HOW TO MAKE GIANT LEAPS

A handful of brands jumped more than 150 spots on this year's list. How'd they do it? We reached out to ask-and learned what it takes to transform a franchise.

- CLINT CARTER

When a franchise has a successful year, we expect to see it climb in our Franchise 500 ranking. Maybe it'll move up 20 or 30 spots. That's normal.

But every year, there are a few outliers that somehow rocket-blast themselves hundreds of spots up the list. Growth like that doesn't come easy, and there must be a story behind it. That's why, every year, we reach out to the companies with some of the biggest growth stories to ask one question: "How'd you do it?"

This year, we learned about the power of patience, the value of tapping into a national conversation, and the progress you can make by punching through a bottleneck. Hopefully, you'll find something useful in the stories-a new way to frame a problem, perhaps, or even a specific strategy you'd like to try.

If nothing else, you'll find inspiration. The companies here demonstrate how a strong culture, strategic thinking, and healthy franchisee relationships can build an incredible growth engine that powers serious momentum. Buckle up: Here are 2024's Big Movers.

How Ellie Mental Health Jumped 194 Spots

The U.S. is facing a growing mental health crisis. Ellie wants to be the solution.

Ellie wasn't on our list last year. Now it's No. 307.

Shortly after Ellie Mental Health started franchising in 2021, the company hosted its first discovery day at its very first clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Four potential franchisees showed up. The next month, it was five people. And by month three-in October 2021-40 people and 17 groups came in looking to buy a territory.