I Fired My Boss - A Franchise Podcast

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps dives deep into the power of Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) for home service businesses. Dan breaks down how LSAs have transformed lead generation, explaining why Google introduced the "Google Guaranteed" program and how businesses can leverage it to rank at the top of search results. He highlights the importance of five-star reviews, quick response times, and a well-optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile to maximize visibility and conversions. Dan also shares tactical tips—like using a QR code for on-the-spot review collection—to boost rankings and secure more high-intent leads.Beyond LSAs, Dan expands on broader lead generation strategies, emphasizing customer acquisition costs (CAC) and how to measure marketing ROI effectively. He discusses the four key types of lead generation, from word-of-mouth referrals to automated cold outreach, and shares practical advice on email marketing, grassroots networking, and leveraging data sources like ZoomInfo for scalable prospecting. Whether you're a home service entrepreneur or a franchise owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you generate more leads, close more deals, and take control of your business growth. If you're ready to fire your boss, be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave us a five-star review!

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, Dan Claps, founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook dives into the art of lead generation for home service businesses. Reflecting on his mission to help aspiring entrepreneurs "fire their boss" and take control of their futures, Dan shares actionable strategies to optimize your Google My Business (GMB) page, leverage local service ads (LSA), and transform your website into a lead-converting machine. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality and quantity in marketing efforts, advocating for forward investment in customer acquisition even when revenue is tight. With over a decade of experience helping franchise owners scale their businesses, Dan unpacks the nuances of building a pipeline of high-quality leads and highlights why consistent, intentional marketing is the foundation of long-term success.Whether you're a franchisee or an independent business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice on optimizing your digital presence, generating five-star reviews, and maintaining marketing momentum through the ups and downs of business. Dan also shares real-world examples, including how incentivizing reviews and focusing on relationship-building can yield exponential growth. Tune in to hear why marketing is the “rent” of your business and how to confidently double down on lead generation to build a thriving company. Don’t forget to leave a five-star review to help Dan grow the podcast—and empower more people to take the leap into business ownership!

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps sits down with Jason Feifer, the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine and host of the podcasts Build for Tomorrow and Problem Solvers. Together, they dive into the evolving dynamics of franchising, focusing on how franchisors can stay innovative and responsive to their franchisees. Jason emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting how some of the most iconic innovations in franchises like McDonald's and Taco Bell originated from franchisees themselves. They discuss how listening to franchisees' on-the-ground insights can drive system-wide success and highlight examples of franchise brands that prioritize a two-way dialogue with their operators. Jason also shares an inspiring story of Taco Bell's CEO, Sean Tresvant, requiring executives to work frontline shifts, illustrating the value of staying connected to the day-to-day realities of the business.The conversation also delves into the legacy of Entrepreneur magazine and its deep ties to franchising. Jason recounts how the magazine was saved from bankruptcy by a visionary franchisor and has since grown into a powerful resource for entrepreneurs worldwide. As the brand celebrates over four decades of publishing the Franchise 500, Jason shares insights on why franchising remains central to their mission. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned franchisee, this episode is packed with actionable advice and industry insights. Tune in to learn how to foster innovation, leverage franchisee contributions, and build a thriving business in today’s fast-paced world.

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, Dan and Christian sit down with Joe Matthews, founder of Franchise Performance Group, to dive deep into the journey of building a successful franchise business. Joe shares his insights on creating long-term value in franchising, emphasizing the importance of a patient, strategic approach over a quick win. Reflecting on Warren Buffett’s advice that the best holding period is “forever,” Joe explains why he believes in taking a five- to six-year view for sustainable success, even when faster growth might seem tempting. He shares candid thoughts on the challenges and rewards of committing to this long-term vision and how it ultimately leads to greater fulfillment and financial gain.Joe also provides practical advice for aspiring franchise owners and those looking to make the leap into entrepreneurship. He discusses his book, The Ultimate Guide to Responsible Franchise, which serves as a resource for anyone interested in franchising done right. Listeners can learn more about Joe and his work by visiting Franchise Performance Group’s website. If you've been inspired to take control of your career and maybe even fire your boss, Dan and Christian invite you to visit ifiredmybosspodcast.com for a free consultation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might be ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.

