See how expert guidance helped first-time franchisees choose Bar-B-Clean and build a thriving business from the ground up.
Amanda Lorenz and her husband Frank weren’t strangers to running businesses. With backgrounds in finance at JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, plus experience owning a range of companies, including a hair salon, preschool and real estate brokerage, they already had entrepreneurial grit.
But franchising? That was uncharted territory.
“We had run businesses before, just never a franchise,” Amanda said. “We started off looking for an existing business that was already operational. Initially, we didn’t want a franchise.”
Their criteria were clear: no food, no heavy staffing and ideally a service-based model. When Bar-B-Clean – a unique service franchise specializing in grill cleaning and repair – popped up on their radar, it challenged their assumptions.
“I thought I’d never seen anything like it, and I loved it,” Amanda said. “If I’m attracted to it, other people might be, too.”
The challenges of starting a franchise from scratch
Though intrigued, Amanda and Frank faced unexpected hurdles. They weren’t taking over an existing business as originally planned – they were starting from scratch in an industry with little presence.
“Our initial intent was to take over an established business,” Amanda said. “So, this was the complete opposite of what we started out to do.”
On top of that, the financial investment was higher than they initially expected. With so many unknowns, they needed clarity and confidence.
“We asked ourselves: Will it work? Do we have the time and capacity to start something new?”
How expert franchise guidance turned uncertainty into confidence
That’s where Franchise Sidekick came in.
Their advisor connected them with the right people, set up validation calls, arranged a trip to meet the franchisor and provided a steady flow of resources.
“He shared lots of information, answered our questions and really helped navigate through the process,” Amanda said.
But the support didn’t stop there. Their advisor also introduced them to FranFund to explore financing options, connected them with franchise attorneys to carefully review contracts and recommended accountants who understood the unique needs of franchise systems. He even helped them track down the right insurance coverage for their business and industry.
“They gave us a lot of those connections to get things set up,” Amanda said. “There was a sense of urgency, but in an excited way. It felt like they wanted us to succeed.”
From franchise launch to lasting business success
Amanda and Frank officially launched their Bar-B-Clean franchise in March 2024. And just over a year later, their business is thriving.
“At first, there weren’t many other franchisees, so there wasn’t a big community to learn from,” Amanda said. “But now, it’s very different. We have more territories, more ideas and more robust calls. The community has grown, and that’s made a huge difference.”
Franchise Sidekick not only helped the Lorenz’s discover an opportunity they never imagined, but also gave them the tools and confidence to succeed.
“It was great being able to see things that were out there that you never knew existed,” Amanda said. “If I wouldn’t have talked to Sidekick and given them our criteria, we never would have stumbled upon Bar-B-Clean. And now, we’re extremely happy with the decision we made.”
Ready to start your franchise ownership journey?
Franchise Sidekick helps aspiring business owners cut through the noise, find the right franchise and set up for long-term success. From funding to legal support to industry insights, we guide you through every step of the process – so you can feel confident and excited about your future.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward freedom on your terms.
