1851

In the franchising world, it&rsquo;s no secret that franchise development has been forced to adapt to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/outdated-franchise-lead-generation-tactics-what-works-and-what-can-change-2709010" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">new candidate expectations and behaviors over the last several years</a>. Whereas, before, a cold call with a warm offer might have locked in the interest of the majority of qualified candidates, today&rsquo;s prospective franchisee prefers independent research and a comparatively higher level of anonymity. What&rsquo;s a franchise development executive to do?

Tom DuFore, CEO of franchise consultancy <a href="https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=3-focus-areas-to-optimize-your-franchise-development-budget-2710966" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Big Sky Franchise</a>, and Sean Fitzgerald, Chief Development Officer for <a href="https://www.fyzical.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=3-focus-areas-to-optimize-your-franchise-development-budget-2710966" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">FYZICAL Therapy &amp; Balance Centers</a>, know the alchemy of franchise development all too well.

&ldquo;It used to be that marketing just meant running an ad. A candidate would see the ad and then reach out,&rdquo; Fitzgerald said. &ldquo;But now, it&rsquo;s about education and awareness before the conversation.&rdquo;

Read on to learn where to invest time and funds in order to optimize your brand&rsquo;s franchise development budget.

Defend Your Role as a Thought Leader

&ldquo;Certainly franchise development has continued to change over the last several years and will continue to do so as technology and new marketing avenues continue to develop,&rdquo; said DuFore. &ldquo;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mainland/what-is-mainland-put-simply-the-future-of-storytelling-2709717" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Content marketing is an interesting marketing strategy</a>&mdash;it has been really great for businesses looking to develop themselves as a thought leader in whatever industry or specialty that they might be in.&rdquo;

DuFore said that paid digital advertising like PPC ads are still a valuable tool in the franchise development professional&rsquo;s arsenal, but content marketing (like third-party sponsored content, strategic blogging, or certain social posting) provides valuable insight that wouldn&rsquo;t otherwise have been available.

&ldquo;Whether its a blog article or some other kind of a post or landing page, if the content was developed with a specific title or heading that is the same, or close to, what a user actually searches for rather than paid ads with more generic search terms, you boost the chance of connecting,&rdquo; said DuFore. &ldquo;People are leery of getting sucked into some kind of marketing funnel,&rdquo; DuFore continued, underscoring the need for savvy FD professionals to privilege the art of the soft sell.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Just building up longtail keyword searches as well as content marketing helps drive some of these really niche keywords that a lot of times you&rsquo;re not going to find with paid advertising,&rdquo; DuFore explained. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s that one lead that you find when searching for something really specific and it improves the quality of the lead that is coming through. Yes, that might mean not as many leads, but it will be leads of a higher quality.&rdquo;

Connect the Silos Across Organic, Paid and Networked Leads

DuFore said that Big Sky Franchise advises clients on franchise development and lead generation across three silos: No- or low-cost marketing efforts; paid advertising and/or content marketing; and partnerships with broker networks.

&ldquo;For no- or low-cost marketing efforts, this could be tapping into referrals, friends and family, vendors and suppliers or just word of mouth,&rdquo; said DuFore. &ldquo;More than anything, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-franchise-brands-need-to-build-buzz-in-2020-franchisee-validation-2710731" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">tap into the network of your own franchisees</a>. It incentivizes the franchisor that when they sign a new franchisee into their system that they are providing adequate training and support and the franchisee is inclined to refer friends, family and customers of their own into the system. You create your own network of fans buying into the franchise. At the end of the day, your franchisee is your customer.&rdquo;&nbsp;

DuFore defines the second category as &ldquo;any form of paid advertising such as hiring a publicist or a marketing company and having that partner develop various content or adword campaigns.&rdquo; According to DuFore, this category also relates to exhibiting at trade shows, PPC ads and SEO-optimized content marketing, along with franchise portals.&nbsp;

