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In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich sits down at the International Franchise Association with Brian Jackman, President of Ziebart Corporation, and Nick Lambie, award-winning Ziebart franchise owner, Air Force veteran, VetFran Committee member, and Franchisee of the Year.
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich sits down with Cory Albertson, co-founder of Wet Fuel, a mobile diesel fuel delivery franchise built around B2B recurring revenue, fleet fueling, proprietary trucks, and a small-staff operating model. Cory shares how Wet Fuel started, why America runs on diesel, and how construction companies, fleet operators, generators, and commercial businesses can save time, labor, and money by having fuel delivered directly to their vehicles and equipment. If you are looking for a franchise opportunity with no brick-and-mortar location, business-to-business customers, recurring revenue, and a first-mover advantage in mobile diesel delivery, this episode is a must-watch.
Lance Graulich sits down with Tony Hulbert, CEO of HorsePower Brands, to talk about why home service franchises continue to be one of the strongest categories in franchising. Tony breaks down the difference between buying an existing business and investing in a franchise, why culture matters in franchise ownership, how HorsePower Brands supports first-time business owners, and how AI is changing call centers, sales coaching, customer service, and lead generation.
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich sits down with Art Coley of CGI Franchise at the International Franchise Association show in Las Vegas to discuss what is changing in franchise development in 2026. Art shares how franchisors can build stronger sales funnels, why organic lead generation matters, and why many brands do not have a lead problem — they have an appointment-setting and sales process problem. They also break down the Recruitment Operating System, the importance of data analytics, outbound prospecting, and why franchise development teams need better systems instead of chasing shortcuts.
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich sits down at the International Franchise Association in Las Vegas with Kristin Denzer, Founder and CEO of Tierra Encantada, one of the fastest-growing childcare franchise brands in the early education space. Kristin shares how Tierra Encantada is redefining traditional daycare through Spanish immersion, a global meal program, full-time teacher career paths, and a strong recurring revenue model. With 13 corporate locations, multiple states, and impressive Item 19 performance, Tierra Encantada offers a powerful look at why childcare franchises continue to attract serious franchise candidates.
In this episode of Franchise Fit, Lance Graulich sits down with Don Tarinelli, Chief Development Officer of Franchise Fastlane, during IFA Week in Las Vegas. Don shares what makes someone a strong franchise candidate, why “too entrepreneurial” can actually be a red flag, the importance of franchise validation, and what first-time business owners need to know before investing in a franchise. They also discuss Franchise Fastlane, Carpool, semi-absentee ownership, franchise resales, acquisitions, and how to choose a brand that fits your actual skill set.
In this special crossover episode recorded live from the International Franchise Association convention in Las Vegas, Dan Claps joins Lance Graulich on The Franchise Fit Podcast for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, franchising, and what it really takes to build a business. Sitting down in a hotel room at IFA, Dan opens up about the early days of launching Voda Cleaning & Restoration, including the moments where he genuinely believed the company might fail. He shares how listening closely to franchise candidates who didn't buy ultimately helped shape Voda's systems, messaging, and long-term culture into what it is today.Dan and Lance dive deep into the realities of franchise ownership versus entrepreneurship through acquisition, discussing why so many aspiring business owners spend years overthinking instead of starting. From unit economics and royalties to validation calls and growth strategy, the conversation breaks down what separates successful franchise systems from the rest. Dan also explains why he believes franchising is the “fast track” to business ownership, compares the franchise relationship to a marriage, and shares his philosophy on building companies designed to last for decades—not just for an exit.The episode also explores the future vision for Franchise Playbook, why “needs-based” businesses like restoration continue to grow, and the mindset first-time entrepreneurs need if they truly want to fire their boss. Whether you're considering buying a franchise, searching for your first business, or trying to decide between starting from scratch or buying an existing company, this conversation delivers practical insight from two people who live and breathe franchising every day.
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich sits down in Las Vegas during International Franchise Association Week with longtime franchisee Michael Solomon, a 32-year franchise owner with experience in Great American Cookies and Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. Michael shares what he has learned from decades in franchising, including how to build strong teams, why franchise systems outperform many mom-and-pop businesses, what first-time franchise buyers need to know, and the biggest mistakes franchisees make when they put dollars over people. This episode is sponsored by SeoSamba — empowering franchises with predictable results and AI-driven marketing.
At the International Franchise Association Show in Las Vegas, Lance Graulich sits down with Dan Claps, CEO of Voda Cleaning & Restoration and founder of Franchise Playbook, shares how Voda almost went out of business in the beginning, what changed when the team started listening to franchise candidates, and how the brand grew to 110 franchise owners and roughly 300 locations.
