Franchising ​News

Stay informed with the latest news from MSA - events, announcements, and updates from the world of business and franchising.

Latest MSA events and announcements​


 Join MSA at the Multi Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC) March 19-22 in Las Vegas, NV

On Friday, March 22 MSA Worldwide will help facilitate the half-day workshop “Expansion Programs for International Investors, Franchisors and Franchisees.”

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9:15 AM - 9:55 AM: How Franchise Brands Grow Outside Their Home Country
Kay Ainsley, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide will be a panelist addressing planning and preparation, finding and working with the right partners, confirming readiness, and how to correctly put together development agreements.

10:55 AM - 11:55 AM: The Due Diligence Process & Building Your Economic Model for Master Franchising
Michael Seid, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, will moderate this panel of experienced franchisors and master franchisees who will share their successes and challenges, and provide insights to help you avoid making mistakes as you expand into new and uncharted terrain.

The 2024 MUFC is a must-attend event for multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees looking to build their businesses to achieve their growth goals. For more information and to register, visit:

https://www.multiunitfranchisingconference.com/home

We hope to see you there!


Join MSA Worldwide at the IFA Annual Convention, Feb. 16-20 

The International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention will be held in Phoenix, Arizona from February 16 through the 20th. Join MSA for these special CFE credit sessions:

Friday, February 16 Special CFE Session:
Principles of Franchising

This program offers 7 CFE credits and will provide an overview of key issues faced by franchise executives in managing franchise operations. Using real-life scenarios and hypothetical formats, this course will present a series of problems that are faced by franchise executives every day. 

Presenters: Kay Ainsley, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide • Barry Heller, CFE, Partner, DLA Piper LLP • Bret Lowell, CFE, Partner, DLA Piper LLP • Joe Bourdow, CFE, Managing Partner, Premier Franchise Advisors LLC • Mark Liston, CFE, Retired Franchise Executive, Glass Doctor a Neighborly Company

To register, visit: https://www.franchise.org/convention

Saturday, February 17 Special CFE Session: 
Gaining an In-Depth Understanding of Franchising

This 8-hour program provides 7 CFE credits and is an essential addition to the learnings available in the IFA’s CFE classes. The program is based on the graduate school course on franchising offered at The Ohio State University, which is now part of the IFA’s CFE program.

Facilitated by: Michael Seid, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide • Kay Ainsley, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide • Marisa Faunce, CFE, Partner, Plave Koch PLC • Andrew Seid, CFE, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide • Marla Rosner, CFE, Senior Learning & Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide

To register, visit: https://www.franchise.org/convention

We hope to see you there!


CFE deadlines are coming soon! Meet your CFE requirements with MSA's comprehensive course 

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With CFE graduation and renewal deadlines fast approaching, now is the time to register for MSA’s “Understanding the Dynamics and Requirements of Commercial Franchising,” available through the IFA Academy. Successful completion of this course will provide CFE Candidates with 21 CFE Education Credits toward certification, or fulfill the 20 CFE Renewal Education requirement for Certified Franchise Executives.

  • CFE Graduation Deadline: December 31, 2023 All CFE program requirements must be completed by CFE candidates no later than December 31, 2023 to graduate as a member of the CFE graduating class at the 2024 IFA Annual Convention in February 2024.
  • CFE Renewal Deadline: February 1, 2024 Certified Franchise Executives must complete their CFE renewal requirements no later than February 1, 2024 if your CFE renewal term is 2/1/2021 - 2/1/2024.

Comprised of 20 modules* presented by leading franchising industry experts, this course provides franchise professionals with an overview of commercial franchising and is a deep dive into the design, development, and management of franchise systems.

For a full list of the course modules, click here.

To register for the course, log into the IFA Academy.

* Available as a full course package or as individual modules


Join MSA at the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference in Atlanta, GA 

FLDC-2023.jpgMSA is proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 FLDC in Atlanta, GA October 18-20. Since 1999 this annual conference for franchise executives has provided the forum for collaborative learning with inspiring keynote speakers, expert panel presentations, peer-to-peer problem solving workshops and plenty of networking time to catch up with old friends – and make new ones. Join us for:

  • Strategic content assembled with input from our expert advisory board of franchise sales and development executives
  • Opening workshops featuring focused content and expert presenters to help you grow and improve brand performance
  • Insights from the Annual Franchise Development Report, the industry’s leading benchmarking resource for franchise sales and lead generation
  • Networking with leaders in franchise development
  • The CEO Summit with industry-leading CEOs and Presidents discussing ideas for supporting brand growth
  • Exhibit area to learn about the newest and most effective solutions for supporting faster brand growth

We hope to see you there! For more information and to register, visit: https://www.franchisedevelopmentconference.com/ 


Announcing “Understanding the Dynamics and Requirements of Commercial Franchising,” a comprehensive 21-hour CFE course from Michael Seid 

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Complete Your CFE Renewal Education Requirement with IFA's Newest Education Course by Michael Seid!

“Understanding the Dynamics and Requirements of Commercial Franchising,” created by Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide, is now available through the IFA Academy and was developed as part of the IFA Approved Learning Partner program. Based on the graduate school course Michael teaches at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, this first-of-its-kind offering is an essential self-paced course for franchising professionals.

Comprised of 20 content-rich modules presented by leading experts, this course provides franchise professionals with an overview of commercial franchising and is a deep dive into the design, development, and management of franchise systems.

