Podcasts about fdd

President Trump said a two-page memorandum of understanding, or MOU, has be signed between the U.S and the Islamic Republic of Iran that will end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. But will this deal bring about a lasting peace in the region or has peace just become another five-letter word. Senior Fellow at FDD, David Daoud, and Bill speculate as to what will become of the Middle East, and America's influence in the region, as this very thin MOU moves forward.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun142026Should you start a business from scratch, buy an existing one, or invest in a franchise? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down the real differences between all three paths — and how to figure out which one is actually right for you. We cover why franchising is often called business school 101 for first-time owners, what the debt service reality looks like when buying an existing business, why the most successful franchise candidates are the ones who can follow a system without reinventing the wheel, and why fear and doubt during the process are not red flags — they are signs you are taking the decision seriously. If you are sitting at the crossroads trying to figure out your next move, this conversation will help you get clear.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

In this episode of Foreign Podicy, host Cliff May sits down with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik — once the youngest woman ever elected to the House and its highest-ranking female member — to discuss her new book, Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities. Stefanik gained national attention after her landmark December 2023 congressional hearing, where she pressed the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT on whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated their campus policies —and none would give a clear answer.Joining the conversation is Brandy Shufutinsky, director of FDD's Program on Education and National Security, who brings her expertise in international and multicultural education to examine the deeper implications of ideological bias and double standards at America's most prestigious institutions. Tune in for a frank discussion on antisemitism, academic freedom, and the urgent need to reform elite higher education.

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP episode of the FDD Morning Brief featuring FDD experts Miad Maleki, Bradley Bowman, and Ahmad Sharawi.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

In this episode of Foreign Podicy, host Cliff May sits down with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik — once the youngest woman ever elected to the House and its highest-ranking female member — to discuss her new book, Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities. Stefanik gained national attention after her landmark December 2023 congressional hearing, where she pressed the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT on whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated their campus policies —and none would give a clear answer.Joining the conversation is Brandy Shufutinsky, director of FDD's Program on Education and National Security, who brings her expertise in international and multicultural education to examine the deeper implications of ideological bias and double standards at America's most prestigious institutions. Tune in for a frank discussion on antisemitism, academic freedom, and the urgent need to reform elite higher education.

