BAI franchise consultants help entrepreneurs realize their dreams
As a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc. (BAI), the nation’s longest-running franchise consultancy firm, Mariruth Kennedy has found a business opportunity that will take her through to her retirement years, as well as fostering her passion for helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams. In this franchise consultant review, Kennedy discusses why she became a Registered Franchise Consultant with our premier franchise brokerage firm.
You are a former Vice President of Franchising. Tell us a little bit about that.
The company I was with was in the direct mail industry, and I helped bring the company into franchising. I learned about franchising via baptism by fire, so to speak. I stayed in that franchising leadership for four more years before I was ready to do my own thing. Then I founded a digital agency with a business partner in 2009.
What attracted you to the idea of being a Registered Franchise Consultant?
Good question. I was looking for something to take me into retirement. I’m not quite there yet, but heading that way. I was looking for a business with some specific criteria. For me, it was something I could do on my own, with a great deal of flexibility in terms of when and where I did it.
Prior to the pandemic, I traveled a bit, and I wanted to be able to travel and still do my business. So I didn’t want to lock myself into a brick-and-mortar. Thinking about my career and what I enjoyed doing the most, and the job I enjoyed having the most was franchise development. I thought, “What can I do without going to work for a brand?” I don’t want to work for somebody else again. In fact, I’ve started two businesses since I turned 50, so I always tell people who are a little bit older, you can do it. That’s kind of what brought me to franchise consulting. It ticked all those boxes.
Can you explain the appeal of helping people become business owners?
I really enjoy helping people move from being an employee to an employer. I enjoy helping people realize their potential. When that means going into their own business, it can be scary, and they need somebody who kind of walks with them. Being able to help people and be a sounding board for them as they go through the process is also pretty meaningful.
How did BAI support you in helping you establish your business?
The support from BAI is tremendous. There’s training, there is obviously ongoing support, and there are round tables, Zoom calls, and phone calls. They’re really responsive, too. I’m on the East Coast and they’re on the West Coast, yet I’ve never had a problem getting ahold of anybody. I don’t know when they sleep, because they always answer my emails, calls, or texts. They are very responsive.
What is your favorite part about owning a franchise consultancy business?
I have the flexibility to work when I want, where I want and how I want, so if I want to take some time off to do things I want to do, I can do that. If I want to work a flurry, I can work a flurry. I can set my goals and stay focused to reach them. But the beauty of this business to me is nobody’s standing over my shoulder, saying, “Hey, you have to do this.”
Why is now a good time to become a franchise consultant? And why is it a good time to join BAI?
It’s a good time to become a Registered Franchise Consultant because we’re seeing some really exciting new brands come out. I’m excited about those because they are owned by good organizations with good infrastructure behind them. They also have a lot of territory available.
With the economy where it is, there are people looking to buy franchises, and I think franchising has become more mainstream. There are many people in their 50s with pretty sizable 401(k)s and the ability to use a 401(k) rollover either for themselves or to help their kids get into business. I think all these things make it a good time to get into franchise consulting.
BAI has been on a trajectory of growth, and now they’re looking for ways not only to grow, but to help existing consultants grow their practices. All of that is coming together in a way that makes it exciting to see what the next steps will be. I’ve been with BAI for about three years. I’ve seen a change in that time in terms of resources, speakers they bring in to talk to us, and more virtual learning and experiences. The next few years will be pretty exciting.
Ready for a meaningful career?
To learn more about becoming a Registered Franchise Consultant with BAI, simply fill out an inquiry form to start a conversation. We can’t wait to learn more about you!
