Why Use a Franchise Broker Instead of Going Directly to the Franchisor?

A franchise broker brings industry expertise and insights that you may not have access to when dealing directly with a franchisor. We know which franchises are reliable, profitable, and available in your area. More importantly, we help identify which franchise aligns best with your goals as a business owner. Working with us saves you time, money, and stress by streamlining the decision-making process and ensuring you’re choosing the right opportunity.

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Franchise Broker?

Our services are completely free for you as a candidate. You pay the same price for the franchise as you would if you went directly to the franchisor. The franchisor covers our fees as part of their marketing costs, recognizing the value we bring by connecting them with quality, vetted candidates. This creates a win-win situation for both the franchise candidate and the franchisor.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Franchise?

Franchising allows you to own your own business with the support of an established brand. The franchisor provides you with training, marketing support, and proven systems to help you succeed. They’ve already navigated the common challenges, so you benefit from their experience. In essence, you get to build on the successes of those who came before you, reducing your risk and increasing your chance of success.

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Yes, we can connect you with trusted funding sources to help finance your franchise purchase. Since securing funding is a critical step, we make sure to address it early in the process, ensuring any challenges are managed proactively.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Business Started?

The timeline is largely up to you. Once you engage with us and are motivated and responsive, we can typically match you with a suitable franchise opportunity within one to three months.

Do I Need Industry Experience to Buy a Franchise?

No, most franchisors actually prefer candidates with no prior industry experience. They want owners who are coachable and can follow their established systems. What they look for are people with transferable skills like leadership, sales, and operations management, rather than specific industry expertise.

How Does a Franchise Broker Help Find the Best Fit?

We start by learning about your specific goals and preferences through a detailed consultation. We’ll ask questions like: Why do you want to own a business? What hours do you prefer to work? Do you enjoy sales or customer service? What location preferences do you have? How much capital do you have to invest? Is brand recognition important to you? From there, we create a personal profile and research franchise opportunities that meet your criteria. We then narrow down the options to a short list, saving you time and effort. Each franchise in our inventory has been thoroughly reviewed to meet our high standards, ensuring you only see the best opportunities. In short, working with a franchise broker simplifies the process, helps you make informed decisions, and increases your chances of finding the right franchise to help you achieve your business goals.

Why Use a Franchise Broker Instead of Going Directly to the Franchisor?

A franchise broker brings industry expertise and insights that you may not have access to when dealing directly with a franchisor. We know which franchises are reliable, profitable, and available in your area. More importantly, we help identify which franchise aligns best with your goals as a business owner. Working with us saves you time, money, and stress by streamlining the decision-making process and ensuring you’re choosing the right opportunity.

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Franchise Broker?

Our services are completely free for you as a candidate. You pay the same price for the franchise as you would if you went directly to the franchisor. The franchisor covers our fees as part of their marketing costs, recognizing the value we bring by connecting them with quality, vetted candidates. This creates a win-win situation for both the franchise candidate and the franchisor.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Franchise?

Franchising allows you to own your own business with the support of an established brand. The franchisor provides you with training, marketing support, and proven systems to help you succeed. They’ve already navigated the common challenges, so you benefit from their experience. In essence, you get to build on the successes of those who came before you, reducing your risk and increasing your chance of success.

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Yes, we can connect you with trusted funding sources to help finance your franchise purchase. Since securing funding is a critical step, we make sure to address it early in the process, ensuring any challenges are managed proactively.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Business Started?

The timeline is largely up to you. Once you engage with us and are motivated and responsive, we can typically match you with a suitable franchise opportunity within one to three months.

Do I Need Industry Experience to Buy a Franchise?

No, most franchisors actually prefer candidates with no prior industry experience. They want owners who are coachable and can follow their established systems. What they look for are people with transferable skills like leadership, sales, and operations management, rather than specific industry expertise.

How Does a Franchise Broker Help Find the Best Fit?

We start by learning about your specific goals and preferences through a detailed consultation. We’ll ask questions like: Why do you want to own a business? What hours do you prefer to work? Do you enjoy sales or customer service? What location preferences do you have? How much capital do you have to invest? Is brand recognition important to you? From there, we create a personal profile and research franchise opportunities that meet your criteria. We then narrow down the options to a short list, saving you time and effort. Each franchise in our inventory has been thoroughly reviewed to meet our high standards, ensuring you only see the best opportunities. In short, working with a franchise broker simplifies the process, helps you make informed decisions, and increases your chances of finding the right franchise to help you achieve your business goals.

What is franchising and how does it work?

