As a franchise consultant, I’ve had the privilege of working with brands that are reshaping industries and challenging the status quo. From the adoption of groundbreaking technologies to the reinvention of traditional franchise agreements, the past year has been a proving ground for innovation. As we step into 2025, the question isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading the charge. Let’s explore what the future holds and how some of the most innovative franchises are already paving the path to success.

New laws and regulations came into force in 2024 which will affect the franchising industry, both directly and indirectly, and may lead, in the words of McDonald's corporate and franchisees, to "destruction of the franchise business model"

$8 billion. That's the jaw-dropping amount that Blackstone private equity just paid for Jersey Mike's, a submarine sandwich franchise with just 3,500 stores.

Jaguar's recent rebranding announcement has stirred up fierce criticism and even ridicule. Critics say Jaguar has thrown its iconic brand heritage into the toilet and come up with a new brand image that distances it from its traditional market but seems to alienate new markets.

Meet Sarah. She’s the owner of a boutique business in Auckland specialising in handcrafted, eco-friendly candles. For years, Sarah’s website thrived, attracting customers searching for ‘sustainable candles in New Zealand.’ Her engaging blog posts on candle-making and sustainability consistently ranked high on Google, driving steady traffic and sales. But recently, everything changed.

If you’re not up with the latest on 102-year-old brand remakes, then you’ll never guess whose rebranding pre-launch teaser this is part of. The whole video clip may help.

Donald Trump hasn’t yet taken his place as the 47th president of the United States, but he is already starting to make his mark again on world politics and economies.

This guy has, in my opinion, revolutionised the franchise industry with his unique approach to strategic franchisee recruitment and responsible franchising practices. Just last year, Aaron Harper, CEO and Owner of the Rolling Suds Franchise, awarded franchises for 59 territories across 16 US states, transforming the business into one of the world's largest power washing franchises. Here's how he's done it. Educational Videos: Harper shares real-time business strategies through educational videos on social media, offering insights into responsible franchising and business growth. Social Media Engagement: He maintains an active presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, posting daily content that discusses franchising best practices and industry trends. Podcast Appearances: Harper regularly participates in podcasts, sharing his journey and expertise in franchising, thereby reaching a broader audience. Keynote Speaking Engagements: He delivers keynote speeches at industry events, discussing topics such as responsible franchising and business development. Media Features: Harper has been profiled in top-tier media outlets like Entrepreneur, Authority Magazine and Franchise Dictionary Magazine, enhancing Rolling Suds' visibility. YouTube Content: He creates informative videos, such as explaining the franchise sales process to educate potential franchisees. Sometimes he seems to give away his 'trade secrets', which could easily fall into the hands of his competitors or inspire would-be franchisees to start their own independent power washing businesses. But Harper believes that his powerful branding, comprehensive end-to-end operating systems and his strong team approach add more value to prospects than going it alone. Getting the help of seasoned professionals: Because Harper's background is in a different industry than property maintenance and he was unfamiliar with franchising before acquiring Rolling Suds, one of the reasons for his rapid success was to engage the services of professionals who assisted him in combining his own vision, values and skillsets with those needed to build and grow a thriving franchise organisation. 

Picture this: A prospective franchisee, excited about the possibility of joining your franchise, opens your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for the first time.  But instead of finding an engaging, informative document that fuels their enthusiasm, they’re faced with a wall of dense, complex text—a 100-page monolith that feels more like a legal maze than an opportunity.