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Nine years ago, <a href="https://www.ubreakifix.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=emerging-franchisors-to-watch-ubreakifix-2705951" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">uBreakiFix</a> was a two-man business operating out of a bedroom in Orlando, Florida. Justin Wetherill and David Reiff were both just 21 when they co-founded their cell-phone repair business, and the young entrepreneurs were focused on growth from day one, taking the business first from Wetherill&rsquo;s bedroom to a small brick-and-mortar store in town then to 46 more stores within three years.

When uBreakiFix turned to franchising in 2013, the brand was already poised for a rapid expansion, but the development team made a push for explosive growth by offering uniquely generous terms to franchisees, including 0% financing and a franchise fee of just one month&rsquo;s worth of sales. That strategy paid off. In the five years since uBreakiFix began franchising, the brand has expanded to more than 365 locations in markets throughout the U.S., making it one of the fastest growing emerging franchisors in the industry. 1851 Franchise talked to Brynson Smith, uBreakiFix&rsquo;s director of franchise sales, about how the brand has differentiated itself in a competitive segment and where the franchise is looking to grow next.

1851: How does uBreakiFix stand apart from other cell-phone repair brands?

Smith: At uBreakiFix, we are a customer service company first and a repair company second. We believe that tech skills can be taught far more easily than interpersonal skills, and we prioritize the customer experience above all else. Our people-first culture has allowed us to attract the right franchisees, align with the best partners and grow from one Orlando storefront to more than 365 locations across North America in under 10 years.

1851: What do you wish more people knew about uBreakiFix?

Smith: I wish more people knew about our brand culture. Justin Wetherill and David Reiff were just 21 when they co-founded uBreakiFix, and we still retain a lot of the hustle and innovation from those early days, just with a more strategic framework.

1851: What qualities make for a great uBreakiFix franchisee?

Smith: We love working with capitalized owners who are eager to follow our systems and processes. We&rsquo;ve refined our operations. We opened 47 corporate stores before we even started franchising and have since grown to hundreds of stores in different markets, so our model has been proven time and again. We want to work with owners who trust our expertise and know that they can get the best results by following our system.

We also look for active owners, ones who want to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. In our experience, hands-on franchisees see far greater success than absentee owners.

Finally, tech experience is a plus. It&rsquo;s not required, but it will give any owner a head-start. We have a great training program to help owners from all backgrounds learn about devices and the repair process.

1851: As uBreakiFix has grown, has it taken cues from any other franchises or businesses?

Smith: One attitude that we&rsquo;ve taken to heart is the idea that in today&rsquo;s business world, complacency is a killer. The most successful brands are those with the ability and willingness to continually evolve and innovate. Nine years ago, we were only fixing smartphones. Today we fix anything with a power button. Technology is only becoming more integrated into clients&rsquo; lives. Who knows what we&rsquo;ll be fixing in 10 years?

1851: What kind of growth plans does uBreakiFix have for 2018 and beyond?

Smith: We&rsquo;re looking forward to bringing uBreakiFix to new markets across North America while also building out our existing markets. We&rsquo;re also excited to announce some new partnerships throughout the year, which will allow us to better support our customers&rsquo; repair needs. In the long run, we hope to become the largest tech-repair brand in the world.

Emerging Franchisors to Watch: uBreakiFix

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The electronics-repair franchise has grown to more than 365 locations in under 10 years

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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? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

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