Franchise Secrets Podcast

What breaks when a franchise scales too quickly, and how can it be fixed? In this eye-opening episode, Erik Van Horn talks with Steven (Steve) Welch, co-founder of Restore Hyper Wellness, about the hidden challenges of rapid franchise growth. Steve reveals the critical missteps as Restore expanded too fast, including leadership gaps, missing operational systems, and a lack of a clear sales process. He then shares how the company is actively course-correcting by rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening its leadership team, and listening closely to franchisees through its Franchise Advisory Council (FAC). This episode is a must-listen for franchisors and franchisees who want to scale responsibly without sacrificing long-term success.   “When I stepped into the role, I was hoping there would be a silver bullet. There’s no silver bullet. It was a lot of little things that had to change that added up to a lot." ~ Steven Welch   In This Episode: - How Steve got into entrepreneurship - Pitfalls of growing too fast - Staying motivated after a big exit - Building a team with scale experience - Why franchisee due diligence matters - How to raise outside capital - Business valuation and convertible notes - How the FAC drives better decisions - Overhauling the sales process for growth - Restore's roadmap for consistent success - Standardizing systems to sustain growth - Advice for people who want to get into franchising   Resources:  🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070 🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617  🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/   Connect with Steven Welch: 🌐 Website - https://www.restore.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/livefreeordie/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Is the franchise industry as fair as it seems? From predatory contracts to overblown earnings claims, Erik Van Horn exposes the hidden truths franchisors don’t want you to know. If you're thinking about franchising, you need to hear this first! In this episode, Erik explores the most controversial aspects of franchising, which many avoid discussing. From predatory franchise contracts to the power imbalance between franchisors and franchisees, he uncovers the industry's hidden challenges and questions the norms that often go unchallenged. Drawing on his extensive experience and leveraging cutting-edge tools like AI, Erik challenges outdated systems and sparks important conversations about franchise transparency and accountability. This solo episode is a must-listen for aspiring franchisees, franchisors, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the industry with open eyes and smarter strategies. If you're ready to uncover the truths behind the franchise world, tune in and discover how to protect your interests and make smarter franchise decisions. ​   “If you’re in retail, like a retail-type brand, and the franchisees don't have management in place, you're probably going to be buying yourself a job." ~ Erik Van Horn   In This Episode: - How Front Street Equity Partners works with brands - How to use AI tools effectively - Predatory franchise contracts and their risks - Should franchising face more regulation? - Misleading earnings claims exposed - Are you buying a business or a job? - Can franchisors silence criticism? - Hidden fees and costly renovations - Supplier markups draining profits - Market saturation and territory conflicts - Do franchisors profit from failure? - Brand control vs. local flexibility - How bad franchisees hurt brand image   Resources:  🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070 🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617  🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/

What does absentee ownership actually mean in franchising? Is it really possible, or is it just another myth in the industry? In this replay, Erik talks to his business partners, Luke Jacobson and Terry Rackley from StretchLab, who share their raw and honest journey from hopeful semi-absentee franchisees to successful business partners. After experiencing the reality of burning through 6 managers in 8 months and watching their "10-hour work week" transform into something completely different, they reveal what actually makes absentee ownership possible. Their partnership story shows how the right structure can change everything, leading to profitability increases of up to 200% in some locations. The conversation pulls back the curtain on franchise success: the truth about support systems, the power of systematic organization, the critical role of employee retention, and most importantly - what it really takes to be a successful absentee owner in franchising.   “We're not a franchisee that does something totally different than what the franchise is asking. We actually stay pretty close. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, but on the people side, we try to go above and beyond. They'll take care of customers, which in turn will get us good results.” ~ Terry Rackley   In This Episode: - Luke's background and how he got into franchising - Terry's background and how he met Luke and Erik - How Luke and Terry became business partners - The importance of speed in opening new locations - Erik's role in the partnership - Why leadership and organizational skills matter in business - Critical factors in running a successful business - Is absentee ownership a myth? - What comes to mind when you hear the term top franchisees? - What does a healthy franchisee-franchisor relationship look like? - Why is aggressive organization necessary when managing a business? - What makes partnerships a good thing?   Resources:  🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070 🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617  🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/ 🌐 Franchise Equity Partners - www.frontstreetep.com   Connect with Luke and Terry: 💼 LinkedIn (Luke) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-jacobson-68632b75/ 💼 LinkedIn (Terry) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryrackley/ 🌐 Website - https://www.stretchlab.com/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, discusses the power of personal branding to transform business opportunities. He shares strategies for building a loyal LinkedIn following and the importance of newsletters for direct audience engagement. The conversation also highlights the ROI of effective personal branding in enhancing trust and authority, as well as how franchisors can attract franchisees through a strong online presence. Plus, insider insights into the methodology behind the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list!

Larkin Combs, a former police officer and nurse, is now a top franchisee for K9 Resorts, running the fastest-growing location in Apex, NC. He shares how his background in law enforcement translates to exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Larkin emphasizes the importance of resilience, belief in the brand, and hard work during challenging times like the pandemic. He also discusses the significance of effective communication, support networks, and maintaining work-life balance as a first-time entrepreneur in the pet boarding industry.

