Demystifying Franchise Ownership

Are you confused by the complex world of franchising?  I had some “aha moments” when I interviewed Mark Schnurman, the founder and Managing Partner of The Perfect Franchise. 

In this episode, Mark shares his vast knowledge about franchising and sheds light on why franchisees are often confused.  From the myriad of choices and unique nature of franchising to the perspectives and motivations of the players in the industry, we’ve got you covered! 

Marks pulls back the curtain to reveal what muddies the waters of franchising.  Don't let confusion hold you back - tune in and gain the clarity you need to make an informed decision. 

With over 30+ years of professional experiences, Mark is recognized as one of America’s Top Franchise Consultants.  He has a true passion for business ownership and helping others achieve it.  His entrepreneurial drive has resulted in the launch of several businesses.  You can contact Mark at [email protected] or find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/markschnurman/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Can you have honest conversations with yourself?

When it comes to franchise ownership, the spotlight is on YOU, the prospective franchisee.   Is franchise ownership the right fit for you?

In my latest podcast episode, I’m thrilled to have Kirsten back for her second appearance on "Demystifying Franchise Ownership."  Kirsten is an expert in emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership skills, and she's here to guide us through the art of having honest conversations with yourself.

Franchisors are on the hunt for successful franchisees, but they only see so much during the interview process.  They ask lots of questions, review your financial qualifications and business experience.  However,  just like in a job interview, franchisors get a limited time to evaluate you.  That's where self-awareness and self-evaluation come into play.  

Listen in to discover Kirsten's coaching techniques for guiding her clients toward a greater emphasis on self-honesty.

Kirsten is the founder and owner of Elevate Performance Solutions, located in Chicago, IL.  You can find Kirsten on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ramos-elevate/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Curious about the world of franchising and the art of matchmaking between franchisees and franchise brands?  Join me for an informative interview with Meg Schmitz as she shares her wealth of knowledge, experience, and success stories.

In our conversation, Meg pulls back the curtain on how she helps match prospective franchisees with the perfect franchise systems.

Learn about the specific characteristics she seeks in prospective franchisees that are key to their success.

But that's not all!  Meg also describes some real-life stories and  how she guides franchisees to find their ideal franchise systems.

Don't miss this enlightening interview where you'll benefit from Meg’s experience and hear directly how a skilled consultant can be a real asset at the onset of your franchise journey. 

Meg Schmitz has been building wealth for more than 30 years, not just for herself but for thousands of others who seek diversification and financial stabilty through business ownership, specifically franchising.  More than a broker, Meg consults intensively with investors to create a precise match in a suitable industry segment that will be personally and financially rewarding for years to come.

You can reach Meg at ‭(847) 302-2601, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/megschmitz/.  

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

If you're interested in business ownership, you’ve probably considered whether you should build a business from the ground up or buy a business, one option being buying a franchise.   

In this episode, I give you a framework to solve the build vs buy conundrum.  Plus, I give you 4 steps you should take to analyze the build vs buy quandary. 

What do I cover in this episode, you ask?  How these two options compare regarding development, required skills, support, flexibility, financing and risk.

For all the aspiring business owners out there, tune in and learn how to address the build vs. buy quandary.

To access the resource mentioned in this episode, copy the link below and paste into your search bar:

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this special episode, I sit down with someone very close to my heart - my daughter! 💕   We explore what she liked and disliked about me being a franchise owner and the impact it's had on her life choices thus far.

We discuss what I could have done differently to help her understand my career change, and she shares her perspective on witnessing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Tune in as we share our experiences, lessons learned, and get a sneak peek into our mother-daughter relationship.  This episode is sure to resonate with you whether you’re a business owner, franchisee, or parent.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this episode of Demystifying Franchise Ownership, I cover the expansive topic of SBA financing.  Here are the topics I tackle in this episode.  

✅ General overview and facts about SBA financing.
✅ The factors lenders consider when reviewing loan applications.
✅ The SBA loan programs, and which ones are most applicable to prospective franchisees.  
✅ A detailed description of the SBA loan programs most applicable to franchisees including eligibility requirements, how each program works, and the benefits and drawbacks.  
✅ The typical loan applications documents required to apply for an SBA loan. 

Embarking on the journey of becoming a franchisee is an exciting endeavor, but it's crucial to set yourself up for success by making informed decisions.  If you’re considering franchise ownership or have already identified a franchise system in which you want to invest, you should consider SBA financing because it not only provides access to much-needed capital but also offers longer maturity terms and favorable interest rates as compared to other financing options.  

Whether you're starting from scratch or have some knowledge about SBA financing, this episode is a must listen for you.   

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

I'm so fortunate to have Dawn Hershik, an experienced franchisee in Supporting Strategies, to appear on this episode.  Join me as Dawn takes us on a fascinating journey through her experiences as a successful franchise owner.  From the steps she took before beginning her franchise journey to the lessons learned and valuable insights she gained during the due diligence process to what she's learned over the years, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge.  

Whether you're a budding franchisee, a seasoned franchise owner, or just someone who loves a good success story, this episode is a must-listen!

Don't miss out on the chance to gain priceless tips and knowledge from Dawn's journey.  

Hit play and get ready to be motivated! 

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Curious about the world of franchising and the big question on every aspiring franchisee’s mind: "Are franchise fees worth the investment?" 

Join me in this episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership" as I tackle the topic of franchise fees, including an overview of the various types of franchisee fees and how to evaluate whether they're worth the investment.  

If you're evaluating a specific franchise system, conducting due diligence is a necessary step in the process.   It involves determining the franchise fees charged by the franchisor, getting your arms around the benefits and support provided by the franchisor in exchange for those fees, and ultimately assessing whether the fees are justified.  

Tune in now and gain the insights you need to analyze franchise fees.  

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Funding Your Franchise: Expert Insights Revealed!

Ready to take charge of your entrepreneurial destiny?   This is packed with invaluable information on how to fund your franchise purchase!

In this episode, I layout the ways in which you can fund a franchise purchase, arming you with the knowledge to start exploring the funding option which fits your situation best.

From traditional bank loans to innovative financing solutions, I've got the inside scoop to begin your research and help you make informed decisions.

Don't wait any longer – tune in now and embrace the knowledge that could transform your future!

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Evaluating your personal finances is the foundation upon which your franchise ownership journey will be built.  It's essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation before taking the leap into franchise ownership because you don't want to waste time looking at franchise systems for which you don't qualify.  

In this episode, I outline what financial information you should compile prior to starting your franchise journey.  Understanding your financial strengths and limitations allows you to approach the franchise selection process strategically and efficiently.  Armed with this knowledge, you can focus your research on franchises that align with your financial capabilities, ensuring that you invest your time and energy wisely.  

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com