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-10-26.Greg Scarlatoiu analyzes Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang, noting that Kim Jong-un now views himself as a strategic equal to Xi and Putin. Despite sanctions, North Korea's economy shows a facade of growth fueled by billions made exporting artillery and special forces to Russia. Kim is also modernizing his security apparatus into a structure similar to Russia's FSB. (1)Professor Jim Holmes discusses the naval balance between the U.S. and China, suggesting the PLA Navy aims for six aircraft carriers to project power in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. While China has made strides in naval aviation without the heavy losses the U.S. historically endured, Holmes believes they still lag behind in technological sophistication and human tactical proficiency. (2)Victoria Coates highlights Taiwan's indispensable role in the global AI revolution through TSMC's high-end chip production, which the U.S. and China currently cannot replicate. She emphasizes that Taiwan's engineering "super workers" are a state secret. Coates also discusses the political friction in Washington regarding arms sales and the need for Taiwan to increase its own defense spending. (3)Victoria Coates addresses the Pentagon's decision to list major Chinese companies like BYD and Alibaba as security risks due to their military ties. She argues for clear country-of-origin labeling on products to inform American consumers. Furthermore, Coates criticizes the Biden administration for prioritizing climate goals over addressing China's use of forced labor in the solar panel supply chain. (4)Natalie Ecanow details Qatar's massive $400 billion investment footprint in the United States, including high-profile real estate like New York's Park Lane Hotel and significant orders for Boeing aircraft. She argues these investments are not merely financial but serve to buy long-term political influence and goodwill with American policymakers, regardless of party affiliation, by embedding Qatari wealth into the U.S. economy. (5)Natalie Ecanow explains that Qatari wealth is controlled by the Al-Thani autocracy, whose values often conflict with U.S. interests, such as their support for Hamas and the Taliban. She highlights the lack of transparency in Qatarifunding, citing a lawsuit that revealed nearly half a billion dollars in undisclosed money sent to Texas A&M University, and calls for stricter U.S. disclosure laws. (6)Joel Kotkin examines the definition of fascism, arguing that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not a fascist because she respects democratic norms. He identifies China's government-led economy as the closest modern parallel to historical fascism. Kotkin also warns of "techno-fascism," where a small group of global tech companies exert unprecedented control over public opinion and information through surveillance tools. (7)Joel Kotkin disputes the label of "fascist" for the MAGA movement, noting it lacks the youth-driven, paramilitary organization characteristic of movements led by Mussolini or Hitler. He describes MAGA as a chaotic coalition of various interest groups held together by Donald Trump's personality. Kotkin emphasizes that using the term as a political slur ruins the possibility of necessary civil discourse. (8)Michael Bernstam discusses a looming glut of liquefied natural gas driven by record U.S. shale production, which is stabilizing energy prices in Europe. Regarding Russia, he explains that while crude exports continue, Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries have created a domestic manufacturing crisis, leading to fuel shortages for Russian agriculture and industry that are difficult to repair under sanctions. (9)Michael Bernstam reveals that China has significantly reduced its oil imports by nearly half by drawing on massive strategic reserves of 1.4 billion barrels and increasing electric vehicle adoption. Simultaneously, the U.S. has reached record domestic oil production of nearly 14 million barrels per day. These factors combined help lower global oil prices despite declining inventories in other OECD countries. (10)Tal Fortgang explores Justice Scalia's legal philosophy through a biography by James Rosen, focusing on Scalia's dissent in Lee v. Weisman regarding religious benedictions at public graduations. Fortgang explains how Scaliapopularized "originalism" and "textualism," arguing that the Constitution should be interpreted based on the original public meaning of the text rather than through subjective "moral readings" by judges. (11)Tal Fortgang discusses the "Scalian revolution" that shifted the Supreme Court toward judicial restraint. He notes that while Scalia faced a hostile press and "nasty" internal criticism from colleagues like Harry Blackmun, his ideas eventually prevailed. Fortgang also observes that the modern partisan venom in confirmation hearings began during Scalia's era with the contentious treatment of Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. (12)Simon Constable reports from France on falling global commodity prices for food and energy due to supply meeting demand. He then shifts to the immigration crisis in Britain, where violent incidents in Belfast and Southampton have fueled public outrage. Constable attributes the unrest to a failure of both major parties to manage unfettered immigration and the lack of cultural integration. (13)Simon Constable discusses the declining popularity of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the potential rise of challengers like Andy Burnham. He highlights a dramatic shift in British public opinion, with polling by Lord Ashcroftshowing that a vast majority of Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green voters—and even a third of Conservatives—now favor rejoining the European Union after a decade of Brexit. (14)Bob Zimmerman tracks the transition to commercial space, noting that private companies like Vast are leading the race to build stations to replace the aging ISS. He discusses Amazon's struggle to launch its satellite constellation due to rocket delays, contrasted with SpaceX's efficiency. Zimmerman also reports on a milestone for SpaceX, as a single Falcon 9 booster successfully completed a record 35th flight. (15)Bob Zimmerman highlights discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope, including a black hole 6 billion times the mass of the sun located 10 billion light-years away. He also describes a "flickering" quasar from the early universe that challenges current Big Bang theories. Finally, Zimmerman provides an update on the Curiosity rover as it travels through the "Grand" valley on its ascent of Mars. (16)Two name fixes: Joel Cotkin → Joel Kotkin (7, 8) — the urbanist/scholar's correct spelling Natalie Eacano → Natalie Ecanow (5, 6) — the FDD scholar's correct spelling

