3 Franchise CEOs on The Future of Their Brands Post-COVID

Across the U.S., states are cautiously reopening, and businesses are turning their focus from survival to revival. Still, even as business leaders are starting to catch glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel, virtually every industry is facing an uncertain future. So, how can franchise leaders start to plan for a future that remains unclear? Franchising.com spoke to CEOs from three franchise brands to learn how they are strategizing for the unknown.

“We are looking to new programs such as our online classes to provide a way for kids to continue to keep moving, even at home,” said Alex Bingham, CEO at The Little Gym. “As a result of the way we offered classes online – free quickly, and efficiently – we think our system will have an opportunity to capture market share, and we are projecting that this has put us in a position to grow more rapidly than others in similar situations.”

For moving franchise College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, virtual services are not an option, so CEO Nick Friedman says his team is investing in marketing and looking at ways to adapt, expand and enhance services to make sure his brand remains top-of-mind among consumers.

BrightStar Care CEO Shelly Sun says her team is focused primarily on the health and safety of their franchisees and employees right now. Once the health risks of the pandemic are contained, Sun says her team will “reinvent the business model, making sure we are sustainable for the long haul.”