Franchising allows you to own and operate your own business using the brand, systems, and support of an established company. You invest in a proven model and receive training, marketing tools, and ongoing guidance to help you succeed.

How much does it cost to buy a franchise?

Startup costs vary by brand and industry. Some franchises start under $100,000, while others require larger investments of $250,000+. Each franchise includes different fees such as the initial investment, equipment, and royalties — all clearly outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before you decide.

Can I finance a franchise purchase?

Yes! Many franchisors have financing partners or are eligible for SBA loans. Our team can also connect you with funding specialists who help franchise buyers secure the best financing options for their situation. This can include ROBs, home equity options or other finance options.

Do I need prior business experience?

Not necessarily. Most franchises offer full training and support to help you hit the ground running. Your motivation, work ethic, and ability to follow a proven system are often more important than prior experience.

How long does it take to open a franchise?

It varies. Typically, it takes 3–6 months from initial research to opening day. The timeline depends on your chosen brand, location selection, financing, and training requirements. However if there’s any training or build out requirements it may take longer.

Can I own more than one franchise location?

Yes, many franchise owners expand into multiple territories once they’re established. Some brands even offer multi-unit discounts (e.g. three-pack, five-pack, etc.) or exclusive regional rights for qualified investors.

Can international buyers or E-2 visa investors own a U.S. franchise?

Yes. Many of the franchises we work with welcome E-2 visa candidates and foreign investors. Franchising can be a great pathway to owning a business in the U.S. while meeting visa investment requirements. We can help you connect with brands and immigration specialists who are familiar with this process.

What are the benefits of owning a franchise versus starting from scratch?

Owning a franchise means you’re building on a proven brand and system — saving years of trial and error. You gain access to established marketing, training, and operational support while still enjoying the freedom of business ownership. Each brand and their offerings are different and talking with a franchise broker can ensure that you have the right fit, systems and operations to reach your goals.

Are there franchise opportunities in my state?

Most likely! Blue Star Franchise works with franchisors across the U.S. — including opportunities in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Florida, Texas, and California. Your franchise broker can do a territory check to see what’s available based on your zip code.

How does Blue Star Franchise help me find the right opportunity?

We guide you through every step — from discovering options that match your interests and budget to connecting you with trusted franchisors. Our goal is to help you make confident, informed decisions with expert support along the way.

What’s the first step to getting started?

The best place to start is with a free consultation. We’ll learn more about your goals, timeline, and interests — then match you with franchises that fit your lifestyle and investment level.

Can my family be involved in running the franchise?

Absolutely. Many franchise owners build their businesses alongside their spouses or children. Family-run franchises can create meaningful partnerships and allow everyone to play to their strengths while building generational wealth together.

Can I own a franchise passively while keeping my full-time job?

Yes — some franchise models are designed for semi-absentee or semi-passive or semi-active, while the term might vary keep in mind investing in a business that is 100% passive is a myth. Yo can find options that allow you to manage the business part-time while a team handles daily operations. We’ll help you identify brands that fit your availability and lifestyle goals.

Gresham W. Harkless Jr.

Author Info:

Gresham W. Harkless Jr.

Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise

Helping founders and aspiring owners find franchise opportunities that match their purpose, finances,
and lifestyle. Host of the I AM CEO Podcast with more than 1,600 interviews.

Book a Franchise Consultation
Listen to the I AM CEO Podcast

About Gresham W. Harkless Jr.

Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise broker based in the Washington, D.C.
metro area. As founder of Blue Star Franchise, he helps aspiring and established business
owners discover franchise opportunities aligned with their goals, skills, and long-term vision.

With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresham
brings a consultative, client-first approach to franchise matching. Through his media company,
Blue 16 Media, and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured more than
1,600 interviews, he has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners to accelerate
growth and build scalable business models.

His mission is simple: to help people “run their race” by finding franchise opportunities that align with
their purpose, skills, and lifestyle.

Credentials & Affiliations

Certified Franchise Broker – Franchise Broker Association (FBA)
Founder – Blue Star Franchise
Founder – Blue 16 Media
Host – I AM CEO Podcast (1,600+ episodes)
Featured in 50+ Black Marketers on the Rise & Influencer & Media Innovators (2022)
B.S., Business Administration – Howard University

How Gresham Helps

Franchise discovery & matching consultations
Franchise investment and financial fit analysis
Franchise development guidance & onboarding support
Speaking engagements & media interviews
Business growth advisory through Blue 16 Media

I AM CEO Podcast

With more than 1,600 episodes, the I AM CEO Podcast features conversations with founders,
franchise owners, authors, and business leaders.
Gresham shares real, actionable insights to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and lead.

Watch Episodes on YouTube