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, and Behnam Ben Taleblu.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun092026If you have ever wondered what actually happens between the moment you express interest in a franchise and the day you sign the agreement — this episode breaks…If you have ever wondered what actually happens between the moment you express interest in a franchise and the day you sign the agreement — this episode breaks down every single step. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we walk through the complete franchise discovery process from both the franchisor and broker side, covering what to expect at each stage from your intro call all the way to Discovery Day, what the FDD actually is and which two items matter most, how to approach franchisee validation the right way without wasting anyone's time, why you should never ask about net profit during validation calls, and what it means to show up to Discovery Day ready to commit. Whether you are just starting to explore franchising or are already deep in the process, this is the most detailed breakdown of how the entire journey works from start to finish.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun072026This is a Franchise Empire podcast episode. The guest is Michael White, Chief Development Officer at United Franchise Group (UFG) — a franchising company that owns a portfolio of brands spanning many different industries.This episode focuses on Signarama, UFG's full-service sign & graphics brand. The conversation opens with a Franchise Empire candidate who recently became a Signarama franchise owner, then broadens into why people are turning to franchising right now, how Signarama works as a B2B business, a tour of UFG's other brands, and what separates successful franchisees from the rest.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Earlier this week, right as Russia's economic forum was set to kick off, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on St. Petersburg. The following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In it, he called for a face-to-face meeting to end the war. John Hardie, the deputy director of the FDD's Russia program, joins Brittany Lewis on "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss the latest developments in Russia's war against Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Headlines:US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to stop shooting — basically, a sort-of ceasefire under which Israel would stop striking Beirut and Hezbollah would stop attacking Israel. However, to no one's surprise, the shooting has continued.The Iranian regime is planning a three-day funeral for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which will reportedly take place in mid-June.Bahrain banned its citizens from traveling to Iran and Iraq for somewhat obvious security concerns.Another round of Iran sanctions hit the books yesterday. This time, Treasury targeted Iran's digital asset exchanges and their leaders for helping the IRGC access the international financial system and evade U.S. sanctions.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation withSimone Rodan-Benzaquen, FDD's senior envoy for Europe.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun022026This video identifies three popular franchises Subway, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, and Quiznos that potential investors should avoid due to systemic failures, lack of transparency, and financial risks. The speaker emphasizes that while people buy franchises for a "proven system," these specific brands often sell a "dream that isn't real".Thinking about buying a franchise? This video explores the core of the franchise business model, discussing why many entrepreneurs opt for franchising to acquire a proven system. We also discuss how franchising works, touching on crucial business tips for those looking into how to buy a franchise. ------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Send us Fan MailOne of Gorilla's franchisees runs his entire business from a cruise ship in Greece — nine vans, all from his phone. That's not a gimmick. It's the model. This week the team sits down with Andrew Edwards, owner of Gorilla Property Services,  to break down what might be the most overlooked home services franchise in the market: a high-tech, 100% mobile exterior cleaning and maintenance brand built on B2C and B2B recurring revenue. Gorilla bundles eight essential services — pressure washing, window and gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, graffiti and snow removal — into a single "one call" relationship, much of it required by insurance carriers and local bylaws. That's demand that doesn't disappear in a downturn. Andrew is the rare franchisor who's actually been a franchisee — he built and sold a business before reshaping Gorilla into a system designed to make owners better operators, not buy them a job. In this episode: The proprietary, AI-powered CRM (Gorilla Pro) that runs the whole business from a phoneWhy recurring revenue made Jack & Jill's Pinks exit sell for ~10x netThe B2B vs. B2C cash-flow balance every home services owner needs to understandWhy this model is largely insulated from AI disruptionRealistic numbers: per Gorilla's Item 19, Canadian franchisees averaged $666,233 in revenue and $162,388 in net income (Jan–Dec 2024) at a 49% gross margin. U.S. results may differ — see the FDD.Low investment, highly scalable, home-based, and VetFran-approved. If you've been waiting on BizBuySell for the "perfect business," this is the conversation that reframes the math. Some markets are already gone — Chicago, Tampa, Boca Raton. Check if yours is still open:

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=may2626Getting your spouse on board before buying a franchise is not just good advice — it might be the single most important step in the entire process.Getting your spouse on board before buying a franchise is not just good advice — it might be the single most important step in the entire process. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down why couples who go through the due diligence process together are more likely to become franchise owners and more likely to succeed, why waiting until the end to tell your spouse is one of the biggest mistakes buyers make, how the right partnership gives you a built-in advantage with complementary skill sets and the ability to keep one income while building the business, and why the "I make the decisions" mindset can derail the entire process before it even begins.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Iran's military has been shattered. The Strait of Hormuz remains contested. Three months in, Bill and FDD's Jon Schanzer examine why quick victories are rare, patience is scarce, and this war is entering its most consequential phase yet.

