There’s something about the months between the denouement of summer and the onset of winter that never fails to energize me. Perhaps because of our national emblem, fall feels somehow uniquely Canadian, and though other seasons may overshadow it, for me it’s truly a time of renewal and reflection.
At the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), fall is filled with exciting events such as our Franchise Canada Shows in Toronto and Vancouver and is when we look ahead to the next year. Our 2025 events and content lineup are already well underway!
Until then, this issue of Franchise Canada covers many topics and sectors that will undoubtedly be of interest to you. If you’re new to the concept of franchising, “Your Guide to Franchising” is full of information about where and how to start. While you should always defer to the expertise of the legal and franchise professionals that you enlist to help you in your franchise journey, this is a great place to begin your search for the answer to the question, “Is owing my own business and becoming a franchisee right for me?”
On that note, as you use this magazine and other resources (such as LookforaFranchise.ca) to research potential franchise investments, remember that you have another fantastic tool at your disposal: the CFA member logo. This emblem is a sign that these companies adhere to the CFA’s Code of Ethics and are committed to delivering the guidance and support their franchisees need to succeed. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to better determine which franchise is the right fit for you!
In this edition, from home improvement brands to those that specialize in restoration following disasters of all sorts, we explore seven CFA members that provide a way to impact the lives of those in their communities in an appreciable way. For those who might be in the market for a business opportunity that errs on the side of adorable, our article highlighting a handful of franchise systems that deliver services to kids and pets might pique your interest.
Of course, this edition is chock-full of stories that illustrate just how far franchising can take you. Our profile on WingsUp! president Darren Czarnogorski, who saw potential in a small Ontario-based restaurant with only four locations and grew it into a cross-province success story, shows the value in listening to those closest to you. A unique investment opportunity can be found in our story on HOTWORX, a fitness brand new to the CFA community that is warming up to expand into Canada after finding success in the U.S. and overseas, and a devoted Good Earth Coffeehouse location owner brings us through her first challenging but satisfying year in business.
Dairy Queen takes us through the local-level programs and national charities that it is proud to contribute to year-round. An Image360 franchisee discusses how she and her husband turned a “what if” into a “what next” when they purchased their Calgary, Alberta location. And though foundation repair and waterproofing brand Wise Cracks could find a home within our article on restoration companies, its up-and-coming franchisee from Kelowna, B.C. was happy to discuss how the support of the system provided him with success.
As always, our experts have delivered razor-sharp takes on some of your most pressing franchise questions. Evan Hackel from The Learning Network explains the features that take a franchisee training program from good to amazing, while Daniel So of Dale & Lessmann goes in-depth on what you should consider before selling a franchise for the purpose of purchasing a new one. Whether you are new to the industry or several franchise units in, you’ll find value in both of their insightful responses.
Before we get into the fever pitch of the holiday season, now is the perfect time to consider where you want to see yourself next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. As many of the franchisees in this issue can attest, being a part of a system has provided them with the stability and knowledge to reach levels they never dreamed of on their own. Fast forward to the end of 2025, and will one of them be you?