In this solo episode, I walk you through a 10-point franchise evaluation checklist you can use whether you’re a prospective franchisee deciding what to buy, or an emerging franchisor trying to pressure-test your own system.

Most brands don’t stall between 10 and 100 units because the concept is weak. They stall because the founder is drowning in chaos and the systems aren’t built yet. This checklist helps you cut through hype, get clarity fast, and make smarter decisions before time and money are on the line.

Key Takeaways

• Why your personal motivation matters more than the concept itself
• How to assess whether a model scales through systems and people, not hustle
• What to look for in market demand, industry outlook, and competitive landscape
• The real way to evaluate franchisor leadership and whether they have skin in the game
• How to validate startup support, ongoing infrastructure, and franchisee satisfaction
• Why transparency in discovery and FDD access is a non-negotiable trust signal
• How emerging brand founders can use this same list to identify weaknesses early
  

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction: Defining Your Goals
• 00:12 The Franchise Scaleup Show: What to Expect
• 00:56 Franchise Evaluation Checklist
• 01:20 Motivation and Business Model
• 01:56 Market Demand and Company History
• 03:09 Leadership and Support
• 05:14 Franchise Fit and Validation
• 06:37 Reputation and Feedback
• 08:10 Advice for Emerging Brands
• 10:05 Conclusion and Next Steps

If this checklist helped you, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share this episode with one founder or franchise buyer who needs clarity. You might save them months of pain.

And if you’re ready to go deeper — whether that’s building support infrastructure, accelerating territory sales, or preparing for private equity — book your free Franchise Growth Strategy Call at guycoffey.com.
I only partner with founders who are committed to scaling without losing control. If that’s you, I’d love to connect.

Connect with Guy Coffey:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey
Website: www.guycoffey.com
Instagram: @guycoffey
YouTube: @guycoffey