What defines a strong franchisor-franchisee relationship, and when is it time to exit? In this solo episode, Erik Van Horn unpacks the REAL dynamics between franchisors and franchisees, sharing his experiences across both sides of the table. He reveals critical insights into identifying a supportive franchisor, managing strained relationships, and …

What if one hire could change the entire trajectory of your business? Discover how a single decision revolutionized this guy's franchise operations—and the unexpected strategies that followed. In this episode, Erik chats with Javier Santacruz, who shares his remarkable journey from attorney to multi-location franchise owner, revealing the pivotal m…

What does it take to scale a franchise while keeping operations lean and efficient? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with John Glazier, Senior VP of Franchise Growth at Hello Sugar and a successful multi-location franchisee. John’s unique journey, from managing salon suites to expanding flagship stores, highlights his deep involvement in bo…

Is your business ready to scale through franchising? In this must-listen episode, Erik Van Horn and Jeff Herr discuss the remaining crucial questions every entrepreneur should ask before becoming a franchisor. Today, they dive deep into scalability, profitability, and what it takes to support franchisees effectively. Using examples from well-known …

Thinking about franchising your business? Before taking the leap, you must know if your business is ready. In this episode, Erik Van Horn teams up with his business partner, Jeff Herr of Front Street Equity Partners, to discuss one of the most critical decisions an entrepreneur can make: Is your business ready to franchise? They break down the firs…

Why does your brand’s grand opening matter? It’s more than just a celebration—it’s your chance to make a lasting impression that can define your franchise’s success. In this episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes Brooke Budke of Momentum Brands for her third appearance to share valuable insights into executing a flawless grand opening for franchise brands…

What does it take to turn a passion for pickleball into a thriving franchise? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with The PICKLR co-founders, Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood, to reveal the strategies and lessons behind building one of the most exciting pickleball franchises. From navigating branding challenges to expanding a business with the …

Are you stuck in the daily grind of running your franchise, unable to focus on scaling your business? Discover why understanding the visionary vs. operator dynamic could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecre…

How do you turn adversity into a thriving business empire? Today's conversation is a masterclass in resilience, determination, and vision. 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, Erik Van Horn welcomes George Tinsley Sr.,…

Should franchisees manage their own social media accounts, or is it best left to the franchisor? The answer could make or break your brand's online presence. 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, Erik Van Horn welcomes …

What happens when your business hits a rough patch, and your franchisees are anything but happy? Discover why having a second-in-command can make or break your company’s future. 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 powerful epi…

Are you a franchise brand tired of wasting time on trial and error? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Brooke Budke of Momentum Brands to reveal powerful strategies for customer acquisition, lead magnets that convert, and everything you need to fast-track your franchise growth. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Priv…

How do you know if a franchise brand is as good as it claims to be? Dive into this episode to uncover the truth from an industry insider! Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr Join Erik Van Horn as he sits down with Edith Wiseman, Presi…

Are you dreaming of running a profitable franchise with fewer headaches? Tune in to this episode as Erik chats with Brigham Dallas, founder and CEO of Hello Sugar Waxing Salon. Brigham shares how Hello Sugar has redefined the retail landscape and positioned itself as a leader in the rapidly growing hair removal industry. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees…

Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr Are you ready to unlock the secrets of a thriving franchising career? Join Erik Van Horn as he takes you on a captivating journey through his 20-year experience in the world of franchising. In this …

Ever wondered why some franchises skyrocket to success while others fade into oblivion? In this eye-opening solo episode, Erik Van Horn delves into his personal experiences with both winning and losing brands. He shares invaluable insights on what sets a flourishing franchise apart from one that struggles. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisor…

With an increasing number of franchises entering the market every year, it can take a lot of work to thoroughly evaluate and compare all the opportunities available. Because of this, many investors are turning to franchise brokers or consultants to help them narrow the field and help them make the right decision. But how do you get brokers to notic…

For a limited time, Justin is offering a Free Strategy Session to our podcast listeners who would like to explore their options to become a Lifestyle Investor: https://lifestyleinvestor.com/strategy/?utm_campaign=pim-link-consultation-page Do you want to be a billionaire? Most people would probably say yes without thinking twice. But today's guest …

Is the hot chicken business just a fad? Have you ever wondered why some brands dominate the market while others fade away quickly? Let's hear what today's guest has to say. 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, Erik Van…

Have you ever wondered how the rich make more money? In this insightful episode, Erik Van Horn and Jim Dew discuss wealth creation and management. Whether you're a beginner investor or a seasoned pro, you'll find valuable strategies to elevate your financial game. Discover how Dew Wealth Management distinguishes itself from other financial firms, o…

Is investing in the food industry a wise move? Does owning multiple locations guarantee profitability? In today's episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik and his guest, Raj Patel, tackle these crucial questions and more. They explore the intricacies of the food industry, highlighting the significance of unit economics and how franchisors can support the…

Discovery days, also referred to as “Meet The Team Day” or “Decision Day,” have been a marketing tool for franchisors for many years, and for some franchisors, they are the most crucial element in closing the sale. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecre…

