1851

Name:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/why-us/meet-the-team/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelly-mance-vice-president-of-marketing-premium-service-brands-2731770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kelly Mance</a> Role: Vice President of Marketing Brand:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelly-mance-vice-president-of-marketing-premium-service-brands-2731770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Premium Service Brands</a>Kelly Mance says she found her way into franchise marketing “serendipitously,” but her career path made it a natural fit. She has spent years on both the agency and corporate sides, building scalable marketing programs in highly regulated, multi-stakeholder environments. Add in her time as an independent consultant and business owner, and franchise marketing became the perfect space to unite her strengths.At Premium Service Brands, Mance is focused on marketing that not only generates demand but actually drives revenue — helping franchise owners improve lead quality, accelerate conversion and build long-term customer relationships.<h2>Q&amp;A With Kelly Mance, Vice President of Marketing, Premium Service Brands</h2>1851 Franchise: How did you find your way to franchising and franchise marketing?Kelly Mance: I often say I found my way into franchise marketing serendipitously, but it quickly became clear that this space was the perfect culmination of my career to date. I’ve spent time on both the agency side and in enterprise leadership roles, building and scaling marketing strategies across highly regulated, multi-stakeholder environments.Combined with my experience as an independent consultant and business owner, franchise marketing brings together everything I’ve learned — strategy, operations, empathy for operators and the discipline required to drive measurable growth at scale.1851: What makes franchise marketing uniquely challenging (and rewarding) compared to corporate-only marketing?Mance: Franchise marketing sits at the intersection of brand stewardship and local entrepreneurship.Unlike corporate-only marketing, success isn’t defined solely by impressions or pipeline — it’s defined by whether an individual owner can turn demand into booked revenue. You’re balancing national consistency with local flexibility, supporting operators with vastly different levels of marketing sophistication and earning trust across a system where you don’t “own” execution.That complexity is what makes it rewarding. When you get it right, marketing becomes a true growth partner for franchisees, not just a support function.1851: What is the single most powerful lever a marketing team can pull to directly impact franchisees’ profitability at the unit level?Mance: Speed-to-lead — paired with lead quality optimization.You can double a franchisee’s return without increasing spend simply by improving how quickly and intelligently leads are routed, responded to and followed up on.Marketing teams that take ownership of the entire demand lifecycle — not just generation — can materially impact close rates, average ticket size and customer lifetime value. Profitability doesn’t come from more leads; it comes from converting the right ones faster.1851: What is an untapped marketing opportunity you see for franchise brands?Mance: Cross-brand and lifecycle-based marketing is an area that seems underutilized. Many franchise systems leave revenue on the table by treating each brand — or each transaction — as a silo.The real opportunity lies in designing connected customer journeys that recognize when a customer is ready for their next service, upgrade or maintenance plan. Brands that leverage shared customer intelligence, proactive re-engagement and bundled value will win on both retention and lifetime value.1851: What is one marketing fad or buzzword that you believe will actually deliver real results in the coming year?Mance: AI — when applied responsibly. The brands seeing real results aren’t using AI to replace strategy or creativity; they’re using it to enhance speed, insight and consistency.Predictive lead scoring, smarter local SEO and operational dashboards that surface actionable insights for franchisees will move the needle. AI is powerful when it’s human-led and outcome-driven — not when it’s treated as a shortcut.1851: What’s your boldest franchise marketing take?Mance: In five years, marketing teams that stop at lead generation will be behind the curve. The future belongs to franchise marketing organizations that operate like revenue engines — owning demand orchestration, conversion strategy and customer lifetime value across brands and markets.From what I’ve seen, there is room to improve in this area, and the systems that figure it out will transform marketing’s impact — not just supporting the business, but defining how franchise systems can scale profitably.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelly-mance-vice-president-of-marketing-premium-service-brands-2731770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

Kelly Mance, VP of Marketing, Premium Service Brands | Top Franchise Marketing Leaders

1851 Franchise

Mance brings an ideal combination of corporate experience and small business ownership to one of the fastest-growing home services platforms in franchising.

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelly Mance — Vice President of Marketing, Premium Service Brands

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Beef 'O' Brady's

Design with photo of Mangesh Patel, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Veteran Hospitality Leader Mangesh Patel Sets Sights on Central Georgia With Major Multi-Unit Deal

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Griswold

Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

Aloha State Daily: Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

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FSC Franchise Co.

With Three Brands, FSC Realizes Food Cost Savings Through Scale

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The Melt

The Melt Delivered Record-High Financial Performance in 2025, Fueling System Growth and Expansion

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Screenmobile

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Screenmobile Finishes 2025 by Entering 13 New Territories and Earning Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Recognition for the 27th Consecutive Year

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KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

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FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

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Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

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Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

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The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems - 1851 Franchise

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Sparkle Dog Care is a membership-based pet grooming franchise that blends wellness-focused hygiene services with small-box retail and community engagement.

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Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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Pause Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Tech-forward wellness studios offering science-backed recovery services such as contrast therapy, infrared sauna, float, IV drips, cryotherapy, and more. 