Jeff Dudan's free digital copy of his book What does it really take to succeed in franchising - and why do most people get it completely wrong before they even start? In this episode of the Unemployable Podcast, Jeff Dudan sits down with Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE - a 50-year franchising veteran, the Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University, co-author of the legendary Sandler sales book "You Can't Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar," and former CEO of HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses). Dr. Hayes shares the frameworks, stories, and hard truths that have shaped his nearly five decades in franchising - from why personality profiles predict franchise success better than business plans, to the exit strategy most franchise buyers never think about until it's too late. You'll learn why he thinks fewer than 420 out of 4,000 franchises are actually worth buying, how Gen Z students are becoming multi-unit franchisees before graduation, and what the greatest franchise leaders like Don Dwyer and Ray Titus have in common that most brands will never replicate. Topics covered in this episode: • Why 90% of college students now want to own a business - and how franchising is opening their eyes • The DISC personality framework and why it predicts franchise performance better than capital or experience • How to use Item 20 of the FDD to evaluate any franchise in under an hour • The exit-first mindset that turned a $250K franchise into a $2M+ payday • Why remote work and the gig economy are silently destroying young people's career trajectories • What David Sandler taught about sales that still applies 40 years later • The massive shift from food franchising to service-based businesses - and what it means for investors • Why becoming a franchisor is far harder than being a franchisee - and why it must be a labor of love • How AI is changing education, franchising, and what it means to actually think • The refranchising opportunity most investors overlook entirely Whether you're exploring franchise ownership for the first time, building a franchise brand, or investing in your own entrepreneurial education - this conversation is packed with insight from one of the most credentialed minds in the franchise industry.  Guest: Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE  Guest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/howtobuyafranchise  Guest Website: https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/centers-of-excellence/titus-franchising/  Guest Socials: https://www.instagram.com/pbauniversity/  Titus Center: https://tituscenter.com  #franchising #franchisebusiness #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #franchiseinvesting #businessownership #unemployable #homeservices #genzentrepreneurs #franchiseeducation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Dudan's free digital copy of his book What does it really take to succeed in franchising - and why do most people get it completely wrong before they even start? In this episode of the Unemployable Podcast, Jeff Dudan sits down with Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE - a 50-year franchising veteran, the Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University, co-author of the legendary Sandler sales book "You Can't Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar," and former CEO of HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses). Dr. Hayes shares the frameworks, stories, and hard truths that have shaped his nearly five decades in franchising - from why personality profiles predict franchise success better than business plans, to the exit strategy most franchise buyers never think about until it's too late. You'll learn why he thinks fewer than 420 out of 4,000 franchises are actually worth buying, how Gen Z students are becoming multi-unit franchisees before graduation, and what the greatest franchise leaders like Don Dwyer and Ray Titus have in common that most brands will never replicate. Topics covered in this episode: • Why 90% of college students now want to own a business - and how franchising is opening their eyes • The DISC personality framework and why it predicts franchise performance better than capital or experience • How to use Item 20 of the FDD to evaluate any franchise in under an hour • The exit-first mindset that turned a $250K franchise into a $2M+ payday • Why remote work and the gig economy are silently destroying young people's career trajectories • What David Sandler taught about sales that still applies 40 years later • The massive shift from food franchising to service-based businesses - and what it means for investors • Why becoming a franchisor is far harder than being a franchisee - and why it must be a labor of love • How AI is changing education, franchising, and what it means to actually think • The refranchising opportunity most investors overlook entirely Whether you're exploring franchise ownership for the first time, building a franchise brand, or investing in your own entrepreneurial education - this conversation is packed with insight from one of the most credentialed minds in the franchise industry.  Guest: Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE  Guest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/howtobuyafranchise  Guest Website: https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/centers-of-excellence/titus-franchising/  Guest Socials: https://www.instagram.com/pbauniversity/  Titus Center: https://tituscenter.com  #franchising #franchisebusiness #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #franchiseinvesting #businessownership #unemployable #homeservices #genzentrepreneurs #franchiseeducation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think franchises are all burgers, fries, and regret? Rich Potter says you're looking in the wrong aisle. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Luigi sit down with Rich Potter, founder of Franchise Heroes, to talk about what franchising really looks like in 2026. Not the shiny brochure version. The real version. Rich breaks down how franchise ownership works, what it costs, how people fund it, and why the right franchise can be a smart move for someone who is done letting corporate America hold the leash. They also dig into licensing vs. franchising, the truth about "business in a box," and why senior care may be one of the biggest franchise opportunities sitting in plain sight.  

