Ever feel like you’re moving up in your career, but something still feels off?

That’s where Ashley was. She has a successful corporate career, a respected title, and recruiters reaching out regularly. On paper, things looked great. But something was missing. It’s more common than people think—doing everything “right” and still wondering, “Is this it?”

When I reached out to her, the tone was different. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a real conversation. She wasn’t looking for a business, and franchising wasn’t even on her radar. Like many people, she assumed franchising meant fast food, retail, or massive investments—none of which felt like a fit.

But she was curious enough to take the call.

A Turning Point

Together, we explored four franchise options. One was an easy no. The other three? All completely different. Different industries. Different investment levels. Different models. Like a lot of people, Ashley gravitated toward the lowest-cost option. That’s when I asked her a simple question:

“Do you really want to serve donuts?”

She paused. Then she laughed. And then she said no.

That moment shifted everything. She realized she was trying to pick something she could do—not necessarily something she wanted to build. She didn’t want to just fill her time. She wanted to create something that made sense long-term.

So we walked through the real process: how to evaluate franchise brands, what questions to ask current owners, how to understand daily operations, and how to align opportunity with vision.

That clarity changed everything.

Franchise Ownership While Working Full-Time

Ashley and her husband Dustin eventually chose a home cleaning franchise. It wasn’t about a passion for cleaning. It was about building a business that aligned with their strengths and long-term goals.

Dustin will run the day-to-day operations. Ashley, still working full-time in her corporate job, is stepping in as President and CEO—managing financials, strategy, and the long game.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in franchising: that you have to quit your job and go all in. In many cases, that’s not required. Many people start while keeping their full-time roles, especially with franchises that allow for a manager-run model.

Franchise Business for Couples

For Ashley and Dustin, this is a shared vision. They bring different strengths to the table and divide responsibilities accordingly. 

Couples who approach franchise ownership together often find that it brings alignment and purpose to their financial and personal goals. With clear communication and the right brand fit, it becomes something they can build together and at their own pace.

Flexible Franchise Models

What made this franchise a fit was its flexibility. Ashley and Dustin didn’t have to fit into a rigid owner-operator box. They were able to design the roles that worked for their current life, while still planning for the business to evolve over time.

Some people want to be hands-on. Others want to build a team and lead from the top. The right franchise model lets you choose.

Non-Food Franchise Options

Before our call, Ashley never imagined home cleaning as a franchise category, but it checked all the boxes. It’s a reminder that franchising isn’t just burgers or coffee shops. There are thousands of non-food franchise opportunities, from restoration to home services to B2B consulting.

The key is to look past ‘typical’ franchises and dig into what matches your goals.

Owning the Vision Together

Ashley put it best:

“It opened my mind. I’m still working full-time, but in my off hours, I’m thinking about our business. Instead of spending all my energy on someone else’s company, I’m building something for us. And honestly, it’s so exciting.”

They’re now preparing to open their doors—hiring a local team, setting up systems, and laying the foundation for long-term growth. And it all started with one conversation.

Ashley’s Advice for Anyone Considering Franchising

“Don’t get in your own way. Listen, absorb, and when you feel like you have enough information, make a decision. I could’ve started a month earlier if I’d just stopped spinning and trusted what I already knew.”

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of what’s next, franchising might not be what you expected. But with the right process and support, it could be exactly what you need. Book a strategy session here: https://calendly.com/tryfranchising/blog