Layovers, Learnings, and Lots of Coffee

What a year 2025 has been already!?We’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many brilliant minds—visionaries, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of franchising and beyond. From impactful client projects to unforgettable moments at industry events, our team has been all over the map (fr fr), building relationships, sharing insights, and pushing boundaries. We’ve been teaching, learning, collaborating, and—most importantly—having a blast doing it all. If the first two months are any indication, this year is going to be insane, and we’re just getting started. Let's get into it.

Let’s Grow was something special.

Walking into that room, we knew this wasn’t going to be another surface-level AI conversation. We came ready to go deep—real business cases, unexpected applications, and the tough questions that keep franchisors up at night. How do you structure teams around AI? Where should your 2025 AI budget go? What’s actually delivering ROI?

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, asked bold questions and leaned into the conversation. The future of AI in franchising isn’t something we have to brace for—it’s something we get to build.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Ready to make your next AI move? Hit us up!?

IFA Rewind

IFA (and Las Vegas) you never disappoint! We had a terrific time learning in the breakout sessions about what's new in franchising as well as how the current political climate is going to impact this market.?

Here’s a couple of our takeaways:

• AI was a big topic at IFA this year (we could have told you that!) but it’s clear that not everyone knows how exactly to use it with purpose.
• Growth is on everyone’s mind, but expanding too far too quickly can cause more headaches than solutions.?
• Franchisees are demanding their franchisor support them, and let’s be real, they should be! Supporting franchisees is the foundation of success for the brand.
• Tech should make tasks easier, not harder. It might be time to evaluate your tech stack and see what’s causing hangups.?

On the topic of AI, our 3-hour CFE course was a HIT! We are so thankful to all participants and all of the good sentiments that have been shared with us. Not to mention getting an 80+ NPS score!?

We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Nick Pope, CFE

Our guy Nick earned his CFE at IFA this year and got to walk across the stage and receive his certification. Cue the ugly crying you do when your kid graduates from high school

The CFE program is the most prestigious program in the franchising world, and we are so proud of Nick for earning his CFE.?

Meet Noel & Lucho: The Digital Dream Team!

We’ve expanded our digital team! When it comes to digital advertising, Noel and Lucho know how to turn clicks into customers. With a knack for crafting smart, strategic campaigns, they’re the brains behind the ads that make you stop scrolling and take action. Whether it’s optimizing performance, refining targeting, or coming up with creative that converts, these two know how to make every ad dollar count.

Need an ad strategy that actually works? Noel and Lucho have you covered - hit them up!?

The Latest AI Tools to Try

1. UPDF AI helps you chat with, summarize, and translate your PDFs (also converts them into visual mind maps) for better understanding.?
2. Master Key analyzes Zillow listings to help you determine a property's true value—shared by a reader!
3. Simple AI makes phone calls on your behalf to book appointments and make reservations, then provides you with call transcripts—shared by a reader!?
4. Fingertip builds your website, handles bookings, processes payments, and manages your entire business in a single dashboard.?
5. Backflip turns your ideas into real 3D-printable models by describing, drawing, or photographing what you want.?
6. Hiring.Cafe is a database of 1.6M open job postings that someone made because they were fed up with LinkedIn.
7. Take our AI class! We offer a diverse selection of classes focused on AI training and personal development, designed to help you enhance your skills and become a better version of yourself.

Evolving Franchise Development for Gen Z

Gen Z is stepping into the workforce and eyeing business ownership—franchising included. But if franchisors want to attract them as franchisees, they’ll need to rethink their approach. Here’s how Gen Z is reshaping the future of franchising:

1. Digital-First Decision Making

• Mobile-Friendly Everything – We all know how hard it is to get kids to look up from their phones. Gen Z expects franchise websites to be seamless, engaging, and easy to navigate on their phones. Think explainer videos, interactive tools, and clear, digestible info.
• Short-Form Video Wins – TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts aren’t just for entertainment—they’re where Gen Z researches and discovers opportunities. TikTok is their new form of Google.
• Authenticity Over Hype – This generation sees right through polished corporate and ‘influencer’ type marketing. They want real, behind-the-scenes insights from actual franchisees.

