1851

Franchises come in all shapes and sizes. One of the first steps in the franchise process is determining what industry to go into.If you’re wondering where to begin in your research process, 1851 has you covered. Below, we highlight the essential considerations and steps to navigate this intricate landscape successfully.&nbsp;<h3>Where to Begin When Exploring Industries</h3>When it comes to exploring potential franchises, many aspiring entrepreneurs tend to fixate on their industry backgrounds. This is a natural inclination, especially for those who've spent considerable time in the corporate world. In traditional job searches, one's industry expertise often defines them, and the longer you stay in a particular sector, the harder it can be to break free from its gravitational pull. However, the franchising landscape operates on a different set of principles, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-parmeter-franchise-coach/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=exploring-the-industry-sector-specific-franchise-research-2723771" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tim Parmeter</a>, founder and CEO of FranCoach, a franchise consulting company.&nbsp;“Franchisors don't care what somebody's industry background is,” he said. “They don't want them to be the doer. They're looking for owners. So it's more their true skill set and core values that matter. What are they good at? I don't want to say the industry is insignificant, but it's not the driving force like it is in the corporate world. Franchising can be this blank slate where any industry could be a potential match for them.”&nbsp;<h3>How to Start Researching</h3>With that said, the first step in researching franchise opportunities is to shift your focus from industry to yourself. Ultimately, you are the one who will get out of bed each day to run your franchise. What are you genuinely good at? What do you want to do? What kind of people do you want to interact with — your staff, customers and the community? These factors should guide your decision-making process. Industry does factor in, but your personal attributes and motivations are the primary drivers.Franchise consultants can also be a great resource for exploring your options. For example Parmeter noted that he starts by asking people what they definitely want no part of and what they have an interest in.&nbsp;“It's about reverse engineering,” he added. “The franchisor that ends up being the best match is rarely what people think it's going to be. It's like dating; we want to find that long-term partnership that's mutually beneficial for both sides."<h3>Examining Market Trends</h3>Market trends are an essential consideration when exploring franchise opportunities, but their significance varies from person to person. Some individuals prioritize recession-resistant businesses that cater to basic and enduring needs. Others are drawn to the excitement of emerging trends and new markets.The choice largely depends on your personal inclination. Do you prefer stable, evergreen industries, or are you more interested in being on the cutting edge of market innovation? For instance, industries related to health and wellness often introduce new and trendy concepts while needs-based home services options might be more stable.&nbsp;“At the core, what is your gut telling you?” said Parmeter. “Once you narrow that down, then it's being able to, with the franchise, dive into all of their market analysis on demographics, how you build out a territory, find locations — all of those types of things. But again, it's really more about where on that spectrum do you fall, and then you'll be able to find the franchise from there.”&nbsp;Once you've determined your preference, you can delve deeper into franchise opportunities and assess their market analysis, demographics, territory development and location options. Remember that this decision is highly individual, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.&nbsp;

Exploring the Industry: Sector-Specific Franchise Research

1851 Franchise

The path to becoming a franchise owner is not the same for everyone, and it often helps to start with a critical shift in perspective.

exploring-the-industry-sector-specific-franchise-research

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers - Midyear Press Release 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Comfort Keepers® Hits Mid-Year Stride With Strong Franchise Growth and Rising Demand for In-Home Care

comfort-keepers-franchise-midyear-momentum-2025

petbar

petbar - Garrett Dewan - Why I'm Investing - 1851 Franchise

Why Garrett Dewan Is Choosing To Reinvest in petbar

petbar-franchise-austin-garrett-dewan-multi-unit

Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Exploring the Industry: Sector-Specific Franchise Research

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS