What’s actually driving growth in franchising right now—and which industries are gaining real momentum?

In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan shares insights directly from a recent franchise conference, where hundreds of brands revealed where they’re heading in 2026. The result: a clear picture of the industries and business models expanding right now.

Rather than focusing on stability alone, this episode highlights the categories experiencing rapid growth and evolving consumer demand.

Pete breaks down six key trends shaping franchising today, including:

1. Health and wellness concepts, from boutique fitness to recovery and longevity centers
2. Personalized wellness and multi-modality health services
3. Beauty and personal care, including salon suites and medspas
4. The booming pet industry and premium pet services
5. Home services franchises expanding into multi-service offerings
6. The rise of multi-revenue stream business models across industries

A common thread across these trends is the shift toward convenience, personalization, and bundled services—giving franchise owners more ways to generate revenue while meeting changing consumer expectations.

If you’re exploring franchise ownership and want to understand where growth is happening right now, this episode offers a clear look at the opportunities gaining traction.

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