A fine wine gets better with age. But the rest of us? Not so much. As we grow older, our needs evolve, and often our ability to meet them independently diminishes.Yet despite being one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population, adults 65 and older remain among the most overlooked and underserved.

S&P Global estimates that one in five Americans will be at least 65 by 2030, accounting for 20.7% of the population — and creating an especially fertile market. For strategic entrepreneurs, that presents opportunity. San Diego-based Bruce Patterson (above with family) is well aware of this growing demographic. As a franchise owner of Next Day Access, a business devoted to helping older adults age in place, he’s doing his best to serve it.

Next Day Access helps the 65-plus population and people with disabilities to safely move around in their own homes. “Disability can affect anyone at any time,” says Patterson. “We provide essential mobility and accessibility solutions to individuals from all walks of life, including veterans, seniors and local businesses.”

Next Day Access installs wheelchair ramps, grab bars, in-home elevators and a wide range of lifts to help individuals get out of swimming pools and beds, and to navigate stairs. Patterson himself understands mobility challenges. “My six knee surgeries exposed me to difficulties that some people have to deal with on a daily basis.”

More than just installers, the franchise’s specialized expertise benefits its older customers. Grab bars, for example, are only helpful if they’re installed securely in the right place. Next Day Access teams receive ongoing training on products and installations, so equipment functions as intended and improves quality of life.

The Right Fit

Formerly a wealth manager and author, Patterson opened his Next Day Access business in 2024. “The combination of strong brand recognition, proven systems, extensive training and financial opportunity made it the right fit for us,” he says. Next Day Access is part of the Best Life Brands family, and Patterson has felt, as he puts it, “the power of that community.”

“The company’s systems are strong,” he says, “and the support and collaboration from our fellow franchisees have been an unexpected benefit.”

Inclusion is central to the business. Every day, Patterson’s team works with an under-prioritized customer demographic, and he also embraces diversity on his staff. “San Diego is a diverse region,” he says. “Our team is a direct reflection of the various racial and ethnic groups within the community we serve.”

While diversity and inclusion are obvious components of a positive community culture, Patterson believes that multicultural collaboration is also good for business. “By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, franchises can better understand and serve varied local markets,” he says.“That leads to higher customer satisfaction and a stronger bottom line.”

A Growing Market

The accessibility and mobility market is expanding rapidly. It’s expected to reach $29.8 billion in 2030, up from $18.3 billion in 2022. Becoming a Next Day Access franchisee presents a relatively low-risk way to enter that space.

While mechanically inclined franchisees are welcome, knowing your way around a toolbox isn’t a requirement. The company sets franchisees up with approved manufacturers and a list of required (and optional) products. Training and field support ensure teams can install equipment safely and properly, while marketing and sales support help drive growth. Initial investments can range from $176,225 to $352,050, depending on the size of the territory. Owners can work from home and save on the overhead of a physical storefront.

“Our affiliation with Best Life Brands increases our brand awareness and market presence,” says Patterson. “We benefit from robust training, marketing support and significant purchasing power with approved vendors, which reduces our inventory and supply costs.”

Even better, the brand helps people stay in their homes and maintain their independence. Next Day Access allows franchisees to enter a fast-growing, recession-proof market in a feel-good industry. Now that kind of job satisfaction never gets old.

Best Life Brands

Next Day Access is part of Best Life Brands, a family of franchise companies dedicated to helping people maintain their health, independence and quality of life. Its portfolio also includes ComForCare, CarePatrol, Blue Moon Estate Sales and Boost Home Healthcare. Together, the brands serve individuals and families through nearly 800 locations offering home care, senior living guidance, estate sale services, home health care and accessibility solutions.

Learn more about the Next Day Access franchise opportunity.

Updated June 15, 2026

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and that means countless Americans are hurriedly buying ties, sports equipment, mugs and more for the dads in their lives. Consumer spending is expected to exceed $27.9 billion, up from the record-setting $24 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation. 

Beyond these small tokens of appreciation, food is an important part of any Father’s Day celebration. The following restaurant franchises have specials and gift card promotions to brighten dad’s day on June 21.    

Father’s Day 2026: Best Restaurant Specials and Promotions 

7-Eleven 

When dads are craving their favorite snacks, drinks, treats or last-minute essentials on Father’s Day, 7-Eleven has got them covered. Customers can enjoy $10 off any order of $20 or more on June 21 using promo code FORDAD at checkout on the 7NOW® Delivery app.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is making it easier for customers to get that last-minute present this Father’s Day with a gift card deal. For a limited time, guests who purchase a $50 gift card will receive a $10 bonus card.

Aroma Joe’s

Aroma Joe’s is keeping dads caffeinated this Father’s Day with a free 24-ounce coffee on June 21.  

Buffalo’s Cafe

Dads can enjoy the Buffalo’s Cafe Canyon Burger with a choice of French fries or tumbleweed chips for $10 on June 21. This deal is valid at participating restaurants.

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is enticing loyalty members to purchase any American Wagyu sub on Father’s Day by offering them a free combo upgrade with chips and a drink. Fun fact: National Wagyu Day also falls on June 21.

Carvel

Carvel fans can treat dad to a cake and add a 4-pack of Fudgie Pops (above) for just $9.99 from June 9-21. 

Del Taco

Who says dads should only eat steaks and burgers on Father’s Day? Not Del Taco! The Mexican-inspired fast-food franchise is offering 20% off orders of $10 or more from June 20-21. 

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

In celebration of fathers everywhere, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering 15% off online orders of $75 or more from June 18-21. Code DAD85 is required at checkout.

Dog Haus

Dog Haus knows that many dads love hot dogs, burgers and craft beer, especially on Father’s Day. That’s why the brand is rewarding loyalty members with quadruple points for all purchases made on June 21. 

Fazoli’s 

From June 19-23, Fazoli’s is celebrating fathers by offering guests a free fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti with meat sauce (above) or marinara when they purchase an entrée. Promo code Father26 is required at checkout.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a Kansas-based fast-casual franchise, is offering the mini Cookie Dough Overload Concrete for $2.99 on June 21. Guests with the Freddy’s Rewards app can redeem the one-time offer at the drive-thru, in-restaurant dining, pickup or delivery.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral is enticing its loyalty members to dine-in on Father’s Day with a great deal: $5 off their next purchase of $25 or more. This promotional offer is redeemable from June 22 through July 3. 

Huddle House

Father’s Day is getting a sweet upgrade at Huddle House. The brand is treating its loyalty members to a free slice of pie or a fried waffle basket (above) from June 19-21. 

Hurricane Grill & Wings

This Father’s Day, Hurricane Grill & Wings guests get $5 off when they spend $35. 

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is taking brunch to the next level this Father’s Day. Guests can try the new Bloody Mary, Avocado toast and hot and iced caramel coffee. 

Native Grill & Wings 

Native Grill & Wings fans receive $10 off their purchases of $60 or more from June 19-21 with code DAD2026. Valid at participating locations only.

Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza is feeding the entire family this Father’s Day with the $29.99 bundle deal — Montague’s All Meat Marvel. This meal, which includes pizza and two shareables (garlic Parmesan twists, Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, mozzarella sticks or Jalapeño poppers), is available from June 19-23 with code RTP878.

Schlotzsky’s

From June 15-21, Schlotzsky’s loyalty members get $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. This deal is available in stores and online.

Sonny’s BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ rewards members who dine in on Father’s Day will receive a buy one, get one entrée offer to redeem at a later visit.

Surcheros

Surcheros is rewarding its loyalty members with a great deal this Father’s Day. They will receive $10 off taco kits on June 21.

Teriyaki Madness

Teriyaki Madness has a gift card deal just in time for Father’s Day. Guests score a $10 bonus card when they buy a $50 gift certificate on June 19. 

• Franchise growth strategy should include more than one lead source.
• Existing franchisees can be strong candidates for multi-unit expansion.
• Independent operators may offer untapped growth opportunities.
• The best development plans focus on fit, readiness and brand standards.

Most franchise development conversations start the same way: How do we find more candidates? It’s a reasonable question, but it’s also an incomplete one.

I’ve spent more than 45 years in franchise development working with brands across industries and at different stages of growth. The systems that consistently expand – not only in the good years, but through market shifts and category disruptions – don’t treat growth as a single pipeline source. They treat it as a portfolio, and for many franchisors, that shift in thinking is overdue.

One Channel Means One Ceiling

Relying on a single development channel – whether that’s a portal or another third-party lead generation service – isn’t wrong. Those channels produce results, but each has a ceiling.

I’ve watched strong development teams get caught flat-footed when their primary portal stops producing, because of an algorithm change, a category getting more crowded or even a shift in how candidates research opportunities (just look at how AI is already influencing candidate research). The pipeline that looked healthy six months ago can suddenly looks thin. The brand hasn’t changed, but the growth strategy turned out to be more fragile than it appeared.

There’s a more subtle issue too. When most of your deals come from one source over time, your entire development process begins to center on the candidates that source delivers. Your messaging, qualification criteria and even discovery experience quietly optimize for a narrow candidate profile. You may be missing strong candidates who come through channels your sales funnel wasn’t built to recognize.

The fix isn’t abandoning that existing lead generation strategy, but treating it as one component of a broader development plan.

Your Best Next Franchisee Might Already Be in Your System

Before looking externally for new franchisees, start by looking at the owners already in your system.

Multi-unit growth from existing franchisees is the most underutilized channel I’ve seen across the industry. These owners already know the brand. When they expand, onboarding is faster, and the risk profile is lower. The challenge is that not every high-performing franchisee is a good expansion candidate, and conflating the two is one of the more costly mistakes a development team can make.

The franchisees who scale successfully have built businesses that run on systems and people, not on their own constant presence. Their results are replicable because they aren’t the key variable. Development teams that learn to identify that distinction before awarding a new unit or territory protect the franchisee and the brand. A practical starting point is to review your top-quartile franchisees through the lens of expansion readiness and not just unit performance. The two lists will likely overlap, but they won’t be identical.

The Independent Operator Conversation You’re Probably Not Having

There is another growth channel many franchise systems treat as an afterthought. That’s the independent operator already succeeding in your category.

In industries where independents hold meaningful market share – including fitness, personal services, education, home services and experiential retail – there is a substantial pool of business owners who have done something genuinely hard. They built a customer base and figured out how to deliver a service locally that people want time and again. What they often lack is purchasing scale, marketing infrastructure, an optimized tech stack and a peer network of operators who have already solved the problems they’re working through alone.

The conversion conversation is not a rescue discussion. A successful independent owner doesn’t think of themselves as someone who needs saving. The right framing is what becomes possible with a recognizable brand, group buying that lowers cost structure and corporate, as well as fellow franchisee support available when they’re navigating a staffing challenge, lease renewal or slowing revenue stream.

At Arthur Murray – a legacy franchisor that’s been franchising for nearly 90 years – we recently opened franchise opportunities to qualified candidates from outside the system for the first time in the brand’s history. We recognized that keeping development closed to one profile would slow growth and limit opportunities to great candidates outside the brand. If your category has a meaningful independent operator base and you’re not having these conversations, you’re leaving a channel untouched.

Diversify How You Grow Without Compromising What You’ve Built

The concern I hear most often is about culture. Many franchise development leaders are concerned that bringing in different types of franchisees, through new channels, will change the brand. It’s a fair point and worth scrutinizing, but it needs to be addressed.

I’ve watched brands pay for this uncertainty in two main ways. Some hold on so tightly to how growth has always happened that they miss entire categories of qualified candidates. Others diversify without guardrails and award to franchisees who weren’t a good fit from the start, which creates operational problems that prove very costly. Neither outcome serves the system well.

The franchisors that get it right articulate explicitly – and unapologetically – what the brand requires from an operational, culture and financial standpoint. Then, they evaluate every candidate from every channel against that same standard. The channel becomes less important than the question of fit.

The best development strategies don’t start with a channel. They begin with clarity about what the brand genuinely requires, what success looks like across different operator profiles and where underserved growth potential lives. 

With that foundation in place, the question is no longer about where do we find more candidates, but rather, becomes which of the channels available to us are we not using, and why? The brands that ask it seriously usually find that the growth they were seeking was never out of reach. It was just outside the lens they were using to find it.

Code Ninjas, a franchise that teaches coding to kids, has named Tyler Semerdjian chief marketing officer. He has more than 15 years of experience scaling businesses across direct-to-consumer, marketplace, sports and private equity-backed platforms.  

“Code Ninjas has a genuine mission teaching kids to code in a way that’s fun and accessible, as well as a strong foundation with 350-plus locations across five international markets,” Semerdjian said. “The leadership team, especially CEO Navin Gurnaney, has a clear vision for where the brand is headed. This opportunity is the right combination of mission, scale and the chance to help build something meaningful.”

Semerdjian emphasized the growing importance of technology education and the brand’s role in preparing the next generation. “Technology is evolving faster than ever, and Code Ninjas puts children on the front edge of that. I’m excited about building the marketing infrastructure that helps our franchisees grow — the tools, data and playbooks that let our locations operate at a high level. When franchisees succeed, the whole system succeeds.”

Semerdjian said he thrives in fast-paced, multi-project environments, which have included marketing leadership roles with growth companies such as Family Quest Entertainment, backed by L2 Capital. As chief marketing officer for Family Quest, he helped generate more than $100 million in annual revenue while also leading marketing across four additional portfolio companies. 

He said his background aligns naturally with franchising. “My favorite aspect of franchising is the impact at scale,” Semerdjian said. “When you get marketing right at the franchisor level, you’re helping individual owners build stronger businesses in their communities.”

As the co-founder of a consumer products company, Semerdjian also understands the realities of entrepreneurship firsthand. “I know what it feels like to put money into a campaign and have it not work — and I know the feeling when it does. That forces you to treat every dollar like it’s your own and stay hyper-analytical about what’s actually driving results.”

