Franchise Business Review Logo
  • Digital Guides
  • About FBR
  • Franchisors
  • Search
  • Reviews
  • Find Franchises
      • Featured
      • Top 200 Franchises
      • Top Low Cost Franchises
      • Top Food Franchises
      • Top Franchises for Women
      • By Investment
      • Under $50K
      • $50K to $99K
      • $100K to $199K
      • Over $200K
      • Special Interest
      • Most Profitable Franchises
      • Top Home-Based Franchises
      • Franchise Culture100
      • Rock Star Awards
      • Recession Proof Franchises
      • Second Career Franchises
      • Top Franchises for Veterans
      • By Industry
      • Advertising & Sales
      • Automotive
      • Business Services
      • Child Services
      • Cleaning & Maintenance
      • Education
      • Financial & Tax
      • Fitness
      • Food & Beverage
      • Health & Beauty
      • Home Services
      • Pet Services
      • Retail
      • Senior Care
      • Services
      • Sports & Recreation
      • Technology
      • Travel
  • Resource Center
FREE SUBSCRIPTION

First-Annual Franchise Culture100 Awards

Published: September 17, 2020
  • Share Post

Putting Culture First in Franchising

Many franchise organizations "talk the talk" when it comes to culture, but it is clear from our research that they don't all "walk the walk." A strong organizational culture doesn't just happen within a company—it has to be designed, built, and constantly maintained.

The top franchise companies that have the honor of be named to our first-annual FBR Culture100 awards list are clearly among the best of the best franchises in the business. Based on the reviews of over 28,000 franchise owners, we selected the Top 100 Franchises that received the highest ratings for leadership, mission, community, and overall franchisee satisfaction.

Amazing franchise companies like MaidPro, NextHome, Kona Ice, Two Men and a Truck, and Keller Williams topped our list of this years Culture100 award-winners.

We invite you to learn more about what makes these great franchise businesses unique, and explore business ownership opportunities in your local market. Congratulations again to our winners!

(Photo credit: NextHome real estate franchise owners and staff displaying some award-winning culture at their annual franchise convention in 2019 in Las Vegas, NV.)


Clear Results
Learn More About 360clean
Franchise Logo

360clean

Cleaning & Maintenance

Have you been searching for a franchise opportunity that offers high earning potential, low investment and the ability to run the business from home?  You should consider a 360clean franchise....

Investment: $15,800
Cash Required: $15,000

Learn More of 360clean

Learn More About A&W Restaurants
Franchise Logo

A&W Restaurants

Food

America’s first and oldest restaurant chain founded in 1919, A&W still makes Root Beer fresh in each restaurant and served in a frosty mug alongside 100% U.S. Beef burgers, Hand-Breaded c...

Investment: $276,000
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of A&W Restaurants

Learn More About ActionCOACH
Franchise Logo

ActionCOACH

Business Services

ActionCOACH is the World’s #1 business coaching firm. Currently, ActionCOACH has nearly than 1,000 coaches in more than 70 countries, and ActionCOACH delivers it's proven business develop...

Investment: $45,000
Cash Required: $45,000 - $125,000

Learn More of ActionCOACH

Learn More About Aire Serv
Franchise Logo

Aire Serv

Home Services

Aire Serv® is a need-based business, and is backed by Neighborly®, the world’s largest home-services franchise. As a Neighborly® company, Aire Serv franchisees benefit from a netw...

Investment: $87,600
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Aire Serv

Learn More About Amada Senior Care
Franchise Logo

Amada Senior Care

Senior Care

Amada is one of the only senior care companies in North America that provides in-home, non-medical care and assisted living placement consulting services. Through years of experience, we understand...

Investment: $87,710
Cash Required: $90,000

Learn More of Amada Senior Care

Learn More About Amazing Athletes
Franchise Logo

Amazing Athletes

Child Services

Amazing Athletes is a mobile, year-round, educational sports and fitness program that introduces young children to the basic fundamentals of 10 different sports while helping them master 6 key area...

