PE Profit Ladder Articles
Should You Start with a Franchise?
On this episode of Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat., we sit down with Alicia Miller, author of the award-winning book Big Money in Franchising, to explore why franchising is one of the most accessible—and misunderstood—paths to entrepreneurship. Miller explains that franchising gives aspiring business owners a unique opportunity: the ability to run and grow a business using a proven system. Instead of building every process from the ground up, franchisees follow an existing model that provides training, support, and brand recognition. This makes it an appealing option for those who want to become entrepreneurs without starting from scratch. But, as Miller emphasizes, not all franchises are created equal. With over 400 new brands launching every year—and many fading just as quickly—due diligence is everything. She walks us through the importance of evaluating your own skills and lifestyle goals before choosing a concept, and explains why buying an existing franchise resale can sometimes be a smarter bet than launching a new unit. We also discuss private equity’s growing interest in franchise brands and how that can impact both franchisees and franchisors. If you’re thinking about starting a business—or wondering whether franchising is a shortcut to ownership—this episode is packed with perspective, strategy, and cautionary tales.
Modrn Business Podcast: 2025 FRANdata
The franchise ownership model is evolving. On a recent episode of the Modrn Business podcast, hosted by Zack Fishman, CFE joined by guests Edith Wiseman and Alicia Miller, NACD.DC, CMAA, CFE dives into the trends that are redefining franchise growth, funding, and private equity interest—with expert insights on: - Why today’s franchisees are entering with a 5–10 year exit mindset How franchisors must rethink support and scalability to stay investable - The growing impact of credit risk scores like FUND on brand performance - What private equity and lenders are now both demanding from franchisors - Why resale activity is rising—and what it signals about system health
Market Uncertainty Increases Focus on Growing with Experienced Franchisees
Current market headwinds are prompting more franchise systems to proactively reach out to existing franchisees in other concepts to keep the growth flywheel spinning.
Why A Franchise’s Reputation in the Lending Community Is a Signal to Private Equity
Consider lender feedback a harbinger of PE feedback. If you can’t convince lenders to underwrite franchisee growth, you’re unlikely to convince PE buyers that you're a must-have asset. Do you know what your FRANdata FUND score is?
There Are No Franchise Lifeguards, and Don't Expect Private Equity to Save the Day
No lifeguards. Longer hold times. If it looks and smells like a "project" don't expect buyers to line up. This also applies to re-trades. This month in Franchise Times.
Big Money in Franchising Wins Silver in Axiom Business Books Awards
Founded in 2007, the Axiom Business Book Awards recognize outstanding new titles that drive professional growth and inspire positive change. In a landscape where leadership and innovation are crucial, these awards highlight books that serve as valuable resources for enhancing business acumen, fostering collaboration, and inspiring transformation. Whether through promoting effective strategies, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, or advancing ethical practices, the Axiom Business Book Awards celebrate the creativity and ingenuity behind influential works in the business sector.
Multi-Unit Franchise Update
Update on multi-unit franchise ownership: Systems with scale continue to see consolidation over time as operators leverage best practices and efficiencies to build valuable, high-performing platforms. PE invests ...but they are not operators themselves! They want to back great operating talent who can improve the business and nurture a winning culture in a tough labor environment.
Emerging Brand Churn Remains Problematic - We Can Reduce It
Emerging franchise churn. The market has gotten much tougher for new brands to break out. Our launch and support bar needs to be higher. Don't help - launch - write an FDD - or sell - a concept that should never have been franchised in the first place, or which is under-capitalized and thus has little ability to provide adequate franchisee support. Some suppliers have tremendous direct power over the shape of franchising - good and bad. Others in the franchise ecosystem have indirect power via their support of the leaky engine by taking advertising dollars, consulting, conference fees, and memberships from the first group even when there are signs of trouble. What role does your organization play? Does your revenue model make franchising stronger and better?
Alicia Miller Joins FRANdata as Managing Director
FRANdata, an industry-leading research and advisory firm offering market intelligence that enables clients to grow their business in franchising, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alicia Miller as Managing Director. In her new role, Miller will drive the expansion of FRANdata’s advisory practice, working with private equity investors, PE-backed franchisors, and multi-brand platforms to further enhance client growth and investment performance.
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PRIVATE EQUITY’S IMPACT ON FRANCHISING
EMERGING BRANDS
TRENDS
BUILDING SMART
PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEES
TURNAROUNDS & CASE STUDIES