Insights by bill beckham
After 27 years in P&G finance and first-hand franchise ownership, I write about the facts behind franchise investing so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Stay Ahead of the Franchise Curve.
Join 500+ professionals who get weekly insights from Franchise Clarity on LinkedIn.
What a Good Franchisor Looks Like: Green Flags to Watch For
Over the last few weeks, I’ve written a lot about red flags in franchising — warning signs buried in the FDD or hidden behind the sales pitch. Those posts have struck a chord, but I don’t want to leave the impression that every franchisor is out to take advantage of you. The truth is, there are strong systems out there. The challenge is knowing how to spot them.
Should You Buy an Existing Franchise Instead of Starting One from Scratch?
When most people think about franchising, they picture cutting the ribbon on a brand-new location. But there’s another path: buying an existing franchise from a current owner.
How do you know which path makes sense for you? Let’s break it down.
The Franchisor’s Business Model: What You Should Be Evaluating (But Probably Aren’t)
When prospective franchisees evaluate opportunities, they tend to focus on the unit economics—how much revenue a location can generate, what the margins look like, and how quickly they can break even. That’s important, but it’s only half the story.
the hidden risk of franchise validation calls - and how to ask the right questions
Franchisee validation calls are an important part of the due diligence process.
But here’s the problem:
Many of those calls don’t reflect the full truth. And unless you know what to ask — and who to ask — you might walk away with a false sense of confidence that leads to a very expensive decision.
The Franchise Dream vs. Franchise Reality: What You Need to Know Before You Sign
Franchising can be a path to independence, cash flow, and legacy — when it’s the right fit. But too often, buyers mistake a polished pitch for a proven business model.