January 2019

Marketing

Hims Scored Big With Male Consumers. Can It Repeat The Trick With Women?

The year-old startup got men to comfortably talk about uncomfortable issues. Now, the launch of Hers will test its ability to reach women with the same level of finesse.

By Andrew Leonard

Buying a Franchise

Franchise 500: Our Definitive Ranking of 2019’s Strongest Franchises

What trends are tops? What brands have proved most lasting? What franchise may be the right opportunity for you? Explore, absorb, and learn from our annual list.

Buying a Franchise

#1 on the Franchise 500: How McDonald’s Evolved With Its Customer

The #1 company on our annual Franchise 500 list is a master class in staying power.

By Clint Carter

Buying a Franchise

#2 on the Franchise 500: How Dunkin’ Continues To Thrive

Even with a forward looking rebrand to just Dunkin', the #2 company on our Franchise 500 list knows its soul.

By Matthew McCreary

Buying a Franchise

#3 on the Franchise 500: Sonic Drive-In Looks to the Future

The #3 company on our Franchise 500 list may be built on the idea of nostalgia, but a new wave of tech-focused initiatives is laying a strong foundation for years to come.

By Matthew McCreary

Buying a Franchise

#4 on the Franchise 500: Why Taco Bell Has Its Sights Set On Your City

The #4 company on our Franchise 500 list knows that to grow its customer base, it must go where customers are: metropolitan communities.

By Matthew McCreary

Buying a Franchise

Five Ways to Finance a Franchise

Franchisees share how they pulled together the cash to open their own franchise.

By Daniel Bortz

Buying a Franchise

#5 on the Franchise 500: The UPS Store Gets a Consumer-Friendly Makeover

The #5 company on our Franchise 500 list fights off old-age with constant reinvention.

By Hayden Field

Buying a Franchise

#6 on the Franchise 500: Culver’s Succeeds By Investing In Managers

At the #6 company on our Franchise 500 list, a mentorship program focuses on turning store managers into franchisees -- and it's fueling growth.

By Hayden Field

Buying a Franchise

#7 on the Franchise 500: Planet Fitness Plans to Dominate the Fitness World

The #7 company on our Franchise 500 list has learned exactly what its customers want -- and how to deliver.

By Hayden Field

Buying a Franchise

#8 on the Franchise 500: Great Clips Reinvents the Haircut Experience

The #8 company on our Franchise 500 list has an app that's been downloaded more than 10 million times, tracking customer appointments, history, and preferences.

By Patrick Carone

Buying a Franchise

#10 on the Franchise 500: How 7-Eleven Plans to Double In Size In the U.S. By 2027

The #10 company on our Franchise 500 list had its fair share of challenges in 2018, but still has big goals for the future.

By Hayden Field

Buying a Franchise

#9 on the Franchise 500: Jersey Mike’s Succeeds By Supporting Its Franchisees

The #9 company on our Franchise 500 list recommitted to franchisee training in 2018, conducting more than 1,000 classes and launching a new management platform.

By Patrick Carone

Buying a Franchise

To Make 1-800-Got-Junk A Success, Its Founder Had To Rethink Everything (Including Himself)

1-800-Got-Junk was a runaway success, so much so that founder Brian Scudamore didn't know how else to grow. So he considered: what other services do my customers need?

By J.J. McCorvey

Buying a Franchise

How These 6 Franchises Have Thrived For Decades

Six companies have been on our Franchise 500 list for at least 38 of the 40 years we've produced the ranking. Here are their secrets.

By Hayden Field and Matthew McCreary

Thought Leaders

For Struggling Startups, Retirees Are Coming to the Rescue

An increasing amount of founders are looking to folks who've been there and done that -- and benefitting from their hard-earned expertise.

By Liz Brody

Building a Business

The Best Employees Have Side Hustles — Here’s Why

How does an entrepreneur get started? By busting out of someone else's box.

By Jason Feifer

Building a Business

How Birchbox CEO Katia Beauchamp Evolved Along With Her Brand

A new partnership with Walgreens is the company's latest play for continued success.

By Stephanie Schomer

Business Plan

How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Staff

Six entrepreneurs share smart tips for trimming operation costs.

By Entrepreneur Staff

Business Branding

Remember Slice Soda? It’s Back — But Very Different.

Why these entrepreneurs bet on nostalgia for the old soda brand.

By Liz Brody

Human Resources

Workplace Flexibility Helps Entrepreneurs Attract Top Talent

Executive search firm Inkwell connects brands with seasoned employees who need flexible schedules.

By Liz Brody

Human Resources

Bumble’s Austin Headquarters Is All About Good Vibes

The dating app's employees are big on in-office engagement and out-of-office socializing.

By Hayden Field

Building a Business

How One Bag Fits Every Shopping Cart

The founders of Lotus Trolley, a reusable shopping bag system, measured shopping carts across the globe to build a product that would work for all customers.

By Stephanie Schomer

Building a Business

SimpliSafe Chased the Wrong Customer. This Pivot Saved The Business.

SimpliSafe is a security system built for renters. But it unexpectedly gained traction with homeowners.

By Jason Feifer

Thought Leaders

The Difference Between Being a Boss and Being a Friend

Find the line that works for your company -- and don't cross it.

By Adam Bornstein

Building a Business

A Childhood Memory Helped This Founder Find Her Passion

Marissa Louie, CEO of stuffed animal company Animoodles, found her path thanks to a cherished toy that belonged to her late sister.

By Marissa Louie

Online Presence

Don’t Know How to Reach Gen Z? Just Ask Beautycon.

CEO Moj Mahdara is helping brands across industries connect with the next generation of consumers.

By Stephanie Schomer

Building a Business

How Michael Strahan Took Control of His Post-Football Career

The NFL star redefined himself after retirement from the sport, and found a whole new world of opportunity.

By Mary Pilon

Buying a Franchise

Want to Know Which Franchise is Right For You? Follow These 4 Essential Steps

With so many franchise opportuntiies out there, learn how to narrow the field of prospective franchises to boost your chances of success.

By Mark Siebert