Why Strategic Franchising Systems Sees the Service Sector as the Leading Franchise Sector for 2022

Strategic Franchising Systems (SFS) provides management and consulting services to five independent but affiliated national franchise system brands: painting franchise, Fresh Coat; senior home relocation and estate sales concept, Caring Transitions; business and sales coaching concept, The Growth Coach; fast-growing natural pet food and grooming brand, Pet Wants; and the only national provider of total house care, inside and out, for seniors and busy families, TruBlue. In today’s post-pandemic landscape, the services industry is set to dominate the economy, with people increasingly moving away from brick-and-mortar retail shopping. As a result, the Strategic Franchising Systems concepts are catching the attention of business-savvy entrepreneurs as recession-proof and well-positioned opportunities for 2022. 

“We’ve been bullish on the service industry for 30 years,” said Chris Seman, President of Strategic Franchising Systems. “Now, the service sector is emerging as a leading franchise sector for 2022, and we are already in the right place. Throughout COVID-19, people were looking for meaningful opportunities and leaving their jobs to be more fulfilled. By joining a service franchise, prospects are increasingly realizing they can take greater control over their destiny and achieve their dreams of successful business ownership.”

Why the Service Sector is Appealing for Franchisees

Strategic Franchising Systems, and the service sector in general, continues to attract qualified franchise owners for several reasons, Seman says. For example, most service brands — and all Strategic Franchising Systems brands — are home-based to start, which allows owners to keep operating costs significantly lower than those of competitors. 

“There are none of the brick-and-mortar start-up costs that make franchising unrealistic for average Americans,” said Seman. “That opens up business ownership to so many more people.  We have a low break even point because we don’t have those upfront expenses.”

Seman says the service sector also lends itself to passion-driven opportunities, and the Strategic Franchising portfolio is no exception. “TruBlue, Pet Wants, Groth Coach — these are fulfilling endeavors that give you a higher rate of return on your emotional investment,” he said. “Work is giving back to you, fulfilling you, instead of taking from you. Plus, the service sector allows you to really create the environment and culture that may be lacking at your current position. Instead of having to do things the exact way each time, Strategic franchise owners have the success guidelines, but can bring their own personality and creativity to adapt the business to be better suited for their community. We trust our owners and allow for some flexibility. We are not a rigid franchisor.”

All new franchise owners are prepared and trained with what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, including access to business coaching, recruiting, marketing programs and trade secrets for each of the five franchise systems. 

In addition to proven business models and in-depth support, Strategic Franchising Systems also prides itself on offering entrepreneurs flexible and attractive third-party financing options. The company’s innovative Winner's Circle Program, for example, is shared by all Strategic Franchising Systems brands and reimburses franchisees for their entire franchise fee as they achieve certain milestones over time.

SFS franchise owners also have the opportunity to reap the rewards of a uniquely robust, multi-brand franchise system by reaching out to owners of other brands for cross-brand promotions and referrals. For example, if a Caring Transitions franchise owner has a client that needs a home painted, they can call a Fresh Coat franchise owner in the local market.

Why Consumer Demand is Higher than Ever

The interest in franchising isn’t the only element growing in the service sector, Seman says. Consumer demand is also reaching all-time highs.

For example, the $595B home services segment has grown significantly over the past two years, and the $97 billion senior care industry is growing just as fast. With over 28 million small businesses in the U.S., business coaching is an $11 billion industry that’s growing at an average rate of 2.6% a year, and when it comes to the $95.7 billion pet products industry, Americans spend over $36.9 billion a year on pet food and treats alone, that’s not even counting grooming. As a result, several of the Strategic Franchising Systems concepts have proven to operate within recession-proof segments. 

Seman went on to say,“Our franchise service brands are perfectly positioned for both good times and bad. No matter the economy, people need to always care for their homes, aging parents, pets, and small businesses. All of our brands are in the caring industries. For example, more and more seniors are looking to age in place and that makes TruBlue Total House care a great business to own. Caring Transitions allows those seniors to move homes efficiently, which is also tremendously in-demand. With Fresh Coat, people are working like crazy on their homes and looking for painting services. With Pet Wants, people are increasingly interested in feeding their pets healthier food and keeping them properly groomed.  All of these segments lead back into the overall demand for services in general. With very low unemployment, people are busy and all of our businesses allow them to free up their personal time by hiring others to handle services.”

Strategic Franchising Systems aims to provide an elevated experience for their customers across an array of sectors within the booming service industry, whether that be home services, professional services or senior care services. In the case of brands like TruBlue and Caring Transitions, Strategic Franchising Systems franchisees have an opportunity to fill a void in the segment and occupy a lucrative niche in their local market.

Additionally, Seman says Strategic Franchising concepts appeal to a broad demographic, which allows franchisees to tap into even more of this market share. “The Baby Boomers have always been a do-it-for-me generation, and now they need these services more than ever,” he said. “Millennials and Gen Z have also traditionally hired out for the services they don’t want to do. Across the board, we have the organizations in place to satisfy that demand.”

Why Now is the Time to Join Strategic Franchising

Now, with both franchisee interest and consumer demand growing in the service sector, Strategic Franchising Systems has seen major growth across its portfolio. In 2021, the company added 155 new franchise owners and saw systemwide sales approach $200 million.

Looking ahead, as Strategic Franchising continues to attract top talent to lead their franchise brands on national expansion, the team hopes to add 200 new franchise units by the end of year. With lower startup costs and an easier barrier to entry, Strategic Franchising Systems appeals to aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life and backgrounds. The ideal Strategic Franchising Systems franchisee has a focus on community and is interested in having a positive impact on the lives of their neighbors. Franchisees should be eager to work as a trusted partner with the corporate team and be excited to follow proven operations, marketing and technology systems.  

“The beautiful thing about franchise ownership and the service sector is that you get to determine your own success,” said Seman. “No one can tell you otherwise. You can hire who you want, create your own culture and there is so much room for you to grow with support all along the way. As the service industry continues to boom, the time has never been better to come aboard the Strategic Franchising Systems team.”

For more information, visit: https://strategicfranchising.com/