Author: John Francis

Now that summer is upon us, I’ve been spending more time on boats and around the water. Here in Minnesota (as in most places), we’re required to have life preservers on board to comply with the state’s boating laws. Not only does everyone need access to a wearable life jacket of their own, but the boat must have a throwable life preserver in a location that is easy to access in an emergency. This means it can’t be tucked away in a cabinet somewhere, but must be out in the open where it can be grabbed at a moment’s notice.

When was the last time you had a problem - but you didn’t know who to talk to about it? Sometimes things come up - BIG things - that weigh heavy, but you don’t know who to turn to for advice. 

Does your franchise company have an advisory board? 

Are you doing everything you can to avoid failure in building your franchise system? 

Has shopping for a new franchise opportunity ever given you sticker shock? Especially for owners who are new to franchising - the upfront costs associated with the investment might seem high. After all, the fees are typically much higher than what you’d pay to start your own independent business.

Looking back on my decades of experience in the franchise industry, I believe there is one thing that contributed to my success more than anything else: my participation in a business owners’ mastermind group.

Get ready…the in-person IFA Convention is finally back!

My mother, Flo Francis, passed away last month in December 2021 after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was a wonderful woman who did a lot with her life - and who experienced a tremendous amount of success in her 85 years.

I’m a lucky dad of two great daughters, who growing up, have had a front-row seat to much of my work in the franchise industry. As children do, they absorb a lot, so they really “got” some of the key concepts around franchising and business ownership and management early - we even turned some of it into a game!

Do you have a succession plan in place for your business?