Multi-Unit Franchisee Insight – Giving Their Teams Room to Innovate & Their Own Involvement With Operations

We talk to successful multi-unit operators regularly here at Franchise Update Media. These busy on-the-go people share great insight and wisdom with us through our profile stories in Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine. Here, from our archives, are some insightful responses from some of these franchisees.

How I give my team room to innovate and experiment:

I find it is important to play on an individual’s strengths. Not everyone is going to be the best seller, so I empower my team to take charge of a particular part of the business. For example, I have an artist on staff who designs our studio announcements. Someone who is highly organized will lead our fitness challenges.

How close are you to operations?

My business partners and I have found the perfect balance. While I handle the day-to-day, in-studio operations they report on whether the business is in line with certain benchmarks and that employees are getting paid. 

-Evan Latham, multi-unit franchisee of Orangetheory Fitness

How I give my team room to innovate and experiment:

Get out of the way! Innovators need guardrails and support, but too much management can stifle innovation. Let people experiment. Let them fail. I often say, “It’s just sandwiches, what’s the worst that can happen?” The restaurant industry is supposed to be fun. We aren’t curing cancer. You can’t come up with a great idea if you aren’t willing to try some things that won’t work.

How close are you to operations?

Our company is led by my brother, Matt Saxton, and myself. In our co-CEO roles, Matt is closer to operations while I focus on real estate, marketing, legal, and the franchise relationship.

-Adam Saxton, multi-unit franchisee of McAlister’s Deli

How I give my team room to innovate and experiment:

We try to create an environment where our employees are encouraged to make decisions and think outside of the box. We’re constantly asking our management team for ways we can operate more efficiently, and they’re provided with the freedom to pursue their ideas with our support.

How close are you to operations?

In both of the models I’m involved in, I have an individual who oversees the operations. They keep me apprised of the key points of interest at each unit on a daily basis.

-Joe Bernatowicz, multi-unit franchisee of Planet Fitness, 2 ZIPS Dry Cleaners