What are the Signs of a Great Franchise System?
Expert Advice – Buying a Franchise | Franchise Thought Leaders
Franchise Success Goes Beyond Support and Training, Thought Leaders Say
What are the signs of a great franchise system?
This is arguably one of the most important questions for entrepreneurs to ask themselves before investing in a franchise business. No matter the industry, good franchisors offer franchise owners extensive support and training to increase the chances of business success. Marketing support, site selection and lease negotiation assistance and weekly or monthly calls are just some of the ways franchisors can help their owners thrive.
Franchising is an attractive business model for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds because they don’t have to reinvent the wheel. They are buying into a system that likely has a built-in fan base and a track record of success. Even with an emerging brand, franchisees benefit from a proven business and the added perk of having greater access to the franchisor compared to more established brands.
And the numbers don’t lie. Data from the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook estimates that 12,000 new franchised businesses will open this year, showing that the business model is continuing to resonate with entrepreneurs. The economic output of franchised businesses is projected to top $921.4 billion in 2026.
Culture is another important factor to consider when investing in a franchise. Does the franchisor and its franchisees have mutual trust and open communication? Does the brand put purpose over profit? Are there opportunities to give back to the community?
The signs of a successful franchise system goes beyond strong support and training. Below, franchise thought leaders discuss what makes a great franchise system and how franchisors and franchisees can strengthen their relationships.
Top row, from left to right: Mike Handy, Scott Greenberg, Lisa Linkowsky, Karol Mercurio
Bottom row, from left to right: Bron Launsby, Frank Samson, Dennis Schooley
“Great franchise systems don’t sell potential — they replicate results. That starts with proving the model multiple times before scaling. From there, success comes down to execution: a clear, step-by-step path to opening, strong training, real support and systems that actually make the franchisee’s life easier — not more complicated. And most importantly, royalties should reflect real value. If a franchisor isn’t saving franchisees time, reducing risk and actively helping them grow, they’re not earning it. The best brands communicate often, hold franchisees accountable and stay deeply involved in their success.” – Mike Handy
Great franchise systems are as deliberate about building culture as they are about building the brand. A brand is how a business feels to the outside world. Culture is how a business feels on the inside. Better cultures directly correlate with better brands.” – Scott Greenberg
“A great franchise system has a strong management team ready to help prospective investors come on board and replicate their brand. They have transparent financials that give candidates the clarity they need to make a confident decision. The system should have cultivated a culture that resonates with the founder and attracts like-minded franchisees to carry that spirit forward. Lastly, a truly strong franchisor wants partners — and treats their franchisees as exactly that.” – Lisa Linkowsky
“There are many components to a great franchise system. For example, a business model that works in all markets is scalable. The system should also allow franchisees to achieve profitability within a reasonable period. Someone without industry experience should be able to follow the system. Lastly, the item 19 should be easy for the average person to understand and embrace. If there are happy, successful franchisees who are growing their businesses at their own pace, it’s a win-win for all.” – Karol Mercurio
“I believe a great franchise system is built around trust, mutual respect, shared goals and passionate leaders who provide differentiated products or experiences.” – Bron Launsby
“In my experience, what truly separates a good franchise system from a great one comes down to communication and culture. You can have strong systems and processes, but if franchise owners don’t feel connected to the brand and to each other, you’re missing the most powerful part of franchising. We’ve always believed that success grows when franchise owners openly share ideas, support one another and celebrate each other’s wins. Creating that kind of environment takes intentional effort — consistent communication, active listening and opportunities for meaningful interaction.” – Frank Samson
“A great franchise system is defined by how well it sets up its franchisees for success. One of the clearest signs is a strong commitment from franchisees. When they fully buy into a proven system and follow it closely, they’re truly embracing entrepreneurship. Instead of making a half-hearted effort, they immerse themselves in the business, which greatly increases their chances of achieving meaningful, even life-changing, results.” – Dennis Schooley
What are the Signs of a Great Franchise System?
Expert Advice – Buying a Franchise | Franchise Thought Leaders
- Haley Cafarella
- March 29, 2026
Franchise Success Goes Beyond Support and Training, Thought Leaders Say
What are the signs of a great franchise system?