n this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, Dan Claps sits down with Lexi Weiss, the marketing coordinator for Voda Cleaning & Restoration, at their corporate training and Discovery Day in Wisconsin. Lexi, who hails from a third-generation franchising family, shares her journey from initially pursuing psychology in college to finding her niche in marketing within the franchising world. She discusses how her family's deep roots in franchising, including her father's transition from corporate America to franchise consulting, naturally led her to a career in the industry. Despite being relatively new to the professional world, Lexi has quickly become a crucial part of Voda's marketing team, offering hands-on support to franchisees and playing a pivotal role in their success.Throughout the conversation, Dan and Lexi dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a high-growth franchise. Lexi candidly talks about how her young age can sometimes be perceived as a challenge, but also highlights how it serves as a strength in her role, particularly in adapting to new marketing technologies and social media platforms. They explore the innovative strategies Voda employs to support franchisees, such as the introduction of marketing boot camps and advanced automation tools. Lexi's passion for continuous improvement and her dedication to ensuring franchisees have all the tools they need to succeed shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the inner workings of franchise marketing and support.

In a special crossover episode, Dan Claps of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast and Tommy Mello of the "Home Service Expert" podcast come together for a dynamic conversation about entrepreneurship, franchising, and personal growth. The episode takes place in Tommy's studio, where both hosts discuss their journeys and share insights from their experiences. Dan talks about his early start in business, selling everything from lemonade to bourbon, and how he transitioned into franchising. He emphasizes the importance of building a business that can operate independently of the owner, a lesson he learned the hard way with his first venture.Tommy, on the other hand, delves into the nuances of the home services industry, sharing his approach to lead generation and customer service. He stresses the value of having strong systems and processes in place, a concept he’s passionate about, drawing inspiration from Michael Gerber's "The E-Myth." The episode is a rich blend of personal anecdotes and professional advice, highlighting the challenges and rewards of running a business and the importance of giving back to the community. Listeners will find a treasure trove of actionable insights whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs or seasoned business owners.Welcome to the I Fired My Boss Franchise podcast, hosted by Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak. Dan Claps is the founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook, a franchise or platform that creates, owns and operates dynamic franchise brands in the mobile services space. His life's goal is to help people just like you fire their boss and become a business owner. Christian Dadulak is a top franchise advisor with Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that helps people reduce their risk when buying a franchise. And together they're on a mission to help people fire their boss, hire themselves, and live the American dream through franchise ownership.If you want to fire your boss, make sure you head on over to https://ifiredmybosspodcast.com and fill out the form to schedule a no-cost consultation. And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend who might also want to fire their boss.This episode is sponsored by our friends over at Silicon SignsIf you or your franchisees need help with interior/exterior signage, look no further! 🙌🏻They’ve done work in all 50 states and have helped incredible franchises like:🥪 Capriotti’s Sandwiches🍗 Wing Zone🍪 Crumbl Cookie🍪 Dirty Dough🍨 Handel’s Ice CreamAnd more ❗️Schedule a call with their team at www.siliconsigns.com or reach out to their CEO Chase at chase@siliconsigns.comThe I Fired My Boss Podcast is a huge supporter of the International Franchise Association (IFA). If you are a fan of franchising and have an interest in joining the franchise community, the IFA is a great place to start! Learn more here: https://www.franchise.org/about-us

