Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership: A Smart Move for Home Improvement Entrepreneurs

Franchisees who own multiple units are now more prevalent than those who own single units. Pursuing the business opportunity of owning more than one franchise involves securing future territories where you plan to expand.

Data from the International Franchise Association shows that investment in multi-unit franchising is at an all-time high. If developing multiple units is in your plans, you should discuss it with your chosen franchisor as it could reduce per-unit cost.

Owning several franchise units is a different style of franchise business ownership. It is less of an owner-operator model and more of an investment opportunity. It requires some alternate approaches to recruiting, operations management, and financial strategy, and in return, it delivers more revenue, creates efficiencies, and can lead to the lifestyle you truly want as a business owner.

What is a Multi-Unit Franchise?

A multi-unit franchise allows a single franchisee to own and operate more than one location of the same franchise brand. Rather than opening one location and testing the waters, multi-unit franchisees dive deeper—gaining the benefits of operational efficiencies, brand familiarity, and larger market presence. In 2023, over 54% of U.S. franchisees were multi-unit operators, with that number projected to increase as franchisors continue to favor experienced owners capable of scaling.

Benefits of a Multi Unit Franchise in the Home Improvement Industry

The home improvement industry offers exceptional multi-unit franchise opportunities. In fact, the U.S. home renovation market surpassed $450 billion in 2023, with franchise brands gaining strong momentum in areas like flooring, kitchen design, and remodeling.

For multi-unit franchisees, this industry is particularly attractive because projects are recurring, referrals are strong, and local reputation matters—something that can be amplified across multiple territories. Kitchen remodels provide high margins for showrooms (note we don’t want to quote ROI estimates), making this a profitable sector for scaling your business within one trusted brand like ProSource Wholesale.

Franchising in the home services space also brings resilience, with strong consumer demand even during economic fluctuations. Multi-unit owners benefit from streamlined operations, shared marketing budgets, and consistent training practices across locations.

Steps to Owning a Multi-Unit Franchise

1. Start with a Single Unit to Build a Foundation
   Launching your first location provides critical insights into the brand’s operations, customer base, and day-to-day demands. You’ll learn how to manage staff, implement the franchise system effectively, and assess the local market opportunity—lessons that become exponentially more valuable when duplicated across multiple units.
2. Identify Strategic Markets for Expansion
   Before opening a second location, research surrounding areas for demand, competition, and logistical support. Expanding in adjacent or demographically similar markets can help streamline management, reduce travel burdens, and improve operational consistency.
3. Strengthen Operational Systems
   Scaling requires structure. Investing in reliable operating procedures—such as standardized hiring processes, inventory management, and marketing workflows—ensures each unit performs to brand standards without constant hands-on oversight.
4. Build a Leadership Team You Can Trust
   Delegation is essential in multi-unit franchising. Hiring and developing capable managers allows you to focus on strategic growth rather than daily operations. Strong leadership at each location fosters consistency and accountability across your entire franchise portfolio.
5. Secure Capital for Multi-Unit Growth
   Multi-unit ownership often requires upfront planning around funding. Explore financing options or franchise incentives that reward multi-unit commitments. Having capital ready ensures you can move quickly when expansion opportunities arise.
6. Leverage Data to Drive Decisions
   Use key performance indicators (KPIs) like customer acquisition cost, average transaction size, and staff productivity to optimize each unit and identify opportunities for system-wide improvements. Data-driven decision-making becomes critical as your business scales.
7. Maintain Culture and Customer Experience Across All Units
   While growth is exciting, brand integrity must remain intact. Focus on replicating your company culture, training protocols, and customer service standards across every location to ensure the same high-quality experience no matter where customers engage with your brand.

Thinking bigger? Diversifying across different brands may be your next step. Explore our guide on owning multiple franchises to understand the benefits and considerations of multi-brand ownership.

Why Multi-Unit Franchising Is a Smart Path for Home Improvement Entrepreneurs

A multi-unit franchise model offers the ability to scale your income and expand your footprint without reinventing the wheel. For those passionate about home improvement and ready to grow within a reliable system, the potential for success is strong.

When you own multiple franchise units, having experience in owning or managing a business, delegating tasks and choosing key leaders is essential. When done effectively, owning multiple franchise locations is a smart wealth-building strategy.

The ProSource Wholesale model is ideal for multi-unit ownership. Of our 151 showrooms, 75% are owned by multi-unit franchisees. Submit our franchise form today and a member of our franchise development team will connect to start the conversation.