Franchise Secrets Podcast Your First Year as a Franchisee Will Break You (If You're Not Ready)
Jan 6, 2026
Dive into the high-stakes world of seasonal franchises where timing is everything. Discover why working harder often isn't enough and how 80-90% of revenue can roll in within mere weeks. Learn the critical role of effective marketing over mere effort and explore grassroots strategies that outshine traditional ads. Hear captivating stories of navigating crises and the vital lessons learned from launching numerous locations. This insight-packed discussion reveals the harsh realities and rewarding strategies of seasonal business ownership.
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Seasonality Compresses Your Margin For Error
- Seasonal franchises force tiny windows for correction, so mistakes escalate quickly.
- Erik Van Horn says you often have only days to make massive fixes or lose the year.
Buying Lexington Because Cincinnati Was Full
- Jeff recounts buying a Lexington territory because Cincinnati had none available and partnering to cover multiple areas.
- He found the franchisor had operations experience but almost no franchising infrastructure, so they learned by doing.
Most Revenue Happens In Six Weeks
- Tax franchises are extremely compressed: about 90% of revenue in six weeks around January/February.
- That concentration makes each day and each marketing decision disproportionately important.