Eye On Franchising

Missed calls = missed money.

It's Eye on Franchising Friday with your host, Lance Graulich! Today, I'm diving in with Mark Amery, Founder & CEO of Puddle Pools, the fast-growing pool cleaning & maintenance franchise making waves across North America.

Welcome to Franchise Envy, the series where I talk to happy, successful franchise owners living their dream life. In this episode, meet Matthew Sarkela — US Marine Corps rifle instructor turned top-performing Mr. Appliance owner, and now the proud owner of three Dryer Vent Wizard territories.We talk about:✅ Why Dryer Vent Wizard is recession-proof & always needed✅ How every 36 minutes a dryer fire happens (and how to prevent it)✅ The “Messy Middle” of growing a business and how to survive it✅ Scaling from 1 van to 5 and hitting $300K+ per van✅ Finding your General Manager & creating the dream owner lifestyle✅ Are entrepreneurs born or made?If you're considering buying a franchise or wondering how to go from a job you hate to a life you love, this episode is packed with insights, numbers, and lessons you can use right now.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Franchise Envy & guest intro01:15 – Matthew's childhood hustle: selling his dad's tools for a bike02:40 – Why recession-proof & “needed” businesses win03:25 – Every 36 minutes there's a dryer fire – the Dryer Vent Wizard mission05:10 – How dirty vents waste energy & risk your home06:30 – Matthew's path from Marine to Mr. Appliance top owner09:15 – Vet Fran discount & joining the Neighborly family11:05 – Selling Mr. Appliance & searching for the next business12:40 – Why Dryer Vent Wizard checked every box14:00 – Buying & expanding from 1 to 3 territories15:30 – Scaling to 5 vans & $300K+ per van revenue17:00 – Owner income potential & 20% profit margins18:40 – The “Messy Middle” of business growth21:10 – What a good employee really looks like23:20 – Life after the messy middle – the “Fortunate Future”24:45 – Finding & training a General Manager26:40 – Are entrepreneurs born or made?29:00 – Final advice & how to connect with Lance

Is roofing the most overlooked 7-figure franchise? Jason Santee, Executive Vice President  from Storm Guard Roofing & Construction, joins Lance to reveal why you don't need construction experience to succeed — and how franchisees are averaging $375K in NET income, with top performers exceeding $1.1 million!✅ Learn how Storm Guard uses preventative inspections to tap into 70% of the market other roofers ignore✅ Discover their franchisee training, performance coaching system, and upcoming retail model expansion✅ Hear real stories from franchisees like Andrew & Stephanie — restaurant vets turned power couple ownersTimestamps:00:00 - Intro: Meet Jason Santee & the Storm Guard Franchise01:45 - Why Storm Guard Is NOT Just About Storm Damage03:20 - The $375K Net Income Secret: Storm Guard's Item 19 Breakdown05:05 - $1.1M Net: How Top Franchisees Maximize Profitability06:42 - The Storm Guard System: Why Experience Doesn't Matter08:10 - How Andrew & Stephanie Built a 7-Figure Roofing Business10:30 - What Makes Storm Guard Different from “Storm Chasers”13:50 - How Storm Damage Cuts Roof Life by 10+ Years16:00 - Understanding Insurance Windows: Why Timing Matters17:45 - Why Preventative Roof Inspections Are the Hidden Goldmine19:10 - Franchisee Support: Monthly Profitability & Pulse Meetings21:15 - Vendor Relationships, Rebates & Scaling to Bigger Jobs23:00 - No Roofing Experience? Here's Why That's a PLUS25:00 - The 90-Day Onboarding & Field Training Breakdown28:30 - 6-Week Production Training & Franchise Coach Field Visits30:20 - Weekly “Pulse Calls” & Performance Systems32:00 - The #1 Key to Franchise Success: FOLLOW THE SYSTEM34:00 - Marketing Budgets & Avoiding “Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts”35:20 - Why Some Cities Don't Qualify (Weather & Data Tools)36:45 - NEW Retail & Repair Model Launching Nationwide39:10 - Hot Markets Available Now: Kansas City, Indy, South Bend & More41:00 - Why Franchise Resales Are NOT Ideal for First-Time Buyers42:45 - #1 Tip for New Franchisees: Get Involved with Other Owners44:00 - Real Success: Andrew & Stephanie Expand to 3 Territories45:30 - Final Thoughts from Jason & Lance46:00 - Free Franchise Fit Call & Outro

Welcome to Franchise Envy Wednesday! Today's episode features the powerhouse HR executive turned franchisee, Nicole Smith of DOXA Talent — a remote, high-margin, conscious outsourcing franchise transforming the global talent game.

Franchise Tech Disruptor Alert! Welcome to Eye on Franchising Friday, where today's guest is pioneering the smart home revolution through franchising and acquisition. Meet Hagan Kappler, CEO & Co-Founder of Daisy, and Gavin Lantzy the franchise growth expert building the first nationwide home automation service franchise.Think Apple. Think Tesla. Now meet Daisy — the franchise of the future.

Looking for a low-overhead franchise with high profit margins? Wondering how to scale a business fast — even in a pandemic? In this episode of Franchise Envy, I sit down with Jon Schloesser, multi-unit owner of Gotcha Covered, one of the top-rated home services franchises in North America.Jon shares how he and his wife launched their window treatment franchise during the height of COVID — and quickly expanded to three locations across Wisconsin. We cover everything from initial investment costs, commercial vs. residential revenue, to what kind of franchisee fails in this industry.Whether you're researching the best franchises to own in 2025, or you're an aspiring first-time business owner, Jon's brutally honest insights will help you understand what it really takes to succeed.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS – Find What Matters to You Fast:00:00 – Welcome to Franchise Envy01:10 – Meet Jon Schloesser: Gotcha Covered franchisee from Wisconsin02:15 – Why launch during a pandemic? Here's what happened03:40 – How we expanded to 3 locations — fast04:50 – Low-overhead, no-inventory business explained06:20 – The hidden genius behind window covering franchises07:45 – Franchise startup costs & profitability09:30 – Who fails in this business (and why)11:00 – Why ongoing training is crucial for success13:15 – Splitting commercial vs. residential business15:10 – The power of small franchise systems vs. big brands17:30 – Real support from corporate (text the president?)19:00 – Does franchise size really matter?20:40 – One piece of advice for first-time franchise buyers23:00 – Are you a good fit for a franchise?24:15 – Final thoughts & call to action

In this powerful episode of Eye On Franchising, I sit down with Andrew Pudalov, the Founder & CEO of Rush Bowls, a booming fast-casual franchise redefining healthy food on the go. From Wall Street to wellness, Andrew shares the real story behind Rush Bowls' 21-year journey, why he left banking after 9/11, and how he's building a national health food empire—no private equity required.

Thinking about buying a franchise? Wondering how much you can really make? Or if you can run it with family?This Eye on Franchising Podcast episode is a must-watch for anyone exploring home services franchises. Meet Jennifer and Sierra, a mother-daughter duo who share their real-life journey with Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up—from investing under $200K to building a 7-figure business.They reveal:✅ How they discovered Kitchen Tune-Up & Bath Tune-Up✅ The exact startup costs & ROI potential✅ Their roles as a family team✅ How they overcame fears about buying a franchise✅ Tips for moms & daughters working together✅ The #1 mistake new franchisees makeIf you're searching for best franchises to buy, low-cost franchises, or family-owned franchise success stories, this interview delivers real numbers, real advice, and no BS.Timestamps00:00 - Franchise Envy Wednesday Introduction01:05 - Meet Jennifer & Sierra: Mother-Daughter Franchise Team02:45 - Why Kitchen Tune-Up? Their Franchise Discovery Story06:10 - Past Businesses: Garage Doors, Flipping, Restaurants & Bars09:30 - How They Decided to Invest in a Franchise11:45 - What Was Hardest About Getting Started?14:30 - Sierra Joins During COVID: Moving & Adapting17:10 - Defining Roles in the Business20:05 - Training Challenges: “Couldn't Even Read a Tape Measure!”22:30 - Why Following the Franchise Plan Matters25:20 - Networking at Franchisee Conferences27:15 - Tips for Moms & Daughters Going Into Business30:00 - Investment & Profitability: Show Me The Money34:10 - Overcoming Fears About Franchising37:00 - When They Wanted to Quit40:00 - Importance of Employees & Team42:15 - Advice for Future Franchise Owners45:20 - Final Words of Wisdom

In today's inspiring episode, we meet Nichole Daher, the incredible founder of Success On The Spectrum (SOS Franchising) — the first autism services franchise in the U.S..From a mom on a mission to help her daughter, to a national franchise with 50+ locations, Nicholeshares her emotional journey, the recession-proof business model, and how you can change lives and make money doing it.

Every Wednesday, I talk to real franchisees sharing their real stories—and today's guest is phenomenal. Meet Brittany McCleary, Assisting Hands Home Care franchisee in Texas, who went from teaching to building a $4M business with her husband Matt in under 3 years. Timestamps00:00 - Intro: Brittany McCleary, Assisting Hands franchisee01:10 - "Go find something for us to do because I'm done teaching."02:30 - Did you ever imagine a $4M business leaving a teacher's salary?03:45 - Brittany's first business & entrepreneurial journey05:15 - The real cost of starting an Assisting Hands franchise08:00 - Adding the second territory09:15 - $4M revenue this year—breaking down profit margins11:00 - Replacing teacher salaries (from ~$50K–$90K)12:10 - Planning for nonprofits and giving back13:15 - Hardest part of launching a franchise15:10 - Doing all the work early on (office, caregiving)16:45 - Managing 150+ caregivers and staff19:00 - Building a strong core team20:30 - Serving seniors and employees—why it matters22:00 - Why teachers make great franchise owners24:15 - Hiring teachers for the office25:30 - The teacher work ethic advantage27:00 - Why some franchisees fail (and how they avoided it)30:00 - Investing in coaching, mentorship, CPA, attorney32:00 - Working on your business, not in it34:10 - Adapting, growing, staying coachable36:00 - One cornerstone of success: “Take the leap of faith”37:30 - Closing and call to action

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Reed, an AlphaGraphics franchisee in Irving, Texas with over 13 years in the system. Sam went from a 26-year PepsiCo corporate career to owning his own franchise—and he's revealing everything you need to know:✅ Real startup costs✅ Actual earnings potential (six-figure income)✅ The big surprises of buying an existing franchise✅ How he built local customers with Chamber of Commerce networking✅ His #1 advice for first-time franchise buyers⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Franchise Envy – AlphaGraphics Spotlight01:12 – Meet Sam Reed: From PepsiCo Executive to Franchisee02:47 – Is This Your First Business? Corporate to Entrepreneur04:04 – Biggest Surprise Owning an AlphaGraphics Franchise06:05 – Buying an Existing Location: Customer Relationship Pitfalls08:12 – Why Sam Chose AlphaGraphics vs Chick-fil-A or State Farm11:42 – The Difference: True Business Ownership vs. Operator Model13:24 – Franchise Startup Costs: Fees and Investment Details15:45 – How Much Money Can You Make? Six-Figure Potential Explained18:12 – Work-Life Balance: Operating Hours & Lifestyle20:02 – Craziest Print Job Sam Has Ever Done22:30 – Family Reactions to Buying a Franchise25:10 – Why Irving, TX Is a Great Market for Printing27:00 – Hardest Parts of Owning the Business: Staffing & Customers30:32 – #1 Mistake New Franchise Owners Make34:10 – How Chambers of Commerce Grew His Sales37:40 – The “Mayor of the Town” Story40:22 – Outrageous Print Jobs They Refused42:20 – Sam's Best Advice for Aspiring Franchise Buyers45:00 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

Ready to own a recession-resistant home services business? Today on Eye on Franchising, I talk to Michael Wagner, President of Roof Scientist, part of Homefront Brands, about an exciting ground-floor franchise opportunity in the roofing industry.Roof Scientist isn't just another roofing company—it's a disruptive franchise with exclusive nano-ceramic coating technology (SADE) that extends roof life and adds serious value for homeowners. Michael reveals how the model works, why it's ideal for first-time and experienced franchisees alike, and how Homefront Brands backs franchisees with world-class support, marketing, systems, and a fully staffed call center that even builds quotes for them.If you're looking for a high-ticket, high-margin franchise with strong demand, minimal inventory, and subcontracted labor flexibility—this is the episode for you.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: Eye on Franchising with Michael Wagner1:15 – What is Roof Scientist? A ground-floor franchise opportunity4:02 – Exclusive SADE nano-ceramic roof coating explained7:48 – Roofing industry demand and market size10:30 – Differentiators: Repairs, replacements, coatings in one franchise13:20 – Franchise cost and investment range ($220–320K)15:45 – Ideal franchisee profile (sales, people, project management)19:05 – Subcontractor model and cashflow flexibility22:18 – Real margins and Item 19 disclosure highlights24:55 – Homefront Brands support systems, marketing, tech29:10 – The call center advantage: pre-qualifying leads & building quotes33:25 – Proprietary software and satellite roof measurement36:45 – Why franchise vs. starting solo? Proven systems and negotiated pricing41:02 – Protected territories and mapping process43:00 – Final thoughts on taking smart risks in business ownershipWhat You'll Learn:✅ Why roofing is a recession-resistant, high-ticket industry✅ How Roof Scientist's nano-ceramic technology differentiates it✅ How franchisees tap into subcontracted labor and keep costs flexible✅ The detailed support Homefront Brands provides—from call center to marketing✅ Who makes the best franchise owner (and how to build your team if you don't have all the skills)✅ How to compare franchising vs. going independent

