Lessons From Franchise Executives: Kyle Bailey of NuVinAir

As the CEO and founder of NuVinAir, the healthy vehicle interiors brand, Kyle Bailey follows the ABCs when working with franchisees: Always Be Communicating. “I see too often where franchisors and franchisees have this separation, and that really comes from mistrust and lack of communication,” Bailey said. “These are your partners, not your employees or your children, and they have a lot to contribute to the business offering.”

But the Dallas-Fort Worth-based entrepreneur said it’s crucial that franchisors find the right partners in the first place. “Take your time,” he said. “Just know that through that dating period, there’s a marriage that does occur, so just make sure that the qualifications of the candidates who you select really fit. It’s okay to say no when it comes to selling franchises.”

For franchisees, finding a brand that’s a good fit is equally important. “Date a few brands before you get married,” he advised. “It’s okay to date multiple opportunities. Make sure you have alignment not only with the brand but the corporate team. Do you believe in the mission?”

Before signing with a brand, Bailey recommends talking to other franchisees within that brand, focusing on what the challenges are. “I’d rather have our franchisees tell any of our candidates who are going through qualification the lows versus the highs,” he said. “If they see themselves still excited about some of the work, then we know they’re going to have a better cultural fit in our brand.”