National Entrepreneurship Month Highlights Why More People Want to Own Businesses
Anyone feeling bossy out there? Well, you’re not alone.
Regardless of inflation, economic headwinds and mixed consumer sentiment across the country, a majority of U.S. adults — some 62%, according to Gallup — desire to own a business instead of working for someone else.
In honor of National Entrepreneurship Month, celebrated in November, here’s a peek at why there’s no slowing down for the American dream.
The transition from employee to franchisee is fueled by several common desires, including: control over one’s destiny, the potential for unlimited financial gains and the flexibility to achieve a better work-life balance. Many individuals want to call the shots and pursue work they find meaningful, engaging and challenging. Others want to create generational wealth for their families.
Small-business owners thrive on becoming pillars of their communities. And the true planners think beyond a grand opening all the way to the exit plan for when they’re ready to retire. Whatever the urge from aspiring entrepreneurs, franchising often provides the pathway to reaching those goals.
The International Franchise Association’s 2025 Economic Outlook projects U.S. franchise establishments will increase by 2.5% to over 851,000 total units. This growth is anticipated to add more than 254,000 jobs, bringing the total employment in franchising to 8.7 million people. The total economic output of the franchise sector is forecast to reach a remarkable $999.1 billion, representing an increase of 4.1%. Among a sea of seasoned investors and multi-unit operators, you’ll also find first-time business owners taking their earliest steps from employee to franchisee.
Franchising provides a world of opportunity. I recently wrote about franchisees who became franchisors, now here’s a look at those who have made the ultimate leap from employee to franchisee.
From Workouts to Sweat Equity
Stacy Dykman took a job at a Fitness Together in Bethesda, Md., and after an opportunity to buy the brand’s Georgetown location presented itself, she seized it and turned it into the top revenue-producing Fitness Together location nationwide.
“When I walked into the studio, I saw a bigger vision than what the previous owner saw,” Dykman said. “I’m a big visionary, so I always look at things and wonder what I can make of them.”
She now owns three locations. On top of that, her personal empowerment journey led Dykman to share that experience with two trainers who are now co-owners at her other locations too.
From Franchisor to Franchisee and Executive to Owner
Holly Murry knows all about the dream of business ownership. As the brand president of FRSTeam with Empower Brands, her organization makes those dreams a reality across a growing franchise network. Better yet, Murry now has some skin in that game too.
From an employee with the parent company to a franchisee of her own business, Holly now leads with a new perspective. A grassroots investment of her own in the restoration business, she recently purchased FRSTeam of Colorado. Now she walks in the shoes of those she also helps guide. Talk about a boss move.
From Employee Talent to Award-Winning Franchisee
Renee Friedman worked at FASTSIGNS Midtown Dallas as a sales manager out of college. Then she was recruited to FASTSIGNS Atlanta during the ’96 Olympics. After that, she was general manager of three Dallas FASTSIGNS centers.
Notice a trend? The signs of a great leader were there. Friedman excelled with any challenge she was given. So much so that she bought a struggling center in Orlando and put her skills to work for something she now owns. In 2024, she received the Sales Achievement Award for an astounding $3.5 million in business and won the FASTSIGNS award, the highest honor in the FASTSIGNS network, which recognizes a franchisee who best represents the culture and values of the signage franchise.
From High School Jobs and Prom Dates to Married Multi-Unit Owners
Perhaps the sweetest story belongs to Trevor and Stephanie Bernhardt, who got their first jobs as Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt in Avon, Indiana.
The way Stephanie Bernhardt tells it, “He took out the trash. He would take my shifts. Give me his free cup of fro-yo.”
The high school sweethearts even took their prom photo (below) at the store. They grew up, got married, and became multiple-unit franchisees including buying that Avon store. Now they give many others their first jobs.
From serving their community to also feeding their entrepreneurial drive, it’s safe to say the Bernhardts’ (yogurt) cup truly runneth over. That’s the cherry-on-top kind of journey franchising continues to dish out.
National Entrepreneurship Month
As National Entrepreneurship Month reminds us, the path from employee to franchisee is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways people chase the American dream. These stories prove that big leaps often start with small moves — a first job, a helpful boss, a lucky break or simply wanting something more. Employees everywhere are stepping up, stepping out and turning their experience into franchise ownership. More, please.
