In this BizBlend Podcast episode host Sana gets brutally practical about franchise financials with Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and author of Non-Food Franchising. If you’re evaluating a franchise investment and you want reality over hype, this conversation walks through total all-in costs, working capital, ramp-up timelines, cash flow expectations, and what actually drives revenue in non-food franchises. You’ll hear how to think about profit potential, semi-absentee ownership, SBA loans, ROBS funding, and the red flags that can turn “business ownership” into an expensive job. This is a grounded breakdown for buyers who want predictable cash flow, scalable operations, and a smarter path to franchising in the U.S. market.

About the Guest:

Jon Ostenson is the founder of FranBridge Consulting, focusing on non-food franchise opportunities across industries like senior care, home services, property management, and health and wellness. He’s an active investor and helps buyers evaluate franchise systems, leadership teams, unit economics, and growth potential.

Key Takeaways:

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  Most non-food franchise investments land around $150K to $500K all-in, typically including franchise fees, startup costs, and several months of working capital.

  
  


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  The real “oxygen” is working capital plus time to profitability. Plan for a slower ramp and aim to beat conservative assumptions.

  
  


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  Cash flow positive timelines often range 3 to 9 months. Owner-operators may hit 3 to 6 months while executive models can take closer to a year.

  
  


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  Non-food franchising is bigger than fast food. Think services, pets, kids programs, B2B services, wellness, and other niche operators.

  
  


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  Revenue drivers usually blend franchisor-led lead generation with local market execution like community presence and referral networks.

  
  


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  “Semi-absentee” can work if you have the right operator. Without that person you’ll be forced back into daily operations.

  
  


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  SBA loans are common in the U.S. Many buyers fund with roughly 20% down and leverage the rest, similar to real estate.

  
  


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  ROBS can fund a purchase using retirement dollars. It’s an option, not a default, and depends on risk tolerance.

  
  


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  Franchise quality varies. A weak leadership team without industry and franchise experience is a major red flag.

  
  


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  Franchising can be training wheels or a springboard. Your mindset, season of life, and the system’s support determine which one you get.

  
  

Connect With the Guest:

Website: https://franbridgeconsulting.com/ 

Free book offer: Download Non-Food Franchising via the website by sharing your email, then request an intro call if you want to explore franchise ownership fit and financials.

 

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life/BizBlend? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

• 
  

  DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

  
  

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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