Franchise Buyer FAQ — Brian Braggs Consulting

Question 1

Do I need prior business experience to own a franchise?

Accepted Answer

No — and that's one of the biggest misconceptions about franchising. The whole point of a franchise system is that the business model, training, and operational playbook are already built for you. What matters more is your drive, your willingness to follow a proven system, and your ability to lead people. Brian works with first-time business owners every day.

Question 2

How much money do I need to buy a franchise?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the brand and model. Entry-level service franchises can start around $50,000–$100,000 in total investment. Mid-market concepts typically run $150,000–$500,000. Larger brick-and-mortar or multi-unit opportunities can exceed $1 million. Brian helps you identify options that fit your actual financial picture — not just what sounds exciting.

Question 3

What is a franchise consultant and why would I use one?

Accepted Answer

A franchise consultant helps you navigate the hundreds of available franchise opportunities to find the ones that genuinely fit your goals, skills, and budget. Brian's service is free to you — he's compensated by the franchisor only if you move forward with a brand he introduces. That means his incentive is to find you the right fit, not just any fit.

Question 4

How long does the process take from first conversation to opening day?

Accepted Answer

Most buyers go from initial consultation to signing a franchise agreement in 60–120 days. From there, the time to open depends on the brand — service-based franchises can launch in 30–60 days after signing; brick-and-mortar concepts with build-outs can take 6–12 months. Brian walks you through every phase so there are no surprises.

Question 5

What is an FDD and do I really need to read the whole thing?

Accepted Answer

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a federally required document that every franchisor must give you at least 14 days before you sign anything. It covers fees, obligations, litigation history, franchisee contact lists, and financial performance data. Yes, you should read it — and Brian will help you understand what to look for, what's normal, and what should raise a flag.

Question 6

Are there franchise opportunities specifically for veterans?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many franchise brands offer significant fee discounts — often 10–50% off the initial franchise fee — for honorably discharged veterans through programs like VetFran. As a US Army veteran himself, Brian understands the transition from military service to business ownership and actively connects veteran buyers with brands that value their leadership background.

Question 7

Can I own a franchise while keeping my current job?

Accepted Answer

Some franchise models are designed for semi-absentee or passive ownership — meaning you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations while you oversee from a distance. Others require full-time owner-operators. Brian helps you identify which model fits your lifestyle before you commit to anything.

Question 8

How does Brian get paid, and does that create a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Brian is compensated by the franchisor — not by you — and only when a match is made and you move forward. This is standard in the franchise consulting industry. The conflict-of-interest concern is real and worth asking about: Brian addresses it by presenting multiple options across different investment levels and industries, and by being transparent about which brands he has relationships with.

Question 9

What industries does Brian specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Brian's deepest expertise is in home care, healthcare services, and senior care — industries he has operated in for 20+ years. He also works across fitness, restoration, staffing, food service, and professional services franchises. His network spans 700+ franchise brands through his IFPG membership.

Question 10

What is a discovery day and should I attend one?

Accepted Answer

Discovery Day is an invitation from the franchisor to visit their headquarters, meet the leadership team, and see the operation firsthand. It's typically one of the final steps before signing. Yes — you should attend. It's your chance to ask hard questions face-to-face and get a feel for the culture. Brian prepares every client with a list of questions to bring.

Question 11

What happens if the franchise fails?

Accepted Answer

Franchising is not a guarantee of success — no business is. Franchises do fail, and it's important to go in with clear eyes. Brian encourages every buyer to speak directly with existing and former franchisees (their contact information is in the FDD), review Item 19 financial performance data carefully, and work with a franchise attorney before signing. The goal is to make an informed decision, not just an optimistic one.

Question 12

Do I need a lawyer to buy a franchise?

Accepted Answer

You are not legally required to have an attorney, but Brian strongly recommends it. A franchise attorney — not just any business lawyer — reviews the FDD and franchise agreement to flag unusual terms, negotiate where possible, and make sure you understand what you're signing. Brian has relationships with several experienced franchise attorneys he can refer you to.

Question 13

How do I fund a franchise purchase?

Accepted Answer

Common funding paths include SBA loans, ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups — using retirement funds tax-penalty-free), home equity, conventional business loans, and franchisor financing programs. Brian works with Benetrends, Guidant Financial, and FranFund — specialists in franchise financing who can pre-qualify you quickly.

Question 14

What is a ROBS and is it risky?

Accepted Answer

A ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) lets you invest retirement funds into your franchise without early withdrawal penalties or taxes. It's legal and widely used — but it must be structured correctly by a specialist. Brian's funding partners handle ROBS regularly and will walk you through whether it's the right fit for your situation.

Question 15

Can I get pre-qualified for funding before I choose a franchise?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and Brian recommends it. Knowing your funding ceiling before you start exploring brands keeps the process focused and avoids wasted time. Brian's funding partners can pre-qualify you in days, not weeks, with no obligation to move forward.

Question 16

Why do I need a franchise attorney — not just any business lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Franchise law is a specialty. A general business attorney may miss FDD-specific red flags, unusual territory clauses, or transfer restrictions that a franchise attorney catches immediately. Brian refers buyers to attorneys who review franchise agreements every day.

Question 17

Do I need a CPA who specializes in franchising?

Accepted Answer

A franchise-experienced CPA is worth it. They understand royalty structures, multi-unit tax implications, and how to read Item 19 financial performance data. Brian works with firms like Padgett Business Services, The Franchise CPA, Citrin Cooperman, and Wipfli LLP.

Question 18

What does a franchise CPA actually help with?

Accepted Answer

They help you evaluate the financial performance data in the FDD, set up your business entity correctly, plan for royalty and marketing fund expenses, and build a realistic first-year budget.

Question 19

Can I own multiple franchise locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and many franchisees start with one unit and expand. Some franchise agreements include area development rights, meaning you commit to opening multiple locations over a set timeline in exchange for exclusive territory. Brian helps buyers think through whether a single-unit or multi-unit strategy makes more sense for their goals and capital.

Question 20

What's the first step if I'm interested?

Accepted Answer

Schedule a no-obligation consultation call with Brian. The first conversation is about understanding your background, goals, lifestyle preferences, and financial picture — not pitching you on any specific brand. From there, Brian identifies a shortlist of concepts worth exploring and walks you through each one at your pace.

Questions worth asking
before you sign anything.

Getting Started

Money & Funding

The Process

Your Advisory Team

Ownership & Lifestyle

Risk & Reality

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Questions worth askingbefore you sign anything.