These Women Are Grabbing the Franchise Industry By The Horns and Showing It Who’s Boss

In the not too distant past, women who owned and operated their own business were notably harder to come by than their male counterparts. However, as society has progressed, more and more women have been forging their own paths and transforming what it looks like—and who it looks like—to be a business owner. In fact, according to 2017 data collected by the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 11.6 million firms are owned by women across the U.S. employing nearly nine million people. 

One industry in particular that has historically been male-dominated? Franchising.

According to a report commissioned by the International Franchise Association in 2017, 30.6% of franchise businesses are women-owned, up from 20.5% over the five years previous. This data proves to be good news for women all over the world who have ever thought about getting into business ownership without having to start from scratch, the precise luxury franchising provides. 

1851 Franchise caught up with a few women franchisees who are grabbing the industry by its horns and showing it who’s boss: Amy Kuniyoshi, owner of Pool Scouts* of Pensacola, Florida; Tiffiny Consoli, owner of Pool Scouts of the Triangle, North Carolina;  and Lauren Harris, a Mosquito Hunters* franchisee in Corpus Christi, Texas. The three entrepreneurs provided some insight into what it’s like to be a woman in such a male-dominated industry like franchising. 

When asked her opinion on why women are increasingly entering the franchising industry, Kuniyoshi put it simply: “The glass ceiling is more and more prevalent these days—women are tired of living by a man’s rules. Women are increasingly getting into franchising because they want to make a mark on this world, do things for themselves and write their own stories.” 

Harris agreed, also noting the increasing pressure of the glass ceiling. “The glass ceiling in the corporate world has slowly gotten higher and higher, so business ownership, especially for women, just makes sense,” she said. “Women are increasingly seeing the value in ownership and want to do it for themselves.”

Consoli echoed similar sentiments on the value of business ownership. “Women are more inspired today to be leaders and they see the value in business ownership,” she said. “Franchising, in particular, offers women the opportunity to start a business instantly and experience success quickly by following the structure and plan provided. Franchising requires ambition, dedication and the ability to lead—all characteristics of today’s business-minded women.” 

So, just how are these franchisees navigating the waters of being a woman in an industry that skews male? Kuniyoshi, Harris and Consoli all boil it down to one thing: Being themselves. 

“It’s key to being able to build confident and trusting relationships with the men you work with,” Consoli said. “This is done by being yourself and taking ownership of everything you do. Women have the ability to bring a softer side to what can sometimes be an intense and stressful industry, which is definitely an advantage. However, women also need to know how to be tough if and when the situation calls for it.”

Kuniyoshi’s take on establishing herself as a leader in her role was complementary. 

“Navigating the waters as a woman in a male-dominated industry calls for being a flower in a field of weeds,” she said. “Ensure you are giving each and every customer your 100%. Answer the phone with a smile on your face, have meaningful conversations with your customers and potential customers, know them by name. Going above and beyond will ensure you stand out—no matter your gender.” 

Success as a franchisee can be defined in many ways—and to these women, success isn’t represented in dollar signs alone. 

“Yes, success as a business owner means profit. But for women in this industry, it also means opportunity,” Harris said. “Each and every woman who illustrates success makes it just a little bit easier for the next one to be successful. Proving to other women that you can be successful in a male-dominated industry, shows them that they, too, can be successful.”

As far as advice for other women thinking about going into business ownership is concerned, Consoli was emphatic: “Believe in yourself, stay true to your vision and lead by example!”