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
      • Top Multi-Unit Franchises
      • By Industry
      • Advertising & Sales
      • Automotive
      • Business Services
      • Child Services
      • Cleaning & Maintenance
      • Education
      • Financial & Tax
      • Fitness
      • Food & Beverage
      • Health & Beauty
      • Home Services
      • Pet Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Senior Care
      • Services
      • Sports & Recreation
      • Technology
      • Travel
  • Finance Center
  • Pathway to Franchising
  • Resources
      • Featured
      • Digital Guides
      • Resource Center
      • Finance Center
      • Blog
  • SUBSCRIBE

What to Expect in Your First Year as a Franchisee

Published: October 26, 2021
  • Share Post

The first year as a franchisee, although exhilarating, can often be the toughest one as you get up to speed on the franchisor’s business model, build your customer base and recruit employees. Just like with any new business, hard work, dedication, and patience are required at the outset.

One common misconception when it comes to operating a franchise is that once you sign on the dotted line and open for business, the customers and revenue will start flowing. This is typically not the case. It normally takes a year or two to become profitable.

We asked franchisors and franchisees on this year’s FBR Top 200 list what franchisees should expect in their first year in business. Here’s what they had to say.

On Their First Years

"Be Patient and Be Prepared"

“Just be patient and be prepared to work hard at it... It takes time (to turn a profit), especially if you're introducing a brand new franchise to your area. Look at (franchising) as a long view endeavor. Think about where you want to be a year from now.”

-Chuck Cassidy, British Swim School franchise owner

"Be Realistic"

“Be realistic and understand what you have and what need to do (to succeed).” 

-Melanie Sweet, Cruise Planners franchise owner

"Prepare for an Emotional Roller Coaster"

"Expect the first year to be an emotional roller coaster as you learn the ins and outs of being a new business owner. All the classroom training in the world cannot prepare you for the day to day interactions you have. You have to always stay positive and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your franchisor. The challenges involved in owning your own business can make it that much more satisfying to be an entrepreneur."

-Nick Titus, VP Marketing for Minuteman Press International.

"The Business Takes Time"

“Be prepared for a lot of hard work in the beginning. This business takes time but has yet to disappoint. Never hesitate to reach out to your coach or other franchise owners (we're a fun group). Bird knowledge is helpful but not critical, there will be a great deal of wisdom to be shared, through the franchise and your customers. Be open to those opportunities.”

-Cathy Fleischacker & Pam Dymsza, Wild Birds Unlimited franchise owners

"Perseverance Will Pay Off"

“A franchisee’s first year is exciting, nerve-racking, and exhilarating all wrapped up into one. Every franchisee’s experience is different, but the first year will require hard work, patience, and perseverance. With a good franchising system like Mosquito Joe, success will come by following the system with a strategic plan. There will be challenges and setbacks —some completely out of the franchisee’s control — but no matter how it comes about, perseverance will pay off.” 

-Lou Schager, President of Mosquito Joe

Getting Through The First Year

The first year of life as a franchisee is widely acknowledged to be the hardest. No matter how much you prepare for it,  most new franchisees are learning new skills and transitioning from employee to entrepreneur.

But one of the great things about franchising is that it comes with a proven built-in support system. A good franchise (see FBR’s list of top-rated franchises) will provide you the training and tools you’ll need to launch your business quickly and efficiently. You will also be able to reach out to other franchisees within the organization for advice and help as you navigate the first year of your business. As a new franchise owner with an award-winning brand, you should never have to feel you’re completely on your own.

franchising digital buyer's guide cover

Award-Winning Franchises

InXpressLogo

InXpress

Cash required:
    $65,000


Initial Investment:
     $79,600 - $169,990


Learn More
Glass DoctorLogo

Glass Doctor

Cash required:
    $50,000


Initial Investment:
     $158,200 - $300,400


Learn More
HomeWell Care ServicesLogo

HomeWell Care Services

Cash required:
    $150,000


Initial Investment:
     $96,000 - $224,800


Learn More
  • Share Post

Related Content

East Coast Wings + Grill Among Top Franchise Opportunities for New Owners

East Coast Wings + Grill Among Top Franchise Opportunities for New Owners

Many people dream of becoming their own boss. However, it can be overwhelming to start a business from the ground up.

Kim Prica & Sharon Konieczko, Franchise Rock Stars, Junk King

Kim Prica & Sharon Konieczko, Franchise Rock Stars, Junk King

Kim Prica and Sharon Konieczko were nominated for a 2022 Rock Star Award by the Junk King  leadership team under the Women-Owned category.

Eric Cross, Franchise Rock Star, HomeVestors of America

Eric Cross, Franchise Rock Star, HomeVestors of America

Eric Cross was nominated for a 2022 Rock Star Award by the HomeVestors of America leadership team under the Freshman Franchisee category.

George Hamilton, Franchise Rock Star, Snap-on Tools

George Hamilton, Franchise Rock Star, Snap-on Tools

George Hamilton was nominated for a 2022 Rock Star Award by the Snap-on Tools leadership team under the Veteran-Owned category. He was chosen by Franchise Business Review from among 200+ nominations for his outstanding achievements as a Snap-on Tools franchise owner in Saint Charles, IL.

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