Growing a Franchise
In 2026, proof builds trust. Validation, reviews and case studies are essential for franchise development, verifying results and data with real operators.
Today’s buyers are cautious, informed and comparison-shopping more than ever. They’re not swayed by flashy marketing or overly optimistic narratives. They want evidence — tangible, authentic, verifiable evidence.
According to Doni Ferreira, head of franchise development for STORsquare, the most effective funnels share a common truth: “High-performing funnels are built around the idea that franchisee candidates trust what they can verify,” he said. “The strongest proof assets are the ones that give people a real look behind the curtain.”
And in 2026, the brands that lean hardest into transparent validation, public reviews and quantifiable case studies are the brands outperforming everyone else.
Ferreira is clear: Validation sits at the very top of the proof-asset hierarchy. “When a candidate can speak directly with active franchisees, they can validate what the franchisor is saying with what operators are living day to day,” he said.
Hearing about ramp-up struggles, breakthrough moments, hiring realities, customer reactions and the real rhythm of the business is what builds confidence.
Candidates trust franchisees more than anyone else — and they should. They’re living the model. This is why brands that engineer great validation outperform brands that merely allow validation.
Next in Ferreira’s hierarchy is consumer-facing online reviews — something many development teams overlook. “Candidates want to know the brand works in the real world,” he said. “Strong reviews signal consistency, reliability, and a well-run system.”
In today's marketplace, buyers assume if customers love the brand, the unit works. If customers are frustrated, the model is shaky.
Proof assets hit the strongest when they combine story and metrics.
Ferreira points to STORsquare’s Knoxville performance as a prime example of quantifiable transparency: “Our Knoxville franchise’s performance in 2024 showed more than $400,000 in revenue in his first fiscal year,” he said, “and $145,000 in EBITDA (adjusted for owner compensation), with average monthly revenue per container rental of $246.”
This matters for three reasons: The numbers are realistic, the metrics are measurable and the results are verifiable through validation calls.
“A case study becomes convert-worthy when it tells a clear story, quantifies progress, and brings the franchisee’s voice forward,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira says the strongest validation programs are built on “a balance of structure and freedom.” That balance begins with sequencing. Validation should happen only after the FDD review, he explained, because “this helps franchisees answer questions accurately and allows for a more meaningful discussion.”
From there, Ferreira stresses that franchisees should receive guidelines — not scripts. “Owners shouldn’t feel told what to say,” he said. Instead, they should understand compliance boundaries and the expectation that they share candidly about both the wins and the realities of the day-to-day.
And high-performing brands constantly monitor what they’re hearing in validation. Ferreira says that franchisors should regularly review recurring themes and use them as operational feedback.
“When the same concerns surface repeatedly, that’s a signal for operational improvement, not messaging adjustments,” he said. “The best teams listen to validation and they improve because of it.”
Ferreira believes the most effective proof assets share a few essential characteristics, and they all start with authenticity. First, a strong case study must anchor itself in a real franchisee story — who they are, why they invested and what they hoped to achieve.
“Candidates resonate when they understand the franchisee’s motivation and what they were trying to build toward,” he said.
Ferreira notes that milestones and clear metrics help candidates picture what growth looks like in measurable terms. “Not fluffy wins,” he said. “Numbers that matter.” That could be revenue, EBITDA, cost structure or operational improvements.
Just as importantly, the franchisee’s own voice must be present throughout the story. Short quotes, honest reflections and even admissions of early challenges make the case study feel relatable rather than polished.
“Showing the day-to-day reality helps candidates imagine themselves in that role,” Ferreira said. And ultimately, if a prospect can clearly picture themselves inside the story, “the asset is doing its job.”
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and see what we can do for you.
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