Fatherhood, Franchising & Other Bad Decisions: Dec ‘25 Edition

In short

The December edition opens with family. Rob Lancit is about to spend a few days with his son and daughter and says that time matters more to him than anything in his work.

He then corrects a common assumption. People hear franchise development and think sales. He describes the job as facilitating information so a candidate can make an informed decision, and adds that while the candidate is judging the brand, he is judging the candidate. Both sides have to want to go forward.

His reading of the market is blunt. Candidates are overthinking and want guarantees and a risk-free plan, which do not exist. A growing group wants to invest as little as possible and get a business that prints money. And nearly everyone wants absentee ownership while few understand it: some large systems can get an owner close eventually, and most people starting out have no chance of being hands-off on day one. At 58, he writes, his patience is short. Serious candidates show up, ask good questions and follow through, and he no longer chases adults who will not own their decisions.

Looking ahead, he reports two South Florida Franchise Meetups under a no-pitches rule, with people flying in to attend, credits Matthew Cancino for helping, and expects the next one in the first quarter of 2026. He says Stratus Building Solutions reached 93 master franchise units in 2025 and sets the 2026 target at 100. The newsletter will continue monthly.

Summary by the editors of this site. The original is Rob’s own writing; read the edition at the source.