Why the American Franchise Academy Exists
One of the biggest misconceptions in franchising is the belief that when you invest in a franchise, you receive everything you need to be successful.
That’s not actually how the franchise model works.
When you invest in a franchise, you are investing in a proven brand — the product, the service, the image, and the customer promise.
What that investment does not typically include is formal education on how to run a franchise business.
Franchisors train brand execution.
They do not train franchisees to be business operators, people leaders, or enterprise builders.
In most cases, franchisors assume — or hope — that franchisees already know how to:
- Hire and retain a workforce
- Lead managers
- Interpret financial statements
- Build systems and processes
- Scale operations responsibly
The reality is that most franchisees have never run a business like a franchise — or managed a workforce like the one franchising requires.
This gap often becomes painfully clear after the business opens, when the Franchise Business Consultant steps back and the owner is left to manage everything on their own — often without even basic tools like interview guides, onboarding plans, or leadership systems.
Franchisors could provide this level of education — but it would require significantly higher fees and a fundamentally different operating model.
That is why the American Franchise Academy exists.
AFA was created to provide the missing layer of education: Franchise Business Management.
And COMMAND is the program designed to build that capability at the ownership level.
COMMAND is by application — not enrollment
We select participants carefully to protect the integrity of the Mastermind and ensure alignment.
Selection is based on learning mentality, commitment to implementation, and whether we believe COMMAND can materially improve your business — not on current skill level or experience.
Apply to COMMAND
The COMMAND Promise
If you fully participate in COMMAND as it is designed — including full participation in our cohort-based certification programs — you will:
- Master franchise operations at the unit, district, and enterprise level
- Gain financial command through disciplined analysis and cashflow control
- Build a scalable leadership structure that reduces owner dependency
- Design a business built on systems, not memory or heroics
- Execute growth with clarity through planning and disciplined expansion
- Join a serious community of like-minded franchise owners
COMMAND provides the structure, tools, and guidance. Results depend on your implementation.
COMMAND
For
Franchisees
A True Multi-Level, Cohort-Based Certification Experience
COMMAND is not a standalone course. It is a structured ownership certification designed like a professional academic track.
Apply Now
MANAGE 1.0
Basics Franchise Unit Management
MANAGE 2.0
Advanced Franchise Unit Management Certification
* Manage 1.0 is pre-requisite
LEAD
Multi-Unit Leadership Certification
You will participate in live cohorts within each certification, creating a college-like learning experience that combines structured curriculum, live instruction, peer discussion, and real-world implementation.
Is Command Right For You?
COMMAND is for you if…
- You own a brick-and-mortar franchise and want to grow
- You already own multiple units and want consistency and control
- You want leaders who execute without you
- You’re ready for financial and operational discipline
COMMAND is not for you if…
- You plan to remain a single-unit owner long-term
- You want motivation without execution
- You expect brand or franchisor systems training
- You are not ready to be accountable
What's Included Inside COMMAND
- 12-month structured curriculum + implementation assignments
- Two Mastermind calls per month
- Quarterly one-on-one consulting and progress check-ins
- A complete Business Management Manual
- Tools, templates, forms, and execution resources
- Cohort participation in MANAGE 1.0, MANAGE 2.0, and LEAD
- Annual Enterprise Business & Financial Plan (November retreat)
Take Quiz
Get Your Multi-Unit Readiness Score
Discover your Multi-Unit Franchisee Success Readiness Score. Uncover the tools you are missing in this easy-to-use Quiz. You’ll discover gaps in your business systems that can be improved so you can increase profitability and efficiency in your brick and mortar Multi-Unit Franchise Enterprise.
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What COMMAND Participants Say
"I had the basics to start, but I lacked strong business systems, even with a master's degree and business experience. I have learned a lot with the American Franchise Academy. I strengthened my business systems to prepare for scaling multiple units within the brand. I reframed my mission, vision, and values. I now have a weekly financial report (not just monthly) and a KPI dashboard. I created a salary strategy and career path for my employees. Just putting action plans in place has helped me move the needle."
Meet Your Instructor: Aicha Bascaro
Aicha Bascaro is the founder of the American Franchise Academy and creator of COMMAND.
With 35+ years in the franchise world—from pizza delivery driver to leadership roles at Domino’s, Popeyes, and Olive Garden—she's seen what makes franchisees thrive and what makes them struggle.
Since launching COMMAND in 2016, she's helped hundreds of owners get out of the weeds, grow profits, and enjoy their businesses again.
Program Investment
COMMAND is a 12-month ownership certification and implementation system designed to help franchise owners build scalable, disciplined enterprises.
MOST FLEXIBLE
12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF
$895
BEST VALUE
A ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
$10,000
Ready to Build a Franchise Enterprise That Works Without You?
* Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment and protect the Mastermind experience.
