Inside the 2025 FBR Franchise Summit: Real Conversations with Real Leaders
I just returned from another fantastic Franchise Business Review (FBR) Franchise Summit in Austin, Texas, and this year reminded me exactly why I love this industry.
FBR always brings together some of the brightest minds in franchising, and this year was no exception. I had the privilege of co-facilitating a private mastermind session with 19 franchisor CEOs—leaders from brands as large as Liberty Tax with 2,000 units and as focused as Diesel Barbershop with 29. The diversity of experience and perspective made for one of the most valuable sessions yet.
Franchise Development: The Challenge That Never Ends
Franchise development remains a constant conversation across the industry. Every brand wants growth, but the path looks different for everyone.
Our discussion covered everything from lead generation and tech platforms to incentive programs, FSOs, resales, and commission structures. What stood out most was this: technology can enhance the process, but it’s still relationships, responsiveness, and integrity that close deals.
Succession Planning: The Quiet Crisis
One of the most impactful parts of the day focused on succession planning. Too often, brands wait until a crisis hits before addressing it. The truth is that transitions are inevitable, and the strongest franchisors treat them as a strategic advantage.
Succession planning is about more than filling roles—it’s about protecting continuity, culture, and long-term unit economics. The systems that get this right are setting themselves up for sustainable success.
Case Study: Technology That Delivers
Dave Wheeler from T-Source shared a powerful case study on Any Lab Test Now. It was a great example of how thoughtful technology investments create measurable value, from operational systems to field-level analytics.
We also talked about the importance of cybersecurity and how several brands had learned tough lessons about protecting franchisee data. These candid discussions are what help leaders prevent tomorrow’s problems.
Peer Groups, FACs, and Field Support
Later in the session, we shifted focus to franchise advisory councils, peer groups, and field support. I shared examples from my Peer Group and FAC Workbooks, which sparked strong dialogue about increasing accountability without adding unnecessary pressure.
The key takeaway: support is strategy. When franchisors prioritize coaching, communication, and connection, system-wide performance improves.
Standards, Compliance, and Relationships
Of course, we also tackled some of the tougher topics—system standards, compliance, and franchisee relationships. The best brands don’t simply enforce rules. They take time to explain the “why,” coach the “how,” and model the culture they expect from their network.
Final Thoughts
We spent the entire day exchanging ideas, challenging assumptions, and building connections that extended into the evening reception. For me, it was more than a workshop—it was a reminder of what makes franchising special: honest conversations among people who truly want to get better.
I left Austin with renewed focus and gratitude for the leaders who show up ready to share, learn, and improve. I’m already looking forward to reconnecting with several of them through my Next Level Franchise Mastermind groups in the months ahead.
Hats off to Eric Stites and the entire FBR team for hosting another world-class event. See you next year!
