Ryan Perry

Why Is An Executive Franchise Opportunity A Great Option For You?

Have you been looking for a method to spice things up in your career? If this is the case, an executive franchise opportunity might be just what you've been looking for.

A powerful executive franchise brand makes it simple for beginners in the franchising market to launch their own venture. In addition, unlike owner/operator franchises, franchisees often supervise a small executive staff or manage the manager under this business model.

Greater Flexibility
In an executive franchise opportunity, franchisees enjoy greater personal freedom. This business model allows franchisees to decide which tasks they’d like to complete personally and which to delegate to their trusted staff.

Franchisees can also make their own decisions, such as creating their own schedule. For example, you can determine when you want to take a vacation or sick days without going through an HR department.

As the franchise owner, you will have the authority to make many of these decisions on your own. In addition, since you won't be dealing directly with your customers, you'll have more time to devote to expanding your business as it suits you.

A Greater Share of the Profits
Many executive franchisees come from a corporate background. Unfortunately, one of the most frustrating aspects of working in a corporate environment is that no matter how successful your company becomes as a result of your hard work, you won't see much of an increase in your income.

Executive franchise opportunities are different from corporate businesses. You hold the lion's share of the responsibility for the success or failure of your business. Thus you will also be the one to benefit most from its growth.

A Turnkey Investment Opportunity
Another appealing feature of executive franchise opportunities is that they are a turnkey investment. Unlike independent business owners, executive franchisees are less likely to be caught off guard by unexpected costs.

A strong executive franchise brand understands what it takes to get your new business up and going as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, they may make the procedure uncomplicated from start to finish.

If you're new to the idea of executive franchising or work more info, I can help. Please schedule a brief call with me.

Why The Holiday Season Is Perfect For Reflection And Self-Improvement

I would like to share my personal thoughts on the holiday season and why it’s perfect for diving into self-improvement. I also have thoughts on how to ease into self-improvement actions.

Express Gratitude And Share Kindness
Even though every day is a good time to show gratitude and share kindness, it’s especially prominent around the holidays.

I understand that money can be tight this time of year. However, keep in mind it doesn’t cost anything to be a decent human being. To show kindness and help other people.

Start each day thinking or saying something you are grateful for out loud. I’ll Start!

I am grateful for my family, the freedom of time I have to spend with them, and that I get to help so many others realize their dreams, and not be paid by them. I get to share what I’ve learned over the last 20 years of business experience to help catapult others to their successful business ownership.

A Time To Reflect
Consider all of the twists and turns, failures and achievements, and ask yourself:

Would you like to experience this same year?
Or would you like to make it better next year?

Think About The Future
This is the perfect time of year to think about the future. For some people, this might mean creating a New Year’s Resolution.

Set some goals, and define your why. Why set this goal? Why are you passionate about this particular goal?

Once you have your goals in mind, put together a simple plan to execute them.

Here’s to your growth!

If you would like to share your goals with me, please schedule a brief call with me.

5 Things For Candidates To Know When Considering Emerging Brands

The franchise industry continues to grow at a record pace. One out of every eight jobs in the country is related to franchising in some way. One prevalent trend is the continuing growth of emerging franchise brands. A generally accepted definition of an emerging brand is a system with under 50-75 operating units, and a micro-emerging brand has under 12 units. Emerging franchise brands are more common than ever.

While funding emerging brands under 75 units may present unique challenges, FranFund has the expertise to simplify the process for candidates of both emerging and established brands. FranFund has helped countless entrepreneurs fund their dreams of owning a franchise regardless of the industry, sector, or location.

#1: Understand Key Differences Between Emerging And Established Brands
A candidate considering an emerging brand would be wise to consider a few crucial points relative to funding that will impact their ability to obtain the funding they need. For example, recognizing that the first 20 franchisees of a new system must have a strong financial history and sufficient capital. These candidates will establish a reputation for the emerging brand in the lending community. This reputation can go two ways: 1) having 20 high-performing franchisees that validate well; or 2) having franchisees within that 20 that default on their SBA loan. Lenders view a loan default as both the candidate/borrower's and the emerging franchisor's responsibility. An oft-repeated phrase in the franchise industry is "businesses fail for a number of reasons but being over-capitalized is not one of them."

The funding solutions available to the candidate of an emerging brand will depend on the total project cost. The total project cost (TPC) is the cost of the franchise fee, equipment, marketing, licensing, leases, etc., plus working capital. Emerging brands do not have the benefit of a regional or national reputation that would generate immediate lender interest. We need to bring a financially strong borrower to the table for an SBA loan to mitigate that issue. Put simply, because emerging brands do not have "strength of brand”, that strength must be found in the borrower.

#2: Funding Strategies For Emerging Brands
Two of the most common capitalization strategies for candidates of an emerging brand are Rollover for Business Startup (ROBS) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Other solutions I’ve seen for funding emerging brands may include:
Signature loan (unsecured)
Securities-backed loan
Equipment leasing
HELOC (home equity loan or line of credit)
Candidates/franchisees of emerging brands can use a combination of these as a complete funding strategy.

