Blog
Notes from people who have owned the stores
October 6, 2026 · Reva Enzminger
Is hiring the real job of a franchise owner?
In people businesses, yes. Here is what that means before you buy.
September 1, 2026 · Ron Taylor
What really happens at discovery day
Discovery day is part interview, part sales event. Here is how to get real information out of it.
August 4, 2026 · Reva Enzminger
The $200,000 franchise that turned into a logo
Why I started Open Territory, and the one kind of business I will steer you away from.
July 7, 2026 · Ron Taylor
How do people actually pay for a franchise?
SBA loans, retirement rollovers, home equity and cash. A plain look at the options and the tradeoffs.
June 9, 2026 · Reva Enzminger
Do you want to be in the truck, or own the trucks?
The first question we ask every buyer, and why the answer changes everything about the shortlist.
May 12, 2026 · Ron Taylor
What nine stores taught me about owning a franchise
Lessons from growing an Edible Arrangements group from one store in Youngstown to nine stores in three states.
April 21, 2026 · Ron Taylor
What does a protected territory actually protect?
Territory language in the franchise agreement varies more than buyers expect. Here is what to look for.
March 31, 2026 · Reva Enzminger
What should you actually ask on validation calls?
Talking to current owners is the most useful hour you will spend. Most people waste it.
March 10, 2026 · Reva Enzminger
The unglamorous franchises that quietly work
Septic, junk removal, restoration. Nobody brags about them at parties. Their owners do fine.
February 17, 2026 · Ron Taylor
How to read Item 19 without fooling yourself
Item 19 is the earnings section of the FDD. Here is how to read it like an owner, not a fan.
January 27, 2026 · Reva Enzminger
Can a robot fix your sink?
Not this decade. That is the whole point of the businesses we recommend.
January 6, 2026 · Ron Taylor
We read 140 franchise disclosure documents. Here is what we learned.
Most buyers skim the FDD. We read every page of 140 of them so you know which 30 pages actually matter.
Own something
a robot
can’t run.
A few questions, about 5 minutes. Costs you nothing. Franchisors pay us, and we still tell you when to walk away.
Open Territory
Franchises that still need people.