Independent, Unbiased Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
Are you looking to transition from a corporate, government, or military career into franchising?
My franchising story
After a 33-year corporate career I decided to invest in a franchise business. I didn't know all of the ins and outs of franchising, so I worked with a franchise consultant.
My wife and I ultimately invested in an emerging brand that had only been franchising for two years. We thought the business model was "proven", but later discovered it wasn't. As a result, we lost a million dollars. And we weren't alone. Dozens of other families invested in the same brand and lost their hard-earned savings. Combined, tens of millions of dollars just evaporated.
After the dust settled, I went back and re-constructed how I should have done my search. I learned everything I wish I'd known in the beginning - the things my franchise consultant should have told me - about franchisors, third-party sellers, risk, due diligence, and biased incentives.
Now I'm using my million-dollar franchising "MBA" to help others avoid similar outcomes. I'm not a franchise consultant. I'm not a matchmaker. My mission is to arm prospective franchisees with the knowledge and tools they need to engage franchisors and third-party sellers on their own terms so they can conduct a successful search.
There are many great brands and franchise consultants in the industry, but there are also some unscrupulous actors, and it can be difficult for those coming from outside the franchising world to tell the difference.
For me, it's all about helping prospective franchisees make informed choices so they can preserve and grow their wealth.
I can help you
- Decide whether franchising is right for you.
- Understand the franchising landscape, including roles and incentives of industry players.
- Learn how to engage franchisors and third-party sellers on your own terms.
- Develop and execute a search process that maintains optionality and keeps you in the driver's seat.
- Source reliable information and helpful tools that will be useful in your search and evaluation of various brands.
- Learn how to think about the risk profile of brands you are considering.
- Learn how to effectively conduct due diligence.
- Understand and appreciate the value of your key advisors - attorney, accountant, financial advisor.
I am not a franchise consultant. I won't be recommending any brands for your consideration, and I won't do the work for you.
Instead, I educate you regarding the franchise industry landscape, teach you how to effectively conduct your search, and coach you during your search journey so that you can avoid the landmines and arrive at an investment decision that best positions you to achieve your goals and aspirations.
Contact us
Tim Ellisor
Zee Advisor LLC
Oregon, USA
