The National Labor Relations Board ruling labeling McDonald’s as a joint employer triggered a wave of concern in the franchising world. It took a step in the wrong direction for franchisors. While McDonald’s continues to fight the ruling, the precedence still stands. The McDonald’s corporation can be held liable as a co-employer.

The key to building a prosperous franchise is to place quality franchisees at the helm of your business. As a long-time franchise lawyer and part franchise owner, I cannot stress enough how essential this is for long-term franchise success. As we continue to grow PLAYLive, we have been continuously refining how we attract and screen potential franchisees.

At the end of 2015, we had 54 franchises sold. Of the 54 sold, we had 14 open and operational as we brought in the New Year.

In October, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the strongest law for protecting franchisees in the nation. While California has been leading the efforts around regulating franchising since the 1970’s, this law moves the franchisee rights forward leaps and bounds compared to other measures.