Gurnaney said Semerdjian is an exciting addition to the team because of his thoughtful, systems-driven approach to growth and track record of building successful marketing engines. “Just as importantly, he understands how to translate that into real impact at the local level, which will be key as we continue to support our franchisees and strengthen performance across the network,” Gurnaney said.

Smarter Marketing Decisions 

Semerdjian said Code Ninjas’ continued investment in attribution to identify which marketing touchpoints contribute to conversion and revenue, customer relationship management and local playbooks drive smarter marketing decisions for franchisees. “The best franchise systems aren’t just handing owners creative assets and hoping for the best. They’re investing in attribution and CRM infrastructure that lets franchisees see what’s working at the local level and make informed decisions about where to invest. That shift from top-down mandates to data-driven enablement is where the industry is heading and where Code Ninjas is focused.”

In his free time, Semerdjian enjoys spending time on the beach with his wife, Lauren, and their two young children, Hudson and Navy, near their home in Encinitas, Calif.

About Code Ninjas 

Founded in 2016, Code Ninjas offers kids ages 5-14 the opportunity to build video games while gaining skills in coding, robotics and AI. The coding franchise is backed by Eagle Merchant Partners, an Atlanta-based private equity firm.

Travis Reed (above, left) and his business partner, Travis Hicks (right), decided to invest in Lawn Pride primarily because it’s part of Neighborly, a well-established parent franchisor of home services brands. In February 2023, the men opened their Lawn Pride franchise, which provides fertilizing, weed control, aeration and overseeding services for residential and commercial lawns.

Reed and Hicks also operate a The Grounds Guys franchise, a Neighborly brand offering a wide range of services to homes and businesses. Lawn Pride was a natural complement to The Grounds Guys, especially as demand for lawn care continues to grow. According to a ResearchAndMarkets report, the U.S. lawn care market was valued at $57.77 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $89.47 billion by 2033. 

“We were already doing a small amount of turf care through The Grounds Guys and we wanted to scale it,” Reed says. “We believe in Neighborly,” he adds. “The corporate team and brand leadership teams are always working to push their brands forward. Technology and marketing are just a couple of examples of things they play a big part in setting up and making sure that owners are always updated and educated on.”

An Inclusive Community

Reed praises Neighborly’s inclusiveness along with its support. “The goal has always been to get the best people in place, whether that’s in corporate positions or as franchise owners, regardless of backgrounds.”

Both of his franchises employ diverse workers. The Lawn Pride team has three members, an office manager and two technicians, one of whom acts as the field manager, to serve the Houston suburbs of Friendswood, League City and Pearland. Forty people comprise the The Ground Guys staff. “We have several women in the field and in management positions and many different ethnicities represented. The Houston area is very diverse, and our customers reflect that.”

Reed draws on many years of experience to serve those customers. “We started as Hicks Gutters and Sprinklers in 2010. Travis Hicks’ father did gutters, and we were really interested in irrigation so he started a business focused around the two. I joined a few years later to add landscaping and maintenance to the list of services.

“Franchise ownership happened by chance. Both of us had worked for a smaller company previously and had seen firsthand the problems that can come up running a small business of this type,” Reed says. So when Hicks later attended a family reunion and heard that a relative was working for Neighborly, he was intrigued. Reed says that when they visited the corporate office and learned about the culture, systems and structure, “We knew this was something we wanted to be a part of and signed on shortly after.”

Ongoing Support

Neighborly’s call center and national marketing provide significant support, and Reed also values Lawn Pride’s community of owners. Like all franchisees, Reed is responsible for local marketing and networking. “It’s important that we get out there and build awareness about who we are and what we do,” Reed says. “It’s great having people in the same position as you whom you can go to with issues or ideas and get feedback — people who might have already gone through it. Growing a business is both challenging and rewarding, and it helps to have other people in your circle to go through that with you.”

Why Choose Lawn Pride?

Lawn Pride offers the following advantages to owners:

• Franchisees enjoy steady recurring revenue because customers need the brand’s services frequently.
• Each franchise can provide multiple services for the same customer.
• The home-based franchise is easy to operate and highly scalable.
• The brand offers an executive ownership model in which the franchisee leads a team of lawn care professionals.
• Lawn Pride has built an enviable reputation by prioritizing customer service since its launch in 1983.
• The franchise is recession-resilient.

Learn more about the Lawn Pride franchise opportunity.

• The iBoost Talent staffing franchise now offers a robotics solution to help clients augment their human workforces.
• Robots are well suited for highly repetitive tasks in hard-to-fill, entry-level roles such as cleaning and moving materials or supplies.
• Increased implementation of automation could boost U.S. productivity growth from about 1.8% in 2019 to 3-4% annually by 2030, according to the McKinsey Global Institute.

Persistent entry-level labor shortages have plagued industries in recent years, diminishing overall productivity and potential economic growth. The iBoost Talent staffing franchise has responded with a robotics solution aimed at supporting human workers and employers.

“Labor shortages aren’t going away, so we built a model that works with them, not against them. No one else within our industry is doing what we’re doing,” says Don G. King, founder of Impact Workforce Solutions, sister company of iBoost Talent and the newly created Impact Robotics.

King says the goal is not to replace the human workforce, but to augment it, particularly in jobs that involve repetitive activities such as cleaning and moving materials from one place to another. “If no one wants to do the job and you can’t hire for it, automation creates a better path forward,” he says.

How Robotics Enhance iBoost Talent Offerings

“Robotics is a differentiator for iBoost Talent,” says Bill Tasillo, executive vice president of franchise development. “It’s an additional service line that franchise owners can employ to solve challenges for their customers, particularly with highly repetitive, entry-level type jobs. We’re not just offering a staffing solution anymore. We’re offering a full gamut of solutions for the customer – some of it involves automation, some of it human capital – always built around the relationships that owners and their teams build with those customers and with their communities. And that’s what we find that our clients are looking for more than anything,” Tasillo says.

Chief Revenue Officer Vance Tiller adds that automation through robotics offers an additional revenue stream or “lane to accelerate our franchisees’ growth to help them become successful and profitable faster.”

While automation expands franchisees’ capacity and capabilities, it does not increase complexity in their operations, Tasillo says. iBoost Talent franchisees refer all customer requests for robotics services to sister company Impact Robotics, he explains. “Just as we take as many roadblocks out of the way for franchise owners that slow down their growth and day-to-day operations – including handling the back office, administration, workers compensation claims, compliance, I9 employment eligibility verifications and all those types of things – we manage the robotics through Impact Robotics.”

Labor Shortages, Diminished Productivity

Shrinking labor markets are a long-term trend that may continue, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, which estimates that gross domestic product in 2023 could have been 0.5% to 1.5% higher across advanced economies worldwide if employers had been able to fill their excess job vacancies.

McKinsey Global Institute analysis indicates that up to 30% of current work time could be automated by 2030, based on recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence, releasing worker time for more valuable activities. Combining all types of automation, from generative AI to robotics, could help drive U.S. productivity growth from about 1.8% in 2019 to 3-4% annually by 2030.

