In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Ryan Picklyk, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Franchising at A&W and Chair of the Canadian Franchise Association, shares his insights on the power of franchising in shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Ryan is the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Franchising at A&W Food Services of Canada, where he plays a key role in driving the brand’s expansion and fostering strong relationships with franchise partners nationwide. In addition to his work at A&W, Ryan serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Franchise Association.
As both Senior Director at A&W and Chair of the Canadian Franchise Association, you’ve seen firsthand how franchising shapes entrepreneurship in Canada. How do you believe the franchise model empowers small business ownership and supports local innovation?
Franchising is about being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. It allows individuals to become independent small business owners while benefiting from the support, guidance, and resources of an established brand. Franchisees operate their own business, hire their own staff, and even market their location on a local level, but are able to leverage the support of a proven system for training, vendor relationships, national advertising, and more.
This balance of independence and structure empowers Canadians from all backgrounds to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence and reduced risk. With opportunities across more than 60 industries including food service, fitness, education, retail, senior care services, home and lawn maintenance, and professional services, franchising enables people to find a business that aligns with their passion or expertise.
What truly sets franchising apart is its community connection. Franchisees live and work in the areas they serve, tailoring their approach to local needs, creating jobs, and supporting neighbourhood initiatives. Together, these local business owners fuel economic growth and spark innovation in communities nationwide, demonstrating that franchising is more than a path to business ownership, it’s a powerful driver of local opportunity and entrepreneurial success.
There’s often a misconception that franchisees are merely managers within a framework rather than full business owners. How do franchisees demonstrate entrepreneurial leadership and independence within their operations?
Franchisees embody the spirit of small business ownership through their hard work, creativity, and involvement in their communities. While they benefit from the systems, support, and brand of a franchisor, they make the day-to-day decisions that shape their business. They hire their team, manage operations, market locally, and connect with customers, all while maintaining the standards of their brand.
This mix of independence and support allows franchisees to show real entrepreneurial leadership. Many go on to open multiple locations, showing how franchising can help foster their ambition, match it to opportunity and ultimately allows the franchisee to grow their business from one to many locations.
Franchisees are not just managing a location, they’re building relationships, driving local economic activity, and shaping the brand experience in their markets. Through this combination of autonomy and collaboration, franchising empowers individuals to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Franchising has increasingly become an appealing path for Canadians looking to start their own business. What makes it such an accessible and secure entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs compared to starting from scratch?
Franchising has become an appealing path for Canadians because it offers a way to start a business with guidance and support while still being fully independent. This structure helps reduce the risks and uncertainty that can come with launching a new business.
Franchising is accessible to a wide range of aspiring entrepreneurs. Many franchisees come from diverse backgrounds with little or no prior business experience. Franchisors provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, making it easier for people to gain the skills and confidence needed to run a successful business. Opportunities exist across more than 60 industries, so there’s something for everyone, no matter their area of interest or expertise. There are also a wide variety of business models represented in the franchising industry at different investment levels, from home-based businesses to fully staffed brick-and-mortar locations, making business ownership attainable for many.
Innovation is often tied to autonomy. How does the franchise model encourage creativity and localized strategies among franchisees, especially when it comes to community engagement, marketing, and hiring practices?
For any franchise brand, the franchisee is on the very front line of the business, which means no one is closer to the customer. As a result, even for large brands, there are opportunities for innovation led by franchisees hearing directly from the customers they serve. In our business, at A&W, there are several examples of franchisee innovation which have shown up in menu improvements, ideas for limited time offers, or even permanent changes to our menu. It’s another example of the value of franchisees as local small business owners: in the end, the consumer benefits.
Community engagement is another area where we see this innovation. They often partner with local charities, sponsor events, or launch initiatives that address specific community needs. These efforts enhance their presence in the community and demonstrate the brand’s commitment to making a positive impact.
By combining the guidance of a proven system with the freedom to make local decisions, franchising allows entrepreneurs to innovate and lead in ways that benefit both their business and their community.
As the Chair of the Canadian Franchise Association, what advice or key takeaways would you offer to small business owners and entrepreneurs who are considering joining or starting a franchise today?
For anyone considering joining or starting a franchise, the most important advice is to be thoughtful and thorough from the start.
First, it is essential to navigate the franchise business model and find the right opportunity. This begins with careful research and self-assessment to identify a franchise that aligns with an individual’s skills, interests, and budget. Choosing the right fit sets the foundation for long-term success. The CFA publishes an annual directory of franchise opportunities, and maintains an online directory at LookforaFranchise.ca, which is searchable by industry type and investment level. Along with Franchise Canada trade shows, these are excellent tools for anyone looking to go into business for themselves to find the perfect franchise fit. Anyone looking for a franchise opportunity should also Look for the Logo: the CFA Member logo indicates that a brand is a qualified opportunity, and has signed on to the CFA’s Code of Ethics, showing a commitment to excellence in franchising.
Second, leverage all available resources to conduct proper due diligence. Understanding the franchise agreement, support system, and operational requirements is critical. Prospective franchisees, including newcomers to Canada, should consult professionals such as franchise consultants, lawyers, accountants, and bankers to fully evaluate the opportunity. The CFA supports entrepreneurs by connecting them with trusted experts through its online supplier directory on CFA.ca and providing additional guidance through resources available on CFA.ca and FranchiseCanada.Online.
Taking these steps ensures prospective franchisees can make informed decisions and position themselves for lasting success in the franchise sector.
