Next Event

In franchising, timing is everything—and nowhere is that more true than when building a team. Hiring the right people at the right time is what separates scalable, sustainable growth from operational chaos.

At the emerging stage, early hires must be agile, versatile, and deeply committed to franchisee success. Resources are limited, so every team member must play a critical role in laying a strong foundation. Do you need a Franchise Training Manager, can that be the same person as a Franchise Development Manager? Who is building your brand narrative and driving lead generation? Sales, marketing, administrative and operational support form the backbone of a franchise system built to grow.

As the brand enters the growth stage, the challenge shifts. It’s no longer just about awarding new franchises—it’s about supporting existing franchisees, ensuring compliance, and delivering consistent results across the system. Maintaining quality while scaling requires team members who can balance expansion with operational oversight. This is the time to refine systems, strengthen training, and ensure franchisees are equipped to succeed.

In the expansion phase, demand accelerates—and with it, complexity. This is where many brands either level up or fall behind. Building out the executive team becomes essential. Roles like VP of Franchise Development, Regional Franchise Support Teams, and a Supply Chain & Procurement Manager become vital to managing growth while protecting the brand. Should you evaluate when to bring on a COO or Franchisee Relations Director to drive performance, and foster long-term franchisee satisfaction?    How to shift toward data-driven decision-making while having team members in place for compliance enforcement and development?

By recognizing the key hiring milestones in franchise development, franchisors can build a team that not only supports franchisees but also ensures the brand thrives for years to come. The journey from a single-unit concept to a nationwide (or even global) franchise is complex, but with the right people in place, success becomes not just possible but inevitable.

These critical hiring decisions—and the timing behind them—will be front and center at the next PFA event on May 21st. Expert panelists and seasoned franchise leaders will share firsthand insights on building the right team at each phase of growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what it takes to scale with confidence, clarity, and control.