The third category relates to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/challenges-facing-franchise-development-in-2019-and-what-brands-can-do-2708930" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">franchise broker networks</a>, or advisor groups comprised of franchise consultants who provide industry insight and help align franchise candidates with appropriate franchise opportunities.&nbsp;

Fitzgerald endorsed the multichannel approach to franchise development, saying, &ldquo;[Brands] need to provide as much info as they can in as many forms as they can to speak to that target candidate.&rdquo; To this end, DuFore recommends diversifying the franchise development budget by investing in all three categories, staying attuned to the data, and then funding the silos in accordance with their efficacy. &ldquo;If something isn&rsquo;t producing results, change and refine it until you establish the right balance and the right mix,&rdquo; said DuFore.

Draw Insight From Prior FD Efforts

&ldquo;Maximizing franchise development returns is all about trying multiple avenues and not being afraid to switch,&rdquo; reiterated DuFore. He also emphasized that many franchisors have tested the waters of at least one facet of the aforementioned three silos&mdash;say, they might have some degree of connection to franchise brokers, or else have tapped into paid advertising or else used a franchise portal before.&nbsp;

For DuFore and Big Sky Franchise, making recommendations based on knowledge of prior results, especially if the data were consistent, maximizes the likelihood of a strong FD strategy.&nbsp;

Also, DuFore advised franchise development professionals, &ldquo;Make sure you&rsquo;re reviewing your marketing and success on a monthly basis. Ask: &lsquo;Ultimately, are the leads moving through the sales process?&rsquo; &lsquo;Are applications coming back?&rsquo;&rdquo;

That said, don&rsquo;t get antsy: &ldquo;Most of our experience has been working with emerging brands that have no franchises or only have one or two. The biggest lesson I have learned is to just keep marketing,&rdquo; said DuFore. &ldquo;Keep the marketing budget going, however large or small it is. Any franchisor will have months and quarters and years where cashflow is better or lower than they expected.&rdquo;

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/this-franchise-lead-will-tell-you-everything-you-need-to-know-about-franchise-sales-in-2019-2708448" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Leads take time to mature</a>&mdash;especially because the consumer appeal of a brand is often just as strong a sales force as the franchise development professional.&nbsp;

But take heart: &ldquo;Even if the budget has been reduced, just keep the leads coming through,&rdquo; DuFore advises.

3 Focus Areas To Optimize Your Franchise Development Budget

1851 Franchise

Two experts advise: Lean into thought leadership, diversify your lead gen tactics and draw insight from prior development efforts.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

3-focus-areas-to-optimize-your-franchise-development-budget

USA Ninja Challenge

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a USA Ninja Challenge Franchise

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-usa-ninja-challenge-franchise

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Voodoo Brewing Company, Voodoo Franchise Group, Voodoo franchise

Voodoo Brewing Co. Launches New Loyalty Program to Boost Franchise Sales, Aid Customer Retention

voodoo-brewing-co-loyalty-program-launch-franchisee-support

United Water Restoration Group

United Water Restoration Group, UWRG, UWRG Bob Moore, UWRG franchise

UWRG 2025 Year in Review: Growth, Expansion and Multi-Unit Momentum

uwrg-2025-year-end-wrap-with-up-bob-moore

Woodhouse Spas

5 Reasons to Invest in a Woodhouse Spas Franchise in 2026

reasons-buy-2026

Layne's Chicken Fingers

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Layne's Chicken Fingers Franchise?

franchise-cost

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

WellBiz Brands Acquired by Transom Capital, Backing the Platform’s Next Stage of Expansion

wellbiz-brands-acquired-by-transom-capital-backing-the-platforms-next-stage-of-expansion

Design with American Flag and legislation

IFA: Momentum Grows for American Franchise Act With Problem Solvers Caucus Endorsement

american-franchise-act-problem-solvers-endorsement

Design with person carrying box of office supplies, "Franchise This Way" sign

Mass Layoffs Are Destabilizing the Labor Landscape; Corporate Escapees May Turn to Franchising as Their Next Step

