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franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
n February 2025, I embarked on a 2,200-mile road trip across the
southwestern U.S. on a Harley Davidson, blending my passions for
motorcycling and franchising. My journey explored the industry’s history,
before leading onto countless insights at the International Franchise
Association (IFA) Convention in Las Vegas.
A journey through franchising history
The trip began in San Bernardino, California, at the site of the first
McDonald’s. This is where Richard and Maurice McDonald pioneered
fast-food franchising. It was a reminder that great unit economics,
innovation-based operational efficiency, and brand identity are the
foundation of every successful franchise.
In Sierra Vista, Arizona, I visited the first McDonald’s drive-thru, a
concept born from necessity that transformed the company’s business
model. Today, AI-driven ordering systems and automation reflect the
same drive for efficiency, while preserving the customer experience.
I stopped at unique franchise landmarks: The UFO-shaped McDonald’s in
Roswell, New Mexico, and Twisters, in Albuquerque – famous for its Los
Pollos Hermanos branding in Breaking Bad. These sites highlighted, for
me, the power of branding and storytelling in creating a devoted following.
My return to Las Vegas was via Route 66 and included a stop at the
Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, an early franchised accommodation brand.
While many have disappeared, those that remain prove the marketing
power of heritage and nostalgia.
Insights from the IFA Convention
After five days on the road, I arrived at the IFA Convention. Topics centred
on technology, economic resilience, and evolving franchise strategies.
• AI and Automation – Franchises are adopting AI-powered marketing,
customer service bots, operational processes and analytics, and
training, to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Franchisee Profitability – Unit-level economics, return on investment,
and sustainable business models ensuring long-term success.
• Attracting Franchisees – Successful brands leverage storytelling, AI-
driven social media, personalised to engage potential franchisees.
• Economic Uncertainty – With rising interest rates and shifting markets,
franchises emphasising resilience and predictable returns stand out.
Bringing it back to New Zealand
This trip reinforced a core lesson: Franchising success relies on a strong
foundation, while balancing history with
innovation. Whether launching a new
franchise or expanding an established
brand in New Zealand, the same principles
apply — strong unit-economics, efficiency,
brand consistency, customer-centric
innovation and change management.
By embracing change while maintaining
scalable systems, franchisors can build
resilient, future-proofed businesses.
Franchize Consultants
www.franchize.co.nz
Contact
Dr Callum Floyd
09 523 3858
021 669 519
callum@franchize.co.nz
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longest established, largest and most award
winning team. Work with a company engaged on
major projects with many of the biggest and best
emerging names in the franchise sector.
Call Dr Callum Floyd 09 523 3858 or email
callum@franchize.co.nz www.franchize.co.nz
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Six times winner
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Westpac New Zealand
Franchise Awards
Thinking of
franchising
or licensing
a business?
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network?
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Training for franchisors
Essential Training for Field Managers
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Dr Callum Floyd of Franchize
Consultants takes a franchise-focused
road trip.
LESSONS FROM
PAST AND FUTURE
Franchise Management