Follow the Yellow (& Blue) Brick Road to Your Buddy's Franchise
Step 1
Initial Consult
Ring ring—that’s opportunity calling! After you express preliminary interest in owning a Buddy’s franchise, you will have an Initial Consultation with our Director of Franchise Development Mitchell Lee. Ready to schedule one now?
Step 2
Short-Form Questionnaire
Step two confirms your interest and allows us to get to know you a bit better. The short-form questionnaire takes less than 15 minutes to complete and is designed to give us a basic understanding of your background.
Step 3
Franchise Disclosure Document
Transparency is a two-way street, and we plan on keeping it that way. We’ll share our Franchise Disclosure Document, which will provide you with information about us, our systems and any agreements needed. This document gives you full visibility of our financial performance, investment costs, terms involved, compliance record and more.
Step 4
Franchise Application
The next step is to submit a franchise application. The franchise application discloses your financials, background and credit history.
Step 5
Attend Discovery Day
Ready to meet the team? Discovery Day is a chance for prospective franchise owners like you to meet with our executive team (virtually or in person) and dive deeper into our franchising model. This is the time to get a sense of what it’ll be like to own a Buddy’s with the team that’ll guide you each step of the way.
Step 6
BoeFly Submission & Verification
BoeFly is a third-party financial technology company that will conduct a detailed credit and background check using its bVerify system. As part of our commitment to helping franchise owners in all aspects of owning a franchise, we offer both in-house and third-party financing assistance with companies like BoeFly.
Step 7
Committee Review
Finally, a committee will conduct a formal and final review of your application and discuss the real estate territory(ies) requested.
Step 8
Sign Franchise Agreement
Let’s sign! Here, you’ll finalize the agreement and formally lock in your territory(ies) by paying the franchise fees.
Step 9
Franchise Awarded
It’s time to shout from the rooftops and jump around with joy; you’re officially welcomed into the Buddy’s family!
Discovery Day
Our Discovery Days are informative sessions that typically take place during a one-day period. If you’re heading to see us in person, you’ll be traveling to our headquarters in Orlando, Fla., to convene with our executive team. If you’re meeting the team virtually, we’ll send you a link and agenda via email before the event.
During the presentation, we’ll dive deep into all aspects of our franchising model, including rent-to-own industry differentiators, tax benefits of partnering with Buddy’s and key financial data points. Each department will highlight its support systems and processes, such as assistance in real estate, purchasing, marketing, operations and training, and information technology.
After and throughout the event, you’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions you have. Then, we’ll discuss next steps and get you one step closer toward becoming a Buddy’s franchise owner.
We look forward to connecting with you!
We are family teammates supporters Buddy's
People are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we assemble team members we can count on and who can count on us. Each member of the Buddy’s team is vital to the success of our operations, and we make sure they feel appreciated by treating them like the family they are.
We recognize our people with awards and company-wide events because without our people, we wouldn’t be Buddy’s. Each year, the Buddy’s team gathers for an annual leadership meeting to strategize ways to take Buddy’s to the next level. The conference includes a peak performance dinner and party to celebrate the year’s top performers and their families.
Are you ready to enjoy the perks of being on the Buddy’s team?
$500,000 Minimum Net Worth
$150,000 Minimum Liquidity
$349,570-$839,690 Estimated Investment
Your Partners in the Process
When you invest in a Buddy’s franchise, you’re leveraging the power of a team with more than 193 years of combined industry experience.
Michael Bennett joined Buddy’s in 2015 and has proudly served as the CEO since July 2019. For more than 29 years, he has accumulated rent-to-own leadership, management, franchise and corporate operations experience with the nation’s top four rent-to-own companies, including Rent-A-Center, Rent-Way, Aaron’s and now, Buddy’s. In his current role as CEO, he oversees and develops Buddy’s Home Furnishings operational and strategic initiatives supporting both corporate and franchise operations. Michael proudly serves the industry nationally as President of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) and as a member of its Financial Advisory Committee.
Michael Bennett joined Buddy’s in 2015 and has proudly served as the CEO since July 2019. For more than 29 years, he has accumulated rent-to-own leadership, management, franchise and corporate operations experience with the nation’s top four rent-to-own companies, including Rent-A-Center, Rent-Way, Aaron’s and now, Buddy’s. In his current role as CEO, he oversees and develops Buddy’s Home Furnishings operational and strategic initiatives supporting both corporate and franchise operations. Michael proudly serves the industry nationally as President of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) and as a member of its Financial Advisory Committee.
Teresa Hill has served as the Vice President of Operational Support since September 2013 and has over 29 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry. In her current role, she oversees the training, audit, service, fleet, customer service and operational support teams. She’s been credentialed as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) since 2018 and is an active member of the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Michael Zagar stepped into his current role in January 2019. Prior to, he spent over 28 years in rent-to-own management, franchise ownership and consulting roles with companies such as Rent-A-Center, Premier and Rainbow Rentals. Mike oversees Buddy’s franchise field consultant team and is responsible for franchise relations, field operations training and execution. He is also a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE). In tandem with the CEO, Mike also engages in franchise recruitment and unit expansion.
Michael Zagar stepped into his current role in January 2019. Prior to, he spent over 28 years in rent-to-own management, franchise ownership and consulting roles with companies such as Rent-A-Center, Premier and Rainbow Rentals. Mike oversees Buddy’s franchise field consultant team and is responsible for franchise relations, field operations training and execution. He is also a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE). In tandem with the CEO, Mike also engages in franchise recruitment and unit expansion.
Mitchell Lee joined the Buddy’s team as Director of Franchise Development in 2021. In his role, he oversees the company’s franchise initiatives and supports candidates through the development cycle. He also maintains strong relationships and provides ongoing support to new and existing franchisees. Mitchell graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Business Administration in business management and sports management. Prior to joining the Buddy’s team, Mitchell gained over five years of franchise development experience with companies such as CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts and Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Our team is dedicated to cultivating a positive experience for everyone who visits our stores. Our franchise owners play a crucial role in exemplifying our values for their team members.
Trust
Integrity
Teamwork
Honesty
Professionals
Respect
Hear from franchisee Ray Muncy about how the Buddy’s process has continually improved.
Start your franchise journey with Buddy’s today by scheduling a call with our franchise development team.