Key takeaways
- David left a 30+ year finance career, with two CFO roles, for franchise ownership.
- He wanted time with family, back-office support, stability and a proven model.
- He looked at more than 30 franchises over three to four months.
- He chose a commercial cleaning franchise he wouldn’t have found on his own.
- A clear list and a patient process mattered more than any single brand.
David spent more than 30 years in corporate finance, including two roles as a CFO. He’d always wanted his own business, but he didn’t want the uncertainty of starting one from scratch. Over three to four months, we looked at more than 30 franchise options together. He chose a commercial cleaning franchise, one he says he never would have considered on his own, and opened it in San Francisco in 2021. His path shows what franchising for executives can look like when you start with a clear list.
What was David looking for?
When David came to me, he was at a crossroads. He knew corporate finance inside and out. He was new to franchising.
He had a clear list:
- Quality of life. He wanted his weekends with his family.
- Strong back-office support. He didn’t want to build every system himself.
- Stability. He had two kids in college.
- A proven model. Starting from scratch felt like too many unknowns.
That list told me a lot. David thinks like a finance leader. He wanted to understand the model and the risks before he made a move.
How did we narrow down more than 30 franchises?
Every week, for three to four months, I brought David a few concepts that matched his list. I also pushed him to look at options he hadn’t thought of. The range was wide, from trash compactor companies to online rental property management.
“Over three to four months, Lisa meticulously presented several concepts weekly, aligning them with my requirements and encouraging me to consider options I hadn’t previously thought of.” David, commercial cleaning franchise owner
I did the prep work before each weekly meeting, so our time together went to decisions, not paperwork. I also walked him through the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) line by line and introduced him to people who could help: current franchise owners, lawyers and accountants.
Why did a commercial cleaning franchise stand out?
The business David chose does commercial cleaning, disinfection and sanitization, with a focus on stopping the spread of infectious diseases. It wasn’t on his radar at the start.
What drew him in was how the customer side works. Clients sign on for ongoing service. Once a client is on board, the job is keeping them happy, not always chasing the next one.
“Once you secure a customer, your main focus shifts to maintaining excellent service, rather than constantly having to secure new business. This stability was particularly appealing to me.” David
Every franchise, owner and market is different, and experiences vary.
What does David say now?
He opened his franchise in San Francisco in 2021. His one regret is that he didn’t do it sooner. Down the road, he hopes to pass the business on to his children.
What I value most is how he describes working with us:
“I really can’t say enough about Lisa and her professionalism… She won’t pressure you. She is a true business partner.” David
That’s the job. I’m not here to sell you a franchise. I’m here to help you make a clear decision, and sometimes that decision is to walk away.
Franchising for executives: what can you learn from David’s story?
- Write your list first. Time, support and stability guided every choice David made.
- Look past your first ideas. His business came from outside the list he started with.
- Study the model. Ask how customers stay and how the work repeats over time.
- Read the FDD with help. Go through it line by line, and talk to current owners, lawyers and accountants.
- Take your time. Three to four months of weekly reviews gave him a clear picture.
FAQs about franchising for executives
Is franchising a good move for a former executive?
It can be, if the model matches your goals. David wanted a proven model and back-office support instead of starting from scratch. Every franchise, owner and market is different, and experiences vary.
How long does the franchise search take?
For David, about three to four months of weekly reviews. There’s no set timeline. It depends on how many options you compare.
How many franchises should I look at?
David looked at more than 30. You don’t have to look at that many, but comparing several makes the differences clear.
What are commercial cleaning franchise opportunities?
A commercial cleaning franchise is a business-to-business service that cleans, disinfects and sanitizes workplaces. David’s focuses on stopping the spread of infectious diseases.
Who else should I talk to before I buy?
Current franchise owners, plus your own lawyer and accountant. David met all three through our network.
