My First Six Months at SMB: How Teaming Up with Experts Helps Founders Franchise the Right Way
Six months ago, I stepped into a new adventure—partnering with SMB Franchise Advisors to help founders turn their successful businesses into thriving franchise brands.
This partnership wasn’t something I actively sought out. Instead, it was prompted by multiple business owners and founders reaching out to me with the same question:
"Can you help me franchise my business?"
At first, my answer was no.
I knew what it actually takes to franchise a brand—the legal work, the strategic decisions, the intricate details. And while I love franchising, I knew I did not want to be the person responsible for:
Navigating the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)—the needed legal document that governs the relationship between franchisor and franchisee.
Crafting a comprehensive operations manual (I mean, this is not a lightweight activity).
Figuring out franchise development strategy, creative direction, and sales processes—an ever-changing world with so many options.
Managing the other 10-15 critical deliverables that come with launching a franchise system.
Honestly? Even with 20+ years in the industry, it felt overwhelming.
What I really wanted to do was coach. To guide founders as they navigated franchising, not to build the deliverables they absolutely needed to get started.
The Problem?
There are so many businesses that need this kind of help.
I kept meeting smart, successful founders who weren’t in the startup phase. Their businesses were already profitable, process-driven, and proven—and they were ready to share their success with others. They just didn’t know how to franchise the right way.
The Solution?
As I pondered how to help, I know the Lord put SMB Franchise Advisors in my mind at exactly the right moment.
I mean, why reinvent the wheel when there was already a company that did this SO well? SMB has earned multiple awards for their work, and their team has already helped 500+ brands franchise successfully.
So—I raised my hand.
I let them know I was looking to partner.
The Perfect Fit.
As it turned out, SMB had been considering adding a ‘Coach’ to their executive team
As it turned out, SMB had been considering adding a ‘Coach’ to their executive team. They recognized that after founders complete all the technical steps to start franchising, many still need a guide to help them navigate growth.
I was elated.
Elated to have a team.
Elated to finally have a resource for the founders who had been reaching out to me.
Elated to say YES to business owners who wanted to share their concept with the world.
Now, six months in, one question keeps coming up:
"What exactly does SMB do?"
At first, I’d laugh and say, "We help businesses franchise!" But that answer always felt too simple. Because franchising isn’t just about selling a concept—it’s about building something sustainable, creating a roadmap for growth, and making sure that both the franchisor and the franchisees succeed.
And honestly? Before joining SMB, I didn’t realize just how much goes into doing it right. It’s been 20+ years since I franchised and so much has changed.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what I actually do all day (or if you know someone who's thinking about franchising), let me break it down.
How SMB Helps Brands Franchise (The Right Way)
At SMB, we go beyond advice—we become part of your team.
Hiring us is like getting an entire executive team on YOUR side. Our group of C-suite franchise experts comes alongside you at every stage of the journey, guiding you through legal, marketing, operations, sales, and strategy. Oh, how I wish I would have had this when I started franchising Just Between Friends!
The Launch Phase: "I Think I Want to Franchise, But Where Do I Start?"
If you have a successful business with strong unit economics, franchising might be an option—but there's a lot more to it than just deciding to sell franchises.
Here’s what happens in this phase:
✅ We figure out if franchising makes sense. Not every business is franchise-ready (or should be franchised). We help founders run the numbers, assess scalability, and determine if franchising is truly the right path before making big decisions.
If you're weighing your options, my blog, The Profitable Path to Expansion – Is Franchising Your Business the Right Move?, walks through key factors to consider before taking the leap.
✅ We connect you with an attorney you can trust. Franchising is a legal business model first and foremost—and yet, I’ve seen too many business owners come to me with an FDD in hand… but without an attorney who actually understands franchising.
The right legal foundation isn’t just a formality; it’s the difference between building a franchise system that thrives… and one that struggles to stay compliant and competitive. We don’t just tell you to "go find a lawyer"—we connect you with trusted, experienced franchise attorneys who understand the nuances of your business and help you set up your franchise correctly from day one.
✅ We help build your franchise model. From setting the right franchise fees and territory sizes to outlining financial requirements, we help you structure your system for success.
✅ We create a franchise sales and marketing plan. Finding the right franchisees is a big deal. We help brands position themselves well, craft their franchise message, and build materials (like brochures and a franchise website) that attract the right candidates.
✅ We write the all-important operations manual. Imagine buying into a franchise and then having no clue how to run it. Yeah…not great. We draft comprehensive training guides so franchisees have everything they need to succeed.
By the end of Launch, brands have a fully developed franchise model, ready to go to market.
The Growth Phase: "I’ve Franchised My Business… Now What?"
Once a brand has launched, the real work begins. Growth isn’t just about signing more franchisees—it’s about supporting the ones you have and ensuring the brand scales properly.
This is where SMB’s Grow program comes in:
✅ We act as your executive team. Running a franchise brand is a different ballgame than running a single location. We help founders navigate leadership, operations, and growth strategies—we’re always just a phone call away.
✅ We refine franchisee training & support. A well-supported franchisee is a successful franchisee. We improve onboarding, field support, and training programs to keep franchisees engaged and performing well.
✅ We optimize sales & development. Selling franchises the right way means finding qualified franchisees—not just anyone willing to write a check. We fine-tune franchise sales processes to ensure sustainable growth.
✅ We connect brands with key players in the industry. Need help with marketing, operations, or private equity funding? We make the right introductions so franchisors can grow smarter and faster.
✅ We help brands think long-term. Whether a founder wants to scale strategically, attract investors, or prepare for an eventual sale, we provide the roadmap to get there.
Why Am I Sharing This?
Because I talk to business owners every week who are thinking about growth but aren’t sure where to start.
Some want to franchise but feel overwhelmed by the complexity of it all.
Some have already franchised but are struggling to keep up with operations.
Some just need an experienced guide to help them make smart decisions.
If you’re exploring franchising as a growth strategy, it’s important to do it the right way. This Forbes article dives into what it takes to successfully transition into franchising and how to determine if your business is ready.
And if you want to talk through your own situation, let’s chat. No pressure—just a real conversation about what growth could look like for your business.
📅 Book a Clarity Call Here → https://calendly.com/shannon-wilburn/smb-discovery-call
Franchising can be an incredible opportunity when done right. And after six months at SMB, I can confidently say: We help brands do it right.
Know a business owner who should see this? Share this post with them!
Shine Lesson Learned
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this journey, it’s this: You don’t have to do it alone.
For months, I struggled with how to help founders who were ready to franchise but needed more than just coaching. I knew I wasn’t the right person to build their franchise system, but I also knew I wanted to help. The solution wasn’t to take it all on myself; it was to partner with the right team.
Franchising is a team sport. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, having the right people in your corner can mean the difference between growing with confidence or feeling stuck in uncertainty. I’ve seen it firsthand.
So if you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering how to take the next step, remember: You don’t have to figure it out alone.