Investment: $27,500
Cash Required: $30,000

Learn More of Amazing Athletes

Learn More About BrightStar Care
Franchise Logo

BrightStar Care

Senior Care

BrightStar Care offers both medical and non-medical private duty home health care services, as well as medical staffing. Each BrightStar Care location employs a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing...

Investment: $105,735
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of BrightStar Care

Learn More About Christian Brothers Automotive
Franchise Logo

Christian Brothers Automotive

Automotive

Christian Brothers Automotive is more than just vehicle repair. Since its founding in 1982, their goal has been to change the way guests view automotive service. Now more than ever, consumers acros...

Investment: $461,250
Cash Required: $85,000

Learn More of Christian Brothers Automotive

Learn More About Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative
Franchise Logo

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative

Travel & Hospitality

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is the largest home-based travel agency franchise in the nation with over 2,500 franchise owners in all 50 states. Cruise Planners franch...

Investment: $2,295
Cash Required: $6,995-$10,995

Learn More of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative

Learn More About Dogtopia
Franchise Logo

Dogtopia

Pet Services

Dogtopia is a unique dog daycare business which opened its first location in Virginia in 2002. At that time, dog daycare was very much a new concept, and the Dogtopia approach – to create &ld...

Investment: $757,253
Cash Required: $300,000

Learn More of Dogtopia

Learn More About DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Franchise Logo

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Home Services

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a faith-based, full-service remodeling franchise that helps entrepreneurs and existing remodelers earn strong financial numbers while having a focus on improving th...

Investment: $186,901
Cash Required: $114,575 - $330,950

Learn More of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Learn More About Expedia Cruises
Franchise Logo

Expedia Cruises

Travel & Hospitality

Join North America’s Full-Service Leisure Travel Agency Franchise

Are you searching for a business opportunity offering the perfect balance of equity, lifestyle and...

Investment: $169,950
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Expedia Cruises

Learn More About Fibrenew
Franchise Logo

Fibrenew

Services

Since 1987, we have built and refined a robust franchise business system. This includes the research and development of our proprietary product line, highly specialized techniques, exceptional trai...

Investment: $87,812
Cash Required: $15,000 - $25,000

Learn More of Fibrenew

Learn More About FirstLight Home Care
Franchise Logo

FirstLight Home Care

Senior Care

FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of home care services, helping individuals achieve the quality of life they deserve. We are a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering fro...

Investment: $113,281
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of FirstLight Home Care

Learn More About Fish Window Cleaning Services
Franchise Logo

Fish Window Cleaning Services

Services

Mike Merrick founded Fish Window Cleaning in January 1978. Based on growing demand and his success, Mike realized there was a need for this service in other markets. He used his 20 years of experie...

Investment: $87,300
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Fish Window Cleaning Services

Learn More About Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning
Franchise Logo

Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning & Maintenance

Since 1983 we've helped people like you reach for their dreams. Our low prices make starting a Heaven's Best franchise affordable, and our product quality makes for satisfied customers.

...

Investment: $55,560
Cash Required: $39,000

Learn More of Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning

Learn More About Huntington Learning Center
Franchise Logo

Huntington Learning Center

Education

Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading K-12 tutoring and test prep provider. We welcome franchisees who are interested in helping students and families in their communities get th...

Investment: $134,000
Cash Required: $65,000

Learn More of Huntington Learning Center

Learn More About InXpress
Franchise Logo

InXpress

Business Services

InXpress franchisees build a residual income business while working from home with no retail storefront and no employee requirements. InXpress is a business-to-business franchise in the global ship...

Investment: $85,600
Cash Required: $65,000

Learn More of InXpress

Learn More About Kona Ice
Franchise Logo

Kona Ice

Food

It’s the beginning of a new day and it’s time for a fresh start. In a year that had most businesses struggling to just survive, Kona Ice has thrived. Many may have felt like global even...

