Franchise Secrets Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Mike Michalowicz, an entrepreneurial expert and author of 'All In', shares insights on building unstoppable teams. He emphasizes the importance of hiring for potential rather than past experience, likening it to Eddie Van Halen's passion for music. Mike also delves into innovative recruitment strategies, such as using educational events to attract talent. Additionally, he discusses empowering employees through open leadership, promoting a culture of trust and engagement, all crucial for nurturing top talent in any organization.

Emerging brands often find themselves in a competitive marketplace full of established brands. With only a dream and a tight budget, how can these new brands, which are typically rough around the edges, become successful?   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    Dan Rowe, the founder of Fransmart, shares his insights on franchising and growing emerging brands. He has solid experience taking early-stage, emerging brands to new heights of success using his proven framework.    In today's conversation with Erik, Dan shares insights on shaping a rough concept into a successful brand and the importance of brand and concept in franchising. He discusses the transformation of a brand's look and feel and the franchising business system.    Dan emphasizes the magic of a successful brand and the power of membership pre-sales. He also highlights the value of learning from successful people and the pitfalls of ego and poor fundamentals. Overall, Dan provides valuable insights for anyone interested in franchising, whether as a franchisee or a franchisor.    Tune in to gain indispensable insights for navigating the franchising world, especially as you grow and scale your business and become a multi-unit franchisee.   “There's no money in single-unit franchises. All the money is in franchises with five or ten or more units.” - Dan Rowe   In This Episode: - A Brief Background About Dan Rowe and Fransmart - Similarities in Growth Strategies for Emerging Brands - Balancing Visionary and Operational Roles - Founder's Leadership Lid - Shaping a Rough Concept into a Successful Brand - Hiring the Right People for Marketing and Sales - Single-Unit Franchising vs. Multi-Unit Franchising - Building a Business for Saleability - Working with Smart Advisors and Investment Bankers   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 Dan Rowe: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrowe3/ 🌐 Website - https://fransmart.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/ 

New beginnings are worth celebrating, so it’s not uncommon for new businesses or franchisees to hold a grand opening event. Whether it’s your first franchise or your 10th, the grand opening is an exciting milestone that must be carefully planned.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    In this conversation, Brooke Budke, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and founder of Momentum Brands, discusses the importance of grand openings in franchise businesses. She emphasizes the need for a well-planned and executed grand opening strategy, including capturing leads and building a database of customers for long-term success.    Brooke also highlights the significance of grassroots marketing and community engagement in driving brand awareness and customer acquisition. She provides practical advice for franchisees in systems with limited marketing support and emphasizes the importance of effective communication between franchisors and franchisees.    Overall, Brooke emphasizes the value of progress and continuous improvement in business and personal life.   Join Erik and Brooke for an engaging conversation on the secrets to a successful launch!   “You can write the best-laid plan, and then if you can't communicate it with your franchisees, it's just not gonna work... I think that's the beauty and the beast of franchising.” - Brooke Budke   In This Episode: - Who is Brooke Budke? - The importance of grand openings - Distinguishing between soft openings and grand openings - Capturing leads and building a database - Grassroots marketing and community engagement - Factors influencing grand opening success - Effective communication between Franchisors and Franchisees - Advice for Franchisees in systems with limited marketing support - Building momentum and progress in business and life   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 Brooke Budke: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebudke/ 📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brookebudke/ 🌐 Company Website - www.themomentumbrands.com 🌐 Personal Website - www.brookebudke.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/ 

