For many professionals, the dream of being their own boss often feels out of reach. High startup costs and the isolation of entrepreneurship can make it seem like an unattainable goal. Franchising, however, offers entrepreneurs a chance to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. The support, training and resources franchising provides makes it an ideal entrepreneurial outlet for exploring professionals, from military veterans and former law enforcement to office workers looking for a change. The non-degree Franchise Certification program from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business offers these explorers a running start in the industry.
Vehicle for Entrepreneurship
Haslam’s franchise program focuses on creating a solid knowledge foundation for all participants. According to program instructor Cordell Riley, this fundamental understanding fills a crucial gap in the industry, because many professionals don’t consider franchising as a career option or understand all its benefits. “Many people don’t know about franchising,” he says. “Some folks still believe that starting a business means they must create everything. That is not the case with franchising — there is a model already in place. We are raising the awareness of franchising as a vehicle for entrepreneurship.”
All Roads Lead to Franchising
The structure and support foundations of franchise businesses will be particularly familiar for military veterans and members of law enforcement.
“Being a franchisee requires discipline and adherence to a proven system, which, in many ways, mirrors the structure and focus found in the military,” explains Lindsay Mahony, assistant department head for the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship and director of franchising program initiatives. “It’s about following a clear plan and executing it effectively.”
Veteran and program alum Rob Wynkoops reemphasized the crossover between military service and franchising. “In the military, you get very comfortable with policies, procedures and standard operating procedures, and that’s really what a franchise is like,” he says. “You’re taking a business that already exists — that has a playbook — you’re learning how to execute on that.”
Beyond those transitioning from more structured positions, franchising is also ideal for professionals who wish to leave office jobs in favor of the freedom the business model offers. Laura Fisher, who completed the program in 2024, found that, as a professional leaving a career in media for franchising, Haslam’s program was perfect for gaining a framework of the industry.
“I was really interested in the foundational curriculum for franchising, so I could catch up on some material, and I found it to be really useful for that reason,” she says.
Regardless of background and experience, “running a franchise really involves leadership, culture building and team development,” says Riley. “Many times, these skills have been honed from previous careers.”
Haslam’s program also serves an onboarding or education course for newer employees in a franchise system. Allison Roy completed the program while employed with a franchisor who supported continuing education. Because the program welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of exposure to franchising, it offered her a broader perspective that enabled her to connect industrywide insights to her own role, ultimately enhancing her ability to tackle challenges and adapt strategies more effectively.
“It was really great to hear that feedback from all those different levels of where people are, what they’re doing, what’s important to them, what problems or hurdles they have and seeing how that relates to what I’m doing in my day-to-day,” she explained.
Business Education Where You Are
Haslam’s Franchise Certification program is a non-credit course that does not require a formal degree as a prerequisite for participation. Instead, it welcomes all students interested in learning the skills relevant to starting a franchise business or supporting an existing one. The program is centered on the seven main components of franchising: foundations, evaluation, acquisition, building your team, leadership, operations and growth.
The seven components are covered over seven weeks with synchronous, live, online classes every Monday evening. Since the class is held via Zoom, people from around the country with busy schedules can participate without the need to travel, making it easier to balance professional commitments while still engaging in valuable learning and networking opportunities.
Whether leaving the military, retiring from law enforcement or searching for a new chapter, Haslam’s Franchise Certification program offers the tools, support and pathways to be in business for yourself, not by yourself. Visit the program web page to learn more or register.
CONTACT
—
Leah McAmis, senior editor, leah@utk.edu