This course is a twenty-one (21) hour, twenty-one (21) education credit offering that completes the CFE education requirement for CFE renewal. Each class is also available to be taken individually.​

​Read the full course description and links here


2023 Legal Symposium: A Fireside Chat with the Franchising Family 

At the 2023 IFA Legal Symposium, IFA General Counsel Sarah Bush ​led a panel of five franchise legal experts from every aspect of franchising, representing franchisees, franchisors and other key stakeholders. Panelists weighed in on the key issues facing the business model today, such as the FTC’s recent concerning Request for Information, franchisee-franchisor relations, the necessary updates to the franchise disclosure process, and more.

Watch to get the most pressing information from the top IFA panelists Ron Gardner of Dady & Gardner, P.A., David Koch of Plave Koch PLC, Jacqueline Lee of Flynn Restaurant Group, Karen Satterlee, CFE of the Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Michael Seid of MSA Worldwide. 

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Join MSA Worldwide special CFE session “Gaining an In-depth Understanding of Franchising” on May 31 at the International Franchise Expo 

Register for this dynamic Special Session and Receive FREE admission to the Show! Use code ‘IFA’ at checkout

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Make sure to take advantage of IFA’s education opportunities at the International Franchise Expo (IFE) in NYC on May 31, before the Expo kicks off from June 1 through June 3. CFE credits are available, but CFE program participation is not required to attend this special session. Special sessions are open to anyone interested in professional development courses/workshops in franchising.

Gaining an In-Depth Understanding of Franchising - $699 / 8 CFE education credits

Franchising is an expansive method of distribution that is used by over 150 distinct industries. While there are commonalities across franchisors and within industries, many franchise professionals only get to understand the dynamics of franchising through the lens of their company or a handful of common approaches used by franchisors in their industry. This can often have a chilling effect on a company’s ability to strengthen their current franchise offerings and can also limit an individual’s mobility and career opportunities in the franchise space. This program is an essential addition to the learnings made available in the IFA’s CFE classes and is based on the graduate school course on franchising offered at The Ohio State University, which is now part of the IFA’s CFE program. Emerging franchisors that need to make decisions on how to structure their franchise system; Executives new to franchising and beginning to advance in their careers; Experienced franchisors who want to broaden their understanding of domestic franchise laws, regulations and trademarks and how other franchise systems manage, support, communicate, make changes, provide training and manuals, and grow their franchise systems domestically and internationally; and, Franchisees that want to add concepts to their portfolio or learn how to manage a multi-unit network. 

Presenters: Michael Seid, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide; Kay Ainsley, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide; Andrew Seid, CFE, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide; Marla Rosner, Senior Learning & Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide; Laina Sullivan, CFE, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide; Marisa Faunce, Partner, Plave Koch PLC​

We hope to see you there! 


Join MSA Worldwide at the 55th Annual IFA Legal Symposium, May 7-9, 2023 in Washington, DC 

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There’s still time to register! https://www.franchise.org/events/2023-legal-symposium

Attendance at the 2023 IFA Legal Symposium is essential for franchise professionals wanting to learn how to navigate our post-pandemic normal of legal and regulatory issues that affect the everyday business operations of a franchise system.

On Monday, May 8 from 12:00 – 1:30PM, Kay Ainsley, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, will moderate a roundtable on “Emerging Franchisors: Best Practices for Avoiding Mistakes, Addressing Them and Preventing Them From Recurring in the Future” as part of the Business Track.

On Tuesday May 9, from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm, Michael Seid, Founder and Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, will speak in the panel discussion “Talk from the Trenches: Taking the Offensive to Shape the Future of the Franchise Model and Strengthen Franchisor/Franchisee Relationships” along with Ronald K. Gardner, Partner, Dady & Gardner; David W. Koch, Partner, Plave Koch; and Karen Satterlee, CFE, SVP and Assistant General Counsel, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

Franchising is increasingly in the crosshairs of state legislators and federal agencies. There are opportunities to improve franchise disclosures and relationships, but those improvements should originate from the franchisors and franchisees who live the day-to-day of franchising.

Moderated by Sarah Bush, General Counsel, IFA, and Jeff Hanscom, VP, State & Local Government Relations & Public Policy, IFA, this General Session will feature the hard conversations that we need to continue having in the coming months to protect the franchise model: creating transparency and visibility through robust disclosures, and providing pathways to strengthen franchisor/franchisee relationships through open communication and balanced dispute resolution.

 

We hope to see you there!


How to Revolutionize Your Franchise Training - Best Practices and Strategies

LIVE WEBINAR • May 10th, 2023, 12:00 PM EST 

Join Keith Gerson, President of Franchise Operations for FranConnect, and an expert panel consisting of Julianna Voyles, Sr. Director of Franchise Operations for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Michael Seid, Managing Director at MSA Worldwide, and Doug Berry, Director of LMS Strategy at World Manager (a division of FranConnect). This invaluable session will examine best practices in franchise training where attendees will learn about the risks, challenges, and benefits of using a Learning Management System (LMS) in franchise training. Attendees will receive IFA Certified Franchise Executive credits.

This live session will deliver attendees expert advice on training ranging from:

  • Does training create any joint-employer risk?
  • How to balance the responsibility of the franchisor and franchisee in delivering training
  • How to use training to convey the culture of your brand
  • Is “gamification” in training a necessity, or is it a fad?
  • The pros and cons of offering in-person or virtual live instructor-lead training vs. using an LMS
  • How to measure ROI when using an LMS
  • Which reporting capabilities are most important when measuring training effectiveness

Click here to Register Now

We hope you will join us!


Reconnecting at the IFA 2023 Annual Convention 

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MSA Worldwide had a wonderful experience at the IFA Convention in Las Vegas. It was great to be back to in-person meetings, and to see so many new members – first time franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. We reconnected with old friends and met with MSA clients. The IFA staff put together a great show, and we were very pleased with the location for our sponsorship. We were honored to be recognized by Global Franchise Awards as the “Best Franchise Consultancy”– our second year in a row!

