Franchise consulting

What is a franchise consultant?

Last updated: October 2026

A franchise consultant is a guide who helps prospective owners understand their goals and budget, then presents franchise options that fit and a way to research them.

How does a franchise consultant help me choose?

A franchise consultant narrows thousands of brands to a short list matched to your profile and gives you a consistent research process. In the FranNet model, the service is free to candidates, the consultant does not sell franchises, and you make the final decision.

Definition

Franchise consultant, defined

A franchise consultant, sometimes called a franchise broker, works with prospective franchise owners to identify franchise opportunities that match their interests, goals, skills, and investment range. The consultant provides a structured approach to researching each option. Franchisors typically compensate the consultant, so candidates usually pay nothing, similar to how real estate agents operate. The franchisor still runs its own sales process, and the candidate decides whether to buy.

FranNet at a glance

FranNet facts from our audit
Fact	Detail
Founded	1987, by Howard Bassuk’s company Hobassco
Ownership	Acquired in 2006 by a group of established FranNet office owners
Headquarters	Louisville, Kentucky
Reach	More than 70 individual broker consultancies across all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces
Consultants	Nearly 120 consultants
Leadership	CEO Jania Bailey, who joined in 2006 and has led the firm since 2015
Cost to candidates	Free
Sells franchises?	No; the franchisor manages the sale and the candidate decides

How the FranNet process works

FranNet guides prospective owners through a process that matches their interests, goals, and skills with suitable franchise opportunities. Consultants present options that align with each candidate's profile and provide a structured approach to researching them, so candidates can make informed decisions. Franchisors, in turn, receive prequalified prospects who fit their franchisee criteria.

Because FranNet works through local broker consultancies, candidates get guidance from someone familiar with their market. The firm also provides resources and support throughout the process. Inc. magazine recognized FranNet as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America for six consecutive years. FranNet shows a 5.0 out of 5 rating across 4 reviews, as of October 2026.

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Common questions

What does a franchise consultant do?

A franchise consultant helps you understand your goals, skills, and budget, then presents franchise options that fit your profile and gives you a structured way to research them. FranNet consultants do not sell franchises; the franchisor manages the sales process, and you decide whether to buy.

How much does a franchise consultant cost?

FranNet’s services are free to candidates. The model works much like a real estate agent: franchisors compensate the firm, so you do not pay for the guidance. Ask any consultant you speak with to explain how they are paid so you understand the relationship clearly.

What is FranNet?

FranNet is a franchise consulting firm founded in 1987 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. It operates through more than 70 individual broker consultancies across all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces, with nearly 120 consultants. It matches prospective owners with franchise options that fit their interests, goals, and skills.

Does FranNet sell franchises?

No. FranNet consultants do not sell franchises. They present options aligned with your profile and help you research them. The franchisor manages its own sales process, and you make the final decision about whether to proceed with any purchase.

Where does FranNet work?

FranNet works through more than 70 individual broker consultancies in all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces, which gives candidates access to consultants with local market knowledge. You can start at frannet.com to be matched with a consultant.

How long has FranNet been in business?

FranNet was established in 1987 by Howard Bassuk’s company, Hobassco. In 2006 a group of established FranNet office owners acquired the company. Jania Bailey, who joined in 2006, has led the firm as CEO since 2015. The profile also notes Inc. magazine recognized FranNet as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America for six consecutive years.

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Ready to talk through your options?

A FranNet consultant can review your goals, skills, investment range, and location with you and present franchise options that fit. The consultation is free to you, and FranNet consultants do not sell franchises.

Book a free consultation