Entrepreneurs on Fire Choose Scary - That's where magic happens with Tom Scarda: An EOFire Classic from 2022
Dec 5, 2025
Tom Scarda, a franchise consultant and author, shares his journey from NYC subway conductor to semi-retiring after a successful franchise. He reveals the lessons learned from his failure with Super Suppers, emphasizing the importance of market fit and the challenges of changing habits. Tom encourages embracing fear as a catalyst for growth and highlights that recovering from financial loss can lead to humility and wisdom. His key takeaway? Choose uncertainty over unhappiness to avoid lifelong regret.
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From Subway Conductor To Semi-Retirement
- Tom left a secure NYC subway job because he saw business owners wearing the metaphorical 'silk shirts'.
- He bought a franchise, built and sold it, and semi-retired by 41 after embracing risk.
The Super Suppers Collapse
- Tom and his wife bought a Super Suppers franchise that launched with huge buzz and press.
- Within two years it failed and they lost almost their entire life savings, teaching him hard lessons.
Prefer Proven Market Niches
- Avoid businesses with no proven market unless you have lots of money and time.
- Prefer niches with demonstrated demand rather than concepts that have never been done before.
