremendous,” she said.

“Encouraging more women to try business ownership and helping them succeed is where franchising can play a significant role, as it provides an easier path to business ownership and success.�

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R o b S w y s t u n | Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

“It’s important for women not to change who they are in a professional environment, if your personality happens to be fun, loud and smart—be fun, loud and smart.

Always. Just stay true to who you are.” environment,” she said. “If your personality happens to be fun, loud and smart—be fun, loud and smart. Always.

Just stay true to who you are.”

What to Look for in a Franchise

“As franchising provides a blueprint to success along with marketing and administrative help, typically male-dominated industries become much easier for women to break into via purchasing a franchise.”

Franchising tends to offer business owners a really good work-life balance and many women who become business owners are looking for more flexibility and business opportunities in industries that are typically male dominated, Olea noted.

As franchising provides a blueprint to success along with marketing and administrative help, typically maledominated industries become much easier for women to break into via purchasing a franchise.

“Franchising provides such an amazing opportunity for women,” Olea said.

Assisted Living Locators consists of about 55 percent women-owned locations compared to 45 percent of male owners.

Women in Franchise Leadership Roles Another franchise that is predominantly women-led is Massage Envy, where the C-Suite is 60 percent female.

In a Q&A session with the IFA in 2019, General Counsel for Massage Envy Kristin

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Paiva said the franchising industry needs to continue to boost women as leaders.

“The industry has historically been male-driven,” Paiva said. “Current and potential stakeholders continue to expect that men will play the key roles. The best way to break down and change outdated expectations is for women to grow their visibility as industry leaders.”

Often, for women rising through the ranks of a traditionally male-dominated industry like franchising, they can be pushed to lead in a certain way, but Beth Stiller, Chief Commercial Officer for Massage Envy, advises women to find their own leadership style.

“Everyone needs to find their own style of leadership as opposed to conforming to a textbook model—male or female, leading with authenticity is the only sustainable way to lead,” Stiller said. “I personally struggled for a few years and found myself trying to adapt to fit the styles that seemed to be successful and rewarded in the big corporate male-dominated environment I was part of. When I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s idea of how a leader should act and react I began to lead in a more authentic way that was ‘my style.’ I connected better with my team, felt more comfortable and found greater success.”

Chief Marketing Officer for Massage Envy Kathy Collins concurred.

“I think it’s important for women not to change who they are in a professional

While franchising clearly offers women a path to reach their business ownership goals and become strong leaders, like anyone interested in becoming a franchisor, they should choose their franchise wisely.

Current chair of the WFC Michelle Rowan, who is also President & COO of the Franchise Business Review, an independent research and consulting firm, gives these bits of advice for women who are looking for a franchise: • Ensure you’ll get the support you need up to, and after, the opening day of your location.

• Look for a progressive brand with a vision for the future that includes constantly innovating new ways to serve their customers.

• Make sure the franchisor seeks out and values input from its franchisees.

• Seek out expert advice when making your decision.

As more women enter the world of business ownership, franchising continues to provide a viable path to success for them with proven business blueprints and support. With more women having leadership roles in franchising, their growth is going to continue and inspire the next generation of women business owners.

Look out for our next special feature:

senior care franchising

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Profile: Belina Calderon-Nernberg | CEO | 1Heart Caregiver

“Now that we’re franchising, we’re giving other people like myself a chance to make their own American Story: a story of success that comes from hard work and finding the courage to take that leap of faith.”

following her American Dream Franchising USA

Franchising USA talked to Belina CalderonNernberg, CEO of 1Heart Caregiver Services, about why she started her franchise and why caregiving is such an important and fulfilling industry.

As an immigrant from the Philippines, Belina created 1Heart to follow her American Dream and help provide peace of mind and support to families and their aging loved ones, as well as to create an opportunity for others to follow their dream and be their own boss.

Why did you start your franchise?

I grew up in a small town in the Philippines. My mom would always remind me and my sisters to “make sure that you earn enough money for yourself so you can always stand on your own.” I kept this in mind when I moved to the United States to create a better life and opportunity for my children. Even though it was heartbreaking to leave my parents behind in the Philippines, I knew that it was the right decision for my career and for my children.

The guilt and sadness of being far away and not being able to take care of my mother as she grew old was heartbreaking, but finding a local reliable caregiver gave me the peace of mind that she was being taken care of by someone who really cared for her. Finding her a caregiver with the compassion and experience to give her the best quality care possible while I could not be there inspired me to start my own caregiving franchise. I started 1Heart Caregiver Services to not only honor my mother, but to help other people like myself who had elderly loved ones that they could not physically be there to take care of. I wanted to create a franchise that people could trust to provide their relatives with the best care possible, from highly-trained and compassionate caregivers. Someone

who would care for them like family.