In this solo episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Dan Claps dives deep into the intricacies of creating a franchise owner-centric culture as a franchisor, drawing from his experiences at Voda Cleaning and Restoration. Dan emphasizes the importance of active listening and responsiveness to franchise owners, likening them to customers whose feedback is invaluable for continuous improvement. He shares practical strategies such as weekly town hall meetings and a culture of being "quick to conflict," ensuring issues are addressed promptly and constructively. Dan also highlights the significance of trust and candor within the leadership team, fostering a supportive environment where honest feedback is encouraged and utilized for growth.The episode also recounts the challenging early days of Voda's franchise journey, where perseverance and relentless customer feedback were key to overcoming initial hurdles. Dan candidly shares how despite early setbacks, including financial strain and personal challenges, Voda's commitment to listening to potential franchisees' feedback led to eventual success. By continuously adapting and improving their systems based on franchise owner insights, Voda achieved significant growth, awarding 100 territories across the U.S. within a year. Dan underscores the lesson that a business's success hinges on an unwavering focus on customer feedback and a willingness to evolve, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisors.Welcome to the I Fired My Boss Franchise podcast, hosted by Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak. Dan Claps is the founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook, a franchise or platform that creates, owns and operates dynamic franchise brands in the mobile services space. His life's goal is to help people just like you fire their boss and become a business owner. Christian Dadulak is a top franchise advisor with Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that helps people reduce their risk when buying a franchise. And together they're on a mission to help people fire their boss, hire themselves, and live the American dream through franchise ownership.If you want to fire your boss, make sure you head on over to https://ifiredmybosspodcast.com and fill out the form to schedule a no-cost consultation. And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend who might also want to fire their boss.This episode is sponsored by our friends over at Silicon SignsIf you or your franchisees need help with interior/exterior signage, look no further! 🙌🏻They’ve done work in all 50 states and have helped incredible franchises like:🥪 Capriotti’s Sandwiches🍗 Wing Zone🍪 Crumbl Cookie🍪 Dirty Dough🍨 Handel’s Ice CreamAnd more ❗️Schedule a call with their team at www.siliconsigns.com or reach out to their CEO Chase at chase@siliconsigns.comThe I Fired My Boss Podcast is a huge supporter of the International Franchise Association (IFA). If you are a fan of franchising and have an interest in joining the franchise community, the IFA is a great place to start! Learn more here: https://www.franchise.org/about-us

In this insightful episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak sit down with Travis Paeth, a Texas-based franchise owner of Voda Cleaning and Restoration. Travis shares his intriguing journey from dreaming of becoming a professional hockey player to venturing into the logistics industry, eventually leading him towards entrepreneurship influenced by his parents' successful business endeavors. His story offers listeners a profound look at career transitions, the importance of adaptability, and the impact of family legacy on career choices.The discussion delves deeper into the mechanics of running a franchise, particularly in the restoration industry. Travis opens up about the challenges and exhilarations of managing a Voda franchise alongside his existing logistics business, highlighting the intricate balance of time management and the critical role of customer service in business success. The episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisees, emphasizing the importance of team building, customer engagement, and the strategic use of resources to foster business growth and sustainability.Welcome to the I Fired My Boss Franchise podcast, hosted by Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak. Dan Claps is the founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook, a franchise or platform that creates, owns and operates dynamic franchise brands in the mobile services space. His life's goal is to help people just like you fire their boss and become a business owner. Christian Dadulak is a top franchise advisor with Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that helps people reduce their risk when buying a franchise. And together they're on a mission to help people fire their boss, hire themselves, and live the American dream through franchise ownership.If you want to fire your boss, make sure you head on over to https://ifiredmybosspodcast.com and fill out the form to schedule a no-cost consultation. And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend who might also want to fire their boss.This episode is sponsored by our friends over at Silicon SignsIf you or your franchisees need help with interior/exterior signage, look no further! 🙌🏻They’ve done work in all 50 states and have helped incredible franchises like:🥪 Capriotti’s Sandwiches🍗 Wing Zone🍪 Crumbl Cookie🍪 Dirty Dough🍨 Handel’s Ice CreamAnd more ❗️Schedule a call with their team at www.siliconsigns.com or reach out to their CEO Chase at chase@siliconsigns.comThe I Fired My Boss Podcast is a huge supporter of the International Franchise Association (IFA). If you are a fan of franchising and have an interest in joining the franchise community, the IFA is a great place to start! Learn more here: https://www.franchise.org/about-us

