5 Keys to Franchise Growth

Growing their companies is a priority for many franchisors.  In order to learn more about secrets and strategies behind successful franchise development, 1851 Franchise connected with Mo Pandoria, founder and CEO of Idolize Brows & Beauty, and Patrick Pepper, owner and manager of Chicken in a Barrel. Since starting their companies, both franchisors have added locations and employees and attracted numerous prospective franchisees.

1.  Put the customer first.

When Pandoria founded Idolize in 2009, the company focused on threading, which is a process used to remove unwanted hair from the face. By getting to know his customers, Pandoria developed an understanding of their wants and needs and realized they desired additional services. When he decided to offer eyelash and eyebrow treatments, facials and waxing, his business grew and his customers were pleased.

“The key to success is making sure your clients and customers are happy,” Pandoria said.  “By maintaining a strong focus on customer service, we keep people coming back.”

For Pepper, his customers have always come first. Since Chicken in a Barrel was founded in 2009, it has been committed to offering food of the highest quality.

“When we started, we wanted to share the love of God through great food,” Pepper said. “Since then, we’ve worked hard to bring our passion for our unique style to others.”

2.  Foster an open and collaborative company culture.

Pepper believes it is important for franchisors to get feedback from their teams before making big business decisions. Through collaboration, franchisors can learn how to make companies better places to work.

“Involve your staff when you build your dreams,” Pepper said. “Continually share your vision and your passion with your crew.”

To attract franchisees, Pandoria thinks franchisors should show them that they will have a voice in the company and that it values the opinions of its employees.

“To have a great team, you have to build a great culture,” Pandoria said.

3. Hire the right people.

For Pepper, ensuring that he surrounds himself with others dedicated to growing Chicken in a Barrel has been essential to the company’s progress.

“The key to success is being a part of a team with like-minded people who are all striving to achieve the same goal,” Pepper said. “If we can help enough people get what they want from this business, we can’t go wrong. So much of our success comes from our unwavering staff.”

4.  Support your franchisees.

Before Pandoria franchised Idolize, he focused on the company’s day-to-day operations. Since becoming a franchisor, he spends most of his time setting his franchisees up for success by providing extensive training, resources, encouragement and assistance.

“When you decide to franchise, you are no longer a restaurant owner or a spa owner or a store owner,” Pandoria said. “You are a franchisor, and your responsibilities change. You have to be actively involved in every aspect of the business, and most importantly, you need to focus on making sure your franchisees are successful. You need to have a hands-on mentality and hold the hands of your franchisees from the very beginning.”

5. Take pride in your work.

Pepper believes that when franchisors are passionate about their companies, their franchisees and employees will be, too. He encourages franchisors looking to grow their businesses to lead by example.

“Go out there, have fun and enjoy what you’re doing,” Pepper said. “Most of the time, people see what you do more than they hear what you say.”