Investment: $145,600
Cash Required: $20,000

Learn More of Kona Ice

Learn More About MaidPro
Franchise Logo

MaidPro

Cleaning & Maintenance

The home cleaning industry is growing fast, and MaidPro helps you capitalize on that growth. You’ll lead your team of cleaning professionals, be your own boss, control your future and attain ...

Investment: $77,560
Cash Required: $75,000

Learn More of MaidPro

Learn More About Mathnasium Learning Centers
Franchise Logo

Mathnasium Learning Centers

Education

Our mission is to help every child to understand and master math, because it will change their world. Starting in 2002 with one Mathnasium Learning Center in Los Angeles, we've grown to over 1,...

Investment: $112,750
Cash Required: $112,000

Learn More of Mathnasium Learning Centers

Learn More About Minuteman Press
Franchise Logo

Minuteman Press

Business Services

Today, we are the modern printing industry, providing high quality products and services for businesses that go way beyond just ink on paper.  Our design, print and marketing centers offer cus...

Investment: $74,904
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Minuteman Press

Learn More About Mr. Appliance
Franchise Logo

Mr. Appliance

Home Services

Mr. Appliance®, in operation since 1996, is North America’s largest appliance repair franchise. With longevity comes trust, a recognizable brand, and a loyal customer base. Whether you ar...

Investment: $65,800
Cash Required: $40,000

Learn More of Mr. Appliance

Learn More About Mr. Electric
Franchise Logo

Mr. Electric

Services

Since 1994, Mr. Electric® has specialized in electrical installation and repair for both residential and business customers. Mr. Electric® independently owned and operated franchisees now s...

Investment: $103,600
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Mr. Electric

Learn More About Mr. Handyman
Franchise Logo

Mr. Handyman

Home Services

Mr. Handyman® serves a much bigger purpose than providing home improvement and maintenance. Mr. Handyman’s independently owned and operated franchisees are the key to making people’...

Investment: $117,500
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Mr. Handyman

Learn More About Nextaff
Franchise Logo

Nextaff

Business Services

NEXTAFF franchisees help companies Identify, Evaluate and Acquire quality talent using our proprietary X-Factor process.

NEXTAFF was originally started as a traditional staffing company i...

Investment: $123,000
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Nextaff

Learn More About Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
Franchise Logo

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

Cleaning & Maintenance

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services, based in Palm Harbor, Fla., is one of the most respected full-service commercial cleaning companies in the nation. Office Pride’s business was built...

Investment: $65,000
Cash Required: $85,000

Learn More of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

Learn More About Our Town America
Franchise Logo

Our Town America

Advertising & Sales

Since 1972, Our Town America has been connecting local businesses with new movers and helping turn them into loyal, long term customers. As the leaders in New Mover Marketing, we use...

Investment: $63,300
Cash Required: $70,000

Learn More of Our Town America

Learn More About Payroll Vault
Franchise Logo

Payroll Vault

Financial & Tax

A business to business service, Payroll Vault is a boutique-style full-service payroll company designed for small business. Payroll is ranked in the Top 3 Outsourced Business Services, and with ove...

Investment: $39,313
Cash Required: $31,500

Learn More of Payroll Vault

Learn More About Pinch A Penny
Franchise Logo

Pinch A Penny

Retail

Founded in 1975, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa has grown from one store to more than 250 locations across the Southeastern U.S. and Texas. Priding itself on its superior customer service and experti...

Investment: $289,375
Cash Required: $70,000 - $150,000

Learn More of Pinch A Penny

Learn More About Precision Concrete Cutting
Franchise Logo

Precision Concrete Cutting

Services

We are the world leader in uneven sidewalk repair. We make sidewalks safe.

...

Investment: $155,000
Cash Required: $72,000

Learn More of Precision Concrete Cutting

Learn More About PuroClean
Franchise Logo

PuroClean

Services

Founded in 2001, PuroClean has a comprehensive network of 300-plus franchise offices across North America. Known as the “Paramedics of Property Damage®,” PuroClean provides fire and...

