By Brooke Janousek, GarageExperts

How Strategic Empowerment, Authentic Brand Values, and Inclusive Leadership are Reshaping the Future of Franchising

In franchising, success is never achieved alone. As Chief Marketing Officer, I’ve learned that the heartbeat of any franchise system is its people, especially the franchisees who bring a brand’s promise to life in their communities. My leadership philosophy is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: when franchisees feel supported, seen, and heard, everything from NPS to unit performance improves. But true empowerment isn’t just about encouragement, it’s about strategy, clarity, and co-creation.

Empowerment as a Strategic Advantage

Franchisees are far more than operators; they are brand builders and local ambassadors. The most successful franchise systems recognize that empowering these entrepreneurs isn’t a “soft” leadership skill, it’s a strategic imperative. When you invest in your people, the business moves faster and farther. I firmly believe that if the team knows the direction we’re heading, the “why” behind it, and how their unique contributions impact overall success, you end up with a highly engaged and accomplished network.

One of the most common hurdles for franchisees is marketing. For many, it’s the most intimidating part of running a business. My goal as a leader is to make marketing digestible, not daunting. I often train franchisees using a simple PDF that breaks down how to dedicate just one hour a day to marketing activities. By making the process approachable, we help franchisees build confidence which breeds consistency.

We’ve also invested in tools and training that demystify content creation, digital marketing, and performance tracking. Our monthly webinars, for example, are designed to break down complex topics into actionable steps. Whether it’s explaining the basics of social media or showing how to interpret analytics, we want every franchisee to feel empowered to confidently promoted themselves and connect with their local market. When franchisees understand the “how” and “why” behind their marketing, they become more effective advocates for the brand.

Empowerment also means co-creating success, not mandating it. The best ideas often come from the field, and I view franchisee feedback as a vital resource. Advisory councils, regular surveys, and informal conversations all help shape our brand’s direction. When franchisees see their input reflected in national campaigns or operational changes, it builds trust and a sense of shared ownership.

Brand Awareness: Values in Action

In today’s crowded marketplace, brand differentiation isn’t just about clever copy or a viral stunt. It comes down to values in action. Your brand is what people experience. How you make them feel. It’s not just what you say, but what you do. We’ve invested in customer research that proves our values are a true differentiator. Customers remember how they’re treated, the quality of the service, and the authenticity of the people behind the brand.

That’s why we focus heavily on earned trust, not just paid reach. While digital ads and national campaigns are important, the most powerful form of marketing is a satisfied customer sharing their experience. We encourage our franchisees to be customer-focused. Understanding the “why” they chose to call us. Why do they want to redo their garage? We encourage them to provide top-tier service that will turn into a 5-star review. We also encourage community involvement which might mean sponsoring a local event or volunteering with a neighborhood organization. These actions build relationships that last, and they turn customers into brand advocates who refer business.

Data-driven decision making is another cornerstone of our approach. By providing franchisees with transparent reporting and actionable insights, we help them understand their markets, optimize their marketing spend, and measure what matters. This shared access to information not only builds trust but also encourages a spirit of experimentation and continuous improvement. When franchisees can see the impact of their efforts, they’re more likely to innovate and invest in new ideas.

Championing Women and Redefining Leadership

Franchising is evolving, and women are leading the way. But for women’s leadership to truly thrive, we need more than good intentions, we need intentional support and space. Creating pathways for women isn’t about checking a box; it’s about supporting, elevating, and most importantly, listening to the women in your system and on your leadership team.

As a woman in franchising, I know firsthand the balancing act many of us navigate — between ambition and caregiving, between professional drive and personal responsibilities. It’s time to normalize flexible leadership models that reflect this reality. Supporting women means more than mentorship, it means creating opportunities for advancement, advocating for their voices at the table, and recognizing the unique perspectives they bring.

Visibility is powerful. By highlighting the achievements of women franchisees and executives, we inspire others to aim higher and challenge outdated notions of what leadership looks like. I make it a priority to mentor emerging female leaders and to create forums where their ideas are not only heard but acted upon. I respond to every LinkedIn message for a chat and always make time for rising stars.

Leadership today is about creating clarity and courage for others, whether it’s helping a franchisee feel confident about a new marketing campaign or backing a female leader. My personal mantra is: “You’re never wrong if you choose yourself.” Authenticity isn’t just a feel-good concept; it’s the foundation of a strong, resilient culture. When leaders show up as their true selves, it encourages everyone in the organization to do the same.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the future of franchising. The most successful brands will be those that prioritize people, purpose, and progress. Brands that empower their franchisees, live their values, and champion inclusion at every level. Franchising is about opportunity: the opportunity to build a business, serve a community, and create a legacy. By choosing empowerment, authenticity, and inclusivity, we can unlock that opportunity for everyone.

Brooke Janousek is the chief marketing officer for GarageExperts. For more information about IFA franchisor member GarageExperts, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/garage-experts-llc/.