When I came to America, I came with a dream to have a better life. Starting a business that actually creates jobs and helps families take care of their loved ones gave me a purpose in my life. And now that we’re franchising, we’re giving other people like myself a chance to make their own American Story: a story of success that comes from hard work and finding the courage to take that leap of faith to achieving financial freedom and living the life that they dream of. How? By being their own boss and serving the community in a very good way—providing love, care and family to our frail and elderly.

What was the turning point that made you realise you wanted to change your career path?

After seven years of living and working here in the US, my husband and I didn’t feel like we were getting anywhere near our dream of being financially free, so we moved back to the Philippines. However, I felt that the US provided much better opportunities for success not just for us but for our children as well. I felt that I could do more here than there. My husband did not want to go back to the US because he was tired of being an employee, and I realized that if my family were to live here, I had to do something. Starting my own business where I could be my own boss was the only way to do it, so I took that crucial step and I’m glad I did.

Do you see yourself in your franchisees?

Yes, it’s interesting to note that most of our franchisees are also immigrants in this country. They are just as optimistic and hopeful of a better life as I was when I first came to America. After years of being in the work force, they all understand that financial freedom and success doesn’t come from luck or entitlement. And just like me, they’ve all experienced the hard work and sacrifices that it takes to reach their goals. They’re very driven to succeed because they all recognize that it is a blessing to be in a country that offers so many opportunities to have a good life.

What type of training does 1Heart Caregiver Services provide to its franchisees?

Through our 1Heart Business Academy, we train our franchisees on Sales, Marketing, Operations and Finance, aligned to 1Heart’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and culture. We also provide ‘continuing education’ and coaching in professional development putting emphasis on management and leadership which is very helpful to first time business owners.

If someone was interested in joining your franchise system, what would you say to them?

First, I ask them “why?” This kind of business will not thrive if the business owner’s “why” is just to make money.

You need to have real compassion for people—not just your care recipients but your caregivers as well. There will be times when you have to let your heart make that “business” decision, but as long as they follow our system and adhere to our Core Values of Excellence, Integrity and Heart, they will be successful.

How do you see your franchise developing into the future?

As the senior population in America continues to grow, it is heart-warming to see that our franchise is not only helping families with their aging loved ones but also helping hardworking individuals achieve financial freedom by replicating our success. In doing so, we also provide jobs to people in our communities. Understanding the real purpose of why 1Heart existed for more than a decade of serving seniors and achieving wellness, longevity and improved lifestyle is a continued legacy that the company wants to achieve in all franchise locations. www.1heartcares.com

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Expert Advice: Sarah Kulbatski | COO | JT Franchising

Supporting Women in Franchising “Approximately 26-30% of all franchises are solely woman-owned. Additionally, 41% of new franchisees that have launched in the last 24 months are women.

The best part: 54% of female franchisees overall say their work/life is balanced or very balanced.”

(Source: Franchise Business Review).

The tide is beginning to turn, as franchising has seen a significant rise in the number of younger women joining the industry and investing in franchises.

Women started out as a minority group in franchising, but have become decision makers, who play a much bigger role in the franchising world.

There is much more variety for women to choose from today in franchising. Gone are the days when women were simply delegated to working in more femininetype businesses, such as beauty and healthrelated franchises. Today’s franchising world offers opportunities across all sectors and types of franchising and there are female success stories in all of them.

Women are finding that franchise ownership can offer freedom and opportunities to thrive. More and more women are seeking franchise opportunities

“Women are finding that franchise ownership can offer freedom and opportunities to thrive.”

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“The biggest challenge I believe women have, is not that they are not taken seriously out in the world, but that they don’t take themselves seriously.

We need to inspire and support each other to reach our potential.”

Sarah Kulbatski

Building confidence I believe that women need to be confident, in themselves, their negotiation skills, their juggling skills. They need to stop listening to all of these generalized “experts”. They need to know their own personal strengths and weaknesses (not what everyone says they should be as a woman). They need to use their strengths, address their weaknesses and pursue their goals.

Tips for building confidence:

in sectors like business consulting, education, food, pets and photography.

It’s also interesting to note, that women today have more opportunities than ever.

Many organizations have established workshops, seminars, mentoring programmes, and funding opportunities for women interested in operating a franchise.

With the growing numbers of women seeking franchising opportunities, it’s clear that leaders in franchising need to do more to support women entering the franchising world.

access to all opportunities. Our primary focus should be to support women, who are looking for a route into the franchise industry.

The biggest challenge I believe women have, is not that they are not taken seriously out in the world, but that they don’t take themselves seriously. We need to inspire and support each other to reach our potential.

