The appeal of owning a franchise and a look at the best franchises of the past year
Many people dream of owning their own business, but sometimes it’s not as easy as just getting a loan and setting up shop. The myriad hoops to jump through and decisions to make combined with the financial risk of starting a brand-new business can be off-putting to even the most dedicated entrepreneur. As a result, many aspiring business owners are attracted to the franchise model.
Franchisees are afforded the opportunity to have the independence of being in business for themselves, but with the support of a bigger company behind them. Established franchises offer new franchisees support from the beginning — assisting in finding the right location, designing and constructing the building, training management and staff, and even help to publicize and organize a grand opening celebration.
Owning a franchise helps new business owners be successful by providing them with immediate brand name recognition and a built-in customer base. Franchisees also benefit from local, regional, and national advertising campaigns, opportunities to purchase supplies in bulk, and continued training and operational support.
In addition to the support they get from franchises, entrepreneurs looking to become franchisees can benefit from a bevy of online sources including the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) and the International Franchise Association (IFA). Both sites offer tips on selecting franchises, acquiring funding, news updates, events, and more.
Take a look at the top 30 franchises of 2018 according to Franchise Gator to see which ones might be a good choice for aspiring franchisees:
Mathnasium – Offering math tutoring to struggling students at more than 900 centers around the world, Mathnasium offers the support needed to get involved in helping students master mathematics.
FASTSIGNS – FASTSIGNS creates visual aids to help promote safety and allow businesses to spread their message, promote their products, and enhance customer experience.
Checkers & Rally’s – An established fast food franchise that has been in business for more than three decades, Checkers & Rally’s offers a low initial investment and brand recognition.
BrightStar Care – An in-home care agency offering personal care, transitional care, Alzheimer’s care and medication management, BrightStar Care is a franchise for those drawn to caregiving.
Sport Clips – With more than 1,600 locations in all 50 states, Sport Clips has established itself as the nationwide leader in men’s and boys’ haircuts.
Tropical Smoothie Café – Serving up healthy and flavorful smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, bowls, and flatbreads, Tropical Smoothie Café offers a healthy alternative to fats food for those eating on the go.
MaidPro – MaidPro offers individualized cleaning plans based on clients’ needs and budgets, using safe, eco-friendly cleaning products.
Zoup! – In Zoup!, franchisees can own a fast-casual restaurant that offers daily soups, freshly- baked bread, sandwiches, and salads.
Marco’s Pizza – Italian immigrant, Pasquale Giammarco founded Marco’s Pizza in 1978 in Toledo, Ohio, and now it’s one of the top pizza franchises in the country, with more than 900 locations.
Wild Birds Unlimited – Wild Birds Unlimited franchisees can help customers attract birds to their yards by selling bird feeders, seed, nesting boxes, bird baths, and more.
Massage Envy – Committed to contributing to total body wellness, Massage Envy offers skin treatments, exercise classes, massages, and more.
Big Frog – Franchisees with an inclination towards graphic design can own a Big Frog franchise, creating custom t-shirts and gear for companies, teams, fundraisers, celebrations, and more.
Office Pride – A commercial cleaning service, Office Pride was founded in 1992 and is now listed in Franchise Business Review’s Hall of Fame with more than 130 franchises.
Lawn Doctor – With a high Trust Pilot rating and more than a half-century of experience, Lawn Doctor allows franchisees to be involved with one of the most recognized brands in lawn care.
Kiddie Academy – For nearly 40 years, Kiddie Academy and its Life Essentials® curriculum have been providing childcare and educational opportunities for parents and children.
City Wide – Among the more than 20 building management solutions City Wide provides are: janitorial services; disinfectant treatment; window washing; floor care; and carpet and upholstery care.
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors – In an effort to allow clients to make the most informed home-buying decision possible, Pillar to Post provides a detailed inspection of all systems and components of a home.
Home Instead Senior Care – Dedicated to helping seniors maintain as much independence as possible, Home Instead provides in-home senior care that is tailored to each individual’s needs.
Christian Brothers Automotive – With more than 180 locations in the U.S., Christian Brothers Automotive has won over customers with its commitment to honesty and getting to know a customer’s car.
AdvantaClean – AdvantaClean specializes in water damage services, mold removal, and air duct cleaning. The company has spent more than two decades servicing homes and businesses.
Two Men and a Truck – As the largest local moving company in the country, Two Men and a Truck has more than 3,000 trucks on the road, spread out among its more than 380 locations.
Team Logic IT – Franchisees with a focus on tech might be interested in Team Logic IT, providing cybersecurity, outsourced IT, network assessment, data backup, and supplemental support.
SpeedPro Imaging – Providing large graphics for murals, trade shows, vehicle wraps, and more owning a Speed Pro Imaging franchise allows for creativity and the support of a proven model.
FirstLight Home Care – FirstLight provides in-home care to seniors, offering everything from running errands and performing household chores to being a companion and confidant.
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations – Owning a home-based travel business with either CruiseOne or Dream Vacations allows franchisees to make money crafting memorable vacations for clients.
Scooter’s Coffee – With more than 200 locations in 16 states, Scooter’s Coffee is quickly becoming one of the leading coffee chains in the country while maintaining its commitment to quality drinks and fast service.
The UPS Store – Franchisees can become part of a nationally recognized brand that has become synonymous with shipping and get support and guidance from experienced UPS Store professionals along the way.
Touching Hearts at Home – Touching Hearts at Home provides non-medical senior care including transportation, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and dementia care.
RNR Tire Express – A trusted name in the $38 billion per year tire replacement business, RNR Tire Express has grown to nearly 100 nationwide locations since opening in 2000.
101 Mobility – Stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, automobile wheelchair lifts, and bath safety devices are a few of the solutions 101 Mobility provides to those with limited mobility and their caretakers.
