Established
2010
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$40,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$82,375
Home Based
No
Description
Journey Payroll & HR has built a strong reputation as a modern, people-centric payroll and human-resources outsourcing provider. At a time when American businesses face rising compliance pressure, employee expectations, and rapid legislative changes, Journey offers franchise owners a powerful value proposition: a tech-enabled service model backed by personal, relationship-driven support.
Founded on a “people first” philosophy, Journey Payroll & HR combines advanced payroll systems, HR consulting expertise, and a highly personalized service approach that stands apart from the transactional feel of large national providers. The brand’s commitment to heart, honesty, innovation, and service excellence has helped it earn exceptional client satisfaction and retention scores.
In a growing economy where companies increasingly outsource payroll and HR to reduce risk and focus on core operations, Journey’s franchise model provides entrepreneurs with a scalable consulting-style business that generates reliable, recurring revenue and builds long-term client relationships.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
1. Recurring, stable revenue
Payroll and HR services create long-term recurring contracts, giving franchise owners dependable cash flow.
2. Expanding nationwide demand
Small and mid-sized American businesses continue to outsource payroll and HR functions to avoid costly errors and compliance issues—making this sector resilient and consistently high-demand.
3. Proven business model
Journey combines proprietary technology and exceptional local service to create a client experience that drives retention, referrals, and trust.
4. High retention rates
The brand is known for exceptional client loyalty, with retention performance that significantly increases long-term revenue potential.
5. Scalable, asset-building opportunity
Franchisees build equity by growing their book of business, creating a valuable asset that can be sold later.
6. Strong support from headquarters
Journey provides extensive pre-launch training, operational guidance, marketing support, and compliance resources to ensure a strong start.
7. Flexible, lifestyle-friendly structure
Owners have autonomy to build their schedule, grow at their own pace, and operate a service-based business that doesn’t require heavy staffing or costly retail space.
Background
Founded: 2010
Founders: Kevin Welch and Sue Shirley
Franchising Launched: 2017
Headquarters: Fort Collins, Colorado
Industry Category: Payroll Services, HR Outsourcing (HRO), Workforce Administration
Current Franchise Units: 10 units across the United States
Brand Evolution:
Journey began as a local payroll provider focused on transparency, personal service, and a people-centered culture. Its success and strong client feedback led to the creation of Journey Franchising LLC in 2017, allowing the brand to expand nationwide.
Core Values: Heart, innovation, honesty, and exceeding expectations.
Service Portfolio: Payroll processing, tax management, HR consulting, onboarding, timekeeping, benefits administration, and compliance support.
Support Training
Journey Payroll & HR is known for its deep support system designed for new business owners. Franchisees receive:
Pre-Launch Training
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Comprehensive onboarding covering payroll systems, HR compliance, software, and client service standards
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Sales and marketing training focused on B2B outreach and partnership building
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Territory selection guidance and business planning
Operational Support
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Access to payroll experts, HR consultants, and compliance specialists
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Continuous software training and updates
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Quality control, client retention support, and best-practice operations playbooks
Marketing Support
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Professionally branded materials
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Digital marketing strategies and campaigns
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Lead-generation coaching and territory-specific marketing roadmaps
Ongoing Development
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Webinars, refresher training, and annual meetings
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Regulatory updates for payroll tax, HR laws, and benefits compliance
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One-on-one mentorship from the support team
Technology Support
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Access to Journey’s proprietary payroll and HR management system
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Integration tools to streamline client onboarding and operations
Ideal Candidate
Journey Payroll & HR is ideal for professionals who want to enter or grow within the booming business-services sector. The best candidates typically have:
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Background in B2B sales, HR, payroll, finance, or business consulting
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Strong communication and relationship-building skills
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Entrepreneurial mindset with the desire to build equity
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Ability to invest financially and dedicate time during the ramp-up phase
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Passion for helping local businesses navigate compliance and workforce challenges
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Commitment to high-touch service and Journey’s people-first culture
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Interest in operating a flexible, home-based or office-light business model
This franchise is particularly attractive to former corporate professionals, HR consultants, accountants, and executives seeking a scalable, low-overhead business.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $38,575 – $82,375 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approx. $40,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | Approx.$30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Revenue |
| Brand Fund / Marketing Fee | Approx. 2.25% of Gross Revenue |
| Working Capital Needed | $10,000 – $25,000 (varies by market size) |
| Technology & Software Setup | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Office / Infrastructure Cost | $1,500 – $5,000 (home-based optional) |
| Training & Onboarding Costs | Included in initial investment |
| Territory Size | Exclusive, defined franchise territory |
| Business Model Type | Home-based or small office, low overhead |
| Break-Even Period | 12 – 18 months (typical range) |
| Revenue Model | Recurring monthly fees + HR services upsell |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Payroll Processing, HR Consulting, Timekeeping Solutions, Benefits Administration, Compliance Services, Onboarding Services |
| Long-Term Equity Value | High – book of business can be sold at a multiple |