Is franchising a fast track to success—or a shortcut to disaster? That depends on how it’s done.
In this episode of The Deal Scout, Susan Reilly welcomes Don Chen, a 25-year franchise veteran who’s worn every hat in the industry. Don is on a mission to bring integrity, strategy, and sustainability back to franchising—helping people succeed by doing things the right way.
Don shares how his experience as a master franchisee shaped his philosophy on growth. He talks candidly about the pitfalls of selling too fast, the dangers of undercapitalization, and how many franchisors are simply not prepared to scale.
You’ll discover:
The truth behind the “plug and play” franchise myth
Why many new franchise systems are doomed from the start
What a franchise deal with long-term potential looks like
The top two reasons franchises and small businesses fail
How to know if you are franchise-ready
Why Don’s company refuses to put someone into a business they can’t afford
How to match the right people to the right franchise concept
Whether you’re a corporate professional looking to buy your first franchise, a business owner considering franchising your model, or a franchisor struggling with growth, this conversation will help you make smarter, more sustainable decisions.
About Don Chen:
Don is the founder of a franchise consulting firm that supports both franchise buyers and franchisors. His team offers “done for you” services ranging from candidate matchmaking to operational manuals and go-to-market strategy. With a personal mission to create generational impact and over 75 years of combined team experience, Don helps his clients build businesses that last.
Want to connect with Don?
Reach out to host Susan Reilly at susan@thedealscout.com and she’ll introduce you to Don directly.
Interested in being a guest on The Deal Scout?
If you’ve got a great story or a business opportunity to share, Susan wants to hear from you. Email susan@thedealscout.com or click the link in the show notes.
Subscribe to The Deal Scout for more behind-the-scenes conversations with entrepreneurs, dealmakers, and business builders.
