How a Husband-Wife Team Scaled a Franchise from Scratch - Dan Claps

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with Mike Hagan, the very first franchise owner in the Voda Restoration system and the original believer in the brand. Mike shares his journey from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial sales to becoming a business owner and top performer in the Voda network. He dives into the due diligence process he went through before committing to the brand, what attracted him to Voda over other restoration franchises, and how the hands-on support from Dan and the HQ team gave him the confidence to take the leap. Mike also reflects on the early days of running his franchise while still holding a W-2 job and the importance of surrounding yourself with driven people who share a common mission.

The conversation touches on everything from the growth of the Voda system—now over 100 franchisees strong—to Mike’s plans for scaling his business into reconstruction and hiring a business development manager. He talks candidly about the highs and challenges of ownership, including the freedom he never imagined and the admin work that caught him off guard. Mike also shares insights on what sets Voda apart in the restoration industry, the power of networking, and how having a husband-and-wife team (with his wife Trish managing the cleaning side) gives them a strategic advantage. Whether you're considering franchise ownership or already on the path, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and real-world perspective from someone who's walked the road and fired his boss for good.