2. Work-Life Balance & Business Ownership

• No Interest in the 9-to-5 – Unless it's the Dolly Parton song, which Gen Z still loves. They crave flexibility, making semi-absentee or manager-run franchise models more appealing than traditional owner-operator setups.
• Mental Health Matters – They’ll prioritize franchises that promote work-life balance and a supportive culture.
• Remote-Friendly Business Models – Home-based, hybrid, and digital-friendly franchises are right in their wheelhouse.

3. Financial Considerations & Investment Mindset

• Low Start Up Costs – Many Gen Zers are debt-conscious and will be drawn to franchises with affordable startup costs or creative financing options. And let’s be real, most of them probably have a mountain of student loan debt to consider.
• Side Hustle to Full-Time – They’re looking for opportunities they can start with part-time dedication and scale when they’re ready.

4. Social & Environmental Responsibility

• Eco-Conscious Brands Win – Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a deciding factor for many Gen Z investors.
• Purpose-Driven Businesses – They want to build something meaningful, whether it’s a social enterprise or a franchise that gives back.
• Diversity & Inclusion Matter – Brands with strong DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives will stand out.

5. Training & Support Must Be Modern

• Interactive, On-Demand Training – Long manuals? No thanks. Gen Z prefers gamified learning, video-based training, and app-driven modules.
• Fast, Digital Communication – Forget the endless phone calls and emails—text, chat, and social media are their go-to communication channels.
• Community & Collaboration – They’ll thrive in franchise networks that encourage peer mentorship, online forums, and digital connection.

6. Branding & Marketing That Speaks to Gen Z

• Social Proof – They trust real testimonials from franchise owners, not just corporate messaging.
• Personal Branding – They want to bring their own voice and individuality into the franchise system.
• Community-Driven Engagement – Local events and real-world brand interactions matter.

As Gen Z moves into franchise ownership, the industry will shift toward digital transformation, value-driven business models, and more flexibility. The brands that evolve will be the ones that thrive.

Are you ready to tailor your franchise marketing to Gen Z? Let’s talk.

Where will we be next?

FBN/WFN Meet Up

Denver Fam! Let's Make March 4th Awesome!

Ingrid and Patti are bringing the energy to the Denver FBN/WFN meetup, and we want YOU there.

What's happening:

• Drinks (yes, free!)
• Snacks (also free!)
• 45 minutes of Patti and Ingrid sharing the latest in AI + Operations (we'll make it fun, promise). We make sure we’re including the latest in AI so NOTHING is out of date.

Tons of networking with awesome humans

Huge thanks to our friends at Polsinelli and The Liniger Center on Franchising for hosting.

No cost. No pressure. Just good people, good conversations, and maybe a few AI surprises.

Come hang out! Would love to see your face and chat- WE MISS YOU!?

Franchise Law for Non-Lawyers with University of Denver

Franchise Law For Non-Lawyers is designed to cut through the legal jargon and deliver practical legal essentials that every franchising professional should know. This course identifies laws, pit falls, and opportunities for franchisors and franchisee operators, with practical, common sense, business-friendly guidance, advice and do’s and don’ts.?

Our team will be there, and so should you!?

Click here to learn more and secure your spot!

Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

This event is always a highlight of the year, bringing together the best in franchising to talk growth, strategy, and what’s next for the industry. We’re excited to be there, connect with fellow franchise pros, and soak up all the insights.

If you’re attending, let’s link up! Whether it’s swapping ideas over coffee or diving into the latest franchise trends, we’d love to connect.?

Don’t forget to check out some of our clients!

• Visit Head to Toe Brands booths 1610 and 1612 to check out our booth design and say hello to our friends at Frenchies Modern Nail Care and The Lash Lounge
• Head over to booth 2141 to connect with Patti and Perspire Sauna Studio

See you in Vegas!

As we ride this wave of momentum into the rest of 2025, we’re ready to help even more brands level up—whether you’re looking for fresh strategies, innovative solutions, or just a team that?gets it. Want to sharpen your skills along the way? Check out?traininyourlane.com?for our latest workshops, including our must-attend?AI classes?that are helping brands work smarter (not harder) every single day. Ready to build something bold??Let’s make it happen—reach out to us at?info@stayinyourlaneco.com?or visit?stayinyourlaneco.com?and let’s start creating your brand’s next big moment.