

Franchise Secrets Podcast
Erik Van Horn
Franchising specialist Erik Van Horn reveals the secrets he uses as a franchisee, consultant, investor and entrepreneur. Join us every Tuesday to learn tactical and practical tools that will help you buy, grow, and sell franchises like an expert.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 14, 2024 • 44min
Franchise ROI Secrets: How to Balance Cash Flow and Equity With David Schuck
Ready to unlock the secrets to franchise domination? Buckle up as David Schuck, the visionary force behind Spartan Fitness Holdings, unveils the playbook for unparalleled success in franchising. Join Erik and David for an exciting conversation that dives deep into the heart of franchising and business expansion. 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 power-packed episode, they peel back the layers of franchising intricacies, exploring the art of building relationships with both employees and vendors. Discover how fostering genuine connections sets the stage for monumental growth and prosperity. But that's just the beginning. Delve into the transformation from operator to visionary, as David shares the key to effective delegation and cultivating trust within your team. Are you ready to revolutionize your franchise game? Tune in now to gain invaluable insights from a true industry expert and propel your business to unprecedented heights. "The franchisee-franchisor relationship is inherently tension-filled, but when done right, I think it's a huge win-win." - David Schuck In This Episode: - How David grew his business to multiple locations - David remembers some pivotal moments in his journey - Doing things you don't like because that's what the business needs - Transitioning from operator to visionary - Hiring and firing vendors - How franchisors are helping top-performing franchisees - The significance of grand openings - Balancing cash flow and equity - David's definition of success - The importance of franchisee-franchisor relationship - David's growth strategy 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 David Schuck: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schuck-spartanfitnessholdings/ 🌐 Website - https://www.spartanfitnessholdings.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/

May 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
Building Wealth Beyond The Myth of Hardwork With Garrett Gunderson
Ever wondered what you'd do with a billion dollars? The dream's not far-fetched, and Garrett Gunderson is here to explain why. In this riveting conversation, he flips the script on the age-old narrative of working tirelessly and saving every penny to build wealth. Instead, he unveils a paradigm shift centered on expanding wealth and accelerating its growth. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr Garrett's journey from traditional thinking to revolutionary wealth-building strategies is eye-opening. He urges entrepreneurs and business owners to focus on increasing income, strategically minimizing taxes and expenses, and making wise investments. But that's just the beginning. Diving deep into the financial ocean, Garrett reveals the power of aligning financial decisions with personal values and life aspirations. Forget mundane budget cuts; it's all about maximizing wealth and living life to the fullest. And it's not just about numbers and spreadsheets. Garrett emphasizes the significance of family, experiences, and nurturing relationships. By the end of this conversation, you'll be rethinking your approach to wealth. It's not merely about amassing riches; it's about leaving a meaningful legacy and making a profound impact on the world. Get ready to rewrite your financial destiny with Garrett Gunderson's game-changing insights. "I'm just designing life the way that I want to do it. I believe in a smaller number of goods in my basket but a bigger cash flow from that basket. That's really my philosophy." - Garrett Gunderson In This Episode: - Shifting from working hard to expanding wealth - The real game of wealth is in adding value - Changing perspectives from hustling to true wealth creation - Entrepreneurs as investors - Spending meaningful time with people who matter most to you - Maximizing tax deductions and other strategies of the wealthy - The power of family meetings - Experiencing Garrett's cabin retreats - The value of nurturing relationships - The goal of becoming a billionaire: Impact vs. wealth accumulation 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 Garrett Gunderson: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-gunderson-651359b3/ 🌐 Website - https://garrettgunderson.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/

Apr 30, 2024 • 41min
The Only Way Absentee Ownership in Franchising Really Works With Terry Rackley and Luke Jacobson
Terry Rackley and Luke Jacobson from StretchLab share insights on semi-absentee franchising, emphasizing the need for the right franchise opportunity, quick location openings, and employee challenges. They discuss the support from the franchisor, trial and error, organizational skills, and the value of strong partnerships in business.

Apr 23, 2024 • 38min
Why the Salon Suite Concept Is Perfect for Semi-Absentee Franchising With Erin Elgin of Sola Salons
Is franchising a salon suite a good idea? The beauty industry continues to grow as more people take personal care seriously, driving more interest in health and beauty services than ever before. We're also seeing more health and beauty professionals transition to independent business ownership. Hence, salon suite franchises are a great way to capitalize on this trend. But what does it take to run such a franchise? 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, Erin Elgin of Sola Salons shares her journey as a franchisee in the salon suite industry and her transition to owning real estate. She and Erik discuss the evolution of the salon suite concept and the shift towards rental salons. Erin also talks about her strengths in marketing and overcoming her initial fear of being on camera. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connection in her marketing efforts. Erin's goal is to reduce her working hours down to five hours a week, so she has taken the steps to delegate tasks and hire an executive. She also discusses the benefits of owning real estate and her future plans. Tune in and discover if franchising a salon suite fits your personality and what it takes to become successful in this industry. "I don't think anybody if they're hiring a high-level executive to replace themselves, should worry about any timeframe or what anyone is telling you about how long it should take. Just stay in your flow and what speed feels right for you." - Erin Elgin In This Episode: - A brief background about Erin and Sola Salons - Evolution of the salon suite industry - Erin's strengths that make her a great business owner - Overcoming fear of being on camera - Comfort level with public speaking - Advice to your teenage self - Transitioning from 60 to 30 hours of work - Hiring people and growing the team - Finding the right executive - How to manage and resolve conflicts - Benefits of owning real estate - Erin's future plans - Social media presence 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 Erin Elgin: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-elgin-a17bb554/ 📷 Instagram (Erin) - https://www.instagram.com/theerinevolution/ 📷 Instagram (Sola Salons) - https://www.instagram.com/solatwincities/ 🌐 Website - https://www.solasalonstudios.com/regions/twin-cities 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/

Apr 16, 2024 • 30min
Building Unstoppable Teams: Attract, Engage, and Empower Top Talent With Mike Michalowicz
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.

Apr 9, 2024 • 53min
How to Grow and Scale Your Franchise Business With Dan Rowe of Fransmart
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/

Apr 2, 2024 • 40min
The Grand Opening Playbook: Steps to a Successful Launch With Brooke Budke
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/

Mar 26, 2024 • 46min
The Secret to Achieving Top Franchisee Status in Complex Businesses With Andy Ayers
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/

Mar 19, 2024 • 25min
How to Build Successful Franchisor and Franchisee Relationships With Jeff Herr
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/

Mar 12, 2024 • 35min
The Blueprint for Growing Your Franchise Into Multiple Locations With Jeff Herr
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


