How daily operations shape franchisees’ experiences and successes
By Gina Makkar
Finding the right franchise fit goes beyond just brand recognition or industry appeal. It requires a clear understanding of the day-to-day, from early mornings to behind-the-scenes operations, and the alignment of energy, lifestyle, and goals with a model that supports long-term success. Some prefer to be as hands-on as possible, relishing in the everyday in-person needs of their very own business. Franchise Canada spoke with three franchisees who act as both owners and operators, to offer a firsthand look at how these daily demands translate to success.
Aloha Mental Arithmetic
Once a teaching professional, Ruchi Pachauri began looking for an opportunity that aligned with her background when her children started school. “I wanted something in teaching that creates an impact on society,” she says. Pachauri was drawn to Aloha Mental Arithmetic and the idea of an enrichment program that supports children beyond the classroom.
Since 2016, more than 700 children in the community have taken advantage of the program. Today, she serves the more than 80 students in her community that are enrolled in a classroom-style setting after school and on weekends. The day-to-day is a balance of instruction, coordination, and management. Weekends are busy with sessions, while weekdays are dedicated to preparation.
The hands-on nature of the business model is central to its impact. Pachauri and her team work closely with each child to identify learning gaps and adapt instruction. “Building an environment where children can thrive is rewarding,” she shares. “These are the big wins. You give your time and energy and keep them motivated to do the intensive work and ask them to come out of their comfort zone. When they start to feel that yes, they can do it, and you see it from their body language, that is rewarding.”
The program centres around brain development, using abacus-based techniques that are grounded in science and known for their effectiveness. “The biggest hurdle was educating the local community,” Pachauri notes. But over time she’s seen increased awareness and community need drive opportunity for the business’ growth. “Children have incredible potential when their minds are trained in the right way,” she says, emphasizing long-term impact.
Despite any ups and downs, the franchisor has played a vital role in supporting and growing the business, offering a structured curriculum alongside comprehensive training and marketing resources.
For Pachauri, franchising offers a clear advantage. “You are not alone. There is a lot of support from head office,” she says, allowing franchisees to focus on delivery rather than building from scratch.
This franchise offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in the education sector, with the added advantage of flexibility. Franchisees can start part-time and grow at their own pace, moving to full-time when ready. “If you are passionate seeing transformation and working beyond the monetary benefit, then you are a good fit.”
Her advice is simple: success comes from passion, consistency, and a genuine commitment to helping children learn and grow. “It’s been a meaningful journey for me. My business not only shaped my students, it shaped me as well—I’m a transformed person from the day I started.”
InXpress
Starting a business during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic was not ideal, but for Alireza Dowlatmodeli, it became the catalyst for a new chapter. With a background in sales across Europe and the Middle East, he began exploring opportunities that would align with his experience and fit the Canadian market.
After completing a course in supply chain management, he discovered a model that combined both worlds. “I came across InXpress. I educated myself a bit. I started a dialogue with them, and we spoke several times,” says Dowlatmodeli. He realized that working with this brand is something “I like and I want to do, because it’s a combination of my recent studies and experience. And honestly, I love helping people, meeting new people, and bringing solutions to their problems.”
A remote, client-facing model, InXpress helps businesses manage their global shipping and logistics needs. Days begin early. Mornings are spent handling emails and inquiries before heading out to meet clients face-to-face.
As is common in entrepreneurship, the early days were challenging. Operating as a “one-man show” required balancing sales with administrative work. However, persistence paid off, and growth followed. Today, the business has expanded into a family affair, with his son and niece contributing to operations, something Dowlatmodeli values deeply.
The added support has also made growth more attainable. With a scalable model, Dowlatmodeli is looking toward the future and waiting for the right time to expand. “Expansion is very important. It makes you think out of the box and try to find better solutions,” he says.
Though he shoulders the responsibility of running a successful franchise, Dowlatmodeli is quick to note that he’s not alone with the InXpress system by his side. “It’s a team voice. They are always available to cater [to] what is needed for the franchisee. The hard work they do makes us more successful.”
When it comes to choosing between starting a business from scratch or investing in a franchise, he believes it ultimately comes down to the individual: “As long as you enjoy doing it everyday. I wake up in the morning and I’m not saying, ‘Oh, another day is started.’ I’m saying, ‘Wow, I’m going to have another successful day.’” For Dowlatmodeli, franchising offers a structured path and support that still allows him to build something of his own.
For those considering franchising, he advises that success starts with a passion for sales and working with people, and that building connections is at the heart of the business. “If you really put in your time and energy, [you] will definitely succeed.”
Tan on the Run
For Sherri Picard, franchising was a spontaneous decision that turned into a 14-year career. After developing a skin concern from tanning bed use, she knew she needed an alternative. “The doctor gave me a lecture, and that was it. I was upset, because I still love to be tan.”
Frustrated by the lack of options, she found inspiration while watching Nicole Hyatt pitch Tan on the Run on Dragon’s Den. “I thought it was a great idea, airbrush spray tanning,” says Picard. Acting on instinct, she reached out to Nicole the same night. “I called her at 11 o’clock and thought I’d leave a voicemail, but she answered.” Two weeks later, she was signing papers.
Today, Picard runs a fully mobile operation, bringing services directly to clients’ homes. “I think a lot of our clients appreciate that it doesn’t take up [many] hours of their day. They don’t have to rush. There’s value in relieving people’s time.” The work is hands-on, and that’s exactly how she likes it: “I love driving, and I love the one-on-one that I have with clients.”
Her days balance hands-on service with operations and marketing. During peak season, the hours stretch long, but the energy makes it worthwhile. “Everyone is in a good mood because they are doing something fun, and our service is tied to a fun or happy event.”
For Picard, the right franchise fit is less about experience and more about mindset. “It doesn’t matter what your background is. It’s the attitude you have and how much drive you’re willing to put into building your business,” she says. While the system provides guidance, success depends on follow-through. “You can be told something 1,000 times, but if you don’t implement it, you’re not going to get anywhere.”
Operating within a franchise model offers clear advantages over going it alone. “When you’re buying the franchise, you’re buying the rights to that name,” she explains, adding that brand recognition, national exposure, and product exclusivity are also benefits. Equally important is the leadership behind the brand. “Nicole is very supportive. She’s in the thick of it with us. I don’t think I would have lasted 14 years if I had to deal with everything on my own.”
Looking ahead, the business continues to evolve with new services like mobile teeth whitening, expanding growth opportunities for franchise owners. And for those considering franchising, her advice is simple: “Go in with the expectation of commitment. Write down your intentions for every day and implement them. Consistency is everything.”
