Sara Waskow Articles
6 Ways Your Life Will Change (for the Better) as a Franchise Owner
Deciding to pursue an entrepreneurial future is a big, life-changing decision. Typically, candidates get to this point one of two ways. They either always dreamed of owning a business of …
FRANdata Report: Snapshot of Franchising in a Down Economy
For the past year and a half, the U.S. has lived under the threat of a possible recession, though an official one has still yet to materialize. Defined as two …
Why Networking Will Play a Key Role in Your Business Ownership
As we always say at FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, determining which franchise is right for you is the most important decision you’ll make on your own personal entrepreneurial journey. …
More Good News for Texans Looking to Start Their Own Businesses
Those who live in the Lone Star State, as well as those moving here in droves, are well aware that Texas has a business-friendly climate. It’s one of just five …
Some Entrepreneurship Trends and Statistics You Should Know About…
Over the past couple of months, FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma shared information, data, and statistics related to the economic climate – specific to both Texas and Oklahoma. …
Highlights from IFA/FRANdata Economic Outlook Report
Every year, the franchising industry anxiously awaits the annual Franchising Economic Outlook Report, compiled by the International Franchise Association (IFA) and FRANdata, a leading market research company. The report was …
Calling All Oklahoma Entrepreneurs – Here’s Your Economic Rundown
At FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, we felt like it was long overdue for our audience to hear more about the economic outlook in the Sooner State. After all, this …
Why This Could be a Big Year for Franchising – 2023 Outlook
The franchising industry’s biggest trade show of the year, the annual 2023 IFA Convention, just concluded out in Las Vegas. This means the cheering sound you may be hearing is …
What to do When Your Career Trajectory Stalls Out
In this week’s FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma blog, we’re discussing what to do when your career trajectory stalls out. And if you happen to be one of the millions …
Entrepreneurville – The Latest Economic News for DFW and Oklahoma
If you’re a budding entrepreneur, or perhaps considering a career transition so you can become your own boss, it’s important to keep up with the latest economic news in your …
4 Franchise Categories Worth Exploring in 2023
One of the most common franchising questions we hear from clients, both current and future, is “what’s the best business category to look into?” It can be a little bit …
What’s the Typical Timeline for Buying a Franchise?
On behalf of FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, Happy New Year! We hope that 2023 will be a successful one for you, especially if you’ve been considering an entrepreneurial future. …
How to Make 2023 the Year That it Happens for You
At the close of each year, it’s not at all uncommon for us to take stock of our lives. We celebrate our victories, try to learn from our mistakes, and …
What is “Selling Season” and Why are Franchise Owners So Excited?
Are you familiar with the term, “Selling Season?” In general, it typically refers to holiday shopping – a period of frantic retail-based sales often responsible for lifting the fortunes (and …
Takeaways from FranNet’s Fall Conference
Each year, FranNet hosts its annual Fall Conference – an opportunity for our consultants, vendors, suppliers, and franchise partners to network and find new ways to help entrepreneurs establish small …
The Latest Updates on Franchise Funding and Financing
For many aspiring franchise owners, the biggest obstacle they face is in securing the necessary funding or financing to purchase the business of their dreams. In effect, this is a …
The Best Entrepreneurial Resources in DFW (and Oklahoma!)
When it comes to entrepreneurial resources, FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma isn’t the only game in town. Though if you’re interested in franchising your way to business ownership, it most …
Yep, Still Booming. Texas Growth a Sight to Behold.
FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma is back with another good-news update for our weekly blog series. By all accounts, the Texas economy continues to show signs of robust growth and …
Sara Waskow: How I Took Charge of My Own Life and Career
For this week’s blog post from FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, we’re continuing the recent trend of sharing our personal stories. This week, it’s Sara Waskow’s turn and, as you’ll …
Exploring Side-Hustle Opportunities…Once the Kids are Back in School
In the franchising industry, there are plenty of myths to debunk. One of the more famous examples is the perception that franchises are just fast food establishments. In actuality, these …
Get the Facts: Tarrant County Small Business Workforce Recovery Grant Program
We do our best to keep our North Texas and Oklahoma entrepreneurial friends up to date, with news you can use – but we also have an eye on updates …
Recession in Texas? Experts Weigh the Odds…and What Happens Next
On the heels of last week’s announcement that inflation rose yet again last month, economic experts are becoming increasingly worried that the U.S. – and the state of Texas – …
A Few Fun Facts About Independence Day in America
Next Monday is when America celebrates Independence Day, our annual July 4 holiday. While most people will first be thankful that this date created the perfect three-day weekend, it’s important …
Industry Update: SBA Proposes Changes to Popular Franchise Loan Option
FRANdata is one of FranNet’s most valuable partners, routinely offering some of the franchising industry’s most helpful and effective advice. The organization is a purveyor of market research and insights …
How Might a Recession Affect Your Franchise Ownership Plans
Will we or won’t we? The economy continues to send mixed signals, with unemployment at a record low percentage, but inflation at record highs. Everything is still framed in the …
Need Funding? Current Outlook for Financing Your Franchise
To get a better read on the current outlook for financing the purchase of a franchise, it’s helpful to review the findings and takeaways now that all of the major …
Upcoming Webinar: Franchising Opportunities for the Next Generation
Mark your calendars and make plans to join FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma this Thursday, May 12 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT as we present another action-packed webinar entitled, “Franchising Opportunities …
The Ins and Outs of Marketing and Promoting Your Business
Once entrepreneurs have crossed the dividing line between wanting to own a business to operating one, it’s important to focus on marketing and promoting your new franchise establishment. There are …
Celebrate Lawn & Garden Month With These Exciting Franchises
Spring has officially sprung in the Lone Star State, as evidenced by the end of overnight freezes, high pollen counts, and the unpredictability of North Texas’ storm season. April is …
Franchising First-Timers: 6 Things to Know Before You Begin Your Search
If you’re one of franchising’s “first-timers,” take heart. You’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey to entrepreneurship. If successful, you may very well end up becoming your own boss …
The Pandemic-Era Small Business Boom – What it Means for Franchising
In case you’ve been living under a rock, or completely cut off from all the positive business news that’s swirling around, we have some updates for you. Yes, despite the …
4 Ways the Pandemic Spurred Big Picture Thinking
The era of the Great Resignation is fast approaching its one-year anniversary, as it was April of last year that an astonishing 4.5 million Americans decided to collectively put in …
Franchise Ownership is an Asset. An Investment That Increases in Value Over Time
Many people think of owning their own business as the opportunity to become their own boss. To be able to dictate the terms of many of life’s key factors – …
Don’t Look Now, but Texas is the Job-Quitting Capital of the U.S.
It’s been said that “quitters never win,” but we’re about to illustrate why this statement isn’t always true. Aside from the obvious, of course. People who stop smoking and drinking …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Jim & Michele Montgomery
With the assistance of Sara Waskow, Market President and Franchise Consultant for FranNet of Dallas-Fort Worth & Oklahoma, Jim and Michele Montgomery have made their entrepreneurial dreams come true—owning a …
4 Things You Can Do: A Whole New You in 2022
As we end the final week of 2021, more than a few of us have begun to turn our attention to what lies in store for us in 2022. Perhaps …
What Makes North Texas SO Attractive for Business
If you’re lucky enough to be a resident of North Texas, you’ll want to read this blog which covers the many reasons why this region is so attractive for business. …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Tommy & Kim Campbell
With the assistance of Sara Waskow, Market President and Franchise Consultant for FranNet of Dallas-Fort Worth & Oklahoma, Tommy & Kim Campbell have made their entrepreneurial dreams come true—owning a …
Give Us a Listen: Unpredicted Entrepreneur
Chances are, you have a favorite podcast or two that you listen to on a regular basis. Perhaps it’s one about true crime. Maybe it’s one hosted by one of …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Alan & Regina Miano
With the assistance of Sara Waskow, Market President and Franchise Consultant for FranNet of Dallas-Fort Worth & Oklahoma, Alan and Regina Miano have made their entrepreneurial dreams come true—owning a …
Upcoming Lunch & Learn: Build Your Own Corporate EXIT Strategy
On behalf of FranNet of Dallas-Fort Worth & Oklahoma, we’d like to cordially invite you to an upcoming Lunch & Learn-style webinar you don’t want to miss! On Wednesday, Oct. …
What to Expect When You Meet With Us: Part II
Welcome to Part II of our double blog edition, “What to Expect When You Meet With Us”. Last week, in Part I, we covered the initial steps of our FranNet …
What to Expect When You Meet With Us: Part I
People often ask what to expect when they meet with us here at FranNet of DFW and Oklahoma. If you’re not familiar with our dynamic duo, Sara Waskow handles clients …
The Time Has Come for Mompreneurs
This FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma blog is dedicated to Moms everywhere. No, it’s not Mother’s Day, but a wise soul once observed that every day should be. Today, we’re …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Crystal Drumgoole
I’m Sara Waskow, FranNet’s Market President for Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma. I’d like for you to meet a former client of mine, Crystal Drumgoole. Back in the fall of 2018, …
Should You Stay, or Should You Go?
