Career-Changers Find Success in Franchising without Previous Experience

Franchising is built to welcome people from a variety of backgrounds. New owners receive comprehensive training to learn both the industry and the brand’s specific processes. Rather than inventing a business model from the ground up, franchise owners execute a proven playbook that has already been rigorously tested for success. 

This structure makes franchising an appealing option for professionals who may lack hands-on experience but bring valuable soft skills. The ability to follow a system, manage people, and connect with customers often matters more than technical acumen.

Transferable skills help drive success 

Professionals coming from sales, marketing, project management, education, or other fields often find that their existing competencies position them well for franchise ownership. Three skill sets are particularly powerful:

• Customer service: Home service franchises thrive on local reputation. Owners who can create a frictionless customer experience may encourage repeat business, and also earn positive online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. These are all essential for growing a business at the local level. 

• Business operations: Franchise systems provide clear processes, but owners must still manage things like scheduling, staffing, inventory, and finances. Experience running projects, coordinating teams, or working with budgets translates well to keeping a franchise running efficiently, even if that experience comes from a totally unrelated industry. 

• Team leadership: Most franchises rely on small yet essential teams, typically made up of both field professionals and front office staff. Strong leaders inspire and motivate employees while creating a positive culture, boosting both employee satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Filling in the gaps 

Even skilled professionals may worry about what they don’t know, but that’s where franchise systems shine. Initial onboarding and training programs typically cover marketing, hiring, compliance, and financial management to get new owners up to speed quickly 

Franchise systems also handle many of the most challenging aspects of business ownership at the platform level. For example, the franchisor may develop marketing campaigns and materials, negotiate supplier relationships, and provide technology platforms to streamline operations. This support allows franchise owners to focus on local execution, cultivating community relationships without the need to be an expert in every single area. 

Flourishing in a mid-career change