Listen, I get it. I’ve seen franchising from both sides. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about having enough cash – although the investment is important, the numbers don’t make or break an application.
Here’s what I, as a franchisor, look for in a potential franchisee.
Someone with grit: Perseverance
Franchising is hard work, especially in the beginning. You’re building from scratch, and it’s going to be tough. As a franchisor, I’m upfront about this and I expect potential franchisees to be upfront with me about whether or not they think they can hack it.
As a franchisor, getting the right people in and making informed recruitment. But it’s that perseverance – the ability to push through – that separates those applications from someone who’s ready and someone who’s not quite there yet.
Someone who fits our company culture: Possibility
Culture makes or breaks a business. That’s why you BOTH need to be honest about fit from day one. At Walfinch, we’re not just looking for people who can follow a system; we want individuals who embody our values: perseverance, possibility and progress.
A franchise is a long-term business relationship. If our ideals don’t align, it will fall apart later on. If I’m taking a call on a Friday night when something goes wrong, I need to know I’m speaking to someone who understands collaboration and values the support system in place.
The value of any franchise relies on getting the right people on the bus – because, truth is, it can be a bumpy ride! Ultimately, you need to be someone who can open themselves up to possibilities, to opportunities and new ways of thinking.
Someone who is teachable: Progress
Truth is, I didn’t start in home care franchising. My first business was in hospitality, and I moved into care later – introduced to it by my then-girlfriend (now wife!). Since then, I’ve gone from franchisee to CEO of a national home care company. The rest is history!
What made that possible? Teachability.
A franchisee who refuses to learn, adapt, or take guidance will struggle. At Walfinch, we focus on upskilling and continuous learning. The best franchisees are the ones who can say, “I don’t know how to do this—yet. How can I change that?” The ones who want to make progress.
As a franchisor, consistency and scalability are key to me – I’m not in the business of handing out fish for a night’s meal. Walfinch is about helping franchisees develop the skills to thrive for life.
Ready to steer the ship?
So, imagine this: you and your potential franchisor agree you’re a good fit. The paperwork is done, the numbers add up. Now, it’s time to put in the real work. Your focus should be on getting that first sale and breaking that first pound.
Take full advantage of the training provided. At Walfinch, we blend in-person and online sessions, workshops, and ongoing resources to put franchisees in the best position for success. We provide the tools – you pack your own rucksack!
As a franchisee, you’re not just buying a business; you’re buying into a shared vision for the future. Make sure the franchise model works for you, that the numbers align, and, most importantly, that you truly believe in it. Let’s thrive together.
