In 2002, I took a leap into the unknown by starting my own occupational therapy practice. After ten years in government and not-for-profit settings, I was disillusioned, burnt out, and ready for change. I was frustrated with the prioritization of paperwork over patient outcomes and cost-cutting at the expense of care. I wanted to be the change I wished to see in healthcare.
However, establishing my own business revealed the many challenges that new owners face—loneliness, the risk of burnout, the struggle to disconnect from work, and the need for a strong support network. These issues were especially significant in healthcare, where the focus often lies more on delivering quality patient care than on managing a business.
During a conversation with my friend Melissa Gav, the founder of Essential Beauty, I learned how she overcame challenges by franchising her business. As she shared her experiences of building a successful franchise, I realized that this model could also benefit the field of occupational therapy.
Many occupational therapists were exhausted and facing burnout as employees. Starting their own businesses often added responsibilities without adequate support. I was looking for a model that would help them meet their business obligations while creating a supportive network where collaboration replaced competition. That conversation with Melissa sparked a pivotal realisation—I could apply the franchising concept to occupational therapy, leading to the creation of ActivOT, which has since helped over 10,000 Australians receive the quality care they deserve.
Today, ActivOT has over 60 franchisees across five states of Australia, working with more than 10,000 clients—and the growth isn’t slowing down.
Here are twelve lessons learned from my journey in franchising and scaling a business.
Franchising Needs a Rebrand
Franchising is often viewed as old fashioned, rigid and expensive, with franchisors filling their pockets at the expense of franchisees. But that’s not how it should be, nor is it our story.
A good franchisor should be an enabler. In our business we’ve designed a cooperative model that emphasises collaboration among occupational therapists, moving beyond traditional competitive structures and emphasising shared success.
Become the Change You Wish to See
Disrupting an industry and bringing franchising to a new sector is no easy feat, particularly in health care. It’s a complex, risk-averse sector with its own unique challenges. But it can be done.
Value Alignment is Paramount
Partnering with franchisees who share your values fosters a sense of community and common purpose, enhancing advocacy and client satisfaction.
Make It Truly Win-Win-Win
The key to any good business model is making it win-win-win. Our franchisees keep 85 per cent of their earnings (plus 100 per cent of all billable travel time), ensuring their financial security. As a result, the average income of an ActivOT franchisee working full-time is 97 per cent more than the average salary for occupational therapists working full time in a government role.
Collaboration Fuels Innovation
Regular meetings and strategic planning sessions allow for vibrant discussions that nurture an environment where innovation can flourish.
You Can’t Build a Business Plan Without Considering Your Life Goals
Holistic business and life planning is important. We invite all of our franchisees to consider their life goals alongside their business goals.
Protect Your Values and Culture
Maintaining strong values is crucial to success. Carefully selecting franchisees who resonate with these values helps sustain a supportive and empowering business culture.
It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Franchising can be adapted to suit any business model. By being open to change and innovation, we can create a model that works for our occupational therapists and clients.
Make Your Franchisees’ Lives Easier
Providing training, resources, and support helps franchisees focus on their primary goal: delivering excellent client care.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Embrace fear as an important signal that something matters to you. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” It all comes down to mindset and self-belief. Acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them paralyse you. Instead, make the choice to leap forward despite them. Taking bold steps can lead to significant growth and opportunities.
Hire Smart People and Empower Them
As Steve Jobs wisely said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do. We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” This principle has been a guiding light for me as ActivOT has grown. Bringing the right people on board is crucial for creating a positive culture and is foundational to the success of ActivOT. By empowering team members to contribute their insights and expertise, you create a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
And Remember Your Why
Always keep in mind the original motivation behind your franchise.
These lessons are not only pivotal for the growth of franchises but also serve as guiding principles for any entrepreneur or small business owner looking to build a sustainable and impactful business.
Helen Whait is an award-winning occupational therapist and the founder of ActivOT, Australia’s first and only occupational therapy franchise. You can follow Helen on LinkedIn here.
