Experience/thoughts on semi-absentee ownership

October 26, 2025

by a searcher from Babson College - F.W. Olin Graduate School in Chapel Hill, NC, USA

I'm evaluating a business (a chain of a few fitness studios) located about 2 hours away. There is apparently a strong management team in place, and the current owner isn't heavily involved day to day. However, I'd only be able to go there for a few days every other week... I'm curious what people's general perspective and/or experience is on semi-absentee ownership...is it doable? does the risk factor for success increase markedly?

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Reply by an investor
from University of Puget Sound in Seattle, WA, USA

I live in Seattle, with local operations, a small production facility three hours away, and acquired operations in Los Angeles for a different product group [within the same industry] a couple of years ago. I think scale makes a difference here, along with having the right people. I am assuming your current owner is also underestimating how involved they are in daily ops. It can work really well, but it does add complexity to both the business and your lifestyle. I visit each facility monthly for a few days.

Reply by a searcher
from Duke University in Atlanta, GA, USA

I actually own 3 Spavia spa franchises and operate as a semi-absentee owner from another state, so I can share a bit from firsthand experience. The biggest factor in whether it works or not is the strength and reliability of your management team — that’s everything. That said, there will be times when you need to step up and be available for emergencies. I fly out often, but I have only had to fly out unplanned once over the course of 6 years, so the distance should not be a problem.

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