Franchising offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. International Franchise Association #Franchisetogether
Why Franchising Isn’t Just for Investors—It’s a Path for Purpose-Driven Professionals Too
If someone had told me a decade ago that I’d one day be standing in front of college students—sharing how franchising changed my life—I might not have believed them. But here we are.
Recently, I was honored to speak with the University of Tennessee’s Entrepreneurship Program about what franchising really is (and what it isn’t). The conversation was part education, part inspiration—and it reminded me just how much misunderstanding still surrounds the franchise model.
You can watch the video here:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TuoptVnNro
In just a few minutes, I tried to paint a clearer picture for these students—many of whom had never considered franchising as an option. And to be honest, they’re not alone. So many mid-career professionals we work with through Franchise Together are surprised to learn that:
👉 You don’t have to be wealthy to explore franchise ownership.
👉 You don’t need a business degree.
👉 And no, it’s not just fast food or retail (though those exist too).
Franchising Isn’t About Selling Burgers—It’s About Building a Life That Fits
Here’s the truth: franchising is one of the most accessible forms of entrepreneurship out there.
It’s a business model where someone else has already done the heavy lifting of building the brand, testing the operations, proving the market, and creating systems. Your job is to bring the leadership, vision, and commitment to make it thrive in your community.
That’s why Mack and I always say: you’re in business for yourself, not by yourself.
It’s also why franchising worked so well for us personally. Years ago, we were feeling stuck. Mack had spent decades in ministry. I had poured my heart into education and raising our family. But we wanted something more—more flexibility, more financial freedom, and a business we could build together.
When we discovered the right franchise opportunity, everything changed. We grew our painting business to over $1 million in our first year—and doubled that in year two. And we did it without having to invent a product, build a brand from scratch, or learn the hard way.
That success led us to launch Franchise Together, where we now help others explore their own franchise journeys.
Why I Shared Our Story with the University of Tennessee
Back in that classroom, I wanted the students to know that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to mean inventing something new or securing venture capital.
It can mean choosing a proven model, plugging into expert training, and getting to work on something that matches your values and lifestyle goals.
Considering franchise ownership means exploring key points like:
- The wide range of franchise categories (from home services and staffing to health, pet care, education, and more)
- What semi-absentee ownership looks like for investors and dual-career professionals
- How to evaluate whether a franchise is truly aligned with your skills and interests
- Why due diligence and validation calls are critical (and how we coach clients through them)
- And yes, why fear is actually a good sign—because it means you care
What surprised me most was how engaged students are. One student asked, “How would someone my age even get started?” Another said, “I never realized franchising was this diverse.”
That’s exactly why we do what we do. Because the franchise world isn’t just under the radar—it’s misunderstood.
What This Means for You (Even If You’re Not a College Student)
Maybe you’re not in your early 20s anymore. Maybe you’re a corporate leader who’s burned out from 60-hour weeks. Or a parent who’s ready to reclaim time. Or someone who’s been thinking about entrepreneurship for years but doesn’t want to start from scratch.
You deserve to know your options.
Franchising might be one of them—but not every franchise is right for every person. That’s where we come in.
At Franchise Together, Mack and I guide you through a no-cost, no-pressure process to figure out:
- What kind of business aligns with your lifestyle
- How much you’d be comfortable investing (and what funding options exist)
- What roles you’d enjoy playing as an owner
- And whether franchising is even the right fit in the first place
We don’t push brands. We don’t sell you anything. We coach you to make a decision that is informed and feels right— whether that takes four weeks or four months.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this message at the University of Tennessee was a gift. But the truth is, we share this message every week—with people just like you.
Because we know firsthand how scary, exciting, and life-changing this decision can be. And we believe no one should have to figure it out alone.
If this has stirred a question in you—or sparked even the tiniest “what if”—let’s talk. There’s no cost. No obligation. Just a real conversation about what you want and what’s possible.
🎥 Watch the video that inspired this post:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TuoptVnNro
📞 Book a free intro call at: www.franchisetogether.com or https://calendly.com/franchisetogether/20-min-intial-call-with-sharon
