I Fired My Boss - A Franchise Podcast

In this solo episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps returns to the mic with a power-packed reflection on the fundamentals of building and scaling a successful franchise business. Drawing from his experience leading a fast-growing home services franchise system, Dan breaks down the core of business operations into a deceptively simple formula: generate leads, sell the job, deliver exceptional service, ask for reviews and referrals, and repeat. He emphasizes that while business may be simple in structure, it's far from easy—requiring relentless execution, consistency, and a deep commitment to doing the “boring” things well, day in and day out.Dan also parallels his personal fitness journey with entrepreneurship, highlighting the compounding power of repetition and delayed results. He dives into the psychology of success, the "whoosh" effect in both health and business, and how sticking to a daily playbook—especially in the early, gritty stages—can lead to massive breakthroughs. He ends the episode with a masterclass in home services sales, outlining a customer-centric, question-first approach that helps franchise owners and technicians build trust, uncover true customer needs, and close with confidence. Whether you’re a franchise owner, franchisor, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is a high-value reminder that long-term success comes from mastering and repeating the basics—longer and better than anyone else.

In this bonus “fireside chat” episode, Voda Cleaning & Restoration founder and CEO Dan Claps pulls back the curtain on the realities of franchise ownership—and why “franchising takes out the guesswork, not the work.” Dan walks listeners through what you’re actually buying when you buy a franchise: the systems, the brand, and most importantly, the people and culture behind it. He shares how to evaluate a franchisor’s leadership team, what to look for in a discovery process, and the five core questions every serious buyer needs answered—how you’ll get customers, how you’ll get employees, what makes the brand stand out, what the numbers look like, and what the day-to-day life of an owner really is.Dan is joined by key members of the Voda team, including Chief Development Officer Steve Miller and CMO Christian Betancourt,, who break down how to read the FDD (especially Item 7 and Item 19), why validation calls with franchisees matter, and what “good support” should look like after you sign. The conversation goes deep on operations, onboarding, training, tech, and marketing infrastructure—down to dashboards, CRMs, call centers, and ROI tracking—plus Dan’s simple framework for growth (the only four ways to generate leads and the only four ways to grow a business). They also field live questions about what differentiates Voda, the dual cleaning + restoration model, and how the brand keeps franchise owners connected through cohort-style onboarding, Microsoft Teams community, weekly huddles, advisory councils, and conferences, ending with a candid reminder: not everyone is cut out for franchising, and that’s okay.

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with Mike Hagan, the very first franchise owner in the Voda Restoration system and the original believer in the brand. Mike shares his journey from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial sales to becoming a business owner and top performer in the Voda network. He dives into the due diligence process he went through before committing to the brand, what attracted him to Voda over other restoration franchises, and how the hands-on support from Dan and the HQ team gave him the confidence to take the leap. Mike also reflects on the early days of running his franchise while still holding a W-2 job and the importance of surrounding yourself with driven people who share a common mission.The conversation touches on everything from the growth of the Voda system—now over 100 franchisees strong—to Mike’s plans for scaling his business into reconstruction and hiring a business development manager. He talks candidly about the highs and challenges of ownership, including the freedom he never imagined and the admin work that caught him off guard. Mike also shares insights on what sets Voda apart in the restoration industry, the power of networking, and how having a husband-and-wife team (with his wife Trish managing the cleaning side) gives them a strategic advantage. Whether you're considering franchise ownership or already on the path, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and real-world perspective from someone who's walked the road and fired his boss for good.

In this special crossover episode, I Fired My Boss introduces a brand-new show from the Voda Cleaning & Restoration team: The Voda Download. Hosted by Jesalyn Johnson, this debut episode dives deep into one of Voda’s most cherished traditions — the annual Voda Toy Drive. Jesalyn sits down with Voda founders Dragon and Arlene, who share how their humble beginnings, personal experiences, and faith-driven leadership sparked a movement of generosity that now stretches across Voda’s growing network of franchises.Listeners will hear touching stories from the early days of the toy drive, including moments that shaped the founders' passion for giving, and how simple gifts — even a bottle of shampoo — have brought joy to children who’ve never received a Christmas present before. This episode is not only a beautiful reflection on the spirit of giving, but also an invitation to Voda owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs everywhere: your business can be a vehicle for impact. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation that perfectly captures the culture of Voda and the deeper meaning behind building a purpose-driven brand.

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, recorded live at the inaugural Voda franchise conference, host Dan Claps sits down for a candid one-on-one with Thomas Wray, a top-performing Voda Cleaning & Restoration franchise owner based in Houston. Thomas shares his unconventional journey from investment banking and energy trading in New York City to full-time entrepreneurship in the home services space. He discusses how his partnership with his brother-in-law Holston—and their shared obsession with customer service—helped launch a high-growth business that's already making a major impact in their community. With no prior experience in restoration, Thomas explains how he leveraged his corporate background, followed the franchise system, and went all in to create real momentum.Throughout the conversation, Thomas unpacks the mindset shift required to leave a high-paying job and fully commit to building a service business from the ground up. He highlights the difference between passive ownership and leadership driven by purpose, and shares the importance of community, culture, and constant iteration. From serving hurricane victims to empowering his team with trust and incentives, Thomas gives a raw and inspiring look at what it really takes to scale a mission-driven business in restoration. Whether you’re a corporate escapee or considering your first franchise, this episode is packed with hard-won insights and real-world strategy.

In this special conference episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with three powerhouse women making waves in the home services industry: Nina Hunter and Erica Boutelle, both multi-unit franchise owners with Voda Cleaning & Restoration, and Shannon Hauser, Voda’s Franchise Coaching Manager. Recorded live in Madison, Wisconsin during the company’s annual franchisee conference, the conversation highlights how each woman found her way into business ownership—often after career shakeups or personal pivots—and why they chose franchising as a path to freedom and fulfillment. From launching in the wake of Hurricane Idalia to redefining leadership in the field, Nina and Erica open up about what it means to build trust, community, and confidence as women in a traditionally male-dominated space.The episode also explores the nuanced challenges female entrepreneurs face—from overcoming assumptions in the field to managing work-life integration and building strong team cultures from day one. Shannon adds perspective from the coaching side, while all three women share how they lead with empathy, purpose, and hands-on commitment. Their stories reflect not only resilience and resourcefulness but also a growing movement of women reshaping the future of franchising and restoration. Whether you're in the industry or just dreaming of your next chapter, this conversation is full of honest insights and powerful motivation.

In this special on-location episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with Voda Cleaning and Restoration franchise owners Sean Gilmore and Keith Nash live from Madison, Wisconsin during the inaugural Voda franchise owner conference. Sean, based in the Carolinas, and Keith, operating in Chattanooga, reflect on their unique journeys into franchising—both driven by a desire to escape the limitations of corporate life and build meaningful, impactful businesses. Keith shares a powerful story about a life-changing moment helping a veteran during an emergency cleanup, which affirmed his purpose in the restoration industry. Meanwhile, Sean opens up about the grind of the early days and his long-term vision of building an empire to leave a legacy for his nieces.Together, the three dive into the realities of entrepreneurship—navigating mental and financial lows, creating intentional company culture, and finding harmony between personal and professional life. Dan shares his own transformative moments, including the emotional weight of stewarding a growing franchise brand and staying mentally strong under pressure. This episode is a raw, real, and inspiring look into what it means to go all in—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally—on a business that serves both community and purpose.

In this solo episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives deep into the topic of company culture—a subject he believes is at the heart of building successful businesses. Fresh off his birthday weekend and just before heading to Wisconsin for the first-ever Voda 1 annual conference, Dan reflects on why culture is so central to his excitement for the event. He shares practical, real-world strategies that he implements at Franchise Playbook and Voda to create a thriving work environment, including promoting psychological safety, fostering healthy debate, and ensuring team members—especially junior ones—are empowered to speak up first in meetings.Dan breaks down the five core responsibilities of a CEO when it comes to building culture: casting a vision, securing buy-in, providing resources, celebrating wins, and holding people accountable. He also emphasizes the value of feedback—calling it a gift—and shares how being "caringly candid" helps cultivate trust and performance across teams. From solving everyday inefficiencies to helping teammates build toward their long-term personal and professional goals, this episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership and the power of putting people first.

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives into the transformative lessons he’s picked up from a handful of impactful business books. Dan shares insights from titles like Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc, The Outsiders, How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs, and That Will Never Work by Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph. The episode zeroes in on the Netflix story, particularly Randolph's revelation that true company culture isn’t about perks like hot tubs and ping-pong tables—but about giving brilliant, creative people the autonomy to solve meaningful problems. Dan connects this idea to his own leadership journey in franchising, emphasizing the importance of crafting a culture of trust, autonomy, and alignment around a common mission.Dan also reflects on broader lessons for entrepreneurs, including the importance of starting before you feel completely ready. Drawing parallels between Netflix’s foresight in pivoting from DVDs to streaming and his own path into water restoration franchising, Dan underscores how being in the business gives you clarity you can’t get from the outside. He encourages listeners not to overanalyze potential future challenges but to dive in, learn, and adapt. Whether you're considering launching a business or are already deep in the game, this episode offers a grounded yet inspiring perspective on leadership, culture-building, and the value of action over hesitation.

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives into the transformative lessons he’s picked up from a handful of impactful business books. Dan shares insights from titles like Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc, The Outsiders, How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs, and That Will Never Work by Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph. The episode zeroes in on the Netflix story, particularly Randolph's revelation that true company culture isn’t about perks like hot tubs and ping-pong tables—but about giving brilliant, creative people the autonomy to solve meaningful problems. Dan connects this idea to his own leadership journey in franchising, emphasizing the importance of crafting a culture of trust, autonomy, and alignment around a common mission.Dan also reflects on broader lessons for entrepreneurs, including the importance of starting before you feel completely ready. Drawing parallels between Netflix’s foresight in pivoting from DVDs to streaming and his own path into water restoration franchising, Dan underscores how being in the business gives you clarity you can’t get from the outside. He encourages listeners not to overanalyze potential future challenges but to dive in, learn, and adapt. Whether you're considering launching a business or are already deep in the game, this episode offers a grounded yet inspiring perspective on leadership, culture-building, and the value of action over hesitation.

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps dives deep into the concept of becoming the Mayor of the Town—a powerful strategy for building a thriving local business, especially in the home services industry. Dan shares how local business owners can establish trust, build strong relationships, and create lasting brand awareness in their communities by being highly visible, involved, and service-oriented. Drawing from his own experiences, he highlights the importance of networking through organizations like BNI (Business Networking International), leveraging community events, and relentlessly promoting your business through strategic branding and partnerships.Dan also emphasizes the long game of entrepreneurship, reminding listeners that true success doesn’t come overnight—it requires consistency, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to growth. He shares personal stories from his early days in business, the challenges he faced when launching Voda Cleaning & Restoration, and the lessons he learned about resilience and adaptability. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to build strong local connections, generate referrals, and ultimately, dominate your market by becoming a trusted leader in your community.

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps dives deep into lead generation strategies specifically for home service businesses and franchise owners. He shares his evolving vision for the podcast—documenting his journey and providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Dan emphasizes the importance of engaged leads, explaining why quality trumps quantity and how irresistible lead magnets can attract high-intent customers. He also introduces the "Rule of 100," a powerful framework involving daily content creation, outreach, and advertising investments to maximize lead flow. Throughout the episode, Dan breaks down the core four lead generation strategies—warm outreach, cold outreach, paid advertising, and content creation—showing how a well-balanced approach can drive sustained business growth.Beyond lead generation, Dan offers a masterclass in sales psychology, demonstrating how to handle objections and close deals effectively. Using his experience in the mold remediation industry, he walks through a proven sales presentation framework that builds trust, establishes authority, and preemptively addresses customer hesitations. He emphasizes the power of strategic partnerships and referrals, explaining how nurturing deep relationships with referral sources—like plumbers for a water restoration business—can significantly impact long-term success. Whether you're a franchise owner, home service provider, or entrepreneur looking to improve your lead generation and sales conversion, this episode is packed with valuable, real-world strategies you can implement immediately. Don't forget to leave a five-star review and stay tuned for more insights from Dan on growing and scaling a business the right way!

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps breaks down the essential numbers every home service business owner needs to know to measure marketing success. He dives into the critical metrics—Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), and Closing Rate—and explains how these numbers dictate whether your business is growing profitably or spinning its wheels. Dan shares real-world insights from his own experiences, including past mistakes, lessons learned, and a powerful story about a business owner who didn't realize he was making an 80X return on his marketing spend. If you don’t know your numbers, you’re flying blind—and Dan is here to make sure you see the full picture.With his signature no-nonsense approach, Dan also debunks common misconceptions about marketing ROI, explaining why early-stage businesses often struggle with high acquisition costs and how long-term thinking can transform your bottom line. He challenges business owners to analyze their sales processes, improve their closing rates, and recognize when marketing isn't the problem—operations and customer experience are. Whether you're a franchise owner, an independent operator, or just considering jumping into the home service industry, this episode will give you the tools to approach your business with a data-driven mindset. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start scaling, this one's for you.

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps takes a deep dive into the art of selling—specifically in the home services industry. Walking and recording on a Saturday morning, Dan shares raw and unfiltered insights into what it takes to build a successful business, drawing from his experience scaling Voda Cleaning and Restoration to over 200 territories across 30 states. He breaks down the psychology of selling, emphasizing the importance of building rapport, asking the right questions, and handling objections like a pro. Whether you’re in home services, fitness, or any other sales-driven business, his step-by-step framework for overcoming resistance and closing deals is invaluable.Dan also reflects on his journey as an entrepreneur and podcaster, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a brand over time. He stresses the power of persistence, authenticity, and creating real value for customers. If you’ve ever struggled with closing deals or want to improve your sales game, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that you can apply immediately. Plus, Dan makes a call to action—if you enjoy the show, leave a five-star review and help him grow I Fired My Boss into a top-ranked business podcast!

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

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

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

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

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

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