There’s something about the dog days of summer that naturally slows things down. Maybe it’s the heat, the longer days, or just the collective exhale that happens after the chaos of spring and before the ramp-up to fall. Whatever it is, these mid-summer weeks offer a golden opportunity for franchisors to do something that often gets lost in the shuffle of meetings, KPIs, and system-wide updates—reconnect, personally and casually, with their franchisees.

Now is the time to pick up the phone, not to talk about performance metrics or compliance checklists, but just to check in. Ask how things are going. Not with the business—at least not first—but with them. Their families. Their summer plans. What’s new in their lives. It’s amazing how a simple “How are you holding up this summer?” can open the door to meaningful conversation and authentic connection.

Franchise systems are built on relationships, and the most successful ones are rooted in trust and mutual respect. Early on, when the relationship was new, chances are your conversations with franchisees were more personal, more frequent, more genuine. You took time to get to know them as people, not just as operators. Those moments helped lay the foundation for a strong business partnership. But as systems grow, and as the day-to-day pressures of operations mount, that personal connection can quietly slip away.

Summer gives you a chance to get it back.

There’s no better time to revisit the human side of franchising. The pressure to perform is still there, of course—but it doesn’t have to dominate every conversation. When business topics inevitably come up, let them do so naturally. Ease into them. Ask how they’re feeling about their numbers, what they’re seeing in their markets, what ideas they might have for the fall. Not as a directive, but as a discussion.

These casual conversations aren’t just good for morale—they’re good for business. They foster openness, uncover insights you won’t get from formal surveys or field reports, and reinforce the idea that your franchisees are more than just a unit number or P&L statement. They’re partners. They’re people.

And when you make that human connection a habit—not just a seasonal occurrence—you lay the groundwork for stronger communication, greater loyalty, and deeper collaboration in the months ahead.

So, make a commitment now. Use these slower summer days to check in with a handful of franchisees each week. No agenda. No bullet points. Just a simple conversation. Then keep it going. As schedules get busier again in the fall, carve out time to stay in touch—not just when things go wrong or when performance lags, but regularly, intentionally, and personally.

Franchising may be a business model, but at its core, it’s a people business. And summer, with all its laid-back rhythm, offers a perfect reminder: sometimes, the most productive thing you can do as a franchisor is simply to be present, listen, and reconnect.

After all, relationships built on genuine connection are the ones that stand the test of time—and seasons.

Make today a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

About the Author

Paul Segreto brings over four decades of hands-on experience in franchising, restaurants, and small business development. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, Paul has guided countless individuals on their journey to success, whether they are established entrepreneurs or just beginning to explore the path of business ownership.

Named one of the Top 100 Global Franchise and Small Business Influencers, Paul is also the voice behind the Acceler8Success Cafe, a daily content platform where thousands of entrepreneurs gain insight and motivation. A lifelong advocate for ethical growth and brand integrity, Paul continues to coach founders, franchise leaders, and entrepreneurial families, helping them find clarity in chaos and long-term success through intentional leadership.

Ready to take your next step in business or looking for expert insight to overcome today’s challenges? Reach out directly to Paul at paul@acceler8success.com — your path to success may be one conversation away.

About Acceler8Success Group

Acceler8Success Group is a multifaceted business advisory platform committed to empowering entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchise professionals, and industry leaders through strategic consulting, coaching, and curated content.

With a strong focus on entrepreneurship, franchising, restaurants, and small business growth, Acceler8Success Group delivers actionable insights and real-world strategies across its suite of brands, including the following:

Acceler8Success,  FranchiseReclaim,  OwnABizness.com,  Accelerate Success Coaching,  Your Entrepreneurial Success, and relaunching soon, Franchise Foundry.

By blending deep industry expertise with a dynamic content ecosystem, Acceler8Success Group fosters sustainable success and responsible leadership for today’s innovators and tomorrow’s legacy builders.