Robots in a People-First Model

King says the robotics solution aligns with his people-first, franchisee-first business model. “People are the difference between good and great operations. This isn’t about replacing people. It’s about giving teams better support systems so operations run smoother, cleaner and more efficiently. The future of operations will belong to companies that learn how people and automation work together,” he says. “If we can automate the work that no one wants to do, we can elevate people into better roles, better pay and better futures.”

As founder of the Impact system of companies, King applies more than 30 years of experience, including his tenure in a staffing franchise system and as founder in 2001 of Impact Workforce Solutions, a tech-enabled professional services firm. He founded the iBoost Talent staffing franchise in 2025 with a core value of improving the quality of life for others.

How Impact Robotics Implements Automation

Impact Robotics officials describe an “automation gap” created when companies make mistakes in implementing robotics, such as buying robots without first understanding organizational workflows, trying to automate everything all at once and failing to account for how people will interact with the technology. The result, company officials say, is low usage, frustration and wasted investment.

Impact Robotics follows a structured approach to implementation, which includes:

• Starting with a pilot, testing automation in a real environment where it can prove value.
• Validating what works, ensuring teams adopt it, use it and benefit from it.
• Scaling with confidence, expanding automation only where results are proven to reduce risk, improve adoption and deliver measurable return on investment.

The Robotics Solution

Robots are deployed in a wide variety of industries: healthcare, educational settings, hotels and hospitality, industrial and logistics environments, retail and public spaces, and food and beverage operations. “Automation works where people, processes and pressure intersect,” King says. “From high-traffic public spaces to complex operational environments, we design automation solutions by industry that integrate into real workflows, not ideal scenarios.”

Examples of where and how robots work:

• Cleaning high-traffic floors, including those in high-risk environments such as hospitals and schools, industrial facilities requiring navigation through tight spaces and changing layouts, restaurants and large public spaces where continuous cleaning is needed.
• Moving materials or supplies between locations, such as specimens and medications in hospitals, luggage and linens across long distances in hotels, finished goods and inspection materials in industrial settings, inventory in retail settings, and food, drinks and dishes in restaurants.
• Guiding people to their destinations, including patients and visitors in healthcare settings, and students on large campuses.

To learn more about how robotics solutions are being implemented to augment the human workforce, visit Impact Robotics.

Visit iBoost Talent for information about staffing franchise opportunities. 

Celebree School, a Maryland-based early childhood education franchise, has named John Palumbo vice president of franchise development. Palumbo has more than 20 years of experience in franchise development with brands including A&W Restaurants, H&R Block and Primrose Schools. He also is the founder of Palumbo Consulting Group. In his new role, Palumbo leads Celebree School’s national development strategy, builds non-traditional growth programs and manages multi-brand pipelines.

“As a father of four children, early education has always been important to me,” Palumbo said. “I’ve seen firsthand the difference it can make in a child’s life when it’s done right. Celebree does it right and has been doing so for over 30 years. Having built and operated more than two dozen corporate Celebree Schools beginning in 1994 and continuing to today gives us a unique perspective — we understand a day in the life of a franchisee. It is an exciting opportunity to add value and help scale this brand through the lens of responsible growth.”

He said responsible growth includes strong support in real estate, construction, design and pre-opening marketing, along with ongoing marketing and operational support. “We’re also continuously improving in these areas,” he said.

Palumbo joins the leadership team following a milestone 2025 for the company, which included 16 new franchise agreements and 15 school openings. Looking ahead, future development is planned in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Texas markets, including Dallas, Houston and Austin.

Richard Huffman, founder and CEO of Celebree School, said Palumbo has the expertise required to take the franchise to the next level. “Not only does he understand the early childhood education landscape, but his innate understanding for franchising combined with his consulting experience provides a new perspective on scaling sustainably,” Huffman said.

Palumbo said he believes success at Celebree, and in franchising more broadly, begins and ends with franchisees. “The success of the franchisee community, both new and tenured, is simple: I serve at the pleasure of our leadership team and exist because of the success of our franchisee family. It all begins and ends with them. Listen to your franchisees. If you do, they will tell you what’s working, what’s not, share great new ideas, and most importantly, remind you why we do what we do.”

About Celebree School 

Founded in 1994 and franchised since 2019, Celebree School provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional and academic needs of its students.

ISI® Elite Training is built on a strength-based, coach-led training approach that blends progressive strength, athletic movement, and conditioning in a structured group environment. The brand attracts franchise partners with a strong passion for fitness and performance who want to be actively involved in the business they build. These partners value discipline, accountability and culture, stay closely engaged in day-to-day operations, and are focused on building a strong, connected community and becoming a trusted presence in their local market. The owners featured here share how ISI® became both a smart business and a community they’re proud to call their own.

Denette Carte & Jason Adams, Cornelius, N.C., July 2023

Why ISI®? We were excited by the chance to be on the ground floor of an emerging brand with a clear vision and strong leadership. The strength-based training model aligned perfectly with our athletic backgrounds, and just as important, ISI® gave us the opportunity to open a facility in a community where we wanted to be actively involved — not just as business owners, but as contributors and neighbors.
Best Part: What we love most is the relationships and sense of community. Fitness is the foundation, but connection is the outcome. We get to serve people daily, support them through physical and mental growth, and watch confidence develop inside and outside the facility. Being part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Biggest Surprise: One of the biggest surprises has been the constant attention required to keep everything clean, maintained and up to date. From equipment to facilities, there’s always something that needs attention. It reinforced how important consistency and high standards are in creating a great member experience.

Kendra Fuentes, Sandy Springs, Ga., April 2024

Why ISI®? I loved the growth phase that the brand is in and the overall support ISI headquarters provided us upfront. They made us feel very comfortable in the onboarding process as new business owners.
Best Part: I can be hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations while getting to pursue my passions for helping others grow in their fitness journeys. It has been so great getting to build an incredible team.
Biggest Surprise: We heard from several people that you wouldn’t hit profitability in your first year of business, but to our shock (and delight), we hit our first profitable month in month 11! Aside from an amazing brand, ISI® Elite Training has the best franchise partners. Across the network, we are passionate and engaged!

Spencer & Hannah Thomas, Two studios in San Antonio, Texas, December 2023

Why ISI®? We saw an opportunity to deliver a truly high-quality product — one that prioritized performance, structure and results — at a level we felt could stand above anything else in the market. ISI’s programming depth and commitment to coaching excellence immediately stood out.
Best Part: What we love most is the people — both our members and our team. We get to create an environment that is welcoming but holds a high standard. Watching individuals grow physically, mentally and emotionally while being part of a strong community is incredibly rewarding. There’s also something special about building a team of coaches who care deeply about their craft and the people they serve.
Biggest Surprise: The biggest surprise has been the sheer shift in responsibility and time commitment, especially early on. Ownership requires a different level of leadership and long-term thinking than even high-level management roles. You’re constantly learning, adapting and being stretched in ways you don’t fully anticipate until you’re in it.

Learn more about the ISI® Elite Training franchise opportunity.

Pilates Addiction matches Americans’ fitness goals stride for stride. “Consumers want workouts that yield excellent results while supporting joint health and long-term performance,” says Liza Beres, vice president of educator training operations at Pilates Addiction. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward low-impact strength training, functional movement and longevity-focused fitness. Pilates Addiction was built for this moment — combining science-backed movement with an elevated studio experience that clients can sustain for years.”

Pilates itself has been around for a full century, and Beres believes that it’s here to stay. “Pilates endures because it works. It builds strength without breaking the body down. Pilates improves posture and mobility, and it supports long-term health. As consumers become more focused on longevity, resilience and sustainable movement, Pilates continues to prove its value, not as a trend but as a foundational practice.”

Pilates is now meeting a fresh wave of consumer demand. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, Pilates participation grew nearly 40% from 2019 to 2024, rising from 9.2 million to 12.9 million participants. Yet Pilates hasn’t stood still. The regimen has evolved along with scientific and technological advances. And Beres says Pilates Addiction — introduced in 2025 and part of Anthony Geisler’s Sequel Brands franchise family — leads the way with an ultimate goal of providing a more powerful Pilates experience. “It honors biomechanics and precision while embracing athletic energy and real results,” she says.

The tech centerpiece of Pilates Addiction is the WundaFormer, a proprietary, all-in-one Pilates machine. “It integrates reformer, chair, jump board and standing work into a single system,” Beres explains. “This combination enables seamless, full-body workouts that develop strength, mobility, cardio capacity and control. It creates a dynamic, elevated experience that feels athletic, purposeful and distinctly ‘Pilates Addiction,’ delivering what we call the healthiest obsession you’ll ever have.

“Every class is designed to feel intentional, challenging and efficient to help clients build strength, confidence and consistency over time.” Workouts weave in classical Pilates principles while featuring modern athletic pacing, intelligent progressions and clear anatomical coaching, Beres says.

A Scalable Opportunity

The cutting-edge, comprehensive workouts give franchisees a competitive edge, she says. “With a clearly defined method, exclusive equipment and systems in place to protect quality as the brand grows, Pilates Addiction offers a scalable opportunity in the premium wellness space without compromising the client experience.”

Franchisees aren’t required to have a fitness background, but Beres says “a respect for the craft is essential. Our owners value the brand’s standards, consistency and execution. They care deeply about the client experience, understand the importance of training and culture, and are committed to building a premium brand the right way.”

Pilates Addiction operates as a membership-driven boutique studio model built around retention and consistency. “Clients leave feeling stronger, more aligned and more connected to their bodies. Over time, they experience improved posture, joint health, core strength, mobility and confidence in movement,” Beres says. “Pilates Addiction isn’t a workout people try for a few months; it’s a practice they commit to.”

She predicts that Pilates Addiction, under Sequel Brands’ guidance, will scale with discipline and purpose. “It’s supported by strong infrastructure while maintaining uncompromising standards around education, programming and the client experience.” Beres adds that the franchise’s leaders don’t pursue growth simply for growth’s sake. “They want to create something exceptional, sustainable and relevant for the future of wellness. This is a brand rooted in biomechanics, education and thoughtful scale. The right franchisees can build something meaningful and enduring.”

Member Demographics

Pilates Addiction members value its education-first approach, proprietary equipment and premium yet welcoming studio environment. Members typically fit into the following demographics.

• Women comprise 70% to 80% of the membership.
• They typically are 28 to 50 years old.
• They live in urban and affluent suburban markets.
• Their household incomes start at about $100,000 and reach $200,000 or more.
• They’re busy professionals, former athletes and wellness-minded individuals who seek quality, consistency and long-term results.

About Sequel Brands

Sequel Brands is a health and wellness franchising company with a growing portfolio of brands focused on fitness, recovery, movement and healthy living. Its brands include beem®, a light therapy and infrared sauna studio; BODY20, a 20-minute fitness concept; iFlex Stretch Studios, an assisted stretching and recovery brand; Pilates Addiction, a Pilates studio focused on strength and flexibility; Ultimate Longevity Center®, a longevity and wellness concept; and MOVE Powered by SequelAI, a technology platform that helps people build healthier habits.

Learn more about the Pilates Addiction franchise opportunity.

Franchise FastLane, a leading franchise sales organization, has appointed Nick Clark as a director of franchise development. Clark expands the FSO’s network by guiding prospective investors through the entire discovery process. As a former collegiate volleyball coach, Clark applies interpersonal skills and leadership experience gained from more than 20 years driving player development and student-athlete academic success. He recently served as assistant volleyball coach at the University of Michigan.

“I love that I get to continue helping people with big decisions,” Clark said. “In my former role as a coach, I recruited a lot of young men and women over the years and had to have conversations of all types with their families. The similarities between my franchise development and athletics recruiting positions have made the acclimation process easier.” 

Carin Skowronsky, vice president of development for Franchise FastLane, praised Clark as someone who embraces challenges and consistently strives for success. “His work ethic, positive attitude and ability to effortlessly nourish both candidates and consultant relationships make him a perfect fit for the FastLane culture. I have no doubt that Nick is going to make a tremendous impact, and I’m excited to see all that he’ll accomplish in the years to come.”

Coaching and Mentorship

Clark said his own mid-life career change provides perspective that helps him relate to entrepreneurs considering the transition into franchise ownership. “My experience has helped me to connect with them on a deeper level,” he said, adding that he sees similarities in his role as mentor to student athletes and franchise candidates.

While coaching at the University of Michigan, several of his players were recognized for their combined athletic and academic achievements as All-Big Ten and Academic All-District athletes. The 2025 Wolverines also made it to the NCAA Tournament. Prior to joining the Michigan coaching staff, Clark served as assistant coach for women’s and men’s volleyball teams at Harvard University.

Clark, a Michigan resident, holds a master’s degree in leadership from Clarke University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Eastern Michigan University.

About Franchise FastLane

Franchise FastLane is a full-service franchise sales organization (FSO) that offers comprehensive development support, including lead registration, marketing, compliance oversight and operational support. The company’s CarPool program provides partners with coaching, training and mentorship to help with franchise development. Franchise founders also have access to the MasterMind program, which allows them to engage in in-depth discussions to exchange ideas.

Since its founding in 2017, the Nebraska-based FSO has helped award 10,000-plus franchise units and place more than 3,800 entrepreneurs into franchise ownership. The company has accumulated numerous accolades, including being featured on Inc.’s 2026 Midwest Regionals list of fastest-growing private companies.

FastLane currently fosters the growth of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, Cabinet IQ, Cascadia Pizza Co., Degree Wellness, EverLine Coatings and Services, The Tox, SPENGA, Speedy Freight, Southern Steer Butcher, Sourdough & Co., RealClean Aircraft Detailing, Puddle Pool Services, Property Sellwise, Joshua Tree Experts, The Exercise Coach, DDH Home Organizing & Move Management and Dakota London Hair Extensions. 