Investment: $78,805
Cash Required: $55,000 - $75,000

Learn More of PuroClean

Learn More About Right at Home
Franchise Logo

Right at Home

Senior Care

Initially founded in 1995 by former hospital administrator Allen Hager, Right at Home provides in-home care services to allow seniors and people with disabilities to retain as much independence and...

Investment: $80,150
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of Right at Home

Learn More About Sandler Training
Franchise Logo

Sandler Training

Business Services

At Sandler, we work with people every day who have decided to take control of their destinies. They’re excited about creating a new of kind lifestyle business on their own terms and looking f...

Investment: $113,525
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Sandler Training

Learn More About Snap-on Tools
Franchise Logo

Snap-on Tools

Automotive

Snap-on Tools has the #1 market share position in the industry and our tools are universally recognized by professionals as the absolute highest quality tools in the industry. Snap-on franchisees a...

Investment: $169,223
Cash Required: $37,583-$55,545

Learn More of Snap-on Tools

Learn More About Soccer Shots
Franchise Logo

Soccer Shots

Child Services

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-in-class coachin...

Investment: $41,034
Cash Required: $38,000

Learn More of Soccer Shots

Learn More About Supporting Strategies
Franchise Logo

Supporting Strategies

Business Services

Leslie Jorgensen founded Supporting Strategies in 2004 with the vision of becoming the go-to resource for outsourced bookkeeping and operational support services. Over time, she gradually added emp...

Investment: $77,930
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Supporting Strategies

Learn More About TSS Photography
Franchise Logo

TSS Photography

Child Services

TSS Photography is the nation's leading photography franchise. We specialize in sports, school and event photography services.If you are looking for a flexible, fun, low cost and low overhead f...

Investment: $20,415
Cash Required: $10,500

Learn More of TSS Photography

Learn More About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Franchise Logo

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Services

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the world, aiming to provide our customers with the highest level of service in both local and long-distance moving, a...

Investment: $179,000
Cash Required: $80,000

Learn More of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Learn More About The Learning Experience
Franchise Logo

The Learning Experience

Education

When you invest in a franchise opportunity with The Learning Experience, you are partnering with the leaders and innovators in the child care sector. Our Executive Team possesses a combined twelve ...

Investment: $544,419
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of The Learning Experience

Learn More About The Maids
Franchise Logo

The Maids

Cleaning & Maintenance

Ranked #1 for residential cleaning, among the Top Low Cost Investments, and the Fastest Growing Residential Cleaning franchise by Entrepreneur magazine, The Maids is the quality leader in the indus...

Investment: $64,100
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of The Maids

Learn More About Tint World
Franchise Logo

Tint World

Automotive

Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is America’s largest and fastest growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, p...

Investment: $199,950
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Tint World

Learn More About Wild Birds Unlimited
Franchise Logo

Wild Birds Unlimited

Retail

With a proven business model over 35 years and over 340 locations, Wild Birds Unlimited is the #1, largest and most recognized source for backyard bird feeding and nature related products in North ...

Investment: $185,179
Cash Required: $40,000- $50,000

Learn More of Wild Birds Unlimited

Aire-Master of America

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $40,364
Cash Required: $50,000

American Poolplayers Association

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $22,737.34
Cash Required: $29,242.34

Anago Cleaning Systems Master Franchise

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $11,265
Cash Required: $1,000 - $23,500

AtWork Group

Business Services
Investment: $154,000
Cash Required: $100,000

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $113,920
Cash Required: $50,000 - $100,000

Bin There Dump That

Services
Investment: $73,050
Cash Required: $75,000-$180,000

Brightway Insurance

Financial & Tax
Investment: $18,100
Cash Required: $25,000 - $200,000

Captain D's

Food
Investment: $1,005,600
Cash Required: $350,000

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Services
Investment: $89,300
Cash Required: $65,000