This is arguably one of the most important questions for entrepreneurs to ask themselves before investing in a franchise business. No matter the industry, good franchisors offer franchise owners extensive support and training to increase the chances of business success. Marketing support, site selection and lease negotiation assistance and weekly or monthly calls are just some of the ways franchisors can help their owners thrive.
Franchising is an attractive business model for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds because they don’t have to reinvent the wheel. They are buying into a system that likely has a built-in fan base and a track record of success. Even with an emerging brand, franchisees benefit from a proven business and the added perk of having greater access to the franchisor compared to more established brands.
And the numbers don’t lie. Data from the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook estimates that 12,000 new franchised businesses will open this year, showing that the business model is continuing to resonate with entrepreneurs. The economic output of franchised businesses is projected to top $921.4 billion in 2026.
Culture is another important factor to consider when investing in a franchise. Does the franchisor and its franchisees have mutual trust and open communication? Does the brand put purpose over profit? Are there opportunities to give back to the community?
The signs of a successful franchise system goes beyond strong support and training. Below, franchise thought leaders discuss what makes a great franchise system and how franchisors and franchisees can strengthen their relationships.
Top row, from left to right: Mike Handy, Scott Greenberg, Lisa Linkowsky, Karol Mercurio
Bottom row, from left to right: Bron Launsby, Frank Samson, Dennis Schooley
“Great franchise systems don’t sell potential — they replicate results. That starts with proving the model multiple times before scaling. From there, success comes down to execution: a clear, step-by-step path to opening, strong training, real support and systems that actually make the franchisee’s life easier — not more complicated. And most importantly, royalties should reflect real value. If a franchisor isn’t saving franchisees time, reducing risk and actively helping them grow, they’re not earning it. The best brands communicate often, hold franchisees accountable and stay deeply involved in their success.” – Mike Handy
Great franchise systems are as deliberate about building culture as they are about building the brand. A brand is how a business feels to the outside world. Culture is how a business feels on the inside. Better cultures directly correlate with better brands.” – Scott Greenberg
“A great franchise system has a strong management team ready to help prospective investors come on board and replicate their brand. They have transparent financials that give candidates the clarity they need to make a confident decision. The system should have cultivated a culture that resonates with the founder and attracts like-minded franchisees to carry that spirit forward. Lastly, a truly strong franchisor wants partners — and treats their franchisees as exactly that.” – Lisa Linkowsky
“There are many components to a great franchise system. For example, a business model that works in all markets is scalable. The system should also allow franchisees to achieve profitability within a reasonable period. Someone without industry experience should be able to follow the system. Lastly, the item 19 should be easy for the average person to understand and embrace. If there are happy, successful franchisees who are growing their businesses at their own pace, it’s a win-win for all.” – Karol Mercurio
“I believe a great franchise system is built around trust, mutual respect, shared goals and passionate leaders who provide differentiated products or experiences.” – Bron Launsby
“In my experience, what truly separates a good franchise system from a great one comes down to communication and culture. You can have strong systems and processes, but if franchise owners don’t feel connected to the brand and to each other, you’re missing the most powerful part of franchising. We’ve always believed that success grows when franchise owners openly share ideas, support one another and celebrate each other’s wins. Creating that kind of environment takes intentional effort — consistent communication, active listening and opportunities for meaningful interaction.” – Frank Samson
“A great franchise system is defined by how well it sets up its franchisees for success. One of the clearest signs is a strong commitment from franchisees. When they fully buy into a proven system and follow it closely, they’re truly embracing entrepreneurship. Instead of making a half-hearted effort, they immerse themselves in the business, which greatly increases their chances of achieving meaningful, even life-changing, results.” – Dennis Schooley
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Haley Cafarella
Haley Cafarella is a passionate journalist and writer for IFPG. In her role as content manager, she creates original articles for FranchiseWire and Franchise Consultant Magazine. Her specialties include educational articles about buying a franchise and franchise consulting. She also reports on franchise professionals who were recently promoted or hired through FranchiseWire’s popular HireWire series.
Haley has contributed to a variety of regional publications, including
Quo Vadis, New Brunswick Today, and the Trenton Monitor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Rutgers University.
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