In this episode, I sit down with Drue Chrisman, a former professional athlete turned Pink Zebra Moving franchise owner. Drue owns three territories in the Ohio–Indiana–Kentucky Tri-State area, and he's breaking down everything from start-up costs and profit margins to team culture and marketing strategy.If you're researching franchise opportunities, service businesses, or specifically want to know how to start a moving company franchise, this is the must-watch episode for you.  

Ready for a glo-up in business and beauty?

Imagine going from a 9–5 job to running three barbershop franchises… without ever holding a pair of clippers.

Ready to launch a home-based business in 2025? Speedy Freight is the new U.K. franchise shaking up the U.S. logistics market — and it's built for entrepreneurs who want low overhead, high margins, and fast scalability.In this episode of Eye on Franchising, I interview Dana DeMarino (Franchise FastLane) and Kody Slade (President of U.S. Operations) for the official U.S. breakdown of Speedy Freight, one of the fastest-growing courier and logistics franchise brands.What you'll learn:✅ What makes Speedy Freight different from FedEx, UPS, or DHL✅ Why it's a true “people-led, tech-enabled” franchise✅ How you can run this business from home — no trucks or warehouses required✅ What it costs to get started ($72K – $160K investment)✅ How it scales, who it's right for, and how much you can make

Can you really run a $2 million business WITHOUT being there every day?John Garretson says YES—and he proves it with Lawn Squad. In this episode of Franchise Envy, John breaks down how he scaled two Lawn Squad territories absentee, added a Cleaning Authority franchise, and built a system that pays his techs up to $45/hour on performance.

In this episode of Eye on Franchising, I sit down with Brian Garrison, President of Wonderly Lights and powerhouse executive at Buzz Franchise Brands (Mosquito Joe, Pool Scouts, and more). We unpack how Wonderly Lights is quickly becoming the go-to franchise for both new owners and multi-brand operators. Learn how this premium outdoor lighting business creates year-round revenue, operates in four verticals, and offers unmatched support, tech, and lifestyle potential. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or stepping out of corporate America, Brian breaks down exactly who should consider Wanderly — and who shouldn't.Sponsored by SEO Samba – Empower your franchise with predictable results and AI-driven marketing.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro – Meet Brian Garrison, President of Wonderly Lights01:35 – What makes Wonderly a strong year-round franchise03:40 – The 4 verticals of outdoor lighting & holiday lights06:15 – How Wonderly attracts multi-brand franchisees08:45 – The power of mentorship in early-stage franchising10:50 – Who is the ideal franchisee for Wonderly Lights?14:00 – The ‘PhDs of Entrepreneurship' & key owner traits17:15 – Top 3 reasons franchisees fail & how to avoid it21:05 – Franchise vs acquisition: what new owners must know24:30 – Why mastering your business from Day 1 is essential26:00 – Closing advice + how to connect with Lance Graulich

In this episode of Franchise Envy, I sit down with Evan Dimov , the powerhouse behind Mr. Electric of Orlando, who went from getting shocked (literally) to shocking the franchise world with his success  Whether you've owned 10 businesses or you're just dreaming of ditching your 9–5, this is a masterclass in scaling smarter, not harder. We unpack Evan's journey—from party stores and pizzerias to building a multi-van electrical empire with NO electrical background.✅ Why Mr. Electric was the right move✅ Why restaurants are a trap✅ Why franchise peer groups are your #1 asset✅ How Evan scaled to 7-figures (and what he reinvests in)✅ And why ACTION beats perfection every time

I sat down with Ted Patestos — the founder of Tiger Adjusters, the first public adjusting franchise in the nation. From a $2.3M marijuana grow facility claim to launching a high-tech training center, this episode is packed with insights into a massively underserved and misunderstood industry. If you're hunting for a recession-resistant, high-margin, low-overhead franchise opportunity… this one might blow your mind.Episode Highlights & Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to Eye on Franchising01:02 - Meet "Tiger Ted": From idea to industry domination03:16 - The niche nobody saw coming — What is public adjusting?05:34 - The $2.3M weed farm claim gone up in smoke08:45 - How Tiger Adjusters rescued the client & secured the payout11:02 - Franchisee or alone? Why policyholders need advocates12:15 - Advanced tech, AI & the new Tiger Adjusters training facility15:38 - Cohort-style training & real-life disaster simulations18:02 - "Can't I just do it on my own?" Why franchising wins20:15 - The social contract between franchisor and franchisee22:04 - How Tiger Adjusters scaled fast through broker networks25:31 - Radical transparency & real P&Ls in Item 1927:30 - Who makes a great franchisee? It's NOT about insurance30:25 - Integrity, empathy & earning customer trust32:04 - “Show me the money”: Investment cost & financial performance34:12 - $861K in fees, $655K net: A real Tiger franchisee's numbers36:40 - Final advice from Tiger Ted: Keep overhead LOW38:20 - How Ted started with $7K and a dream39:50 - Closing thoughts + how to connect

This episode of Franchise Envy dives deep into:The risks of betting on yourself with $175K from a 401(k)Crushing burnout & how Kim almost sold everythingThe real life of a woman leading in a male-dominated industryWild customer stories (hint: possums & fly traps don't mix

Wood-fired flavor meets franchise domination. In this episode of Franchise Envy, Lance Graulich talks with Calvin Freatman (CEO) and Thomas Reinhard (CFO & General Counsel) of Cascadia Pizza Co. the Seattle-based concept that started with a stealth wedding pizza—and now fuels a $2.4M+ business through food trucks and a lean, sub-700 sq ft brick-and-mortar model.Think the world doesn't need another pizza franchise? Think again. Why You'll Love This Episode:✅ $30/hr pizza jobs—no food experience needed✅ 100% wood-fired ovens + fine dining techniques in fast-casual settings✅ Start with a low-cost food truck, then scale to brick & mortar✅ Proprietary dough = artisan flavor + better digestion✅ Lean teams, high retention, radically simplified systems✅ Real numbers. Real founders. Real opportunity.What You'll Learn (Timestamps):00:00 - “High schooler-proof” pizza systems04:38 - From food truck to 7-figure operation09:51 - The artisan edge: wood-fired & wildly good13:10 - Franchise model: start fast, grow smart18:27 - Why staff love this job (and don't leave)23:42 - Food truck costs & how fast you can launch30:01 - Their go-to pies + the pineapple debate

In this solo episode, I'm diving into a question I get asked all the time:"Why do people pick that franchise?"After speaking with hundreds of franchisees over the years, I've broken it down into 8 core reasons why smart entrepreneurs choose the franchise they do — and how you can too.✅ Whether you're looking for a recession-proof investment, a part-time business you can run while keeping your job, or a purpose-driven brand aligned with your values — this episode will help you clarify what matters most.

Welcome to a solo masterclass with me, Lance Graulich—host of Eye On Franchising and a franchise broker who's helped hundreds escape the 9-to-5 with the right franchise.After interviewing 200+ franchisors, founders, and elite franchisees, I've distilled the Top 10 Success Tips that separate the million-dollar earners from the ones who flame out. These are the same lessons real franchise owners are using to:Scale to $100K+ months (even in their 20s)Build empires without prior business experienceHire right, market smarter, and outpace their competitorsAnd yes—finally fire their boss HARD TRUTH: The biggest failure point? Not following the system. Shocking, right? I've seen it firsthand.

In this laugh-out-loud and insight-packed episode of Franchise Envy, host Lance Graulich sits down with Brian Posen, a professional performer turned thriving Painting with a Twist franchisee. You'll hear how a two-week visit to Colorado turned into a 7-year artistic journey that led Brian from teaching comedy to owning one of the top studios in the country.Brian reveals:✅ How he bought the studio he worked at✅ What it really costs to open a Painting With a Twist✅ The #1 mistake new franchisees make✅ Why Bob Ross wouldn't survive as a franchise owner (yes, really)✅ And the cheesy-but-true mantra that powers his success

In honor of Mother's Day, we're diving into the powerful role that mothers play in business ownership—especially in the world of franchising.

