CATEGORIES

$100 Million Annually, 100% Founder-Owned

This married couple's plans to raise VC money never panned out. Now they say it was the best thing to happen to their jewelry company.

My 'Office Space' Revolt

In the '90s, I got my first management job in the public accounting department at Deloitte.

THE UNIVERSAL FORMULA TO FRANCHISEE SUCCESS

Why do some franchisees flourish while some flounder, even as they operate under the same brand? I've narrowed it down to three critical factors.

WHAT OPENING DAY LOOKS LIKE

Is it exciting? Stressful? A mix of both? We followed new franchisees through their first big day.

HOW TO MAKE GIANT LEAPS

A handful of brands jumped more than 150 spots on this year's list. How'd they do it? We reached out to ask-and learned what it takes to transform a franchise.

TOP 10 Entrepreneur

MEET THE LEADERS| THE FRANCHISE 500

MOH THESE FOUNDERS REGAINED CONTROL

Landing major investors is exciting, but often comes with the mandate to grow fast and sell your company. When the founders of Rhone realized they didn't want that, they charted a new path forward.

What Management Style Are You?

The fastest way to improve your team's performance is to take a hard look at your own leadership methods. But first you need to know what management style you lean toward, so you can bend in the right direction.

How To SURVIVE Being A LEADER in 2024

We've done the pandemic. Survived the fallout. But don't get comfortable, experts say: There's turbulence ahead. Here's how to prep for this year's worst-case scenarios.

Who's Stealing Your Time?

Do you have less time for the things you love? You might be blaming the wrong people.

Get Things Done!

Gear expert and two-time Emmy Award winner Mario Armstrong recommends design-forward tech that keeps you hitting deadlines without sacrificing aesthetics.

Where the Greatest Business Ideas Come From

Are you holding out for a light-bulb moment? Stop waiting. We studied founders who started successful businesses, and discovered that their ideas all have three things in common: We call it \"the ideation triangle.\"

What Terrible Bosses Can Teach You

Sometimes the best insights come from the worst experiences. Here, six founders dish on their awful former bosses-and how they learned to do better.

Everything Is About to Change

Are you ready to adapt quickly? Billionaire tech investor Thomas Tull says you should be because these days, there's no other choice.

The Power of Ritual

Can an ancient practice help fast-growing companies (and founders) stay grounded? I prove it every week.

When Life Is Preparation

Vanesa Ellis was no expert in mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.

Getting the Ungettable Client

Züm created a way to revolutionize school buses. But first, they'd need to sell it to school districts-notoriously resistant to change. Here's how they landed the biggest, hardest, sales worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Don't Come to My Meeting

As CEO, I've created an unusual meeting policy at my company. It helps build a culture of respect, agency-and substantial productivity, too.

Standing Even Taller

On my 14th birthday, my grandmother gave me a present: a framed photograph of her and my grandfather as teenagers in the 1940s. Then she explained the purpose behind it. \"Your dad told me that you've started slouching when pictures are taken,\" she said, \"because you're taller than the other girls and boys in your grade.\"

Selling Out, or Buying In?

Independent, mom-and-pop businesses are converting into franchises-but these decisions are tough to make when you've worked hard to build something on your own. What are these business owners giving away, and what can they gain?

Going for the Gold

After competing in two Olympics, this swimmer dove headfirst into her second career-and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

This Is the 'Ultimate Measure of a Good Leader'

When the founder of a fast-growing North Carolina biscuit franchise passed away abruptly the company discovered the true value of founding principles.

Spotlight on JAPAN

UPGRADING CAPITALISM BY EQUIPPING TODAY'S BUSINESSES WITH TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGIES

WHO'S AT YOUR CENTER?

Chris Hemsworth was a struggling actor-until he figured out how to stop obsessing over what he wants, and start focusing on what other people need.

How to Make an Irresistible Offer

To give your customers what they really want, you first need to know what they really need.

How to Sound Smart and Memorable, Anytime

You don't have to memorize what you're saying. But you do need a structure that helps your ideas stick.

Why 'Buy Green' Fails

As more companies become eco-friendly, they're often struggling to connect with consumers. Why? Because their communications are all wrong.

If at First You Don't Get Clients...

Try, try again? That's the lesson of Facet, an innovative financial planning startup that tried everything to get its first customers.

What Were You Wrong About?

Sometimes, a shift in perspective can change everything. But how do you trigger a revelation? Here, six leaders talk about what helped them see things clearly.

How Far Away Is Your Goal?

It may feel very distant, and that’s frustrating. So let’s figure out how close you really are.