Franchise Resilience in an Uncertain Economy

As we move through 2025, one thing remains clear: the economy is unpredictable.  While no one can foresee exactly which businesses will thrive over the next few years, franchising has proven to be one of the most resilient business models during times of uncertainty, especially in the essential home services sector.

From my years in the franchise industry, I’ve also seen the difference the right systems, mindset, and support can make. Not only in getting through tough times, but in building a lasting, meaningful business.

The Case for Home Services: A Resilient Franchise Market

In uncertain times, home services remain one of the most dependable sectors in franchising. As the brand president at Zoom Drain, I understand firsthand that when someone’s sewer line backs up, they’re going to call us—recession or not. Whether it’s plumbing, janitorial, HVAC or restoration, these essential services are things that people will need regardless of economic conditions.

What makes this sector particularly attractive for a new businessowner is how highly fragmented many of the markets are. Capturing just a small percentage can translate into significant returns. Franchises that offer a trusted brand, meaningful support, and proven systems, help turn skilled trades into scalable, high-performing, and sustainable business.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the franchise industry saw how adaptability fuels resilience. Some janitorial companies were able to quickly shift from offices and schools, which were closed, to servicing healthcare facilities and distribution centers, places that were still up and operating and needed their services more than ever. That kind of pivot made all the difference and could not have been done without the robust infrastructure provided by franchised teams.

What Makes a Resilient Franchise?

Franchisees who succeed, especially in moments of economic headwinds, tend to share a few key traits. They are open-minded, willing to learn, and thrive within an ever-evolving system. They are also community-oriented, showing up at their local business events, sponsoring local youth sports teams, and building lasting relationships with their customer base.

A successful franchise owner also doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. They follow the system, trust the process, and leverage the data and tools provided by their brand. They do this while also customizing their approach to the business based on what they know and understand about their local market. Unlike independent business owners, franchisees gain access to shared insights across the network. This provides real-time performance benchmarks, business development best practices, and industry trends that can save them years of costly trial and error.

Communication and Leadership in Franchising

Today’s most effective franchisors don’t lead by mandate; they lead by influence. Communication is a two-way street, franchisors need to listen to their franchisees, co-create strategy, and build trust through transparency. The franchisees are the people in the trenches who know their markets best, and our job at the brand level is to support them and keep them focused on the long-term strategy of the brand.  

A successful franchisor will also take time to get their new owners off the ground and support them intensely throughout their first 24 months. That early runway sets the tone for everything that follows and directly impacts the customer’s experience.

Advice for Franchise Candidates

If you’re considering franchise ownership, ask yourself the hard questions early. Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and lead a team in the field? Do you thrive in a structured system, or are you more of a maverick? Neither answer is right or wrong, but the fit matters.

Be honest about your work style, your goals, and your tolerance for risk. A franchise should be more than just an investment, it should align with your long-term personal goals. If your goals are too small, you might get left behind. If they are too big or vague, you may get discouraged.

Market Trends and Cautions

There’s growing interest in entrepreneurship, and franchising is well-positioned to meet that demand. However, franchisors should be wary of focusing too much on growth for growth’s sake. While selling is important, supporting existing owners is critical for success.

Franchising works best when it delivers a consistent, trusted brand experience, from the first customer call to the last invoice. That requires strong systems, real support, and a commitment to quality. Trades and home services offer long-term opportunity and meaningful careers, especially for those willing to embrace the work and invest in their teams.

At Zoom Drain, we believe in the trades, and we’re committed to creating clear career paths, robust training, and a culture of pride in the work. No matter how advanced AI or automation becomes, no one is outsourcing a clogged sewer line.

In the end, franchise or not, resilience comes down to a few timeless principles: open communication, continuous learning, adaptability, and community engagement. The strongest businesses are the ones that keep showing up, stay accountable, and push forward, regardless of the economy.

Franchising isn’t a shortcut to success, but when it’s done right, it offers a powerful combination of independence and support—a formula that can thrive in any market.