A Thankful Look at the People, Purpose and Possibilities Franchising has Brought to My Life
With Thanksgiving here, I find myself reflecting on the many reasons I’m grateful for the franchise business model. Franchising has changed the trajectory of my life, and each day I’m reminded of the extraordinary people, organizations and opportunities that make this work so meaningful. Here are just a few reasons why my gratitude runs deep:
1. Franchising gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself (and help others do the same!).
Twelve years ago, a direct mail piece arrived in my mailbox and it changed everything. It led me to become a franchise owner, which is something I had never even considered. That moment sparked my entrepreneurial journey, freed me from corporate life and eventually brought me to my current role as a franchise consultant. Having been a franchise owner myself, I understand and relate deeply to candidates who come to me for advice on their career change. In franchising, there’s always an opportunity to reinvent yourself — and I’m grateful I get to help others discover that.
2. I have a new family — my franchise family!
I’m thankful for colleagues who have become close confidants and friends. People in franchising are incredibly generous with their time and always willing to share best practices. Whenever I travel for franchise events and conferences, it feels like a big family reunion. It’s a joy to be part of a community of people who genuinely want to strengthen and elevate each other.
3. I can connect with the best in the business.
As a franchise consultant, I run my own business but have a network of professionals to collaborate with. I’m immensely grateful for my membership with the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a leading franchise broker organization that connects advisors like me with more than 600 franchise brands. IFPG’s support and resources allow me to act as a true matchmaker for my candidates, helping them explore the best opportunities with confidence.
IFPG has been ranked the No. 1 franchise broker organization by Entrepreneur for seven years in a row, and it’s also where I’ve built countless meaningful connections within the franchising community. Through IFPG, I’ve had the chance to work with top franchise professionals, mentor new franchise consultants and share the experience I’ve gained along the way.
4. I have learned the power of networking locally.
Franchising has pushed me to network more than ever. Networking has opened the door to thousands of meaningful connections, both in franchising and throughout my local community. And since franchising is, at its heart, local business, it all ties together. I’m especially grateful for the folks at my local chamber of commerce — their support has been invaluable as we work together to promote local businesses and build a stronger community.
5. I am grateful for the candidates who trust me.
More than 500 people have trusted me over the past five years to guide them through the world of franchising, and I never take that responsibility lightly. As a franchise consultant, I serve as a trusted advisor during one of the most important decisions of someone’s life, and I approach that opportunity with great care. Helping people change their lives, reinvent themselves and step confidently into business ownership is profoundly rewarding. And the icing on the cake is reconnecting with candidates once they have become franchise owners, attending their grand openings, meeting their families and seeing their dream of business ownership become a reality.
6. I have a platform to share my voice.
I’m grateful to be a contributing writer for FranchiseWire and to share insights with aspiring franchise owners. It’s an honor to contribute alongside so many passionate leaders in franchising. The FranchiseWire team is top-notch, and the platform remains one of the strongest resources for franchise news and education.
7. I am grateful to be a role model for my children.
I’m grateful to franchising for allowing me to be a role model for my children. They’ve watched me persevere, work hard, rebuild and reap the rewards of helping others. I’m forever thankful for my husband and kids — my biggest cheerleaders — who have supported me every step of the way. Knowing my children have seen firsthand that you can build something meaningful and change lives through franchising has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
8. Franchising offers an alternative to traditional careers.
Franchising offers a powerful alternative to traditional career paths, and I appreciate that the belief that “everyone must go to college” is beginning to fade. Young people are becoming more open to business ownership, and many parents are bringing their children into their franchises. It’s inspiring to see so many family businesses in franchising. Through franchising, families can build something together and pass down both wisdom and opportunity.
9. Franchising levels the playing field.
Championing women in business is incredibly important to me, so I’m thrilled to see the numbers rising. According to Entrepreneur.com, women now represent 30% of all franchise business owners — up from just 20% in 2013. This growth is worth celebrating. Franchising is one of the few truly level playing fields — open to all regardless of race, creed or gender. I’m proud to be part of this community and grateful for the opportunity to help others thrive within it.
10. Small business is the heart of franchise ownership.
Small business ownership is the cornerstone of Main Street America. Franchise businesses hire local employees, support schools, contribute to community initiatives and provide essential services — which is why the International Franchise Association’s Franchising Is Local initiative resonates so strongly. While many people associate franchising with national brand names, the reality is that behind every location is a local small-business owner who creates jobs and economic growth, supports local causes and nonprofits, and strengthens the neighborhoods where they live and work.
Times are challenging — soft job markets, concerns about AI’s impact, and economic volatility all create uncertainty. But moments like these also reveal the strength and resilience of franchising. Many of the systems I represent are designed to weather storms, and for that I’m incredibly grateful. Franchising changed my life, and it’s a privilege to help others explore whether it can change theirs too.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero
