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10 franchise myths and the truth about buying a franchise
10
Mar
Lonnie Helgerson
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10 Franchise Myths That Stop People From Buying a Business (And the Truth Behind Them)

Every year thousands of professionals begin researching how to buy a franchise. They’re attracted to the idea of owning a business with a proven system, brand recognition, and support. But many potential owners abandon the idea before they even start—because of misinformation about franchising. The truth is that franchising can be one of the most structured and […]

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3
Mar
Lonnie Helgerson
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Thinking About Buying a Franchise? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone.

If you’re considering investing in a franchise, you’re not just buying a business. You’re making a life decision. The brand you choose, the support system behind it, the financial model, the culture — all of it matters. And once you sign that Franchise Agreement, there’s no “trial period.” That’s exactly why working with an experienced […]

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27
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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Will This Franchise Actually Make You Money? Here’s How to Tell

Buying a franchise can feel exciting — a recognizable brand, proven systems, and the promise of “turnkey” success. But here’s the truth: Not all franchises make money, and not all franchisees succeed. If you want to know whether a franchise is worth it, you need to understand one part of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Item […]

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25
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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5 Things the Olympics Can Teach Us About Owning a Franchise

Every four years, the world watches the Olympic Games and sees greatness on display. But behind every gold medal is something far more relatable to business owners: discipline, systems, coaching, and relentless execution. If you’re building, scaling, or investing in a franchise, the Olympics offer powerful lessons. Here are the top five. 1. Systems Beat […]

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23
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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Confusing a Franchise with a Job

Why Franchising Is Not a “Job Replacement” Strategy One of the biggest misconceptions I see is this: “Maybe I’ll buy a franchise instead of finding another job.” Let me be clear. If you are looking for a job replacement — franchising is not the right move. A franchise is not employment.It’s ownership. And ownership requires a completely […]

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17
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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Entrepreneur vs. Frantrepreneur

Which Path Is Right for You? Starting a business is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — things you’ll ever do. But there’s a big difference between building from scratch as an entrepreneur and stepping into a proven system as a frantrepreneur. Both require leadership.Both require risk.Both require commitment. The difference is structure. […]

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14
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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Top 10 Low-Cost VetFran Franchise Categories for 2026

Smart, Scalable Paths to Veteran Business Ownership Veterans consistently outperform in franchising because the model mirrors military structure: systems, accountability, leadership, and execution. Through VetFran, an initiative of the International Franchise Association, hundreds of franchise brands offer financial incentives, including reduced franchise fees and startup discounts. For 2026, the opportunity isn’t just about specific brands — it’s […]

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7
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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Veterans Are Taking the Lead in Franchise Ownership

For many veterans, the transition out of uniform raises a familiar question: what’s next?For a growing number, the answer is business ownership through franchising. Franchises are built on systems, accountability, and execution. They reward leaders who can follow a playbook, manage teams, and perform under pressure — skills veterans bring with them long after active service […]

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4
Feb
Lonnie Helgerson
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The Top 10 Mistakes Prospective Franchise Owners Make—and How to Avoid Them

Buying a franchise can be a powerful path to business ownership—but only if you approach it with the right mindset, expectations, and preparation. Over the years, we’ve seen the same missteps trip up otherwise smart, capable people. If you’re exploring franchising, understanding these common mistakes upfront can save you time, money, and frustration down the […]

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30
Jan
Lonnie Helgerson
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Franchising for Beginners

Business-in-a-box: The basics  By Adam Stone – Special to Military Times  When Air Force Col. Dan Cvelbar left the service in 2003 and took up residence in Murrieta, Calif., after 24 years in uniform, the civilian world did not welcome him with open arms.  “I looked around for six or seven months trying to think […]

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