2026-layoffs-corporate-escapee-franchise-opportunities

Consumer Confidence Is Up, but Customers Are Still Watching Their Wallets

consumer-confidence-is-up-but-customers-are-still-watching-their-wallets

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza Sells Majority Stake to Franchisee

mr-gattis-pizza-sells-majority-stake-to-franchisee

Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

sparkle-dog-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Ellianos Coffee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

ellianos-coffee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Within the hospitality space, many franchises struggle to maintain profitability, largely due to the cost of goods sold.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.escapology.com/en/franchise">Escapology</a>, the premium escape room franchise, leverages the hospitality model but focuses on high-margin entertainment, providing gameplay rather than goods. This, combined with robust corporate support, creates a sustainable, scalable pathway for franchisees. By eliminating the food from the hospitality equation and providing a turnkey system that solves complex game design, the brand is seeing rapid growth, expanding its footprint with both new and established franchisees.“When I first learned of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/escapology">Escapology</a>, my first comment was, ‘This looks just like the restaurant business without food costs,’” CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/burtonheiss/">Burton Heiss</a> said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41L-sZO2y48">recent interview</a> with 1851 Franchise publisher&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/powills">Nick Powills</a>. “If we think about food costs, best-in-class might be low 20s; in the old days, there was a lot of 30%. You add that amount of profitability to the bottom line. My honest thought was that I have so much more margin for error that we can really go out and explore how to grow.”As a veteran in the hospitality space, Heiss knows the model well. He made the leap to Escapology when a private equity group acquired a majority stake, and he decided to get his “hands dirty.” Bringing a sophisticated lens to the escape room world, and with the cushion of wider margins, Heiss has led the growth of Escapology, including the expansion of the brand’s corporate footprint to 20 locations. These serve as “sandboxes” for testing new initiatives and have been crucial in the transformation of the brand from a boutique concept to a high-performance franchise system that rivals the operational discipline of top brands.Below is a transcript of Heiss’s conversation with Powills. It has been edited for clarity, brevity and style.Nick Powills: All right, Burton, one scripted question, then everything else is off the cuff. Almost everyone has an accidental franchise story. How did you accidentally fall into franchising?Burton Heiss: I was in the restaurant business my entire life. I had done a little bit of franchising by accident but really had never been involved at an executive level for a franchisor. The good news is there aren't a lot of CEO-ready escape room people out there with that kind of experience. When our private equity group bought a majority stake in Escapology, they didn't have experience in that either. They reached out to someone they knew that had consumer-facing experience. I was so taken with the product, the business, the white space, and the opportunity that I said I didn't want to consult — I wanted to get my hands dirty and jump in.Powills: I want to set this next one up. There are times I do assessments where I look at a brand — like a taco brand I saw earlier this week. Their AUVs were about a million-five, but net profitability was about 8%. For a restaurant, that’s not awful. But at those numbers, once you pay 8% in fees, the franchisees make $0. You jump into this business, and the profitability is much different. Did that surprise you? Because it is still hospitality. What were your initial thoughts looking at a P&amp;L here?Heiss: Nick, you're spot on. My first comment was, "This looks just like the restaurant business without food costs." If we think about food costs, best-in-class might be low 20s; in the old days, there was a lot of 30%. You add that amount of profitability to the bottom line. My honest thought was that I have so much more margin for error that we can really go out and explore how to grow. In the restaurant business, you spend so much time trying to squeeze a little more juice out of the fruit. With this, we realized we had the opportunity to build a model that is sustainable and franchisable because of that