When Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s in 1969, he wasn’t just selling hamburgers—he was building a brand around quality, innovation, and trust. More than 50 years later, Wendy’s is still going strong, expanding globally while staying true to Dave’s vision of fresh, made-to-order meals. From pioneering the drive-thru window to introducing menu innovations that set industry standards, Wendy’s remains a masterclass in how values-driven leadership creates lasting success.

Discover the inspiring history of Kentucky Fried Chicken—how Colonel Sanders built a global franchise empire with his secret recipe, iconic branding, and enduring place in American culture.

Success isn’t just about choosing the right franchise—it’s about choosing one that aligns with your why. When your business reflects your values and supports the life you want to build, work becomes purpose. That’s how you win. Ready to build a life, not just a business?

Franchising without deep market intelligence is risky. In this blog, Jeff West of Bad Wolfe shares a five-part framework—rooted in military-grade analysis—to help leaders assess markets, outmaneuver competitors, and make confident, insight-driven decisions. It’s not guesswork—it’s mission-ready intelligence for sustainable growth.

Bad Wolfe guides franchisees through real estate and equipment financing with expert insight—helping you choose the right funding options, protect cash flow, and build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term business success.

Franchise-based businesses offer proven models, scalable growth, and entrepreneurial grit. At Bad Wolfe, we back builders—helping founders turn tested playbooks into high-growth platforms with discipline, capital, and brand muscle that scales.

Forget vague goals and vanity metrics. At Bad Wolfe, we believe in SMART goals that drive momentum and results you can actually feel—whether you're building your MVP, landing your first five customers, or scaling fast. This isn’t theory. It’s traction. No fluff. No drift. Just forward.