A Conversation With: Laura Coe and Jessica Stasi of Snapology

The coronavirus continues to have dire effects on businesses across the country, and the franchise industry is no exception. Franchisors across segments are strategizing new ways to support their franchisees, keep customers satisfied, help local communities and come out stronger on the other side of this crisis.

To that end, 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills and Charles Internicola, founder and partner of the Internicola Law Firm, are covering the coronavirus and its impact on businesses through our A Conversation With webinar series.

Franchisees were initially panicked about COVID-19, especially when schools closed down and parents began requesting refunds. It was a time to discuss both short-term and long-term gains and help franchisees understand that while short-term revenue might be lower, everyone needed to plan for the long game.

Snapology’s leadership team pivoted quickly and identified curriculum that could be done online. Franchisees were quick to embrace online programs, and the brand is seeing fantastic results.

Some things are out of control right now, but having the franchise model provides a sense of community.

These past few months have required creative thinking as the brand has transitioned to online offerings. Not every Snapology program can translate to an online platform, but the brand was still able to identify a significant amount of curriculum that kids could do from home.

Franchisees have taken a financial hit, but they have also grown in other ways. Everyone has mitigated risk and stayed afloat with the help of headquarters.

Franchisees may now feel validated in their choice to join a franchise brand instead of going into business on their own, especially when the leadership team is focused on building relationships instead of just sales.

Providing communities with a great product has also helped with franchisee validation at this time. Knowing you are providing a service the community needs is fulfilling. You cannot put a price on that fulfillment and the level of control a franchise provides.

Franchising can help franchisees reach their goals faster and provide a sense of peace and control, especially during this challenging time.

It’s helpful to have an environment where franchisees feel supported by their franchisor but also feel comfortable to reach out to their fellow franchisees.

It also helps when franchisors provide franchisees with forums and systems to communicate with each other. This brings the franchise system as a whole together and has made everyone at Snapology feel more close-knit.

Snapology might continue certain online programs after COVID-19. Being online wasn’t previously part of the brand’s identity, but certain applications can work for children in hospitals, children who are homebound and children who live in rural areas. The online experience won’t be the same as the in-person experience, but there could still be some long-term benefits.

For Snapology franchisees, working with a franchisor who is creative and invested in the brand’s future is incredible and it is currently paying off. It shows the value behind working with a great franchisor.

Future prospective franchisees will want to know how the franchisor responded to COVID-19 and provided support to franchisees. Snapology is proud to say it has been doing everything it can.

Franchisees have direct access to the Snapology leadership team, which means a lot, especially during this time. As a former franchisee for two other brands in the past, Coe is especially sensitive to franchisees and their needs.