margin.Powills: One counterpoint we've talked about is the perception of whether this is a fad. When you see independents close, it’s usually not because the category is bad, but because they were too bootstrapped. They made mistakes in real estate or leases and couldn't build a moat. The reality is that if this were a fad, the units wouldn't perform like they do. How did you look at overcoming that fad element?Heiss: Fads are defined by boom and bust, and escape rooms have already had that. The number of venues across the country and the world has actually been very stable for many years now. For me, the white space defined the opportunity. Regarding the independents that haven't made it — those numbers actually match the percentage of small businesses that fail across all industries. What is different in the escape room space is how fast the evolution has been. It’s almost like if the restaurant business started cooking over a campfire and, within 10 years, you had a modern kitchen. Keeping up with that — the real estate model, the technology, the marketing — is where the challenge lies. That rapid change is why some people think it's a fad, but the location count is stable.Powills: Think about a pizza brand. I could name 50 independent pizza businesses in Chicago because pizza doesn’t need a franchise to be a business. But with escape rooms, an independent often fails because they don't have the systems.Heiss: It would be like if, to open a pizza restaurant, you had to first build your own oven. Suddenly, that gets rid of a lot of those favorite local places. I don't know how to build a double-deck oven! That’s what is different about our industry. To design a game, build it, figure out the theming, the storylines, the props, and the puzzles — it’s complicated. If you had to build the oven yourself, you wouldn't see many non-franchised pizza places around.Powills: That’s why it is a business model meant for franchising. It’s like what Orangetheory did to the gym. They took a component, built a moat around it, and made it so that a franchisee needs that support to have a shot. You built the oven.Heiss: To use that Orangetheory example, we know there’s a cyclical fad element in fitness with direct competition. We have adjacent competition, but it’s typically very complementary. If people play an escape room, they usually play that room once. We like to say our only competition is a bad escape room — an experience that turns people off to the concept. There is an insulation there because you aren't going to have someone come in and directly take out the brand just by offering a slightly different version of the same thing.Powills: You have 20 corporate units. Most franchisors don't take that route. You’re testing the trials and the swings and misses yourselves.Heiss: When I first got here, we only had a few corporate locations. When we started to invest in that program, I was asked if we were going to be distracted. I said that being a bigger operator makes us a better franchisor. Your problems are now my problems times 20. I have to solve how we become more profitable. Now we have a sandbox. We don’t roll out something that hasn't been tested. I can bring data to show people the benefit of a new theme or a new licensing arrangement because we've proven the value.Powills: If there is a franchise buyer watching right now, what is the one thing you want them to know that they can't see on a website?Heiss: Come in and have the conversation. I was talking to some prospective franchisees recently who had just gotten a list of current owners to call. You could see a wholesale change in their approach afterward because they realized how helpful the network is. We are an open book. We have a relationship-driven process. So many people just don't know this is an opportunity yet; we just need them to have a listen.The other thing to understand is how the model de-risks the investment. In any business, a long payback horizon leaves you vulnerable to changes in the world. But if you can double your money in four years, the long-term risk of whether something is a "fad" essentially disappears. I don’t believe that’s the case here, but the math protects you regardless. Right now, our franchisees aren’t dropping out. They’re renewing. We are even making the proactive decision not to renew some older models that don't fit our current standards unless they "reload" with more games. The fact that the network is staying and reinvesting speaks volumes about the longevity of this brand.Watch the full interview above or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41L-sZO2y48">on YouTube</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/escapology.">https://1851franchise.com/escapology.</a>&nbsp;