Read the full article


Global Franchise Magazine ​names MSA Best Franchise Consultancy for 2023 

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We would like to thank Global Franchise Magazine for naming MSA the Best Franchise Consultancy for 2023, the second year in a row. We would also like to thank our clients, who trust in us and give us the opportunity to contribute to their continuing success. They are truly what makes this award important to us. Read the full article


Join MSA Worldwide at the 2023 IFA Annual Convention, Feb. 25 - March 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada 

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The IFA Annual Convention provides opportunities to explore every aspect of the franchising world. We hope to see you there for these activities hosted or presented by MSA Worldwide!

  • On Saturday, Feb. 25, Kay Ainsley, CFE, Managing Director will conduct a day-long CFE special session, “Principles of Franchising,” covering information, solutions and resources about the key issues faced by franchise executives in managing franchise operations. The class provides 7 CFE credits.

  • On Sunday, Feb. 26, Marla Rosner, ​CFE, Senior Learning & Development Consultant will chair a meeting of the IFA Social Sector Committee from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. 

  • On Monday, Feb. 27, Michael Seid, CFE, Managing Director will open the annual Prayer Breakfast from 6:30 to 7:45 am with his singular blend of inspiration and good humor.

  • On Tuesday, Feb. 28 Laina Sullivan, CFE, Senior Consultant will host a roundtable on “How to Qualify Franchise Candidates for Your Specific Brand” from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.franchise.org/convention


Angry Chickz brings Nashville Hot Chicken to Brentwood, CA

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MSA Worldwide joins Angry Chickz for the grand opening of their newest company​-owned location in Brentwood, CA on February 17. With 20 corporate locations and counting across California, Arizona, and Nevada, Angry Chickz is now planning to use the franchise model to expand in the future. MSA is very excited to be helping in designing and developing their franchise program. Read the Angry Chickz story here.


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MSA chosen as Finalist for 2023 Global Franchise Awards 

MSA Worldwide is pleased to announce we have been chosen as a finalist in the Franchise Consultancy category for the 2023 Global Franchise Awards, following winning that award in 2022. The final round of judging is now in progress, and the winners will be announced on February 24 at the 2023 IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. We hope to see you there! We're honored to be considered, and happy to be able to help our clients grow and support their brands.

For more about the Global Franchise Awards, visit https://www.global-franchise.com/awards ​


IFA, MSA Worldwide Announce Franchise Certification Partnership 

MSA Worldwide is very pleased to announce a partnership with the International Franchise Association in franchise education. We will be bringing the graduate school course Michael Seid teaches at The Ohio State University to the IFA’s CFE Program. In addition, MSA will be providing additional education courses targeted to legislators and potential franchisees as well as highlighting the management styles, experience, and achievements of professionals of color, women, and veterans in franchising in a series of Diversity Modules we currently use at the University.

https://www.franchise.org/media-center/press-releases/ifa-msa-worldwide-announce-partnership-to-offer-franchise-certification


Franchising: Your Top Questions Answered by the Expert 

Andrew Seid, CFE, Senior Consultant with MSA Worldwide, is an experienced advisor to franchisors. He works primarily with emerging brands ​that are seeking to grow their business through franchising.  

Blending a unique knowledge of franchise law with experience in business and consulting for franchisors gives Andrew a unique perspective when assisting MSA’s wide range of clients. Andrew lives in South Philadelphia and is a true believer that franchising can help change lives and help continue to build successful business owners.

In this column for Mariana Tek, Andrew addresses the Advantages and Disadvantages of Franchising a Boutique Fitness Studio.


Social Franchisor Elected to IFA Board of Directors 

Michael Seid IFA BoardWEST HARTFORD, CT (October 2022) —  Michael Seid, founder and Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, the leading strategic and tactical advisory company in franchising, has been re-elected to the International Franchise Association’s Board of Directors as the Chief Concept Officer of Social Franchisors CFW Clinics (CFW) and One Family Health (OFH). “I am honored that the IFA has asked me to serve on the board as a Social Franchisor. It is an acknowledgement by the world’s leading franchise association of the work franchising and the IFA is doing to help solve some of the most critical issues facing the world’s poorest citizens,” says Seid.

CFW and OFH, based in Kenya and Rwanda, are Social Franchisors of close to two hundred franchisee-owned medical clinics. Based in peri-urban areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, the combined franchise systems have served over ten million patients since their founding in 2000. “Our clinics are independently owned and operated by women who are Kenyan and Rwandan nurses. We are proud of the performance of CFW and OFH and the amazing work of our franchisees in providing quality health care and authentic medicines in underserved markets,” said Seid.

Read the full press release Here​.


Michael Seid presents at Jani-King Master Franchisee Conference on current regulatory challenges to franchising 

On October 20, 2022, Michael Seid, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, presented a talk at Jani-King's Master Franchisee Conference examining the challenges to franchising today. The ​presentation and lengthy discussion covered in depth today's focus on joint employment issues, including the legal landscape and specific recommendations for how franchisors should change the ways in which they maintain and enforce brand standards.

A portion of the presentation used during the discussion is available here as well as in our Franchise Article Library.


Join MSA Worldwide at the Small Business Expo on June 24 in New York City

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Join Michael Seid and Laina Sullivan of MSA Worldwide at the Small Business Expo in NYC on Friday, June 24th, in booth 3416 at the New York Hilton Midtown, Americas Hall 1 & 2, from 10am - 6pm!

SBE has tapped keynote speaker Barbara Corcoran from the hit show "Shark Tank" – she will present at 11:00 am.

