1851

The decision to buy a franchise is a time-consuming process that involves a lot of research into a brand as well as looking at your own personality.But for some people, that timeline can be shortened substantially when a family member or friend has personal experience as a franchise owner.Take Don Beiderwell, for example. As the child of two Fosters Freeze franchisees, Beiderwell grew up with the brand. So deciding to become a <a href="https://fostersfreeze.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fosters Freeze</a> franchisee himself in 1983 wasn’t a stretch. “I’ve been around the business my whole life,” he said. “Besides my parents, a couple of my uncles owned Fosters Freeze franchisees — they signed their contracts back in ‘46 or ‘47. I’ve worked at Fosters Freeze since I was a kid.”Having that kind of familiarity and personal experience with a brand is a huge leg up. According to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyelias/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Corey Elias</a>, director of franchise development at <a href="https://www.francaptain.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Captain</a>, much of his work involves finding the right fit for potential franchisees. “It’s hours and hours of phone calls with the candidate to understand what their goals are — from lifestyle to financial to running a business,” he said. “It’s a lot of soul searching. At the end of the day, I can’t sell someone a franchise. It really comes down to what their goals are.”But for someone who grew up watching a family member operate a franchise, those goals might already be formulated.<a href="https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/bismarck-nd/about-us/staff?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kari Weigel</a>, who owns two <a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning* Centers</a> in North Dakota, bought her first franchise from her mother, so she not only knew what she was getting into, she was excited about it.“Over the years, I worked at the company in many different roles,” Weigel said. While the numbers all made sense to Weigel when she was deciding to buy, ultimately her heart was the deciding factor. “I knew this business was one I wanted to be involved in.”For other successful franchises, the decision to buy was influenced by a friend.&nbsp;Multi-unit <a href="https://www.pretzelmakerfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pretzelmaker</a>® franchisee <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-frandle-b7b19496/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision-2715898" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mark Frandle</a> first learned about the iconic brand through a friend who co-owned a Pretzelmaker franchise with a business partner. “His partner wanted out, so I decided to jump in as his new partner,” Frandle said. “We ended up growing our footprint to include 13 stores.”As a former banker, Frandle felt well-equipped to handle all financials, but he was looking for a partner with previous business experience. “Partnering with my friend, who already knew how to run the business successfully, really eased my mind,” said Frandle.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Frandle, who ended up buying his partner out, it turned out to be a springboard for success.&nbsp;He is now the sole owner of 10 Pretzelmaker stores — two in Iowa, one in Nebraska, four in Minnesota, two in Wisconsin and one in Georgia, plus the original location that he ultimately took over.For other franchisees, partnering with a trusted friend makes it easier to pull the trigger.&nbsp;Former military colleagues Allen Goff and James Peavy are confident their friendship and work history will catapult them to success. As new co-owners of Property Management Inc, the long-time friends had talked about starting a business for years, but without each other they might not have made it happen.Knowing they’re not in it alone makes all the difference, Peavy said. “Our teamwork has already been established. We know our roles and we have each other’s backs.”Already a family affair, Peavy’s wife will be handling administrative duties and Goff’s son will be in charge of maintenance. “It takes a lot of the stress out to know we can count on each other, and it also makes it a lot more fun,” Peavy added. “It’s empowering to know that we’re making this dream come true for ourselves and our families.”

How Friends & Family Factor Into the Franchising Decision

1851 Franchise

For some successful franchise owners, the decision to buy was influenced by a friend or family member.

how-friends-family-factor-into-the-franchising-decision

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of a group of women in white robes clinking champagne glasses, smiling

How Woodhouse Spas Franchisees Are Tapping Into the Lucrative Wedding Market

woodhouse-spas-franchise-wedding-market

Ecomaids

Design with ecomaids logo and headshots of Dustin and Ashley Anthony

Eco-Warriors Turned Entrepreneurs: Richmond Couple Chooses ecomaids To Build a Business That Gives Back

eco-friendly-franchise-why-the-anthonys-chose-ecomaids

Caring Transitions

From Saving Lives to Easing Transitions: Why EMT Veteran Paul Yang Chose Caring Transitions

from-saving-lives-to-easing-transitions-why-emt-veteran-paul-yang-chose-caring-transitions

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers® Achieves Major Milestones in Q1 2025 as Fully Franchised Model Accelerates Growth

comfort-keepers-achieves-major-milestones-in-q1-2025-as-fully-franchised-model-accelerates-growth

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Boston for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-boston-for-strategic-franchise-growth

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 Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

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

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods and Community Spirit in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

newlyweds-open-paris-baguette-franchise-to-serve-up-fresh-baked-goods-and-community-spirit-in-upper-dublin-pennsylvania

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

How Friends & Family Factor Into the Franchising Decision

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS