Episode 28: Finding Your Perfect Franchise Match with Doug Stout
02/09/25 • 13 min
In this episode of Confessions From the Home Office, I'm talking with my friend of over 15 years, Doug Stout. He is based in Greenville, South Carolina, and helps people explore franchise ownership opportunities at no cost to them. He entered the franchise industry after being laid off twice in 18 months at age 35, discovering that franchising extended far beyond just food services.
Currently, Doug and his wife own freecoat Nails, an organic nail salon franchise. They operate it semi-absentee, spending about 15 hours per week managing their manager who runs day-to-day operations. The business has grown significantly over two and a half years, now employing 17 people!
A common misconception Doug encounters is that franchise owners need expertise in their chosen industry. He emphasizes that franchisors provide comprehensive training and support - citing examples like McDonald's owners rarely being in stores and an investment banker he placed in a windshield repair franchise. The key is being a good business owner and believing in the product/service.
The franchise exploration process typically takes 3-4 months, including weekly meetings, franchisor discussions, and funding arrangements. Doug can gauge potential franchisee success by their commitment to following the process, consistent attendance at meetings and completing assignments indicates business owner readiness.
Current franchise industry trends show continued strength in home services, while health and wellness sectors are experiencing significant growth. The industry has evolved to include about 6,000 franchisors across 200 different business categories.
Doug's key advice for new franchisees: "Breathe." The first 18 months can be anxiety-inducing while learning something completely new. He notes that franchise systems offer strong support networks, with franchisees helping each other succeed unlike traditional corporate environments.
Contact Information:
- Company: The Perfect Franchise
- Phone: 864-346-5277
- Email: [email protected]
- Also available on LinkedIn (search Doug Stout)
Wendi Hill can be reached at [email protected] or 864.363.2000.
Market Momentum is a full-service marketing consulting company located in Greenville, South Carolina. Market Momentum helps businesses plan and execute their marketing consistently, using online and offline tools. No marketing team member on staff? You probably don't need one. Companies outsource their marketing to us, and we become your Marketing Department. Get all of the expertise without all of the overhead.
Many clients struggle with the technology that goes along with marketing. Don't worry. We have you covered. When you work with us, you get marketing and the technical support you need for your marketing platforms. To learn more, visit marketmomentum.biz.
#marketingconsulting #marketingpodcast #marketmomentum #wendihill #greenvillescmarketingconsulting #digitalmarketinggreenvillesouthcarolina
In this episode of Confessions From the Home Office, I'm talking with my friend of over 15 years, Doug Stout. He is based in Greenville, South Carolina, and helps people explore franchise ownership opportunities at no cost to them. He entered the franchise industry after being laid off twice in 18 months at age 35, discovering that franchising extended far beyond just food services.
Currently, Doug and his wife own freecoat Nails, an organic nail salon franchise. They operate it semi-absentee, spending about 15 hours per week managing their manager who runs day-to-day operations. The business has grown significantly over two and a half years, now employing 17 people!
A common misconception Doug encounters is that franchise owners need expertise in their chosen industry. He emphasizes that franchisors provide comprehensive training and support - citing examples like McDonald's owners rarely being in stores and an investment banker he placed in a windshield repair franchise. The key is being a good business owner and believing in the product/service.
The franchise exploration process typically takes 3-4 months, including weekly meetings, franchisor discussions, and funding arrangements. Doug can gauge potential franchisee success by their commitment to following the process, consistent attendance at meetings and completing assignments indicates business owner readiness.
Current franchise industry trends show continued strength in home services, while health and wellness sectors are experiencing significant growth. The industry has evolved to include about 6,000 franchisors across 200 different business categories.
Doug's key advice for new franchisees: "Breathe." The first 18 months can be anxiety-inducing while learning something completely new. He notes that franchise systems offer strong support networks, with franchisees helping each other succeed unlike traditional corporate environments.
Contact Information:
- Company: The Perfect Franchise
- Phone: 864-346-5277
- Email: [email protected]
- Also available on LinkedIn (search Doug Stout)
Wendi Hill can be reached at [email protected] or 864.363.2000.