BODY20, a boutique fitness concept, offers personalized, low-impact strength training with certified coaches for people of all fitness levels. Brand leaders say the concept is designed to build strength faster without the need for heavy weights — and the low-impact technology is easier on joints, ligaments and tendons.

Technology is key to BODY20’s 20-minute workouts. Participants wear electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suits with built-in electrodes that deliver electrical impulses to muscles, causing them to contract. BODY20 leaders say their EMS suits are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, and deliver a full-body workout producing more than 150 times the muscle contractions of a conventional workout, which enables users to build muscle and burn calories in significantly less time. The EMS suits also aid in recovery by promoting increased blood flow and lymphatic circulation, brand officials say. The BODY20 concept “is biohacking you and your body,” says CEO Lindsay Junk.

Sequel Brands

Sequel Brands, BODY20’s parent company, has several other innovative wellness concepts under its umbrella. These include the beem® light therapy concept, Pilates Addiction and iFlex assisted stretching.

Since BODY20’s establishment in 2017 and franchising a year later, the brand has received accolades, including being ranked on Entrepreneur magazine’s Top New and Emerging Franchises list, as well as the Inc. 5000 list.

Junk says she’s proud, not only of the the brand’s success and recognition, but also of BODY20’s appeal to so many people. “On any given day, you could walk into a studio and see an elite athlete training next to senior citizen, and they’re getting the exact same workout, doing the exact same movements,” Junk says. “Where else can you find that?”

Customer Feedback

BODY20 members seek the brand’s EMS workouts for a number of reasons, including these cited on the brand’s website:

• Efficiency. “As a nurse, I have a demanding schedule, so getting such an impactful workout in just 20 minutes ensures I can keep active and healthy so I can care for others.”
• Strengthening. “BODY20 has strengthened my body and eased my back pain. The coaches strike the perfect balance between encouragement and pushing me to do more.”
• Low-impact. “As a former pro athlete, I need to stay in shape without waking up old injuries. BODY20 gives me the results I want, but is also low-impact. I’ve seen amazing results. Highly recommend.”
• Improved mobility. “BODY20 helped me regain mobility and reignite my passion for fitness after a challenging recovery journey. The coaches are supportive and the program is truly life-changing.”

Advantages for Franchise Owners

BODY20 seeks franchise owners who are entrepreneurial, motivated self-starters with a passion for fitness and health. They are also interested in helping others take their fitness to the next level with cutting-edge technology. Prospective franchisees should be excellent communicators, interested in acquiring new skills and willing to put in extra effort to ensure customer satisfaction.

Advantages for franchise owners include:

• Recurring revenue through monthly memberships.
• Revolutionary technology backed by science.
• Proven, proprietary presale model.
• Small real estate footprint needed.
• Low startup costs compared with most boutique fitness concepts.
• Flexible financing options.
• Training in every aspect of the business and ongoing support including one-on-one weekly calls.

For more information, visit BODY20’s franchise website.

While culture can be difficult to measure, it can shape nearly every part of the franchise experience. A brand built on trust, transparency and collaboration can help owners feel supported, connected and invested in the system’s long-term success. For prospective franchisees, that makes one question especially important: Does this brand foster a culture I want to be part of?

A strong franchise culture begins with a clear mission and shared values that guide how franchisors, franchisees and employees work together. Open communication, mutual respect and opportunities for collaboration can strengthen relationships across the system. Community give-back programs, such as clothing and food drives, can further reinforce those values while building goodwill among customers, employees and prospective investors.

The benefits of a positive corporate culture can be felt throughout an entire franchise system. For example, franchises offer greater opportunities for wage growth, more generous benefits, including health insurance and paid leave and stronger employee retention rates when compared to their corporate-owned counterparts, according to the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Value of Franchising report. 

Training, resources and operational support are important advantages of franchising. But when those benefits are paired with a welcoming, family-like culture, franchisees can become more than business owners. They can become passionate advocates who help strengthen and grow the brand.

The following experts discuss the importance of a strong franchise culture and offer tips on how to achieve it. 

Chris Shaffer

“It starts in the discovery process. We focus on bringing in folks that have like-minded goals, which for us is to create a path for large, scaled and profitable franchisees.” — Chris Shaffer

Lori Tobia

“Fostering a positive culture with franchise owners is one of the most important aspects of the business. An open and honest communication line between the home office and franchisees will make for happy owners, good validation and a positive culture. The owners are our customers, and we need to make sure that we continue to support them so that they thrive as business owners.” — Lori Tobia

Tom Hodgson

“One of the best ways to provide a great culture is to build a franchise advisory council, which opens a strong line of communication between franchisees and the franchisor. When franchisees feel heard, valued and involved in key conversations, it creates collaboration, trust and a healthier franchise system for everyone involved.” — Tom Hodgson

Angela Olea

“A positive franchise culture is built through trust, consistency and shared pride. This can be achieved by elevating the real stories of franchisees, teams, customers and communities. When people feel seen and connected, culture becomes more than a message; it becomes momentum.” — Angela Olea

Eric Slaymaker

“As a franchisor, we always listen to our franchisees and make sure that they feel that they are being heard. Franchisors must always focus on one thing — franchisee profitability and success. Owners have to believe that their needs and bottom-line success are the top priority of the franchisor.” — Eric Slaymaker

Maria Maciel

“Communication is essential to any successful franchise system. Equally important, however, is the ability to actively listen to what franchisees have to say. By fostering an environment where feedback is genuinely valued and ideas are thoughtfully considered, organizations can encourage meaningful collaboration. This collaborative approach ultimately drives continuous improvement across the entire system.”  — Maria Maciel 

It’s no surprise that modern consumer life feels overwhelming. Between constant notifications, economic pressure and an endless stream of choices, daily life has become demanding in unprecedented ways. According to the American Psychological Association, the average person checks their phone nearly 100 times per day, while being exposed to thousands of advertisements and brand messages. 

This constant noise has put consumers into a continuous cycle of micro-decisions, from deciding whether to answer a text to choosing what to buy for lunch. While these choices may seem harmless, their cumulative effect can be mentally taxing, says Dr. Balaji Niwlikar in an article for PsychUniverse.

As decision fatigue grows, consumers are increasingly drawn to convenience, familiarity and experiences that require minimal effort. For franchises, that means making every part of the customer journey simpler, faster and more enjoyable.

Reducing Decision Stress and Consumer Fatigue

Rather than committing to high-cost, high-effort experiences, consumers are increasingly turning to familiar, routine purchases that require little planning or hassle. They are also placing greater value on brands that offer consistency, clear pricing and a lower-risk purchase, according to NielsenIQ.

Here are several ways franchise brands from different industries are responding.

• Quick-service restaurants: Mobile ordering, saved favorite orders and bundled meal deals help customers decide what to eat and complete purchases quickly.
• Hair salons: Hair cutting franchise Great Clips lets customers check wait times and join the line online. Its Clip Notes system saves haircut preferences, so customers do not have to explain what they want at every visit.
• Beauty and wellness brands: Brands use memberships, prepaid packages and recurring appointments to make self-care easier to maintain.
• Fitness franchises: Apps allow members to book classes, join waitlists and receive reminders. Coach-led workouts remove the need to plan routines, while performance tracking helps members monitor completed classes, milestones and results.
• Home-service brands: Recurring service plans allow customers to automatically schedule services such as pest control, lawn care or home cleaning without repeatedly researching providers.
• Pet-care franchises: Memberships, recurring grooming appointments, saved service preferences and bundled care packages simplify routine pet care.

