Franchising Insights

Alison Freidman is a dynamic entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "Jersey Girl." She joined the Lightbridge Academy franchise in January 2023 in a North Carolina community that she now calls home. Alison currently owns two thriving Lightbridge Academy locations—Huntersville, NC, which opened in January 2023, and Steele Creek, NC, which opened in October 2024—and is seeking a third location.

The first year as a franchisee can be challenging and rewarding as you learn the ropes and build your business. While franchisors provide extensive training and support, success doesn’t come overnight. Here’s what you can expect in your first year as a franchise owner and how to navigate the most common hurdles.

Ted Pease is a dedicated entrepreneur who is proud to be a Right at Home franchise owner of two locations, both of which he purchased from a previous owner in June 2023. A native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Ted is passionate about serving the community he calls home.

If you ask Adam Martindale why he loves owning and operating his Cruise Planners travel agency, he'll gladly rattle off a lengthy list. One of his favorite benefits, however, is that he gets to work from anywhere while traveling the world and growing his business. In this on-demand webinar, FBR's President and COO, Michelle Rowan, chats with franchisee Adam and Stacie Faulds, Cruise Planners' Assistant Vice President of Marketing, about what it takes to be a Cruise Planners franchise owner, and how the travel franchise became the nation's largest home-based franchise in the travel space.

In a world obsessed with food trucks and mobile food and beverage concepts, finding the right balance of opportunity and sustainability can be the perfect recipe for success. Russ O’Rear and his wife, Amber, are Kona Ice franchise owners who saw an opportunity in Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee to grow their food truck empire. Through a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, family collaboration, and strong corporate support, the O'Rears have crafted a thriving success story.

Students who have attended Kobad and Nancy’s Bay Area Mathnasium Learning Centers report improved self-confidence, better grades, and acceptance to top-tier universities. “The Mathnasium experience embraces the idea that math ability, like any other, can be developed with patience, support, and the right approach,” Kobad Bugwadia