• and to help franchisors attract more women to their networks.

My parents, from a very young age, instilled in my sisters and I, that each one of us was born to make an impact and inspire others. Each one of us had a story to tell and our chosen path in life. Each one of us was a unique being, who with determination and perseverance would be unstoppable. This support has been invaluable to me. If more women in the franchise market were supported, they would find it much easier to succeed.

Women have a valuable contribution to make in business and their unique qualities, perspectives and ideas are badly needed. We all, therefore, have a role to play in ensuring that they are given equal

Personally speaking, I am a single mother with two children who I have raised to be phenomenal people. And in return, they have been my source of inspiration and motivated me to start my company.

Our goal should be threefold: • to encourage women to consider buying a franchise • to encourage businesswomen to franchise their existing operations

• Figure out what it is you love to do. If you love what you are doing, it won’t feel like work.

• Get educated in your field of interest.

Develop your knowledge of the franchising industry and hone your business skills.

• Get things done. Monitor your progress and follow through. Be fearless in pushing forward. Think long term. And stand up for yourself.

Each of us has a unique gift to give the world and we bring much value to those lives we touch. Once we can embrace that thought pattern, we are unstoppable.

By virtue of having spent most of her professional career in the franchising sector, Sarah Kulbatski, COO, has a passion for business, is driven to achieve short- and long-term results, and is committed to quality and sustainability.

She believes that a climate of positive franchise relations lies at the heart of a successful and thriving organization.

Email sarah@jtfranchising.com Visit www.jtfranchising.com

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George Knauf | Senior Franchise Business Advisor | FranChoice

FRANCHISING HAS NO CEILINGS

Franchising USA

Far too many of my female friends had to deal with glass ceilings in Corporate America.

These limitations are archaic, cost businesses money and limit the accomplishments of those they are imposed on. My friends broke out, you can too!

Fortunately, there are alternatives to corporate ecosystems; take franchising as an example. Franchise brands are most focused on whether or not, as a franchisee, you can/will follow their system and if you will do the work to build your business.

Just recently I was talking to a well-known franchisor’s development team, and was told the story of a woman on the east coast that is one of their top performing new franchise owners. The fun part of that story is that she is in a business that most people would assume is heavily male dominated.

Here is the secret to her success: she is a great business operator and followed their systems to the smallest detail. She also is taking advantage of a business environment where customers want outstanding service from a company they can trust. She found that customers don’t have glass ceilings, they have needs and just want someone to solve them.

But that is the current story, what about the beginning where she was being approved as a franchisee? Any glass ceilings there?

While it is possible that there are brands that would favor male candidates over female, I am not aware of any in the top franchise brands.

The approval process is the same for everyone, the franchisor development rep will walk you through their brand, business model, marketing, support and contractual obligations on both sides. They will also want to get to know you, your skills, strengths, likes, goals and also specific skills or abilities that will make you successful. Their primary goal should be

finding the very best franchisee regardless of male, female, and from any background!

As you go through the process you may find it interesting to talk to owners you can relate to for any number of reasons, female owners will be able to validate if you will have unlimited opportunities to succeed in the brand you are considering. When you talk to them, ask if a day in the life is without limitations to confirm that staff and clients are focused more on results than that the owner is female.

One of the things we have seen in the franchise world is that successful female operators build outstanding teams and win over customers with their approach to customer service and care.

Service sectors like auto repair have been considered male dominated for years but we have seen women establishing great opportunities in that space, too. We have even seen a brand that remodeled their franchise offering around the new approaches their female owners spearheaded in their local operations to become more family friendly and welcoming to women as they bring their cars in for repair. Those changes were a big win for the whole system.

I am just pointing out market segments where people are surprised women own franchises, but only to make the point that successful women are present in all franchises.

The open opportunities in franchising are not limited to franchise owners, we have also seen many top franchise brands run by women. You will find these amazing leaders in categories including food, services, health, beauty, fitness and more.

The franchise industry appreciates talent, skills, drive and the ability to help others achieve their dreams.

And it’s not just the CEO role where we see women achieving great things in franchising, it is across all brands and in every department. I feel that one of the reasons franchising is so successful is because of this approach to hiring employees or awarding franchises to the very best candidate with no limitations.

The franchise industry has unlimited opportunities that you can leverage towards

George Knauf

any goal you want to pursue. The key will be building your plan and identifying the best strategy to get to your dreams.

To do that you will want to do a full personal evaluation and map out the skills, strengths and other key criteria you bring to your game plan. This will help you target those opportunities that are perfectly fit for you. It can be a very rewarding process; I guide candidates through this introspective mapping every day and help them find their perfect franchises.

