Must-Read Franchise Books

Words of Wisdom from Franchise Leaders

From franchisors and franchisees to suppliers and consultants, everybody in franchising has a story to tell. Many have put pen to paper to share their successes, failures and advice through franchise books.

Looking for some inspiration to begin your franchise journey or make the leap to entrepreneurship? Below is a compilation of franchise books that entrepreneurs can read and enjoy regardless of the stage of business ownership. The following franchise books run the gamut of how-to guides for beginners to success stories from billionaire franchisors.

If you know of a great franchise book that should be added to this list, please contact us here.

Adventures in Franchise Ownership: 4 Pillars to Strengthen, Protect and Grow Your Business

Author: Christy Wilson Delk
Summary: While franchising can seem daunting, Wilson Delk simplifies franchise success into four pillars: loyalty, strategic leadership, money metrics, and method management.

Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lessons I Learned Running Dunkin Donuts

Author: Robert Rosenberg
Summary: The former Dunkin’ CEO details his experience growing the donut franchise into an international powerhouse.

Discernment: The Business Athlete’s Regimen for a Great Life Through Better Decisions

Author: Jeff Dudan
Summary: Dudan gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to refine their discernment and become the best leaders they can be.

Franchising 101: The Complete Guide to Evaluating, Buying and Growing Your Franchise Business

Author: The Association of Small Business Development Centers
Summary: New to franchising? This guide covers topics from choosing the right franchise, handling taxes and banks, and keeping records.

Franchising and Licensing: Two Powerful Ways to Grow Your Business in Any Economy

Author: Andrew Sherman
Summary: The experienced corporate and transaction lawyer offers insight on franchising a business. The book covers the legal and technical aspects of business franchising with an emphasis on leveraging intellectual capital. Topics include raising financial capital, structuring agreements, complying with regulatory requirements, and more.

Franchise Bible: How to Buy a Franchise or Franchise Your Own Business

Author: Rick Grossmann with Michael J. Katz Esq.
Summary: Franchise expert Rick Grossmann and franchise attorney Michael J. Katz use their decades of experience to offer advice on what it takes to be successful in franchising.

Franchising for Dummies

Authors: Dave Thomas and Michael Seid
Summary: Want to own a business but don’t know where to start? The late Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, makes it seem less daunting in this fun how-to guide for new entrepreneurs.

Frankly Franchising: Demystifying Franchising to Help You Invest in the Best Franchise for You

Author: Pam Bartlett
Summary: Bartlett, a CFC and former franchise owner, offers tips and tricks for buying a franchise.

Franchising Strategies: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success

Authors: Ed Teixeira and Richard Chan
Summary: Looking to franchise your business? This book makes a case for franchising a business through studies, data, and more.

Franchising Without Fear: Six Steps to Successfully Buying Your Own Business

Author: Trish Benedik
Summary: Like any new venture, franchising comes with risk and fear. But Benedik makes buying a franchise as easy as following a blueprint.

Franchise Your Business: The Guide to Employing The Greatest Growth Strategy Ever

Author: Mark Siebert
Summary: With decades of franchising experience, Siebert compiled a how-to guide for entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands using the business model.

**F*CK the Resume**

Author: Teri O’Donnell
Summary: The seasoned Franchise Consultant discusses her transition from the Marine Corps and the career path that led to franchising. She compares starting an independent business versus investing in a franchise and lays out the typical path of due diligence and validation entrepreneurs should take before becoming business owners.

Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s

Author: Ray Kroc
Summary: The legendary franchisor tells the story behind the Golden Arches in his own words.

Grow to Greatness: How to Build a World-Class Franchise System Faster

Author: Steven Olson
Summary: Looking to turn your independent business into a franchise system? Olson outlines how to do it.

Hire Yourself: Control Your Own Destiny through Franchise Ownership

Author: Pete Gilfillan
Summary: Gilfillan helps first-time business owners decide if franchising is right for them and lays the groundwork for finding a workable model.

Invested: How to Be Successful as a Franchisee

Author: Doug Downer
Summary: The book is a resource for all aspiring franchisees and details what they should expect from franchisors.

Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership

Author: Jon Ostenson
Summary: Franchise consultant Jon Ostenson makes the case that franchising isn’t just about food. He explores a variety of sectors that are worth investing in outside of food. Drawing on his own experience as an Inc. 500 franchisor and a multi-brand franchise owner, he covers topics like why real estate investors are so active in franchising and how candidates can strategically select the best opportunity.

Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul

Authors: Howard Schultz and Joanne Gordon
Summary: The former Starbucks CEO documents how he matured as a businessman and how the coffee business grew as a brand.

Porque Mi Papá Me Dijo Que No

Author: Rafael Alvarez
Summary: Entrepreneur Rafael Alvarez documents his journey to growing ATAX, the first Latino-based tax preparation franchise.

Street Smart Franchising

Author: Joe Mathews, Don DeBolt, and Deb Percival
Summary: The experienced entrepreneurs reveal the personality types most likely to succeed at franchising and traits that may increase the risk of failure. The research and investigation of a franchise are also detailed in-depth.

The Dark Side of Franchising: How to Avoid Being Swindled and Make an Educated Buying Decision

Author: Robert Edwards
Summary: While franchising is a great avenue for success, Edwards details how to avoid making a bad investment in a franchise brand.

The Educated Franchisee: Find the Right Franchise for You

Authors: Rick Bisio and Mike Kohler
Summary: This book overviews franchising and is particularly beneficial for beginners. The book’s three parts (self-assessment, foundational knowledge, and evaluating opportunities) act as a guide for candidates starting their franchising journey.

The Franchise Fix: The Business Systems Needed to Capture the Power of Your Food Franchise

Author: Aicha Bascaro
Summary: With an emphasis on the fact that there is no guaranteed success in fast-food franchising, Bascaro explains how to excel in the industry.

The Franchisee Handbook: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Franchise

Author: Mark Siebert
Summary: Geared towards beginners, Siebert covers how to go about finding the right franchise.

The Franchising Handbook: How to Choose, Start & Run a Successful Franchise

Author: Carl Reader
Summary: Reader offers real-life examples of what franchising is like for both franchisors and franchisees.

The Franchisee Lifestyle: Your Future as a Franchisee is Better Than You Think

Author: Adam Goldman
Summary: Looking to become your own boss and leave corporate life? Goldman makes a compelling case of why franchising could be your next step.

The Franchise MBA: Mastering the 4 Essential Steps to Owning a Franchise

Authors: Nick Neonakis, Sagar Rambhia, and Aditya Rengaswamy
Summary: The three authors detail four ways to find the perfect franchise: the introspective self; the franchisor; the franchisees; and the legal and financial aspects.

Franchise Books That Inspire