Rick Robinson, Founder of Services for Franchising, Helps Brands Grow, Thrive and Build Lasting Relationships

Growing up on his family’s farm in Indiana, Rick Robinson developed a strong work ethic and solid Midwestern values, but he never would have imagined that those character traits would lead him to owning a franchise consulting business.

It’s rare for young people to aspire to work in franchising. Typically, a major life event or profound experience nudges them into the industry. Robinson did not find franchising; franchising found him.

“When attending Indiana University, I majored in broadcasting with aspirations to become an anchor,” Robinson said. “Working at the university radio station though, I got a taste of sales and that set the direction for my career path after graduation.”

Robinson spent the first five years of his career working in television ad sales, after which his innate marketing and sales abilities were recognized. He was recruited by a then early-stage franchisor called Jani-King International. From then on, franchising was not only Robinson’s work; it was his passion.

As part of a three-person executive team, Robinson lead the Jani-King regional office out of San Francisco and was responsible for a complete relaunch of the brand including tasks like revising the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), writing operations manuals and revamping marketing initiatives. As a result of these efforts, the brand grew rapidly to become one of the largest franchisors in the world, and Robinson was hooked. He went on to purchase his own Jani-King Master Franchise, which he operated for the next 18 years and grew to be the largest in the entire system.

“During my time as a Master Franchisee, I immersed myself in all things franchising,” Robinson said. “I became very active in the International Franchise Association, joined several of their committees and was asked to speak at their annual IFA convention numerous times.”

Robinson’s involvement paid off and lead to his eventual election as a member of the prestigious IFA Board of Directors, on which he served for three years, with heads of some of the largest franchise systems in the country such as: McDonalds, Dunkin Brands, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, UPS Stores, Marriott Hotels, Choice Hotels, Meineke, Service Master, Budget Blinds, Fast Signs, and many more .

“After my work with the IFA and years and years of working closely with hundreds of Jani-King franchisees, my knowledge of the industry had grown exponentially and I felt like I was ready to broaden my scope,” Robinson said. He sold his Jani-King Master Franchise and founded Services4Franchising.

Some thought Robinson was crazy, as his launch of this new business venture coincided with the major economic downturn of 2008, 2009 and 2010. “This was definitely one of the biggest challenges I had faced, but in a way one of the greatest opportunities as well,” said Robinson. “In the early days, I was able to complete two very successful turnarounds for struggling franchisors and it helped to build trust and create an instant reputation.”

When Robinson started Services4Franchising, the focus was placed on launching brands. He has since evolved the business into a “matchmaker” service of sorts.

“What I love most about what I do is connecting with people, and hearing about how their successes have positively impacted life for them and their families,” said Robinson.

Robinson now focuses quite a bit on consulting with individuals and building a model around them, in order to identify the best franchises matching their skills and goals. This process helps ensure their success in choosing the best franchise opportunity for them and benefits the franchisors in that they are partnered with quality prospects, who have the necessary tools for success.

“I’m a voracious reader of books for success and self-improvement,” Robinson said. “Not only to improve myself, but the clients I work with. If I can continue to help people better themselves and create a better life for their families for years to come, I will have considered Services4Franchising a great success.”