“There's a group of about eight of us that try and get together once or twice a month on a Zoom call. We discuss our frustrations, what's working, what's not working, where we're finding new opportunities, everything business-related. It's great because you can feel like a lone ranger as a franchise owner, and I love having other franchisees to bounce ideas off. It’s nice to have someone to check in with you so you don't feel so alone. This is something one of our franchisees organized that we do on the side. There are other ways to get support. We can pick up the phone anytime to talk to our executive team. They have an open door, open phone policy. It's great. I love the relationships that I can build with other franchisees. They're generally open to sharing. Most of them are not competitive. They know there's enough business to go around, so it's a really great franchise to be a part of."

In franchising, the saying "you're in business for yourself, not by yourself" rings true. While corporate support is expected, the often-overlooked advantage lies in the collaborative community of fellow franchisees. Unlike independent businesses, where nearby competitors rarely cooperate, franchises encourage collaboration among neighboring owners. This unique support network is a defining feature of the franchise model.

We cover many current and relevant topics. A few include:

◈The importance of accountability when you’re a business owner

◈Why franchising can be a great fit for someone who gave up their career to raise their children

◈The collaborative nature of franchising