15 Secrets of the Fastest-Growing Franchises

Learn from the best.

By Tracy Stapp Herold • Feb 21, 2017

courtneyk | Getty Images

The companies on Entrepreneur’s 2017 Fastest-Growing Franchises list are growing by dozens and even hundreds of units a year. In an industry that’s all about increasing your presence and your brand, they’re obviously doing something right. So we asked a few of them to share the secrets and strategies behind their explosive growth. Read on.

Exceed expectations.

Michelle Fee, cofounder and CEO of Cruise Planners (ranked #3 on the 2017 Fastest-Growing Franchises list):

Stay ahead of support.

Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO of 9Round-30 Min Kickbox Fitness (#22):

Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Justin Wetherill, CEO of uBreakiFix (#28):

risk trust

Do what comes naturally.

Bryon Stephens, president of Marco’s Pizza (#29):

“More and more of our growth is being driven by franchisees who gain a foundation of success with their first store and go on to open additional stores. This shift has been organic, and the results are a win for the brand, for existing franchisees who grow their businesses with familiar operating systems and marketing practices, and for the new franchisees who have experienced mentors to help them get established.”

Make passion and profitability go hand in hand.

Kelly Sweeney, chief sales and marketing officer of Jazzercise (#31):

The boring stuff matters.

Adam Povlitz, president of Anago Cleaning Systems (#33):

training programs

Go after your key demographics.

Tim Courtney, VP of franchise development of CruiseOne/Dream Vacations (#44):

recruitment

Make it easy to share ideas.

Jim Abrams, founder and CEO of Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers (#45):

ideas

Never compromise.

Heather Neary, president of Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels (#51):

values

Grow from within.

Kari Comrov, chief of staff for Seva Beauty (#62):

Don’t just grow — evolve.

Laura Rea Dickey, CIO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (#65):

“There are three keys to successful growth: First, know who you are as a brand; second, don’t be afraid to change anything that isn’t core to who you are; and third, actively pursue high-quality franchisees who share your vision. Growth is not as relevant as how you handle the challenge to evolve to meet changing customers, nimble competitors and a shifting marketplace. Our “evolve or fail’ strategy is what sets us apart. We invest constantly in training, technology, communication tools and R&D.”