The FBR50 is the only awards program to look at actual franchisee satisfaction data and rank companies based on that.
Introduction
In 2005, Franchise Business Review set out to identify the top brands in all of franchising based on its annual survey of franchisees. Originally dubbed the “FBR50” because it included only 50 companies, the list has grown to include more than 150 companies spread out across three categories (small, medium, and large franchise businesses).
The data for this report was compiled as part of Franchise Business Review’s annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards, which recognize the top franchise brands based on overall franchisee satisfaction. Now in its 7th year, the FBR50 is the only awards program to look at actual franchisee satisfaction data and rank companies based on that.
To compile the data for this report, over 22,000 franchisees, representing more than 300 brands and 135,000 franchise units/locations were surveyed. The survey is open to all North America-based franchise companies at no cost (Not all brands are willing to survey their franchisees, which may be a red flag in and of itself.)
Of course, no matter how great a franchise company sounds, it is always important for prospective franchisees to thoroughly research any business opportunity from multiple levels—not just to confirm that the business is healthy but also to ensure that the culture and fit is right for them.
Senior Care
Home Instead Senior Care
Startup Investment: US$50,550 – US$63,550
Cash Requirement: US$39,000
Domestic Franchises: 597
The Home Instead Senior Care family network of locally owned franchise offices was developed with a passionate desire to be your trusted source in helping your family keep your aging mother, father, grandparents or friends in their home as they grow older.
Fitness
Fitness Revolution
Startup Investment: US$16,278 – US$119,409
Cash Requirement: US$16,278 – US$119,409
Domestic Franchises: 125
Fitness Revolution is the fastest growing personal training franchise in the world today, but it’s so much more. Fitness Revolution is a national network of like-minded fitness entrepreneurs committed to revolutionizing the fitness industry; a knowledgeable, professional team of coaches to help guide you over hurdles and unleash your business potential; an internal and external comprehensive marketing program; and an operational system that’s a must if you are to ever have any freedom in your life whatsoever.
Real Estate
Sotheby’s International Realty
Startup Investment: US$196,050 – US$612,500
Cash Requirement: US$153,550 – US$566,500
Domestic Franchises: 320+
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty Affliates LLC network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning
Startup Investment: US$28,900 – US$64,000
Cash Requirement: US$15,000
Domestic Franchises: 1,248
Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning brings together the best products and services to create an excellent franchise package. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we can get you started of on the right track. Join the franchise that has been rated #1 by Franchise Business Review for fi ve years in a row
Travel
Cruise Planners
Startup Investment: US$495 – US$9,995
Cash Requirement: US$10,000
Domestic Franchises: 800+
Cruise Planners/American Express is a low investment, home based, business opportunity that yields high returns with no travel experience required. Americans have trusted the brand name American Express above all others in travel for over 150 years. We are an American Express Travel Service Representative agency, which lends instant credibility to our new franchise owners with a trusted, well-recognized brand.
Health & Beauty
European Wax Center
Startup Investment: US$292,200 – US$374,897
Cash Requirement: US$200,000 – US$400,000
Domestic Franchises: 324
European Wax Center is the nation’s leader in comfortable, healthy waxing. It is determined to position itself as a key player in the world of franchising. In developing its franchise opportunity, European Wax Center wanted to understand the real concerns of potential franchisees. For this reason, European Wax Center values the opinions and insights of its existing franchisees and utilizes their knowledge to establish a business model that meets the needs of the team.
Cleaning & Maintenance
MaidPro
Startup Investment: US$18,709 – US$103,959
Cash Requirement: US$20,000
Domestic Franchises: 135
MaidPro prides itself on its proven groundbreaking technology and software, creative marketing efforts, established brand identity, and stellar support to its franchisees. The company is constantly trying to reinvent new practices and refi ne old ones to ensure its place in the rapidly growing house cleaning industry. MaidPro offers you the advantages of rapid growth, low startup costs, manageable hours, and recurring revenue. Join a franchise that gives you control and ownership of your business with unmatched 24/7 support!
Business Services
FocalPoint Coaching
Startup Investment: US$75,550 – US$121,950
Cash Requirement: US$49,950
Domestic Franchises: 60
FocalPoint Coaching, powered by Brian Tracy, specializes in training managers, entrepreneurs, and executives who are passionate about coaching, teaching, and mentoring others. Franchisees receive exceptional training, support, and the resources needed to be successful. At FocalPoint, you’ll learn how to think and act like a business coach, how to find and acquire clients, and how to keep them!
Services
Precision Concrete Cutting
Startup Investment: US$130,000 – US$144,500
Cash Requirement: US$80,000
Domestic Franchises: 26
Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC) franchises fulfll the federally mandated need to maintain sidewalks and public walkways. Additionally, you help municipalities, property managers, and companies increase safety and bring the sidewalks into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Anywhere there is concrete, there is a need for our service. PCC is the market leader in both technology and price using its proprietary system and methods. As a franchise owner, you have the industry’s best solution, recurring revenues from renewable clients, unlimited support, and a great network of other franchise owners.
Services
Weed Man
Startup Investment: US$40,000 – US$60,000
Cash Requirement: US$60,000
Domestic Franchises: 394
Ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2012 Franchise 500, #1 in the category of “Lawn Care,” the Weed Man franchise system provides homeowners with reasonably priced, fully guaranteed lawn care services. Weed Man offers entrepreneurs a successful system to build high-margin recurring revenues with minimal capital investment and limited exposure to recession in an industry whose strong growth is fuelled by the demographic trends of dual-income families and aging baby boomers. Through proven systems, unparalleled support, and marketing know-how, these franchise owners have grown Weed Man one customer at a time. Today, more than 394 unit territories exist across North America, reporting more than US$110 million in combined annual revenues.
