THE PROCESS
A process built around you,
not the other way around.
No two candidates are alike. The process adapts to who you are, what you're looking for, and how quickly you want to move — but the rigor behind it never changes.
Most candidates complete the full process in 3 to 5 months — though timelines vary based on your situation and how quickly you want to move. There's no pressure. A franchise is a long-term commitment and the decision deserves the time it takes to get right.
Every step below is something I work through with you directly. Not a team, not an intake system — just Lisa, the same person you'll talk to from the first conversation to the last.
I'm with you throughout — not just at the start and end.
One thing that sets this process apart: I meet with you regularly at every stage, especially after franchisor meetings, to hear your feedback, address your concerns, and help you process what you're learning. You're never left to figure things out on your own between steps. If something doesn't feel right, we talk about it. If something excites you, we dig in. That's what ongoing guidance actually looks like.
We start with a real conversation — your background, your goals, your reasons for exploring franchise ownership, and what you're hoping to build. Whether you're in career transition, looking to diversify an existing portfolio, or simply curious about what's possible, this is where I understand who you are before we talk about anything else.
Following our initial conversation I'll send you a candidate form that dives deeper into your financial picture and asks you to rate your level of interest across 50 industries. This gives us a detailed, specific foundation before we do anything else — and ensures the rest of the process is genuinely tailored to you.
Before we look at a single brand, you'll complete the Zorakle assessment — a validated tool that goes deeper than a personality quiz. It surfaces your work style, values, business competencies, cultural preferences, and the types of franchise systems likely to suit how you operate.
The results don't tell you what to do — they give us a data-informed starting point that makes every subsequent conversation more focused and more useful.
Understanding your real investment capacity — and your financing options — is essential before we look at specific concepts. I'll connect you with lenders who specialize in franchise financing and understand the SBA loan process inside out.
This step removes the guesswork around what's actually within reach and ensures we're only presenting concepts that make financial sense for your situation. No point falling in love with something that doesn't fit your numbers.
This is where the work of the first three steps pays off. From 600+ franchise concepts across 50+ industries, I present a short list of options specifically matched to your profile — your values, work style, financial parameters, and lifestyle goals. Not a database dump. A curated selection worth your time.
You'll review each concept, ask questions, and we'll narrow further before any introductions are made. Remember — not all franchises are created equal. There is good, bad, and ugly out there, and knowing the difference is exactly what I bring to this step.
Before you meet any franchisor — preparation matters.
Before introductions are made I walk you through what the franchisor's discovery process typically looks like — the calls, the steps, the timeline, and what they're evaluating on their end. I also give you a broad overview of the Franchise Disclosure Document so that when your first FDD arrives you know what it is, how to read it, and what to pay close attention to. You should never open an FDD cold. This preparation is what separates a confident candidate from an overwhelmed one.
This is the most important step in the entire process — and the one most candidates are tempted to rush. I'll prepare you to interview franchisors directly and, critically, to speak with existing franchisees through the validation process. Talking to people already in the system is the single best way to understand what ownership actually looks like day to day.
I'll help you know what questions to ask, what answers to probe, and what red flags to watch for. After every franchisor meeting we debrief — I want to hear what resonated, what concerned you, and what questions came up. My obsession with validation comes from experience — I've seen what happens when it's skipped.
One of the most overlooked parts of buying a franchise is knowing who to call. I've spent years building and vetting a network of professional service providers — all with strong reputations and a genuine commitment to doing right by their clients. When you're ready, you have access to all of them.
Whatever you decide, I stay with you through the end. If you move forward with a franchise, I'll be there as you navigate the final stages. If you decide franchising isn't right for you — or that a specific concept isn't the right fit — that's a completely valid outcome and one I'll support just as fully.
Of the 500+ candidates I've guided, not all became franchisees. Helping someone make the right decision, in either direction, is the whole point.
Placed clients don't get a handoff. They get me.
Most consultants disappear after the commission is paid. That's not how I work. When you become a franchise owner through Milestone Franchising, you don't lose your guide — you keep one.
Grand opening
I'll be there. Your grand opening is a milestone — in every sense of the word — and I show up for it. It's one of my favorite parts of this work.
Quarterly check-ins — year one
The first year of franchise ownership is often the most challenging and the most stressful. I do quarterly check-ins throughout that first year to hear how you're doing, answer questions, and help you navigate whatever comes up.
Ongoing connection
Beyond year one, I remain a resource. Questions come up, circumstances change, portfolios grow. I'm still here.
The network stays open
The vetted professionals you were introduced to during the process don't disappear either. Your CPA, attorney, and other service providers remain available as your business grows.
A note for investors and portfolio builders.
If you're an experienced investor or already own businesses, the full process is available to you — and many investors find the assessment and validation steps particularly valuable. That said, I understand you may move at a faster pace or come in with a clearer picture of what you're looking for. The process adapts to where you are. We'll work at the pace and depth that makes sense for your situation.
Ready to start the Process?
Step one is a 30-minute conversation. No cost, no commitment — just an honest look at what's possible.