“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.”

Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 with her husband she launched Row House — now with more than 300 North American locations. Today she’s an investor and advisor — a “founder co-pilot” —  for numerous fitness-related brands, helping them as they scale through franchising and manage decision fatigue, and address franchisor/franchisee issues.

In this lively conversation with Ab and Vini, Debra discusses:

• Why the best ‘zees are the ones who “get on the bus.”
• Her holistic approach for potential ‘zees to make sure franchising is the right move for them.
• Franchisor enforcement options, and why ‘zees need to know them by heart.
• Her seismic shift in business model mindset: from expecting to scale Row House to embracing the franchisor model.
• The ways that fitness franchises are in fact communities.
• Why ‘zees need to map out doomsday scenarios while they plan for runaway success.
• Her mid-career realization that franchising IS entrepreneurship.