Scaling a franchise while maintaining strong operational efficiency is a challenge for many business owners. In a recent episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, host Dave Hansen sat down with Paul Ebert, Brand President of Two Maids and Aussie Pet Mobile, to discuss actionable strategies that help franchisees maximize Average Unit Volume (AUV) while improving efficiency.
Paul has extensive experience in finance and franchise development, overseeing 140+ Two Maids locations and managing 450+ mobile pet salons under Aussie Pet Mobile. His expertise provides franchise owners with a roadmap to sustainable growth. This conversation focuses on strategic expansion, structured goal-setting, customized support, repeatable training, and customer experience improvements—all essential elements in driving AUV. Below, we highlight the key takeaways from this discussion, outlining the practical strategies franchise owners can implement today.
Incentivizing Franchise Expansion (6:08–8:15)
Franchisees who expand into adjacent territories gain significant advantages, including brand recognition and operational efficiencies. Encouraging expansion through incentives enables franchisees to scale more effectively, reducing the challenges of entering entirely new markets. Franchise systems that support this growth with reduced fees, marketing assistance, or operational guidance create a more attractive expansion pathway.
Gradual Goal Setting for Franchisees (12:36–14:40)
Paul emphasized the importance of setting realistic, incremental goals for new franchisees. “When you’re just starting, the idea of reaching a million dollars in revenue can feel overwhelming,” he said. Instead, Two Maids encourages franchisees to focus on smaller, achievable targets. For example, securing just 1.5 new recurring customers per week can lead to substantial growth over time. This step-by-step method not only builds confidence but also lays a solid foundation for long-term success.
Tailored Support Strategies (14:50–16:55)
Every franchisee’s journey is unique, and Paul stressed the importance of providing personalized support based on where franchisees are in their lifecycle. At Two Maids, this involves transitioning new owners from pre-opening training to day-to-day operational coaching. “Our goal is to meet franchisees where they are,” Paul explained. This tailored approach ensures franchisees receive the right level of guidance, whether they’re learning the basics or making high-level decisions like real estate investments.
Repeatable Success Experiences (18:31–20:17)
Consistency in onboarding is a cornerstone of franchise success. Paul shared how Two Maids has designed a repeatable system for new franchisees to ensure a smooth start. “Every franchisee gets the same experience, from signing the agreement to hitting break-even,” Paul said. By standardizing the onboarding process, Two Maids sets franchisees up for success from day one, allowing them to focus on growth rather than struggling with operational hurdles.
Enhancing Customer Experience (26:04–28:00)
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Two Maids’ strategy for boosting AUV. The brand has implemented a digital self-service platform that lets customers manage appointments, view service history, and make changes easily. Paul highlighted the impact of this system: “We’ve seen 66% of customer engagement happen outside business hours. This gives franchisees more time to optimize schedules and reduce opportunity costs.” By making it easier for customers to do business, Two Maids not only improves retention but also enhances revenue potential.
Wrap Up Thoughts
Paul Ebert’s insights on The Advisory Board Podcast showcase the power of data, technology, and tailored support in driving franchise success. From incentivizing expansion to enhancing customer experiences, his strategies offer franchise owners a roadmap for achieving higher AUV and sustainable growth. As Paul said, “Franchising is all about building repeatable, scalable systems that work for everyone involved.”
To hear more from Paul, check out the full episode of The Advisory Board Podcast on Spreaker or YouTube. For additional resources, visit ClientTether or learn more about Two Maids’ parent company at Home Franchise Concepts.
By applying these proven strategies, franchise owners can improve operations, foster growth, and achieve long-term success. Start small, think big, and take action today to boost your franchise’s AUV.