Co/LAB Lending Franchise – A Scalable Path for Mortgage Pros
We get it – the idea of starting a business from scratch sounds empowering… until you think about licensing, compliance, payroll, tech, and lead gen. In fact, Many top-producing loan officers and real estate pros hit a ceiling, not because they lack skill, but because they lack support.
That’s exactly why the Co/LAB Lending Franchise was built.
When they approached FMS Franchise, Co/LAB had the industry knowledge and a strong business – but they needed a scalable system that could grow fast, stay compliant, and appeal to experienced mortgage pros across the country.
But we didn’t just hand them a playbook. We built them the engine.
Our team guided them through the entire franchise development process, transforming their brand into a franchise-ready model capable of national expansion.
This is the kind of franchise model we love to build: one that turns experienced professionals into confident business owners. Co/LAB Lending had the industry expertise, and we helped transform that into a successful franchise brand with national reach.
If you’re wondering what this kind of growth could look like for your business, keep reading. The way we helped Co/LAB is exactly what we can do for you – clear structure, smarter growth, and a system built to scale.
The Mission Behind Co/LAB Lending
The Co/LAB Lending Franchise was designed for mortgage professionals who are ready to lead. Whether you’re a seasoned loan officer or a broker looking for more freedom, Co/LAB offers a clear pathway to owning a full-service brokerage with the operational support of a national brand.
Franchisees can choose from two entry points:
Done-With-You Model
This model is ideal for mortgage professionals who want to stay involved in the day-to-day operations of their business while benefiting from a proven support structure. Franchisees receive:
- Effective franchisee training programs on loan origination, brokerage operations, and client management
- Live coaching sessions to sharpen technical skills, improve conversion rates, and grow loan volume
- Full access to Co/LAB’s CRM and LOS systems, allowing franchisees to manage their pipeline and customer data like a top-performing brokerage
- Pre-built marketing assets including branded email campaigns, social media templates, and digital ads designed to attract qualified leads
- Startup checklists and SOPs that streamline onboarding and operations, so nothing gets missed in the early days
This is a great fit for loan officers who want autonomy, but not isolation. You’re running your business, with expert support behind the scenes.
Done-For-You Model
This option is designed for growth-minded professionals who want to scale quickly and focus solely on loan production, without getting buried in paperwork or backend operations. In addition to everything in the Done-With-You model, franchisees also receive:
- Full concierge back-office support, including license filing, renewals, and compliance tracking customized by state
- HR and payroll services that take hiring, onboarding, and compensation management off your plate
- Vendor and lender relationship management, ensuring franchisees have access to competitive rates and streamlined processing
- Accounting and financial oversight, including P&L reporting, forecasting tools, and bookkeeping systems
- Operational admin coverage, so franchisees can build their pipeline without being pulled into administrative tasks
This model is perfect for busy real estate pros or producing loan officers who want to expand into lending, without pausing momentum or getting bogged down by backend setup.
Each option helps franchisees avoid the biggest startup pitfalls without giving up ownership or control.
“We built Co/LAB to remove the friction from starting a mortgage business. It’s structured, scalable, and actually built for people who know the industry.” – Chris Conner, President of FMS Franchise.
How FMS Structured the Franchise Model
When the Co/LAB Lending team partnered with FMS Franchise in 2024, their goal was ambitious but focused: develop a franchise model that could grow across the U.S. and Canada without losing sight of what makes mortgage businesses work – compliance, consistency, and support. We provided full franchise development services, including:
Legal Foundation and Documentation
FMS Franchise began by developing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), a requirement under the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule, which defines the business structure, fees, and compliance expectations. This step ensured Co/LAB Lending met all regulatory standards while providing transparency to future franchisees.
Operational Playbooks
Next, we created comprehensive operations manuals that detailed every aspect of running a Co/LAB franchise – from lead intake and loan origination to pipeline tracking and team communication. These resources help franchisees launch with clarity and consistency from day one.
Strategic Growth Planning
To support long-term expansion, FMS Franchise led market analysis and growth modeling to identify high-potential regions across the U.S. and Canada. This also included guidance on regional licensing requirements, competitive positioning, and strategic rollout sequencing.
Branding and Trademark Support
FMS helped secure trademark protections and advised on brand positioning, ensuring that Co/LAB Lending would stand out in a crowded marketplace while protecting its intellectual property as the franchise expanded.
Launch Coaching and Early-Stage Support
During the first phase of rollout, we stayed closely involved offering strategic coaching, supporting the first franchise sales, and helping onboard early franchisees. This hands-on involvement ensured the brand launched with momentum and a replicable success model.
With a solid foundation in place, the next step was proving that the model could actually deliver for the people it was built for: experienced mortgage professionals ready to scale. Here’s why Co/LAB Lending has quickly become a go-to choice for brokers looking to own and grow their business.
Why This Model Resonates with Mortgage Pros
Most loan officers and brokers struggle because they’re trying to grow without a system. What makes the Co/LAB Lending Franchise stand out is its ability to give mortgage professionals exactly what they need: structure, support, and scalability, without sacrificing control. It’s a model built for professionals who know the business and are ready to run it on their terms.
