Empowering Your Team: How Franchisees Can Unlock Employee Potential

In the competitive world of franchising, a business’s success is tied to the strength and engagement of its employees. When my husband and I became franchisees with Scenthound, we quickly realized that hiring the right people is only one part of building a strong team. Investing in employee development and creating a culture of empowerment is what sets a franchise apart. Helping our team members grow not only strengthens our business but also makes a profound impact on the people behind it.

We’ve learned the value of pouring into our employees through small, intentional steps that ultimately make a big difference. Here are four strategies we’ve found to be effective.

Invest in your team’s aspirations

Getting to know each employee beyond their job description is the first step toward meaningful development. Take the time to learn about your team members’ personal goals and professional ambitions, and then find ways to help them make those aspirations a reality.

Whether it’s investing in an external training course or attending a workshop, providing these opportunities to build transferable skills creates well-rounded employees who can eventually contribute at a higher level.

Show employees that their growth is a priority through simple gestures like regular check-ins or celebrating milestones. When people feel seen and supported in their goals, their engagement increases. That sense of loyalty and motivation strengthens the overall workplace culture.

Turn jobs into impactful opportunities

For some employees, a job can be much more than a paycheck, especially when they can see there is a clear path for career advancement. At our Scenthound locations, we prioritize consistent mentorship and encourage team members to rise through the ranks. Some of the most rewarding moments have been when an employee achieves a goal that they never thought was possible.

Personally, we’ve always been passionate about creating unique employee experiences. This commitment and approach have empowered many of our team members over the years, and we’ve been able to help some overcome personal adversities. It all started with helping identify their goals early on in their employment, so we could guide them toward growth.

We’ve seen people gain financial independence, develop leadership skills, and overcome personal challenges. Investing in your employees in this way can have a lasting, life-changing impact.

Lead with trust and guidance

High-performing teams are built on accountability and support. Emphasize mutual respect, consistent coaching, and early recognition of potential to ensure your employees feel both challenged and supported. But accountability also means encouraging team members to learn from both successes and mistakes.

In our experience, regular feedback and check-ins, paired with mentorship, help employees identify areas for improvement to build confidence in their abilities. As a result, you’re fostering resilience and ownership. When employees know they have your support, engagement rises, and the entire business benefits from their commitment.

Empower through experience

A great customer experience starts with a great employee experience. Because of the franchise model, we’re supported with proven tools and resources available to make both a reality. One of the most impactful resources is the Scenthound Employee Experience Map, a framework designed to guide career growth across every position. The map helps us identify where additional support is needed and ensures our team members feel valued, equipped, and motivated to grow.

Building a positive workplace culture has a large impact on morale and retention. It’s an investment that pays out in team performance and in the quality of service customers receive. With employees who have the resources, recognition, and guidance they need, franchisees can create a thriving work environment that supports growth for both individuals and the business.

Melissa and Brian Markus are multi-unit franchisees with Scenthound in Kansas City, Kansas.