Exploring Employee Options in Franchising

One of the biggest questions I get when talking about franchise ownership is: “What about employees?”

For some, it’s a major concern. I hear things like: ?? “I don’t want to deal with employees.” ?? “Managing people feels like a headache.” ?? “I’m not sure I want the responsibility of a team.”

If that sounds like you, here’s the good news—franchising isn’t one-size-fits-all. You actually have options!

?? Want to run a business without employees? Some franchises are designed to be owner-operated, meaning you’re the only employee. Consulting, home-based services, and certain mobile businesses fall into this category.

?? Prefer a small, manageable team? There are plenty of franchise models that only require a handful of employees—giving you flexibility while still having some support.

?? Okay with a larger team but don’t want to start from scratch? Many franchises provide structured systems for hiring, training, and managing employees, making it easier than doing it all on your own.

? The bottom line? You don’t have to let employee concerns hold you back. The key is finding a business model that fits your strengths, comfort level, and goals.

What do you think—does managing employees factor into your business decision? Let’s talk!?

Choosing Between Employees and Independence

“Employees or no employees?” That’s the big debate.

Funny enough, I was just sitting with a friend, and I told her the topic of this post: "Conversation About Having Employees vs. Not Having Employees." Her immediate response? “YES!” My attitude at this point in my career is, “NO!, I don’t want any employees. Been there, done that!’”

And you know what? That’s completely okay! That’s what I love about business ownership—you get to define how you want to run your business.

What’s interesting, though, is that my friend actually started out thinking she never wanted employees. But over time, she realized that having a team could enhance her business. That’s the beauty of growth—sometimes, our needs and perspectives evolve.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit—being a solopreneur means everything falls on me. Every email, every phone call, every calendar appointment… it’s all on me. Could I hire an admin or a virtual assistant? Sure. I just haven’t made that decision yet.

But on the flip side, I know people who absolutely love building a team. I remember one of my very first clients—his biggest goal in owning a business wasn’t just about profit. It was about mentoring young men, helping them develop skills, and becoming better members of the community. How amazing is that?

The takeaway? There’s no right or wrong answer. Some people thrive as solopreneurs, loving the independence and control. Others find joy in leadership and team-building. The best part? You get to choose the path that fits YOU.

So, where do you fall on the spectrum? Are you team “solo all the way” or team “build the dream team”? Let’s hear it in the comments!

Subcontractors: A Flexible Alternative

Did you know that some businesses—franchises included—allow you to hire subcontractors instead of employees?

A lot of people don’t realize this, but it’s a game-changer for certain industries. Instead of managing a full-time staff, you can build a business where subcontractors handle the work.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: ?? “I’ve tried hiring subcontractors before, and it was a bad experience.” ?? “Good subcontractors are hard to find.”

And I get it! But here’s the thing—there are great subcontractors out there. The challenge? When you’re searching for them on your own, they may already be busy working for someone else.

For example, in industries like painting or flooring, many subcontractors don’t want to own a business. They’re not looking to handle marketing, customer service, or accounting. They just want to show up, do quality work, and get paid fairly.

That’s where the right franchise system can make a difference. Many franchise models already have proven systems in place to help you find, vet, and manage reliable subcontractors. Instead of hiring and training employees, you’re partnering with skilled professionals who already know their craft.

? So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been hesitant about business ownership because of employees, subcontractor-based models could be an option worth exploring. It’s all about finding a business structure that fits your lifestyle, goals, and management style.

Would love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever worked with subcontractors before? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below! OR If you’re unsure whether you want employees or not, click on my ?calendar link, and let’s have a conversation.