Bringing the Power of Peer Advisory Groups to Franchise Owners!
- Todd Quarfot

- May 19
- 4 min read
How are you developing your franchise managers?
In the dynamic world of franchising, where brand consistency meets local execution, the strength of your GM's and frontline managers is paramount. They are the daily drivers of your brand promise, the direct link to your customers, and the key to sustainable growth. So, the critical question for both franchisors and franchisees becomes: Are we truly investing in their development in a way that maximizes their impact?
Often, management training within franchise systems rightly focuses on the operational nuts and bolts – the "how-to" of running a specific unit. Franchisees may supplement this with other forms of training. However, there's a powerful, often underutilized approach that can significantly elevate your managers' performance, boost unit profitability, and foster a more engaged and loyal workforce: Franchise Peer Advisory Groups.
What are Franchise Peer Advisory Groups?
Imagine bringing together a curated group of 12-15 unit-level managers from different franchise locations of the same brand. In a virtual setting, facilitated by experienced leadership development professionals, these managers convene regularly to:
Workshop Key Issues: Tackle real-time challenges and collaboratively brainstorm solutions.
Share Growth Strategies: Exchange proven tactics for increasing revenue, improving customer experience, and optimizing operations.
Focus on Profitability: Discuss strategies to enhance efficiency, manage costs, and drive bottom-line results.
Build Leadership Skills: Actively develop essential competencies in areas like communication, delegation, problem-solving, and team building.
Learn from Experts: Occasionally benefit from the insights of guest speakers – industry leaders and subject matter experts – who can offer fresh perspectives and valuable knowledge.

The Multi-faceted Benefits:
The beauty of franchise peer advisory groups lies in the win-win-win scenario they create for everyone involved:
For the Group Member (Participating Manager):
Significant Skill Development: Managers actively hone crucial leadership skills and competencies through interactive discussions and shared learning.
Broadened Perspectives: Exposure to diverse experiences and innovative ideas from peers sparks new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Confidential Problem-Solving Support: The group provides a safe space to discuss challenges and receive practical, real-world advice.
Valuable Professional Network: Participants build lasting relationships with peers within the same brand, creating a vital support system.

Collaboration Builds Confidence Increased Confidence and Motivation: Sharing successes and learning from others' journeys builds confidence and reignites motivation.
Personal and Professional Growth: The peer group experience fosters holistic development, helping them evolve as both leaders and individuals.
Enhanced Accountability: Being part of a group encourages commitment to implementing new ideas and achieving professional goals.
Access to Expert Knowledge: Guest speaker sessions provide opportunities to learn from industry leaders and expand their expertise.
Feeling Valued and Invested In: Participation demonstrates that both the franchisee and franchisor are committed to their growth and development, boosting engagement and loyalty
For the Franchisee:
Elevated Manager Performance: Participating managers return to their units equipped with new skills, strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose, leading to improved team performance and productivity.
Tangible Profit Growth: By implementing shared best practices in operations, customer service, and marketing, managers can directly contribute to increased revenue and reduced costs.
Smoother Operations: Collaborative problem-solving within the group can lead to innovative solutions for common challenges, streamlining processes and boosting efficiency.
Stronger Employee Retention: Investing in manager development demonstrates their value, fostering a more positive work environment and reducing costly employee turnover.
Accelerated Adoption of Best Practices: Managers gain firsthand knowledge of what's working in successful units, leading to quicker implementation of proven strategies.
Enhanced Unit Growth: The focused discussions on business growth and profitability directly contribute to the expansion and success of individual franchise locations.
Increased Accountability and Support: The peer group provides a supportive network and a sense of accountability for implementing new ideas.

For the Franchisor:
System-Wide Performance Improvement: As individual franchise units thrive, the overall strength and reputation of the entire brand are amplified.
Greater Franchisee Satisfaction: Providing valuable development opportunities for their managers fosters stronger relationships and loyalty within the franchise network.
Identification of Systemic Strengths and Weaknesses: The shared experiences and solutions emerging from the peer groups offer valuable insights into what's working well and where improvements can be made across the system.
Stronger Communication and Collaboration: Peer groups cultivate a more connected and collaborative environment among franchisees' management teams.
Reduced Support Needs: As managers become more skilled and resourceful, they may require less direct intervention from the franchisor.
Enhanced Brand Consistency: The sharing of best practices contributes to more consistent operational standards and customer experiences across all locations.
Valuable Field Feedback: The facilitated discussions provide a direct line of sight into the on-the-ground realities and challenges faced by managers.
Attracting Top-Tier Franchisees: Offering robust development opportunities like peer advisory groups can be a significant draw for prospective franchisees.
Moving Beyond the Operational:
While operational training is crucial for maintaining brand standards, investing in the broader leadership development of your frontline and middle managers through peer advisory groups offers a powerful multiplier effect. It's about cultivating not just competent operators, but confident, strategic leaders who can drive growth, foster strong teams, and ultimately contribute to the long-term success of the entire franchise network.
The question is no longer if you should invest in your managers, but how.
Franchise peer advisory groups offer a compelling and impactful solution to unlock their full potential and propel your franchise system to new heights.
RESEARCH BY Frontline Decisions
© 2025 TQ Ventures LLC




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