Color World House Painting

Services
Investment: $72,260
Cash Required: $40,000

Crunch Fitness

Fitness
Investment: $1,200,000
Cash Required: $300,000

Dale Carnegie

Business Services
Investment: $19,700
Cash Required: $50,000

Donatos Pizza

Food
Investment: $386,500
Cash Required: $200,000

Dream Vacations

Travel & Hospitality
Investment: $1,595
Cash Required: $3,590

Drybar

Health & Beauty
Investment: $639,180
Cash Required: $150,000

Express Employment Professionals

Business Services
Investment: $150,000
Cash Required: $50,000

FRSTeam

Services
Investment: $33,375
Cash Required: $33,375

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Fitness
Investment: $87,750
Cash Required: $100,000

Fazoli's Restaurants

Food
Investment: $466,750
Cash Required: $500,000

Five Star Painting

Services
Investment: $74,700
Cash Required: $70,000

Freedom Boat Club

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $175,025
Cash Required: $38,000

Home Instead

Senior Care
Investment: $125,000
Cash Required: $59,000

House Doctors Handyman Services

Home Services
Investment: $98,000
Cash Required: $50,000

Just Between Friends Franchise System

Retail
Investment: $38,544
Cash Required: $43,178

Kampgrounds of America

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $30,250
Cash Required: $500,000 - $3,000,000

Keller Williams

Real Estate
Investment: $183,447
Cash Required: $150,000

Kitchen Solvers

Home Services
Investment: $91,584
Cash Required: $30,000

LaRosa's Pizzeria

Food
Investment: $800,000
Cash Required: $500,000

MY SALON Suite

Health & Beauty
Investment: $664,738
Cash Required: $200,000

Maid Brigade

Home Services
Investment: $108,066
Cash Required: $50,000

Motto Mortgage

Financial & Tax
Investment: $52,800
Cash Required: $12,000

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Services
Investment: $79,975
Cash Required: $50,000

Network in Action

Business Services
Investment: $43,610
Cash Required: $50,000

NextHome

Real Estate
Investment: $15,250
Cash Required: $4,250

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Food
Investment: $430,200
Cash Required: $150,000

Orangetheory Fitness

Fitness
Investment: $576,022
Cash Required: $150,000

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $40,900
Cash Required: $40,900 - $50,000

Palm Beach Tan

Health & Beauty
Investment: $624,438
Cash Required: $250,000

Pizza Ranch

Food
Investment: $768,000
Cash Required: $400,000

Planet Fitness

Fitness
Investment: $8968,100
Cash Required: $600,000

Property Damage Appraisers

Services
Investment: $75,888
Cash Required:

Rhea Lana's

Retail
Investment: $20,550
Cash Required: $15,000

Sanford Rose Associates

Business Services
Investment: $108,250
Cash Required: $108,250

ShelfGenie

Home Services
Investment: $33,175
Cash Required: $75,000

Showhomes Home Staging

Real Estate
Investment: $85,600
Cash Required: $30,000 - $100,000

Snapology

Child Services
Investment: $40,900
Cash Required: $37,500

Sola Salon Studios

Health & Beauty
Investment: $575,000
Cash Required: $500,000

Sotheby's International Realty

Real Estate
Investment: $194,650
Cash Required: $63,650 - $206,000

Surface Specialists Systems

Home Services
Investment: $43,200
Cash Required: $25,000

The Goddard School

Education
Investment: $697,100
Cash Required: $150,000

The Wendy's Company

Food
Investment: $1,700,000
Cash Required: $2,000,000

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Food
Investment: $198,500
Cash Required: $125,000

Walk-On's Bistreaux

Food
Investment: $1,214,000
Cash Required: $90,000

Weichert Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $62,500
Cash Required: $25,000

Wings Etc.

