This study examines the leadership characteristics and skills of school principals who work within the franchise model framework. This model consists of a successful flagship school principal who is given the charge to be the principal of nearby schools while attempting to align practices and structures of the newly adopted schools to that of the successful flagship school. Three franchise model school principals, fourteen assistant principals, and forty-two teachers were interviewed. Data analysis revealed franchise principals' characteristics to be seasoned, successful principals with experience leading low-performing schools; challenging the status quo; shared leadership; and visionary leadership to align all franchise campuses. Given the novelty of franchise model schools, it has the potential to develop and retain effective principals for high-needs schools.