We’ll be providing educational sessions on “Franchising Basics,” “Preparing Your Business to Franchise,” and “How to Evaluate a Franchise as a Potential Franchisee.” Registration for the Expo is free!
https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com/city/new-york-city/

If you’d like to schedule a one-on-one meeting time at the SBE Expo in New York City, please email Michael or Laina at: mseid@msaworldwide.com or lsullivan@msaworldwide.com.

About MSA Worldwide:
MSA Worldwide has served the franchising industry for over 30 years. We’ve helped hundreds of clients expand their businesses, craft leading-edge strategies to increase productivity, resolve conflict, and implement change. As franchising consultants, we excel in a diverse set of disciplines including branding, retailing, operations, sales, marketing, training, and finance.

About the Small Business Expo:
Founded in 2008, the Small Business Expo is America's largest business-to-business trade show, conference, educational & networking event for small business owners, entrepreneurs & start-ups. The content at these shows focuses on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs take their companies to the next level.


MSA back in New York at International Franchise Expo 

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Michael Seid, Kay Ainsley, Laina Sullivan, and Andrew Seid of MSA Worldwide

It was great to be back live at the IFE in New York. We caught up with old friends and clients, and made new friends. Matt Haller from the IFA coordinated an outstanding dinner - great conversation with a lot of talent at the table. Good conversation goes well with great wine and scotch.

We conducted several seminars for US Department of Commerce personnel and guests, then presented several workshops - on international franchising, bringing your brand to the United States, social franchising, how to franchise your business, and how to create franchise operations manuals.

Having Kay, Laina and Andrew together at the show was energizing - connecting with the franchising community never gets old. We’ll be back in New York for the June 24 Small Business Expo at the New York Hilton Midtown - stop by to say hello!

- Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide


MSA presents at the 30th Anniversary International Franchise Expo, June 2-4 in New York City, NY

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MSA will present workshops for CFE credit:

  • Franchising Fundamentals: Interacting With Franchisors 
  • Going International: Moving Intelligently into International Expansion
  • Franchise Your Business
  • Operations Manuals: The Foundation to Consistent Execution

More Info | Register for Free with code MSA

We hope to see you there!


MSA Worldwide Presents at the Small Business Expo ​in Philadelphia, May 4, 2022 

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Drew Seid and Laina Sullivan of MSA Worldwide exhibited and presented educational sessions at Philadelphia’s May 4 Small Business Expo, America's largest business-to-business trade show, conference, educational & networking event for small business owners, entrepreneurs & start-ups.

MSA will also be exhibiting at the Small Business Expo in NYC on June 24 in NYC, at the New York Hilton Midtown. We’ll be at Booth 3416, and providing education sessions on “Franchising Basics,” “Preparing Your Business to Franchise,” and “How to Evaluate a Franchise as a Potential Franchisee.” Registration for the Expo is free! Click here to register

If you’d like a on one-on-one meeting time at the NYC Expo, please email Drew or Laina at: aseid@msaworldwide.com or lsullivan@msaworldwide.com.

We hope to see you there!


MSA Worldwide Named “Best Franchise Consultancy” at 2022 Global Franchise Awards

Feb. 25 – We would like to thank Global Franchise Magazine for naming MSA the 2022 Best Franchise Consultancy. We would also like to thank our clients, who trust in us and give us the opportunity to contribute to their continuing success. They are truly what makes this award important to us.

The past few years have presented particularly interesting challenges and opportunities for franchisors in the United States and internationally. Since we began our practice in 1987, our goal has always been to provide our clients with the right guidance for their unique brand, to maximize the opportunities in any particular situation. Times of change and unease bring both opportunity and risk. Our experience helps our clients remain steady in turbulent waters and make clear and smart decisions to benefit both their brands and their franchisee networks.

The global market for franchising has expanded, and franchisors have experimented with new offerings, methods of communication, and types of franchisee support. Strategically growing brands; modifying the consumer offering; finding methods to lower labor hours; training, manuals and creating new methods of support are a few of the things MSA has focused on in the last few years. Litigation for some of our clients increased, and we provided litigation support and expert testimony in complex matters.

Many of our emerging brand clients will begin to offer franchises in 2022. Because of our innovative approach and expertise, these emerging brands will be able to target franchisee candidates by class and include in their franchise offerings the rights, obligations, and initial and continuing fees appropriate for each of those groups.

We humbly thank the esteemed international panel of judges for this award. Twenty-twenty-two is going to be an amazing year. Should the need arise, we hope you will give us a call and let us show you why our clients benefit from having MSA on their team.

– Michael Seid and Kay Ainsley, Managing Directors, MSA Worldwide


MSA's "Making the Franchise Decision" Workbook published on California DFPI website

We are pleased to announce that "Making the Franchise Decision," a prospective franchisee due diligence workbook authored and newly updated by Michael Seid, has been selected by California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) for inclusion in the Franchise Publications resources on their website:

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The workbook is also available ​on the MSA Worldwide website.


Visit MSA at the International Franchise Expo, September 24-25, 2021 at the Javits Center, NYC 

The International Franchise Expo 2021 is the world's leading event where potential franchisees can network and connect with large, medium-size and emerging franchise brands. The International Franchise Expo brings together attendees, exhibitors, expert speakers and sponsors for information sharing, education, business development and a bit of fun! More info | To register

Visit MSA at booth 447, and attend our sessions at the Expo:

Franchising Your Business (two sessions: September 24 from 1:00-3:30 pm, and September 25 from 2:00-4:30 pm): Presented by Michael Seid and Kay Ainsley, Managing Directors, MSA Worldwide

Learn about the practical issues involved in preparing a plan for franchise development. This session is appropriate for business owners, corporate executives considering expanding a business through franchising, lawyers, accountants and business consultants. The IFA has acknowledged MSA Worldwide as the leading strategic and tactical advisory firm in franchising. This symposium will explore the basics of franchise system, design, development, expansion, franchise law, and will provide an understanding of the timing and cost to become a franchisor. Each attendee will receive a copy of Franchise Management for Dummies, authored by speaker Michael Seid. $225 fee

The Basics of Developing a Franchise (September 25 from 12:00-1:00 pm) Presented by Theresa Huszka, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide

This session covers the basics of developing a sustainable franchise concept and system. No fee.

