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Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS) is a full service franchise development and franchise consulting firm. FMS helps business start a franchise and build their brand through franchise development. Franchise Marketing Systems has worked with a wide range of new and existing franchises to develop the franchise model and sell the franchise system. FMS has worked with over 700 different businesses to franchise their model and sold over 8,000 franchise units across these brands. These businesses include all industry segments, retail, service, sales manufacturing, food service, technology, home-based businesses and others. Chris Conner founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009 and today, FMS is a team of 34 franchise consultants spread across the United States and Canada and continues to work with brands to help them scale efficiently into new markets with the franchise development model.
If you have considered expanding your business through franchising or whether to franchise your business, contact FMS and we could walk through the process of franchising your business model and help you understand the potential for franchise development. Franchise Marketing Systems works with businesses to franchise their brand successfully by working through the following franchise development process:
I. Franchise Business Plan – First Draft in 3 Weeks
Initial Strategic Plan – 1 Week. Franchise Research Report – 1.5 Weeks. Franchise Structure Report – 2 Weeks. Franchise Business Plan (First Draft in 3 Weeks).
II. Legal Document Development
Franchise Disclosure Document Development – 1.5 Weeks from Completion of Business Plan. Franchise Agreement Completion – 1.5 Weeks from Completion of Business Plan. State Registration Applications – 1 month from completion of Business Plan.
III. Operations Services
Franchise Operations Manual Initial Analysis and Outline – 1 Week from Completing the Legal Documents. Onsite Analysis and Consulting – 1 Week from the date we have finished the Legal Documentation. Franchise Operations Manual – 3 Weeks from Completion of Legal Documentation.
IV. Franchise Marketing Services
Marketing Plan – First Draft 15 Days from Completion of Operations Manual Franchise Collateral Materials – First Draft 21 Days from Completion of Operations Manual Franchise Strategic Alliances and Franchise Marketing and Sales
For more information on how to franchise your business, visit the FMS site: www.FMSfranchise.com
Reviews 61
Matt Comella
Feb 19,2025FMS has been an incredible partner for us since day one, and their support continues to be invaluable. Chris and his team are always responsive, whether it’s answering emails, taking phone calls, or providing the necessary documents to keep our franchise journey moving forward. Their professionalism and dedication have made the process seamless. I highly recommend FMS to anyone looking to start in the franchise world — their expertise and reliability are unmatched!
TAMARA MORAN
Feb 17,2025FMS was thorough and efficient launching our franchise, they made it incredibly easy for us , we would never had been able to tackle the job alone , they continue to support us as we grow, they are informed, organized and always available to help! We highly recommend
Maryam Razvi
Feb 17,2025Chris and his team where great, always available to get things done
Ryan U
Feb 13,2025We used FMS to franchise our brand and couldn't be happier with the experience. FMS helped us take our company to the next level. Thank you.
AC
Feb 13,2025Warning: Our Costly Experience with FMS Marketing Systems We engaged with FMS Marketing Systems in January 2022, hoping they would help us franchise our business. Now, in February 2025, after spending well over $30,000, we have little to show for it. I’m sharing this review to warn other small business owners considering their services. 1. Misleading Promises & No Results FMS’s sales team assured us we were a great fit for franchising, reviewing our financials and tax documents before we signed up. They made it seem like selling franchises would be straightforward. However, despite our investment, we have not sold a single franchise, and no progress made. 2. Expensive, Low-Quality Documents We were charged nearly $4,000 per “stage” for materials like a business plan, Proforma, FDD and marketing plan etc. These documents appeared to be auto-generated templates, riddled with errors—including our business name being incorrect. We were told this wasn’t a big deal. 3. Broken Commitments & Poor Communication We were promised an in-person meeting to discuss our business strategy, but it never happened. While Chris was always friendly on calls, conversations often felt like sales tactics to keep us onboard rather than actual solutions. 4. Payment Structure & No Tangible Progress When we briefly paused services due to other financial obligations, FMS later offered to deduct our final payment (~$4,000) from our first franchise sale. This seemed fair at the time since we had no tangible results. However, YEARS later, we still had no franchise sales, no updates, and nothing to show for our investment. 5. Trademark & Legal Issues We already had a trademarked logo, yet we were still charged for trademark services. FMS also initially assured us we could trademark our business name, only to later tell us it was too broad and suggest changing it—something we had already warned them about early on. 6. Delayed & Incomplete Work Basic steps, like filing our LLC, weren’t completed until May 2024—two years after we started. These delays contradicted their claims of efficiency and expertise. 7. Mishandled Leads & No Franchise Sales One of FMS’s biggest selling points was their franchise sales support—they were to take a 25% commission on each sale in exchange for handling the process. However, after providing them with multiple qualified leads, every deal fell through due to their poor follow-up. They later claimed our business needed higher income to attract buyers, despite previously telling us we were a great fit. I think this is the part that bothers us the most. They could have been honest in the discussion stage, and we would have went another direction. Final Verdict: A Costly Lesson FMS’s sales team, made big promises but failed to deliver. If our business wasn’t ready for franchising, they should have told us upfront instead of convincing us to move forward. Instead, we lost over well $30,000 with nothing in return. If you’re considering franchising your business, do extensive research before choosing a firm. We do not recommend Franchise Marketing Systems. Let our very costly mistake be your warning.
Austin Crittenden
Jan 25,2025I started my franchising journey without much knowledge of the process. FMS helped me every step of the way. They’re knowledgeable, responsive, enthusiastic and trustworthy. Excellent people, excellent service. This is the company for you.
Thomas Solie
Dec 06,2024Chris and his team are responsive and get the job done. We have worked with them for years and really appreciate the friendly professional service.
