Many executives exploring franchise ownership default to what they know. If they worked in food, they look for food franchises. If they came from retail, they stick to retail.
But some of the best opportunities are outside familiar industries.
A former client, a C-level marketing executive in the food and beverage industry, found herself in this exact situation. After years of success, she was laid off.
Like many executives in transition, she faced a tough reality. Being aged out of the corporate world meant that finding a new high-level job wasn’t going to be easy. She wanted to take back control, move away from a capped salary, and build something for herself.
Business ownership was the next logical step, but she kept looking at food franchises because that was what she knew.
The Opportunity She Almost Overlooked
We introduced her to a home service concept. She hesitated.
Her experience was in food and beverage, and stepping into something completely different felt like a risk.
But as she started her due diligence, the opportunity became hard to ignore.
✅ Lower startup costs – No expensive restaurant buildouts or large inventory purchases
✅ No need for a physical location – Eliminating high overhead expenses
✅ Faster ramp-up time – A few months to launch instead of nearly a year for food businesses
✅ Higher profit margins – Less overhead meant she kept more of her revenue
✅ Fewer employees to manage – Simpler operations with fewer moving parts
The flooring franchise we introduced her to checked all these boxes. It was a perfect fit, allowing her to leverage her executive skills while stepping into a growing industry.
One year later she…
✅ Ranked among the top franchisees
✅ Won Rookie of the Year
✅ Now shares her success story on podcasts, inspiring others to consider similar paths
Stepping outside of her comfort zone led to faster success, lower costs, and greater flexibility than she ever thought possible.
How to Apply This to Your Franchise Search
If you are exploring franchise ownership, here’s how to expand your options:
1️⃣ List What You Want in a Business
- Do you want a business with fewer employees?
- Do you prefer a model with lower overhead?
- Do you want a faster path to profitability?
2️⃣ Compare Business Models
- Look at industries beyond what you know.
- Compare startup costs, operational complexity, and cash flow potential.
3️⃣ Talk to Franchise Owners in Different Industries
- Ask them about daily operations, challenges, and financial performance.
- Identify patterns in what they say about their success.
4️⃣ Calculate the Trade-Offs
- What will it take to reach profitability?
- Are there factors that will slow down your return on investment?
5️⃣ Get a Second Opinion
- If you are unsure where to start, talking to a franchise consultant can help clarify your options.
Want to Explore Opportunities You May Not Have Considered?
Let’s talk through what you want in a business and identify the best options for you.