Redefining Hospitality: Why This CEO Left Restaurants for Escape Rooms

ceo-burton-heiss-escape-room-franchise

Nashville Hot Chicken franchise deep dive

Nashville Hot Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

nashville-hot-chicken-franchise-deep-dive-costs-fees

<a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise">Chick-fil-A</a> is one of the most recognizable names in the quick-service restaurant industry. With its signature chicken sandwiches, customer-first culture and impressive per-unit sales, the brand is often at the top of the list for entrepreneurs researching restaurant franchises. But if you’re wondering how to buy a franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-rise-of-chick-fil-a-americas-number-one-chicken-franchise-2727483#stories">Chick-fil-A</a>, you’ll quickly realize that this opportunity comes with a unique set of requirements — and not everyone qualifies.<h2>Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements</h2>Chick-fil-A is different from most restaurant franchises because it doesn’t take a large amount of money to get started.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-2715278#stories">The franchise fee is $10,000</a>, and applicants don’t need to show a specific net worth or liquid assets. The lower cost, however, comes with a trade-off. The company has one of the toughest application processes in franchising and places strict rules on how the business must be run.To be considered for a Chick-fil-A franchise, applicants need to show that they can legally run a business in the United States and have a solid professional background. The brand generally looks for people with at least five years of work experience and some history of leading teams. A clean financial record is important, too, since anyone with a bankruptcy on file won’t move forward in the process. The $10,000 franchise fee has to come directly from the candidate’s own funds rather than loans or gifts. On top of that, operators are expected to commit to the restaurant full time, which means stepping away from other active business ventures and putting all of their focus into building and leading their Chick-fil-A location.Candidates also need to be fluent in written and spoken English and commit to full-time, hands-on involvement in the restaurant. In fact, Chick-fil-A expects its franchisees to divest from any other active business ventures so that they can focus entirely on operating their location.Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Chick-fil-A receives tens of thousands of applications each year but approves only about one percent, making the opportunity one of the most competitive in franchising.<h2>A Hands-On, Operational Model</h2>One thing that makes Chick-fil-A stand out is how it expects its restaurants to be run. Owners can’t just hire managers and step back like in many other franchises. Instead, operators are expected to be hands-on with the daily business.Chick-fil-A also keeps more control over key parts of the operation than most franchisors. The company chooses the location, builds the restaurant and provides the equipment. The operator’s main role is to deliver excellent service and lead a team that meets the brand’s standards.This is not a passive investment or a multi-unit opportunity. Chick-fil-A intentionally limits each franchisee to a single location, ensuring that operators are deeply engaged in leading their restaurant and contributing to the surrounding community. For many, this model is appealing because it emphasizes leadership and culture-building rather than simply financial investment.<h2>Why It Matters</h2>For people thinking about franchising, Chick-fil-A’s requirements show why the brand is both appealing and difficult to get into. The low cost to start, the strong name recognition and the sales numbers make it one of the most appealing restaurant franchises out there, but the rules and competitive selection process make it a tough opportunity to land.On the other hand, the strict operational structure, high profit-sharing arrangement and extremely competitive application process can make it a tough fit for entrepreneurs who want more flexibility or who prefer to run multiple concepts at once.If you are considering how to buy a franchise with Chick-fil-A, it’s important to carefully evaluate whether you align with the brand’s expectations. The operators who tend to do well are the ones who like being in the restaurant every day, working with their team and serving customers. For people who want to be closely involved in one business, the Chick-fil-A model can be both profitable and satisfying.For more info on Chick-fil-A, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-takes-the-crown-as-the-nations-premier-chicken-chain-2727486#stories">Chick-fil-A Takes the Crown as the Nation’s Premier Chicken Chain</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2725069#stories">The Pros and Cons of Owning a Chick-fil-A Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-emerges-as-the-leader-in-the-us-chicken-chain-industry-2727457#stories">Chick-fil-A Emerges as the Leader in the U.S. Chicken Chain Industry</a></li></ul>