Join Bobby Brennan, a franchise expansion expert with a wealth of experience, as he shares vital insights on diversifying your franchise portfolio. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and thorough due diligence before branching out. Discover the 'five C's' for evaluating franchise fit and the significant role of culture. Bobby warns against common pitfalls and highlights the underestimated value of validation. With personal anecdotes, he advocates for a strategic approach while maintaining humility in the journey, ensuring future success without risking it all.

In this engaging discussion, Bobby Brennan, an experienced franchise owner known for his multi-brand expertise, shares valuable insights on whether to dig deeper into a single franchise or diversify into new brands. He emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness in making franchise decisions and navigating employee dynamics during expansion. Bobby explores the trade-offs between service-based and brick-and-mortar models, highlighting key challenges and opportunities. His candid advice and real-life examples provide a masterclass for franchisees considering their next strategic move.

What does it take to scale an emerging franchise while maintaining exceptional customer and employee experiences? In this episode, Tori Johnston, Brand President of goGLOW, dives into her journey of transitioning from CMO to leading one of the most innovative sunless tanning franchises. She shares how goGLOW’s unique employee model, top-tier customer experience, and operational efficiency are setting the standard in the beauty franchise space. Listen in as Tori reveals how goGLOW is rewriting the playbook for franchise growth, empowering employees, and delivering unmatched service. Discover the secrets behind goGLOW’s high Net Promoter Score, its flexible workforce model, and why it’s attracting passionate entrepreneurs looking for a scalable and innovative franchise concept. Ready to learn how to build a franchise that customers love, and employees thrive in? Hit play now and uncover the strategies behind goGLOW’s success!   “Let the special sauce be how you treat employees–not necessarily rewriting the playbooks." ~ Tori Johnston   In This Episode: - When and why founders bring in a brand president - How Tori discovered goGLOW and what attracted her to it - Front Street Equity Partners role in finding the best person for the job - Transitioning from CMO to Brand President: lessons learned - SoulCycle’s influence on Tori’s customer experience strategy - goGLOW’s employee model and its franchisee benefits - Why buyers should assess the employee model in franchises - How treating employees well drives franchise success   Resources:  🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070 🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617  🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/   Connect with Tori Johnston: 🌐 Website - https://www.goglow.co/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-johnston2/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

What’s the secret to building a brand that customers and employees adore while capturing the attention of industry insiders? In this episode, Tori Johnston, Brand President of goGLOW, shares her insights on the fast-growing beauty and skincare franchise that’s “outsmarting the sun.” From defining unique value propositions to spotting industry trends, Tori reveals how goGLOW innovates with eco-friendly solutions and a holistic approach to skincare. You’ll also hear how goGLOW’s visionary founder, Melanie Richards, built a best-in-class customer experience by saying “no” to shortcuts and prioritizing quality at every turn. Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with lessons on brand loyalty, market innovation, and leadership. Get inspired by goGLOW’s journey and uncover how to make your brand glow!   “At goGLOW, we like to say that we've outsmarted the sun. I think that unique value proposition is easy to understand." ~ Tori Johnston   In This Episode: - Unique Value Proposition vs. Unique Selling Proposition: What’s the difference? - Why Tori joined GoGLOW and the booming sunless tanning industry - Key beauty and wellness trends fueling goGLOW’s growth - What makes goGLOW a fit for Tori's background and career aspirations? - Why goGLOW earns consistent five-star customer and employee reviews - Melanie Richards’ innovative approach to building goGLOW’s brand   Resources:  🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070 🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617  🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/   Connect with Tori Johnston: 🌐 Website - https://www.goglow.co/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-johnston2/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/

How do you build a top-performing team while working fewer hours? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and guest Kasim Aslam, an expert in virtual assistant management, dive deep into the secrets of successful hiring, effective delegation, and leveraging offshore talent.   Kasim shares a revolutionary framework for finding and managing virtual assistants (VAs) that can transform your business operations. From understanding the Pareto Principle to using job descriptions as a sales tool, Kasim reveals strategies to help business owners scale efficiently.   Ready to scale your team and boost productivity? Today's episode provides transformative insights that will help shape the future of your business.    “Things that you think only you are capable of, you're not the only person capable of that. Give them a macro-assed project, then watch them sink their teeth in–and keep your expectations reasonable. They're not gonna knock it out of the park the very first time on the very first project. That's why you give them a handful, and you start to see what they're really good at." ~ Kasim Aslam   In This Episode: - How to increase your profit margin - Effective strategies for hiring the right people for the right job - Managing and motivating a remote team for maximum output - What is Pareto Talent? - The first step to finding the best candidates - Practical steps for delegating high-level tasks to offshore talent   Resources:  🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070 🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617  🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/ 🌐 Unlocking Hiring Success Secrets by Kasim Aslam - https://kasimaslam.com/unlocking-hiring-success-secrets/   Connect with Kasim Aslam: 🌐 Website - https://paretotalent.com/ and https://kasimaslam.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasimaslam/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/