Food
Investment: $292,847
Cash Required: $200,000

YESCO

Business Services
Investment: $64,300
Cash Required: $60,000

Young Rembrandts

Child Services
Investment: $44,905
Cash Required: $40,000


Culture: The Cornerstone of a Successful Franchise

When seeking to describe an organization’s culture, you might reference its mission or vision statement, describe its leadership style, or explain what its work environment is like. Each of these components impacts how a franchise company’s franchisees and employees treat one another and their customers—ultimately reflecting that brand’s global image.  

In franchising, the home office sets the tone for how its franchisees consistently carry out the company culture in locations across the country and the globe. To be sure their intended messages and ways of doing business are resonating with franchisees, it’s critical for brands to communicate their values clearly across their organizations. If they fail to define what makes their cultures special and unique, they may unknowingly suffer the consequences. Furthermore, if they ignore any issues their teams may be encountering, their reluctance to listen might be communicated loudly elsewhere.  

“Gone are the days of hiding hostile or non-inclusive companies. If people don’t enjoy being in your space and being part of your team, they are talking about it with their friends and family and with strangers on social media,” said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Trying to hire or recruit franchisees becomes difficult if you aren’t cultivating a strong culture that people want to be a part of.”

Take a Culture Pulse

How do you measure the quality of franchise company’s culture? Surveying franchise owners is a great place to start. They will tell you how well the franchise leadership team is executing on the vision of the brand, and how well the community of support staff and franchisees work together to achieve their business objectives.

To be clear, every franchise organization has a different culture and vibe. Some franchises are more serious and formal, while others are more relaxed and casual. Understanding the style of the way a franchise operates and how well they include franchise owners in the process is important for you to identify. A franchise company’s culture – and your potential fit into that culture – should guide your franchise investment decision.

To help understand what franchisees think about their company cultures, Franchise Business Review asked over 27,000 franchisees from more than 300 brands a series of questions that looked at perception of brand vision, team culture, honesty and integrity, and overall support. 

Brands across many different industries made our first-ever Top 100 Culture List. Topping the list was MaidPro, NextHome, Kona Ice, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and Keller Williams—all veteran FBR award winners for outstanding franchisee satisfaction.    

“Not surprisingly, the companies that rated high on culture are no strangers to our awards lists,” Stites said. “Many of these brands have been part of our franchisee satisfaction awards for years. There is obviously a strong tie between culture, franchise performance, and satisfaction.”

Building upon a strong culture is more important now more than ever. As the world faces a global pandemic, economic recession, and protests against systemic racism, culture has taken center stage. The franchise companies that are already doing it right – promoting positive, inclusive, and transparent cultures – will continue to thrive. And those that don’t will struggle to attract new franchisees, employees, and customers, Stites said. 

Hear from a few brands about what makes their company cultures stand out among their biggest customers—their franchisees.

Hire the Right People

Express Employment Professionals knows a thing or two about recruiting. The franchise, which operates 825 units across the United States and Canada, helps small and medium-size businesses staff their companies with temporary and full-time workers. Just as its clients do, Express Employment Professional also hires for cultural fit. The brand understands that high turnover—whether at the client level or the franchisee level—has negative ramifications that reverberate through every area of a business. “Investing in your company culture will ultimately result in success elsewhere in the organization,” said Bill Stoller, CEO and chairman of the board of Express Employment Professionals. 

“Each franchisee office is locally owned and operated, so it’s important to make sure from the very beginning that a potential franchisee is a good fit for our company culture,” said Stoller. “The benefit of being an established franchise brand is that over the past four decades, we’ve had time to develop a system that encourages both business success while investing in people.” 

Keeping lines of communication open has been key to Express Employment’s growth and success. And recent increases in targeted, crisis communications paid dividends.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, it caused a lot of uncertainly, especially with furloughs and layoffs across the globe. The most important element for us during this time was and still is communication,” Stoller said. “We started to see our sales numbers climb back up as we encouraged our franchise offices to ‘beat the week before’ every week,” he said. 

