All aboard the future express

Annual project offers a map to franchisees’ destiny

Few things are as unsettling as being lost, be it in life, at work or on the busy streets of an unfamiliar city. That feeling of sensory overload, combined with confusing signals that seem to point in opposing directions is a fair descriptor for starting the quest to build your own business.

Should your prime focus be passion or profits? Or maybe your motivation is a comfortable paycheck while doing good for others or building an asset you can pass on to the next generation.

Like anything worth doing, franchising isn’t easy, but allow us to show you the way. First up, you need to pick a category, and there are strong cases to be made for following your gut or focusing solely on metrics such as demographics or average unit volumes.

Once you’ve picked your path, set down the map and do your own due diligence, asking existing franchisees about the high and low points of their journey. Seeking advice from experts is wise, as is digging into the brand’s franchise disclosure document, which isn’t nearly as daunting as it may first appear.

If you are kicking the tires on your own future, these Franchise Times Zor Awards winners are 10 brands worth considering in a range of categories that are still open to average, everyday people. We present these awards to our readers every March with a goal of helping first-timers pick their own second act.

With a little help and guidance, anybody can build a new business into a lasting, rewarding asset. Think of the Zor Awards as the map to your future, and our way of soothing the minds of ambitious beginners who want to choose their own destiny. Now, this way for the next stop!