How To Select Franchises

Aside from financial qualifications, here are the two most important factors to take into account when selecting the right franchise: focus on the role you want to play and what skills you bring to the table. What matters most is doing what you are good at doing, enjoy doing and want to do in a business of your own. That’s how I match people to franchises. Helping people feel empowered is the result Anna Wilds strives for with every person she advises on franchise business ownership. Anna Wilds, founder, managing director and master franchise advisor of Select Franchises, is a redheaded dynamo who uses a highly personalized approach to match people with the right franchise opportunities. Based in Augusta, Georgia—home to the Masters Golf Tournament—Wilds often uses a golf caddy analogy to explain her role. “I’m here to help people win. For new players, the course is unfamiliar. I walk every step of the way with them, recommending play strategies and club selections. Since I know every inch of the course, I can help people avoid hazards and have a great experience.”

How does she do it? “I help people approach franchise ownership strategically,” she says. Her method involves aligning each person’s time, talent, and treasure with their desired level of involvement and role in a business. As Todd H. explains, “Anna has an organized, thoughtful process to systematically guide you through the decision-making process and determine if a business opportunity is right for you and your family.”

BREAKING DOWN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP: FINDING YOUR FIT

For most people exploring franchise opportunities, the process can be complex and overwhelming. With Wilds’ guidance, it becomes simple and straightforward, according to many of the people she’s worked with over the past 20 years. Umer M. says, “Anna's services had a profound impact on my franchise exploration journey. She transformed what could have been an overwhelming process into a structured, educational experience. Her thorough approach not only saved me time but also potentially protected me from making costly mistakes.”

Nancy R. advises, “Trust the process and Anna’s guidance; you will find your franchise match!”

The first step, according to Wilds, is identifying the role a person wants to have in a business. She simplifies this by explaining the three main options within franchising: owner-operator, manager-the-manager and high-level investors.

Each role requires different time commitments, skills and investment levels. While core traits such as being self-motivated and goal-oriented apply to all three, there are key distinctions, which Wilds discusses in-depth with franchise explorers.

“When people identify the hours they want to work and the time they can commit to a business, they can confidently pursue a franchise model that aligns with their lifestyle, availability and finances,” Wilds explains. Ash M. and his wife, Lee, agree: “Anna walked us through the ins and outs of franchising, synergized it with our lifestyle choices, and developed tailored plans for us to move forward.”

OWNER-OPERATOR PATH: HANDS-ON AND AFFORDABLE

Owner-operator franchises typically have the lowest cost of entry, making them popular for individuals who want to be actively involved on a daily basis. This model suits those seeking a meaningful career change or a fulfilling “retirement” career.

A good example of this is Danny J., a retired corporate executive who isn’t done working. He and his wife recently relocated to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. Danny sees a business as providing him with a sense of purpose, community engagement, and an opportunity to provide a valuable service while earning additional income. He sees additional income as a means to “fund their fun” during this new phase of their lives.

Danny is currently evaluating a home-based restoration franchise that renews vinyl, plastic, and leather across five different industries. He looks forward to a new challenge and setting his own hours.

Another owner-operator example is Eric E., a corporate executive who transitioned to entrepreneurship with a business coaching franchise. It combined his expertise in business management with an affordable, home-based model that had minimal operating expenses. Wilds notes, “Eric was thrilled to leave the 9-to-5 grind, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with business ownership. He’s done exceptionally well and gained global recognition within his franchise.”

MANAGE-THE-MANAGER MODEL: BALANCING FLEXIBILITY AND INVOLVEMENT

For those with leadership skills and experience in people management, the manage-the-manager model offers an opportunity to work “on” the business rather than “in” it.

This model is ideal for people in either of two main scenarios. The first is individuals who want to maintain their current job while growing a business on the side. Prashant B. and his wife took this "side hustle" route. While Prashant continued his executive career in technology, his wife managed their fitness franchise part-time around their young family’s needs. They invested in six territories, each with its own manager overseeing daily operations.

The second scenario Tom M. represents. When his position was eliminated, he decided that being a business owner was the best way to replace his income and have the control he wanted over his future. Tom and his wife invested in multiple territories of a home services franchise. Wilds emphasizes, “Although he didn't have a construction background, Tom was an ideal candidate for this roofing franchise. Unlike employers, franchisors typically do NOT require industry experience."

Wilds points out that Tom's project management and people skills made him attractive to the franchisor. By hiring a general manager with roofing experience and a sales manager early on, Tom could focus on executing his business plan, developing the company culture, and scaling the business. "From Tom's perspective, the roofing franchise was an ideal fit since it matched his preferred role and time commitment perfectly,” says Wilds. “And best of all, it allowed him to do what he enjoys— building and leading a team and driving results.” Tom concurs, "Her thorough process educated us on all things franchising and helped us find a concept that aligned with our goals and capabilities."

THE INVESTOR MODEL: MINIMAL INVOLVEMENT, MAXIMIZED POTENTIAL

For high-level investors with significant capital looking for passive income, Wilds offers access to franchises that require minimal involvement. As Wilds explains, “The less people are involved in a business, the more capital is needed, since the business must run without the owner being present.” This model works well for professionals who have more money than time and want to diversify their investments while generating multiple income streams.

Bill F., a sales executive at a Fortune 500 company, invested in a real estate franchise that sublets spaces to small business owners in the beauty industry. Once the units are rented, Bill plans to leave his job and step into retirement with confidence, knowing his current lifestyle is secure with handsome passive income coming in.

WHY SELECT FRANCHISES?

What sets Select Franchises apart is Anna Wilds herself. Franchise explorers consistently praise her ability to simplify the complex.

Not only does Wilds have 20 years of experience as a franchise consultant, her resume also boasts of working in the Fortune 500, serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and owning startup businesses. This wide range of experiences helps her relate easily to people from all types of backgrounds.

Jamar F. describes his experience with Wilds as very helpful. “Anna presented a portfolio of franchise companies with deep insight and integrity. Her educational and collaborative approach transformed what could have been overwhelming into an empowering process.”

Like a good golf caddy, Wilds knows every inch of the course and how to instruct players on every stroke they take. Her hands-on guidance has helped countless numbers of people win as business owners. They discovered paths to financial independence and personal fulfillment they wouldn't have found on their own. Whether you’re seeking a career change, a side hustle, a bridge to retirement or passive income, Select Franchises is a resource you can trust. As Sammy J. articulates, “Trust me, you won't find a more dedicated, knowledgeable, or client-focused franchise advisor. Anna Wilds is the franchise whisperer you didn't know you needed.”