Is A Managed Services Franchise In Your Future?

What’s the fastest way to become a managed service provider? Many solutions providers are exploring the Master MSP business model, where they leverage hosted services from third-party technology providers.

But a growing number of companies also are exploring the franchise approach, which typically melds on-site services with hosted managed services.

A case in point: TeamLogic IT, a nationwide network of businesses that specialize in outsourced IT support services, doubled its size in 2007 and continues to grow rapidly this year, according to a prepared statement from company president Chuck Lennon (pictured).

I met Lennon during CompTIA’s Managed Services Summit in early 2007. He and several other attendees were evangelizing the franchise model for managed services. At the time, Lennon conceded that he had made a key mistake early on in the managed services market.

Initially, he tried to build an MSP platform. Essentially, he was reinventing the wheel. Later, an engineer convinced him to buy a platform instead. TeamLogic IT’s current platform, branded as SystemWatch IT, is built on a third-party MSP offering.

Ever since moving into managed services, Lennon’s company has been growing rapidly. In fact, TeamLogic IT recently made the Fast 55 ranking compiled by Franchise Times magazine. Here’s a map of current and forthcoming TeamLogic locations.

Of course, there’s a lengthy list of items to consider before you sign up to be a franchise in any industry. Here are 10 questions to ask as you mull potential franchise opportunities.