Real Questions from Real People Exploring Franchise Ownership
Hey there 👋
Welcome to the latest edition that I am calling Coffee Chat with a Consultant: a casual piece where I am answering some real questions that I get from real people about franchise ownership.
Whether you’re franchise-curious, quietly researching your exit strategy, or just wondering what this world is all about…you’re in the right place. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter to get new insights every week.
Let’s dive into 3 questions that I have handpicked for today!
💬 Question 1: “Am I too late to start a franchise business?”
From: A corporate leader in his 50s
Short answer: Absolutely not.
Longer answer: You might be in the perfect position.
Here’s why:
- You’ve got experience – both in business and life. That’s something franchisors love.
- You likely have more financial stability and decision-making freedom.
- You’re thinking about what’s next, not what’s over.
Many franchisees launch their first business in their 50s or 60s — and go on to build freedom, flexibility, and legacy. The quick ramp up offered by leveraging proven systems plays a key part in ensuring you are using your time wisely.
It’s not about how old you are. It’s about whether you’re ready to bet on you.
💬 Question 2: “Do I need to have experience in the industry I buy into?”
From: A Loan Officer exploring fitness and home service franchises
Nope. And in most cases, that’s actually a good thing.
Most franchises are built to train you in their systems. You’re not expected to be an expert in smoothies, roofing, or pet grooming.
What franchisors look for is:
✅ Leadership ability
✅ Coachability
✅ Willingness to follow a proven system
If you have those things, you’re already ahead of the game.
💬 Question 3: “How much money do we really need to get started?”
From: A young professional couple looking to leave their 9–5 jobs
Many people cringe when I answer this with “it varies widely”. But it truly does, and for good reason. There are so many options out there that it would be unfathomable to quote anyone a specific dollar range for their investment without first understanding their personal goals and financial position.
With that in mind, based on my experience there is something for nearly every investment budget out there.
- Low-cost franchises: $50K–$100K (home-based, mobile)
- Mid-range franchises: $100K–$500K (usually with a team or equipment)
- Large-scale Brick-and-mortar franchises: $500K–$2MM+ (like fitness, food, or retail)
One thing to keep in mind: You don’t need to have all the capital upfront.
There are SBA loans, retirement rollovers (ROBS), and other funding options available — and I help my clients navigate all of that.
The Takeaway:
Exploring franchise ownership isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about asking good questions, and being open to the answers.
If you’ve got questions of your own, feel free to reach out for a chat. It’s super easy to book a discovery call. Just use the link in the comments.
I’d love to hear from you. Go ahead and book a discovery call here.
About the Author: Ryan Gasaway is the founder of The Franchise Blueprint, specializing in helping entrepreneurs identify and capitalize on franchise opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and resources. He is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and helping people build a life of freedom and fulfillment.