Ready to skip the struggle and build wealth FAST?I sit down with Colt Florence, SVP of Franchise Development at Five Star Franchising, to reveal:✅ Why buying an existing business can CRUSH your dreams (and wallet)✅ How top franchisees hit $1M+ in revenue in YEAR ONE✅ The secret sauce behind Five Star Bath Solutions & 1-800-PACKOUTS✅ How to choose the right franchise for your goals (hint: it's not about passion!)✅ Why franchising = mastermind + playbook + proven profits✅ Biggest rookie mistakes that derail new franchise owners✅ Colt's #1 success weapon: learning 2-4 business books per week

I'm sitting down with Brad Hawkins, a franchisee with Floor Coverings International who went from private wealth management to owning a $2 million+ territory—all self-funded and with just a handful of employees.In this episode, Brad shares his journey from Wall Street to Main Street, what drew him to franchising, why “the floor is $2 million” in his business, and why following the playbook is key for franchise success. If you're thinking about owning a business, this one's for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Meet Brad Hawkins01:30 – Why Brad left wealth management to own a franchise03:45 – How a chance meeting with a franchise consultant changed everything06:10 – Why he chose Floor Coverings International09:20 – Starting a franchise with a $275K investment (and the “shoebox” funding story)12:05 – Why Brad didn't buy an existing business (and why he wanted to build from scratch)15:00 – Does franchise size matter? How many locations is “big enough”?17:40 – The hardest part of launching a franchise from scratch21:30 – Biggest mistakes new franchisees make (and how to avoid them)25:15 – “Follow the playbook” – why going off-script is a rookie mistake28:20 – How to leverage your franchise network like a mastermind32:10 – Show Me The Money: What's the earning potential?34:30 – “The floor is $2 million” – revenue expectations per territory37:00 – Net income margins & how many employees you really need40:15 – The cornerstone of Brad's success: being maniacal about customer service43:00 – Brad's future plans: scaling in Central NY and growing B2B/commercial work

I sat down in person at the IFA (International Franchise Association) with my friend and fraternity brother Dan Axelrod, VP and Wealth Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management.Dan works with franchisees, franchisors, and business owners on pre- and post-transaction planning to protect their wealth when they exit—and today, he's giving YOU the same insider tips he shares with multimillion-dollar clients.✅ How do you avoid paying more to Uncle Sam than necessary?✅ What are the biggest mistakes business owners make when selling?✅ How do you build your dream team to secure your financial future?

Controversial Topic: Can you build a franchise business as a side hustle?Real Talk: Does passion even matter when choosing the right franchise?Franchise Secrets: Why following the system is non-negotiable if you want to WIN.The Money Game: How to interpret Item 19 (earnings claims) and spot the RIGHT opportunity for YOU.Validation Wisdom: Why you must talk to top-performing franchisees — and only them — before you buy!If you're serious about controlling your time, building wealth, and designing a better life, this solo episode is packed with the real-world advice you need.

Most franchisors don't even know what a PEO is—yet they're missing out on MASSIVE savings, HR support, and protection from liability. In this powerful live episode from the International Franchise Association (IFA) in Las Vegas, I sit down with Kim Hill and Heather West from Infiniti HR, the first and only PEO created specifically for franchising.You'll learn how $17 million was saved for franchisees last year alone, why traditional HR models are outdated for franchises, and how Infiniti HR simplifies operations, slashes costs, and helps scale faster.

Welcome back to Franchise Envy! In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse franchisee Nina Hunter from Sarasota, Florida, who launched Voda Cleaning & Restoration — in the middle of a hurricane. Yep, you read that right.From ditching corporate life and considering a coffee shop to choosing a recession-proof restoration franchise, Nina reveals how she grew fast, secured 3 territories, and set her sights on hitting $3M in 3 years.

Live from the International Franchise Association, Lance Graulich sits down with Doug Flaig, CEO of Stratus Building Solutions, to unpack one of the most powerful and overlooked franchise models in the game — master franchising.You'll learn how this low-cost, high-profit commercial cleaning business turned “invisible work” into an essential, legacy-driven empire. If you're looking for recurring revenue, impact, and scale — this is the episode you've been waiting for.

Meet Mr. Long Island himself — Adam Flattau — the Franchise Business Review Rock Star of the Year, and a powerhouse Senior Care Authority franchisee who's turned compassion into a half-million-dollar  business.

