Franocity

Golf is growing, but the real opportunity may be happening off the course. According to figures I discussed from the National Golf Foundation, off-course participation has grown significantly over the past decade. And technology is helping drive that shift.

For franchise investors, this is exactly the kind of consumer behavior shift worth paying attention to. New demand creates opportunities for innovative business models.

Do you think indoor golf will become as mainstream as traditional golf?

Some of the most interesting franchise opportunities are emerging from industries being transformed by technology. Golf is a perfect example.

What was once centered around country clubs and driving ranges is evolving into a more accessible, technology-driven experience. I recently sat down with GolfTRK founder and CEO Alex Reed to discuss how indoor golf is opening new doors for consumers and franchise investors. With 66 locations sold and 34 in active development, it's a category worth paying attention to.

Do you see indoor golf becoming a major player in the franchise industry?

Would you invest in a franchise category that's growing faster than most people realize?

Indoor golf is gaining momentum, and technology is changing how people experience the game. For franchise investors, that creates an interesting opportunity. But here's what I always tell people: A growing industry doesn't guarantee a profitable business. You need to look beyond the excitement and understand the unit economics, operating model, and long-term demand.

A thousand locations means nothing if the economics don't work. Crumbl Cookies built tremendous brand recognition, but that doesn't guarantee long-term profitability.

I've seen too many franchise investors get caught up in rapid growth without questioning whether the business can sustain it. You're not investing in popularity. You're investing in profitability.

Would you rather invest in a rapidly growing brand or a smaller franchise with proven unit economics?

Just because a franchise is growing doesn't mean it has a competitive advantage. Crumbl Cookies built an incredible brand, but the product itself is easy to replicate. And when competitors can enter your market with very little capital or differentiation, protecting market share becomes a real challenge. This is something every franchise investor needs to evaluate before writing that check. A recognizable brand isn't the same as a defensible business. Watch the latest episode of Pursuit of Profits' latest Pulse episode now!

When investing in a franchise, you need to think beyond your competition. Crumbl Cookies is a perfect example. GLP-1 weight loss medications are introducing a new risk for businesses built around indulgent food products.

This is why I constantly stress the importance of understanding long-term consumer trends before investing. The biggest threat to your business might not even come from your industry.

What other industries do you think GLP-1 medications could disrupt?

Watch here: https://youtu.be/5ha5AHdAlD4

Is a college degree still worth the investment?

Everyone's path to success is different, and college isn't necessarily the right path for everyone. I've seen plenty of successful entrepreneurs build incredible businesses without a degree. The real question is whether the time and money you're investing in education will actually help you achieve your goals.

I recently joined Daniel Robbins on *The Founder's Story* podcast to discuss this and more.

What do you think? Is college still worth the price tag?
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/vCspe1Lkwg8