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich sits down with Medhi of Crazy Pita to talk about building a restaurant brand for 20 years and expanding it through franchising, Walmart locations, virtual brands, AI systems, and new city growth. They break down what makes Crazy Pita different, how the brand maintains consistency, what Medhi looks for in franchisees, and why innovation is critical in today's food business. They also cover shared-kitchen concepts like Salad Madness and Chicken Genius, the power of community connection, restaurant hiring, and what first-time business owners need to know before jumping into a franchise or starting from scratch.
This week's edition is the second MASHUP episode where the theme is buying and selling businesses. In the last 14+ years of doing the show, I have interviewed many people who have expertise on this topic, and so we've woven some clips from several previous episodes to answer the types of questions people might have about what goes into doing this. Here's what you'll learn: Jason Sisneros: Knowing the exit plan for your business as soon as possible; setting up your company for the best exit; what makes a buyer qualified to purchase your business. Scott Duffy: How to know whether or not you are sitting on a billion-dollar idea; how to increase the value of your company if you plan to sell it someday. Mitch McGinley: Recognizing if a deal is good or not; funding your business; using your LLC or EIN number to buy a business; buyer's due diligence; accurately pricing you business to sell; transparency with your employees about the sale of your business. Michael Streets: how to sell your business; recognizing the best time to sell your business. Lance Graulich: why franchising is a better way to wealth than a startup; funding your franchise purchase; knowing if your business is franchisable or not. You can follow and listen to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Audible, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and at Success Profiles Radio | Live Internet Talk Radio | Best Shows Podcasts. Learn more about our guests here: Jason Sisneros: https://builttoexit.biz Scott Duffy: https://scottduffy.com Mitch McGinley: https://boutiquefitnessbroker.com Michael Streets: https://michaelstreets.com Lance Graulich: https://eyeonfranchising.com
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich interviews Matt O'Rourke of Belfor Franchise Group at IFA Las Vegas to break down the opportunity in plumbing franchises and home services. They discuss Matt's journey from nursing school to plumbing entrepreneur, plus why Belfor and Z PLUMBERS stand out for first-time franchise owners.
What does it really take to succeed in franchising? In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich interviews Adria Hartwig of City Wide Facility Solutions at IFA Las Vegas to discuss what makes this B2B franchise stand out, who the brand is right for, and how top franchisees scale into major revenue. They cover franchisee success traits, the power of sales leadership, how some operators build multi-million-dollar businesses, and why City Wide is approaching $1 billion in systemwide sales. Sponsored by SEO Samba — empower your franchise with predictable results and AI-driven marketing.
At the IFA Convention in Las Vegas, Lance Graulich interviews Missy Wright, VP of Franchise Development at Five Star Franchising, about what makes franchisees successful, why more women and younger entrepreneurs are entering franchising, and how to choose the right business model. Missy shares insights on Five Star Franchising, including Card My Yard, Mosquito Shield, and Gotcha Covered, and explains the importance of systems, coaching, hiring, recurring revenue, and franchisee validation. They also discuss AI in franchising, resale vs. starting new, and the traits top-performing franchise owners have in common. If you're exploring franchise ownership, low-investment franchises, or the best franchise opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice.
Gary Brecka and Tony Robbins are at the center of this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, as Lance Graulich interviews Anthony Geisler, Founder and CEO of Sequel Brands, about building the Ultimate Longevity Center with Lifeforce.
Can a CPA really build a home service franchise while keeping his full-time job? In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich interviews Anthony Runnels, a CPA/CFO from the Los Angeles area who made the leap into franchise ownership with TrueBlue Home Service Ally—without quitting corporate America. Anthony shares how he went from corporate finance and accounting to building a semi-absentee franchise side hustle, why he chose home services, and what first-time business owners need to know before buying a franchise. If you're exploring franchise ownership, looking for a proven business model, or trying to figure out how to start a business while still employed, this episode is packed with real-world insight. Sponsored by SEO Samba Empower your franchise with predictable results and AI-driven marketing.
Thinking about buying a business for the first time? Most people don't fail because they're lazy — they fail because they're alone. In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, Lance Graulich explains the biggest advantage of buying a franchise: you're in business for yourself… but not by yourself.We break down franchising vs. buying a business through acquisition (ETA), the “support stack” that reduces risk, and why AI + franchise community is a major edge in 2026.Sponsored by SEO Samba (AI-driven franchise marketing).
Welcome back to another solo episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast with Lance Graulich—where he talks about real franchise owner incomes, real numbers, and the ROI math most people ignore.In this episode, Lance gives you the Wall Street benchmark (the S&P 500 long-term average returns) so you can stop asking “How much do franchise owners make?” like it's one number—and start judging a franchise opportunity like a serious buyer.You'll learn the income equation every buyer needs, why revenue is NOT income, how margins + managers + debt change everything, and how smart owners get paid twice: cash flow now + equity on exit (often a multiple of EBITDA/cash flow).Sponsored by: SEO Samba — predictable results + AI-driven marketing for franchise brands.