George H Johnson IV
Nov 21,2024Who the heck ever heard of franchising a home-based child care or preschool, that just about any family in the world with a strong work ethic, love for children and passion for the environment can execute, with a minimal investment?!?!?!? Little Tree Huggers Preschool had just won the US Department of Education's Green Ribbon School Award, along with Loudoun County Virginia's first ever Sustainable Business Award, and the team at FMS were right there to say "this is an opportunity" for hundreds if not thousands of families nationwide. Chris, Alan, Laura and the entire FMS Franchise team were there to guide and encourage us, with an expertise second to none. They were not high pressure, nor manipulative and they allowed us to proceed at our own pace. However, when we decided this was an opportunity that needed to be shared more broadly, they were with us every step of the way. They are extremely attentive, highly responsive, and have built a team characterized by extraordinary attention detail; the consummate professionals. Just as a point of reference, we went from signing with them in June 2024, to having our franchise registration approved in Virginia in October 2024 and our first franchise sold by November 2024. And, if that doesn't say it all, they continue being with us every step of the way! We are so thankful for the important service they provide and know we will remain partners for many years to come.
Olvian Manz
Nov 08,2024Chris and his team did an excellent job helping one of my clients. Very professional and got things done rapidly.
Lynette Cash
Oct 30,2024Great organization to work with, thank you all for using your talents and expertise. You are all fabulous 👌
Azalee Jones
Oct 26,2024Working with Chris has been nothing short of extraordinary. From our very first interaction, his professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to our project were immediately evident. We had been contemplating franchising for some time. After our initial meeting with Chris, we walked away not only well-informed but also confident that he had our best interests at heart. While we had been approached by other firms, it quickly became clear that Chris offered far more than what was presented by others, leading us to confidently partner with him for our franchising journey. The process began with an in-depth kickoff meeting. It was clear that Chris had assembled a team that not only matched our level of passion but was fully aligned with our goals for the business. Their commitment to excellence gave us the peace of mind we needed to move forward with confidence. What sets Chris apart is his ability to go beyond what’s promised on paper. His depth of knowledge, transparency, and consistent availability have provided us with far more than we expected, making the entire process smooth and reassuring. We can’t recommend Chris highly enough to anyone considering franchising or business expansion. The experience has been incredibly positive, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership.
Nate Trail
Oct 23,2024The entire FMS team made this process of franchising seamless. Everyone was and is super helpful. If I were to go through this process again I’d do it with FMS hands down! Chris/Tim/Alan are industry leaders when it comes to franchising!
Purity Water
Sep 28,2024First impressions are lasting. We have been discussing the idea of franchising since we opened our business two years ago. The idea was intimidating and exciting at the same time. After our first meeting with FMS, we left educated and confident that they had our best interest in mind. I'd like to mention that we were approached by two other firms, Transworld and Accurate. We can confidently say that FMS offers far more than what other firms offer that we proceeded with partnering with FMS to franchise our brand. The process was initiated by a kickoff meeting, where we met the teams that would be assigned to our project. Each and every member of Chris Conner's team were not only personable, motivated, detail oriented, organized, efficient, responsive and transparent--qualities that we ourselves feel are important to be successful! Having a team that aligns with our own goals gives us the peace of mind and motivation that we will succeed on this venture. There are other firms that claim to offer more, but what we have experienced thus far with FMS goes beyond what is written on paper. We cannot recommend FMS enough. The initial conversation with them truly made an impression on us. We hope that when others consider franchising their business, to consider having a conversation with FMS.
Maria J Alvarez
Sep 27,2024We had an amazing experience working with FMS. From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction truly stood out. Chris is always attentive and ready to assist, consistently providing clear answers to any questions and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Every interaction we had with their team was positive and productive. They went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met, and the quality of their work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend FMS to anyone looking for reliable, top-notch service and to take your business to another level. I will definitely be returning for future needs!
Emmett Nolan
Aug 28,2024It has been almost two years since partnering up with FMS to transfer my local insulation company into a franchise system. It was quite a learning curve, but FMS experience helps guides you along the way making the transition easier and learning curve shorter. We have since sold a franchise unit which was our first domino to fall. This would have not been possible without FMS. Highly recommend this professional organization.
Sandy & Geoffrey Riley
Aug 27,2024I wanted to write and say that we have had a wonderful experience with Franchise Marketing Systems. Chris and his team have been readily available and willing to help in all phases of the process. We are working on our second and third Franchise locations. They have provided a professional, well thought out plan for success and it is quickly working to our benefit. They deliver on their promises. Thank you again for the support and confidence.
Grit and Grind Coffee House
Aug 14,2024FMS was very organized and supportive throughout our entire process. Their team helped us take our brand to the franchise market very effectively. I recommend them to any emerging brand.
eric bonnetain
Aug 08,2024I can't recommend FMS Franchise Marketing Systems highly enough! Their team has been instrumental in launching my brand, "Bread & Vine." From the legal aspects to marketing and design, every department has been incredibly fast, efficient, and proactive. They provided personalized support throughout the entire process, making what seemed daunting feel effortless. The expertise and dedication of Chris and his team ensured that my franchise was set up for success. If you're looking to franchise your business, FMS is the partner you need! Their commitment to client success is unmatched.
Umbia Islam anny
Jun 05,2024it's a wonderful to have as a course , thank you very much
6110 McFarland Station Dr, 105, 30004, Alpharetta, US
http://fmsfranchise.com
Daneya Jacobs
Feb 19,2025Working with Chris and the team at Franchising Marketing Systems (FMS) has been an absolute game-changer! From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the franchising process. Their timely execution and seamless approach made obtaining our FDD stress-free and straightforward. If you're serious about scaling your brand nationally, we highly recommend FMS. To all our fellow business besties looking to take their brand to the next level—this is the team you want by your side!