Dimensional Search Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$103,900 - $131,600
Franchise Fee
$88,000
Total US Locations
7
Business Summary
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH operates an executive search and recruiting business that assists client companies in filling critical position openings, including direct-hire, temporary, or contract roles. The fees for these services are paid by the client company, not the job candidate. DIMENSIONAL SEARCH franchisees are strongly encouraged to specialize in a particular industrial sector or functional discipline and have the right to recruit candidates globally without territorial limitation. The business model emphasizes obtaining search assignments through direct marketing activities and successfully completing them by identifying and recruiting qualified candidates.
Corporate History
The DIMENSIONAL SEARCH franchise system is operated by Sanford Rose Associates International, LLC, which has a history dating back to 1959 when its predecessor, Sanford Rose Associates International, Inc., opened its first executive search office. This predecessor began franchising in 1970. In 1992, SRA International, Inc. was formed to acquire the assets of this original franchisor. Over time, the corporate structure evolved, and the current Sanford Rose Associates International, LLC was formed through a conversion in December 2023. Since 1992, the core mission of the franchisor has been to develop and support a network of executive search and recruiting franchise offices.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$103,900 - $131,600
Franchise Fee (Low)
$88,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$88,000
Royalty %
7.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,800
Equipment Costs (High)
$9,600
Working Capital
$19,800
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Sanford Rose Associates International, LLC, the franchisor for DIMENSIONAL SEARCH, has generated ongoing operating losses and negative cash flows for both 2022 and 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the company had a significant working capital deficit of $2,349,045 and a stockholders' deficit of $2,277,357. The company's ability to continue operating is dependent on raising more capital and becoming profitable. While management believes they can secure additional funding, there is no guarantee these efforts will succeed. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that would be necessary if the company could not continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations with third parties. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own funding.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
7
Franchised Units
7
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
800
Franchising Since
1970
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH has disclosed one past legal matter. In November 2019, Sanford Rose Associates International, LLC, the franchisor for DIMENSIONAL SEARCH, entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) with the Illinois Attorney General. This agreement stemmed from the franchisor's unintentional failure to register its Sanford Rose Associate's franchise offering in Illinois before signing three franchise agreements with Illinois residents starting in January 2016. As part of the AVC, DIMENSIONAL SEARCH agreed to properly register before offering franchises in Illinois, to offer to cancel the agreements for any Illinois franchisees who purchased a franchise during the unregistered period, to disclose this AVC in its FDD, and to pay $6,000 to the State of Illinois. No other litigation is required to be disclosed.
Bankruptcy History
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
1 years
Renewal Conditions
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH franchisees' agreements automatically renew year-to-year after the initial 5-year term. However, the franchisor can choose not to renew the agreement by giving 3 months' notice. If the agreement is renewed, franchisees must sign the then-current standard franchise agreement, which may have significantly different terms and conditions compared to the original contract.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH provides comprehensive pre-opening assistance, including granting the right to operate the business and providing an email address for the first year. Franchisees receive instructional materials for setting up their office, covering topics like business accounts, insurance, business planning, office equipment, industry specialization, press releases, and financial reporting. The initial training program totals 90 hours, including 43 hours of telephone/online/task-based training on technology tools, candidate sourcing, market mastery, ATS/CRM systems, and core sales and client development. This is supplemented with 47 hours of Dimensional Search Facilitated Foundation Training delivered via live webinars, videos, workbooks, and role-playing. After opening, DIMENSIONAL SEARCH offers ongoing support through staff available for advice during business hours, continuous guidance on business matters like advertising and new operating methods, and monitoring for compliance. Franchisees also benefit from weekday morning training sessions, monthly mastermind sessions on market development and technology, and a minimum of 40 hours of advanced coaching within the first year. An Operations Manual is provided, and advice on advertising and website use is given, although there is no advertising fund.
Initial Training Hours
90
Training Location
Online/virtual
Ongoing Support
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH provides ongoing support through staff who are available to advise franchisees on business operations during normal business hours, offering continuous guidance on areas like advertising, marketing, new operating methods, and business planning, primarily through phone and internet. The franchisor also monitors franchisees for compliance with system standards, maintains a central website, and allows franchisees to use a template-based website and a unique email address. Additionally, franchisees benefit from weekday morning training sessions and monthly mastermind sessions, covering topics such as market development, recruiting, and technology best practices. A minimum of 40 hours of advanced coaching is provided within the first 12 months of operation.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH seeks individuals or entities to operate an executive search and recruiting business focusing on professional, managerial, and executive-level positions. Ideal candidates are encouraged to specialize in specific industrial or institutional sectors (e.g., telecommunications, financial services, pharmaceuticals) or functional disciplines (e.g., information technology, marketing). Success in this role depends on effectively obtaining search assignments through direct marketing and successfully recruiting qualified candidates. Franchisees must be committed to excellent service and client satisfaction, as these are key to attracting and retaining clients. The business requires direct supervision by a General Manager, who can be the franchisee or an appointed individual. Franchisees must also meet all financial obligations, including franchise fees and royalties.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Commercial
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
The DIMENSIONAL SEARCH territory is defined as a one-quarter mile radius from the franchisee's approved office location.
Staffing Notes
DIMENSIONAL SEARCH franchisees are solely responsible for all aspects of their employees' employment, including wages, benefits, scheduling, hiring, firing, and supervision. The franchisor explicitly states it does not control these essential terms and conditions. Each franchised business must have a General Manager who directly supervises operations. This General Manager can be the franchisee, an owner if it's a business entity, or a hired individual, and does not need to be a shareholder or owner. Franchisees must also inform their employees in writing that the franchisor is not a "joint employer."