On Wednesday, December 15^th CNBC will air an hour long program, "Behind the Counter: The Untold Story of Franchising." I can’t recall any television program devoting this much time to the franchise industry. The documentary will repeat that evening at 10pm ET, 12am ET and 1am ET and on Sunday, December 19th at 10pm ET.

The show will feature several franchisors, including the highly successful Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchise that has introduced innovative practices to its franchise program. There will also be a segment on Procter and Gamble. I’m looking forward to learn more about consumer products giant Procter & Gamble decision to use a franchise model to launch a new chain of TIDE-branded dry cleaners and Mr. Clean car washes.  

Also included on the program will be Don Sniegowski, founder of the franchise news site Blue MauMau. Don and I have had several conversations about the franchise industry. We are two industry veterans that share common values when it comes to the industry. I can’t think of anyone that has as much current franchise industry  knowledge as Don and I’m looking forward to his appearance.

I don’t know how this documentary will present the franchise industry but hope it is “fair and balanced.”

About the Author: Ed Teixeira has over 35 years of franchise industry experience as a franchise executive and franchisee. He has served as a franchise executive in the c-store, manufacturing and home healthcare industries and has licensed franchises in Asia, Europe and South America. Ed operates FranchiseKnowHow which provides information and advice to prospective and existing franchisees and franchisors. He publishes newsletters for the franchise community.