When considering franchising, families face unique opportunities and challenges that solo entrepreneurs may not experience. Selecting a franchise that aligns with your family’s goals, values, and skills can pave the way for both business success and harmony at home. To explore this, 1851 Franchise interviewed Esmeralda and Michael Avila, franchisees of Image One Facility Solutions, and Tony Mangat of Moe’s Southwest Grill, about their experiences running family-owned franchises.
A Family’s Approach to Franchising
Tony Mangat, an experienced entrepreneur, shared his journey of bringing Moe’s Southwest Grill to Arizona with his family. “For us, the most important factors when choosing a franchise were sustainability and market demand,” he explained. “Since there were no Moe’s locations in Arizona, we saw a unique chance to reintroduce the brand to the Valley. We wanted a franchise with strong growth potential locally and nationally to help expand Moe’s footprint.”
For Michael and Esmeralda, the decision required careful evaluation of the franchise’s history and its potential impact on their family life. “We focused on key factors like a strong sales record and repeat customers,” Esmeralda shared. “We researched local competition, ensured the business model was profitable, and confirmed that we were passionate about the franchise. Most importantly, we made sure it wouldn’t disrupt our family’s relationships or values.”
Aligning Strengths with Business Needs
Success in family-run businesses often comes from aligning individual strengths with business requirements. Tony highlighted this in his partnership with his son, Namit. “Namit is a natural problem solver, so it was clear he should lead the project,” he said.
Similarly, Michael and Esmeralda defined their roles based on their complementary skills. “This decision was simple,” Esmeralda said. “Michael is great in the field and understands the equipment and machinery. I excel in organization, finances, and working with people. By matching our strengths to the franchise’s needs, we created clear roles and respected each other’s boundaries.”
Balancing Family and Business
Running a family business requires balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities. Tony emphasized putting family first: “Your family should always come before the business. A business can only thrive if you support and listen to one another.”
Michael agreed, adding, “Open communication and respect are critical. Each family member needs a defined role based on their skills, not favoritism. We also set boundaries—when it’s family time, we don’t talk about work.”
Managing Financial Investments and Risks
Financial planning is a crucial step for families entering franchising. Esmeralda stressed the importance of understanding the commitment required. “Franchising is not a passive investment—it demands time, energy, and dedication. Since we both have full-time jobs and four children, we carefully evaluated our lifestyle and goals before deciding,” she said.
Tony highlighted the importance of transparency with the franchisor during financial planning. “Every business carries risk, but we focused on launching our first location affordably and worked closely with corporate to align on our financials,” he said.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Benefits
Family-run franchises face unique obstacles, such as blurred boundaries and uneven workloads. Michael noted these challenges but also highlighted the rewards. “The benefits include shared values, a sense of purpose, and the ability to build something meaningful together,” he said.
Tony added that having clear rules helps maintain balance. “When working with family, expectations are even higher. Clear boundaries and processes ensure professionalism and prevent misunderstandings.”
Key Priorities for Family Franchises
Reflecting on their experiences, both families emphasized the importance of planning and hard work. “Families need to focus on problem-solving and preparing for challenges,” Tony said. “Once roles are defined, you can start building your team.”
Michael highlighted the importance of franchisor support. “Understanding what to expect from the franchisor is key. Modern franchisors provide tailored training programs to set franchisees up for success. Image One Facility Solutions did exactly that for us,” he explained.
Choosing the right franchise involves more than just financial considerations—it’s about aligning values, leveraging strengths, and fostering collaboration. With thoughtful planning, clear boundaries, and open communication, families can achieve both business and personal success in franchising.