Manuals & Training: Your Franchise System’s DNA (September 25 from 2:00-5:00 pm): Presented by Marla Rosner, CFE, Senior Learning & Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide

Documentation and training of business standards, processes, and best practices is essential to the consistent execution of your franchise concept. Combined, they are the DNA that assures that customers can count on your brand to deliver what they expect from location to location. Additionally, clear communication in manuals that specify system standards and requirements is essential for compliance with your franchise agreement, and lays the groundwork for straightforward relationships with your franchisees. Learn key content that should be addressed in franchise system manuals and how to determine the training topics and methods that will fuel your system’s success. $225 fee

Going International -- Moving Intelligently Into International Expansion (September 25 from 3:30-5:00 pm): Presented by Kay Ainsley, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

When done correctly, international expansion can add prestige to your brand and income to your bottom line. This session discusses how to determine readiness to go international, identify and evaluate target markets, generate qualified leads, negotiate and close the sale, manage an international network, and avoid common pitfalls. No fee.


Michael Seid, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, Chairs New IFA Task Force to Examine Brand Standards 

June 4, 2021 - Membership in the International Franchise Association affords some franchisors and suppliers the “patina” of good standing and credibility, said Michael Seid, even when it’s not merited, a situation he’s working to help remedy as chair of the IFA’s new brand standards task force. In a May 25 letter to members announcing the task force, IFA Chair Catherine Monson wrote, “IFA must adapt in terms of who and what​..."

Read the full article on Franchise Times


Visit MSA at the Nashville Franchise Expo, May 7-8, 2021 at Music City Center 

Network and connect with large, medium-size and emerging franchise brands at the Nashville Franchise Expo. Stop by and say "Hello" at the MSA pavilion, booth 615! Then visit two MSA clients in the same pavilion - Thrillz High-Flying Adventure Park, the next evolution in family entertainment centers; and Hydrate IV Bar, IV therapy bars promoting wellness and relaxation. 

Registration for this event is Free. Click here to register


International Franchise Association’s Social Sector Task Force Launches Mentorship Program for Environmental Enterprises

Top Professionals in the Franchising Community Donate Time to Help Entrepreneurs Grow Using Franchise Methods 

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Mar. 27, 2020 The International Franchise Association‘s (IFA) Social Sector Task Force has launched a mentorship program to help entrepreneurs leading environmental enterprises grow their organizations leveraging methods used in the franchise business model.

The IFA Social Sector Task Force is seeking entrepreneurs with existing businesses focused on one or more of the following sectors to join its new mentoring program: solar power and electric grids, clean water, sanitation systems, food waste management, agriculture, transportation, and recycling. 

“Social sector franchising creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to deliver a variety of products and services to underserved communities worldwide, while creating much-needed jobs. The Task Force’s goal is to bring together leading franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers and leverage their expertise in commercial franchising to help social sector concepts grow more efficiently and sustainably,” said Marla Rosner, chair of the IFA Social Sector Task Force and Senior Learning and Development Consultant at MSA Worldwide.

Over the last 10 years, members of the IFA Social Sector Task Force have mentored a variety of social enterprises around the globe, sharing their knowledge of and expertise in everything from franchise system management and development, to consumer marketing, training, operations, business analytics, legal and financial services, pricing strategies, and more.

In 2017, the co-founders of WSV — an organization that helps entrepreneurs establish pre-designed and highly impactful community-run businesses including in the sanitation and solar sectors — worked with an IFA Social Sector Task Force mentor to address their challenges, including shortening the lengthy timeline for launching new partnerships with NGOs.

“Since participating in the Task Force’s mentoring program, WSV has grown multiple social sector concepts to offer to NGOs to franchise in their communities,” said co-founder Adam Boxer. “We used the Task Force’s expertise in franchising to do a deep dive into all the different areas of our business — looking at franchising, law, funding, and documentation — to identify holes and areas we should be looking at that we haven’t thought of. As a result, we discovered loads of things to develop.”

Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the IFA Social Sector Task Force’s mentoring program can contact Lori Kiser at Lori@LoriKiser.com. For more information on the Task Force or for IFA members interested in becoming a mentor, visit http://www.socialsectorfranchising.org.

About the IFA Social Sector Franchising Task Force

The Social Sector Franchising Task Force was established by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2009 as a platform to advance and leverage the use of commercial franchising methods and technology to serve the needs of the social franchising community. It was founded by Michael Seid, founder and managing director of MSA Worldwide and  former member of the IFA Board of Directors. The Task Force is composed of leading franchisors, franchisees, and professionals in commercial franchising whose goal is to help social sector franchisors and other NGOs become more effective and efficient in achieving their goals through the principles of franchising. For more information, visit http://www.socialsectorfranchising.org.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 58 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.


IFA Announces Marla Rosner as Chair of Social Sector Task Force and Appoints Michael Seid to Chair Emeritus

Feb. 12 - IFA Chair Catherine Monson has appointed Marla Rosner, Senior Learning and Development Consultant at MSA Worldwide, to be the new Chair of the IFA’s Social Sector Franchising Task Force. Marla has served in the role of Task Force Manager since 2012. Under her leadership the group has developed a Mentoring Program, which matches IFA members who want to share their knowledge of and experience in franchising with social sector franchisor management and franchisees.

