Franchise Performance & Exit Planning: How MOLLY MAID Builds Value from Day One

Episode Title: Helping Franchisees Grow — and Exit — With Purpose
Guest: Fiona Styant, VP of Development, MOLLY MAID Canada
Host: Dave Hansen
Sponsored by: ClientTether — thanks for fueling franchisee success with smarter CRM

What happens when your top-performing franchisees take their foot off the gas? If you’re Fiona Styant at MOLLY MAID Canada, you create a framework to steer them back into growth — or gracefully guide them toward a profitable exit.

In this conversation recorded at the Let’s Grow event in Toronto, Fiona joined Dave Hansen to share her candid, thoughtful take on how franchisors can manage the lifecycle of a franchisee with clarity and care. With over two decades at MOLLY MAID, Fiona brings a rare dual perspective: she oversees both development and ongoing coaching — a role that bridges franchisee onboarding and long-term performance.

Key themes from the episode:
🧭 Exit planning starts at onboarding
Ten years ago, Fiona and her team noticed retiring franchisees were coasting — comfortable but not growing. That sparked a major shift: now, franchisees are asked about their exit goals during training week. Whether it’s five years out or a 10-year plan, Fiona’s team helps owners work backward from their desired outcome.

📈 From audits to alignment
MOLLY MAID’s four-pillar model (performance, engagement, compliance, and satisfaction) uses self-assessment and coaching reviews to spark honest conversations. Franchisees aren’t being “audited” — they’re supported in reaching the goals they set. This shift from punitive to performance-focused support is changing the game.

💸 Valuation transparency
Many franchisees are shocked (not always in a good way) to learn their business isn’t worth what they thought. That’s why Fiona now delivers an annual seminar on business valuation — with plain-talk guidance on EBITDA, chart of accounts, and how to prep for a sale three years in advance.

🚀 Culture of growth
There’s no room for “cash flow coasting” at MOLLY MAID. Franchisees are encouraged to aim high, stay accountable, and know when it’s time to pass the baton. With clear data, strong coach relationships, and a supportive culture, Fiona’s team helps even plateauing owners find their next best step — whether it’s a performance rebound or a well-timed exit.

This episode is a masterclass for any franchisor rethinking how to motivate mature operators — and how to plan for exits that feel like wins.

Catch the full conversation and connect with Fiona on LinkedIn if you want to dig deeper into her franchisee growth strategies