Franchisees continue to be involved in decisions at the corporate level through focus groups, trainings, and various teams, giving them opportunities to contribute and provide feedback on core values. Rather than canceling events celebrating the efforts and achievements of team members, the headquarters team instead held virtual conferences to allow for recognition.

“Some of our franchisees have been with us from the beginning and they help preserve our unique company culture by investing their wisdom in the new franchise owners,” Stoller said. “That’s why it was so important for Express to continue with conferences in some capacity this year. Those moments of fellowship and mentorship help reinforce our mission of providing hope through employment.”  

Build Communication into Your Onboarding Plan

NextHome is a California-based franchise that helps real estate brokers better market properties using cutting edge technology. In just five years, the brand has opened 500 franchise offices across 45 states with more than 3,200 members nationwide. Over the last two years, Franchise Business Review has ranked NextHome among the country’s top brands. 

The habit of frequently checking-in with franchisees during tough times is one of the reasons why NextHome has been able to keep a tight community feel during a period of explosive growth.

“Our CEO James Dwiggins will call a franchisee when we hear they are not feeling well or they had a child break an arm skateboarding,” said Keith Robinson, chief strategy officer of NextHome. “While it’s easy to say you care—most companies do—not everyone checks on their people to see how they are doing personally and professionally out of sincerity.”

Beginning with onboarding, franchisees hear from members of the franchise development and support teams frequently, and then every 90 days during their first year. Consistent and regular communication has helped the brand understand right away what locations need, and they share what steps to take to be successful.  

When the COVID-19 virus emerged last spring, franchisees had a lot of questions. The company’s deep investment in relationships with its owners and culture of collaboration allowed it to pull the company together during this uncertain time. The team delivered an aggressive communications schedule that included 55 webinars between March and May. While NextHome didn’t always have every answer, they were able to share what they knew—and how they felt.

“Our focus was to provide a calming and steady influence for our members so that they could focus on what to do with their businesses,” Robinson said. 

With its growth, NextHome has been careful to adjust its structure to ensure it reaches everyone. What’s worked for reinforcing communications at 100 offices would not scale to reach today’s number, Robinson said. To meet the needs of all of its franchisees, NextHome created a department that is solely focused on checking in with its franchise owners.

“We continually and actively listen,” said Caris Moreno, Vice President of Sales for NextHome. “We survey our members and dig into the results so we can focus on the areas where we fall short more than in the areas where we get high marks. There is always room for improvement, and we are always looking for new was to ensure we are evolving an increasing our culture.” 

Foster a Family Feeling

Founded in 1975, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa has grown from one store to more than 250 locations across the Southeastern United States and Texas. Its retail stores offer swimming pool chemicals and accessories, swimming pool services such as installation and repairs, and outdoor services such as powerwashing. Pinch A Penny stores also offer backyard products, such as outdoor furniture, spas, and grills.

Built on a reputation of providing superior customer service and expertise, the brand has been included in many top industry rankings, including Franchise Business Review's Top Franchises for Women, Top Franchises for Veterans, and the Top 200 Best Franchises. Taking a family approach to business, Pinch A Penny provides its customers, franchisees, and employees with all the necessary resources to carry on its tradition of quality, reliability and expertise in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere.

"The most important thing for us is: Do you have an attitude of service? Are you a giving person? Are you trying to help people? Our business is built on trust, said Michael Arrowsmith, CDO of Pinch A Penny. “When a franchisee comes into our system, we take care of them the way that we want them to take care of the customer. While our franchisees have to do their part in building their business, we offer the structure, expertise, and tools to help them from the beginning.” 

Pinch A Penny offers a month-long training that allows franchisees to receive a couple of national certifications, as well as a diploma from the Pinch A Penny ‘Pool School of Graduates. Through that process, franchisees start learning about the pool business and get to know other Pinch A Penny owners. 

The corporate office not only encourages prospective franchisees to talk with other franchisees—it requires them to do so before they can be approved as a new owner. From the beginning, Pinch A Penny has established a process of new and existing franchisees networking and interacting with one another, Arrowsmith said. In a nutshell, the foundation of the company is rooted in transparency and treating all involved like family.

