This annual FDM Women of Wonder edition celebrates the influence of women transforming the franchise industry. That includes the men and women assisting aspiring women entrepreneurs considering franchising. Daniel Purim and his wife and business partner, Sheila Purim, owners of Franchise Wizard Consulting, a FranServe, Inc. affiliate, were asked what impact they have seen by women through their business.
Over the course of your business, what developments have you experienced with women entrepreneurs entering franchising?
Daniel: Since 2016, we have received nearly 13,000 franchise inquiries. Over this period, the share of inquiries from women has been 32% which is consistent with broader industry trends.
What is especially interesting is that women have been involved in approximately 52% of the franchise placements we have helped facilitate regardless of who made the initial inquiry. That includes women investing as independent owners and women partnering with a spouse with both intending to play an active role in building the business.
In our experience, franchise ownership is often a family decision. Women frequently play a central role in evaluating opportunities, completing due diligence and shaping the business from the beginning.
Are women investors gravitating to certain types of franchises?
Sheila: We do see some patterns but no hard rules. Many women are drawn to businesses that allow them to combine leadership with purpose and make a visible contribution to their communities. We often see interest in senior care, children’s education, health and wellness, fitness and pet services.
At the same time, some of our most successful female clients own businesses in traditionally male-dominated sectors, including home improvement, restoration, commercial services and B2B concepts.
What do you see as the benefit to having more women in franchising?
Daniel: As more women build successful franchise businesses, they make business ownership feel more attainable to others. That expands the pool of talented entrepreneurs and strengthens the franchise industry as a whole.
Sheila: I agree. Every successful woman entrepreneur becomes an example for someone else. Those stories create confidence, build momentum and encourage more women to see themselves as business owners.
What advice do you have for women considering franchising?
Daniel: Keep an open mind and do not limit yourself to industries traditionally associated with women.
Focus on the fundamentals: clear demand, attractive unit economics, a proven operating model and strong franchisor support. Just as importantly, understand the role of the owner. Ask whether the day-to-day reality of the business fits the lifestyle you want.
Sheila: Do not underestimate the value of the skills you have already built. Leadership, communication, relationship-building, project management, strategic thinking and problem-solving all transfer well into business ownership.
Lack of industry experience or self-doubt shouldn’t stop you. Many successful franchise owners entered industries they had never worked in before. They succeeded because they followed the system, built strong teams, remained coachable and stayed committed to learning.
You don’t need to know everything on day one. You need the willingness to learn, the discipline to follow a proven model and the confidence to lead.
Nancy E. Williams