Franchising
Through weekly instruction, applied exercises, and interactive simulations, participants will:
Evaluate franchise opportunities, disclosure documents, and unit economics
Assess financial requirements, startup costs, and funding strategies
Navigate franchisee support systems, legal protections, and compliance structures
Manage daily operations while preparing for growth through multi-unit and advanced ownership models
Build long-term strategies for wealth creation, equity growth, and exit planning
Outcomes and Values
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Confidently evaluate franchise opportunities that align with their goals
- Complete a funding strategy for a potential franchise investment
- Understand key legal terms and how to work effectively with franchise attorneys
- Build a personal roadmap to franchise ownership and wealth-building
- Connect with current and former athletes who are active franchise owners
Program Structure
Format: 6 weeks | Weekly live sessions with applied deal analysis
Delivery: Virtual live sessions with recordings available for reviewiew
Certificate Received: Franchising Certificate of Completion
Cost: $5,250*
*Tuition reimbursement is available for those who qualify
Program Pillars
Hands-On Learning
Interactive discussions, case studies, and applied exercises help participants master franchising fundamentals and evaluate real opportunities.
Expert Instruction
Led by Steven Sgroi, MBA, CFE, Head Business Coach & Career Transition Specialist at FRANTHLETE, with deep experience in franchise growth, ownership, and athlete transition strategies.
Real-World Application
Participants analyze franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), build funding plans, and assess franchise models across multiple industries.
Action Planning
Participants leave with a personalized roadmap to franchise ownership and wealth creation, supported by guidance from industry experts and athlete franchise owners.
Meet Your Faculty
Steven Sgroi, MBA, CFE
Weekly Themes
- History and fundamentals of franchising
- Franchise vs. independent business
- Overview of industries (food, fitness, home services, health, wellness, retail, B2B, childcare, education, senior care)
- Case studies and athlete experiences
- Market research and identifying areas of interest
- Evaluating emerging vs. established brands
- Franchise discovery process and FDD overview
- Key cost structures and territory rights
- Panel discussion with franchisors and franchise owners
- Homework: Identify three franchise opportunities of interest
- Startup costs, ongoing fees, and cash flow realities
- Break-even timelines and working capital
- Funding options: SBA loans, ROBS, private capital
- Live presentation from a funding expert
- Homework: Build a funding strategy for one franchise option
- Franchisee support systems: training, marketing, supply chains, field reps
- Balance between independence and compliance
- Legal framework: FDD deep dive, franchise agreements, key terms
- Live Q&A with a franchise attorney
- Homework: Personal assessment of fit and readiness
- Day-to-day realities: staffing, retention, marketing execution, KPIs
- Leveraging athlete equity as an owner
- Scaling options: multi-unit ownership, area developer, master franchise models
- Interactive panel with athlete franchise owners
- Exit strategies and wealth-building in franchising
- Building equity and valuing franchises
- Decision framework: “Is franchising right for me?”
- Personal roadmap and 90-day plan
- Capstone Q&A and networking session
Key Features
- University of Miami Herbert Business School Executive Education Certificate
- Hands-on exercises, real franchise evaluations, and expert-led discussions
- Direct guidance from experienced franchise coaches and attorneys
- Actionable strategies for business ownership and wealth creation
- Peer collaboration and networking with athlete franchise owners
