Here's something most people don't expect when they start working with me.
They come in thinking they'll need to do months of research, spreadsheets, and comparing franchise after franchise.
That's not how this works.
In a recent conversation with a candidate, I walked him through 15 different franchise concepts across multiple industries and price points. By the end of our call, about 50 minutes, we had zeroed in on two worth exploring further.
Here's the framework I use every time.
The Three-Bucket Method
When I present franchise options to a client, I ask them to do one simple thing: put every brand into one of three buckets.
Bucket 1: "Yes, I'd like to learn more."
Bucket 2: "No, not in a million years."
Bucket 3: "Maybe, somewhere in between."
That's it. No pressure to decide or analyze every detail on the spot.
The goal of the presentation is to find the 2 or 3 businesses that genuinely spark your interest, so we have something real to work with.
I typically present 6 to 8 options per candidate. When you come back with 2 or 3 in Bucket 1, I've done my job.
One more thing worth saying here: every franchise I show you, whether it's 6 or 16, is a brand where I believe you could be successful.
The research, the vetting, the narrowing of hundreds of options down to the ones that fit your profile? That's already been done. By me. The presentation isn't about evaluating random choices. It's about choosing among great-fitting ones.
Why I Don't Start With What You Think You Want
Most people come to me with a category in mind. Maybe it's a restaurant, maybe it's something in home services, or maybe they've already Googled a couple of brand names.
I listen. And then I enlarged the picture.
Because the business that's actually the right fit for your life - your schedule, your financial goals, your personality - is often one you never would have found on your own.
That same candidate came in with a wide range of interests which is actually why he ended up with 15 options instead of the usual 6 to 8. He'd also expressed an interest in HVAC. It's a solid industry.
But almost every HVAC franchise out there requires you to be a full-time, hands-on owner-operator. That wasn't what he was looking for.
So I left the HVAC out entirely. And instead, I showed him property management, home maintenance services, vending, roofing, lawn care - businesses across a wide range of industries and investment levels that matched where he actually was in life.
One of those turned out to be a business he hadn't considered at all. And it was the one that excited him most.
What Happens After the Buckets
Sometimes a "maybe" turns into a "yes" on second look. Sometimes it falls away. That's fine either way, the point is to make the decision with intention, not anxiety.
2. From there, if there are brands worth exploring, I make introductions.
The franchisors reach out. You have initial conversations at no obligation.
And I stay involved, not as a salesperson, but as an advisor and advocate.
My role at that stage is to help you put your best foot forward. To connect you with the right financing resources and to make sure you have a franchise attorney review everything before you sign a single page.
That's the process. Straightforward, structured, and built entirely around your goals.
If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like to explore franchise ownership with a consultant, this is it. No pressure. No commitment. Just an honest look at what's out there and whether any of it fits your life.
Curious to see what your list of 15 might look like?
Let's find out — schedule a free consultation here.
Ever Upward,
Keith
