BusinessesForSale.com spoke with Canadian McDonald’s owners and leading franchisors from other sectors to uncover the qualities that separate strong franchisees from the rest.
Learning from Canadian McDonald’s franchisees
Few names carry the weight of McDonald’s in the franchise world, and Canadian operators Pierre-Charles Tardif and Kathie Gilmour have lived the journey from new owners to seasoned leaders.
For Pierre-Charles, who left a career as a CPA in Quebec City to run multiple McDonald’s locations in Montreal, the leap was both daunting and life-changing. “It was one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life, both personally and professionally,” he says. But he cautions that success requires patience and preparation: “I only made the move after months of research and countless conversations with other franchisees.”
Kathie emphasizes the value of McDonald’s nine-month training program, which requires new owners to work in every role, from cleaning equipment to running the drive-thru. “When I see new employees struggling, I have empathy because I’ve done it all.” That perspective, she explains, builds trust with staff and strengthens her leadership.
Both stress the importance of collaboration. Kathie points out: “The franchisee community is so aligned and collaborative that it feels like we can handle anything together.” Pierre-Charles adds that success hinges on relationships with staff: “You have to create a culture where people feel welcome, supported, and proud of the work they do.”
The traits Canadian franchisors look for
While McDonald’s shows what’s possible at scale, Canadian entrepreneurs can find opportunities across industries—from fitness to training to fire safety. At a recent franchise exhibition, franchisors shared the qualities they believe matter most.
- Tom Bower, senior marketing communications manager at Snap Fitness, says passion and adaptability come first: “A passion for the industry, enthusiasm and a bit of business acumen” make the difference in a fast-changing market.
- Kieran Hyde-Moody of Anytime Fitness UK (a brand expanding in Canada as well) agrees that commitment is key: “You have to be all in… the fitness business isn’t just about making money, it’s about making a difference in your community.”
- Henryk Matysiak, a former firefighter turned Jackson Fire & Security franchisee, reminds would-be owners that franchising can mean reinvention. “I wanted something stable and with more support… and fire safety is as recession-proof as it gets.”
- Gina Piper from Pitman Training highlights the need for people skills: “In the training industry, you need to be a people person… and sales or marketing experience definitely helps.”
Staying resilient in a changing market
Canadian franchisees know the business landscape can shift quickly, from minimum wage hikes to the rise of app-based ordering. Kathie recalls facing higher labor costs soon after taking over her restaurants but says corporate support made all the difference. Pierre-Charles points to the digital pivot in McDonald’s stores: “Even if you don’t see the customer in person, the standard has to remain high.”
The takeaway? Whether in food service, fitness, or training, adaptability and close collaboration with the franchisor are critical.
Key lessons for Canadian entrepreneurs
- Do your homework: Research the brand, talk to existing franchisees, and know what to expect.
- Commit fully: Passion and energy carry you through challenges.
- Leverage training: Programs exist for a reason—use them to gain credibility and insight.
- Build community: Invest in your employees and connect with fellow franchisees.
- Adapt and collaborate: Markets evolve quickly; the best owners evolve with them.
Franchising in Canada offers a clear path for entrepreneurs who want to own a business without going it alone. As Kathie Gilmour puts it: “Your people are your greatest asset. If you treat them like they make a difference, they will.” Combine that philosophy with passion and resilience, and you’ve got the makings of a true franchise success story.