Back in 1982, the English punk rock band The Clash released an iconic song called, “Should I Stay, or Should I Go?” The fast beat and memorable refrain from this …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Mike Beaty
I’m Sara Waskow, FranNet’s Market President for Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma. I’d like for you to meet a former client of mine, Mike Beaty. Back in Feb. 2019, he and …
Franchising or Independent Business Ownership? Depends on Your Personality
Though we’ve touched on this point many times before, there are essentially three ways to become your own boss. You can start from scratch, go the franchising route, or buy …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Mike & Andrea Sims
I’m Sara Waskow, FranNet’s Market President for Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma. I’d like for you to meet a former client of mine, Mike & Andrea Sims. About three years ago, …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Joe Adams
I’m Sara Waskow, FranNet’s Market President for Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma. I’d like for you to meet a former client of mine, Joe Adams. As you can tell from the …
How to Take Advantage of the Post-Covid Business Environment
FranNet of DFW and Oklahoma has been conducting some research lately. We know and understand our target audience very well and we wanted to provide some well-sourced data and figures …
Opportunity Knocking! DFW’s Shortage of Storage Units
Sometimes you really have to be paying attention to spot an opportunity in life. And for those of us in North Texas and Oklahoma, this year’s extreme weather is causing …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Janet Schimek
My name is Sara Waskow and I’m FranNet’s Market President for Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma. I’d like for you to meet a former client of mine, Janet Schimek. A self-described …
Another Entrepreneurial Journey: Meet Terry Rackley
My name is Sara Waskow and I’m FranNet’s Market President for Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma. I’d like for you to meet a former client of mine, Terry Rackley. When his …
How to Spring Into Action and Become Your Own Boss
March 1 is the beginning of the meteorological spring season, a time of the year known for annual traditions like spring cleaning, opening the windows to fresh air, and preparing …
Why Couples Make Great Franchise Owners
According to data compiled by Statista, the percentage of people working from home five days a week jumped from 17% before COVID, to 44% afterward. In many cases, both spouses …
Financial Requirements for Owning a Franchise
A lot of entrepreneurial candidates are easily sold on the idea of using franchising as a vehicle to business ownership. But just as many are curious about the cost. If …
How to Take Charge of Your Destiny
As we go from one calendar year to the next, it’s only natural to take stock of your life, your goals, your wants and desires. For many, it’s a time …
Franchise Spotlight: ecomaids
Happy New Year to all of the budding entrepreneurs who want to make 2021 a year to remember. FranNet of Dallas-Fort Worth is excited to help guide you on your …
4 Things to Look for in a Good Franchise
There’s a reason that budding entrepreneurs sometimes get overwhelmed at the thought of considering franchising as a route to become their own boss. There are literally thousands of concepts to …
Franchise Spotlight: Kitchen Tune-Up
It’s safe to say that the pandemic has thrown more than a few curveballs our way. Some businesses were adversely affected, while others flourished. The circumstances borne of lockdowns and …
Manage the Manager as a Semi-Absentee Franchise Owner
A majority of entrepreneurs, eager to establish a successful business, choose the franchising route to become their own boss. As a business owner, they want to harness this enthusiasm and …
Franchising Can Provide a Lasting Legacy
There are basically three paths to business ownership. You can start your own venture from scratch and custom-build an operation that suits you. You can also buy an existing business …
It’s High Time for Home Service Franchises
While the pandemic first upended the U.S. economy, no one could have predicted its effect on industry and commerce. But the ways in which we adapted to mitigate our collective …
The Power of (Your Own) Essential Business
Back in March, as the pandemic began its rapid spread across the U.S., shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders were issued. And a new term entered our lexicon—essential businesses. In essence, these …
Now is the Perfect Time to Contemplate Your Next Move…
No one disagrees that 2020 has been a challenge. For those employed and enjoying one of the strongest economies in the history of the U.S., the global pandemic has sent …
DFW is an Entrepreneurial Paradise
8 Facts You Need to Know… The sixth annual “Dallas Startup Week” gets underway next week, so mark your calendars for a five-day extravaganza running from Aug. 30-Sep. 3. Presented …
The Case As Scary as a Heart Attack
My client opened their franchise on Feb. 1, 2020 The day after the U.S. imposed travel restrictions on China, to halt the spread of the pandemic, my new franchisee held …
Three Ways Franchisees Can Grow Their Personal Brand
At FranNet DFW, we take pride in being associated with franchises that have a great brand reputation and that do a good job of supporting the marketing efforts of their …
How Technology Is Empowering Franchises to Do More
Technology is influencing the competitive landscape for businesses of all kinds—and at FranNet DFW we are definitely seeing an impact on how franchises operate. Part of the reason is a …
Four Ways Owning a Business Brings You Independence
With the celebration of Independence Day this month, it’s a wonderful time to stop and reflect about how to be independent in life. What does it mean to set your …
Can You Take a Vacation from Your Business?
School is out for the summer, and it’s time to start planning all those fun activities that the typical American family enjoys. Whether that’s taking the kids to Disneyland or …
Five Signs That You Have Graduated as a Franchise Owner:
May is the time of graduations. Youngsters are moving to the next grade, getting out of school, or celebrating the completion of a degree. But there are many other important …
Are You Lucky in Business?
If you own a business, you are probably used to having some ups and downs. The wonderful thing about being independent is that you have more control over your future …
Three Things I Learned at the Franchise Expo
The Franchise Expo last month was bustling with activity. There’s so much opportunity in this space that it can be completely overwhelming—especially for prospective business owners. As I talked to …
Are You Uncertain about the Future—Or Thankful for New Business Opportunities?
With so much turmoil going on in 2016, it’s not surprising that we feel thankful that election season has reached its conclusion. While some people may be eager to get …
Generational Collaboration Makes Franchising a Family Business
What do Baby Boomers and Millennials have in common when it comes to career planning? More than you might suppose. Both groups are increasingly disillusioned with the traditional career path: …
The How of Business Featuring Sara Waskow
On the most recent podcast episode of The How OF Business, FranNet Consultant Sara Waskow talks about the benefits of business ownership, and how franchising can be the best path …
Ready to Quit but Not Retire? Franchising Over 50
Entrepreneurship may be viewed as the province of the young, but new business owners are just as likely to be in their silver years. That’s a compelling statistic from a …
Make the Right Franchise Choice the First Time
There are many good reasons our FranNetDFW clients buy into a franchise rather than starting their own company from the ground up. The franchise model takes a lot of the …
Sara Waskow and Mosquito Joe on KEXB 620 AM
On a recent show, Sara Waskow of FranNet Dallas – Ft. Worth spoke about business ownership – specifically franchising – and also brought a special guest: the local Mosquito Joe …
FranNet of Dallas/Fort Worth success story
FranNet DFW and 9Round Keller share their stories. Enjoy the video, and then if you’d like to know more about franchise opportunities in the DFW area, register for this special …
A Franchise Success Story
Considering starting a business, or buying a franchise, in the Dallas – Ft Worth area? If so, then a success story is just what you need! At FranNet, we love …