The One Thing I Wish I Had Known Before Franchising
In 2004, my business partner, Daven, and I were running on pure passion and adrenaline.
We had a business model that worked, and people were knocking on our door, asking to franchise it. But here’s the thing: we had no idea what we were doing. We were flying blind. No clear processes, no support network, and no idea how much trouble we were setting ourselves up for.
We had proven the concept, but the scale? That was a different beast entirely.
By 2007, after years of stumbling, wasting time, and bleeding money, we were stuck in a major compliance nightmare. We were trying to enforce brand consistency across multiple locations, but every solution we attempted either fell flat or led to more problems. It was so bad that we spent a full year trying to solve it (with no luck or traction).
In hindsight, it feels like we were spinning our wheels in the mud, not realizing that the answer was sitting right in front of us.
And then, we learned about the International Franchise Association (IFA). Honestly, we had no idea that an industry association dedicated to helping franchisors like us even existed.
Here’s the kicker: within weeks of joining, we received an email about a vendor that would solve THE VERY ISSUE we had been battling for a year.
One email.
One introduction.
That vendor helped us resolve more than 50% of our major compliance problems almost overnight!!!
Looking back, it’s hard to believe we didn’t know about the IFA sooner. The one place that was designed to help us, an industry association with years of experience and a vast network of professionals, was exactly what we needed. We could’ve been building relationships and getting advice from experts years earlier, but we struggled alone instead. It’s been 18 years since JBF joined IFA and I still kick myself for those lost years when we weren’t members.
Since 2007, the IFA has played a major role in shaping JBF both personally for our team and professionally for our franchisees.
It’s not just about the vendor partners. It’s about the community, the resources, and the wisdom from people who have walked the same path. What we’ve learned is that not seeking help from the right place isn’t just a missed opportunity…it’s a waste of time and resources.
The best part? The investment we made in joining the IFA paid for itself many times over. The ROI from the relationships, the knowledge, and the resources has been invaluable.
I’ll be honest: If you’re in franchising and you’re not connected with a community that’s been through it all, you’re missing out. The mistakes we made because we didn’t seek help sooner still sting. Learn from our mistake. There are people and resources out there that can make your journey much smoother.
What I Wish I’d Known: 5 Reasons Joining the IFA Is Crucial
If you’re an emerging franchisor or even just considering franchising your business, I understand the hesitation and overwhelm that comes with it. Franchising can be daunting, and it’s easy to feel like you’re on an island when you're trying to figure it all out by yourself. But here’s what I’ve learned: getting the right support early on can save you years of frustration and mistakes.
Here’s why:
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Franchising is complicated, and chances are, someone has already faced the challenges you're dealing with. In our early years, we felt like we were reinventing the wheel. Had we known about the IFA, we would’ve been able to tap into the knowledge and experience of others right from the start. There are countless experts who’ve already solved the problems you're facing. Connecting with them can make all the difference.There’s No Substitute for Industry-Specific Education
The franchising world has its own rules and tools and nomenclature. We had a proven concept, but we didn’t understand the ins and outs of franchising. Joining the IFA would’ve given us access to resources and training that would’ve helped us move faster and avoid costly mistakes.Relationships Matter
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of building relationships with others in the franchising world. We didn’t have a strong network back then, and it made everything harder. The IFA isn’t just about learning. It’s about connecting with others who can help you solve problems and share valuable insights.The Power of Staying Current
The franchising industry is always evolving. Legal changes, new trends, and shifting consumer behaviors can affect your business. The IFA helps you stay informed about industry developments and legislative changes, so you’re never left behind.It’s an Investment in Your Future
Franchising is a long-term commitment. Joining the IFA may seem like a big investment at first, but when you consider the alternative, which is figuring it all out on your own, it’s clear that the value far outweighs the cost. The support, knowledge, and relationships you gain are worth much more than the membership fee.
Don’t wait until you’re desperate like we were. There are people and resources out there that can make your journey much smoother. You can learn more about joining the IFA and how they can support your franchising journey here.
Shine Lesson Learned:
One key lesson I've learned is that seeking support early on is crucial. As entrepreneurs, we often think we need to have everything figured out before asking for help, but the reality is, you don’t have to have all the answers. Surrounding yourself with experienced professionals and a strong community can save you time, money, and mistakes while positioning your brand for success.
Shine On,