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

do-you-qualify-a-look-at-the-chick-fil-a-franchise-requirements

How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-these-tenured-franchisees-continue-to-grow-with-trublue-2726985">Tim and Kay Diemont</a>, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise in Yorktown, Virginia, is a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the couple has built one of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> most successful and enduring operations, all while strengthening their marriage, deepening their community connections and setting an example for what family-owned franchising can achieve.By the time TruBlue came into their lives, both Tim and Kay were ready for a new chapter.“Tim was working as a regional director of stores and in charge of the East Coast. I had been with the same architectural firm for 20 years,” Kay said. “Tim was tired of the corporate demands, traveling and wanted to be home more. He also wanted to be doing something that would be rewarding and help in our community — the community where we raised our two sons. My employer was getting ready to retire and, since [Tim and I] had always wanted to work together, the timing seemed perfect for both of us.”The couple’s shared vision aligned perfectly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-a-strong-franchise-choice-in-the-growing-senior-industry-2728519">TruBlue’s mission of helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes with ease and peace of mind</a>.<h2>From Marriage Partners to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from life partners to business partners came naturally to the Diemonts.“Since we were already partners, this new partnership was an easy transition,” Kay said. “Tim knew how to manage people and had been in a leadership position for many years. I was already trained administratively and had worked in marketing for both the architectural firm and for a local mayor. So, my community connections were very strong in this area.”Their complementary skill sets have proven invaluable. A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Michigan, Tim brought strong operational and leadership experience from his years managing retail teams. Kay, who has lived in the Yorktown area her entire life, leveraged her local relationships and administrative background to handle marketing and office management.The couple’s oldest son, Derrick, is a systems engineer who has contributed to the business over the years. “His expertise with setting up our computer needs and just his overall help with the business was and continues to be a huge plus,” Kay said.The Diemonts say that working together has improved their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible-2728825">work-life balance</a> rather than complicating it. “Since we work together, our schedules are the same,” Kay said. “We can take as much time off as we want or need, and we enjoy traveling extensively every year.”<h2>Choosing TruBlue for Their Family’s Next Chapter</h2>When the Diemonts first began exploring franchise ownership, they were drawn to opportunities that allowed them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-25-franchise-brands-committed-to-serving-their-communities-2724335">serve their community</a>.“Tim was looking into a senior care franchise and at the time the one he was interested in pursuing was already taken in our area,” Kay said. “The person he was speaking with at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> mentioned a new franchise they were developing. It sounded like a perfect fit for someone who already knew managerial and handyman skills. We were one of the first to open a TruBlue, and we have been the proud owners since 2013.”The TruBlue model — focused on home maintenance, handyman services and senior safety — felt like the right blend of purpose and practicality. “Tim always had faith and knew we would be a success,” Kay said. “The model for TruBlue was perfect! Our co-workers, family and friends loved the concept, and we had customers lined up before we ever purchased our territory.”<h2>Family Ownership in Action</h2>As business partners, the Diemonts run their franchise with the same&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-a-franchisor-can-cultivate-a-strong-franchise-community-2722789">teamwork and communication</a> that have defined their marriage for nearly five decades.“We have great partners, who are like-minded to bounce ideas through,” Kay said. “All our employees know they can come to either one of us with a question or a problem and 98% of the time, they will get the exact response from us. The other small percentage is only due to Tim’s knowledge of certain handyman jobs and mine would be administrative questions regarding invoicing or payroll.”That united front has helped them build a loyal team and a strong reputation throughout Yorktown and the surrounding Peninsula communities. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service at a great value, and it is continually growing,” Kay said. “Our employees are happy to be a part of our team and we are sure all of them would stay with or continue with any new owner, whether it be family or someone new.”<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>After more than 10 years in business, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue grow from a small emerging concept into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum-2730055">nationally recognized brand</a>. But for them, the most important growth has been personal — and local.“Hopefully, we have built a business that either one of our sons would be proud to carry on in the future,” Kay said. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service, at a great value and it is continually growing.”The couple takes special pride in supporting local seniors, veterans and busy families. “Making our customers and employees happy and doing something good within our community for our seniors and veterans has been the most rewarding,” Kay said. “As a veteran and family-owned business, we take great pride in providing a service to those who have served our country and to their families. For our seniors and busy adults, providing them with peace of mind and someone they can trust in their homes is a very big deal to us as a company and as a family. Everyone’s home is their castle, and we always hope TruBlue of Yorktown makes them feel that way.”<h2>The Rewards of Working Together</h2>When asked about the hardest or most surprising part of running a family business, Kay didn’t hesitate: “Probably how easy it has been to work together. Nothing has been hard about it for us personally. Our skill sets matched pretty good.”For Tim and Kay, the past decade has been defined by collaboration, connection and community — and the next one promises more of the same.“Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true,” Tim said. “This is a great way of life.”

