Schooley Mitchell: Setting the Standard in Cost Reduction Consulting

Schooley Mitchell, established in 1983, has grown into a premier franchise specializing in cost reduction consulting for businesses across a wide range of operational areas.

Originally founded in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, the company started with a focus on telecommunications consulting but soon expanded to cover merchant services, shipping, waste management, fuel, and other crucial business expenses.

Through its data-driven approach, Schooley Mitchell has earned recognition as the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America. Its proven methods help businesses lower operational costs while maintaining or enhancing service quality.

Franchising efforts began in 1997, opening opportunities for skilled professionals to launch their own consulting businesses under the Schooley Mitchell name.

A major competitive edge for Schooley Mitchell is its results-based model—clients are only charged when actual savings are realized, ensuring the franchise’s goals remain fully aligned with client success.

Training

The Schooley Mitchell franchise provides the following types of training for its franchisees:

1. Introductory Training Program: Franchisees must attend a mandatory training program either in Stratford, Ontario, or virtually. The program lasts at least six days and covers the operation of a Schooley Mitchell location. The training is free for franchisees and their spouses or partners, but travel, lodging, and meal expenses must be paid by the franchisee. Employees or subcontractors who attend are charged a training fee.
2. Employee Training: Training for employees is available through the Introductory Training Program. There is no fee for employees hired within the first year of operation; afterward, a training fee applies for each employee, in addition to travel and living expenses.
3. Supplemental and Refresher Training: After opening, Schooley Mitchell may require franchisees or managers to complete ongoing supplemental and refresher training programs. Franchisees are responsible for travel, lodging, and meal costs related to these sessions.
4. Annual Training Conference: Franchisees must participate in an Annual Training Conference, for which a registration fee and travel-related costs are required. The franchisor coordinates travel arrangements, and franchisees pay the associated costs.
5. Rapid Accelerated Mentoring Program (RAMP): This is a mandatory business development program designed to assist with the start-up phase, focusing on operations, analysis, sales, marketing, and client development. It supplements the initial training.

Territory Protection

Schooley Mitchell does not offer territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees will not receive an exclusive territory, meaning they may face competition from other Schooley Mitchell franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other channels of distribution controlled by the franchisor. While franchisees have the right to operate across a broad geographic area, they must work from a single approved location.

Even though the franchised business's operational reach is technically unlimited, franchisees are restricted to conducting business from one approved office, usually a home-based location. If a franchisee wishes to relocate, prior written approval from Schooley Mitchell is required. Additionally, franchisees cannot assume any rights to open additional locations or other territories without signing new agreements and paying additional fees.