The 8 | December 28, 2018

1. Frantastic: Throughout 2018’s final episode of “The 8,” we’re taking a look back at some of the highlights that have taken place over the past year. To kick things off, No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills and Chief Development Strategist Sean Fitzgerald are calling out the most Frantastic things that happened in 2018. While Powills says that the slow down in franchise growth — and the opportunities it provides brands — is the most Frantastic thing that’s happened all year, Fitzgerald says his top thing from the year has been the continued interest that private equity groups have shown in franchising.

2. Franlebrity: The biggest Franlebrity of 2018, according to Powills, is Scott Thompson. That’s because he hustled at different brands in a franchise development role before finding the right fit as Chief Development Officer for L-5 Capital Partners and Big Blue Swim School where he’s now guiding the executive team in terms of what to do in order to experience growth. Fitzgerald, on the other hand, is calling out Kevin Wilson, CEO and President of Buzz Franchise Brands, as his biggest Franlebrity of the year due to the fact that Mosquito Joe was acquired by The Dwyer Group, which is now known as Neighborly.

3. Frash Money: For Powills, the biggest Frash Money story of the year belongs to Orangetheory Fitness. That’s because the brand crossed the 1,000-unit milestone, which is a level of growth that few brands achieve — especially in such a short period of time. Fitzgerald’s top Frash Money moment from 2018 belongs to SoBol, which is experiencing rapid growth as well as an emerging franchisor.

4. Frant of the Week: There are two major Frants that Powills wants the franchising industry to take away from 2018. The first is that franchising works opposite of traditional business. The second is that even though today’s labor pool is different than it has been in the past, it’s going to shift, ultimately allowing the best of the best to rise to the top.

5. Franch Forward: For both Powills and Fitzgerald, Franching Forward in 2018 and beyond means looking at a 24-month period instead of a 12-month period. That means that brands need to be planning farther ahead in order to be prepared for what’s coming down the line, which ultimately helps align expectations.

6. Fran Funny: What is a New Year’s resolution? Something that goes in one year and out the other.

7. Franspiration: The biggest source of Franspiration for both Powills and Fitzgerald in 2018 is the team that they work with.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: To end the year on a high note, we’re focusing on those who have been our Frands in 2018. To our audience, our readers and our viewers, thank you! We appreciate you coming along for the ride, and we’re excited to show you what’s next in 2019!