Why This Couple Left Corporate America to Build a Community-Focused TruBlue Business in the Town Where They Raised Their Sons

why-this-couple-left-corporate-america-to-build-a-community-focused-trublue-business-in-the-town-where-they-raised-their-sons

LAKEWOOD, Colo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareradianceholdings.com/">Radiance Holdings</a>, the parent company of both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a>, the 750-unit salon suites franchise, and&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a>, the over-90-unit luxury day spa franchise, has appointed franchise veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-sizemore-85992074/">Keith Sizemore</a> as its new chief development officer. With extensive experience in the franchise industry, Sizemore will support Radiance Holdings in its next phase of strategic expansion.In his new role, Sizemore will oversee the franchise development strategy for both brands, focusing on filling in key markets for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> and accelerating growth for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> as it approaches the 100-unit milestone. With consistent momentum in the beauty and wellness sectors and both brands seeing steady growth over recent years, Sizemore joins the brand at a pivotal time for growth.“I’m excited to join Radiance Holdings at such a momentous time in the company’s journey,” Sizemore said. “Sola Salons has built an incredible foundation with 750 locations, and now, we have the opportunity to identify key markets where we can continue strategic growth. At the same time, Woodhouse is perfectly positioned to expand and bring its one-of-a-kind model to new territories nationwide.”Prior to joining Radiance Holdings, Sizemore held leadership roles at Marco’s Pizza and Shipley Do-Nuts, where he identified high-potential markets and supported franchisee growth and success from day one.&nbsp;“Keith’s career trajectory has been impressive, and his expertise in franchise development will be invaluable as we enter this next stage of growth,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjonessola/">Ben Jones</a>, CEO of Radiance Holdings. “His ability to identify the right markets, attract quality franchisees and drive sustainable growth will be instrumental in achieving our goals.”As Sizemore steps into his new role, the team is focused on key markets for both brands. Sola Salons is targeting expansion in high-potential markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, while Woodhouse is prioritizing development in major metropolitan areas like Seattle, New York City, Phoenix and Boston. Within these key markets, Radiance is looking to partner with driven, passionate franchisees who are committed to providing an exceptional experience to beauty professionals and guests in their markets and building thriving businesses in the beauty and wellness sectors.ABOUT SOLA SALONS:In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with 750 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 22,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time. For more information about Sola Salons, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing, and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com/.">https://www.woodhousespas.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

keith-sizemore-radiance-holdings-cdo

Callaway has agreed to sell a 60% stake in its Topgolf and Toptracer divisions to private equity firm Leonard Green &amp; Partners (LGP)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">in a deal that values the Topgolf business at roughly $1.1 billion</a>. The transaction will bring in about $770 million in net proceeds for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/">Topgolf Callaway Brands</a>, according to regulatory filings. The move is part of a broader restructuring plan the company had been pursuing since same-venue sales softened and former Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs stepped down in August.Callaway and Topgolf originally merged in 2021 to accelerate the growth of the eatertainment brand, but separating the businesses is now seen as a way to sharpen strategic focus, streamline operations and better allocate capital. While the company initially explored selling as much as 80% of Topgolf, it ultimately selected LGP as a buyer because of the firm’s strong track record with high-growth consumer brands. The private equity group has backed chains such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise">Zaxby’s</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.velvettaco.com/international-partner/">Velvet Taco</a> and previously&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/shake-shacks-unusual-international-business-strategy-2710292">Shake Shack</a>.Despite earlier declines, Topgolf’s performance has begun to rebound. The company posted slightly positive same-venue sales in the third quarter of 2025, driven primarily by its core guest segment — players who use one or two hitting bays — which accounts for 80% of annual revenue. Traffic in that category returned to strong double-digit growth, aided by value promotions like Sunday Funday and weekday discounts. Operational upgrades, including improvements to the digital channel and the rollout of Toast’s point-of-sale system, have also increased efficiency and boosted spending per visit.The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. After the transaction, Topgolf Callaway Brands will rebrand as Callaway Golf Company and continue operating its core portfolio, which includes Callaway, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio, while LGP guides Topgolf into its next phase of expansion.Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">here</a>.&nbsp;

