February 12, 2026 by Clement Troutman, Franchisee, Tropical Smoothie Café & PJ’s Coffee
Last year, when Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it offered a lifeline to entrepreneurs like me everywhere. Not only were existing tax cuts extended, but new ones — like “No Tax on Tips” — were implemented, plus questions about the estate tax were put to rest forever.
Business owners do not see in terms of red or blue or political ideology, but only common sense.
This year, lawmakers can provide another shot in the arm for small business owners, especially those like me in the franchise community. Even better, this opportunity is bipartisan.
Called the American Franchise Act, this bill has widespread support in both chambers of Congress. For elected officials wanting to show their constituents their commitment to small business owners, it is the perfect chance, especially to those of us without MBAs or traditional pedigrees.
In 2017, without any background in business or food, I opened my first family run Tropical Smoothie Café location in Capitol Heights, Maryland. I had spent my life in the U.S. Navy and as a government contractor and was looking for a next step that would allow me to give back and support my community.
A decade later, we opened a second location and employ 80 people. Our first PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans opens in March, and we have plans to continue growing.
How did we do it? Through challenging work, dedication and commitment, along with skills I learned in the military and from franchising. I was far from alone. The franchise business model is responsible for more than 830,000 businesses and disproportionately benefits both veterans and minorities.
The value of the franchise model lies in a necessary balance between a franchisor and franchisee: the independence and freedom for me as a franchisee to serve, lead and inspire as well as manage day-to-day operations, and to connect with employees, consumers and community.
At the same time, the franchisor provides aspiring small business owners a head start with access to a proven business model that can enhance the probability of success for new business owners, and with broader access to financing than a traditional business owner would have alone.
The model does not work when the independence between the two entities breaks down.
Franchisees are not employees of franchisors. As a franchisee, I direct employment, personal development, payroll, scheduling, and daily operations decisions. Employment status should be reserved if one entity has substantial, direct and immediate control over hiring, firing or wages.
Unfortunately, this rule of the road — known officially as “joint employer” — has changed four times in recent years and been debated with each new president.
Business owners are not politicians who can look ahead to four- and eight-year terms. The lack of stability and increased uncertainty about the future can be paralyzing, throwing icy water on attempts to grow, expand or try innovative ideas.
The American Franchise Act will finally end the joint employment debate.
As of this writing, it has the support of 77 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a bipartisan coalition of support in the U.S. Senate. Unlike many pieces of legislation, this one is narrow and straightforward. Those who understand the franchise business model and the more than 830,000 businesses it supports should have no issue adding their name to the growing list.
At this time last year, the debate over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was starting to intensify. Eventually it got over the finish line, making permanent provisions like the 199A small business deduction, bonus depreciation and interest deductibility.
The legislation also provided long-term certainty on the estate tax, which as a family run franchisee, was critically important for my wife Jackie and me. Our daughter Jocelyn, our first employee, now serves in the role of chief operating officer and partner. One day, I hope to pass the business on to her and our son Jordan, and maybe they can do the same with their own children.
Knowing that the government is not going to take a big bite out of our hard work along the way is a huge win.
Business owners work in both Republican and Democratic administrations, and we must live within our means.
Passing the American Franchise Act this spring is the best way for elected officials to support small business and, specifically, the franchising model well into the future for aspiring entrepreneurs for generations to come.
Clement Troutman is a U.S. Navy veteran and Maryland-based Tropical Smoothie Café and PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans franchisee, and an incoming board member of the International Franchise Association. He can be found on LinkedIn.