I’m The Franchise King®, Joel Libava. I’m the author of two books and an expert on how to buy a franchise. In addition, I’m a Franchise Ownership Advisor, working 1-1 with people who want to explore franchise ownership.
My mission is to provide all aspiring franchise owners trustworthy, useful, and timely information on all aspects of buying and owning a franchise business. Above all, my aim is to make sure you don’t lose your money on a franchise.
How? A few ways.
The Information And Resources I Provide On This Website And Blog
The Franchise King.com website and (award-winning) blog was created to teach you an effective way to choose, research and buy a profitable franchise, so you can be confident about your decision to become your own boss through franchising. Everything you need to know about franchising is located here. Hopefully, you’ll like my straightforward (topped off with a dash of sarcasm and humor) style.
FYI: I’m proud to say that The Franchise King Blog is the longest-running blog in franchising.
Books
After writing a review of a marketing book, the editor of said book emailed me. She wanted to know if I’d be interested in writing a much-needed book on how to buy a franchise.
After a couple of months of hard-fought negotiations pertaining to the size of my advance ($$) and the number of complimentary hardcover books that would be shipped to The Castle, I agreed and starting pounding away on my keyboard.
8 months later, several copies of “Become A Franchise Owner! The Startup Guide To Lowering Risk, Making Money, And Owning What You Do” were delivered to me (to sell) a few hours before a speaking gig I had secured at an event in New York City.
My second book is a self-published eBook.
“The Definitive Guide To Franchise Research” is chock full of specific research techniques, tips, and tricks you can use right away to get the answers you need about the franchise opportunities you’re looking at.
In a nutshell, everything I know about researching franchises…about getting to the truth about both profitability and franchisee satisfaction, are included in my overpriced research guide.
Sidenote: both books have received wonderful reviews from potential franchise buyers.
On the contrary, it’s easy tsk-tsk to find mean girl reviews that have obviously been written by franchise brokers, franchise salespeople, and their relatives with different last names. I guess they don’t like the fact that I’m considered to be a top franchise expert and that I speak the truth.
Please Note
I have no formal relationships with Smoothie King®, Jani-King®, Junk King®, or Burger King®- although my name may come up when you search those brands online.
Videos
As of this writing, I’ve published 150 videos on franchising and franchise ownership. 98% of them are educational. A couple of them feature companies I’ve done marketing for.
To that end, most of my franchise videos are 3–5-minutes in length. A few are a hair longer. You can check some of them out here. A lot of people end up working with me after watching my videos.
Who Am I?
I was born in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame city, Cleveland, Ohio.
My varied background includes:
- Radio broadcasting
- Food & Beverage management
- Sales/sales management
- Automotive franchise management
- Franchise broker
- Franchisee
What does that mean for you?
Not much, probably.
Except combined, all of those experiences have shaped me into the man I am today. Especially the 20 years I’ve spent in franchising. Here it comes.
The part where you find out how much you’ll benefit from the knowledge I’ve gained as a franchise industry expert and insider.
The Truth
I’m not sure how it happened or exactly when it happened, but I’ve become a relentless pursuer of the truth.
For example, when I hear about “a hot new franchise that sold 75 franchises in their first year,” I need to find out why.
But more importantly (here’s where you come in), when I work with someone who’s looking at an extremely fast-growing franchise, I’m not shy about telling them the truth (from an insider’s perspective) about franchises that grow too fast.
For instance, do you know difficult it is for a brand-new franchisor to support 10-15 new franchisees-let alone 50-75 franchisees in the first year?
Heck, it’s brutal just finding the right real estate for new franchisees.
My point is this:
There’s a lot of stuff I know about franchising. I’m talking about hundreds of things you can’t possibly know unless you’ve been in the business as long as I have.
And I’m the only one that’s going to tell you everything.
Why?
My Focus
I tell you everything because I focus my energy on helping people who want to take their shot at owning a business. But there’s more.
Everything I do leads to the same place.
A place of safety.
I want to keep you safe from all of the sharks in my industry.
Safe from the people who consistently put cashing their commission checks before your safety.
Bluntly, you need to know that once they sell you…or “match” you to a franchise, they’re pretty much gone. But not me. I’m here for you before, during and after you become a franchise owner. Why is that?
Because I’m not a seller of franchises.
I’m an advisor for the people who buy them.
Where To Find Me
I’m super-active on all of the major social media platforms. Follow me on:
In addition, (as a franchise expert) I write for several publications like Franchise Direct and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s blog.
And if you want to contact me directly, for any reason, fill out the form below.
Finally, while owning a franchise business isn’t for everyone, if you have the money, are willing to follow rules/procedures, and are prepared to work really hard, the world is your oyster.
One more thing:
I encourage you to read what others say about me.
Income Disclosure:
In addition to the income I make from my books and Franchise Ownership Consultations, I make money from advertising, freelance writing, “Sponsored Posts,” marketing bonuses from franchisors, and affiliate product sales.
Back Over To You
From here on out, it’s about you. About your desire to be your own boss. And how to do so in a whip-smart way.
That said, here are 3 recommendations for you to get the ball rolling.
1. Go to my blog, so you can start reading useful articles.
2. Take 15-20 minutes to thoroughly read How To Buy A Franchise, which has been read by thousands of people-just like you.
3. Get my free franchise news updates and tips.
Contact Me
FAQ’s
Joel Libava is The Franchise King®.
Because Joel is considered to be a top franchise expert, who’s straightforward and honest style appeals to many people looking to buy a franchise. But he didn’t come up with the name himself. Tom Sudow, who at the time was the director of one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in Ohio, named him “The Franchise King” at a conference. Then Joel’s friend, Jim Kukral, convinced him to have the name trademarked.
Yes. He wrote “Become a Franchise Owner!” (Wiley Publishing), and “The Definitive Guide To Franchise Research (Self-Published).
Joel Libava specializes in consulting with and teaching today’s franchise buyers how to safely choose, research, and buy a profitable franchise.
Yes! Joel has shared his knowledge of franchising on the U.S. Small Business Administration website, The New York Times® online, Fortune® Magazine, Entrepreneur®, Business Insider®, Franchise Direct®, Small Business Trends®, The Huffington Post® and more. He’s also been interviewed hundreds of times on radio and television.