Can Entrepreneurs Succeed as Franchisees?

Hand & Stone was recently featured on AllBusiness.com! The article focuses on entrepreneurs becoming franchisees, including the pros and cons of franchising from an entrepreneurial background. Steve Currier and Craig Schumacher both came from strong entrepreneurial backgrounds, building from the ground up 50,000-square-foot fitness clubs in various parts of the United States. A portion of the story is shared below, and you can view the full article here.

For many people, franchise ownership is the most direct path to business ownership. You buy into an established brand, follow a specific business model, respect set policies and procedures, and have your franchise up and running in no time. But what about people who were previously entrepreneurs and are now looking to purchase a franchise? In such cases, does the franchise model spell success, or is it a recipe for disaster?

For Craig Schumacher and Steve Currier, owners of a Hand & Stone franchise in Ahwatukee, Arizona, franchise ownership offered them an opportunity that they couldn’t quite grasp as entrepreneurs. So, after more than a decade of building up 50,000-square-foot fitness clubs in various parts of the United States and establishing a place in the fitness industry for their independent venture Q The Sports Club -- which, at its peak, employed 4,000 people -- the pair decided to change gears and invest in a massage and facial spa franchise.

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