Franchise Development Players: Bob McQuillan of Hand & Stone

It’s kind of a long story! Back in the late 90s, I was in the medical industry for about eleven years. During that time, I watched the technology sector go crazy when the dot com’s were achieving four digit plus growth in stocks. I saw an opportunity to get involved with a tech company during this growth. I ended up on the software end when I joined Cisco systems. I thought my plan had worked, but then in 2000 the industry crashed. I could have gone back to medicine, but decided to look at other opportunities.

On November 11, 2001 I had my last interview scheduled in a building across from the towers. I never made it to the city because the interviewer canceled. After that, my fate was sealed. I said to my wife, “If not now, when? Why don’t we start our own business?” From there, we turned to franchising and became involved with Hollywood Tans.

I actually lived the American dream part and like helping others to do the same. I can talk to you about how the journey is because I have done it and continue to build it.

What do you wish would change in franchising?

Good question--the regulations that we go through every year. If we could have one set of rules for all states that we do business in, it could prevent a loss of great franchisees and opportunities.

The best franchisees follow the playbook. They don’t come in and change the recipe--there’s a reason that it works. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

What’s the No. 1 thing that sells franchisees?

Other franchisees are a powerful tool. Don’t listen to the sales guy--do your due diligence and speak to franchisees.