What is Your Title if You Own a Franchise?

If you own a franchise, common and appropriate titles for your role typically include Franchise Owner or simply Owner. Other suitable titles that reflect an operational leadership position may also be used.

Understanding Your Role as a Franchisee

As a franchisee, you operate an independent business under the umbrella of a larger brand. While you own your specific unit(s), you are part of a broader corporate structure. This distinction influences what titles are generally considered appropriate and professional for your role. The key is to convey your position accurately without misrepresenting your relationship with the franchisor.

Commonly Used Titles for Franchise Owners

Choosing a clear and descriptive title helps define your role to customers, suppliers, and employees. The most straightforward options are often the best, as they directly communicate your ownership stake without ambiguity.

• Franchise Owner: This title is highly specific and immediately clarifies your position within the franchise system. It indicates that you own the rights to operate a particular franchise location or territory.
• Owner: A concise and widely understood title that effectively communicates your proprietorship of the business.
• Director of Operations: If your role involves significant oversight of daily activities and strategic execution, this title can be very fitting, especially for multi-unit owners or larger franchise operations.
• Managing Partner: This title is suitable if you operate the franchise with other partners and are actively involved in its day-to-day management.
• General Manager: While sometimes associated with employees, a franchisee who is hands-on in the daily running of the business might use this, especially if they are the primary operational leader.

Titles Generally Not Used by Franchisees

Due to the nature of the franchise relationship, certain corporate titles typically reserved for the franchisor's corporate hierarchy are generally not appropriate for a franchisee. Using these titles can lead to confusion or misrepresent your standing within the overall brand structure.

Titles you generally cannot or should not use include:

• CEO (Chief Executive Officer): This title typically refers to the highest-ranking executive of the entire franchisor corporation, not an individual franchise unit.
• COO (Chief Operating Officer): Similar to CEO, this role is usually at the corporate level, overseeing operations across the entire franchise system.
• President: This title is commonly reserved for the head of the franchisor company or a major corporate division.
• Founder: As a franchisee, you are buying into an established business model, not founding the original brand.

Choosing the Right Title for Your Business

When deciding on a title for your business cards, email signatures, or professional profiles, consider what best reflects your actual responsibilities and clarifies your position within the franchise ecosystem. Always prioritize titles that are clear, accurate, and align with industry best practices for franchisees.

Here's a quick comparison:

Ultimately, the best title is one that accurately describes your role and responsibilities while respecting the established structure of the franchise system you operate within.