In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, Glenn catches up once again with Doug Downer, Founder of Franchise Ready, recorded at the National Franchise Convention in Melbourne.
Episode Timeline
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:54 – How Franchise Ready started as a side hustle in 2012
- 3:39 – How Franchise Ready attracts clients in a niche market
- 5:46 – How the one-year license model worked as a try-before-you-buy franchise setup
- 9:49 – The turning point that accelerated Franchise Ready’s global expansion
- 11:52 – The Franchise Ready model for supporting global partners
- 13:37 – Choosing the right people to represent Franchise Ready globally
- 15:20 – Wrap up
Doug shares how he transformed his side hustle into a globally expanding consulting brand — now operating in Australia, the UK, India, the Middle East, Singapore, and soon the U.S.
Doug explains how Franchise Ready helps businesses document their systems, financials, and operational models to become “franchise ready,” whether they plan to franchise or not. He also reveals how he grew his international footprint through LinkedIn visibility, inbound franchise partner leads, and his passion for supporting Australian brands going global.
He reflects on early mistakes, lessons learned in choosing franchise partners, and the importance of having boots on the ground in every market. Doug also highlights his criteria for selecting international partners — including behavioral profiling, credibility, and proven franchising experience.
This conversation dives into mindset, systemisation, and the balance between global ambition and local presence showing how Australian franchisors can export their intellectual property and succeed abroad.
