Most Families Aren't Ready for Multi-Unit Franchise Succession

Transitioning a multi-unit franchise is not just a business decision; it is a family decision. Without preparation, family involvement can spark conflict, stall growth, and put your hard-earned legacy at risk. The good news? With the right approach, your family and your business can thrive together through succession.

Preparing your family for multi-unit franchise succession goes beyond legal paperwork. It is about creating clarity around roles, building successor readiness, and establishing governance structures that protect both relationships and enterprise value.

Family succession in a multi-unit franchise is rarely straightforward. Each location, role, and family member adds another layer of complexity:

• Different levels of family involvement across stores
• Misaligned expectations or entitlement concerns
• Brand requirements that shape leadership options
• Communication gaps between generations

Without intentional preparation, even small cracks in the plan can jeopardize both family unity and business value.

Be specific

Clarity prevents conflict. Identify early who wants to be involved and in what capacity:

• Will they operate units, serve on a board, or remain passive owners?
• Will their role grow or change over time?
• When will leadership or ownership transition happen, and how?

Answering these questions reduces assumptions and gives family members a clear path to prepare.

Develop readiness

Franchise successors are not born into the role; they must be developed. Effective families focus on:

• Building competency-based development plans
• Providing mentorship and hands-on experience
• Encouraging outside work experience to broaden perspective
• Defining leadership benchmarks in operations, finance, and HR

Readiness should always be tied to capability, not age.

Family employment policy

Without structure, entitlement and favoritism can creep in. A written family employment policy helps by outlining:

• Hiring, evaluation, and promotion criteria
• Compensation standards
• Rules for reentry if a family member leaves and returns
• Expectations for performance and accountability

These guidelines reinforce fairness and build trust across the organization.

Create systems

Multi-unit operations magnify the stakes of decision-making. Formal governance and communication systems help keep emotions in check and ensure alignment:

• Consider creating a family council or advisory board
• Hold regular family meetings with business updates
• Establish rules for decision-making and conflict resolution

These structures provide transparency and strengthen long-term unity.

Clarify ownership and leadership

Not every shareholder is a leader, and not every leader must be an owner. To avoid confusion:

• Define shareholder voting rights and responsibilities
• Put buy-sell agreements in place for future scenarios
• Differentiate between decision-making authority and advisory roles

Clear separation prevents resentment and protects business continuity.

Difficult conversations

Succession often surfaces old tensions and conflicting visions. It is essential to:

• Approach discussions with empathy
• Bring in a neutral advisor when needed
• Allow space for healthy disagreement

Relationship clarity is just as important as operational clarity.

Ready to plan your next chapter?

You can set your business up for a smooth handoff while continuing to grow. Download The Franchisee's Guide to Growth and Transitions for self-assessments, checklists, and strategies to strengthen your leadership pipeline.

Still exploring?

Not sure where your risks lie? Learn how to identify and close leadership gaps across locations in Multi-Unit Franchisee Success: Avoiding Leadership Gaps Across Locations.

Need Tailored Guidance?

Looking for deeper strategies to balance family and business? Hugh Roberts' book Help! I've Got Family in the Business provides real-world stories and practical tools to navigate conflict, succession, and family dynamics so your business thrives without tearing your family apart.

Conclusion

Preparing your family for multi-unit franchise succession is about more than transferring ownership. It is about protecting relationships, preserving business value, and empowering the next generation to succeed. When you start early, define expectations, and create governance around family involvement, succession becomes a pathway to growth instead of conflict. With the right preparation, your franchise group can continue to thrive and your family legacy can endure for generations.

Kendall Rawls with Rawls Succession Planners knows and understands the challenges that impact the success of a complex, privately held, and family-owned business. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and discover how we can empower you to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success. Whether you're navigating regulatory shifts or striving to build a top-tier team, we're here to help you thrive in today's multi-unit franchising landscape. For more information, visit seekingsuccession.com or email kendall@rawlsgroup.com.