About Eric Stites

Eric leads FBR’s research and consultants with clients in the area of franchise performance. He is an active member of the International Franchise Association (IFA), serves on the IFA’s VetFran and Franchise Relations Committees, and speaks frequently on topics related to franchise relations and best practices in franchising. Eric lives on the coast of Maine with his wife and two daughters, and enjoys spending as much time as possible on the ocean.
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How to Get Peer Groups Back on Track

By |2023-03-16T18:34:50+00:00June 11th, 2022|Blog|

Peer groups are a recognized and respected tactic used by franchise brands to facilitate internal knowledge sharing and invigorate their system. They are a proactive mechanism for franchise systems that want to truly leverage the collective knowledge and experience to improve unit results and brand performance. But even in the best systems, peer groups can eventually start to lose their effectiveness. If your peer groups are no longer functioning as effectively as they should, these five tips can help reinvigorate them.

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5 Signs of a Successful Franchise Advisory Council

By |2023-03-21T20:36:19+00:00May 13th, 2022|Blog|

In order for an FAC to truly represent franchisees’ perspectives, the group itself has to function effectively, which is dependent on practices and a culture within the group that set up both the FAC and the franchisor for success. If you have an FAC in your system, look for these five indicators to determine if it is running successfully.

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How to Implement Franchise Peer Performance Groups

By |2023-03-21T20:34:44+00:00April 30th, 2020|Blog|

Franchisors frequently implement new programs with the intention of adding value for all (or most) of their franchisees, but oftentimes, it’s hard to create programs that impact the more experienced, high-achiever franchisees in your system who have already figured out how to be successful. Franchise peer groups, however, can inspire and motivate all franchisees, including those already successful and mature franchisees, and give them the tools to take their businesses to an even higher level.

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Got Satisfaction?

By |2021-05-27T17:21:04+00:00March 29th, 2019|Blog|

FBR’s CEO Eric Stites provides an inside look at employee satisfaction in the franchise sector in the latest issue of Franchising World. Find out which employees are least satisfied, where the biggest pay gaps exist, and the risks posed by Gen Z.

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Takeaways from the 2018 Star Awards

By |2023-03-16T20:18:31+00:00December 5th, 2018|Blog|

Each year, Franchise Update invites franchise brands to compete in the Star Awards, which recognize franchising’s top sales teams at the annual Franchise Leadership and Development Conference. Find out which of the winning brands excelled in franchisee satisfaction and what the research revealed.

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Best Franchises to Work For?

By |2021-05-27T14:48:41+00:00September 7th, 2018|Blog|

We're surveying EVERYONE that works in the franchise industry to find out what they think of their job, team, and company. Share your experience with us and help us identify the best places to work in franchising!

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Operational Excellence: The Driver of Sustainable Franchise Growth

By |2023-03-16T20:47:32+00:00August 9th, 2018|Blog|

We see so many brands that grow quickly but don’t have the operations support in place to sustain it. Join us in Tampa on September 12 for the IFA's Operations Seminar, where top ranking brands in franchisee satisfaction will share techniques and insight on how to achieve grow your brand strategically through operational best practices.

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4 Ways to Re-Engage Senior Franchisees

By |2023-03-16T21:02:15+00:00August 22nd, 2017|Blog|

It’s no big secret that business owners of all types get bored after a few years of being in business. When it comes to franchising, it’s even more crucial to keep them engaged - especially the more senior franchisees. These four tips will help you re-engage senior franchisees and break out of their performance plateau.

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GAINING TRACTION: 5 Steps to Drive Franchise Performance and Profitability

By |2021-02-12T16:59:51+00:00February 20th, 2015|Blog|

Having a strong culture of transparency is critical for the long-term success of your franchisees and your system as a whole. Franchisees can easily get distracted as their business grows, which will ultimately stall their growth. Being 100 percent transparent as an organization will keep you and your franchisees laser-focused on things that really matter.

Franchise Business Owners Provide Their Views on Tax Reform

By |2020-10-23T18:26:46+00:00January 31st, 2012|Blog|

With the shadow of tax overhaul looming, the International Franchise Association and Franchise Business Review asked franchise executives to weigh in on several pending tax proposals and comment on tax reform in mid-October 2011. More than 400 franchisors and franchisees took part in the study, which uncovered the following key findings.