Welcome back to the Franchise Fit Podcast—I'm Lance Graulich. Most people overestimate franchise costs and underestimate returns, which keeps them stuck in research mode. In this episode, I break down real franchise investment ranges, the funding options that actually get deals done (often you don't need the full amount in cash), the biggest budgeting mistakes, and a 60-second Franchise Money Test you can use to see what “tier” you're in and which franchises fit your budget.Sponsor: SEO Samba — predictable results with AI-driven franchise marketing.
If you want to own a business without wasting years figuring it out, this episode explains why franchising is the fastest on-ramp to ownership in 2026. We break down the economic tailwinds driving franchise growth, why the job market + AI shift is pushing more professionals toward control and asset-building, and why service-based franchises(home services, senior care, essential B2B) are scaling fast.Stay until the end — I share a few brands expanding in 2026 that could fit your goals and budget, plus how to evaluate “fit” the right way.
Get ready to transform your wealth-building strategy! Join us for the Wealth-Building for the Rest of Us: Real Estate, Franchising & Infinite Banking Masterclass on January 15, 2026 (1:00–4:00 PM CT). Learn from industry experts Anthony Faso & Cameron Christiansen, Monika Jazyk, and Lance Graulich as they reveal how to leverage Real Estate, Franchising, and Infinite Banking to unlock financial success.
Welcome back to the Franchise Fit Podcast — I'm your host Lance Graulich. Today I'm joined by Keith McBride, a successful 1-800-PACKOUTS franchisee in the Philadelphia / Philly Metro market (
If your New Year's resolution is financial freedom, career control, or finally becoming your own boss, this episode is your wake-up call. Corporate America has quietly changed the rules—layoffs happen fast, loyalty doesn't pay like it used to, and AI is reshaping job security. In this solo episode, Lance Graulich breaks down why the “perfect time” doesn't arrive… you step into it—and why franchising can be a proven path to ownership without gambling your future.You'll also hear real-world examples from past guests on the Franchise Fit Podcast, including high-performing owners who replaced (and exceeded) their corporate income through systems, support, and smart decision-making—without reinventing the wheel.
In this episode of the Franchise Fit Podcast, host Lance Graulich interviews Joel Worthington, leadership expert and former President of Mr. Electric (Neighborly Brands). With over 20 years in franchising, Joel breaks down what separates average leaders from great ones—and why leadership is a process, not a title.This episode is a must-watch for first-time business owners, franchisees, and operators who want to scale without chaos.Key Takeaways:• The difference between good and great leaders• The 4 foundational elements of leadership• Why most franchise owners struggle when scaling• The most expensive leadership mistake in growth• Why top franchisees follow the system and win
Lance Graulich sits down with Sam Miles, CPA (Guardian CPAs) to break down the biggest tax mistakes first-time business owners make — and how to avoid them.If you're buying a franchise, running a small business, or thinking about switching from an LLC to an S-Corp, this conversation could save you thousands in taxes and keep you out of IRS trouble.
Franchise Fit Podcast (formerly Eye on Franchising) returns with a powerhouse episode on the future of influencer marketing in franchising — featuring two industry icons: Angela Olea (Founder & CEO, Sweet Influencers) and Liberty Bernal (President & COO, Sweet Influencers).If you've ever wondered how AI, micro-influencers, and real UGC content will transform franchise growth, this is your episode.From the early days of Blackberries, Yellow Page ads, and landlines to AI-powered influencer campaigns… marketing has changed forever. And Sweet Influencers is leading the next wave.Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or future business owner — this episode reveals how influencer marketing REALLY works, how campaigns are matched to the right audience, why micro-influencers drive massive ROI, and how AI now predicts what content will actually convert.This episode is sponsored by SEO Samba — AI-Driven, Predictable Franchise Marketing Success.
Welcome to the Franchise Fit Podcast, formerly known as Eye On Franchising!Same powerful stories — new name and focus. We help you find the right franchise fit so you can build wealth, freedom, and legacy through business ownership.Today's guest, Michelle Zahoransky, is a powerhouse MaidPro franchisee who turned a college homework assignment — inspired by Dr. Gene Landrum, founder of Chuck E. Cheese — into a $4 million cleaning business.She shares how she went from cleaning houses solo to running multiple MaidPro locations, mentoring franchisees, and creating a company culture rooted in purpose, recognition, and recurring revenue.
