1851

As the Founder and President of <a href="https://patriotbroadband.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-leaders-patriot-broadbands-rodney-ballance-2711210" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Patriot Broadband</a>, Air Force veteran Rodney Ballance is eager to bring broadband to rural communities throughout the United States. The idea for his company, which was founded in 2016, came about when Ballance himself had trouble finding quality internet access. Now, Ballance is advocating for improved internet accessibility in rural communities with a business that creates access to the online resources they want and need. Patriot Broadband recently hit a major milestone, signing its first franchisee, Derek Foerster, who will open his franchise in Stone County, Missouri.&nbsp;In a Q&amp;A with 1851, Ballance discussed upcoming franchise development trends for 2020, why veterans make great franchisees and his passion for closing the digital divide.1851: How did you first get into franchising?&nbsp;Ballance: I am a retired financial planner and a service-related disabled veteran. I started Patriot Broadband to help bring high-speed internet to rural areas of America. After a successful couple of years in business, I saw how we were changing lives in Missouri by delivering high-speed internet to rural areas, so I decided to franchise the business model to help others do the same thing in their communities.Using fiber-optic connections and high-frequency radio waves, we bring reliable, secure and affordable internet to areas that have zero or limited service. We provide years of experience and advice that ultimately guide business owners towards a more profitable experience in a short amount of time. One franchise at a time, ee hope to help close the digital divide in America.1851: What do you love about the industry?&nbsp;Ballance: I started Patriot Broadband to help my community, and in the process, found a great business opportunity. What I love about franchising is that now we can help other people start their own business with a team supporting them through the whole process. For us, we also know that with each franchise we award, we’re not just giving someone a chance to improve their future, but also the chance to improve their community by bringing in a better internet option. Franchising will allow us to impact so many more people than we would have otherwise.1851: What do you wish that you could change about the industry?Ballance: I wish more people were aware of the benefits and opportunities available within the franchise industry. Opening a franchise involves much lower risk for new business owners since the business model has already been tested and they have a team supporting them.1851: What is the biggest challenge franchisors are currently facing in franchise development and what are you doing to overcome it?Ballance: The biggest challenge when growing a franchise is being able to scale the business while still maintaining excellent service and customer experience. With Patriot Broadband, I decided to partner with a firm, <a href="https://www.franchisefoundersgroup.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-leaders-patriot-broadbands-rodney-ballance-2711210" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Founders</a>, to help us grow the right way. With their resources, we provide key support to our franchisees and keep our customers a top priority at all times.1851: What do you think the biggest trend in franchise development will be in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;Ballance: Technology! Already a big part of marketing, lead generation <a href="https://1851franchise.com/keeping-customers-by-keeping-up-with-the-times-3-franchise-concepts-that-recently-rebranded-2710692">and customer interaction</a>, new platforms and online trends will play a big part in franchise development in 2020 and the years to come. It will be more important than ever to leverage new media to interface with customers, find new franchisees and develop brand awareness.1851: What makes a great franchisee?&nbsp;&nbsp;Ballance: For us, a great franchisee is someone who wants to make a difference in their community and also has the dedication and drive to make a business succeed. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/ups-will-waive-29-950-franchising-fee-for-first-10-veterans-to-apply-2710035">Veterans are often wonderful franchise owners</a> because they have many of the inherent skills and traits needed to grow a business, including leadership, perseverance and organization. As a veteran myself, we even offer a discount to applicants who have served and we also contribute to the <a href="https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-leaders-patriot-broadbands-rodney-ballance-2711210" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wounded Warrior Project</a>. That being said, anyone can have those traits—franchise owners just need to be willing to work hard, learn from their mistakes and be passionate about their business.1851: What's the No. 1 thing that sells franchises?&nbsp;&nbsp;Ballance: There are so many options out there, but we believe a compelling franchise offering at an affordable price point is a differentiating factor. Guaranteed support at the start is also important since many franchisees are first-time business owners. Patriot Broadband is offered at an entry point that allows for more broad-based participation, with a platform we think will allow our franchisees to succeed.

Franchise Development Leaders: Patriot Broadband’s Rodney Ballance

1851 Franchise

Ballance founded Patriot Broadband as a means of bringing greater communications access to rural communities. Now, the brand has signed its first franchisee and is gearing up for growth.

franchise-development-leaders-patriot-broadbands-rodney-ballance

New U Women's Clinic & Aesthetics

image of New U Women’s Clinic & Aesthetics employees and franchise

How New U Is Redefining Women’s Health, Offering a Scalable Franchise Opportunity as the Next Big Category Creator in the $21 Billion Med Spa Industry

womens-health-wellness-franchise-new-u

image of New U Women’s Clinic & Aesthetics Founder and CEO Dr. Rachel Fidino

The Void in Women’s Health, Solved By a Two Time Cancer Survivor: How New U Built Care that Didn’t Exist and is Eying National Franchise Expansion

new-u-womens-clinic-consumer-positioning

SweatHouz

SweatHouz Expansion - Tribeca Opening and 12 NYC Franchise Units - 1851 Franchise

SweatHouz Franchise Expands Into New York City With 12-Unit Development Agreement Across Manhattan and Brooklyn

sweathouz-new-york-tribeca-expansion

DoodyCalls

How This Family Built a Fast-Growing DoodyCalls Business in Greensboro, North Carolina

families-in-franchising-robert-thomas-doodycalls-greensboro

Sparkle Squad Window Cleaning Services

Sparkle Squad Franchise - Ryan Fraser - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

Commercial Real Estate Veteran Leverages Commercial Work To Grow Sparkle Squad Franchise

sparkle-squad-franchise-new-jersey-ryan-fraser

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

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

hardees-franchise-closures-arc-burger-lawsuit

Domino's Franchise - North Pole - Dec 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Domino’s Pizza Brings Delivery Cheer to North Pole, Alaska

dominos-pizza-franchise-north-pole-alaska

California Pizza Kitchen’s Sale Is the Latest in the Era of PE-Backed Turnarounds in Franchising

california-pizza-kitchens-sale-is-the-latest-in-the-era-of-pe-backed-turnarounds-in-franchising

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

How to Sell Franchises in 2026: Buyer Personas & Trends - 1851 Franchise

How to Sell Franchises in 2026 — Franchise Buyer Personas: Who’s In-Market Now?

franchise-buyer-personas

Fiserv: Providing Infrastructure and Digital Tools That Power Payments

fiserv-global-financial-technology-payments-banking-meet-the-supplier

How To Sell Franchises in 2026 — Top Channels Franchise Buyers Use Before They Inquire

top-channels-franchise-buyers-use

CBRE: The Global Commercial Real Estate Partner Powering Franchise Expansion

cbre-the-global-commercial-real-estate-partner-powering-franchise-expansion

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

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

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

the-top-15-pet-supplies-and-retail-franchises

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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

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

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

Christmas Decor Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Development Leaders: Patriot Broadband’s Rodney Ballance

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS