Dr. Chackochen Mathai - Championing Franchising Innovation and Scaling Entrepreneurial Success Across Diverse Sectors

 

Dr. Chackochen Mathai, Founder, CEO, Franchising Rightway

Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Dr. Chackochen Mathai, the Founder & CEO of Franchising Rightway, an organisation that helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses through the franchising route. With over 35+ years of experience in the field of franchising and working with many brands in the country like DSRC, SSI, APETCH, NIIT, CADD CENTRE, CAVINKARE, NETWORKZ SYSTEM, PHOTO EXPRESS, BLOSSOM KOCCHAR & NATURALS SALON & SPA, the COO for International Business was instrumental in launching the brand in Dubai, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Qatar, Sharjah, and Singapore and initiated talks in many countries like the USA, UK, and Switzerland.

Could you tell us about your educational and professional journey?

I have completed my BSc in Mathematics, Master's in Marketing Management (MMM), Master in Advertisement & PR (MA), Master's in Christian Studies (MA), Master in Psychology (MMPsy), Master in Family Life Education (MA), Master of Philosophy in Commerce (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy in Franchise Management, and a PG Diploma in Sales & Marketing from NIS Sparta, John Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Repurposing Business Leadership, and Living Wholeness Trained Family & Marriage Therapist.

What are your current roles and responsibilities in the franchising industry and other areas you are involved in?

With over 35+ years of experience in the field of franchising in the country, I have developed more than 1700 franchisees across different segments and have been a regular speaker in different forums like RAI, Dhanam Retail & Franchising Summit, and FICCI and an ambassador for promoting franchising in many management schools, including IIMs in India and abroad. Currently has been inducted as a Faculty of Management Sciences as part of the syllabus framing committee of Anna University in 2018.

What are your key areas of expertise within the industry, and how have these skills contributed to your success?

I am a concept seller; I love selling concepts. Franchising is a great place to sell good concepts to entrepreneurs who do not want to take risks in life and to start franchising as a business in any field, say in retail, food, restaurants, EV vehicles, clothing, automotive, etc.

I will be able to design a concept to be sold to the franchisor or anyone and help the franchisee decide to buy the franchise of that brand. Selling, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sales & Motivational Training, storytelling, and Family Wellness Training Programs are my specialisations. Helping companies to scale up and grow significantly is my passion and creates many entrepreneurs in the country.

Could you tell us about your books and publications?

I have authored a book called “Franchising the Rightway” which is available on Flipkart, and have done some scope-indexed articles on franchising, and they have become referred articles in the franchising space.

Could you share some of your significant achievements and awards in your professional life?

• In 2005, Franchise India Holding Limited was awarded the “Best Franchise Manager” for achievement in creating successful franchisees across the country for CADD Centre.
• 2015, FICCI & Madras University, was awarded the “Franchise Excellence Award,” which was held in Chennai.
• In 2018, the National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (NFED) Coimbatore awarded a National Award for the contribution to entrepreneurship through franchising.
• In 2018, Dhanam Kerala’s Leading Business Magazine, Kerala, was awarded the prestigious “Retail Mentor of the Year award”.
• 2022, Franchise India—certified amongst the top 100 franchisee TOP Leaders in the Country.
• In 2022, Franchise India awarded the “Franchise Professional of the Year” was bestowed in Delhi.

What key advice would you offer to someone looking to enter the franchising industry, based on your extensive experience?

Franchising is a great field to be in. Any company that wants to start its franchising business should have a great model to showcase to the investor with proof of the concept as a very successful model. The franchisor should be in the game for a longer period. It’s a brand that you have built to leave a legacy behind for your own family and for others to enjoy, and hence do it well and make it a great, successful brand.

For a franchisee, when you invest money in taking up a franchise business, ensure the brand that you are signing up will be there for a long period, and they will be able to service you well and give all their effort to make the franchisee successful. Check with the existing franchisees if they are successful and if the franchisor is keeping up their promises while they sign the agreement.