1851

Out of all the franchises in the world, <a href="https://www.frankartglobal.com/30-impressive-stats-about-the-global-franchise-industry?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-recruit-international-franchisees-2716419" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">16%</a> of brands have a global presence, with more franchisors focusing on international expansion every day. Although many franchises flourish overseas, finding the best international franchisee candidates can be one of the most time-consuming challenges brands face. Recruitment is a particularly important process, as international franchisees have to be chosen carefully due to the increased responsibility they have compared to domestic franchisees, like running the franchise locations by themselves and having limited access to corporate support.1851 spoke with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandro-gasparin-75694710/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-recruit-international-franchisees-2716419" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Leandro Gasparin</a>, vice president of franchise operations at 3,100-plus unit multinational chain <a href="https://www.popeyes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-recruit-international-franchisees-2716419" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Popeyes</a>, who detailed the brand’s process behind recruiting international franchisees.<h4>How International Recruitment Differs From Domestic Recruitment</h4>Typically, franchisors partner with a master franchisee overseas, whereas they only partner with local franchisees when developing domestically. A master franchisee is a resident of the country and understands the political and cultural standards in their country. They can either operate their own units or sub-franchise to qualified franchisees in the region. Master franchisees act as the international representor of the franchisor, providing support to franchisees on a local level.“In most of our international markets, we have master franchise agreements with local partners,” said Gasparin. “While in the domestic market, we partner with several franchisees to develop the brand in the United States.”Master franchising is not the only way for franchisors to expand internationally, however. Some franchisors simply monitor the performance of their international franchisees and provide them with support via virtual methods.<h4>How Franchisors Find Qualified International Franchisee Candidates&nbsp;</h4>Distance makes international franchising difficult enough, but finding the perfect person (or group) to develop a brand overseas is an even more intimidating challenge. Not just anyone will do — franchisors should look for candidates who will build an international network, grow the brand name, uphold the brand’s standards and put their heart and soul into seeing the brand succeed.But first, franchisors need to determine whom they are targeting for franchisee candidates from the very beginning, and then build from there. They should take a hard look at their brand’s concept and decide what kind of people or groups they want to bring on board, especially from an international perspective.A well-financed international franchisee with access to real estate and local suppliers is a necessity for overseas success. Popeyes looks for those qualities in its international candidates, too, Gasparin says.“We look for partners with local knowledge and financial capabilities,” he said. “So they can develop the brand in the market and provide great experiences to our guests.”Because of the importance of these specific qualities, international franchise prospects may differ from candidates that franchisors typically look for in their domestic market.<h4>What Franchisors Look For in International Candidates and Vice Versa</h4>As with any good relationship, franchisors and potential franchisee candidates need to take the time to understand their partnership. You’re not going to go into business with someone without getting to know them first, right?Both the franchisor and the international franchisee candidate should be looking for positive, mutual commitment to building the brand overseas. Franchisee candidates, whether a single person or a large multi-brand group, typically want to take a close look at the franchisor’s international development program. The franchisor is looking for candidates who demonstrate that they are adequately funded and skilled to develop the brand in their country.“It’s very important to make sure that it’s the right fit,” said Gasparin. “That’s why Popeyes specifically looks for long-term partners with ambition and operations expertise to build the brand at a fast pace.”Check out 1851’s top list of <a href="https://1851franchise.com/coming-to-america-five-international-franchises-that-found-success-in-the-us-2715798#stories">franchises that found success through international expansion</a>.

How to Recruit International Franchisees

1851 Franchise

When franchisors decide to take the plunge into international waters, finding the right international franchisee candidates can be as much an art as it is a science.

how-to-recruit-international-franchisees

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue’s Home Maintenance Plans: Peace of Mind for Homeowners

trublues-home-maintenance-plans-peace-of-mind-for-homeowners

Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions Targets Peoria, Illinois, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-peoria-illinois-for-franchise-growth

Caring Transitions Celebrates a Strong Start to 2025 With 19 New Franchise Sales and Momentum-Building Training Events

caring-transitions-celebrates-a-strong-start-to-2025-with-19-new-franchise-sales-and-momentum-building-training-events

Right at Home

Right at Home 30th Anniversary in Home Care with Right at Home Logo

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence and Future Innovations in Home Care

celebrating-30-years-of-excellence-and-future-innovations-in-home-care

Why TruBlue is the Ideal Franchise for Multi-Unit Owners: Scalable Growth With a Purpose

why-trublue-is-the-ideal-franchise-for-multi-unit-owners-scalable-growth-with-a-purpose

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

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

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

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

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

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

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 graphic with photo of Amy Lepke and family and Papa Murphy's logo

After 14 Years as a Stay-At-Home Mom, Amy Lepke Returned to Papa Murphy’s — This Time as an Owner

papa-murphys-franchise-amy-lepke

Franchisee Spotlight with Micki Waters and Papa Murphy's Logo

Work Mom: How Micki Waters Became a Mother Figure to Her Entire Papa Murphy’s Team

work-mom-how-micki-waters-became-a-mother-figure-to-her-entire-papa-murphys-team

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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

How to Recruit International Franchisees

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS