Introductions and Backgrounds

AJ Wasserstein, Peter Mistretta & Mike Horowitz distill the selection of a franchise brand into 10 essential criteria. 

Topics in today’s interview with A.J., Michael, and Peter:

• Why you should (and should not) buy into a franchise system
• Likelihood of becoming a billionaire, centi-millionaire, or deca-millionaire by acquiring franchise businesses
• The importance of defining what success looks like to you
• “Blind” evaluation of a franchise system
• How to evaluate a brand & system
• How to evaluate a franchisor
• Assessing demographics of existing franchisee base
• The importance of store-level economics
• Can you even break into the franchise system?
• “X factor” and unmasking a brand after your analysis

References and how to contact A.J., Michael, and Peter:

• A.J.: adam.wasserstein@yale.edu and all his case notes at Yale
• Michael Horowitz
• Peter Mistretta
• Case note this episode is based on: Ten Essential Questions to Consider When Selecting a Franchise Brand for a Search Fund Journey
• Related case note: Exploring Franchisees as a Post-MBA Entrepreneurial Path
• Roark Capital
• Wisconsin FDD Search
• Gregg Flynn of Flynn Restaurant Group
• Barry Dubin of KPB Brands, operator of 1,000+ KFC, Taco Bell, and Arby's restaurants.

Acquiring Minds episodes referred to:

• How to Build a Portfolio of 20 Franchise Locations (Michael Horowitz)
• How a $40k Acquisition Led to a Franchise Empire (James Temple)
• How to Roll Up Legacy Franchises (to $36m/yr) (Brian Beers)
• Opening Up to Franchises to Buy a Great Business (Doug Johns)

Connect with A-players who can run your business remotely:

• More Staffing

Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

• Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

Connect with Acquiring Minds: 

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow Will on Twitter