Matt The Franchise Guy - Franchise Q & A

How was your franchise/opportunity originally conceived and started? 

I signed my first franchise agreement at age 19 and was in training on my 20th birthday. I’ve since owned/operated 4 businesses, and I’ve placed more than 500 different owners into hundreds of exceptional franchises nationwide.

What was your original vision for your company? How has that changed over time?  

My original plan was to start 1 new company each year for 7 years, but we all understand plans are great until you get punched in the face. I invited life to happen, and the up or down changes I experienced in relationships, goals, health and external dynamics were dealt with far more effectively BECAUSE of the flexibility and income provided through my business endeavors. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise?  

I don’t believe there’s a single one. If forced, I’d say it must be cultural fit for you, which covers many different aspects of ownership, operation, support, direction, and potential.

Why should someone choose your franchise over other similar franchises?  

You’ll make your own decisions about franchises; I’m a franchise consultant. I’m told repeatedly by my candidates that the candid, insightful approach and processes I incorporate with my candidates not only provides expertise and relevance but is something they admit to finding no where else in their search experiences.

What makes your industry attractive? 

To you, my services are FREE and without obligation. You can fire me at the drop of a hat, and you’ll never pay me a dime. Of course, it’s mutual. There are so many parts of the review process that curious reviewers simply overlook or just get wrong, or where they unwittingly shoot themselves in the foot or reduce their own stock value to the franchisor…  it makes sense to work with a competent consultant who cares about your outcomes.

What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?  

My best candidates are curious, engaged, communicative so that I can better aid them, and they have a compelling emotional reason to review options or to add to or change their path.

What do your franchise fees and royalties cover? 

N/A. My services are FREE and without obligation. With me, you’ll invest time, thought, curiosity, and open-mindedness. My candidates gain the most when they realize early that they don’t know what they don’t know.

How do territories work for your franchisees? 

My candidates come from every walk of life and from all 50 US states and much of Canada.

Why has your franchise model been successful? 

The vast majority of my franchise placements have been successful because we begin with the end in mind, first confirming your goals, objectives, resources, timelines, energy, financials, tolerances, skill sets, desires, family dynamic, culture, and more, and then we reverse-engineer the process around you, resulting in boiling down to just the few franchises most suitable for your review, if any.

Where do you see your franchise in 5 years and 10 years? 

I love helping people realize their dreams! I’ve placed more than 500 franchise owners into hundreds of different, exceptional franchises, and I’ll probably do this in some capacity for a very long time still.

What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed?  

You bought the cow for milk, now milk it. Don’t re-invent it. Don’t put your signature on it. Put the blinders on and execute their training and franchise success model.

What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?  

Education, child-rearing, a mortgage, a divorce, and taxes represent the largest financial burdens of American life, not necessarily in that order. There are many ways to effectively handle a franchise investment that can pay for all of those largest financial burdens many times over. 

Can you explain your financial assistance? 

I prefer to guide my candidates toward franchise-familiar lenders for the sake of competence, proper communication and expectations, and predictability in outcomes; I find that brings peace to everyone. Some franchise systems offer specific, nominal discounts based upon various influences. We’ll discuss what’s pertinent.

On average, how long does it take to start a new franchise from the franchisees point of view? 

Getting from where you are now to a “Go” decision has taken my candidates anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 months. However, the difference between saying “Go” or “Yes” to a retail storefront model, versus a non-storefront property-services business, versus an existing resale opportunity of any kind, can vary from just a few weeks to longer than a year. Again, that’s why it’s important to work with a competent consultant and to speak candidly about your desired outcomes from any situation.

What was your background and experience before founding this franchise? 

I signed my first franchise agreement at age 19, was in training at age 20, have directly trained and advised 157 franchisees in multiple states, have been an operational VP and partner within a billion-dollar, multi-national franchisor, and have placed more than 500 franchisees into hundreds of great franchise systems in dozens of US states and even a few Canadian provinces.

Do you have any franchisee testimonials or success stories that you would like to share? 

I have many. Some scroll my website, some are listed on my LinkedIn page (Matt The Franchise Guy Stevens), or just share your address and phone with me and I’ll send some to you.