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Franchising has long proven an attractive prospect for independent-minded entrepreneurs seeking ownership. Delivering a proven system – one properly-marketed and tweaked over time – has long been one of the single most powerful franchising hallmarks. But diving into the deep end before learning to swim is risky.&nbsp;Choosing the right option takes preparation and work. So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners?“There's so much to consider,” says franchise attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-l-herman-b9258112a/">Mario Herman</a>. “A big part of my practice is reviewing FDDs and franchise agreements for prospective franchisees. I look for 50 separate things, including inconsistencies between disclosure documents and franchise agreements. And there's a lot of work involved. So, I’d say hire competent counsel with franchise experience.”<h2>Due Diligence</h2>For over three decades as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise-law.com/mario-l-herman-esq.shtml#">franchise attorney</a>, Mario Herman has represented clients from more than 150 franchise systems, further testifying as an expert witness, and stresses the importance of the due diligence process when pondering the question of what’s the best franchise to buy into for beginners.Before diving in, there’s a number of questions to ponder. What kind of capital, or access to it, do you realistically have? Perhaps a low initial investment is crucial. How involved do you want to be in the daily operation of the franchise – hands-on or semi-absentee? Do you want to build an office or retail setting? Maybe a remote opportunity is best.&nbsp;Performing strong due diligence can go a long way toward ensuring prospective franchisees select the right opportunity.&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, that's franchising for beginners. There have been books, podcasts and all kinds of stuff written about that,” Herman said. “From issues involving future royalties to the liquidity and capitalization of the franchise – how long they've been in business and how many franchises in the past have terminated or gone out of business. When doing due diligence, contact those who are still in the system and those who are no longer part of it. There are multiple parties, and due diligence with all of them is important. The process typically takes three to six months or more for bigger deals.”<h2>Where To Look</h2>So what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? It’s a big question. Luckily, there’s answers.<h3>Health &amp; Wellness</h3>If it’s the idea of aligned values that makes franchising an attractive opportunity, there are opportunities in the health and wellness sector that play out in a number of settings, ranging from traditional brick and mortar to remote or mobile opportunities, allowing the potential franchisee to deliver a valuable service at the local level. Recovery studios offer the idea of escape in a private, stress-free setting while fitness franchises continue to grow following the pandemic.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-10-gym-and-fitness-franchises-the-best-investment-opportunities-for-2025-2729614#stories">Pure Fitness</a> offers a high-value, low-price model in a 24/7 setting which helps build a diverse clientele while delivering health benefits within the community.<h3>Home &amp; Maintenance Services</h3>Touting a recession-resistant nature, home and maintenance services continue to flourish due to aging infrastructure and technological advancements that can protect valuable home investments.With a lower overhead and a more flexible, scalable business model, home and maintenance service franchises offer potential franchise owners a greater work-life balance, boasting home-based options. And unlike other industries,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-10-home-service-franchises-to-consider-2727601#stories">home services</a> draw consistent demand, allowing for stability while reducing startup costs.&nbsp;The unique combination of stability, lower investment risk and the ability to scale fast can offer a more accessible path to franchise ownership. Access Garage Doors maintains a specialized model, focusing on the installation and repair of garage doors with a low initial investment of about $50,000.<h3>Sustainable, Eco-Friendly</h3>Aligned values have driven many a beginner toward the idea of sustainable, eco-friendly franchise options.In the cleaning sphere, residential and commercial cleaning/janitorial services offer largely remote-based opportunities with lower overhead that provide a valuable, largely recurring revenue stream that’s safe and dependable.Solar energy franchises often require an initial investment starting under six figures, a drastic departure from the nationally-marketed brands that tend to define the idea of franchising for the beginner. Focused on the installation of solar panels for homes and businesses, this rapidly growing realm helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encouraging sustainability.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/ecomaids">Ecomaids</a> features professional, non-toxic and eco-friendly home and commercial cleaning services in a primarily mobile setting which lowers overall costs.<h3>Tech-Driven Food &amp; Retail</h3>The quick onset of tech like AI, robotics and automation has begun to upend the restaurant industry experience, increasing efficiency while delivering crucial data to the astute franchise owner – as well as franchisees looking to assess the best franchises to buy in 2026.Some restaurants have experimented with concepts like AI drive-thrus while other franchised chains, especially in the pizza sector, have toyed with the concept of fully automated kitchens, lowering overhead while addressing the tricky idea of staff retention.Domino’s Pizza has utilized robotics to drive consistent production of pizza while enlisting automation as a significant part of the delivery process. Elsewhere, Donato’s has experimented with fully automated kitchens.&nbsp;POS systems simplify while delivering data and in the retail setting while AI can assist with real time inventory and supply chain management, improving logistics while reining in costs.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/batteries-plus-bulbs-community-driven-approach-and-proprietary-products-continue-to-bring-in-returning-customers-2712298">Batteries Plus</a> uses tech to manage an extensive product selection while many chains use it to encourage ideas like ordering online or curbside delivery.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? The answer to that question requires a proactive look within, honestly assessing ideas like available funds, desired work-life balance, and preferred location.&nbsp;Proper due diligence can help the prospective franchisee accurately assess opportunities in franchising realms ranging anywhere from health and wellness to eco-friendly cleaning or even the restaurant industry.But as the old adage goes, buyer beware. Teaming with qualified counsel to take a deep dive into any opportunity can go a long way toward properly assessing the best franchises to buy in 2026.“There’s an old saying in franchising: ‘If you can fog a mirror, you can buy a franchise,’” Herman said. “Many people think buying a franchise is like a cookie-cutter system where everything will be done for them – including marketing, basic P&amp;L skills and operations. But you have to maintain costs, labor and compliance with rules and regulations. You really have to be careful.”Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners?

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners? Franchise attorney Mario Herman shares expert tips on due diligence, top sectors and avoiding common mistakes.

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelly Mance — Vice President of Marketing, Premium Service Brands

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