In this power-packed in-person episode of Eye on  Franchising, I sit down with Chris Connor, Founder & CEO of FMS Franchise Marketing Systems, and one of the most respected names in the franchising world. We're live from a hotel room in Las Vegas (yes, really!), talking about entrepreneurship, global expansion, and why franchising is one of the best ways to build generational wealth.This is a masterclass in what it really takes to franchise your business, scale it right, and identify the “it” factor behind successful franchise brands. You'll also learn the truth about food service franchises vs. service-based businesses, and why being unsexy might just be the key to building a franchise empire.Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why Chris Connor is a BIG deal in franchising01:30 – How Barbados hired Chris to teach franchising (and gave him a free trip!)04:15 – FMS: Building a one-stop franchise development agency06:30 – The first steps to franchising your business10:25 – How Chris helped European Wax Center, Jimmy John's & more12:10 – COVID, chaos, and record-breaking franchise sales13:50 – What makes a concept truly franchisable?17:35 – Restoration One vs. Super Restoration: David vs. Goliath20:45 – Culture, sacrifice, and winning the long game23:10 – Private equity magic: How franchising leads to massive exits26:45 – Best industries to franchise in 202528:30 – The sexy lie of restaurant franchises (and the truth about margins)32:40 – What makes a great franchise concept in today's market37:10 – The crucial role of the entrepreneur in franchise success40:20 – Systems, tech, marketing, and ops: The behind-the-scenes checklist43:00 – Selling your first 5-10 units: What really matters45:45 – Franchise success story: Blooming Blinds from 0 to 160+ units48:00 – Franchising vs. corporate life: The truth about freedom51:00 – The Gladiator Mentality: Are YOU cut out for franchising?54:15 – Step-by-step: How to franchise your business with FMS58:40 – Sales systems, onboarding, and closing deals the right way1:01:20 – Trends in franchising: Home services, boba, and niche riches1:03:15 – Final advice: Franchising is for everyone... if you're ready to go all in

Welcome back to another episode of Franchise Envy! I'm your host, Lance Graulich, and today I'm joined by powerhouse duo Dawn and Pam—sisters, business partners, and two of the four owners behind one of Conserva Irrigations'  most successful franchise locations.From winning Rookie of the Year to recently being crowned Franchise of the Year, their story is packed with strategy, grit, and smart franchise ownership. Whether you're already in the game or just starting your research, this episode is a must-watch.

Get ready for a powerhouse episode of Eye On Franchising! We're live at the International Franchise Association Conference in Las Vegas with the one and only Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, the fastest-growing power washing franchise in the world.From cleaning 40,000 square feet of the Superdome to scaling with drones, national accounts, and 255 territories, Aaron breaks down what it takes to build a monster franchise brand with integrity, grit, and some serious pressure-washing firepower.SPONSORED BY SEO SAMBA✅ AI-Driven Marketing. Predictable Results. Scalable Success.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to IFA in Las Vegas!01:12 – Meet Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds03:00 – From cleaning homes to cleaning the Superdome05:55 – The wild story behind using drones to clean water towers08:21 – The biggest lesson Aaron's learned as CEO11:20 – Building a C-suite team to rival major brands14:02 – Why Rolling Suds invests early in franchisee support16:40 – The massive marketing engine behind franchisee success18:33 – Post-training support and ongoing coaching21:15 – From zero to multiple trucks: how fast can you scale?24:08 – Residential vs Commercial: Why B2B is king26:10 – What makes commercial cleaning so lucrative29:04 – Why this isn't your average $75 power wash job31:26 – Rolling Suds' viral challenge: cleaning a 3,000 sq ft house in 22 minutes33:20 – Top 3 traits of successful Rolling Suds franchisees36:00 – Let's talk grit, sales, and risk tolerance39:14 – From no financing to three flexible funding packages42:40 – What does real franchise ramp-up look like?46:07 – Why one truck isn't enough – think big from day one48:30 – What does “scale” mean in franchising?51:05 – Real talk: the grind it takes to succeed in this model53:20 – 2025 Goals: 200+ more units, national accounts & world domination55:00 – Final words of wisdom from a CEO in the trenches

What do a former lawyer and a trauma therapist have in common? A sweet dream and a tie-dye van full of gourmet popsicles. Meet Amanda and Rob Kumor, franchisees with frios pops, who turned their retirement savings into a colorful, joy-filled business — and they're just getting started.In this episode, Lance Graulich (AKA the Franchise Whisperer) dives into: ✅ How Amanda & Rob discovered the world of franchising✅ Why frios was the one — from branding to business model✅ What it's really like launching a business with limited capital✅ Their “pop drop” strategy that's spreading happiness and sales✅ Real numbers: startup costs, revenue goals, net margins, and more✅ And yes… the secret to standing out in a saturated market

Pete Baldine Unveils 40 Years of Wisdom | Moran Family of Brands Interview at IFA Las Vegas

In this powerful episode of Franchise Envy, I sit down with Kevin Lewis, a former restaurant executive turned top-performing Apex Leadership Co. franchisee in Dallas-Fort Worth. With over $1.6M in annual revenue across five territories, Kevin proves you can leave the grind of late-night restaurant calls behind and build a business with impact, flexibility, and freedom.We dive deep into Kevin's story—from climbing the corporate ladder in the restaurant world to discovering Apex through a franchise consultant. Hear how he turned a “maybe” into a million-dollar mission, now helping schools raise more money than ever—all while promoting health, character, and leadership in kids.