#3: 401(k)/IRA Rollover
Utilizing a rollover program such as FranFund's FranPlan® allows candidates to access their qualified retirement savings tax-deferred and penalty-free to invest in their business. The IRS affectionately refers to this process as ROBS or Rollover for Business Start-Up. Using this program, the candidate/franchisee invests their IRA or 401(k) from a previous employer into their new business. At the end of this transaction, the new company operating account has cash available for any legitimate business expense, and their new 401(k) has shares of stock equal to the initial investment. As the business grows and prospers, the value of the stock grows, often performing better than your stockbroker! Using this option as the entire capitalization strategy means that the new franchisee can open their doors with little or no debt and therefore reach break-even sooner. However, you can also use this product paired with a business loan for the down payment (also known as equity injection) for the loan. The IRS, however, does have strict guidelines regarding the execution and maintenance of the plan. FranFund offers the IRS-mandated Third-Party Administration (TPA) service to ensure your retirement plan maintains the IRS compliance requirements.

#4: SBA Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a guaranty to lenders to incentivize them to consider riskier loans. Generally speaking, lenders think all business startups and first-time business owners are risky. The lender's number one objective is to be comfortable with the borrower's ability to repay the loan. The SBA program works with lenders to offer business loans for startup, acquisition, expansion, and working capital with values available up to 5 million dollars. At FranFund, we have developed a portfolio of SBA lenders across the country that understand the value proposition of the franchise industry and are interested in franchise loans, including emerging brands. Your funding partner's role is to help prepare a loan package and shop the loan to our lending network to get your candidates the best rate and terms on their emerging franchise.

#5: How To Know Which Options Are Right For Emerging Brands
Around the internet, candidates may find interactive funding or pre-approval tools that allow input of key information about assets, credit score, investments, available cash, etc., allowing them to calculate a funding amount for which they qualify. FranFund offers a tool for this. However, there can be tremendous variables these tools are unable to accommodate. The most efficient, effective, and accurate way to get an assessment and pre-qualification is to speak to an expert franchise funding consultant. It is advantageous to work with a funding partner such as FranFund, who uses a franchise-specific pre-qualification, has extensive expertise in the franchise industry with emerging brands, and has relationships with lenders who are comfortable working with an emerging brand franchise model.

If you’d like me to find your franchise match, please schedule a brief call with me.

Balance Your Stock Portfolio By Investing In A Franchise

We've all heard the saying, "don't put all your eggs in one basket." However, it is some of the most valuable investing advice you will ever hear.

Putting all of your money into one asset class, such as the stock and bond markets, or going all-in on the newest meme-coin, can significantly influence your net worth.

Sure, you could win a lot of money using Dogecoin. However, the crucial phrase is "win" because restricting your investing in this manner is a gamble. You might lose a lot of money or leave money on the table.

Instead, wealth managers promote portfolio diversification by dividing up your assets among a variety of investments to spread out your total risk and boost returns by combining higher-return investments with your stocks and bonds.

This method can assist you in taking advantage of good times without losing your shirt in the case of a quick market downturn or a long-term economic event such as a recession.

This is when franchise investment might come in handy. Investing in franchises can help to stabilize your portfolio.

Anyone who follows financial advice is constantly reminded of the necessity of diversity. But what does that look like in real-world terms?

Diversity is like a healthy diet for your finances. As with nutrition, some people's needs and goals are different, but we know that some basic concepts apply to everyone.

Wealth managers propose a balance of holdings other than stocks and bonds, such as real estate, venture capital funds, hedge funds, and franchising.

Franchise investments can provide you with a healthy, stable portfolio.

If you are ready to balance your investments, please schedule a brief call with me.

6 Soft Leadership Skills For Successful Franchisees

Being a leader and mentor to employees is a huge responsibility. What I've noticed is that experience is valued, but soft leadership skills create good leaders who show proper behavior expectations for their employees.

For franchisees, leadership is frequently measured in terms of turnover rates, profits, and growth. To achieve peak performance, franchisees must also display the six leadership qualities that promote staff productivity and participation.

1. Straightforward Values
Good leaders act in the best interests of the franchise while maintaining core principles such as ethics and honesty. If you want your employees to be dedicated, you must be the type of person you want them to emulate.

2. Listen
When someone takes a risk and shares an idea or a worry, the only way to respond effectively is to listen attentively. Employees become better advocates when a leader can listen. It also builds empathy.

3. Objectivity
When difficult situations happen, strong leaders navigate them with creative problem-solving abilities. They collaborate with the team to identify solutions while maintaining integrity.

4. Strive to Improve
Some of the best managers I've met are constantly aware that there is always more to learn. It is especially important for leaders to exhibit a willingness to develop improved methods of managing people and operations.

5. Communication Techniques
In business, communication is frequently a challenge, and your franchise is no exception. Good leaders, on the other hand, are better at it, and your staff will feel supported and guided through a variety of scenarios.

6. View From a Distance
Good leaders anticipate the franchise's future and each employee's part. Employees can envision career growth and know that their contributions are valuable for company success when a leader has a clear vision.

Leading a franchise requires followers and employees who trust your direction. Improve these soft skills that show integrity and respect for employees in order to build your future with a supportive team.

If you would like to discuss the importance of these soft leadership skills, please schedule a brief call with me.