If you’re contemplating investing in a franchise, one thing you should consider is whether you have the skills required to become a business owner. Although you don’t need a lot of business experience because most franchisors will provide thorough training, there are a number of skills that are extremely helpful, especially if you’re investing in a complex business.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    Now, if you’re wondering what it takes to be a top franchisee in a system that has complexities, Andy Myers is here to share his insights. He is the President of AMMA Development Group and a multi-unit franchise owner at Restore Hyper Wellness and goGLOW. Early in both brands, Andy and his team discovered that they like to be pioneers in developing systems and success alongside the franchisor.    Join Erik and Andy as they discuss how to be a successful franchisee, what to look for in brands and the founders, the importance of having trusted advisors, and the lessons learned from partnering with emerging brands. Andy also shares three valuable things every aspiring franchisee should know.    “People should love it when they're faced with something that they're not sure how to do. They should lean into that because that's one more step toward success.” - Andy Ayers   In This Episode: - How Andy got into franchising - How do you become a successful franchisee? - How scary is it to leave the security of a regular paycheck? - Andy's criteria for choosing the brands to invest in - How does Front Street Equity Partners help franchisees succeed? - Lessons learned from partnering with emerging brands  - How to find trusted advisors  - Do you have Rembrandts in the attic? - The main roles you need in your organization and why - What is it about the goGLOW founder that made Andy want to partner with her? - Andy's top advice to everyone listening   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/ 🌐 Scaling Up by Verne Harnish - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019593   Connect with Andy Ayers: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayersandrew/   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/   

As you begin your journey into franchising, chances are you will travel along the path many franchisors and franchisees have experienced. For some, it can be a fantastic journey. However, others get frustrated and decide that franchising is not for them.    Franchisees go through different stages in their relationship with a franchisor. Franchisors should understand and communicate with franchisees at each stage.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    On the other hand, franchisees may feel a sense of independence and desire for freedom, but it is important to recognize the value of the franchise system. The ultimate goal is to reach the 'We Stage,' where franchisees and franchisors work together for mutual success.   Some of you are doing it right, and some of you need to understand what happens in each stage so you can work toward getting to the next stage.    Today's conversation between Erik and Jeff explores the six stages of franchisee-franchisor relationships, from the initial excitement and optimism to the eventual realization of the importance of working together.    “Anything in this life is definitely more fun doing it with other people. That is literally a human connection. Yes, there's a sense of achievement when you do something on your own, by yourself, and nobody helps you. But it's never as rewarding as going through life with a partner, a friend, a business associate, or a franchisor and doing it together, where you can hug and high-five. That's what it's all about.” - Jeff Herr   In This Episode: - What can you expect during the Glee Stage? - What happens during the Fee Stage? - How do franchisees feel during the Me Stage? - Why is being stuck in the Free Stage not an excellent place to be? - Why is it fun to be in the See Stage? - What happens when you reach the We Stage?   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/ 🌐 The Franchise E-Factor by Greg Nathan - https://www.franchiserelationships.com/shop/the-franchise-e-factor/   Connect with Jeff Herr: 🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a   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/ 

Whether you're new to franchising or running a successful business, you may still need guidance on your next steps. Who do you ask for advice when you're in that situation?   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr   For the last few episodes, Erik and his business partner, Jeff Herr from Front Street Equity Partners, have been offering valuable advice on how to succeed in franchising.    In this week's conversation, they discuss the challenges and strategies for franchisors and franchisees in opening and developing territories. They emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between growth and loss mitigation and the need for strategic planning and protecting the brand.    They also highlight the significance of territory size, market strength, and scale in achieving success. Additionally, they provide actionable advice, such as seeking free help and advice from experienced individuals in the industry and attending conferences to network and learn from others.   If you need a franchising blueprint or solid advice, today's episode is exactly what you need!   “If you're in a franchise system, both the franchisor and the franchisee have to pay homage to the brand. The stronger the brand, the more valuable the brand is for both parties and collectively. It's incredibly important.” - Jeff Herr   In This Episode: - How do franchisors get more franchisees open vs. franchisees sold or territories sold?  - The importance of territory size: Does a bigger territory equate to higher profitability? - How does your funding plan look? Finding the right balance between growth and loss mitigation - The impact of territory proximity on profitability: Strategic planning - The challenges of exclusive territories - Questions franchisees and franchisors must ask themselves to determine the right growth strategy - How to get free help and advice for franchising 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/ 🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/   Connect with Jeff Herr: 🌐 Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb  💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/  🎥 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA  Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