Most franchise brands don't have a growth problem. They have a disconnect problem.You can have strong marketing, a solid development team, and still struggle to scale if those pieces aren't working together. And for many franchisors, that misalignment between marketing and franchise development is the exact thing slowing growth without them realizing it. In this episode, we sit down with Lorne Fisher, founder of Fish Consulting and F2 Advisory, to break down what's actually behind that disconnect. From starting his agency with no clients to landing Dunkin after months of persistence, Lorne shares how his experience working with some of the most recognizable franchise brands shaped the way he thinks about growth, positioning, and strategy. We also get into what this looks like in real time. From crisis situations to FDD changes, Lorne explains how breakdowns inside an organization, not external factors, are often what create the biggest problems. He shares why poor communication turns small issues into larger ones and how transparency can either strengthen a system or quietly erode it over time. So, if your brand isn't growing the way you expected, this episode will help you see where the disconnect is happening and what needs to change to move forward.Resources:Don't Let Your FDD Renewal Trigger a Crisis - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-let-your-fdd-renewal-trigger-crisis-lorne-fisher-cfe-aedcc/?trackingId=U8mQe2BdSzarEQx8o1X3Cg%3D%3DConnect with Lorne:LinkedIn: @lorne-fisher-cfeWebsite: https://www.lornefisher.com/Episode Highlights:How Lorne Fisher built built his agency into one of the leading public relations and marketing agencies serving franchise and multi-location brands The role PR plays in franchise development and lead generationWhy marketing and franchise development are often disconnectedWhat high-growth franchise brands do differentlyThe biggest mistakes franchisors make during times of changeWhy poor communication turns into internal crisesHow to prepare your brand for crisis situations before they happenThe importance of transparency with franchiseesWhat franchisors should consider before making FDD changesHow to approach agency selection and strategic partnershipConnect with TracyPersonal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsaleJBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/Email: podcast@jbfsale.comConnect with ShannonPersonal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/       JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsaleWebsite - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=may2626Getting your spouse on board before buying a franchise is not just good advice — it might be the single most important step in the entire process.Getting your spouse on board before buying a franchise is not just good advice — it might be the single most important step in the entire process. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down why couples who go through the due diligence process together are more likely to become franchise owners and more likely to succeed, why waiting until the end to tell your spouse is one of the biggest mistakes buyers make, how the right partnership gives you a built-in advantage with complementary skill sets and the ability to keep one income while building the business, and why the "I make the decisions" mindset can derail the entire process before it even begins.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and Behnam Ben Taleblu.They dissect the latest on the Iran deal: what we know, what we don't, and what we're watching.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Buying a franchise can sound simple until the numbers, staffing, and daily decisions start to get real.  How do you know whether a franchise fits your goals, cash flow, and lifestyle? In this episode, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl speak with Scott Thompson, CEO of Your Future Franchise, about what prospective franchise owners should understand before investing. Scott shares how to evaluate the franchise disclosure document, why working capital matters, what strong franchisors provide, and how buyers can match their strengths, financial position, and goals with the right franchise opportunity. Scott shares: Why the right franchise depends on a buyer's skills, budget, lifestyle, and return goals How strong franchisors support owners with systems, training, benchmarks, and KPIs What buyers should review in FDD items 5, 6, 7, and 19 before committing Why being undercapitalized can limit hiring, marketing, growth, and decision-making How franchise ownership can fit career changers, retirees, and purpose-driven investors And more! Resources: Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) 101 Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Evan Wohl: Opus Private Client, LLC  ewohl@opus-pc.com  LinkedIn: Evan Wohl YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Scott Thompson: LinkedIn: Scott Thompson Your Future Franchise Contact Franchise Consultant Scott Thompson  YouTube: @Scott-YourFutureFranchise Instagram: @smthompson1979 Facebook: Your Future Franchise About Our Guest: Scott Thompson is a nationally recognized franchise leader with over two decades of experience growing some of the most respected brands in health, wellness, beauty, and personal services. Over his career, he has served in many roles — including franchisee, multi-unit operator, board member, and private equity–backed executive — giving him a 360° perspective on what it takes to build and scale successful franchise brands. Now, as a Franchise Consultant with FranChoice, Scott offers a proven, no-cost consultative process to help individuals, couples, executives in transition, existing multi-unit operators, and PE & Family Office investors explore franchising. He guides them through discovering opportunities that align with their financial goals, lifestyle vision, and growth strategies — ultimately becoming confident, successful business owners. Over his career, Scott has: Driven explosive brand expansion — leading development strategies that opened thousands of locations nationwide. Partnered with private equity and multi-unit operators to optimize unit economics, accelerate openings, and maximize enterprise value. Built franchise systems from the ground up — from market analysis and site selection to lease negotiation, construction optimization, and resale strategies. Whether guiding an executive into their first franchise, helping an experienced operator diversify, or advising private equity groups on brand acquisition and portfolio growth, Scott brings the same core philosophy: “InServiceTo” his clients' success. With deep industry relationships, a data-driven approach, and firsthand ownership experience, Scott has a rare 360° perspective on franchising. He understands what makes a franchise thrive and how to match the right people to the right opportunities. If you're ready to explore franchise ownership, scale your portfolio, or evaluate brands for acquisition, Scott is a trusted partner who can get you from curiosity to confident ownership.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=may2426Being a customer of a business and owning one are two completely different things — and the numbers behind buying an existing business might surprise you. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down the real truth about buying an existing business versus a franchise, why employees have zero loyalty to a new owner, how debt service can quietly eat into your take-home pay, and why the best franchise candidates are the ones who can follow a proven system without trying to reinvent the wheel.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

