Stephanie Schomer

We dig into four different companies to learn why they recruit franchisees the way they do, and what life is like for someone who owns multiple units.

Phenix Salon Suites is anticipating a surge in business from stylists who want more security, safety, and control over their operations.

Pritesh Benjamin hadn't planned to spend much time in the kitchen, but when business dropped 70 percent overnight, he rolled up his sleeves and got to cooking.

Bearaby makes weighted blankets to help its customers sleep better. To help its employees work (and live) better, the company embraces a flexible schedule that celebrates snoozing.

The end of the pandemic is in sight, and many franchises are anticipating an explosion in business. Leaders at four franchises share how their brands are working overtime to prepare for the rush and win back coveted business.

Finding a service provider to help you manage payroll or HR functions can save valuable time. Here are five things to prioritize in your search.

In 2020, just before the pandemic, we photographed the staff of Zola in their New York office. One year later, we checked back in to see how they're doing -- at home.

Industrial-services franchise Pirtek USA was deemed an essential business last year. Making it through a pandemic wasn't easy, but CEO Kim Gubera says they're stronger as a result.

Home renovation startup Sweeten created trust as the foundation of its business -- and now it has $1.5 billion worth of work in its pipeline.

Yousuf Ali had a successful career in marketing until he failed to embrace new technologies. Now, as a My Eyelab franchisee, embracing forward-thinking capabilities is the key to his success.

Julia Collins, founder and CEO of Planet FWD, is out to solve climate change...with snack food. Her journey is a lesson on the small steps toward big impact.

Fosters Freeze is a beloved California ice cream franchise with more than 70 years of history, 65 locations - and no store growth in 15 years. But that's about to change.

There's more to merchant services than just accepting credit card payments. Here's how to figure out your own priorities as you look for a vendor.

PopCom founder and CEO Dawn Dickson started out selling shoes to women, and ended up making over the vending machine industry with smart technology.

Toya Evans and her daughters aren't just running a franchise business. They're strengthening their family, their community, and the fortune of future franchisees.

Two moms started a business when they saw a problem with the kids' clothing market. Their solution is now the booming clothing brand Primary.

Actress and entrepreneur Drew Barrymore runs a lifestyle brand, a production company, and she launched a daily talk show during the pandemic. What are her tricks to making it all work? She'll get back to you.

The #2 company on our Franchise 500 list closed some stores during the pandemic, but new stores are seeing higher sales.

The #3 company on our Franchise 500 list met the pandemic with a socially-distant store redesign.

The #4 company on our Franchise 500 list wants to be one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S.

As a Green Home Solutions franchisee, Jason Toliver works to make customers' homes safer and healthier. He's focused on earning their trust-because his business depends on it.

Rafael Alvarez spent three decades building a tax-preparation franchise trusted by the Latino community. Now he's preparing for rapid growth and national expansion.

That's how Christine Schindler turned a raw technology into a popular tool to make restaurants safer.

It can be done successfully, but there are nuances to consider when rethinking your recruiting and hiring process.

We checked in with Mauro Guillén, a leading sociologist and economist, to find out.

During the pandemic, entrepreneurs shared information like never before. That's not going away.

Community Engagement is about more than just social media interactions. Cara Sabin, CEO of Sundial Brands, offers advice on being relevant today - and tomorrow.

Before making a tough decision that impacts your team's future, Gravity Payments CEO Dan Price has a simple suggestion: Ask them for advice. It worked for him.

Dan Murphy is an Army vet and a former NCAA athlete who knows the power of community. Now, as COO of the gym franchise D1 Training, his business is only as strong as its weakest link.

Dee Clemmons had experienced the brand as a customer, and it made her feel at peace. Now she's out to share that feeling.