Michael Seid, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, and founder and outgoing Chair of the Task Force, has been appointed Chair Emeritus of the Task Force to recognize his outstanding efforts in the area of social sector franchising. As an experienced commercial franchise expert with established social franchise expertise, he works with established social franchisors to improve their performance, with NGOs to explore their franchising opportunities, and with donors to maximize the use of the funds they provide in Low and Middle Income Counties (LMICs).

Peter Holt, CEO of The Joint Chiropractic and Task Force contributor since 2014 will assume the role of task force Vice Chair.

About the IFA Social Sector Franchising Task Force

The Social Sector Franchising Task Force was established by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2009 as a platform to advance and leverage the use of commercial franchising methods and technology to serve the needs of the social franchising community. It was founded and first chaired by Michael Seid, founder and managing director of MSA Worldwide and former member of the IFA Board of Directors. The Task Force is composed of leading franchisors, franchisees, and professionals in commercial franchising whose goal is to help social sector franchisors and other NGOs become more effective and efficient in achieving their goals through the principles of franchising.

In addition to mentoring programs the Social Sector Franchising Task Force offers peer groups for social franchisor management, well​-articulated FAQs on its website, and a guide for attorneys and consultants who may be assisting social franchisors in establishing their franchise systems. For more information, visit www.socialsectorfranchising.org/.


Join MSA at the 2020 IFA Convention, Feb. 8-11 in Orlando, FL 

IFA's Annual Convention is franchising's biggest event for business development and personal growth. Whether you're a franchising veteran or just starting out, there are sessions designed for everyone. This is your chance to network and chart the future of the industry.

Sessions presented by MSA include:

Monday Feb. 10 - Learning Lab
Profitability and Success: Developing a Best-in-Class Program with Systems

Moderator: Michael Seid, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

Speakers: Bill DiPaola, CFE, COO, Ballard Brands, LLC; Don Fox, CEO, Firehouse Subs

Profitability of the brand is a key to attracting targeted franchisees. Emerging franchisors have choices to make when structuring their brand to deliver the proper return on investment for both the franchisor and franchisee.
In this interactive format which will include audience participation and questions, we will explore:

  • How to design, develop and support a modern franchise system that drives profitability.
  • How to define the needs of the various classes of franchisees.
  • What are the key learnings to support each class of franchisee in order to best leverage the brand’s system resources to drive profitability?
  • What are the best approaches to distinguish the franchise offering in marketing materials so that it will be attractive to the intended audience, and what methods are effective in creating a pipeline of potential franchisee candidates?

To register, and for full details on the Convention, visit the IFA website at https://www.franchise.org/events/convention


Michael Seid in History Channel's "The Food That Built America" Episode 2

About the Series: For generations of Americans, food titans like Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, John and Will Kellogg, C.W. Post and the McDonald brothers have been household names. But before they became brand names, they were brilliant, sometimes ruthless visionaries who revolutionized food and changed the landscape of America forever. This miniseries tells the fascinating stories of the people behind the food that built America.

Michael Seid, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, shares the story of Colonel Sanders and the KFC franchise in Episode 2, "Best Served Cold."​


MSA at Franchise Expo Chicago, Sept. 13-14 

September 13-14, 2019 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Join motivated entrepreneurs and future business owners at Franchise Expo Chicago, the premier franchise expo serving the Greater Chicago Area. See hundreds of franchise concepts and opportunities, and the most qualified prospects from Chicago and surrounding areas.

  • Visit MSA at Booth #406: The IFA has acknowledged MSA as “the leading strategic and tactical advisory firm in franchising.” We develop franchise systems that our clients can support and grow. From strategy to manuals and training to franchise sales, let us apply our knowledge, resources, and commitment to help you exceed your business expectations.

Franchise Expo Chicago also offers the industry's most comprehensive conference and educational program to gain the ins and outs and behind the scenes information needed for success right from the start. MSA will present several seminars and workshops at the Expo:

  • Workshop: Franchising Your Business
  • The Basics of Developing a Franchise System
  • Getting Ready to Franchise Your Business
  • Training: The DNA of Your Franchise System


MSA clients celebrate International Expansion 

Freddys-Tastebud-Dubai-launch-2019.jpg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Co-Founder and COO Scott Redler joined their franchisee Yousef Khattar, Managing Director of Tastebuds Group, to cut the ribbon on the first Freddy’s in the Dubai Mall on July 9th, 2019. Khattar is scheduled to open the second Freddy’s in the Mall of the Emirates in the coming weeks, with more restaurants in development later this year.​


MSA Worldwide announced as exclusive sponsor of 2020 Global Franchise Awards 

The Global Franchise Awards – the only franchise awards recognizing worldwide success – is proud to announce that MSA Worldwide has been named the exclusive sponsor of the 2020 edition of the awards.

Founded in 1987, the International Franchise Association has called MSA Worldwide "the leading strategic and tactical advisory firm in franchising". MSA Worldwide's core clients are emerging domestic and international brands and the organization is privileged to be the advisors to many of the world's leading brands, both in and outside of franchising. 

"Franchising as a viable business model depends on providing opportunities for success for both franchisors and franchisees. As a past judge, I was honored that MSA was asked to be the exclusive sponsor for this year's Global Franchise Awards, because by recognizing and learning from those who are 'doing it right' we can encourage others to follow best practices and therefore strengthen the franchise business model." - Kay Ainsley, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

​Want to gain global recognition? Want to reach all the key international players within the franchising industry? Want to raise your profile to a new global level? Want to win one of the most prestigious awards in the industry?

