Franchise Secrets Podcast

Opening a franchise is an opportunity to start and run your own business without building a brand from scratch. However, it’s essential to understand what’s involved before taking advantage of this rewarding option for starting a business.    Franchising is a good way to find business success. But it is not a magic pill. You have to consider a lot of different factors before jumping into a franchise, like how to choose a brand, how to determine enterprise value, what questions you must ask from the founders, and so on.    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 invites Joe Attia to engage in an argument about all things franchising. Joe, a Ph.D. in Economics, used to hate franchising and didn't want anything to do with it. Now, he is a multi-unit owner and has owned multiple brands. He is the KidStrong Area Developer in Boston, New Hampshire, Maine & Detroit area.   Joe is a strategic investor with over 30 years of extensive finance, strategy, operations, and investor experience in dynamic, fast-paced environments and global organizations.    If you need help in deciding whether or not to invest in a franchise, the insights in today's episode are priceless, and they will benefit both franchisees and franchisors.    “You can be an investor in franchising, but you've got to have somebody that is there operating these things on the ground and learning the business.” - Joe Attia   In This Episode: - What an anti-franchising guy thinks about franchising - Joe unpacks the first rule of being a franchisee - Should you choose the franchising route or not? - Erik shares his playbook for choosing a brand - Where do the franchisee and the franchisor align? Where are they not aligned? - Validating the franchise profitability  - How to select the right franchise - Determining the franchise value  - Joe's perspective on multi-unit development for a brand 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 Joe Attia: 🌐 Website - https://www.kidstrong.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephattia/   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 

As you start looking at brands to invest in, there's one list that you should definitely check on. The Franchise 500 list is said to be a definitive guide for people who want to buy a franchise. And if you’re a franchisor, this is where your hard work is recognized.   But you might be skeptical about the integrity of the list. Some even say those who advertise the most get on top of the list. But what is the truth about the Franchise 500 list?    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 shines the spotlight on Tracy Stapp Herold. As Entrepreneur’s Special Projects Editor, Tracy has been analyzing and writing about the franchise industry for more than 20 years now. She heads up the company’s annual Franchise 500 ranking, which evaluates and ranks the top 500 franchise brands out of more than 1,300 applicants every year, as well as other rankings, including Top New & Emerging Franchises, Fastest-Growing Franchises, Top Franchises for Veterans, Top Franchise Suppliers, and more.   Are you curious about how brands land on the Franchise 500 list and what categories to watch out for? Take this opportunity to hear it straight from the person who spearheads the evaluation and ranking of different brands.    “Don't discount a franchise just because it's not ranked in the Franchise 500. There are lots of great brands that do not make it into the Top 35−36% of the list, and that doesn't mean that they're not good brands.” - Tracy Stapp Herold   In This Episode: - Why are some people skeptical about the Franchise 500 list? - How does the Entrepreneur come up with their annual list? - At what point can brands apply? - What's the value of the Franchise 500 list for a potential franchise buyer? - What information can't you see just by looking at the list? - The most meaningful data that goes into the list - Are there other magazines where franchisors pay to get on the list? - Hot Categories in the Franchise 500 list - The Franchise 500 Hall of Fame List - What should people understand about the Franchise 500 list that they may not know? - Upcoming franchise categories to watch out for 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/ 🌐 Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking - https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 🌐 Request Your Free Franchise Listing on Entrepreneur.com - https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/listingsubmit Connect with Tracy Stapp Herold: 🌐 Website - https://www.entrepreneur.com/ 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-stapp-herold-5a183b38/   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

As the new year starts, you get excited about new opportunities and a chance to build a better future. You may want to dive into entrepreneurship or invest in 2024, and perhaps you're wondering if that's a good idea.   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   If you plan to venture into franchising, valuable insights await you in this episode. Today, Erik and his business partner, Jeff Herr, co-founder & Managing Director of Front Street Equity Partners, talk about their current deals and why they move forward with certain brands and not others.    They also discuss the trends they see, why some brands may be hesitant to grow too fast, industries that they like and are poised to have a good run over the next decade, and some other stuff that will be helpful to both franchisees and franchisors.   So, if you want to position your brand effectively for franchise development growth, take advantage of this opportunity to get insider tips from Erik and Jeff.    “At the end of the day, founders have to do what's best for them, and they also have to do what's best for the brand at the same time.” - Jeff Herr   In This Episode: - What type of relationship exists between a great franchisee and a franchisor wanting to grow the brand? - Common challenges franchisors and franchisees face as they grow their business - The reality about what makes a franchise business successful  - Three brands that are expanding their reach in different markets and what makes them unique - Why would a brand prefer to grow slowly?  - How does Front Street Equity Partners help a founder who wants to grow “smart”? - Industry trends to watch out for in 2024 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/ 🌐 goGLOW - https://www.goglow.co/ 🌐 Magnolia Soap and Bath Co - https://www.magnoliasoapandbath.com/ 🌐 Hawaii Fluid Art - https://hawaiifluidart.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 

