From Passion to Profit: How to Match Your Interests with the Right Franchise

Passion can be a powerful driving force when it comes to entrepreneurship. Many aspiring business owners dream of building a venture around something they truly love. And although passion is not necessarily a requirement, franchising offers an avenue for those looking to merge their interests with the world of business.

Identifying Your Passion

The journey from passion to profit begins with identifying what excites and motivates you. Consider the activities, hobbies and subjects that captivate your interest. Is it cooking? Is it fitness? Is it pet care? 

For example, Joshua Holland, a franchisee with the 190-unit, 24-hour fitness franchise Workout Anytime, began his fitness journey during college. Weighing 280 pounds and facing health issues, he turned to WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and lost 100 pounds. His passion only continued over time and ultimately drove him to franchising with Workout Anytime. 

“It is really a passion project for me,” he said. “I want to help change people’s lives. I changed my life, and I did it in a realistic amount of time with a realistic plan. I want to share that with other people as well. It takes a lot of hard work, but it can be done. Our Workout Anytime location will focus on helping change people’s lives.” 

Meanwhile, Lightbridge Academy* franchisee Trina Anderson’s career has varied, but she always had an innate passion for teaching children. Over a decade ago, Anderson pursued education, spending 14 years as a teacher and in administration. Then, she briefly joined her family's construction business, gaining valuable business experience in Human Resources, certifications, risk management and payroll. Although content in her role, her passion for working with children persisted, leading her to consider owning her own childcare center.

“While I liked these roles, I really wanted to get back to doing what I am passionate about, which is working with children,” she said. “As someone who is passionate about education, my goal is to provide kids with the educational foundations they need to be successful in school. That is what drew my attention to learning centers in general.” 

Researching the Right Franchise Opportunity

Once you have a clear understanding of your passions, it's time to research franchise opportunities that align with them. For Holland, this research process led him to his decision that Workout Anytime was the best fit amongst the fitness concepts he explored. 

“I loved that Workout Anytime was different — the business model, the membership options and the premium services,” he said. “It was the right situation and the right franchise for me.” 

Franchising spans across various industries, offering diverse options for passionate entrepreneurs. Prospective franchisees should attend franchise expos, browse through directories and consult with experts in the field. Explore unconventional franchises in addition to the more obvious choices. 

The Power of Due Diligence

Selecting the right franchise goes beyond aligning your interests and budget. Due diligence is critical in evaluating the potential success of a franchise opportunity. Begin by requesting and thoroughly reviewing the franchise disclosure documents. These documents provide vital information about the franchise system, its history and its financial performance.

To gain a deeper understanding of what it's like to operate within a specific franchise, connect with current franchisees. They can offer invaluable insights into their experiences, challenges and successes. Ask questions about the level of support they receive from the franchisor, daily operations and financial stability.

For Anderson, it was Discovery Day that really sold her on the business. 

"We went to Discovery Day for Lightbridge Academy, and I fell in love with the team and their whole concept of putting children and families first,” she recalled. “I had a real connection with them. That is really how I ended up choosing Lightbridge Academy. I felt that their core values and their curriculum structure aligned with what I always wanted to do in education.” 

Nurturing Your Passion for Long-term Success

As you begin on your franchising journey, remember to nurture your passion. Your genuine enthusiasm can be a key driver of your success. Engage with your customers, stay informed about industry trends and continuously strive for improvement.