Franchise: An American Icon
Entrepreneur: “Though franchising as a concept has existed for centuries, it became a prevalent force in American business just a few generations ago. And as anyone who has watched TV, listened to the radio or read ads can attest, franchising has become an icon of American life. Robert A. Robicheaux, chair of the Department of Management, Marketing and Industrial Distribution at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, says the ‘explosion of entrepreneurship made possible by franchising’ began in the 1950s, punctuated resoundingly by Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s. By using franchising, which Robicheaux points out is nothing more than a particular legal form of business, franchisees could be, as he puts it, ‘quasi-independent’ business owners who basically assisted the franchisor in expanding the brand. Now, in addition to the vast hamburger empires, automobile dealerships, janitorial services and just about any other type of business imaginable can use franchising as a way to build and expand. In doing so, franchising has irrevocably shaped the nation. On a broad scale, here are five areas that have been significantly affected by franchising: the economy, jobs, entrepreneurship, uniformity and culture.”
Building Wealth on January 19th, 2005 3:36 pm
Interested in franchise opportunities?
Entrepreneur Magazine has a great piece on the history and influence of franchising. From McDonald’s Hamburger stands in the 50s to miniblinds, coffeestands and fitness centers today, franchises have brought opportunity to small entrepreneurs while he…
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