In this enriching episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Dan Claps sits down with Jesalyn Johnson, an enthusiastic onboarding specialist from Voda, currently based in Madison, Wisconsin. Jesalyn shares her intriguing journey from a longstanding career in fitness and nutrition coaching into the franchising world, sparked by a serendipitous job posting on Indeed. Her transition highlights a pursuit for new challenges and growth, emphasizing her natural people skills which she adeptly applies in her current role. Jesalyn's candid recount of the switch to Voda, facilitated by a chance yet pivotal conversation with her now colleague Zach, paints a vivid picture of career evolution driven by personal aspirations for innovation and partnership in a growing business.The conversation dives deep into the emotional landscape of new franchise owners, whom Jesalyn helps navigate from initial excitement to handling operational realities through Voda's structured onboarding process. Dan and Jesalyn discuss the typical psychological stages that franchisees experience, mirroring the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. This episode not only provides insights into the franchise operation dynamics but also explores the broader implications of making a career shift, the value of genuine communication, and the profound impact of supportive corporate cultures. Jesalyn's story is a compelling narrative of personal and professional transformation, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for listeners contemplating significant career moves or investments in franchising.Welcome to the I Fired My Boss Franchise podcast, hosted by Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak. Dan Claps is the founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook, a franchise or platform that creates, owns and operates dynamic franchise brands in the mobile services space. His life's goal is to help people just like you fire their boss and become a business owner. Christian Dadulak is a top franchise advisor with Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that helps people reduce their risk when buying a franchise. And together they're on a mission to help people fire their boss, hire themselves, and live the American dream through franchise ownership.If you want to fire your boss, make sure you head on over to https://ifiredmybosspodcast.com and fill out the form to schedule a no-cost consultation. And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend who might also want to fire their boss.This episode is sponsored by our friends over at Silicon SignsIf you or your franchisees need help with interior/exterior signage, look no further! 🙌🏻They’ve done work in all 50 states and have helped incredible franchises like:🥪 Capriotti’s Sandwiches🍗 Wing Zone🍪 Crumbl Cookie🍪 Dirty Dough🍨 Handel’s Ice CreamAnd more ❗️Schedule a call with their team at www.siliconsigns.com or reach out to their CEO Chase at chase@siliconsigns.comThe I Fired My Boss Podcast is a huge supporter of the International Franchise Association (IFA). If you are a fan of franchising and have an interest in joining the franchise community, the IFA is a great place to start! Learn more here: https://www.franchise.org/about-us

In this insightful solo episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Christian Dadulak dives deep into the pivotal role of franchise professionals during the franchise ownership journey. As a franchise advisor himself, Christian emphasizes the importance of assembling a skilled acquisition team to ensure prospective franchisees are well-prepared for every aspect of their venture. He outlines the key members of this team, including a franchise advisor, funding professionals, franchise attorneys, and franchise-specific CPAs, detailing how each plays a critical part in navigating the complex process of acquiring and operating a franchise successfully.Christian passionately argues against the notion of a "franchise buffet" approach, advocating instead for a comprehensive support system that guides potential franchisees beyond just selecting a franchise. He shares personal insights on the nuanced differences between franchise advisors, brokers, and consultants, stressing the value of a true advisor who coaches, challenges, and connects clients with essential resources. Through examples and explanations, Christian covers the spectrum of considerations for prospective franchisees, from funding strategies and legal considerations to understanding the finer details of franchise agreements. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering franchise ownership, offering a treasure trove of knowledge and expertise to help listeners navigate their franchise exploration with confidence and clarity.Welcome to the I Fired My Boss Franchise podcast, hosted by Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak. Dan Claps is the founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook, a franchise or platform that creates, owns and operates dynamic franchise brands in the mobile services space. His life's goal is to help people just like you fire their boss and become a business owner. Christian Dadulak is a top franchise advisor with Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that helps people reduce their risk when buying a franchise. And together they're on a mission to help people fire their boss, hire themselves, and live the American dream through franchise ownership.If you want to fire your boss, make sure you head on over to https://ifiredmybosspodcast.com and fill out the form to schedule a no-cost consultation. And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend who might also want to fire their boss.This episode is sponsored by our friends over at Silicon SignsIf you or your franchisees need help with interior/exterior signage, look no further! 🙌🏻They’ve done work in all 50 states and have helped incredible franchises like:🥪 Capriotti’s Sandwiches🍗 Wing Zone🍪 Crumbl Cookie🍪 Dirty Dough🍨 Handel’s Ice CreamAnd more ❗️Schedule a call with their team at www.siliconsigns.com or reach out to their CEO Chase at chase@siliconsigns.comThe I Fired My Boss Podcast is a huge supporter of the International Franchise Association (IFA). If you are a fan of franchising and have an interest in joining the franchise community, the IFA is a great place to start! Learn more here: https://www.franchise.org/about-us