Adam Povlitz is CEO/President, Anago Cleaning Systems, a leading franchise focused on technological advances in janitorial operations.
Generational wealth is often defined as any asset (or portfolio of assets) transferred from one generation of family members to the next. This might include cash, investment funds, stocks and bonds, real estate properties or businesses. According to Fortune, approximately $80 trillion will be passed down from older generations to their children or heirs over the next two decades.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your intention to build generational wealth or already have access to funds to invest, franchising can be an attractive business model. Unlike starting an independent business from scratch, franchise ownership includes the advantages of brand recognition and pre-existing infrastructure. A properly chosen franchise opportunity can provide a solid return on investment over the long run. As the Conway Center for Family Business reports, 30% of family-owned businesses have successfully made it to the second generation, demonstrating that transferring a business to your children is gaining popularity in building generational wealth.
For those looking for an alternative path toward financial independence, franchising could be the solution. To get started, you’ll need to conduct careful planning and research and take advantage of available resources through franchising networks.
Understanding The Benefits Of Franchising
There are various franchise models to consider, each with advantages and drawbacks. Business Format franchises typically offer access to established brand recognition, reduced risk of failure due to the brand’s proven success and the company’s proprietary systems and streamlined operations, including marketing, training and back-office support provided by the franchisor.
Product/Trade Name Franchises can provide opportunities to enter specific markets or industries with established brand recognition but typically involve higher upfront fees due to royalties associated with using the service or product mark and restrictions on operations, such as pricing requirements.
Area Development Franchises, or, similarly, Master Franchises, can have substantial returns potential thanks to economies of scale but may require a sizeable upfront investment due to high setup costs, which can include real estate purchases, staff hiring and marketing campaigns.
Creating A Solid Business Plan And Financing Options
As with any new business venture, creating a solid business plan and determining financing options is the first step. A well-thought-out business plan should address several key elements, including a business description, market analysis, competitive analysis, marketing strategy, operational procedures, financial projections and exit strategies. As part of this process, outlining your goals for the venture and calculating potential returns on investment can offer visibility toward building transferable wealth. This will also help you consider your franchise scalability options if it proves successful.
A vital business plan component should detail all potential risks to protect yourself from unforeseen costs, losses and market volatility. Taking the necessary time and effort upfront to create a solid business plan and explore all available financing options before signing any contracts yields informed decisions when choosing an ideal franchise opportunity that fits your passion and long-term financial goals.
Building A Support Network
Building an effective support network is essential when considering franchising as a path to inherited wealth. Professional advice can be invaluable in helping you understand all the legal and financial aspects of franchising, especially with the long-term commitment needed to achieve generational wealth. Identifying key stakeholders in the franchise industry, such as accountants, lawyers and financial advisors, is always recommended.
Stay informed on all industry news and trends if you decide to enter franchising. Stay current on new developments by utilizing existing resources like news feeds and online forums, reading competitor blogs and following industry leaders. Building a strong support network when exploring franchise options is essential for success. Having access to experienced individuals who have already navigated their franchises will give you valuable insight into what it takes to succeed. Seeking their professional advice can keep you informed about legal and financial obligations while providing guidance on which franchises best suit your needs.
In closing, wealth gives you more options in life. Generational wealth gives your children (and potentially their children) long-term options. For whatever reason motivates you to build generational wealth, investing in a well-established, strong franchise brand has the potential to increase your income stream, diversify your investment portfolio and lead you to success. With the number of resources and roadmaps from successful and failed entrepreneurs available today, building wealth can be achieved if you’re willing to play the long game, plan accordingly, stay involved and work hard. Go forward and be bold. Your legacy awaits.
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