The voter system is full of holes, tech giants are magically changing digital reality before an election, and the proxy threats overseas are reaching a breaking point. Today on The Adult in the Room, Victoria Taft cuts through the noise to deliver the raw truth the mainstream media wants to sweep under the rug. First, we unpack the massive voter fraud bust on Skid Row caught on camera by James O'Keefe, leading to a federal felony plea announced by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. Then, FDD expert Max Meislish drops by to decode what is REALLY happening behind the scenes of the US-Iran ceasefire and how China is secretly keeping the regime alive. Finally, we look into a bizarre Google Maps "glitch" altering burnt-down neighborhoods just in time for the LA mayoral primary. Support the show! Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the free speech forum.Connect with Victoria Taft on PJ Media and follow the podcast on YouTube, Rumble, and Spotify!

Headlines:The Trump administration rolled out another batch of Iran sanctions, as well as a second package targeting four individuals associated with Palestinian terror groups and the Gaza flotilla.It's official. Hamas has a new leader in Gaza.The world's largest cable-laying company suspended work in the Persian Gulf after Iran demanded that the company obtain permits and pay fees to continue repairing subsea cables.Israeli troops reportedly found a document in Gaza last year indicating that Hamas spent the January to March 2025 ceasefire training new recruits.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ryan Brobst, deputy director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Before Hamas. Before Al-Qaeda. Before the Islamic State. There was... (

Headlines:Iranian drone attacks, whether launched by the regime or its Iraqi proxies, continue to plague the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Remember the yellow zone in Gaza? You know, the territory that Israel controls and that surrounds the red zone that is still controlled by Hamas? Looks like Israel is slowly gaining ground on the terror group.The outrage continues over Nicholas Kristof's column in The New York Times accusing Israel of training dogs to r*pe Palestinians in jail.The Israeli government just passed a death penalty law for West Bank Palestinians convicted of murder.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Daniel Swift, a senior research analyst from FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=may1726Everyone wants to know the same thing before buying a franchise: how much money will I make? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood topics in franchising — profit margins and cash flow potential. We cover why no franchisor will ever guarantee your net profit, how to use the FDD and validation calls to build a realistic picture of what you can earn, and why your profitability ultimately comes down to one thing — your ability to execute.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

HeadlinesWe've got another flotilla on the way to Israel. Just what we all needed, right?A Hezbollah drone attack wounded four Israeli civilians in northern Israel.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday that Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran to meet with Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.Fatah, the Palestinian Authority's dominant faction, is on day two of a three-day conference to elect members to its Central Committee and Revolutionary Council, which is essentially the party's parliament.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts David Daoud and Craig Singleton.They examine the takeaways from the U.S.-China summit, the deadlock over Hezbollah's disarmament in the Israel-Lebanon talks, and what Washington can achieve on both fronts.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

