Street Smart Franchising

Experienced franchisees and franchisors tell entrepreneurs what they need to know before they buy a franchise. Second edition includes a sample copy of the entire UFOC plus 40% new and updated examples. This straight-shooting franchise guide goes beyond the “how to” to teach potential franchisees what to expect when starting a franchise. Real life stories from the trenches illustrate how to cope with the difficulties a franchise presents. The author reveals the personality types most likely to succeed at franchising, and identifies entrepreneurial traits that may increase risk of failure. Plus, it takes an in-depth look at the research and investigation of a franchise, something glossed over in most franchise books.

THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO BUYING, OWNING AND OPERATING A FRANCHISE. Prepping you for what it takes to succeed in franchising, franchise experts Joe Mathews, Don DeBolt and Deb Percival deliver an insider's view of how franchising works, imparting real-world tactics and strategies, and empowering you to decide if franchising is for you. Street Smart Franchising is the kind of book I wish every one of our current and prospective franchisees would take the time to read. It beautifully captures the challenges of owning and operating a franchise business along with practical guidance on how to make it work. Anyone considering a franchise investment will make a better investment decision by reading this down-to-earth self help book. Don't miss it!" -- David McKinnon, chairman/CEO, Service Brands International: Molly Maid, 1-800 Dryclean, Mr. Handyman, Ductz "Twenty-five years ago when I became a franchisee of the Great American Cookie Company, this book would have saved me a world of grief. Street Smart Franchising lays it out. No sugar coating. It’s a realistic guide on how to make one the most important decisions of your life." -- Lawrence (Doc) Cohen, past chairman, International Franchise Association, franchisee of 21 units - Great American Cookie Company, Pretzel Time, and Coffee Beanery. "At the International Franchise Association, we were privy to all the fine books on franchising. What's truly unique about Street Smart Franchising is the carefully crafted treatment of how emotions and behavior influence success. It's another must read for any prospective franchisee--good stuff for folks who have been in the business a while too." -- Matt Shay, past president, International Franchise Association Joe Mathews has held management roles with such national chains as Subway, Blimpie, Motophoto and the Entrepreneur's Source. Don DeBolt is a former president of the International Franchise Association. Deb Percival works in franchise development.

The truth you need to know before you buy a franchise This straight-shooting franchise guide goes beyond the “how-to” to teach you what to expect when starting a franchise. Real-life stories from the trenches illustrate to you how to cope with the difficulties a franchise presents. Smart Franchising reveals the personality types most likely to succeed at franchising and warns you about the character traits that may increase the risk of failure. Plus, it offers an in-depth look at what happens during the research and investigation of a franchise, something glossed over in most franchise books.

The poor health of today's roads--a subject close to the hearts of motorists, taxpayers, and government treasurers around the world--has resulted from faulty incentives that misdirect government decision-makers, according to the contributors to Street Smart. During the 1990s, bad government decision-making resulted in the U.S. Interstate Highway System growing by only one seventh the rate of traffic growth. The poor maintenance of existing roads is another concern. In cities around the world, highly political and wasteful government decision-making has led to excessive traffic congestion that has created long commutes, reduced safety, and caused loss of leisure time. Street Smart examines the privatization of roads in theory and in practice. The authors see at least four possible roles for private companies, beyond the well-known one of working under contract to design, build, or maintain governmentally provided roads. These include testing and licensing vehicles and drivers; management of government-owned facilities; franchising; and outright private ownership. Two chapters describe the history of private roads in the United Kingdom and the United States. Contemporary examples are provided of road pricing, privatizing, and contracting out are evident in environs as diverse as Singapore, Southern California, and Scandinavia, and cities as different as Bergen, Norway, and London, England. Finally, several chapters examine strategies for implementing privatization. The principles governing providing scarce resources in free societies are well known. We apply them to such necessities as energy, food, and water so why not to "road space"? The main obstacle to private, or semi-private, ownership of roads is likely to remain the reluctance of the political class to give up a lucrative source of power and influence. Those who want decisions about road services to be controlled by the interplay of consumers and suppliers in free markets, rather than by politicians, will have to explain the need for change. Street Smart makes a powerful case for the need for change and sheds light on the complex issues involved. Gabriel Roth is a transport and privatization consultant and a research fellow at the Independent Institute in Oakland, California.

Harold Kestenbaum has worked with more than 100 businesses in their franchising efforts including such household names as Sbarro and Nathan’s. A 30-year veteran of franchise law and a board member of four major franchise companies, he and Adina Genn, an award-winning journalist, have joined forces to teach you the secrets to turning your business into a successful franchise. If you’re interested in using this profitable strategy to expand your business, you’ll get an in-depth look at how to evaluate your business concept, determine if your business is a candidate for franchising, implement the franchise process, and build a thriving franchise. Well-known entrepreneurs who successfully franchised their business, including Subway co-founder Fred DeLuca and CEO of the Dwyer Group Dina Dwyer-Owens, offer detailed, in-the-trenches guidance and information. These experts speak frankly about the tactics you can use to market, sell, and build your franchise while offering insider advice to help you avoid the pitfalls of business growth. • Step-By-Step Guide To The Franchising Process • Low-Cost Ways To Grow A Franchise In The Startup Phase • Franchise A Concept For Less Than $100,000 • Best Practices From Top Franchisors And Franchisees

The poor health of today's roads--a subject close to the hearts of motorists, taxpayers, and government treasurers around the world--has resulted from faulty incentives that misdirect government decision-makers, according to the contributors to Street Smart. During the 1990s, bad government decision-making resulted in the U.S. Interstate Highway System growing by only one seventh the rate of traffic growth. The poor maintenance of existing roads is another concern. In cities around the world, highly political and wasteful government decision-making has led to excessive traffic congestion that has created long commutes, reduced safety, and caused loss of leisure time.Street Smart examines the privatization of roads in theory and in practice. The authors see at least four possible roles for private companies, beyond the well-known one of working under contract to design, build, or maintain governmentally provided roads. These include testing and licensing vehicles and drivers; management of government-owned facilities; franchising; and outright private ownership. Two chapters describe the history of private roads in the United Kingdom and the United States. Contemporary examples are provided of road pricing, privatizing, and contracting out are evident in environs as diverse as Singapore, Southern California, and Scandinavia, and cities as different as Bergen, Norway, and London, England. Finally, several chapters examine strategies for implementing privatization. The principles governing providing scarce resources in free societies are well known. We apply them to such necessities as energy, food, and water so why not to "road space"? The main obstacle to private, or semi-private, ownership of roads is likely to remain the reluctance of the political class to give up a lucrative source of power and influence.Those who want decisions about road services to be controlled by the interplay of consumers and suppliers in free markets, rat

The Educated Franchisee will show you: -How to find a franchise that is right for you -How owning a franchise can create wealth -Where to find quality franchisors -What qualities franchisors look for -How to gather information from franchisees -How to make sure the franchise makes money -How to confidently select the best franchise -The five keys to success in owning a franchise