Other Franchises That Combat Stress

Some franchises offer a break from everyday stress by design. These brands create easy, ready-made experiences that help people relax, connect and have fun.

• Wellness franchises: Spa-like settings and guided treatments make it easier for customers to slow down and recharge. beem Light Therapy, for example, offers accessible light-therapy sessions designed around relaxation and recovery.
• Entertainment franchises: Immersive concepts give families and friends a complete outing without requiring much planning. Monster Mini Golf combines mini golf, arcade games and themed entertainment in one destination.
• Experiential retail franchises: Creative studios provide the supplies, instruction and cleanup, allowing customers to simply show up and enjoy the experience. Craft Loft gives guests a welcoming place to create, connect and unplug.

Franchise Opportunities

Franchise opportunities that match today’s consumer demand are abundant. On one side are simple, convenience-driven brands that fit easily into everyday life. On the other are experience-based franchises that help people relax, recharge and connect with others. The key is keeping the experience easy, affordable and fun.

Concepts stuck in the middle may have a harder time. If a brand asks customers to spend too much time, money or energy without offering convenience or a meaningful experience, customers may simply move on.

Investors should look for brands that are easy to run and easy to enjoy again and again. Limited menus, digital ordering, clear pricing and simple systems can make life easier for both customers and franchise owners.

The big idea is simple: less can be more. The strongest brands save people time, reduce stress and make every experience feel effortless.

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors franchise has tapped D’Wayne Tanner as vice president of franchise development. Tanner’s franchising career includes leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Wendy’s International, FOCUS Brands (now GoTo Foods) and, most recently, BELFOR Franchise Group. He now utilizes his 30-plus years of franchising experience to spearhead Pillar to Post’s development strategy.

“Homeownership is a dream for so many people in America today, and Pillar To Post has been an industry leader for decades,” Tanner said. “I was attracted to the brand because of its history and goal of ensuring confident homeownership for North Americans, while enhancing the lives of the people and communities that the brand serves.”

“I’m most excited about the ability to take an industry-leading, proven concept and offer it new life through our executive model. We’re no longer looking for franchise business owners who only want to complete the actual inspections personally. We’re looking for franchise business owners who want to build legacies in their market, with a desire to scale, while offering employees chances to grow within their enterprise,” he added. 

Having spent time in both the food and fitness segments of franchise development, Tanner has seen what makes the home services vertical so attractive. “This includes a lower investment, lack of a brick-and-mortar facility and the ability to more easily scale. There are also fewer barriers to entry in the home services industry, so it is important to continue to invest in the brand experience that you provide to the homeowner, just as the Pillar To Post brand continues to do.”

Tanner said his favorite aspect of franchising is helping entrepreneurs and their families realize their dreams of taking control of their lives through business ownership.

Charles Furlough, CEO of Pillar To Post, said Tanner’s extensive franchise experience makes him an ideal addition to the leadership team. “He understands what it takes to build strong franchise systems and, more importantly, how to support the people behind them. His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow with the right partners and strengthen our presence across the industry,” Furlough said.

About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors 

Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors has expanded to more than 400 franchises across the United States and Canada. The home inspection company has home offices in Toronto and Tampa. 

• Commission Express, founded in 1992 and franchising since 1996, is the nation’s only franchised real estate commission advance company.
• The franchise helps ease real estate agents’ and brokers’ cash flow problems by purchasing their pending real estate commissions prior to settlement for a discount.
• Advantages of the B2B franchise opportunity include its low cost, quick startup, high customer retention, and ongoing demand regardless of market conditions.

Real estate transactions can be fraught with issues that hold up settlements and sales commissions for agents and brokers. Delays in earned but unsettled commissions can put a serious crimp in cash flow for real estate professionals. Market fluctuations can also prolong the periods between closings, while expenses remain ongoing. 

Situations like these prompted a pair of experienced real estate brokers in the Washington, D.C., area to work on a reliable solution to cash flow issues. Their idea was to purchase accounts receivable from earned but unsettled sales commissions at a discount. They honed the protocols, computer database, forms and reports necessary for this factoring system, and founded Commission Express, the first commission advance company of its kind, in 1992. The service was so popular that they began franchising in 1996.

Today, Commission Express remains the only franchised real estate commission advance company in the U.S., and has 38 franchise locations across the country. As a business-to-business or B2B franchise opportunity, founded by and for real estate professionals, Commission Express’ mission is to empower agents and brokers by providing fast, reliable access to the income they’ve already earned, says Commission Express co-founder John Stedman, who serves as president and CEO. “We’ve been in business for over 30 years and have a solid track record, having advanced more than $1 billion to real estate professionals since 1992,” he says.

How Commission Express Works

The Commission Express franchise model is based on a specialized form of invoice factoring (the sale of receivable income to a third party) for real estate professionals. Agents and brokers apply for advances by providing their fully ratified sales contracts with projected closing dates in 90 days or less, says Rachel Feghali, Commission Express national manager. Clients’ fees are based on the size of the commission advance and the number of days until the projected closing, she says.

Upon approval of the client’s application, Commission Express pays an advance of about 80% of the total or portion of the commission being purchased, and holds back the remainder, Feghali says. The client assigns the commission to Commission Express, which gets paid when the transaction settles. If the settlement occurs as scheduled, the funds that have been held back – minus the Commission Express fee – are returned to the client. If the settlement is delayed beyond 30 days, the client incurs additional fees and interest, which are paid from the funds that have been held back.

“One thing that sets our company apart is that we have a 30-day grace period. If something happens and the settlement is delayed for whatever reason, the client doesn’t have to worry about incurring additional fees during that 30-day grace period,” she says.

Market Potential and Demand

The residential real estate market size in the U.S. is enormous, with an average of more than 5 million new and existing home sales per year over the past decade, and a total annual dollar volume of transactions averaging about $1.5 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve. Real estate commissions and related closing costs average about $170 billion annually, which is 0.6% of U.S. gross domestic product, the Fed reports.

Although fluctuations in the real estate market are common, demand by real estate professionals for reliable cash flow remains constant, Stedman says. In a hot market, brokers and agents must spend more on lead generation and marketing to compete for buyers and win listings. Housing inventory might be lower, contributing to longer periods between sales and commission payments. When the market slows down, houses take longer to sell, and agents must spend more to attract buyers from a smaller pool and showcase slow-moving properties. Closings and commission payments are less frequent, but expenses remain constant.

