JOE BARBUTO, MBA ~FRANCHISE Consultant & Business Broker
Which Path to Business Ownership is Right for You?
I don't start by finding you franchise. I start by determining whether you should buy one.
There are three primary ways to become a business owner:
Buy a Franchise- Buy an Existing Business- Start From Scratch
Each has advantages, risks, costs, and different demands on your time and capital.
My role is to help you determine which path makes the most sense for you.
Why Joe is different
Most franchise consultants begin with one question:
Which franchise should you buy?
I begin with a more important one:
Should you buy a franchise in the first place?
My perspective goes well beyond franchising.
Business Owner
I have owned and operated multiple businesses and understand the realities of entrepreneurship firsthand—not just from a sales presentation.
Business Broker
I help buyers and sellers evaluate existing businesses, including cash flow, valuation, leases, assets, employees, and operating risk.
MBA & Former Business College Professor
My business education and teaching experience help me look at opportunities from a strategic and financial perspective.
Small Business Coach
Through my work with the Small Business Development Center, I coached entrepreneurs on starting and developing businesses from scratch.
That combination allows me to objectively compare your options rather than assume a franchise is always the answer.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Buy a Franchise
A franchise can provide an established business model, training, systems, brand recognition, and ongoing support.
In exchange, you typically give up some flexibility and pay franchise fees and ongoing royalties.
Best question: Does the structure and support justify the additional cost and restrictions?
Buy an Existing Business
An existing business may already have customers, employees, equipment, revenue, and cash flow.
But you're also buying its history—including any problems that come with it.
Best question: Are you buying real value, or simply paying for someone else's business?
Start From Scratch
Starting independently provides the greatest freedom and control.
You create the concept, brand, systems, pricing, and strategy.
But you also start without customers, operating history, or a proven system.
Best question: Do you want the freedom to build everything yourself—and accept the additional risk? Don't forget time!
Business Ownership Decision Path
Before recommending an opportunity, I work through a structured decision process.
1. Should You Own a Business?
We start with your goals, expectations, experience, and readiness for ownership.
2. Franchise vs. Existing Business vs. Startup
We determine which ownership path deserves serious consideration.
3. Capital & Lifestyle
We evaluate your available capital, income requirements, time commitment, lifestyle goals, and risk tolerance.
4. Identify the Right Business Models
Only then do we begin identifying businesses and franchise concepts that fit your criteria.
5. Compare Economics & Risk
We examine investment requirements, operating costs, profitability, scalability, and business risk.
6. Conduct Franchise Due Diligence
If franchising is the right path - fees, financial representations, franchisee experiences, and franchisor support.
7. Funding, Real Estate & Professional Team
When appropriate, I can help connect the process with financing, commercial real estate, attorneys, accountants, and other professionals.
Start With the Decision — Not the Franchise
A good consultation does not necessarily end with you buying a franchise. You may discover that an existing business is a better opportunity. You may decide you would rather build something yourself. You may even conclude that business ownership is not right for you at this point.
That is still a successful outcome if it prevents you from making the wrong investment.
My objective is simple:
Help you make a better business ownership decision.
Start With Education, Not a Sales Pitch
I've created a comprehensive guide comparing the three major paths to business ownership:
Franchise vs. Existing Business vs. Startup
Learn about the advantages, disadvantages, risks, costs, and questions you should consider before investing.
Considering Business Ownership?
You don't need another franchise sales pitch.
You need a business ownership strategy.
Let's start with your goals, finances, experience, lifestyle, and the kind of business owner you want to become.
No pressure. No obligation. Start with the decision—not the franchise.