When many franchise brands were founded decades ago, the path to operational excellence was straightforward: founders taught new owners exactly as they had learned by trial and error in the original location. Training was often a hands-on apprenticeship—shadowing the founder, watching how they ran the business, and replicating that process in a new market. While that approach worked in its time, the world—and franchising—has changed dramatically.

As Bob Dylan famously sang, “The times they are a-changin’.” Nowhere is that more evident than in the expectations, skill sets, and learning styles of today’s franchisees. The new generation of owners is more sophisticated, more diverse in background, and more technologically savvy than ever before. Many enter franchising with prior business experience, advanced education, or a strong grasp of digital tools, making it essential for franchisors to adapt training and support accordingly.

The Shift from Founders’ Methods to Modern Learning
The early training methods of most brands were deeply rooted in the founder’s personal experience. These methods often relied on replicating day-to-day operational habits, customer service approaches, and localized marketing strategies. However, in today’s competitive and fast-moving environment, relying solely on legacy systems risks leaving franchisees underprepared.

Modern training must balance brand traditions with new tools and approaches, ensuring that while core values and operational standards remain intact, delivery methods evolve to reflect current realities. This means rethinking training not as a single “event” but as an ongoing, adaptable, and multi-channel process.

Recognizing the Sophisticated Franchisee
Today’s franchisees expect—and deserve—training that is both comprehensive and relevant to the current marketplace. Many of them:

• Bring existing expertise in business management, finance, or marketing.
• Are comfortable with digital platforms, video conferencing, and cloud-based systems.
• Expect data-driven insights, not just anecdotal best practices.
• Learn faster in interactive, tech-enabled environments than through lengthy in-person lectures.

For these owners, traditional “day-in-the-life” shadowing might feel inefficient or outdated unless supported by digital resources, real-time performance dashboards, and mobile learning tools they can revisit at any time.

Meeting Franchisees Where They Are
The most effective training programs now integrate multiple delivery methods:

• Virtual Pre-Training to build foundational knowledge before in-person sessions, allowing live time to focus on application rather than theory.
• Microlearning Modules—short, targeted lessons that can be consumed on mobile devices and referenced on demand.
• Interactive Simulations using AR/VR technology to replicate real-world scenarios without operational risk.
• Data-Driven Coaching with dashboards that track KPIs and identify where additional support is needed.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning through online communities where franchisees can share strategies, solutions, and best practices.

Support Beyond the Grand Opening
Adapting to current times also means recognizing that training doesn’t end when the doors open. Ongoing support—delivered through webinars, on-demand videos, and real-time communication platforms—keeps franchisees informed and agile in responding to market changes. Regular system updates, marketing refreshers, and operational enhancements should be integrated into a continuous learning cycle.

Honoring the Past While Building the Future
None of this is to say that the founder’s original methods lose value—they remain a vital part of the brand story and operational foundation. But the way those methods are taught and reinforced must evolve. By respecting tradition while embracing innovation, franchisors can ensure that their systems remain both relevant and competitive.

Franchising thrives when brand standards meet local market execution. That can only happen if franchisees are equipped to succeed in today’s marketplace—not just the one that existed when the first location opened its doors 25+ years ago.

In short, the message for franchisors is clear: the times have changed, your franchisees have changed, and your training must change too. The brands that recognize and embrace this reality will be the ones that remain strong for the next 25 years—and beyond.

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.

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.

Looking to elevate your business or need expert guidance to navigate current challenges? Connect directly with Paul at paul@acceler8success.com — your next step starts with a conversation.

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.