Systems That Save Time and Prevent Burnout
Owning a brokerage often means wearing every hat. Co/LAB fixes that by offering structured startup systems and tools out of the box:
- Pre-built CRM and LOS platforms
- Email and social media marketing templates
- Pipeline tracking systems
- Document management for compliance
- Operations manuals and setup checklists
Franchisees don’t spend months figuring out how to run the business, they start working from day one.
Training That’s Actually Useful
From a 16-week onboarding bootcamp to weekly coaching, Co/LAB doesn’t leave franchisees to figure it out alone. Training includes:
- Deep dives on origination, operations, and business ownership
- A 60+ hour on-demand course library
- Group coaching and one-on-one mentorship
- Peer networking and knowledge-sharing community
This ongoing support structure helps franchisees avoid the steep learning curve most new brokerages face.
And while structure and support are critical, today’s brokers also need tools that help them compete in a fast-moving, tech-driven industry. That’s where Co/LAB’s technology advantage comes in.
Technology That Levels the Playing Field
Many independent brokers are excellent at building client relationships and closing loans, but when it comes to digital infrastructure, they’re often at a disadvantage. That’s why technology is a core pillar of the Co/LAB Lending Franchise.
Built-In Systems That Compete with the Big Players
Independent brokers often lose ground to larger firms, not because of lack of skill, but because they don’t have the same tech tools. Co/LAB changes that. Every franchisee is equipped with integrated loan origination (LOS) and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. These systems streamline workflow, track leads, and help manage the full lending pipeline with professional-level precision.
Lead Generation Tools That Convert
Co/LAB also provides front-end digital assets designed to drive results. Franchisees get access to optimized website tools that turn visitors into applicants, using UX design best practices proven to improve conversions. These aren’t generic templates – they’re lead-focused platforms tailored to the lending industry.
Built In Compliance and Coaching
Staying compliant is critical, and Co/LAB’s system includes built-in tracking to help franchisees meet state and federal requirements. At the same time, analytics dashboards offer insight into business performance, giving owners the ability to make smarter, data-backed decisions with support from their coaching team.
Real Results That Show the Difference
In one example, Co/LAB redesigned a credit union’s website using its proprietary UX approach. The result? A 26% increase in loan applications – proof that the right digital systems help franchisees stay organized and help them grow.
Technology is a powerful growth driver, but it’s just one part of what makes this franchise model work. Let’s explore what makes this franchise truly special.
Advantages Built Into the Franchise
Co/LAB Lending also builds in key advantages that set franchisees up for long-term profitability and control:
100% Commission Retention
Unlike other models, Co/LAB lets franchisees keep all their commissions. That means higher margins, faster growth, and better ROI on your time and effort.
Easy Add-On for Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate pros can layer Co/LAB into their service stack, creating a one-stop experience for clients and adding a new income stream with minimal effort.
Streamlined Startup, Lower Risk
From licensing to marketing to compliance, Co/LAB eliminates the guesswork with full startup support. For most franchisees, that reduces risk and accelerates their launch timeline.
Real Growth, Real Results
Co/LAB Lending began in Pennsylvania but quickly expanded into key markets including Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Puerto Rico. The model was built with scalability in mind, and its growth reflects rising demand from mortgage professionals looking for structured ownership opportunities. With licensing infrastructure and franchise systems in place, Co/LAB is positioned to grow into additional markets across the U.S. and Canada.
What Franchisees Are Saying
In its first year of franchising, Co/LAB successfully launched five franchise locations, each led by individuals who were already skilled in mortgage production but wanted more autonomy. Their feedback speaks volumes. As one franchisee shared:
“It’s definitely a good ROI for me. What I get back is time, capacity, and bandwidth, which is invaluable.”
That perspective captures the essence of Co/LAB’s mission: empowering mortgage professionals to grow their own business with structure, support, and sustainability.
A Smart Move for Growth-Minded Pros
The Co/LAB Lending Franchise is more than just a business model – it’s a launchpad for professionals ready to own their future. It combines the tools and support that matter most:
- Clear operational systems
- Built-in compliance oversight
- High-level coaching and training
- Scalable technology infrastructure
- Real ownership with strong profit potential
Whether you’re looking to grow as a solo broker or build a team over time, Co/LAB offers a structured, scalable alternative to the stress and unpredictability of going it alone.
Want a Franchise Model Built to Grow? Here’s What We Can Do for You
FMS helped Co/LAB structure its entire franchise model, from FDD to operations to launch. If you’re exploring franchise development in lending, real estate, or another service industry, we can help you:
- Build a legally sound franchise
- Develop operations that scale
- Attract qualified franchisees
- Expand into national or global markets
Ready to explore how franchising could grow your business without all the guesswork? Let’s talk. Contact us today to learn more about this opportunity.
About the Author:
Chris Conner, President of FMS Franchise, brings over two decades of expertise in franchise development. Formerly Vice President at Francorp, he has worked with hundreds of franchise systems, specializing in franchise marketing, strategic planning, and system management. With a BS from Miami University and an MBA from DePaul University, Chris empowers business owners in the franchising process with tailored guidance and proven strategies. Connect with him on Linkedin.