Advantages for Commission Express Franchisees

• No real estate experience necessary. While real estate knowledge is beneficial, it’s not required. “Our franchise owners are people who have had enough life experience to have good judgement and the capital to do business. Generally speaking, we’ve had everybody from Harvard MBAs to people who hadn’t graduated from high school, and they’ve all been successful,” Stedman says.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing support. Franchise training may be virtual or in person at Commission Express headquarters in Virginia, and one-on-one support is ongoing for as long as needed, Feghali says. “We go over our underwriting process start to finish. I will personally do the first handful of transactions with a new franchisee to make sure they know what to look for, and we basically hold their hand per se until they’re ready to take it over on their own. We’re definitely as hands-on as they need us to be,” she says. The corporate team also shares a marketing plan with new franchisees, and focuses heavily on support during their first three months in operation and continuously as needed thereafter, she says, adding that franchise owners also are encouraged to attend real estate trade shows.
• Fast, low-cost startup. Franchise owners need only a computer and internet connection to work from their homes. If they’re eager to start, they can be in business in as little as 14 days (with a month being more typical) from the time they express interest, review the franchise disclosure document (FDD) and go through training, Feghali says.
  Some new franchisees purchase their first commissions while still in training, Stedman says. “We have real-time data here at the national franchise, so if a deal comes in from North Carolina, and we’re here training the new North Carolina franchise owner, we just bring that deal right over. Rachel underwrites with the new franchise owner and away we go,” he says.
• Quick returns on investment. Franchise owners need a minimum of $150,000 in liquid capital to run their businesses, “but our deals turn over so fast that it will take six or eight months to a year to use up that $150,000,” Stedman says.
• Built-in client base. “We’ve been in business so long that it would be hard to find a market where we don’t already have some customers,” he says. “So, when we sell a market, we give the franchise owner all the data on every customer that we’ve ever done business with in that market.”
• Repeat business. As a B2B franchise opportunity, Commission Express cultivates longstanding relationships with clients. Commission Express’ business is composed of 80% repeat customers who use the commission advance company an average of four to six times a year, Feghali says.
  “Once you have 50 clients in your database, you will do a deal every business day. That’s the tipping point for us because of the four to six times a year that they use us and the business resulting from their referrals to others,” Stedman says.
• Steady business regardless of market conditions. When the market is hot, agents and brokers have to spend more to compete with other real estate professionals for buyers and listings, while reduced housing inventory may slow the frequency of sales. When the market slows down, real estate professionals spend more to entice buyers from a smaller pool and showcase slow-moving properties. Expenses remain constant, and so does demand for steady cash flow.
• White-collar, high-value business. Franchise owners keep regular business hours. “When banks are closed, we’re closed,” Stedman says. Franchisees don’t have staffing headaches because they don’t require employees. In this B2B franchise opportunity, owners work with licensed real estate professionals earning an average $125,000 a year or more, and the average commission purchased by Commission Express is right at $8,000, Stedman says.
• Long-standing niche business. With its specialized service and expertise demonstrated over more than 30 years in a highly specific market, the commission advance company has attained significant customer loyalty, as evidenced by its repeat business.

To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit Commission Express.

Infrared light treatments may not be as widely recognized as massage or facials, but this under-the-radar wellness service offers a host of benefits. Regular sessions under the lights can promote stress relief, boost collagen, aid muscle recovery and enhance sleep, among other perks. So, why should light therapy be reserved for professional athletes and elite spa-goers?

For the team at beem Light Sauna, the answer is simple: It shouldn’t. The brand’s mission is to make light-based therapies accessible, efficient and results-driven for everyday people. beem Light Therapy gives customers the chance to silence their phones, decompress and get a little “me time” in a modern, spa-like setting. The brand offers three types of light therapy: infrared light therapy, red light therapy and chromotherapy.

“beem sits at the intersection of biohacking, recovery and modern wellness,” says Jonathan Dibernard, director of education at beem. “Light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light that interact with the body at a cellular level. It’s one of the most underutilized tools for human performance and longevity.”

Consumer interest in light therapy is rising quickly. A 2025 peer-reviewed study published in JMIR Publications found that Google search interest for red-light therapy terms increased 118% after February 2024, while the “Red LED light therapy” hashtag surpassed 70 million views on TikTok. The market is also expanding: Grand View Research projects the global red light therapy market will grow from $533.8 million in 2025 to more than $1.13 billion by 2033.

Accessible Light Therapy

There are various ways to reap the benefits of light therapy and beem has them covered. Clients can access red light therapy, advanced multi-color light beds or infrared saunas. To make treatments affordable — and encourage routine use for maximum results — beem offers memberships and packages that lower costs per session.

“Like exercise or nutrition, light therapy works best when used consistently,” says Dibernard. “Some guests notice the benefits after one session, but typically results appear with two to four sessions a week in the first 30 to 60 days.” Benefits run the gamut. Dibernard claims customers have reported experiencing reduced muscle and joint soreness, faster recovery from workouts, improved skin tone and clarity, increased energy, better sleep, stress reduction, mental clarity and decreased inflammation.

While beem makes light therapy accessible to everyone, the experience is spa-like. Clients get quick check-ins and personalized service, private session rooms and full towel service. “A beem visit is designed to be calm, effortless and elevated,” says Dibernard. “There is no learning curve. Guests show up hydrated, relaxed and ready to experience the benefits.”

beem’s business model is built for strong returns and long-term growth. “beem operates on a membership-driven model with recurring revenue at its core,” says Dibernard. Plus, owners don’ thave to invest in large spaces, which keeps costs down. “We have a compact footprint compared to traditional wellness concepts.”

Light technology is “high-output and low maintenance.” beem requires minimal staffing — licensed practitioners aren’t necessary. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, ongoing education and support for equipment purchases, plus tech-driven tools to manage day-to-day operations. “Owners succeed by executing consistently, educating confidently and building community,” says Dibernard.

As the brand scales through franchising, it is seeking multi-unit partners who are passionate about health and wellness and committed to improving well-being in their local communities.

“There’s an increased focus on recovery, longevity and preventive health, and consumers are demanding non-invasive, drug-free solutions,” says Dibernard. “Plus, we’ve seen proof that it works from athletes, clinicians and wellness influencers. The global light therapy and infrared wellness markets continue to grow at strong double-digit rates.”

Benefits of Light Therapy

INFRARED LIGHT

• What it is: Infrared saunas use infrared lights to heat the body as opposed to heating the air. The result is deep sweat at lower, more comfortable temperatures than traditional saunas.
• Surprising Fact: Treatments mimic a cardio workout, increasing heart rate and improving circulation.

RED LIGHT THERAPY

• What it is: This treatment uses specific wavelengths to penetrate cells and trigger adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, the fuel your cells need to repair and regenerate.
• Surprising Fact: Beyond reducing wrinkles and acne, research shows that red light therapy can help promote brain health, improve vision, stimulate hair growth and lower blood sugar.

CHROMOTHERAPY

• What it is: Considered alternative medicine, chromotherapy uses colored lights to balance energy in the body.
• Surprising Fact: Recent research shows that narrow-band green light can reduce the frequency (and intensity) of chronic migraines by “resting” the visual cortex.

Learn more about the beem Light Sauna franchise opportunity.