Every FranChoice conference gives me a chance to step back and get a broad view of what is happening across the franchise world.
This summer, I had the opportunity to connect with over 150 franchise companies, spend time with founders and leadership teams, and hear firsthand about where they are growing, what they are investing in, and what they are seeing from consumers and franchise owners.
There was A LOT of excitement in the room! Brands are growing, investing in technology and better systems, and continuing to find new ways to support their franchisees.
But across all those different industries and business models, a few themes kept coming up again and again.
Here are my three biggest takeaways from the 2026 Summer FranChoice conference.
1. “Boring” Businesses Are Looking Better Than Ever
One of the strongest themes I saw this year was also one of the least flashy: essential, recession-resistant, and AI-resistant service businesses.
These are services people need regardless of the economy, new technology, or what happens to be trending. Many of these industries have been around forever. What is changing is how franchising is approaching them.
In many fragmented service industries, the customer experience is still inconsistent and operations are outdated. Franchise systems are stepping in with better branding, technology, marketing, training, and processes, creating a more professional experience for consumers and a repeatable model for owners.
And honestly, I love these businesses.
Many do not require the owner to perform the service personally. Instead, you are building the team, managing the business, and making sure the systems are working. Because the demand already exists, there can also be a relatively quick path to generating revenue.
In a world focused on AI and disruption, there is something very attractive about a business built around a simple question:
Will people still need this service five or ten years from now?
Sometimes boring is exactly what you want.
2. Health and Wellness Is Becoming the Longevity Economy
The second major theme was health and wellness, but the conversation has evolved.
The word I heard over and over again this year was longevity.
It was a major theme of the conference, and we even had Gary Brecka speak about the longevity movement and where health is headed.
Consumers are thinking beyond simply going to the gym or losing weight. More people are asking how they can feel better, recover better, and stay healthier for longer.
That shift is opening the door to franchise concepts focused on holistic health, recovery, healthy aging, personalized wellness, nutrition, fitness, and more proactive approaches to health.
Wellness and longevity were already some of the strongest categories I was watching going into 2026. What stood out at the conference was how much momentum continues to build around them.
But just because something is trending does not automatically make it a great franchise opportunity. The fundamentals still matter, including real consumer demand, a strong business model, and long-term staying power.
That is where longevity takes on two meanings.
We want franchise concepts participating in the longevity economy, but we also want the business itself to have longevity.
The strongest opportunities are the ones that can do both.
3. Manager-Run Models Are Creating a Bridge Out of Corporate America
The third theme feels particularly relevant right now.
I talk to a lot of corporate professionals who are starting to realize their jobs may not be as secure as they once believed. They have seen layoffs, restructurings, and AI change how companies operate. Many are rethinking what it means to rely on one employer for their entire income and future.
But that does not mean everyone is ready to quit tomorrow.
That is why I am so interested in some of the manager-run franchise models I saw at this year’s conference. These businesses can allow owners to hire the right people to handle day-to-day operations while they continue working in their corporate role.
Now, let me be clear: manager-run does not mean absentee ownership.
You still need to hire well, lead people, monitor performance, understand your numbers, and stay involved strategically. But you may not need to be physically working in the business all day, every day.
For the right person, that creates an interesting bridge. You can keep your corporate income while building something of your own, potentially grow into multiple units, and create more options for yourself over time.
Maybe you eventually leave corporate America. Maybe you don’t. The important part is that you are building something that gives you more control over that decision.
And some of the most interesting manager-run opportunities I saw were in practical, demand-heavy industries people might never think to explore.
The Bigger Theme: Businesses Built to Last
When I look at these three takeaways together, there is one word that connects all of them: sustainability.
Essential service businesses are attractive because the underlying demand is sustainable.
Health and wellness businesses are becoming stronger as consumers focus on sustainable health and longevity.
Manager-run models can give professionals a more sustainable path into entrepreneurship without requiring them to immediately give up the income they already have.
I also came away incredibly encouraged by what I saw from the franchise companies themselves.
I spent time with founders and leadership teams who are investing in their systems, their technology, their culture, and most importantly, their franchisees.
There is a lot of growth happening, but the best brands are not simply focused on selling more franchises. They are thinking about how to support the people who join their systems and build something successful together.
Finding the Right Opportunity for You
There are some fantastic opportunities in franchising right now, including businesses and industries most people would never discover on their own.
The key is not finding the hottest franchise, but the right business for you—your goals, your skills, your finances, your desired lifestyle, and the future you are trying to build.
If you are curious about what is out there or wondering whether any of these opportunities might fit your next chapter, let’s talk.