Many believe buying a franchise is an easy way to make money. Opening a franchise can indeed be a lower-risk way to start a business, and it can be pretty profitable, but it’s not for everyone.   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   First, there are several hoops you’ll need to jump through if you decide to invest in a brand. Plus, there's always the question of which brands to choose among the many brands out there. What if you make the wrong choice?   In this episode, Erik brings in Brian Beers for the second time. Brian is an entrepreneur, investor, and host of the Business with Beers podcast. He helped grow their franchise auto repair business into an enterprise with multiple locations, and he's now on a mission to help others build a fortune through franchising.    Join Erik and Brian to discover the mistakes and lessons learned in buying into the wrong brands. They also talk about a robust influencer marketing model and the support provided by this new brand that Brian has invested in.   If you want to grow your wealth through franchising and learn what to look for in a brand before you invest in it, today's episode will give you fresh insights from someone who knows what it takes to build a franchise empire.    “I think a franchisor should be bringing in tons and tons of thought leaders whether it's in person, or digital, or it's the founder doing it, but someone's got to help coach people.” - Brian Beers   In This Episode: - What is Brian Beers known for? - Is it easy to make money in the automotive industry? - Why would someone with an existing brand choose a second one? - How do you know what you are good at and not good at? - What was different about Brian's process in buying his next brand? - What qualities should you look for in a franchisor before investing in a brand? - Should you be concerned if a brand wants to sell to private equity in 5 years? Would you want them to be honest about it? - What are some of the things Brian likes in his new brand? - What is the benefit of hiring thought leaders? - What does Brian's new brand do to help their franchisees and investors be more semi-absentee? - A brief background about That 1 Painter and why Brian chose to invest in this brand 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/ 🌐 HOW THIS FRANCHISEE BOUGHT 15+ EXISTING LOCATIONS USING SELLER FINANCING - https://franchisesecrets.com/podcast/how-this-franchisee-bought-15-existing-locations-using-seller-financing/   Connect with Brian Beers: 🌐 Website  💼 LinkedIn  X - @brianbeers   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website  📷 Instagram  👍 Facebook  👥 Facebook Group  💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube Ⓜ️ Medium

Everyone talks about work-life balance, but is it possible to achieve that? Today, Erik lets us in on how he starts his day on his ranch, living with his family, ducks, chickens, and other farm animals, plus his adorable puppy named River (who was accused of being a chicken killer!).   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   Erik brings his daughter and their pup on the show to show us this side of his life. Let's join them as they investigate who killed the chicken and why a duck is missing! And then Erik answers franchise-related questions which franchisees and franchisors will benefit from.    If you're interested in getting a glimpse of ranch life and expert insights about franchising, tune in to today's episode of Franchise Secrets!   “When life happens, I just kinda go with the flow because there's always something happening here at the ranch.” - Erik Van Horn   In This Episode: - Introducing today's exceptional guests  - Who killed the chicken? - Are there any franchise groups out there that meet monthly? - Where can you ask for some advice about master franchising? - Does raising your initial fees from $24K to $ 39K matter to prospects?  - What numbers should you put in your FDD? How much does it cost to hire a consulting firm to get you to the next level? - What are the possible blindspots at the early phase of franchising your business? - A word of advice from Erik for those thinking about franchising 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/ 🌐 Grab Your Copy of The Lifestyle Investor by Justin Donald - https://course.justindonald.com/Free-Plus-Shipping-Book-SP   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website  📷 Instagram  👍 Facebook  👥 Facebook Group  💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube Ⓜ️ Medium

