This International Franchise Association keynote speaker and expert franchise guide, George Knauf outlines a comprehensive six-step process for investigating potential franchise opportunities, emphasizing a mutual elimination approach where both the prospective franchisee and franchisor determine suitability. The process begins with general information exchange, followed by a thorough review of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which provides critical details about the franchise. A crucial step involves contacting and visiting existing franchisees to gain insights into training, support, marketing, and earnings. Finally, the guide recommends reviewing system documentation and meeting key franchisor personnel before making an informed decision, underscoring the importance of finding a perfect match for one's business preferences.

The provided text, "BUILD YOUR EMPIRE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE" by George Knauf, argues that traditional employment traps individuals in a cycle of trading time for money, delaying true freedom and joy until a potentially frail retirement. Knauf asserts that this system is designed to keep people dependent and predictable, rather than truly free. The author proposes franchising as a viable solution for building personal wealth and reclaiming control over one's life, offering a proven business model that mitigates the risks of starting from scratch. Knauf emphasizes that successful franchising requires a significant mindset shift from employee to owner, focusing on leading and scaling a business with the support of an established system. Ultimately, the text encourages readers to take action and invest in building their own "empire" through franchising rather than continuing to build someone else's.