Expanding Your Franchise Portfolio? Insights from Successful Multi-Unit Franchise Owners on Their Most Effective Strategies.
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In the ever-evolving world of franchising, multi-unit ownership continues to be a significant trend, accounting for over half of the industry in 2025. This growth is fuelled by franchisors offering incentives, discounts, and proven scalable business models.
The latest ranking of top brands for multi-unit ownership, based on the company's 2025 Franchise 500 score, highlights several standout franchises. Mosquito Shield, Five Star Bath Solutions, and European Wax Center are among the leading brands, recognised for their strong multi-unit growth, support, and franchisee satisfaction.
Mosquito Shield, ranked No. 58, and Five Star Bath Solutions, No. 107 on Entrepreneur’s multi-unit franchise list, have over 90% of their territories owned by multi-unit franchisees, with an average of over three territories per owner. European Wax Center also earns a top-20 spot for multi-unit ownership, thanks to its strong brand and franchisee support.
These franchises excel in various sectors, with Mosquito Shield and Five Star Bath Solutions leading in home services, known for their low startup costs and recession resistance. European Wax Center, on the other hand, shines in the waxing services category.
The success of multi-unit ownership is not only due to the franchises' support systems but also their investment in brand recognition and marketing. This investment helps multi-unit franchisees achieve faster profitability and benefit from economies of scale.
Other brands supporting multi-unit ownership include Dine Brands (IHOP), PuroClean, Sylvan Learning, Big O Tires, and Purpose Brands (Anytime Fitness). These brands invest in various strategies to foster a cohesive culture, improve operations, and prepare franchisees for sustainable growth.
Jake Barden, senior vice president of franchise sales at Dine Brands, emphasises the importance of inspiring, delegating, and building a cohesive culture for successful multi-unit ownership. Tim Courtney, vice president of franchise development at PuroClean, supports multi-unit ownership through the PuroClean Elevations Program, which strengthens operations, improves profitability, and prepares franchisees for sustainable growth.
Susan Valverde, brand president of Sylvan Learning, highlights the shift from being an operator to a coach of operators for multi-unit success. Matt Stanton, chief development officer of Purpose Brands (Anytime Fitness), facilitates connections among multi-unit owners through conferences, regional meetings, and online forums.
Gary Skidmore, chief operating officer of Big O Tires, supports multi-unit ownership through a flexible and scalable business model, reduced royalty fee percentages based on store count and sales, expansion planning support, and a point-of-sale system configured for multi-store operations.
Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas, stresses the importance of a clear long-term vision, a strong focus on the guest experience, and empowering passionate store managers for multi-unit success.
It's essential to note that this ranking should not be seen as a recommendation of any particular brand. Potential franchisees are advised to read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to existing and former franchisees before investing.
With over 40% of all franchise units owned by multi-unit franchisees, and the average franchisee owning 2.4 units, the future of multi-unit ownership in the franchise industry looks promising. The key lies in finding the right franchise that aligns with your goals, skills, and resources.
- In the franchising industry, multi-unit ownership is a significant trend, with over half of the industry being accounted for in 2025.
- Mosquito Shield, Five Star Bath Solutions, and European Wax Center are leading franchises recognized for their strong multi-unit growth, support, and franchisee satisfaction.
- These franchises excel in various sectors, with Mosquito Shield and Five Star Bath Solutions leading in home services, while European Wax Center shines in the waxing services category.
- The success of multi-unit ownership is not only due to the franchises' support systems but also their investment in brand recognition and marketing.
- Other brands supporting multi-unit ownership include Dine Brands (IHOP), PuroClean, Sylvan Learning, Big O Tires, and Purpose Brands (Anytime Fitness).
- Susan Valverde, brand president of Sylvan Learning, emphasizes the shift from being an operator to a coach of operators for multi-unit success.
- Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas, stresses the importance of a clear long-term vision, a strong focus on the guest experience, and empowering passionate store managers for multi-unit success in the franchise industry.
