For many professional athletes, the transition from sports to business is both exciting and uncertain. NFL linebacker Malik Reed and his wife Cece Reed reached that moment while planning life beyond football. They wanted more than a new income stream. They wanted purpose, stability, and something they could build for the long term.
Franchise ownership quickly became a serious path worth exploring. With the guidance of Scott Thompson, a franchise consultant at Your Future Franchise, Malik and Cece navigated the process with clarity rather than pressure. Their journey ultimately led them to Project Lean Nation, a franchise brand that aligned with their values, lifestyle, and vision for the future.
As Malik later reflected, the opportunity had to feel authentic. “It had to align with who we are,” he shared, “we wanted something that wasn’t just about making money- but something where we could serve and actually impact people”.
Finding the balance between success and impact was something Scott Thompson helped Malik and Cece find and achieve throughout the process of working together.
Why Malik and Cece Began Exploring Franchise Ownership
The idea of owning a franchise didn’t come from a single moment. Early conversations started years earlier, when Cece suggested bringing something meaningful back to their hometown. Malik explained that “at the time, we were still building our careers and trying to learn more before jumping in but that’s really where the interest started.”
As Malik continued his NFL career and began attending professional development events, franchising resurfaced as a viable option. These events highlighted franchise ownership as a structured way to own a business without starting from scratch.
What stood out was the operational framework. Established franchise systems provide proven processes, training, and ongoing support. For athletes accustomed to discipline, structure, and execution, this model made sense. Malik described this by saying that “franchising felt similar to following a playbook” further adding that “as athletes, we’re used to discipline, execution, and leadership- so a lot of those skills felt transferable into business ownership.”
Exploring franchise ownership also appealed because it offered scalability and stability. Rather than building a new business from the ground up, franchising allowed them to invest in a brand with existing systems while still maintaining ownership.
Meeting a Franchise Consultant Through the Right Network
Malik was introduced to Scott Thompson through a National Football League Players Association networking event that connected athletes with professionals across various industries. Franchising stood out during those discussions as a practical long‑term path into business.
After an initial introduction, Malik reached out to Scott to explore franchising opportunities. As Cece reflected, “what I really appreciated was that the first conversation wasn’t about business- it was about us.”
Scott took the time to learn about Malik and Cece. They discussed family priorities, lifestyle goals, long‑term vision, and personal values. This approach immediately distinguished Scott as a franchise consultant the couple wanted to work with. Scott’s approach was vastly different to the stereotypical and transactional nature of many consultants in the franchising space.
By understanding their motivations first, Scott was able to guide them more intentionally through the franchise ownership process.
Addressing Franchise Fees and Franchise Agreements Early
Like many prospective franchisees, Malik and Cece had concerns early on. Their professional background was rooted in sports, not business ownership. They wanted to understand where to start and how to protect themselves throughout the process.
They also wanted transparency. Franchise fees, franchise agreements, and long‑term obligations were unfamiliar territory. Malik acknowledged that while they knew athletics well, business required a different foundation.
Scott addressed these concerns early. He explained how franchise fees work, what initial investment typically includes, and how to evaluate franchise agreements responsibly. He also prepared them for the franchise disclosure documents before they arrived, outlining what sections mattered most and why.
This early education removed unnecessary anxiety and allowed informed conversations later in the process.
The Validation Process and Franchise Business Review
The validation stage was one of the most critical parts of exploring franchise ownership. It involved reviewing financials, understanding operating expenses, and speaking with current franchise owners to gain real‑world insights.
Scott guided Malik and Cece through a thorough franchise business review, ensuring that no assumptions were left unexamined. He explained how to assess gross sales, evaluate ongoing costs, and understand potential risks.
Whenever questions arose, Scott either provided clarity directly or connected them with trusted resources. Malik later noted that while the process felt unfamiliar at first, having someone explain it in practical terms made a significant difference.
The validation process helped the couple avoid common missteps and focus only on franchise opportunities that aligned with their goals.
Evaluating Franchise Opportunities and Franchise Systems
Several franchise opportunities were considered before Project Lean Nation emerged as the right fit. What ultimately set it apart was not only the business model, but the leadership and company culture.
From the beginning, the PLN franchise brand emphasized community, service, and purpose. These values resonated deeply with Malik and Cece.
Cece was particularly focused on alignment. She shared that it was important for the business to feel right beyond the numbers. The experience with Project Lean Nation felt intentional, not transactional.
Scott supported this discernment by removing pressure entirely. He made it clear that walking away was always an option, reinforcing that the goal was the right opportunity, not just any opportunity.
Outcomes for First‑Time Franchise Owners
Today, Malik and Cece are moving forward as franchise owners with confidence. They have a clear understanding of the franchise investment, royalty payments, and operational expectations required to operate the business effectively.
They also feel supported. From training to ongoing guidance, they know how to access resources and who to contact when questions arise.
For them, franchise ownership is about more than income. It represents legacy, stability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community.
Why Your Future Franchise Stood out to Malik and Cece
This experience highlighted the importance of working with a franchise consultant rather than navigating the franchise world alone. Scott’s role was not to sell a franchise, but to guide decision‑making objectively.
Malik reflected fondly on Scott’s approach, “he wasn’t trying to sell us something, he was trying to help us make the right decision.”
Rather than pushing inventory, he focused on fit, risk awareness, and long‑term success. This approach helped protect Malik and Cece as franchisees and allowed them to move forward fully informed.
That distinction can make a measurable difference for anyone exploring franchise ownership for the first time.
Final Takeaway
Franchise ownership can be a powerful way to own your own business when approached with clarity, preparation, and the right support. Malik and Cece’s journey illustrates the value of education, validation, and alignment throughout the process.
With guidance from Your Future Franchise, they avoided costly assumptions and chose an opportunity that fits both their lifestyle and long‑term vision. Here you can read more testimonials for additional reassurance around real client experiences and investment decisions..
Work with an Experienced Franchise Consultant
If you are exploring franchise ownership, the best first step is clarity.
Book a free consultation with Scott Thompson. Scott isn’t here to sell you a franchise. He helps determine whether franchise ownership is right for you and whether you have the necessary capabilities to move forward in purchasing a franchise.
FAQs
What is the cost of working with a franchise consultant?
- If you want to BUY a franchise this process is completely free.
- Want to CREATE a franchise you can expect roughly $15K–$50K+ (and sometimes much more)
What does a franchise consultant do?
A franchise consultant identifies suitable franchise opportunities based on your investment capacity and personal objectives, then supports you through the evaluation and acquisition process.
How much does franchise ownership cost?
The cost varies depending on the industry and brand. Initial investment typically includes a franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment, and working capital.
- Baseline (low-cost franchises): around $10,000 – $50,000 for small or service-based franchises
- Mid-range (most common): roughly $100,000 – $500,000+ for standard retail or food franchises
- High-end (major brands): can exceed $1 million – $3M+, especially for large restaurant chains
Is franchising safer than starting a new business?
Franchising reduces certain risks through established systems and support, but due diligence and validation are still essential to assess.
Do franchise owners need prior business experience?
No. Many successful franchise owners rely on training, systems, and ongoing support provided by the franchisor. This is what makes franchising a great option for anyone looking to start a business without prior experience.
How long does it take to buy a franchise?
Time frames vary by brand and readiness. Here’s a more detailed overview of the variables that influence the timeline of buying a franchise.