China is the biggest buyer of oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the White House is saying both President Trump and Chinese President Xi agreed the key waterway must remain open. The discussions also focused on trade and how to better it between the two nations, and will test whether diplomacy can translate into progress on the divisions that define the U.S.–China relationship. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Jack Burnham, senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' (FDD's) China Program, who says with China's support of Iran, they won't be pressing Tehran into anything that makes them lose control of the country. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

China is the biggest buyer of oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the White House is saying both President Trump and Chinese President Xi agreed the key waterway must remain open. The discussions also focused on trade and how to better it between the two nations, and will test whether diplomacy can translate into progress on the divisions that define the U.S.–China relationship. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Jack Burnham, senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' (FDD's) China Program, who says with China's support of Iran, they won't be pressing Tehran into anything that makes them lose control of the country. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

China is the biggest buyer of oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the White House is saying both President Trump and Chinese President Xi agreed the key waterway must remain open. The discussions also focused on trade and how to better it between the two nations, and will test whether diplomacy can translate into progress on the divisions that define the U.S.–China relationship. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Jack Burnham, senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' (FDD's) China Program, who says with China's support of Iran, they won't be pressing Tehran into anything that makes them lose control of the country. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=may122026What does it take to go from a college grad with no job to founding a franchise brand from scratch? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we sit down with the founder of Waterloo Turf to hear the real story behind how a low-risk bet on the turf industry turned into a thriving franchise opportunity. From walking away from ownership the first time, to losing the freedom of being his own boss, to burning the boats and launching a new company on his wedding month — this is a founder story about faith, persistence, and what happens when your systems work so well you can launch a new market without ever visiting it.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Iran's nuclear program is in ruins, but the threat is far from dead. Deputy Director of FDD's Non-Proliferation Program, Andrea Stricker and Bill dive into the desperate gamble Tehran is making at the negotiating table with the U.S. — and the terrifying chemical contingency they might be holding in reserve.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=femay052026One of the most common questions we hear from franchise buyers is: can I keep my job and still own a franchise? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down the real truth about semi-absentee franchise ownership — why it takes longer to break even, why most financial disclosures do not include manager salaries, why first-time business owners should go all in, and what it actually looks like to run two full-time jobs at once. If you are considering keeping your corporate job while buying a franchise, watch this before you decide.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Thank you to all our listeners and supporters for getting F&FC to 200 episodes! We are proud of the work done and are looking forward to much more content! Stay tuned!China's grand strategy to reshape supply chains, ideological dominance, and the larger world order can be traced to strategies like Made in China 2025. How much of a wake-up call is this for the U.S.? Emily de la Bruyère, Senior Fellow at the Foundations for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and co-founder of Horizon Advisory, joins the podcast to share some of China's boldest strategies and their threats to U.S. national security and prosperity. Could a bigger wake-up call motivate a more ambitious national security vision and strategy from the U.S.?Learn more from Emily's work at FDD! https://www.fdd.org/team/emily-de-la-bruyere/Support the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute!JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level!IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=may0326When your spouse isn't on board with buying a franchise, it can feel like the end of the road — but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down how to navigate one of the most common obstacles franchise buyers face — getting your spouse on the same page. We cover how to approach the conversation the right way, why being vulnerable with your why matters more than any business case, and how to get your spouse to hear it from someone other than you.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

The Strait of Hormuz isn't just about Iran. It's a stress test for American will, allied confidence, and the deterrence architecture holding the Indo-Pacific together.FDD's RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, fresh from a trip to Taiwan, and Craig Singleton, FDD China Program Senior Director, join Cliff May to connect the dots — from the naval blockade's economic pressure to the lessons Beijing and Taipei are both drawing, in real time, from the Iran war.

