1851

Like many Americans, I don’t pay very close attention to Washington outside the presidential election cycle. As a result, I often struggle to see the impact decisions made on Capitol Hill have on my everyday life.

It’s Erica Fitzsimmons' job to help people like me understand that connection, although she can’t do it directly or she’ll get arrested. Sounds easy, right?

Fitzsimmons’ official title is Director of Political Affairs &amp; Grassroots Advocacy for the <a href="http://franchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franpac-an-advocate-for-change-234" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">International Franchise Association</a>. She has two important duties. The first is making sure the decisions made by legislators benefit franchising. To do that she needs money.

In a representative democracy like ours, you get what you want by having legislators vote for it. That’s hard for them to do if they don’t get elected, which is where the Political Action Committee comes in.

You may have heard some nasty rumors about PACs, but in truth, they simply promote candidates who align with a PAC’s causes. FranPAC, the franchising industry’s largest PAC, is the means by which Fitzsimmons does her job. Its advisory board contributes money to the campaigns of franchising-friendly candidates in hopes of getting them elected and, in turn, voting in a franchising-friendly way.

Where does the money come from? This is where we enter ‘don’t get Erica arrested’ territory as well as her second duty. All contributions come from IFA member donors, but Fitzsimmons is legally unable to directly solicit donors unless they fill out a form to be “prior approved.” That means franchisors, franchisees and suppliers must first recognize the impact Washington’s decisions can have on their bottom line and come to her to contribute. Over the past 10 years, more and more members of the IFA have made that realization and contributions grew from $66,000 in 2001 to $600,000 in 2009.

Fitzsimmons’ says her current goal is to get the younger generation of franchising involved. Apathy and a lack of understanding on the part of young entrepreneurs is a problem for FranPAC, but it’s one she plans to attack by promoting lower-level donations and offering social benefits.

For more information on FranPAC and how the IFA is working to promote franchising-friendly legislation, visit <a href="http://www.franchisingvotes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franpac-an-advocate-for-change-234" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.franchisingvotes.com</a>.

Starting next week, 1851 will also give you a look at the politicians who have received the most money from FranPAC and how their decisions have impacted the franchising community.

1851 Franchise

Like many Americans, I don’t pay very close attention to Washington outside the presidential election cycle. As a result, I often struggle to see the impact decisions made on Capitol Hill have on my everyday life.

It’s Erica Fitzsimmons' job to help people like me understand that connection, alt.....

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

FranPAC: An advocate for Change

franpac-an-advocate-for-change

Caring Transitions

Celebrating Women’s History Month: The Women of Caring Transitions Leading With Purpose

celebrating-womens-history-month-the-women-of-caring-transitions-leading-with-purpose

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Builds Momentum in Q1 2026 With School Groundbreakings and National Franchisee Conference

childrens-lighthouse-builds-momentum-in-q1-2026-with-school-groundbreakings-and-national-franchisee-conference

Lawn Doctor

Photo of Lawn Doctor team member working outside, wearing blue button-down and khakis

Entrepreneur: For 47 Years, This Brand Has Kept Up With McDonald's and Dunkin. Have You Heard of It?

entrepreneur-franchise-500-47-years

Dillas Quesadillas

Dillas Primo Quesadillas Founders Share 12-Year Growth Journey on “Give an Ovation” Podcast

dillas-podcast-growth-story

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press Franchise, Lyons, IL. L-R: Steve, Devin, Emily Noel (Manager), and Lora Noel (Owner)

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Lora Noel Talks Growth in Lyons, IL

minuteman-press-franchise-owner-lora-noel-talks-growth-in-lyons-il

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

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

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

KKR Nears Deal for Nothing Bundt Cakes at $2 Billion

kkr-nears-deal-for-nothing-bundt-cakes-at-2-billion

Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-growth

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

nothing-bundt-cakes-kkr-acquisition

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

franchise-disclosure-violations-xponential-fitness-lawsuit-ftc

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

applebees-franchisee-bankruptcy-neighborhood-restaurant-partners

Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Amada Senior Care is a non-medical home care, assisted living placement, and related senior-support services with multiple revenue streams.

amada-senior-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Beef 'O' Brady's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a family sports pub concept built around community, casual dining and lifelong local loyalty.

beef-o-bradys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

image of urswim franchise deep dive costs and fees and investment range

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A purpose-driven swim instruction and aquatics management franchise offering at-home, indoor and community-based swim programs.

urSwim Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

urswim-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

visiting-angels-franchise-costs-fees-profit

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.

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

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

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


FranPAC: An advocate for Change

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS