Who's Successfully Bringing Popular International Franchise Businesses To The US?

The U.S. is the largest and strongest franchise market in the world, so naturally, franchise companies in other countries aspire to come here. However, the U.S. marketplace is littered with dozens of potholes and landmines just waiting for the unsuspecting international franchisor, as they attempt to enter the U.S. franchise marketplace.

I’d like you to meet someone that knows how to get franchise concepts that are popular overseas, right over to our soil..

Dick Rennick, founder and CEO of TEAM Rennick, is a recognized expert in helping international franchise concepts successfully launch and grow in the U.S. His business philosophy is reflected in his company name - TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Rennick.

He most recently guided the launches of Rent Your Boxes, an Australian-based franchise, and Frames N Panes, a Canadian-based franchise, and here’s what they had to say about their experiences working with Dick…

“For any franchise company wishing to launch in the U.S., Dick is the best.” – Barry Harris, CEO and founder, Rent Your Boxes LLC

“I would recommend first and foremost that any Canadian franchise expanding into the States get a franchise advisor. Dick is very knowledgeable in all aspects of franchising.” – Cory Kohlman, president and founder, Frames N Panes

Recently, Dick was asked about international franchises, and his role in bringing some of them over to the States…

**********************************************************************************************************

Q: What are the most common obstacles international franchises encounter in coming into the U.S.?

A: The largest obstacle is meeting, greeting and embracing the US business culture all the time. It can be tough to try to figure out how to work in the U.S. We are a very litigious society, which must be taken into consideration throughout the process.

Q: In what capacity do you work with the franchisors?

A: We try to become their interim management team. That includes me, as well as our new managing Director, Cynthia Gartman. We like to help train, coach, and mentor their people so they can learn our society. If they allow us to do that, we will set it all up. For example, I was the interim president and chief operating officer for Rent Your Boxes, and am now serving as interim CEO for the Assisting Hands Home Care franchise in Boise, Idaho, as well as for Frames N Panes in Victoria, Canada. Cynthia is currently serving as interim CEO for IKOR, a franchise based in Philadelphia. We take those responsibilities on so that we can teach whoever is going to be the incoming management team our American culture, and all about franchising in this country.


Q: How long does it usually take to launch?

A: Do not come into the U.S. without proof of concept in your home country. Once entering the U.S., it will take at least one full year to go through all of the legal work and make the changes needed so that you have adapted comfortably to the culture. Then, you should open one to three corporate operations to prove your concept will work here before you launch your first franchise.

Q: What concepts “translate” best into the U.S.?

A: If you have a good concept, it must be very very different than anything else. If you have a carpet cleaning system from Bora Bora, for example, you must be able to clearly, compellingly, and immediately be able to explain why it is that you feel your concept is better than anything else in this country. If you have something different, that is not yet established here, and there is a market for it, that also has a greater chance of success.

Q: How did you gain such expertise in directing international franchises to successful launches in the U.S.?

A: Battle scars! By that I mean people coming in and not listening. I need to have access to all of the processes and system necessary for me to manage the company in a proper manner, which encompasses everything from following the cash flow to making sure that the people they are bringing into this country have the correct type of visa. This is not the easiest country in which to do business, but it offers the best growth potential, opportunity for profit, and quality of life than anywhere else in the world.

Q: Do you have a specific set of guidelines for the process?

A: There are some basic guidelines, but this is not a cookie-cutter approach, that is for sure. The most important decision is making sure we can take their existing business and be successful here. We prefer that they open one or two company-run operations here for 12 to 18 months to make sure it’s going to work, and they have a way to validate the system, for Item 19 in the FDD, and prove that they have two locations that are running well and working fine.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the process?

A: The challenge and satisfaction of helping companies from foreign lands succeed in our litigious
marketplace.

Q: What advice would you give an international franchise that is contemplating a move into the U.S.?

A: Do your homework! You can’t just come into the U.S., no matter what country you’re coming from, and not be prepared for the melting pot that we are. Align yourself with a notable and reputable franchise mentoring, consulting or coaching organization that has a proven background in success in launching a concept from start-up or from another country. A few phone calls and a few Google searches can help make that happen.

***********************************************************************************************

If you would like to learn more, check out TeamRennick.com