Late at night, when you can't sleep or are thinking about something, a choco-chip cookie with a warm glass of milk is your best companion. But what makes cookies so lovable? For one, the smell of freshly baked cookies is so heavenly, and they are so yummy! But mostly, a cookie is your best friend when you just want to be with yourself. That's probably why many people want to learn how to bake cookies.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   To get into the world of cookies, Erik chats with the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Dirty Dough Cookies, the brand that believes that life is better with cookies. Join Erik, Bennett Maxwell, and Jill Summerhays as they discuss what makes cookies a good product, what makes Dirty Dough unique, what you should look for in a brand, and why the mobile business model brings in higher revenue than your regular brick-and-mortar business.    Bennett Maxwell is an experienced salesperson who has used this skill since selling candy bars in elementary school. Sharing his sales and business expertise, he is now a Forbes Business Council member and Apex Executives member.    Bennett is lowering business barriers and raising mental health awareness through his cookie-selling franchise, Dirty Dough. He stands for authenticity and self-acceptance, encouraging others to come as they are. From a business perspective, Bennett is one tough cookie.   Jill Summerhays is the Chief Executive Officer at Dirty Dough Cookies. She manages the day-to-day operations so Bennett can focus on his long-term vision for the business.    Ready to follow the scent and what your taste buds tell you? Tune in to today's episode of Franchise Secrets!   “We're going to be different, and all our franchisees are always going to have a competitive advantage because corporate invested upfront into a system and a model to allow us to rapidly expand and benefit from economies of scale.” - Bennett Maxwell   “The amount of revenue you can do in a mobile trailer at one good event is significantly more than what you will probably do in multiple days at a brick and mortar.” - Jill Summerhays   In This Episode: - How Jill got involved in franchising  - Why Bennett decided to have Jill join the company - The importance of recognizing what your superpowers are as a business owner - What makes Dirty Dough suited for mobile operations? - Bennett's perspective on the mobile operations model - What are franchisees saying and loving about the mobile operations model? - Jill and Bennett's advice to franchisors who want to build great relationships with their franchisees - Are cookies just a fad, or are they here to stay? - Who are the competitors of Dirty Dough Cookies? - Things to look for before buying 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/   Connect with Bennett Maxwell: 🌐Website  💼 LinkedIn  📷 Instagram  🌐 Podcast    Connect with Jill Summerhays: 💼 LinkedIn    Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website  📷 Instagram  👍 Facebook  👥 Facebook Group  💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube Ⓜ️ Medium

Art can bring a new sense of joy into people’s lives. Having a creative outlet and being part of a community with shared interests can be fulfilling. If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to help people gain a unique and joyful experience through art, this episode will inspire you.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   Maya Ratcliff, founder of Hawaii Fluid Art, began her art career helping people with brain injuries delve into their artistic talents as therapy. She eventually developed her proprietary method of fluid art using acrylic paints and a unique pouring medium while working from her home and area resorts.    As word spread by students thrilled at seeing what they could create, the demand for her classes grew. Maya opened the first Hawaii Fluid Art studio in Waikoloa, HI, where her fluid art technique is now taught during multiple daily classes. She currently has over 200 locations sold across the US.   Join Erik and Maya as they discuss what is unique about Hawaii Fluid Art compared to other art concepts, how to start and grow your franchise with the help of franchise advisors like Front Street Equity Partners, how to do B2B marketing, and more. Plus, you get the hope that you don't need an artistic background to create beautiful art.    Ready to unleash the artist in you? Tune in and enjoy today's episode of Franchise Secrets!   “If you think you know everything in franchising, you've already lost. You really have to count on others who know more than you to help you level up.” - Maya Ratcliff   In This Episode: - A brief background about Maya - The story behind Hawaii Fluid Art - Maya's introduction to the world of franchising - What's so different about Hawaii Fluid Art compared to other painting concepts? - The birth and development of Hawaii Fluid Art - How Maya proved that her idea and model would work - Why put an Item 19 in your FDD? - What is the ideal property size for a franchise location? - What does B2B look like for a brand like Hawaii Fluid Art? - Do you need an artistic talent or background to create beautiful artwork? - What attracted Maya to Front Street Equity Partners advisory services? - Why is Maya so franchisee-focused, and what could possibly change that? - What does Maya's sales process look like? - Why is it important for a founder to meet potential franchisees face-to-face? - Corporate office setup for Maya's brand - What does a franchise owner do in the business? - Semi-absentee owner vs. Absentee owner - How to get customers inside the door   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 Maya Ratcliff: 🌐 Website  💼 LinkedIn ✉️ Email - info@hawaiifluidart.com   Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website  📷 Instagram  👍 Facebook  👥 Facebook Group  💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube Ⓜ️ Medium

Justin Donald, known as the Warren Buffett of Lifestyle Investing, chats with the host about the brilliance of boring businesses. They discuss the opportunities in investing in underrated businesses and share insights on how to grow wealth through low-risk cash flow investments. The conversation includes a lighthearted banter between the two about their pickleball match against Tim Tebow and their exploration of the wellness space, where they discuss different wellness practices and express skepticism about certain products while highlighting the potential of peptides as superior supplements.

So, you want to dip your toes in franchising. Great! But before you look at your financing options for buying into a franchise, you must understand how to determine the market value of the business. When it is time to have that conversation, both buyer and seller must agree on the business valuation and other fees.    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   In this episode, Erik and Jeff Herr engage in a fun conversation around franchise fees, why brands charge what they charge, the biggest rookie mistake Jeff has ever made, and industry insider conversations no one else is telling you.    Erik and Jeff used to compete against each other while working in the tax business. They became friends and business partners at Front Street Equity Partners, where Jeff currently functions as the Managing Director. Jeff has been a guest in Franchise Secrets a few times before, offering insights and advice to help you make better decisions.    “There is a value to everything, right? It's what somebody is going to pay.” - Jeff Herr   In This Episode: - Conversation with a nervous founder of a new brand - What is the value of an emerging brand? - Components of a good founder's story  - Why unit economics matter in business valuation - Why some founders are not declaring Item 19 - How many new brands are coming to market in a year? - The reason it's getting more challenging to franchise a business - How to thrive in a competitive market - Who are you taking advice from? - What Jeff thinks about a brand that competes on lower franchise fees  - What is the franchise fee for? - What franchisees are looking for in a brand - Watch out for this next topic of conversation   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/ 🌐 How I Built This Podcast - https://www.npr.org/series/490248027/how-i-built-this   Connect with Jeff Herr: 🌐 Website  💼 LinkedIn    Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website  📷 Instagram  👍 Facebook  👥 Facebook Group  💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube Ⓜ️ Medium

For as long as anyone can remember, storytelling has been used to share information and make meaningful connections. But how can storytelling showcase your brand story and grow your business?    Many people in the franchising world are missing out on a critical aspect of storytelling. Today’s consumers want more than superb products and services that improve their lives. They want to feel personally connected to the brands they buy from, and video storytelling is the key to giving it to them.   Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE   If you want to know more about franchise development storytelling, the power of emotion in marketing videos, why those cheesy animated 2D videos and explainer videos do nothing, and why painting a picture of a better life is the key to getting franchise prospects to respond to you, you're in the right place.   So join Erik and his guest, Trevor Rappleye, the Founder, CEO, and Chief Storyteller of FranchiseFilming, as they discuss mastering brand storytelling and capturing “franchise-focused videos with an innovative twist.”    Trevor fell in love with filming when he was 13 and has captured over 300 weddings. He took that emotional passion and put it into franchising in 2020.   FranchiseFilming is a franchise marketing company that helps franchisors win more franchisees by using a specialized process of validation videos, stories, and emotions to nurture potential franchisees to a winning opportunity!    Whether you're a franchisee or a franchisor, today's episode of Franchise Secrets will benefit you.   “No matter how good you are at speaking, visitors get bored at people talking. So you want to visually show it.” - Trevor Rappleye   In This Episode: - What Trevor envisions for the Franchise Masters - How Trevor got into video storytelling  - Filming with your iPhone vs. higher quality filming - What goes into making an excellent brand video? - Why is a hook important in video storytelling? - How to get people to watch your video - Why emotional responses are critical to capture on videos - What makes people invest in a brand? - The impact of consumer testimonials  - How to work with Trevor and his team - Should you hire an internal videographer? - Video content that emerging brands must have - Brands with unique video storytelling   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/   Connect with Trevor Rappleye: 🌐 Website  ✉️ Email  💼 LinkedIn ✉️ Newsletter    Connect with Erik Van Horn: 🌐 Website  📷 Instagram  👍 Facebook  👥 Facebook Group  💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube Ⓜ️ Medium