The Sidekick Life

From a late-night simulator session with friends to 300+ locations in five years—this is the wild rise of The Back Nine, the fastest-growing golf simulator franchise in America. Founder & CEO Wil Bangerter joins Ryan and Tyler to share how he walked away from a law career, turned an “unhealthy golf addiction” into a scalable business, and built a franchise system that’s redefining indoor golf.In this episode:The garage-to-franchise origin story (COVID year → soft opening → first members)Why golfers love the 24/7, automated, no-pressure model—and how software makes it workPicking the right simulator tech (accuracy = retention) and building sticky membershipsThe first 10 franchisees: pioneers, pricing, and lessons from messy beginningsHitting zero sales…then a seven-figure month and sustained 15–30 deals/monthPartnerships with Full Swing, TGL, and NBC’s tee time networkHow Wil’s role evolved from floor-scraper to culture-builder and franchise support leaderWhat it takes to scale responsibly: territory mapping, ops hiring, and franchisee successWho it’s for: aspiring franchise owners, emerging franchisors, golf/fitness operators, and anyone curious how to turn passion into a durable business.If you’re exploring franchise ownership, grab our free 20-minute training: 10,000 Locations & Counting—The Franchise Buyer’s Blueprint.

Why do Franchises Fail?Franchising looks like one of the safest bets in business — thousands of brands, hundreds of thousands of owners, and billions added to the U.S. economy. But the truth? Not every franchise is built to last.In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen pull back the curtain on why franchise brands fail — not just the local shops, but the franchisors themselves. From high-profile collapses like Quiznos and Boston Market to the hidden traps in emerging brands, we explore the red flags you should know before investing your time, money, and future.We dive deep into:What the data really says about franchise closuresThe difference between failing franchisees vs. failing franchisorsLeadership mistakes that sink even national brandsThe hidden dangers of undercapitalization, oversaturation, and supply chain gapsThe risks of “franchise creators” and franchising too earlyWhy development schedules and licensing laws can make or break a new brandHow Franchise Sidekick protects buyers and sets them up for long-term successWhether you're a prospective franchisee or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight and actionable advice.

Part-time franchise ownership is one of the most misunderstood—and most desired—paths in franchising. Can you really keep your job, hire someone else to run the business, and still make money?In this episode, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen break down the truth about part-time franchise ownership. They share real-life stories, step-by-step frameworks, and the S.T.I.C. system for finding the right operator to help you scale without burning out.You'll learn:What “part-time” really means (and how many hours it takes)The best industries for flexible franchise ownershipHow to find and incentivize your “STIC person”The daily/weekly/monthly cadence every part-time owner must followThe biggest myths, mistakes, and pitfalls to avoidWhether you're a busy professional, investor, or couple exploring franchising, this episode gives you the blueprint to build a franchise that runs without running your life.🔗 Learn more at franchisesidekick.com🎓 Sign up for the free webinar: 10,000 Locations and Counting: The Franchise Buyer’s Blueprint

Ready to own a franchise but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and senior advisor Anthony Hudson count down the Top 10 Franchise Brands of Summer 2025—the ones our clients can’t stop talking about. From home services and med spas to golf simulators and unique mobile concepts, we share why these brands are surging, what makes them stand out, and where prime territories are still up for grabs. If you want the inside scoop on what’s hot in franchising right now, this is your shortcut.

