Franchising, franchising, franchising.
Everywhere I turn, there is something happening in franchising. And if you’re part of our Michigan community, you might even hear us call it “franchising”—because apparently we like to turn just about anything into karaoke.
But behind the fun is something much bigger.
Community.
I am from Michigan, and I have the privilege of serving as Chair of the Women’s Franchise Network here in Michigan. Earlier this year, I was approached about the opportunity to work alongside some phenomenal women within the franchise community, and it reinforced something I had already started to recognize:
The franchise industry is built on relationships.
What attracted me to the International Franchise Association, where I am a member and supplier, and what drew me even further into the local Michigan franchise community, was not simply another organization or another networking opportunity.
It was the people.
The Strength of the Franchise Community
There is something unique about the franchise community.
At any given moment, you can pick up the phone, call someone and say, “I need help,” and there is usually someone willing to help you.
I have witnessed it firsthand.
I joined a very large association with thousands of members representing major franchise brands, established franchise systems, emerging brands, franchise owners, suppliers and professionals from nearly every area of business.
That could easily feel overwhelming.
Instead, I found connectivity.
I found people willing to make introductions.
I found people willing to answer questions.
I found leaders willing to share what worked, what didn’t work and what they learned along the way.
That is one of the things I value most about franchising.
You may be working through franchise development, operations, HR, payroll, compliance, marketing, technology, recruiting or growth. Somewhere within this community is probably someone who has faced a similar challenge.
And many of them are willing to share what they learned.
Why Relationships Matter in Franchising
A franchise system can provide processes, brand standards, operating procedures and a proven business model.
But people still need people.
Franchise owners need trusted resources.
Emerging brands need experienced leaders.
Franchisors need strong franchisees.
Franchisees need support from their franchisors.
And both need suppliers, advisors and professionals they can depend on as their organizations grow.
That is where community becomes incredibly valuable.
The best networking relationships are not created by collecting as many business cards as possible.
They are created when someone remembers your name six months later because they know what you do, trust how you operate and believe you can help someone in their network.
That is real networking.
And that is what I have experienced in franchising.
Growing the Franchise Community in Michigan
As we continue growing the Women’s Franchise Network and franchise community throughout Michigan, I have been watching what other successful networks across the country are doing.
What brings people together?
What educational topics create meaningful conversations?
How are established franchise leaders helping emerging brands?
How do we create an environment where franchisees, franchisors and suppliers can learn from each other instead of staying inside their own individual lanes?
We do not have to reinvent everything.
Sometimes we need to identify what is working, learn from it, adapt it to our local market and then do it exceptionally well.
Rinse and repeat.
My goal is to help create more opportunities throughout Michigan and Southeast Michigan where franchise owners, franchisors, suppliers, business leaders and professionals can meet each other, learn from one another and build relationships that continue long after an event ends.
Women Supporting Women in Franchising
One of the parts of this opportunity that means the most to me is creating more space for women to support other women in business.
Women supporting women does not mean operating separately from the broader franchise community.
It means making sure women have a place to build relationships, share experiences, find mentors, create opportunities and have meaningful conversations with people who understand what they are navigating professionally.
When we create stronger networks for women, we strengthen the entire franchise ecosystem.
At the same time, partnering with the Franchise Business Network allows us to bring franchisors, franchisees, suppliers and other industry pr
What’s Next for Michigan Franchising?
One of the upcoming opportunities to experience this community firsthand is the Franchise Tailgate on the Lake on September 29, 2026, at Camp Woodbury in Dexter, Michigan.
And this isn’t your typical networking event.
It combines franchise education, industry conversations, networking and a tailgate-style experience in a relaxed lakeside setting.
I love the concept because some of the best business relationships happen when people have an opportunity to get away from a traditional conference room, have a real conversation and actually get to know one another.
This is an opportunity for the Southeast Michigan franchise community to come together, share ideas, learn and build relationships.
We already have some incredible people participating, and I am excited about what we are creating.
But I can’t do it alone.
How Can You Get Involved in the Michigan Franchise Community?
Start by showing up.
Attend an event.
Introduce yourself to someone you have never met.
Ask a franchise owner how they got started.
Talk to an emerging brand about where they want to go.
Learn what other professionals in the franchise industry actually do.
Make an introduction for someone.
Offer your experience when another person needs help.
And when you need help, ask.
That is how communities grow.
Franchising Is More Than a Business Model
The longer I am involved in franchising, the more convinced I become that its greatest strength may not be the business model itself.
It is the people behind it.
It is the franchise owner taking a chance on business ownership.
It is the franchisor trying to build something that can grow beyond a single location.
It is the supplier solving a problem behind the scenes.
It is the experienced leader willing to take a phone call from someone new to the industry.
It is women supporting women.
It is people introducing people.
And it is an entire community recognizing that someone else’s success does not have to take away from your own.
I want franchise owners, franchisors, suppliers, emerging brands, experienced executives and professionals who are simply curious about franchising to become part of what we are building here in Michigan.
Because I cannot build this community alone.
And I shouldn’t have to.
That is the power of community in franchising.
If you’re interested in becoming more involved in the Michigan franchise community, the Women’s Franchise Network or the Franchise Business Network, reach out. I’d love to help make an introduction.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Michigan Franchise Community
What is the franchise community in Michigan?
Michigan’s franchise community includes franchisors, franchisees, emerging franchise brands, suppliers, advisors and business professionals who connect through organizations and programs such as the International Franchise Association, Women’s Franchise Network and Southeast Michigan Franchise Business Network.
Why is networking important for franchise owners?
Franchise networking gives owners access to people who have faced similar operational, growth, workforce and business challenges. Strong relationships can lead to shared knowledge, trusted resources, referrals and new business opportunities.
Who should attend franchise networking events in Michigan?
Franchisees, franchisors, emerging franchise brands, suppliers, business advisors and professionals interested in learning more about the franchise industry can all benefit from participating in the Michigan franchise community.