Ever wondered how a lesson in leadership and perseverance can transform a business? Join us as Aaron Stokes, a 25-year veteran of the automotive repair industry and founder of Shop Fix Academy, reveals his journey from a challenging upbringing to building a thriving business empire. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Fa…

Are you a founder struggling to scale your emerging brand? You're not alone. In this episode of the Franchise Secrets Podcast, host Erik Van Horn dives deep with goGLOW founder and CEO Melanie Richards, exploring the raw challenges and triumphs of growing a brand from zero franchisees to experiencing rocketship growth. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees a…

Every entrepreneur has their formula for success. If you ask a dozen entrepreneurs their secret, many will say you must stand out from the competition. But today's guest has an unconventional secret to industry domination, so tune in to find out if you can apply the same secret to your business. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FR…

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 Fran…

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 it…

What does semi-absentee ownership actually mean? Is it possible in a franchise setting, or is it a myth? 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, Erik talks to his business partners, Luke Jacobson and Terry Rackley from St…

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 capit…

As you start growing your company, you need the right people on your team. Even if you're the CEO, you can’t be the only one leading the company’s direction and strategy. You need a strong team of A-players to challenge your ideas and contribute new ones. Building a strategy should be easy when you have the right people in the right positions. Attr…

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/franchi…

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.fa…

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…

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 sh…

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…

Buying a franchise is a complex process, especially for first-time buyers. It's a long-term investment, and it will be one of the most significant investments you will probably make. Hence, the decisions you make during the buying process are crucial. Which franchise concept are you planning to pursue? How do you choose the right brand? What are th…

Buying a franchise can be an excellent move for an aspiring entrepreneur who doesn’t want to build a new business from scratch. In a perfect world, franchisees acquire a model that works on every level. However, it is not entirely a walk in the park. There are still a bunch of challenges that may come your way. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franc…

A lot of people agree that franchising is more effective than starting a business from scratch. However, it's not as simple as just buying a franchise and waiting for the money to come. Before investing in a franchise, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved in buying and running it. You must know if the ROI would…

The demand for baked goods franchises is on the rise, and people like James Maguire are reaping the rewards of being early in the game. He currently operates seven Crumbl Cookies locations in MA, ME, VT, and NH. But even with the success of his cookie franchise, James decided to diversify and invest in another business—pickleball! Join Over 5,500 F…

Opening a franchise is an opportunity to start and run your own business without building a brand from scratch. However, it’s essential to understand what’s involved before taking advantage of this rewarding option for starting a business. Franchising is a good way to find business success. But it is not a magic pill. You have to consider a lot of …

As you start looking at brands to invest in, there's one list that you should definitely check on. The Franchise 500 list is said to be a definitive guide for people who want to buy a franchise. And if you’re a franchisor, this is where your hard work is recognized. But you might be skeptical about the integrity of the list. Some even say those who…

As the new year starts, you get excited about new opportunities and a chance to build a better future. You may want to dive into entrepreneurship or invest in 2024, and perhaps you're wondering if that's a good idea. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE If you plan to venture into franchising, valu…

Many believe buying a franchise is an easy way to make money. Opening a franchise can indeed be a lower-risk way to start a business, and it can be pretty profitable, but it’s not for everyone. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE First, there are several hoops you’ll need to jump through if you de…

Everyone talks about work-life balance, but is it possible to achieve that? Today, Erik lets us in on how he starts his day on his ranch, living with his family, ducks, chickens, and other farm animals, plus his adorable puppy named River (who was accused of being a chicken killer!). Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private F…

Late at night, when you can't sleep or are thinking about something, a choco-chip cookie with a warm glass of milk is your best companion. But what makes cookies so lovable? For one, the smell of freshly baked cookies is so heavenly, and they are so yummy! But mostly, a cookie is your best friend when you just want to be with yourself. That's proba…

Art can bring a new sense of joy into people’s lives. Having a creative outlet and being part of a community with shared interests can be fulfilling. If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to help people gain a unique and joyful experience through art, this episode will inspire you. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Faceb…

As a business owner or investor, it's too easy to become caught up in pursuing the next big thing, But what if someone told you that building wealth can also involve following the most boring options? ⚠️ For a limited time, Justin is offering a Free Strategy Session to our podcast listeners who would like to explore their options to become a Lifest…

Many people dream of escaping the nine-to-five grind and establishing their business. But how many of them become successful? What does it take to become a thriving entrepreneur? Why venture into franchising? Those are the questions that Erik and his guest, Anne Marcovecchio, are answering today. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our F…

So, you want to dip your toes in franchising. Great! But before you look at your financing options for buying into a franchise, you must understand how to determine the market value of the business. When it is time to have that conversation, both buyer and seller must agree on the business valuation and other fees. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and F…

For as long as anyone can remember, storytelling has been used to share information and make meaningful connections. But how can storytelling showcase your brand story and grow your business? Many people in the franchising world are missing out on a critical aspect of storytelling. Today’s consumers want more than superb products and services that …