Your business is growing… but so is the chaos. In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Ford Saeks—Business Growth Accelerator, keynote speaker, and CEO of Prime Concepts—to unpack how scaling shouldn't come with burnout, confusion, or overwhelm.Ford reveals why most businesses don’t actually have a growth problem—they have a systems problem. From diagnosing hidden inefficiencies to creating accountability, Ford brings decades of experience helping franchise brands and entrepreneurs build smarter, stronger operations.You’ll hear:Why mindset is the starting point of sustainable growthHow to uncover “buried bodies” in your business (and fix what’s really broken)The four essential ways to scale any companyHow AI can drive profitability and reduce operational headachesFord’s personal leadership wake-up call—and how it changed his businesses foreverIf you're a franchisee, founder, or growth-minded operator ready to scale with clarity and confidence, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode of Boring Business, Big Profits, hosts Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Dan Claps, CEO of Voda Cleaning and Restoration. Dan shares his journey of turning a "boring" industry—home cleaning and restoration—into a thriving, recession-resistant franchise model. From starting with one location in Northern Virginia to scaling Voda to over 200 locations in just two years, Dan reveals the hidden potential of "dirty businesses" like cleaning, junk removal, and restoration, and why they can be some of the most profitable ventures in any economy. If you're curious about building a franchise that quietly thrives, this episode will change the way you view the home services industry. Tune in to hear about Dan's unique approach, why boring businesses might be your path to big profits, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!Listen now to discover how you can make a big impact in the world of "boring" business and create a profitable, sustainable franchise.

From Laid Off to Launched: Nina's Bold Leap into Franchise OwnershipWhen Nina unexpectedly lost her job, she didn’t retreat—she recalibrated. In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with Nina, a former product marketing pro turned Voda Cleaning and Restoration franchisee, to explore how she turned a 5-out-of-10 confidence score into full-blown business ownership.Nina shares the raw truth of facing uncertainty, researching brands with her husband, and ultimately choosing a recession-resistant franchise model. Oh—and did we mention she launched in the middle of a hurricane?From using a ROBS and SBA loan combo to hiring experts who could hit the ground running, Nina breaks down every step of her journey, including her commitment to being “mayor of the town” and building long-term community trust.If you’re sitting at a crossroads wondering “Could I really own a business?”—this is your sign to find out.🎙️ What you'll hear:Why franchising offered Nina a smarter, faster path to ownershipHow she overcame fear and analysis paralysisThe power of validation, support systems, and hiring rightWhat it’s like launching a business with a toddler in towWhy being in business “for yourself but not by yourself” matters more than everWhether you're facing a layoff, seeking more meaning in your work, or simply curious about franchising—this episode is for you.

Is franchising a scam? Or is it one of the most misunderstood paths to business ownership? In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen take on the internet trolls and viral hot takes to unpack the truth behind franchising.They explore the most common criticisms of franchising—like "you're just buying a job" or "you don't really own the business"—and break down what the data actually says. From SBA default rates to franchise success stories, this episode gives you the facts to make your own call.You’ll learn:Why some franchises fail—and what successful ones do differentlyThe real difference between franchising and starting from scratchHow franchisors make money (and what that means for franchisees)What it really means to “own” a franchise businessWhy the most successful investors focus on scaling, not DIYWhether you’re franchise-curious or just skeptical about the business model, this episode will challenge assumptions and provide clarity backed by real-world experience.Ready to build your own business and take back your freedom: https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRw

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Paul Ludacka, founder of Ludacka Wealth Partners, to dive deep into the heart and habits behind true wealth. With decades of experience advising top entrepreneurs and families, Paul shares transformative lessons on money, values, legacy, and identity.https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRw

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we dive into the truth behind passive income—and spoiler: it’s not about sipping cocktails on a beach while the money rolls in. Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen, co-founders of Franchise Sidekick, break down the myths, the mistakes, and the mindset shifts you need to build true passive income streams.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why “passive” doesn’t mean “no work”✅ How to build wealth through business ownership (the unfair advantage)✅ The story of turning $18.40 into a thriving investment portfolio✅ How to find the right people to scale a business or franchise✅ The key to building long-term, sustainable wealth (hint: patience + focus)Whether you’re just starting your passive income journey or you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to diversify, this episode is packed with real-world insights, hard-earned lessons, and actionable strategies.🌳 “Acorns turn into oak trees.”📊 Concentration creates wealth. Diversification preserves it.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Teach your kids the truth about money—and why business ownership is the ultimate wealth builder.Ready to build your own business and take back your freedom?🔴 LIVE 🔴 Join Our Webinar Today! https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRw

After serving in the Army and building a $100M+ sports nutrition brand, Matt Hesse found himself at a crossroads—questioning his purpose and fulfillment. In this episode, Matt shares the raw and powerful story of his transition from franchisee to founder of UHP (University of Health & Performance), a life-changing school helping veterans rediscover identity, purpose, and passion after service. Tune in to hear how Matt’s mission is transforming lives through mentorship, mindset, and a one-of-a-kind campus designed to heal and empower.

RT Custer turned a college golf course idea into a premium American-made watch brand, Vortic, by converting antique pocket watches into one-of-a-kind wristwatches. He survived a six-year lawsuit from the Swatch Group and went on to create Colorado Watch Company to scale his mission. In this inspiring episode, he shares the highs, the near-bankruptcy lows, and the legacy he's building through skilled trades and craftsmanship.

From sweeping floors to scaling 38 Sonic Drive-Ins, Paul Reiser’s journey is the ultimate American dream. In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Paul to unpack how his family bootstrapped their way into one of Sonic’s most successful franchise empires—ultimately exiting for a life of freedom, travel, and purpose. Paul shares the leadership principles, family dynamics, systems, and gut-check moments that shaped their multi-decade journey, and offers hard-won lessons for any aspiring franchisee looking to build a legacy.

In this powerful episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Evan Miller, founder of Gameday Men’s Health, to explore how a clinical psychologist built one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country. From emotional franchisee stories to the mission of transforming men's health, Evan shares how Gameday became a movement — not just a brand.

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen go head-to-head in a fun new segment called It Should Have Been a Franchise, where they debate which Breaking Bad business concept could thrive as a franchise. Will it be Tyler’s Latin-inspired chicken concept with food trucks or Ryan’s legal services model called "Street Smart Lawyers"? Tune in to hear their pitches, expansion strategies, and heated debate — and watch the full episode to find out which concept takes the crown!

Hal Elrod, creator of The Miracle Morning, joins Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen to share how he turned personal adversity into one of the most life-changing morning routines in the world. From overcoming life-threatening challenges to building a thriving business, Hal reveals the key habits that helped him—and millions of others—achieve success. Stick around for powerful insights on personal growth, resilience, and making your business work against all odds.

From Olympic gold medals and an NFL career to running a thriving media empire, Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East have mastered the art of reinvention. In this episode, we dive into their journey—from elite athletics to entrepreneurship and parenthood—exploring the struggles, pivots, and lessons that shaped their success. Plus, don’t miss a hilarious round of "Who Is?" as they reveal who’s more competitive, who’s the bigger risk-taker, and who’s more likely to miss a meeting!

Fear and indecision are the biggest obstacles holding entrepreneurs back from success. In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with franchising powerhouse Josh Skolnick, who shares his journey from mowing lawns as a kid to building multi-million dollar businesses and helping others achieve the American Dream through franchising. Josh reveals the mindset shifts, problem-solving skills, and key lessons that have fueled his success—including why overthinking kills momentum and how taking action, even without all the answers, is the key to winning in business. If you've ever hesitated to take the leap, this episode will show you how to break through fear and start building the business—and life—you want.

Podcast Description: In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Jeff Dudan, CEO of Homefront Brands and serial entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from starting his first business to building a successful franchise empire. Jeff shares powerful insights about leadership, overcoming challenges, and creating a life-changing impact through franchising. Together, Ryan, Tyler, and Jeff dive into the "burn the boats" philosophy, why home services are a recession-resistant market, and how Homefront Brands supports franchisees in solving real-world problems. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or aspiring business owner, this episode offers inspiration, actionable advice, and a look into the heart of building lasting success.

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink delivers an inspiring presentation at SKIP Summit, highlighting the power of overcoming fear, embracing resilience, and guiding franchise owners toward life on their terms. From personal anecdotes to game-changing strategies, Ryan emphasizes the importance of leadership, momentum, and the "burn the boats" mindset for achieving success in franchising and beyond.