4 Proven Franchising Strategies from TGP

The journey of The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) is a masterclass in the transformative power of strategic franchising. From its humble origins to having over 2,000 outlets nationwide, TGP has rapidly become a household name and a trusted source for affordable medicine. For entrepreneurs seeking actionable franchising strategies, TGP’s story offers invaluable lessons on scalability, vision, and execution.

Founded by Ben Liuson, TGP identified a gap in the pharmaceutical market and seized the opportunity to deliver high-quality yet affordable generic medicines to underserved communities. Through innovative franchising strategies, TGP expanded its footprint from urban centers to even the most remote municipalities, ushering in a new era of accessibility and trust in healthcare. 

Entrepreneurs and franchisors can draw from TGP’s experience to franchise their own businesses successfully. Here, we explore TGP’s inspirational growth story, along with four franchising tips that could shape your approach to scaling your business.

Lessons from TGP's Franchising Journey

1. Set a Clear Vision for Growth

One of the foundational reasons for TGP’s success is the clarity of its vision. Founder Ben Liuson recognized early on that franchising could help the brand achieve nationwide accessibility in record time. Liuson’s philosophy is encapsulated in his own words: “We needed to open more stores in the shortest possible time—not only in urban locations but also in far-flung regions and smaller municipalities.”

• Actionable Tip: Franchisors must articulate a clear vision to guide their growth and ensure that all stakeholders—franchisees, employees, and consumers—understand and align with this vision. A focused goal, like TGP's ambition for nationwide reach, is essential to inspire rapid yet sustainable expansion.

2. Focus on Your Niche with a Strong Value Proposition

TGP capitalized on a unique niche in the pharmaceutical landscape. By focusing exclusively on affordable yet effective generic medicines, the company differentiated itself in a competitive market. This sharp focus resonated deeply with underserved communities and value-conscious consumers, turning TGP into a pioneer of generics retail.

• Actionable Tip: When franchising your business, define your niche clearly and communicate your value proposition effectively. Ask yourself: What sets my business apart from others? How does my offering address a specific market demand? A focused niche reduces competition and creates a stronger brand.

3. Rely on Strategic Partnerships and Outsourcing

Recognizing his strengths and limitations, Liuson outsourced franchise marketing and sales to a specialized franchise sales company. This allowed TGP’s core team to concentrate on consumer marketing, product sourcing, and distribution—areas critical to operational success. The delegation of franchise recruitment ensured that only the most qualified candidates were onboarded as partners, which in turn preserved the brand’s integrity and drive.

• Actionable Tip: Franchisors shouldn’t hesitate to collaborate with experts for specific tasks such as lead generation or franchisee qualification. Specialization can amplify your efforts and improve overall franchise network quality.

4. Empower Franchisees to Drive Local Success

TGP views its franchisees not as mere business partners but as co-equal contributors to the company’s overall mission. This perspective fosters trust, collaboration, and loyalty among franchisees, creating an ecosystem of mutual success. Franchisees bring their local expertise to the table and enhance community reach, making the brand more accessible in regions that corporate-owned stores alone might not have captured.

• Actionable Tip: Franchisors can emulate this by building a culture of empowerment and support. Providing continuous training, clear guidelines, and tools for success ensures franchisees remain aligned with the brand mission while excelling in their local markets.

Why TGP’s Success is Relevant Today

TGP’s journey underscores how strategic franchising can transform a small business into a national powerhouse. To scale a business effectively, entrepreneurs must adopt franchising tips that prioritize clarity of purpose, market differentiation, operational efficiency, and robust franchisee-franchisor relationships.

For new and aspiring franchisors wondering how to franchise their business successfully, the lessons from TGP are invaluable. At its core, TGP demonstrates that with a strong vision and the right franchising strategies, even a niche business can attain significant national—and potentially global—impact.

As the global franchising industry continues to evolve, stories like TGP’s serve as a blueprint for those ready to take their entrepreneurial ambition to the next level. Remember, successful franchising isn’t just about multiplying outlets; it’s about extending your mission in ways that create lasting value for franchisees, customers, and communities alike.

From 1 to 2,000+

The Generics Pharmacy is more than just a franchising success story—it’s a reminder that entrepreneurs with bold visions and well-executed strategies can redefine entire industries. Whether you’re just starting to explore how to franchise your business, or you’re refining your approach, the lessons learned from TGP can guide your decisions and help you achieve sustainable growth.

By weaving vision with strategy, and innovation with collaboration, TGP has demonstrated the unparalleled potential of franchising. The journey from 1 to 2,000+ outlets is a testament to what’s possible when franchisors and franchisees share a common purpose and drive. Take these lessons and apply them to your own ventures—it’s your turn to set the stage for success.

Do you want to know if you’re ready to franchise your business? Take this free franchisability test or attend the “How to Franchise Your Business” seminar. Visit this link for more information.