Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce – “How 3 Franchise Entrepreneurs Built Multimillion-Dollar Businesses” (Read the full article here). These are not Wealthrive client stories.

The Allure of the Franchise Model

Franchising has a certain charm for growth-minded entrepreneurs: you get a proven concept, brand recognition, established processes, and the backing of a larger organization. On paper, it’s a shortcut to success.

But ask any successful franchisee, and you’ll hear the same thing — a franchise isn’t a plug-and-play money machine. It’s still a business that demands capital, operational discipline, and a long-term vision.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently profiled three multi-million-dollar franchise owners who prove that scaling under a franchise model is possible — but only for those who approach it with strategy, patience, and grit.

Gary Robins – The 63-Location Supercuts Empire

The Origin Story
Gary started his franchise journey in Philadelphia with a single Supercuts location nearly 30 years ago. Like many first-time owners, he was drawn to the structure and support of a franchise system, but he quickly realized that success still depended on his leadership and decision-making.

The Scale-Up
Instead of treating his first location as a “win” and cashing out profits for personal gain, Gary reinvested in growth. One store turned into five, then ten, and eventually a portfolio of 63 locations across three states. By 2025, his operation is projected to bring in nearly $20 million in revenue.

His Secrets to Scaling:

• Reinvest profits aggressively instead of taking them off the table.
• Use the franchisor’s infrastructure — marketing campaigns, vendor relationships, and training programs — to maintain quality at scale.
• Think in decades, not quarters — Gary’s vision was always about building a lasting multi-location operation.

The Gem:
Growth in franchising is less about “finding the next big thing” and more about multiplying what’s already working.

Keegan Trudgen – The Due Diligence Play

The Origin Story
In 2013, Keegan bought his first PuroClean restoration franchise in the Chicago suburbs for about $150,000. Unlike many who jump into franchising out of excitement, Keegan’s first step was to slow down and read everything.

The Scale-Up
Before signing, he reviewed the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) line by line. He ran numbers for startup costs, ongoing royalties, marketing fees, and most importantly — profit margins. He didn’t just trust the concept; he made sure it worked on paper for his market.

His Secrets to Scaling:

• Know the numbers cold before you commit.
• Enter an industry with consistent demand — restoration services aren’t trend-based.
• Build for profitability first; expansion comes later.

The Gem:
A franchise’s brand strength won’t save you if the margins aren’t there. Due diligence is your real competitive advantage.

Franchise Gems Every Business Owner Should Know

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner eyeing diversification or a first-timer with capital to invest, these principles apply:

Do the Boring Work Before the Fun Work
Reading the FDD isn’t glamorous, but it’s the map of your business’s future. Understand your obligations, restrictions, and potential pitfalls before signing.

Pick the Right Partner, Not Just the Right Product
You’re buying into a relationship with your franchisor. Their support systems, training, and responsiveness will impact your day-to-day more than the logo over your door.

Cash Flow Is King
Startup costs and early operations can eat into reserves. Keep at least 6–12 months of expenses liquid to weather slower growth periods.

Reinvest Strategically
Early profits should fuel operational improvements and expansion — not lifestyle inflation.

Stay Involved
Even with strong systems, the most successful franchise owners keep a hands-on presence to maintain quality and culture.

The Wealthrive Perspective

• Franchising is a multiplier, not a magic trick. It can turn a strong operator into a multi-location success story, but it will also amplify poor management and weak financial planning.
• Know your exit before you enter. The best franchise owners build with an eventual sale or succession in mind. That changes how you invest in systems, staff, and branding.
• Protect your time. Multiple locations mean more moving parts. Build a leadership layer early so you’re not the bottleneck.

Bottom Line:
Franchises can be an incredible vehicle for scaling your wealth, but only for owners willing to pair the franchisor’s proven systems with their own operational discipline and financial strategy.

3 Franchise Entrepreneurs Share Multimillion-Dollar Business Secrets

Learn how three savvy operators turned iconic brands into thriving multimillion-dollar businesses through hard work and strategic growth strategies.