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

Family has always been at the heart of everything for sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor-2730454">Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor,</a> so when they began looking for a new business venture, it only made sense that they’d do it together. Today, the pair are proud&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> franchisees, combining their complementary skills and shared compassion to make a difference in the lives of seniors and&nbsp; families in their community. For Zirn-Kashoor and Landis, the decision to go into business together was as natural as their lifelong connection.“The short answer,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “is that it’s always the right time as a family to be together. We were both in the right place to start that one.”Though life had taken them in different directions — with families, careers and homes of their own — the sisters never lost touch. “We were always in contact,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Almost every year we saw each other. So when the idea of the business came, it was only natural that we were both ready for it and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”That shared readiness made the decision simple: it was time to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-home-care-provided-a-more-meaningful-career-for-these-franchisees-amid-the-pandemic-2715838">build something meaningful together</a>.<h2>From Sisters to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from family members to business partners came smoothly for the pair. “Because we know each other quite well, it came very naturally,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We recognized my strength, her strength, where we can complement each other — and it’s working so far.”The two sisters developed a natural division of responsibilities, allowing each to focus on what she does best. That balance has only strengthened their bond. “It brought us even closer to each other,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Usually, when you have family, each one goes to their business or work and then maybe you meet at dinner or on weekends. Now we are combining all this — we see each other even more now. It added positively to the dynamic.”<h2>Why Griswold?</h2>When it came time to choose a brand, Landis led the research — and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> quickly stood out. “She asked around, looked into different franchises, and it was the reputation of Griswold,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “From the first moment we spoke with them, it felt like we were joining a family.”That sense of belonging only deepened as they met other franchisees. “They are very professional, but there is also a warm environment,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “When we met other franchisees at a couple of events, it felt like family. It just enhanced our feeling that this is the right company we want to join.”<h2>A Family-Owned Business With a Human Mission</h2>As sisters and co-owners, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis believe their family connection adds real value to how they lead their business and care for their clients. “It’s an added value to be family working together,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We know how to divide the work, who’s responsible for what, and sometimes we combine our efforts on certain areas where we can bring an even better outcome.”That collaboration is rooted in shared purpose. For the sisters, Griswold’s mission resonated deeply. “The story of Jean Griswold is very touching and impressive,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “It’s not money-oriented — it’s very human and people-oriented. That’s what really drove us. Otherwise, any business you can start somewhere and think about profit. This is not the easiest one, but we chose it on purpose because we can relate to it … When you think about it, we are helping vulnerable people — people in need — and that’s something we are already proud of.”<h2>Building a Legacy of Care and Connection</h2>More than just a business, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis see their Griswold franchise as a legacy — one rooted in compassion and community. “We are certain that our hard work will bring very fruitful income,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “and we hope that this is the legacy we can keep as a name for us, for our children and for our family later on. There cannot be a better legacy than helping people in need and caring for the community.”Even amid the challenges of launching a business, the sisters have found unexpected joy in the journey. “The most surprising part is how much fun we are having,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We knew we would enjoy it, but we didn’t know it would start from day one. We keep reminding each other not to forget to have fun and enjoy the journey.”

3 Focus Areas To Optimize Your Franchise Development Budget

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS