What You'll Find on The Franchise King.com
Buying a franchise may be one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. My goal is to help you make that decision with facts—not hype.
I’m The Franchise King®, Joel Libava. For more than 25 years, I've been providing top-shelf advice for prospective franchise owners on how to research, evaluate, and buy franchises intelligently. Unlike franchise brokers and franchise consultants, I don't get paid a $30,000 brokerage commission to recommend specific franchises. My franchise buying advice is independent, practical, and focused on helping you avoid expensive mistakes.
As you go through my comprehensive website, you'll find:
- In-depth franchise buying guides
- Unbiased research strategies you can actually use
- Current franchise news and industry trends
- A carefully curated Franchise Attorney Directory
- Free videos, checklists, and educational resources developed from decades of real-world franchise experience
Everything I publish is designed to help you separate marketing from reality so you can decide whether franchise ownership—and a specific franchise—is truly right for you.
Explore the site, learn everything you can, and when you're ready for experienced, one-on-one independent guidance tailored to your situation, take a look at my Unbiased Franchise Evaluations.
Check Out My New AI Guide for Franchise Buyers!
”Joel Libava is one of those rare individuals who takes a position on a contentious issue and doesn't modify it based on which way the wind blows. Very grounded person who offers great resources and advice to those thinking about investing in the franchise area. ”
– Jeffrey Goldstein, Prominent Franchisee Lawyer
Straight Answers About Buying a Franchise
1. What's the difference between a franchise advisor and a franchise broker?
A franchise broker (also called a franchise consultant) is paid a commission by the franchisor when you sign. A franchise advisor is paid by you, so there's no financial reason to push you toward any particular brand. I'm an advisor. I don't take commissions, and I don't sell franchises.
2. Are franchise brokers and consultants really free?
Free to you, yes. But the franchisor pays them when you sign, and that payment can run into five figures. That doesn't make every broker dishonest, but it does mean they're paid for deals that close, not for deals you walk away from. Know that going in.
3. Do I need a franchise broker to buy a franchise?
No. You can research franchises, request Franchise Disclosure Documents directly from the franchisors, and call their franchisees yourself. A broker can save you time on introductions, but you still need to verify everything they tell you.
4. How much does independent franchise advice cost?
You pay me directly for my time, and the price is on my consultations page. Because you're the one paying me, my only job is to help you make a good decision, even if that decision is "don't buy this franchise" or "don't buy a franchise at all."
5. Do I need a franchise attorney?
Yes. A franchise attorney reads and writes these agreements for a living and will spot problems you won't. They can't make the calls to current and former franchisees for you, though. That part is on you.
6. Where can I get a Franchise Disclosure Document, and does it cost money?
You should never pay for one. Federal rules require franchisors to give you the FDD at least 14 days before you sign anything or pay anything. I show you where to get them free.
7. Does The Franchise King sell franchises?
No. I'm Joel Libava, a Cleveland-based franchise ownership advisor with 25+ years in the industry. I'll help you research, evaluate and decide.
Joel Libava