You may find that when you remove preconceptions and outside influences that you will be surprised at what your perfect fit really is. Once you identify where you can be most successful and build the life you desire then it is simply a matter of working your plan.

There is very little in business more rewarding than controlling your destiny and achieving your dreams. I hope you find your perfect match and you enjoy operating in a business without any limitations!

George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many of the top franchise ownership groups in the world.

With over 25 years of experience in both start-up and mature business franchise operations he is uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of Building their own empires. Whether you have an existing portfolio or searching for your first franchise, he can help you to pursue your dreams. Contact the Franchising USA Expert, George’s Hotline: 703-424-2980. www.MyPerfectFranchise.com

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Jill Abrahamsen | Editorial Director | International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)

FRANCHISE CONSULTANT JOBS: THE NEXT BIG THING FOR WOMEN Change is the only thing that really seems certain these days. Wellestablished companies are closing their doors for good; we are wearing masks to go shopping, and our children are going to school virtually.

most franchised businesses were initially

If anyone told me a year ago that things would be this way, I would never have believed them. Our new reality is surreal.

opportunity now to help people and

Women who have been furloughed, laid off, or are simply looking for a better work-life balance, have been flocking to franchising for new opportunities… and not just as franchise owners. They are finding that a career as a franchise consultant is lucrative, meaningful, and offers an ideal lifestyle.

For mothers of younger children in particular, a self-employed job as a franchise consultant allows more flexibility to better juggle the added “pandemic parenting” responsibilities with a career.

As business office doors reopen, working moms are faced with huge obstacles. The reality is, you can’t prop a young child in front a computer and head off to work.

Without in-person school in session, childcare issues are forcing women to make tough choices.

Luckily, franchising is opening many doors for people who want change. Although

Franchising USA

negatively impacted by the onset of

COVID, many franchisors have seen an

increase in franchise development in recent

1. They are good at multitasking:

months, with quite a few reporting record growth. Some of the growth is due to the unemployment rate. “When there’s an

increase in unemployment, there is always a boom in franchise development. We are seeing that now,” says Don Daszkowski, Founder and CEO of IFPG, a leading franchise broker network. “Franchise consultants have an unprecedented generate wealth,” he says.

Although men make excellent franchise consultants, women have some innate

skills that make them naturals in this role.

Here’s why women make good franchise consultants:

By nature, women—especially working moms—are jugglers. Most women carry the lion’s share of the household tasks and take care of their children’s needs, all while meeting the ongoing demands of their jobs. Multitasking skills transfer extremely well to careers in franchise consulting, where being super-organized is essential.

2. They love matchmaking:

Throughout history, women have been successful matchmakers. They are inherently good at it. Just like in the famous song “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof, a good match is essential for a happy union. The franchise consultant’s role is pivotal in helping

“A career as a franchise consultant offers an opportunity for women to flex their natural-born muscles and enjoy an ideal work-life balance in a growing industry. ”

identify the right opportunity for both the franchisor and franchisee.

3. They are attentive listeners:

Most men will admit it, women are better listeners. This intrinsic talent in women helps mothers better understand the needs of their children and it also enables franchise consultants to better serve their clients.

By asking the right questions and really listening, consultants can identify opportunities that might not seem so obvious at first.

4. They have empathy:

Being able to put yourself in someone’s shoes, or the capacity for empathy, is typically associated with women. It’s a valuable skill that gives insight into a prospect’s needs and desired lifestyle.

It also enables franchise consultants to gauge the seriousness of a candidate’s intentions. Is the client ready to go all-in or is she just exploring? An empathetic franchise consultant is savvy enough to help her client decide if franchise ownership is the right choice.

5. They pay attention to details:

It’s been said that women pay more attention to the fine details while men are more focused on the big picture.

Whether that is true or not, to be successful as a franchise consultant, details count. Good franchise consultants have relationships with hundreds of brands and can identify the differentiators in each one. It takes time and attention to learn the ins and outs of different franchises.

Consultants do this by staying active in their broker network, attending webinars and information sessions, and getting out to industry events (in person and virtual) to network and learn. For example, there could be 50 fitness brands in a franchise broker’s network. Knowing what sets each one apart is the key.

A career as a franchise consultant offers an opportunity for women to flex their natural-born muscles and enjoy an ideal work-life balance in a growing industry.

Jill Abrahamsen

Jill Abrahamsen is Editorial Director at the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a franchise broker network that helps hopeful entrepreneurs identify and invest in franchise businesses. As Editor of Franchise Consultant Magazine and FranchiseWire, Jill Abrahamsen writes and edits articles about success through franchise ownership.

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