What You Don’t Know About Franchising (That Could Change How You See Business Ownership)
When you hear the word franchise, what comes to mind? For most people, it’s fast food. Golden arches. Chicken sandwiches. Drive-thrus.
That’s what I thought too,until I sat down with Andrea Yenawine, franchise broker and founder of Franchise Harmoney.
What I learned is that franchising is far more diverse than most of us realize. There are hundreds of franchising opportunities that look nothing like restaurants. Some are home-based, some are in industries you wouldn’t expect, and some cost a fraction of what people assume.
Franchising is more than fast food
Andrea works with over 700 franchisors. Yes, there are restaurants and coffee shops in the mix, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There are franchises in:
- Pet care (like mobile grooming)
- Home services (painting, cleaning, window washing)
- Wellness (cryotherapy, fitness, health support)
- Technology (IT services, digital marketing)
- Senior care and community services
Many are home-based, meaning you don’t need to lease a building or take on the costs of construction and staffing a large team. That’s where franchising gets interesting for new entrepreneurs.
The real costs of franchising
Retail vs. home-based franchises
Opening a retail location like a restaurant can easily cost $350,000 to over $1 million. In contrast, Andrea says many home-based franchises start closer to $50,000 to $80,000, with the average ranging up to about $120,000.
Funding options you may not know about
Here’s where most people are surprised: you don’t need a suitcase of cash to get started. Alongside loans and credit, Andrea points out an option called ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups). It lets you use retirement savings from a previous employer to fund a business, without IRS penalties.
For someone sitting on a 401k from an old job, that could be the key to starting a business sooner than expected.
Why people choose franchising
A proven system saves time
Building a business from scratch takes years of testing, refining your offer, figuring out marketing, finding the right customers. With franchising, those steps are already done. You’re plugging into a system that’s been tested dozens, sometimes hundreds of times.
Higher success rates
While half of independent small businesses close within five years, over 90% of franchises are still operating at that point. That doesn’t mean it’s risk-free, but the numbers are clear: systems and support give you a better shot.
Built-in marketing
Andrea shared that many franchisors go beyond training. Some provide websites, ready-to-go social media posts, and national advertising campaigns. In some cases, they even have business coaches to walk alongside you.
Who franchising is right for
Franchising isn’t one-size-fits-all, but here’s what Andrea sees in successful owners:
- They’re community-minded and willing to network.
- They’re comfortable following a system rather than reinventing everything.
- They’re motivated by building wealth and freedom, not just a passion project.
If you want to create something totally unique and experimental, franchising may feel too structured. But if you’re looking for a business that’s already proven to work, it can be a faster path to ownership.
Can you sell a franchise?
Yes. While you can’t just list it on Craigslist, most franchisors allow resale through their systems. If the location is profitable, owners often sell at a healthy gain. That makes franchising different from a traditional job—you’re building an asset, not just earning a paycheck.
Why work with a franchise broker
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Andrea’s clients don’t pay her. She’s compensated by the franchisor, which means her guidance is free to the entrepreneur.
That guidance includes:
- Narrowing down hundreds of options to the ones that fit your goals.
- Warning you about red flags, like brands in litigation.
- Helping you understand the real numbers and timelines.
Instead of navigating a confusing industry on your own, a broker saves time and helps you avoid mistakes that could cost thousands.
Final thoughts
Franchising isn’t just for people with deep pockets or dreams of running a burger joint. The reality is far more diverse, and for many people, it’s the smartest way to step into business ownership.
If you’ve been curious about starting a business but aren’t sure how to make it work, franchising opportunities are worth exploring. From home-based service businesses to established national brands, there’s likely a model that fits your skills, budget, and lifestyle.
Ready to learn more?
This blog barely scratches the surface of what Andrea shared. For the full story, including specific examples, funding strategies, and how to avoid costly mistakes, tune into our conversation on the Do Good Business Podcast.
🎧Listen to the full episode of the Do Good Business Podcast! 1.16 Guest Interview: Andrea with Franchise Harmoney
And if you’ve got questions about whether franchising might be a fit for you, reach out. I’d love to hear what you’re curious about.