Buying a franchise is a complex process, especially for first-time buyers. It's a long-term investment, and it will be one of the most significant investments you will probably make. Hence, the decisions you make during the buying process are crucial.   Which franchise concept are you planning to pursue? How do you choose the right brand? What are the first steps to take?    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    Today, Erik talks about some critical things every buyer must know. Joining him in the discussion is another one of his colleagues at Front Street Equity Partners, Bobby Brennan.   If you're considering buying a franchise, this episode is a good starting point in establishing what a franchise buyer should know and why. You will also understand what Front Street Equity Partners are looking for in brands they choose to partner with. Who knows? You could be the next brand.   “I will tell you, 99% of the time, in my experience, the difference between top performers and those in the middle and the bottom—it's never resources. Its resourcefulness. Are they being resourceful with the tools, and are they heavily executing the playbook at a high level?” - Bobby Brennan   In This Episode: - Three things you must do before buying a franchise - Is it good to be involved in brands that are growing too fast? - The difference between top performers and mid and bottom performers - What does your first year as a franchisee look like? - What makes these three brands unique? - Why should a buyer consider the brand's founder? - Understanding the role of the integrator and the visionary - Does the brand you're looking into have an exit plan?   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/ 🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/ 🌐 Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters - https://rocketfueluniversity.com/rocket-fuel-book/   Connect with Bobby Brennan: 🌐 Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-brennan-37b46ab/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb  💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/  🎥 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA  Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

Buying a franchise can be an excellent move for an aspiring entrepreneur who doesn’t want to build a new business from scratch. In a perfect world, franchisees acquire a model that works on every level. However, it is not entirely a walk in the park. There are still a bunch of challenges that may come your way.   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    Today, Erik and Jeff continue their conversation about the lessons they learned from their many years in the franchise industry and talking to hundreds of brands. In this episode, they discuss what they would do differently if they had to start over as a franchisee. Erik and Jeff reflect on what it was like buying a franchise the first time and the learning that came as they ventured into more brands.   If you want to get expert insights on franchising, Erik and Jeff have them ready for you.   “You just do one thing and do it better than anyone else.” - Jeff Herr   In This Episode: - Throwback to when Erik and Jeff bought their first franchise 20 years ago - Why do you need an advisor? - Key people to hire as you start growing your business - What brand would Erik and Jeff have bought, built, and scaled as a franchisee? - How do you find a brand that might be primed for private equity?   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/ 🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/ Connect with Jeff Herr: 🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   👥Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb  💼LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/  🎥YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA  Ⓜ️Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

A lot of people agree that franchising is more effective than starting a business from scratch. However, it's not as simple as just buying a franchise and waiting for the money to come.    Before investing in a franchise, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved in buying and running it. You must know if the ROI would be worth it. Also, choosing the right franchise founder is a critical component before deciding which brand to invest in.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr    Today, Erik is joined once again by his Business Partner, Jeff Herr, from Front Street Equity Partners. Together, they share insights from their conversations with different brands on what they look for in franchise founders and why some brands are more expensive than others.   If you're thinking about buying a franchise, this conversation is something you'd want to listen to.   “If you launch the right way, then that's typically how you're gonna perform.” - Jeff Herr   In This Episode: - A super interesting conversation with a founder - When talking to buyers, how open should franchisors be regarding things they know and don't know about the business?  - Where to see examples of a robust Item 19 and why it's important to look at FDDs - What separates weaker brands from better brands? - Two-fold purpose of technology in a business 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/ 🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/   Connect with Jeff Herr: 🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb  💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/  Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

The demand for baked goods franchises is on the rise, and people like James Maguire are reaping the rewards of being early in the game. He currently operates seven Crumbl Cookies locations in MA, ME, VT, and NH. But even with the success of his cookie franchise, James decided to diversify and invest in another business—pickleball!    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr   In this episode, Erik and James discuss the great things and the challenges of being a franchisee for a famous cookie brand and why he went on to invest in another franchise concept. He also shares the many lessons he gained from the experience.  If you are in search of some serious franchising opportunities, you'll find today's conversation quite interesting.    “One thing I would say about competition is you can't be afraid of it. You can't let competition hinder you from making a big choice and putting yourself in the best location.” - James Maguire   In This Episode: - How James got involved with Crumbl Cookies - Understanding your responsibilities as a franchisee - How to stand out from the competition - The ups and downs of running a franchise - Why James invested in a pickleball franchise - How to choose the ideal location for a franchise - Talent attraction for a pickleball franchise - Financing a franchise And more!   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/ 🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/ 🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/   Connect with James Maguire: 🌐 Website - https://crumblcookies.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-maguire2213/   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/   👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/   👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb  💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/  Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn