Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Springboard Conference in Philadelphia on behalf of Endereza Law, a gathering designed specifically for emerging and re-emerging franchisors. The theme? The Boxing Club: Giving Emerging and Re-Emerging Franchisors a Fighting Chance. And the agenda delivered—action-packed, insightful, and full of heavyweight industry leaders sharing strategies to build winning franchise brands.
The statistics shared were sobering: according to the International Franchise Association, only 16% of franchisors sell more than 100 units, while 64% have fewer than 25. That means the majority of franchisors are still in the early rounds of their growth journey, fighting to find their footing and build momentum.
Throughout the conference, we tackled the most pressing issues facing these brands today:
- Franchise sales compliance
- Organic growth vs. broker/consultant-driven sales
- Leveraging AI in franchise development and support
- Regional vs. national expansion strategies
- The true cost of franchising and franchise development
I had the honor of speaking on a panel titled “Avoiding Legal Confrontations: Finding Consensus Before Strapping on the Gloves.” It was a powerful conversation about how legal strategy can support—not stifle—growth, and how consensus-building with franchisees can prevent costly battles.
Throughout the conversation, the lessons I shared and the questions I fielded tended to focus around work which I’ve tackled as a fractional general counsel for franchisors and franchisees at Endereza Law, and even previously as in-house counsel. While each of the emerging franchisors in attendance had unique specialties and situational dependent concerns, what I was able to share were learnings from assessing disputes for franchisors, and planning strategies which got them back to business.
Beyond the panels and presentations, what struck me most was the emotional landscape of the attendees. Many of these founders are in the earliest stages—some selling their very first unit this year. They’re looking across the ring at the titans of the industry, the 16%, hoping for guidance but feeling intimidated. They’re questioning their decision to franchise, overwhelmed by the complexity and competition.
Here’s what I want to say to them:
You’ve already shown heart. You’ve already shown strategy. You’ve already stepped into the ring.
Opening your first, second, and third location took grit. Choosing to franchise took courage. Don’t let comparison steal your momentum. Revel in your achievements. You’re not just fighting for a title belt—you’re building something meaningful.
To recharge my own spirit, I took a detour during the conference and ran up the iconic Rocky Balboa steps. At the top, I paused at the statue and read the famous quote:
“It’s not how hard you hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward—that’s how winning is done.”
As I walked through the streets of Philadelphia, surrounded by vibrant art, sprawling parks, and stunning architecture, I was reminded why this city is called the City of Brotherly Love. It’s a place that celebrates resilience, community, and heart.
To every emerging franchisor out there: remember, you’re not alone in this fight. You have a community in your corner. And like Rocky, your passion, courage, and heart are what will carry you through the rounds ahead.
