The fastest people on the planet race alone and they race fast. But they don’t go far. Their race is short, usually just 100 meters. This is called a sprint.

Now, think about relay races or team swims. They’re still fast, but they require pacing, trust, and seamless teamwork. Success in those events doesn’t come from one person’s speed, it comes from the power of a coordinated team working toward the same goal.

Business ownership is no different. You can sprint alone, taking on every responsibility yourself. You’ll move quickly, but the weight of doing it all can be exhausting. Or you can choose to run as part of a team, investing in a proven franchise concept where systems, support, and expertise are already in place to help you go the distance.

That’s where franchising shines. As a franchise consultant, I work with aspiring entrepreneurs every day who want the freedom of ownership without the isolation of going it alone. One of the most important lessons I teach is the power of validation, learning how to choose the right franchise team to join, one that shares your values, goals, and drive for success.

In business, as in racing, the question isn’t just how fast you can go, it’s how far you want to go, and who you want beside you on the journey.