An article published on RestaurantDive.com talks about trends and franchise growth in the restaurant industry, and features quotes from iFranchise Group CEO and experienced franchise consultant, Mark Siebert. According to the article, despite ongoing industry challenges with rising costs squeezing margins, pressures to implement modern technology tools, competition in the commercial real estate market, and more, the prospect of operating a restaurant still holds plenty of appeal for potential franchise owners.  It goes on to state that while larger chains seek out multi-unit franchisees ..read more

In this article published on Entrepreneur.com, iFranchise Group CEO and expert franchise consultant Mark Siebert reminds us that economic slowdowns have usually proven to be good for franchise expansion. And, as we move toward a new year, growth should be on every franchisor’s mind; but growth for growth’s sake is not viable in today’s unprecedented, “interesting” economic times. A smart, strategic approach is merited. The current economic climate is like nothing we’ve seen before: rising inflation, low unemployment, continued staffing and supply chain issues, growing wages and stock market vo ..read more

According to expert franchise consultant and iFranchise Group CEO Mark Siebert, in this article published by FranchiseWire, turbulent times are when independent business owners should take a serious look at franchising. Siebert notes that an uncertain economic climate typically drives investors and business owners alike toward franchising. In the current post-pandemic landscape, some prior norms are returning even as some newfound shifts in the way we consume remain — all while an unprecedented combination of market conditions make predicting what’s to come for businesses more of a challenge t ..read more

In this article published by Franchise Journal, iFranchise Group CEO Mark Siebert discusses the growth of the senior care market, particularly in the in-home care franchising space. Siebert reviews the reasons why franchising a senior home care business – or becoming a franchisee of one – makes sense in the current market. Recessionary times (or other periods of economic change) are nearly always good for franchising, and this is still true as we continue to come out of the pandemic. Add to that the fact that the senior care industry poised to grow significantly, while also innovating, in orde ..read more

In this article published by Entrepreneur, iFranchise Group CEO and experienced franchise consultant Mark Siebert discusses the flurry of activity occurring in the marketplace, where private equity (PE) firms and others buying franchise companies at a record pace. He advises that for franchise companies where a sale of the company is a part of their future plans, now may be an ideal time to consider taking that step. However, Siebert cautions that the timing has to be right from the standpoint of the franchise company’s readiness and business valuation, and he discusses the research ..read more

In this article published by FranchiseWire.com, iFranchise Group CEO and experienced franchise consultant Mark Siebert discusses the typical seasonality that impacts franchise marketing and sales efforts, and why franchisors should not take a summer break from their ongoing efforts. Summer for many franchisors used to mean taking a vacation from franchise sales. But the pandemic, combined with work-from-home trends and constant online accessibility, has changed everything. Even as we continue to navigate unpredictable times, uncertainty or change in the workforce still translates into more emp ..read more

In this “Franchise Freedom” podcast, host Giuseppe Grammatico interviews iFranchise Group CEO Mark Siebert, as they discuss the essentials of franchising a business. Mark reviews the three elements that legally define what a franchise is, the significance of the number of units a business should have before franchising, what consulting firms do for first-time franchisors, and more.  Topics covered in this episode include:  Franchising as defined by law  Alternatives to franchising (by removing the tradename, fees, etc. from the equation) Can or should you franchise a busin ..read more

“Business owners who are considering expansion have multiple avenues available to them,” says iFranchise Group CEO, Mark Siebert, in an article published by Entrepreneur. Many business owners who are thinking about expansion may be unsure of the options and avenues available to them. And while franchising a business can be one of the most cost-effective options, there are other alternatives to consider. In the article, Siebert first defines what a franchise is, according to the FTC Rule 436. He reviews the three criteria that make up a franchise opportunity. From there, he explores four a ..read more

In this article published on BeTheBoss.com, iFranchise Group CEO Mark Siebert draws a parallel between building a loyal customer base through storytelling, with what is needed to succeed in franchise marketing: telling a powerful brand story. A well crafted franchise brand story, per Siebert, is one that draws in potential franchise owners on both an emotional and logical level. It should inspire and motivate the prospect to action, and it has to be unique. Uniqueness is one of the most important considerations for any brand story: it should effectively differentiate a brand from others i ..read more

In this article published by Franchise Journal, iFranchise Group Mark Siebert predicts that as we (hopefully) exit the pandemic, the restaurant industry will look quite different. Restaurant sales and employment levels were of course significantly impacted during the early shutdowns, but what wasn’t as predictable was the resulting labor shortage, as employees that may have been laid off or who have since taken stock of their careers, are deciding not to return to their foodservice jobs. This shortage of labor is even more problematic when coupled with higher costs for food and rent, not to me ..read more