"Pinch A Penny is a family-owned business, our franchisees run their own family businesses, and our customers are families,” he said. 

Invest in Outreach

The Learning Experience is a childcare center franchise that serves children in preschool through kindergarten in more than 275 locations throughout the country and internationally. Just as it serves families at its centers, the corporate office treats franchise owners as family—underscoring its brand position—Happy Happens Here!

Brad Wahl, SVP of the Florida-based brand, said The Learning Experience culture is driven by its brand mission: to have a positive impact in the lives of children, their families, and in the communities they serve.

“Our business is dependent on a total commitment to this mission and our culture. It’s even more critical during this time because the health and safety of our little ones is of paramount importance,” Wahl said. “The ability of our entire brand family to recognize this and commit to this direction has been our focus throughout the pandemic. It comes down to communication, communication, communication.”

The Learning Experience invested in new digital training and communications platforms at the corporate level to enhance communication with franchisees. To ensure consistency, the corporate office delivers simple messages frequently through multiple channels to ensure effective reach. And communications are not one way—franchisees are encouraged to voice their feedback, too. It is several brand committees of influence, including its curriculum committee, brand awareness fund committee, and diversity and inclusion committee, that drive corporate decision making.

“When we see opportunities to improve the system, we include the entire Learning Experience community in that process,” Wahl said. “It helps drive our innovative mindset with the goal of positively impacting our entire community.”

Culture First

Many franchise organizations “talk the talk” when it comes to culture, but it is clear that they don’t all “walk the walk.” A strong culture doesn’t just happen within a company—it has to be designed, built, and constantly maintained. The top franchise companies that have the honor of be named to our first-annual Culture100 list are clearly among the best of the best franchises in the business. We invite you to learn more about what makes them unique and explore business ownership opportunities in your local market. 

Award-Winning Franchises

CarePatrolLogo

CarePatrol

Cash required:
    $85,000


Initial Investment:
     $71,540 - $88,490


Learn More
Huntington Learning CenterLogo

Huntington Learning Center

Cash required:
    $65,000


Initial Investment:
     $134,000 - $277,000


Learn More
British Swim SchoolLogo

British Swim School

Cash required:
    $75,000


Initial Investment:
     $93,700 - $125,850


Learn More
  • Share Post

Related Content

April Cannon's Success with NaturaLawn of America

April Cannon's Success with NaturaLawn of America

Name: April Cannon Location: NaturaLawn of America in Charlotte, NC Franchise Owner Since: 2003 FBR: What did you do prior to becoming a franchise owner?

Chuck Cassidy's Experience with British Swim School

Chuck Cassidy's Experience with British Swim School

Name: Chuck Cassidy Location: British Swim School of Greater Viriginia Beach Franchise Owner Since: December 2020 FBR: How familiar were you with the franchising model prior to purchasing yours?

The Powerful Women of Franchising

The Powerful Women of Franchising

As part of our annual Top Franchises for Women research, FBR surveyed over 8,000 female franchise owners to get their perspective on owning a franchise business in 2021.

Why Senior Care Authority Is a Top Franchise

Why Senior Care Authority Is a Top Franchise

Senior Care Authority is among the best in franchising. They received a franchisee satisfaction rating of 81, earning them the #3 spot in the senior service sector.

Want to be the first to know when new ratings and reviews are released?

Subscribe Now
  • Reviews
  • Find Franchises
  • Resource Center
  • Digital Guides
  • About FBR
  • Franchisors

Contact FBR: [email protected] | 866.397.6680


DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed, and does not constitute any investment recommendation. A franchise investment requires a personal assessment of your objectives, financial situation, skills, goals, and many other factors. Before making any investment decision, you need to consider whether this information is appropriate to your situation and needs.

Copyright © Franchise Business Review by Franchise Business Review. All rights reserved. Terms | Privacy Policy