Market Momentum is a full-service marketing consulting company located in Greenville, South Carolina. Market Momentum helps businesses plan and execute their marketing consistently, using online and offline tools. No marketing team member on staff? You probably don't need one. Companies outsource their marketing to us, and we become your Marketing Department. Get all of the expertise without all of the overhead.
Many clients struggle with the technology that goes along with marketing. Don't worry. We have you covered. When you work with us, you get marketing and the technical support you need for your marketing platforms. To learn more, visit marketmomentum.biz.
#marketingconsulting #marketingpodcast #marketmomentum #wendihill #greenvillescmarketingconsulting #digitalmarketinggreenvillesouthcarolina
Previous Episode
Episode 27: What I’ve Learned After Owning a Business 7,300 Days
In this special 20th anniversary episode of Confessions from the Home Office, I'm sharing 10 lessons I've learned since starting my business on February 1, 2005.
NOTE: I was not wearing my glasses when I was calculating the days. I said over 9000 days on the podcast. I am not a math whiz. LOL! It's 7300 days!
Lessons range from not scaling to a huge company, staying ahead and prepping, and how you have to evolve.
Watch/listen to learn all 10.
Thank you to all of my supporters. 20 years went by in a flash! Here's to many more!
This episode can be found on major podcast platforms including Apple, Audible, Spotify, and Pandora, as well as on YouTube.
Contact: [email protected]
Market Momentum is a full-service marketing consulting company located in Greenville, South Carolina. Market Momentum helps businesses plan and execute their marketing consistently, using online and offline tools. No marketing team member on staff? You probably don't need one. Companies outsource their marketing to us, and we become your Marketing Department. Get all of the expertise without all of the overhead.
Many clients struggle with the technology that goes along with marketing. Don't worry. We have you covered. When you work with us, you get marketing and the technical support you need for your marketing platforms. To learn more, visit marketmomentum.biz.
#marketingconsulting #marketingpodcast #marketmomentum #wendihill #greenvillescmarketingconsulting #digitalmarketinggreenvillesouthcarolina
Next Episode
Episode 29: Cooking Up Security: A Chef's Guide to Medicare & Retirement
In this episode of Confessions From the Home Office, I interview Wes Wright, whose entrepreneurial journey took him from professional chef to Medicare and retirement planning specialist. After 17 years in the culinary world and running a successful food truck business, Wes found his calling in helping people navigate the complexities of retirement planning and Medicare. His transition was inspired by his mother's challenging experience with healthcare costs, including $300,000 in long-term care expenses.
Wes shares how his background as a chef helps him break down complex Medicare information for clients, treating each one like family. He emphasizes starting retirement planning in your mid-50s and explains why Medicare supplement plans often better serve his clients' needs, despite lower commissions. His approach combines the precision of his culinary training with a deep understanding of retirement planning needs.
Drawing from his varied entrepreneurial experiences, including a fortunately-timed near-miss with restaurant ownership just before COVID-19, Wes now guides clients through critical planning periods at ages 591⁄2 and 62. He provides in-person consultations to ensure clients fully understand their Medicare options and avoid costly mistakes.
Connect with Wes: Phone: 864-710-6611 Email: [email protected] Website: hopkinsfinancial.com
Subscribe, follow, like, share and comment!
Contact Wendi Hill at [email protected]
Market Momentum is a full-service marketing consulting company located in Greenville, South Carolina. Market Momentum helps businesses plan and execute their marketing consistently, using online and offline tools. No marketing team member on staff? You probably don't need one. Companies outsource their marketing to us, and we become your Marketing Department. Get all of the expertise without all of the overhead.
Many clients struggle with the technology that goes along with marketing. Don't worry. We have you covered. When you work with us, you get marketing and the technical support you need for your marketing platforms. To learn more, visit marketmomentum.biz.
#marketingconsulting #marketingpodcast #marketmomentum #wendihill #greenvillescmarketingconsulting #digitalmarketinggreenvillesouthcarolina
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