The Strait of Hormuz isn't just about Iran. It's a stress test for American will, allied confidence, and the deterrence architecture holding the Indo-Pacific together.FDD's RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, fresh from a trip to Taiwan, and Craig Singleton, FDD China Program Senior Director, join Cliff May to connect the dots — from the naval blockade's economic pressure to the lessons Beijing and Taipei are both drawing, in real time, from the Iran war.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feapr2826Marc Magerman sits down with Lance Ingram, founder of Waterloo Turf, and Manny Guzman, VP of Operations, to break down everything you need to know about owning an artificial turf franchise. From how the business model works to what it takes to become a franchisee — this is an inside look at one of the most interesting emerging opportunities in home services right now.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feapr2626We dive into the realities of franchise ownership, emphasizing that it's not for everyone and requires significant effort. Learn the crucial steps for how to start a business, particularly focusing on how to start a franchise successfully. This segment provides essential investment tips for aspiring business owners.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Headlines:Israeli authorities charged two IDF Air Force mechanics with spying on behalf of Iran.France is getting feistier, threatening to impose sanctions on Israel if Jerusalem doesn't change course in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.President Trump attended a meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors at the White House yesterday.A couple of announcements out of Washington relating to those nasty Iraqi militias. First, a 10 million dollar bounty on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji of the group known as Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, or KSS.The city of Islamabad is reportedly still on a high security alert, as the Pakistani government continues to prepare for another round of talks between the United States and Iran.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD's Hussain Abdul-Hussain.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Iran says it's not in a rush to negotiate, but reality signals something else.Bill is joined by FDD senior fellow Miad Maleki — former U.S. Treasury sanctions architect — to break down why Tehran walked away from talks, what the Strait of Hormuz blockade is really doing, and why the regime may be under more pressure than at any point since 1979.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feapr2126In this episode, we explore the ideal characteristics of a successful franchise owner, emphasizing the importance of following the system. We discuss how a strong partnership can enhance a "franchise business" and improve both efficiency and quality of life. Learn about the self improvement traits needed for "owning a franchise" and discover practical "business ideas" for achieving your financial goals. This conversation provides crucial insights into "how to make money" as a franchisee, highlighting that success comes from consistent execution rather than deviation.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feapr1926Many aspiring entrepreneurs face "analysis paralysis" when searching for a franchise, making it difficult to find truly profitable business ideas. Our experts streamline this process, sifting through thousands of options to present a curated list of high-quality franchises. This approach helps individuals navigate how to start a business effectively, ensuring they focus on ventures with proven success and strong support, moving beyond generic business ideas to specific, vetted opportunities.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Three shocks. Three fronts. One world shifting fast. In Hungary, Péter Magyar topples Viktor Orbán's grip. In Washington, Lebanese–Israeli talks edge beyond ceasefire toward something more consequential—rattling players from Hezbollah to Emmanuel Macron. And after failed diplomacy in Islamabad, U.S. Vice President JD Vance now faces a new phase: an American naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, squeezing Tehran's lifeline. Host Cliff May sits down with FDD experts Edmund Fitton-Brown and Simone Rodan-Benzaquen to make sense of a moment that may redraw the map.

Bill joins fellow FDD colleagues, Cameron McMillan and Ryan Brobst, from the Center on Military and Political Power to reassess the combat objectives met by the U.S. military after seven weeks of engagement in the Iranian War. Can the Department of Defense stand by their robust claims about Iranian hardware destruction? And, will the recent naval blockade be the military operation that ultimately breaks the Iranian regime?

Hugh discusses the conflict with Iran, the Senate reconciliation bill, and talks with Mary Katharine Ham, Noah Rothman of National Review, Washington Examiner's Sarah Bedford, Jonathan Williams of ALEC, Mark Dubowitz from FDD, Alex Gray of American Global Strategies, former Senator Jim Talent, and Sarah Isgur, author of "Last Branch Standing."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is aimed at squeezing Iran's economy by millions in daily oil imports and exports. As the blockade continues, the State Department hosted the first round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon as senior Hezbollah officials announced they will not abide by any agreements made in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad this week, just ahead of the current ceasefire expiring. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Senior Director of FDD's Iran program, who says the actions taken in the Strait have been a possible bargaining tool against Tehran for a while, but only now has been a real option. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Follow Forbes Newsroom  Just under 12 hours before President Donald Trump's self-imposed 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he warned on Truth Social that a "whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” This comes after his Easter morning missive, where in an expletive-laced post, he said in part, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!" Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the FDD's Iran program, joined Brittany Lewis on "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss President Trump's latest statements and what they mean for the war against Iran. Stay Connected Forbes Breaking News on X: https://x.com/ForbesTVNews Forbes Breaking News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forbestvnews More From Forbes: http://forbes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices