Claim OwnershipFrom A to Franchisee: The Podcast for Smarter Franchise Buying
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Franchise Business Review is the trusted, independent source for franchise research. Join FBR President and COO Michelle Rowan as she demystifies the franchise buying process. From funding to franchisee satisfaction, she covers everything you need to know about buying and running a successful franchise. Michelle’s not going it alone, either. With 20 years in market research, Franchise Business Review has insights from hundreds of thousands of franchise owners to uncover the highest-rated brands.
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Send a text Join Michelle Rowan and Anthony Byrd in this episode of "From A to Franchisee" as they unravel the complexities of SBA loans for franchise buyers. Discover how SBA loans serve as a government-backed security for banks, making it easier for new businesses to secure funding. Anthony Byrd, a seasoned expert in franchising and SBA lending, dispels common myths about these loans and highlights recent changes in guidelines, including citizenship requirements and the SBA directory. Learn...
Send a text Unlock the secrets of top-performing franchisees in this insightful episode. Discover how these leaders achieve consistent success, even in challenging markets, by treating their franchise like a CEO-run business and following proven systems. Join Allison Dudas from Franchise Business Review as she shares real stories from award-winning franchisees across various industries, revealing the key patterns that set them apart. Learn how successful franchisees hire smarter, foster an ow...
Send a text Discover what it’s really like to join a franchise in its early stages through the firsthand insights of Tom Winspear. Learn about the advantages, challenges, and strategies for success when entering an emerging brand, plus tips on assessing and building a strong franchise community. Resources Listen: Announcing the Top 200 Franchises of 2026Listen: Understanding the Franchise Disclosure DocumentListen: The Pros and Cons of Franchise OwnershipRead: What to Know Before Investing in...
Send a text In this episode, Ashley Vetek shares her journey from military service to successful multi-unit franchise owner of Tutu School, focusing on the unique opportunities and challenges in the children’s enrichment space. Whether you're considering entering this sector or interested in franchise ownership, Ashley's insights are invaluable. Resources Listen: Industry Spotlight on Child Enrichment Franchisees: Mobile FranchiseListen: Industry Spotlight on Tutoring FranchiseeListen: Women ...
Send a text This episode delves into the role of a franchise business consultant (FBC), featuring guest Maria Heatherington from Massage Luxe. The discussion highlights the FBC's role as a strategic partner and coach for franchise owners, helping them operate smoothly and profitably while aligning with the brand. Maria shares insights into her journey from managing a tanning salon franchise to becoming a district manager and eventually an FBC. The conversation covers the importance of setting...
Send a text In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan interviews Carli Sonntag, a franchise owner in the tutoring space, specifically with Mathnasium. Carli shares her journey from working in media and teaching to owning a franchise, highlighting the blend of business acumen and mission-driven goals that led her to this path. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a tutoring franchise, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, marketing, and the need fo...
Send a text In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan speaks with representatives from two distinct franchise systems about the importance of training and support. First up is Scott Koepf from Cruise Planners, a home-based travel franchise. Secondly, Steven Schenck shares his perspective from 360clean, a commercial cleaning franchise. They discuss the initial training brands may offer, and the ongoing support franchisees can receive from corporate. These experts offer tips for what training and...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Paige Robinson Dosch, VP Franchise Resales, Unleashed Brands The podcast episode features Michelle Rowan and Paige Robinson Dosch discussing the intricacies of buying and selling franchise businesses. Paige, the VP of Franchise Resales at Unleashed Brands, shares her expertise on the benefits and challenges of acquiring existing franchises versus starting new ones. The conversation highlights the importance of hav...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Allison Dudas, B2C Senior Marketing Manager at Franchise Business Review Episode Summary In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review, unveils the much-anticipated "FBR's Top 200 Franchises of 2026." This exclusive list is unique in the franchising world as it is based entirely on the satisfaction of real franchise owners. The episode delves into the methodology...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business Review Guest: Madeleine Zook, CMO | Multi-Unit/Multi-Brand Franchisee Summary: In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Madeleine Zook delve into the crucial role of talking to franchisees before investing in a franchise investment. Madeleine emphasizes that speaking with current franchisees provides invaluable insights into the realities of running a franchise, beyond what franchisors can legally disclose. This dialogue helps potential franch...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review Guest: Eric Stites, Founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review Episode Summary: The Journey of Starting Franchise Business Review Introduction: Twenty years ago, a light bulb moment sparked the creation of Franchise Business Review. Eric Stites, then working with franchise marketing, noticed a gap in the industry: potential franchisees struggled to get honest feedback from existing owners. This realization led ...
Send a text In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan interviews Mitch Wallace, a franchisee with Caring Senior Services, to explore the journey of transforming an existing senior care business into a franchise. Mitch shares his personal story of entering the senior care industry, driven by the need to care for his own family members. Initially starting as an independent business, Mitch and his family recognized the need for more structure and support, leading them to transiti...
Send a text In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan interviews Mike Jones, a franchisee in the business services industry, specifically with Sandler, a well-known brand in training and sales development. The discussion delves into the unique aspects of owning a business services franchise, highlighting the transition from traditional business ownership to a franchise model. Mike shares his journey from owning a commercial truck tire center to managing a bank, and eventually purchasing a Sandl...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President & COO of Franchise Business Review Guests: Russ O'Rear, Franchisee of Travelin' Tom's Truck and Kona Ice since 2019, Tim Valiant, Franchisee of Travelin' Tom's and Kona Ice since 2012 Episode Summary of Industry Spotlight: Mobile Food Franchisees This podcast episode from "A to Franchisee" delves into the world of mobile food franchising, featuring insights from Kona Ice franchisees Russ O'Rear and Tim Valiant. They discuss transitioning from tr...
Send a text In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan hosts a discussion with Vik Sreedhar and Supriya, franchise owners of Amazing Athletes in San Jose. The conversation explores their journey into the child enrichment franchise sector, highlighting their transition from previous careers in pharmacy and tech sales to owning a business that aligns with their family lifestyle. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a franchise, emphasizing the importance of community relationships, f...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review Guest: Michael Iannuzzi, Episode Summary In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan discusses the importance of having an exit strategy in franchising with guest Michael Iannuzzi, a partner at Citrin Cooperman. They emphasize that it's never too early to plan your exit strategy, as it helps avoid future surprises and aligns with personal and business goals. Michael explains key concepts like the franchisor's r...
Send a text This episode focuses on the concept of "Discovery Days" in the franchise industry, where potential franchisees meet with franchisors to validate their interest in a brand. Michelle Rowan hosts the discussion with guests Rob Lancit, Marci Kleinsasser, and Jordan Wilson, each representing different franchise models. They explore various approaches to Discovery Days, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. The conversation highlights the importance of these events in assess...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review Guest: Eric Stites, Founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review Summary of How Much Money Can You Make Owning A Franchise? In this episode of From A to Franchisee, Michelle Rowan and Eric Stites discuss the financial aspects of owning a franchise. They address the common question of how much money one can make from franchising, sharing data from surveying tens of thousands of franchisees yearly. How much you can...
Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, COO and President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Ali Kraus, CMO of Benetrends Financial and Vice Chair of IFA's Women in Franchising Committee Episode Summary: In this engaging podcast episode, Michelle Rowan welcomes back Ali Kraus, the first repeat guest, to discuss the evolving landscape of women in franchising. They explore the progress and challenges women face in the industry, highlighting the importance of financial literacy, mentorship, and confi...
Send a text In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Toni Harris-Taylor discuss the importance of diversity in franchising. Toni, a dynamic leader in the franchise world, emphasizes the need for awareness and inclusivity, debunking myths about financial barriers for minorities entering franchising. They explore the lack of representation at franchise events and the need for franchisors to engage with diverse communities. Toni shares her efforts to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with franchise oppo...
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