YOUR FRANCHISE FAST PASS®

“The most important part of the process for me was understanding what my strengths were, what I was looking for and what would be a good fit. 

Using an experienced Franchise Advisor is key. You need to be cautious of others just throwing a bunch of different companies at you. 

Sure, you can find companies, but it’s important to really understand their values and evaluate how your personality is going to mesh with their culture.”

–PHIL

“I was trying to get a job in the vendor world, but I wasn't even getting a second glance because I didn't have that in my background.

I had never been my own boss. I had always been in situations where other people were determining the trajectory of my life for me. I wanted to be able to direct my life and career myself.

We recognized that it was an excellent opportunity with low enough overhead that we decided to give it a shot.”

–AMY

“I bought [my first] franchise and it was really fun in the beginning. But it was a lot of hard work, and I was on the road trying to see every one of my customers every week. I couldn’t do it anymore. It was killing me.

I went back to working in tech, but was later laid off. One of the things I did wrong the first time was I moved too fast. 

This time, I looked at many different franchises and settled on one that I would not have considered on my own. I was able to make the right decision. 

–STEVE

Whether you are in the market to buy a franchise or simply want to learn more about it, don’t walk; run to get this thorough, clear-eyed and highly readable guide. What comes across throughout is that the author not only knows her material; she knows, understands and truly cares about her audience. Before tackling the step-by-step process involved in purchasing a franchise, the author poses the personal questions one should answer before proceeding. Among them, Do your values align with those of the business you are considering buying? How will owning a franchise affect your family? Is flexibility important? She outlines rewards and potential risks; the range of financing options; and perhaps most important, the need to have an adviser to walk you through each step of the process - and explains that this will involve no cost to you. Multiple first-hand examples offer great insights into the experience. This is an exceptional contribution to the field.

-Margaret

Must-read for anyone interested in owning their own business through franchising. Liz provides extremely helpful guidance and practical advice for prospective franchise owners looking to find their perfect business opportunity. She breaks it down step by step with honest, sincere guidance and very evident knowledge and expertise in the industry. I think my favorite part of this book is not only the helpful advice and how Liz can break this journey down in a simple, easily achievable way that doesn't feel daunting (but actually exciting!), but how incredibly inspiring it is! You can feel how passionate the author, Liz Leonard, is about entrepreneurship and how to be successful in your own business ownership endeavor. I can feel her support through this book! Like having a built in mentor and ally!

-Rose W.

For anyone considering a different career path and/or potential franchise ownership, "Your Franchise Fast Pass" by Liz Leonard is an outstanding read. Liz has an excellent way of introducing the topic of franchising and provides guidance along the way of how to ensure you are making the right franchise selection.

The feedback vignettes from franchise owners that Liz has helped in this journey bring the book to life.

Hearing how real life franchise owners have navigated their purchase and how they are currently doing in their new franchise business (with the support of Liz) is a testament of success.

I would highly recommend this book and Liz's expertise to those considering a franchise opportunity.

-Wendy B.

This book is a comprehensive and invaluable guide, full of actionable resources, for anyone who's at the crossroads of starting a business. The author has lived through multiple business lifecycles, both as a franchisee and as an independent business owner. She references her extensive experience in great detail, showing the reader the plusses and minuses of both journeys and sharing practical advice and real-life success stories--her own as well as others. The book demystifies the complexity and legalese of the franchise process, emphasizing that you don't need to be a millionaire to start. The author's tools and assessments really helped me identify the best fit for my skills, interests, and goals. (Because who wants to end up in another "job" they hate after the honeymoon wears off??) By offering insider tips and the author's unique "franchise fast pass" system, Liz Leonard equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge to navigate franchise ownership confidently. Liz is a no-fluff advisor of wisdom and common sense throughout the book, so I highly recommend this must-have biz book.

-Lori F.

"Your Franchise Fast Pass" by Liz Leonard is a must have resource for anyone considering an investment in a franchise. As an experienced entrepreneur and franchise consultant, Liz provides a playbook based on a foundation of success she has achieved in business and franchising. The book is literally a “step by step” instruction manual on the best path to business ownership.

As someone that has advised start-ups in the past, I wish I had the valuable information in Liz’s book available to me back then. Game changer! The chapter on “Selecting the Best Franchise for You” is a wakeup call to anyone that is considering a start-up or acquiring an independent business. Liz presents an easy-to-understand list of benefits and challenges between the two and does it extremely well.

If you are a first-time entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or just someone looking for the W2 exit ramp, "Your Franchise Fast Pass" will provide you with not only a guide but also a mentor that will lead you to clarity and confidence in deciding if a franchise investment is for you. Highly recommended!

-John III

A must read for anyone considering a franchise! In this concise, yet powerful guide, Liz Leonard draws from her two decades of experience as a franchise advisor. She demystifies franchising, breaking down complex concepts into digestible nuggets of wisdom, covering everything - from initial exploration to thriving business management. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned business owner, her insights are invaluable. Franchising isn’t just for deep pockets. Leonard reveals surprising truths about who can afford to open a franchise and it’s more accessible than you think! Worried about where to start? Leonard provides a step-by-step approach and helps you find the industry that aligns with your goals and passions. She also lets franchise owners share their experiences and their candid insights give you a taste of what it’s like to be in their shoes. The book is packed with valuable resources, making it a no-nonsense handbook for anyone considering a franchise. Remember, franchising isn’t just about profits—it’s about freedom.

-Lisa S.

Highly recommend for people thinking about starting their own business with a franchise. This book provides the right tools, info and resources needed to help you explore the complex world of franchising. Without a guide like this, it's daunting to do on your own as there are so many options to consider. Author Liz Leonard presents the steps to help you decide which franchise categories are of interest and then which companies you want to explore. I'm so glad I found it!

-Steve F.