We aren’t even a week into the new year and it’s happening already. But first, a brief look back.
Last year, 2025, was a strange year for those of us working with aspiring entrepreneurs who were exploring franchise ownership. Many began. Many became afraid and paused. And the fear wasn’t about franchising as a model for entrepreneurship. The fear was driven by a wave of uncertainty fueled by current affairs.
A new administration. Tariffs. Immigration issues. Interest rates were still high. Inflation hadn’t yet fully stalled. There was an unraveling of civil discourse.
One phrase describes the entrepreneurial mood of 2025: Nervous and afraid.
It was a year of paradox. Many people felt the most secure move was to remain employed versus starting a business, in a year, no an era, of accelerating corporate restructuring resulting in massive layoffs.
Enter 2026; The year of the launch
Some of our candidates who paused in early 2025, raced to resume, and be awarded franchises in the final 60 days of the year. Some who exited the conversation last year are reaching out and asking to get back on my calendar. New aspiring entrepreneurs are finding their way to us and are asking for help. People are being referred to us from other people. And displaced employees are beginning to pause on the job search, and turn their attention to business ownership to shape their future.
Where 2025 was the year of the pause, 2026 is already shaping up to be the year of the launch. And I explain why in this PDF which is available for download at quantumfranchisegroup.com
I'm changing my approach to my own work this year.
It may seem counterintuitive in light of all I said above, but I'm REDUCING the number of candidates I choose to work with this year, with a focus on quality candidates over candidate quantity.
I have space on my calendar for about 12 more high-priority candidates to work with in Q1 (January - March) of this year. And I only plan to help about 20 people cross the finish line and become franchise owners in 2026.
Every year I engage with dozens of tire-kickers and low-intention daydreamers who consume many hours of my time, energy, and focus. This year, I'm reserving that time, energy, and focus for those who are genuinely serious about being awarded a franchise so I can give those candidates my very best.
Are you feeling this same shift?
If you’re a high-interest, high-intention aspiring entrepreneur, I’m here for it, but I’m closing my calendar for the quarter after bringing 12 more of you into the process. Go ahead and get on my calendar for a 15 minute “get to know you” call at www.acallwithwill.com
And our PDF, The 2026 Quantum Outlook on Franchising, head on over to www.quantumfranchisegroup.com, wait for the popup, drop your email address and grab it.
All signs are pointing toward an incredible year at Quantum Franchise Group and for the men and women who are serious about taking control of their lives, time, wealth creations, and future by becoming business owners.