In this episode, I'm joined by Ann Wiard, a Taste Buds Kitchen franchisee from Rhode Island, who turned her passion for food, education, and family experiences into a thriving business. She shares how she went from Executive Director of a soup kitchen to owning one of the most successful Taste Buds locations — earning 31% profit margins and out-earning her husband!We talk about family cooking classes, hilarious date-night stories, how she paid off her investment in 2.5 years, and why following the franchise system is the ultimate recipe for success. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Eye on Franchising with Lance Graulich01:12 – Meet Ann Wiard, Taste Buds Kitchen franchisee from Rhode Island02:30 – Date nights, corporate events & “spicy” cooking stories05:12 – Why Taste Buds Kitchen is a family favorite07:48 – Teaching kids to love cooking (and eat broccoli tots!)10:30 – Ann's background: from soup kitchens to entrepreneurship12:00 – Why she chose Taste Buds Kitchen over 4,000 other franchises14:15 – Cooking camps, after-school programs & summer classes17:00 – How much does it cost to open a Taste Buds Kitchen?19:20 – Real numbers: $1.1M+ sales & 30% profit margins21:45 – Ann's journey to making $200K+ per year24:10 – How she paid off her investment in 2.5 years26:30 – Lessons learned: hire a general manager early28:00 – Why some franchisees fail (and how to avoid it)30:25 – Working with Taste Buds' founder Jessie & the leadership team32:40 – What kind of person thrives in this franchise34:20 – The secret ingredient: building a passionate team36:00 – Why Ann chose franchising instead of starting her own concept38:10 – Advice for anyone considering a franchise40:00 – Why talking to franchisees during validation is key42:00 – Final thoughts & how franchising changed Ann's life
Today's guest is Shawna Hicks Cranston, a 15-year PostNet franchisee and longtime entrepreneur who's built something special — a community-driven, people-first business that's thriving in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Before PostNet, Shawna and her husband owned a staffing franchise for 20+ years — so she knows exactly what it takes to succeed in multiple franchise systems. In this episode, Shawna shares her “Mayberry Approach,” why customer connection beats competition, and how her focus on mindset and relationships made her an award-winning owner.You'll learn:✅ The mindset shift that separates average franchisees from top performers✅ How AI and automation are boosting small business profits✅ Real PostNet financials (revenues & startup costs)✅ The “Tenacious Mindset” that earned Shawna national recognition✅ Her best advice for anyone ready to buy their first franchiseTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Eye on Franchising01:10 – Meet Shawna Hicks Cranston: 15 years of PostNet success03:30 – The “Mayberry Approach”: turning customers into family06:45 – From cows to community: building a thriving location10:05 – Winning PostNet's Tenacious Mindset Award13:15 – The real secret behind long-term franchise success16:20 – AI, tech, and new machines that save time & money20:00 – The biggest early struggles new franchisees face24:10 – How to market your location & stand out locally27:35 – Money talk: PostNet's average revenue & startup costs31:00 – How PostNet evolved with customer demand36:20 – Funny (and wild) customer stories you won't believe39:55 – The power of franchise community & peer support44:10 – How to know if a franchise is truly the right fit48:25 – Building generational wealth with your franchise51:50 – Shawna's final advice for new owners55:00 – Closing thoughts — purpose, passion & people first
Today's guest is Mike Jewett, a tech executive turned entrepreneur who partnered with me to discover and launch his That 1 Painter franchise.
What happens when a corporate franchising executive leaves the boardroom to build his own empire?Meet Jon Steward – the “Franchise Lover.” After 25+ years in franchising, including 17 years in senior operations roles with Dairy Queen, Great Clips, and Planet Fitness, Jon traded his corporate suit for ownership. Today, he's a multi-brand franchisee running 14 Mosquito Shield territories in South Jersey.Jon has helped hundreds of franchisees open, grow, and sell their businesses. He knows franchising from both sides of the table—franchisor and franchisee. A Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the IFA, Jon even published research on franchise relationship dynamics, proving that social exchange is just as critical as financial exchange for long-term success.
Forget boring franchises. This is the FUN one.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this episode of Eye On Franchising, host Lance Graulich sits down with Jack Warner (President of SignWorld) and Jeannie Borum (VP, Business Development of SignWorld) to dive deep into a unique business opportunity that's breaking all the rules—SignWorld! Unlike traditional franchises, SignWorld gives entrepreneurs the freedom to build their business their way, without royalties or strict regulations.
Franchising offers a proven business model, but is it the right fit for you? In this episode of Measure Success Podcast, Lance Graulich, a franchise expert who has helped build major brands like Wingstop and Krispy Kreme, explains how to evaluate, invest, and scale a franchise business. Key insights: ✅ The true costs and potential profits of franchising ✅ How to match your skills and risk tolerance with the right franchise ✅ Why some franchises fail—and how to avoid common pitfalls If you're looking for a way to own a business with less risk, this episode will help you understand how to make smart franchise decisions.