How To Succeed as A Multi-Unit Franchisee: Marc Phillips, FYZICAL

With more than 10 years of multi-unit franchise ownership experience, Marc Phillips has extensive insight on managing multiple businesses at once. Phillips owns seven franchise units with FYZICAL, the 400-plus unit physical therapy franchise. Each of his locations are based in the Colorado Springs area, where he actively works with a variety of patients, including The Classical Academy's football athletes and the Colorado Springs High School Rugby Club athletes.

Phillips discovered FYZICAL when he reconnected with a former employer who had joined the brand. He suggested that Phillips attend a discovery meeting to find out more about the brand. “After that, I called several franchisees in my region as well as some other multi-unit franchisees throughout the country since I had experience owning multiple stores.”

Phillips told 1851 he believes his success is due primarily to three major components: a supportive franchise regional consultant, a wonderful staff and the ability to utilize that staff in different roles. “As a physical therapist, I don’t have a lot of business knowledge,” he said. “So having somebody to call from corporate on the regular has been very helpful.”

When asked what advice he has for franchisees wanting to grow their portfolio, Phillips emphasized community involvement. “I believe all businesses are a relationship business and in order to grow, it’s important for you to have relationships with people in the community.” He also expressed the importance of having a solid base to build from, with both good leadership and well-trained employees.

In regard to what brands need to offer franchisees in order to pique their interest, Phillips believes franchisors should be a “one-stop-shop” that offers advice on marketing, employee recruitment and an achievable return on investment. “I think franchisors should be offering all the things that aren’t part of my expertise.”