Many Americans, if not most, think about the opportunity of getting into business for themselves. They wait for the right opportunity. Other individuals become so involved with their own "career" that they become locked into salaried positions. The franchisee is an individual who is ready and anxious for his opportunity now to start his own business.

The successful franchisee is an individual who generally has had business experience, education, and age sufficient to desire the franchise experience. Education, age, and experience are three areas of development which most franchisees go through and prepare them for the franchising opportunity.

Education.  There is no correlation between educational training and franchisee success. There is, however, proper preparation for franchisees which require some form of education and experience. Life provides many challenges. Successful franchisees have been able to overcome negative life experiences in the past and have bettered themselves to the extent that they are now able to take upon the rigors and tasks associated with franchising. Historical negative life experiences often provide key indicators for individuals who are seeking franchising opportunities. These negative life happenings cause people to grow and to progress and to help them to have a better understanding of the purpose of life and for the opportunities for success found in this life.

Age.  There are no hard and fast rules concerning the right age for an individual to become a franchisee. Generally young people, including recent college graduates, are discouraged from becoming franchisees because of their lack of experience and the inadequacies in their preparations and resources. However, older people having developed family ties and financial and job commitments find franchising often too risky and the desire to change their lifestyle is often inappropriate.

Many franchisees seek entry into the market in their late 20's to early 40's. This time period often provides a balance between preparatory experiences on one hand and family obligations on the other hand. Many individuals are also going through their "mid-life crises" during this age and this is an opportune time for them to seek other business opportunities, especially franchising.

Experience.  The franchisee is an entrepreneur desirous of becoming a success through the ownership of a franchising unit. This individual is one who is seeking for independence, profits, success, and a satisfying lifestyle. In addition, they generally have a high self-confidence level, a willingness to take moderate risk, a strong desire for success, and a high need for achievement. Most successful franchisees have sufficient age and education coupled with business experience which will allow them to create their own success in the business world.