The 2020 Global Franchise Awards will launch in late summer of this year - for news, updates and the announcement of the launch date, visit globalfranchisemagazine.com​​


Join MSA at the 2019 IFA Convention, Feb. 23-27 in Las Vegas, NV 

The International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention is franchising's biggest event for business development and personal growth.Whether you're a franchising veteran or just starting out, there are sessions designed for everyone. This is your chance to network, chart the future of the franchise industry, and grow your brand, together. IFA 2019 will provide attendees with new, exciting and inspirational sessions and events, including unique and new General Session presentation formats, as well as top-tier, must-see industry and business leaders.

Sessions presented by MSA include:

Saturday Feb. 23 - CFE-Accredited Special Session:
Principles of Franchising

Presenters: Kay Ansley, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide; Joe Bourdow, CFE, Senior Advisor, Valpak; Barry Heller, CFE, Partner, DLA Piper LLP (US); Mark Liston, CFE, President, Glass Doctor; Bret Lowell, CFE, Partner, DLA Piper LLP (US)

This one-day course will provide an introduction to some of the key problems faced by management of franchisors, along with the “principles” used to help solve those problems.
Monday Feb. 25  Operations Summit, Panel 1
Propelling New Units to Breakeven: Best Practices in Franchisee Onboarding, Training and Support

(This panel is relevant to all system sizes.)

Moderator: Marla Rosner, CFE, Senior Learning and Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide

An operation’s breakeven is a critical objective for both franchisees’ and franchisors’ success. Effective onboarding, training and support of new franchisees contributes to their early performance and how quickly they achieve that goal. The critical path from franchise signing, through site selection, build-out, training, opening and first-year operations offers countless opportunities for the franchisor to make a difference in the franchisee’s trajectory. Learn from a panel of experienced franchise leaders, from emerging through mature franchisors, about tactics they use to foster cash flow-positive businesses.

For full details on the Convention, visit the IFA website at https://www.franchise.org/


Franchise Expo South - Jan. 24-26, 2019, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Join thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners at FRANCHISE EXPO SOUTH, the premier franchise expo serving the Southern US, Caribbean, and Latin America. Meet hundreds of proven franchised businesses at every investment level in every industry.

Register Now!

CFE-Accredited in-depth Workshops presented by MSA Worldwide at the Expo include:

Franchising Your Business
Presented by: Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide and Kay Marie Ainsley, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

The IFA has acknowledged MSA Worldwide as the leading strategic and tactical advisory firm in franchising. This symposium will explore the basics of franchise system, design, development & expansion, franchise law, and will provide an understanding of the timing and cost to become a franchisor. Each attendee will receive a copy of Franchise Management for Dummies, authored by Michael Seid. Click here for more details.

Operations Manuals: The Foundation to Consistent Execution

Presented by Marla Rosner, Senior Learning and Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide

Documentation of your business' processes and procedures is the foundation to consistent execution of your franchise concept. In this workshop, learn how to create a user-friendly Operations Manual as well as key content that should be included.

Web. 2.0: Social Networking + Data in Franchising
Presented by Lee Plave, Partner, Plave Koch PLC and Theresa Huszka, CFE, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide

This session will delve into how franchisors and franchisees can protect their brand while making the best use of social networking sites. Among other things, this session will explore some of the do’s and don’ts of setting up social networking sites for an entire system, addressing rogue franchisees and licensees who set up their own sites, and establish a system-wide strategy and policy for social networking and social media. This session will also explore data collection, use, and protection in franchise companies. Finally, this session will address using online tools to manage and enhance your company’s online franchise development efforts.


Caution: International Expansion May Be Trickier than You Thought

 

By Michael Seid - Franchising.com, Nov. 7, 2018

 
Success as a franchisor in the U.S. does not guarantee success abroad. Unfortunately, stories abound about franchisors drawn to the allure of "going international" by prospective international franchisees who, in contacting the franchisor about a franchise opportunity... (​read full article)

 


Managing Labor Risk: Avoid ​joint employer and vicarious liability

By Michael Seid - Franchise Update Magazine, August 2018

For years, franchisors have included sections in their manuals that provide recommended human resource practices. Some of these are quite basic and limited while others are extensive, including employment applications, policy guides, interview questions... (​read full article)


New Event! IFA Operations Seminar, Sept 12, Tampa, FL

This all-new IFA event, for franchisors and franchisees, is focused on ​operational excellence for ​sustained growth. You’ll learn from seasoned experts about improving unit-level economics, defining and maintaining brand standards system-wide, training tools for today's learner, improved franchise relations, and ways to ensure field staff are giving their franchisees the best support possible for their needs.

Sessions will include panel discussions, networking, roundtables and team exercises with tangible solutions that you can take back to your system. VPs of Operations, Operations Managers, Trainers and Field Staff are encouraged to attend. 

Space is limited. You will earn 300 Certified Franchise Executive Education Credits by attending this seminar.


2018 International Franchise Expo, May 31-June 2, The Javits Center, New York, NY

MSA is proud to be a Program Sponsor of the 2018 International Franchise Expo, the largest franchise expo in the country. Join thousands of entrepreneurs and future business owners at this premier annual event. Meet face-to-face with over 400 proven franchise opportunities in every industry, at every investment level, full-time and part-time.

Free Registration Invitation: Use the MSA invitation link (use promo code MSA). While you're enjoying the Expo, stop by and visit us at the MSA Pavilion, Booth 133!