Welcome to a game-changing episode of Eye On Franchising – coming to you straight from the International Franchise Association (IFA) Conference in Las Vegas!This time, we're diving deep into luxury home services with Nick Lopez, the Founder & Steward of Lime Painting

Welcome to a special Eye On Franchising episode, recorded LIVE from the International Franchise Association (IFA) in Las Vegas! I'm joined by Dave Burgosa, VP of Franchise Development for Ford's Garage, as we dive deep into what makes this casual dining concept with a twist so special. From its unique partnership with Ford Motor Company to its guest-first philosophy, Ford's Garage is more than just a burger joint—it's an experience!

Franchise Envy: IFA Special Edition – Top Rail Fence's Franchisee of the Year!

Is fitness franchising worth it? Can you ACTUALLY make money? What's the REAL secret to weight loss? In this exclusive IFA special, I sit down with Luke Carlson, CEO & Founder of Discover Strength, to break down:✅ The TRUTH about weight loss vs. fitness (most trainers won't tell you this!)✅ Why strength training is dominating the fitness industry

On this episode of Franchise Envy, we dive into the world of 100% Chiropractic with Dr. Steve Nutty, a thriving franchise owner who's been in the game for 14 years! From scaling his first location to becoming a multi-unit owner and consultant, Dr. Steve shares the secrets to success, the challenges of starting out, and how he built a million-dollar business through franchising.

How to Build a Thriving Home Care Franchise | Interview with Emma Dickison of Home Helpers We're LIVE from the International Franchise Association (IFA) Conference! In this episode, we dive deep into franchise success, home care industry growth, and why choosing the right brand is critical for your exit strategy.Guest: Emma Dickison – President & CEO of Home Helpers, IFA Board Member, and past Board Member of the Home Care Association of America. Sponsored by: SEO Samba – AI-driven marketing for predictable franchise success! Key Topics Discussed:✅ The booming home care industry & why demand is skyrocketing✅ How to choose the right franchise for long-term success✅ The power of a proven franchise system vs. going solo✅ What sets top-performing franchisees apart from the rest✅ The secret to a successful franchise exit strategyTimestamps:00:00 – Live from IFA: Why franchising accelerates business success01:12 – Meet Emma Dickison: CEO of Home Helpers & franchise industry leader02:45 – Why the home care industry is growing fast (15,000 Americans turn 65 daily!)04:10 – What makes Home Helpers unique in a crowded market?05:30 – Franchise vs. Independent Business: Which is better?06:45 – The power of franchisee support: A network, not just a business08:00 – How to avoid costly mistakes by leveraging a franchise playbook09:15 – Emma's final words of wisdom for future franchise owners

Join us for an unfiltered, real-world conversation with Kyle Chiasson from Best Option Restoration as he shares his unconventional journey into franchising. At just 22, Kyle traded a brief stint in banking and wealth management for the thrill and challenges of business ownership—all sparked by a unique personal connection. In this interview, he breaks down:His candid, “young and dumb” approach to finding the right franchiseThe importance of trusting your gut and following a proven blueprintHow prioritizing and managing your headspace can drive successThe hard truth: It's a tough road, but action beats talk every time0:00 – IntroductionKick off with an overview of this unique franchise story and the mindset behind taking the leap into business ownership.1:10 – Interview KickoffKyle Chiasson joins the conversation. Learn about his background and what drove him to embrace franchising at a young age.2:00 – From Corporate to FranchiseDiscover how a 10-month stint in banking and wealth management paved the way for Kyle's pivot into the franchise world.3:20 – Finding the Right OpportunityHear the surprising story of how a personal connection and a chance dinner with founder Nick Anthony led him to Best Option Restoration.4:30 – Investment & Expansion DetailsKyle breaks down his initial investment, the process of acquiring territories, and how he expanded his business over the years.5:40 – Keys to Success in FranchisingLearn why prioritizing, following the system, and managing your mental headspace are essential to running a successful franchise.7:00 – Final Advice: Stop Talking & Be About ItKyle wraps up with a powerful message: business ownership is tough, but the key is to stop talking about it and start taking action.If you're curious about franchising or need that extra push to take charge of your destiny, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real advice.