Unlocking Franchise Success: Why Experience Isn’t Required to Own a Thriving Franchise

One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring franchise owners is: “Do I need experience in the industry to own a franchise?” The short answer, as explained by our hosts in the video, is no. In fact, prior experience can sometimes work against you. This article explores why that is the case and what qualities truly matter when stepping into franchise ownership. 💡

The Myth of Industry Experience

Many people assume that success in franchising depends on technical expertise or years of experience in a specific field. However, franchising is designed to offer a proven system that anyone can follow. 🧩 Franchisors provide training, support, and established procedures that make it possible for individuals with little to no background in the industry to succeed.

Our hosts, successful franchise owners themselves with 19 years of experience, shared that before owning their coffee and smoothie franchise, they had no prior food service experience. Yet, they became the top franchisees in their network. Their story debunks the myth that experience equals success.

Why Franchisors Prefer System Followers

Franchisors typically look for people who can follow instructions and maintain consistency rather than experts with pre-set habits. People with deep industry experience often bring their own ways of doing things, which may conflict with the franchise’s tested systems. Following a franchise model is about replicating success, not reinventing it. 🔄

In other words, the best franchisees are not necessarily experts but are coachable leaders who can apply systems effectively.

Working On the Business vs. In the Business

A key principle emphasized by our hosts is the difference between working on the business versus working in the business. Many franchisees make the mistake of becoming overly involved in daily operations instead of focusing on strategy, growth, and leadership. 📊

For example, one of their clients transitioned from a high-level banking career to owning a flooring franchise — a completely unfamiliar industry. Despite having no experience with flooring, he excelled by focusing on management, customer experience, and building an effective team.