Free educational sessions presented by MSA at the 2018 Expo include:

  • Getting Ready to Franchise Your Business
    Andrew Seid, Consultant, MSA Worldwide and Theresa Huzska, CFE, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide
  • Training: The DNA of Your Franchise System
    Marla Rosner, Senior Learning & Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide
  • The Basics of Developing a Franchise System
    Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide and Andrew Seid, Consultant, MSA Worldwide
  • Going International - Moving Intelligently into International Expansion
    Kay Marie Ainsley, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

MSA's in-depth workshops at the 2018 Expo (separate fee required) are:

  • Franchising Your Business, Part 1 and Franchising Your Business, Part 2
    Presented by: Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide; Kay Marie Ainsley, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide; Marisa Faunce, Partner, Plave Koch PLC
  • Operations Manuals: The Foundation to Consistent Execution
    Presented by: Marla Rosner, Senior Learning & Development Consultant, MSA Worldwide
  • Web 2.0: Social Networking + Data in Franchising
    Presented by: Lee Plave, Partner, Plave Koch PLC; Theresa Huszka, CFE, Senior Consultant, MSA Worldwide; Paul Segreto, CEO, Franchise Foundry

IFE Website for full Expo details: http://www.ifeinfo.com/

Enjoy Free Registration courtesy of MSA (use promo code MSA)

We hope to see you there!


2018 IFA Legal Symposium: May 6-8, Washington, DC 

MSA Worldwide is proud to sponsor the International Franchise Association's 2018 Legal Symposium, to be held May 6-8 in Washington, DC.

IFA’s Legal Symposium is designed by a task force of IFA member volunteers with a particular emphasis on how legal and regulatory issues affect the everyday business operations of the franchise system. The program provides value and real-world solutions to both business executives and their franchise legal partners. Sessions focus on the practical use of the law, and the how-to’s for navigating today’s business and regulatory environment. The Legal Symposium is a training ground for what business executives and legal counsel need to know, and how to put it into practice.

Attendees can also earn CLE (Continuing Legal Education) and CFE (Certified Franchise Executives) credits by attending. Featuring expert speakers and timely content, the IFA Legal Symposium is a "must attend" event.


Global Franchise Magazine Meets: Michael Seid

The managing director of MSA Worldwide tells Global Franchise about how he came to be running “the leading advisory firm in franchising.”


IFA 2018 Convention: Together, We Are Franchising 

February 10-13, 2018, Phoenix, AZ

Join thousands of fellow business leaders in franchising at IFA’s 58th Annual Convention, February 10-13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The premier franchising event of the year, the 2018 IFA Convention will focus on bringing the franchising community together to fortify the franchise business model in a climate of change and challenge to the franchise industry.

IFA 2018 Convention Agenda Highlights:

  • Young entrepreneurs will pitch business plans to Shark Tank star Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU, who is serving as a special guest judge for the Franchise Education and Research Foundation’s NextGen in Franchising Global Competition
  • Disruptive presentations from keynote speakers and industry veterans focused on transformational trends will provide insights on how to develop your business and personal brand
  • Music Paradigm, a business development exercise involving a live professional orchestra, will lead an unforgettable session, unlike anything ever experienced at an IFA Convention
  • The Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp returns for up-and-coming brands with 100 units or less, offering the opportunity to learn how franchise companies grow through the emerging phase and avoid the typical mistakes in getting to critical mass (space is limited and sells out quickly, so register early!)

MSA Worldwide presentations at the convention include:

  • How Social Franchises are Addressing Complex Problems in the Developing World -Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide
  • International Market Selection & Analysis - Kay Ainsley, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

For ​full details including ​daily schedules, download the 2018 IFA Convention brochure.


Franchise Management For Dummies Published: An essential desktop reference

The latest update in John Wiley & Sons’ popular For Dummies series, Franchise Management For Dummies, ​was released in bookstores and on the internet on May 1. Co-authored by two of the leading business and legal authorities in franchising, Michael Seid, CFE, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide, and Joyce Mazero, Partner, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, Franchise Management For Dummies provides franchisees and commercial and social franchisors with information on one of the world’s most important business expansion strategies.

Franchise Management For Dummies is “a powerful book that holds essential keys to running a successful franchise business,” according to Robert Cresanti, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association, who wrote the forward. “I can’t think of anyone more qualified than Michael and Joyce to write this much‑needed book,” says Cresanti.

Franchise Management For Dummies provides prospective franchisees with the tools and information they need to make a good franchise investment. It serves as a guide for commercial and social franchisors in the design, development and expansion of their systems and provides guidance on how to support their franchisees and manage their franchise systems. Franchise Management For Dummies carefully walks the reader, without unnecessary jargon, from the history of franchising and franchise regulations through multi-unit development for franchisees and international expansion for franchisors. It builds from a foundation of letting the reader understand franchising’s business and legal complexities, and serves as both a primer to newcomers and a source of expertise for experienced franchise professionals.

​“Our purpose was to weave franchise law and business practices together in a way that created an important balance for the reader in a concise and easy to understand book,” says Mazero.

“In Franchise Management For Dummies, Joyce and I take a deep dive in addressing many of the issues and challenges facing franchisors and franchisees today,” said Seid. It is a unique book in that it focuses not only on the needs of the franchisee and commercial franchisor, but also addresses social franchising. Social franchising is one of the most important new developments in franchising enabling non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and impact investors to deliver essential products and services to individuals at the base of the economic pyramid on a global scale.

The print edition of Franchise Management For Dummies is available for purchase at $26.99 through the For Dummies store at http://www.dummies.com, in bookstores and online (http://www.amazon.com). To provide the readers with additional valuable information on topics referenced in the book and to allow the authors to address new issues that may emerge between this edition and the next, Franchise Management For Dummies is supplemented by its website, http://www.dummies.com/go/franchisemanagementfd. Included on the website are powerful tools, including an updated due diligence workbook for prospective franchisees “Making the Franchise Decision.”​​

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