Best Erik Van Horn Podcasts (2025)

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Taco John's CEO Reveals the Secret Sauce of Franchising Success 38:21

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2d ago38:21

38:21

In this episode, Taco John’s CEO, Heather Neary, shares her full-circle journey, the five C’s of franchising success, and what it takes to grow a legacy QSR in today’s competitive market. From franchisee empathy to marketing/ops integration—this is a masterclass in modern franchising. Timestamps: 00:00 – The lawnmower hustle: Eric's childhood story…

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The HoldCo Strategy That Prints Money in Small Markets 37:32

9d ago37:32

37:32

What does it take to build a multi-million dollar business empire in a town of just 65,000 people? Former pro baseball player Joshua Kalinowski reveals how he transitioned from the Colorado Rockies to real estate, roofing, solar, and beyond—creating multiple thriving companies in a boom-and-bust market. From mindset and leadership to franchise stra…

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How Franchisors Really Make (or Miss) Millions in an Exit 32:36

16d ago32:36

32:36

Thinking of selling your franchise brand someday? Don’t do it until you hear this. Investment banker J. Patrick Galleher from Boxwood Partners joins Franchise Secrets to break down the real mechanics behind franchise exits, private equity deals, and what makes a brand worth $100M—or not. We cover: -Why “vanity metrics” like territories sold can hur…

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This Franchise Insider Helps People Say No — Here’s Why That’s Genius 53:00

23d ago53:00

53:00

In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Nic Leland from Front Street to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind closed doors in franchise development. Nic doesn’t just help people say yes to franchises — he helps them say no when it’s not the right fit. His journey from a would-be doctor to a franchise advisor…

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The Franchise Goldmine Nobody’s Talking About 45:58

1M ago45:58

45:58

There’s a reason we don’t say “yes” to every franchise opportunity—and in this episode, we break down why. Jeff Herr joins Erik to reveal what actually makes a franchise brand scalable, investable, and valuable long-term. We’re talking proprietary IP, raving customers, founder mindset, team culture, recurring revenue, and why the first rule of fran…

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I Lost $100K Trying to Save a Failing Franchise 28:50

1M ago28:50

28:50

What happens when you ignore your gut and hold onto a struggling franchise too long? In this episode, Erik Van Horn shares the raw story of how one decision cost him over $100,000—and how it shaped the way he approaches franchise buying today. From distressed sellers and employee transitions to risky leases and LOI clauses, this episode is packed w…

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Top Franchisee in a Tough Market vs. Weak Owner in a Goldmine: Who Wins? 44:43

1M ago44:43

44:43

What happens when a rockstar franchisee enters a struggling market—and when a weak operator steps into a booming territory? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Kevin Sill, a second-generation franchisee who helped scale a family-owned Budget Blinds operation to 17 territories and over $20M in annual revenue. But that’s not all—Kevin also …

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How Donuts, Pop-Ups, and a $3 Lead Strategy Built a Pilates Empire 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

How do you grow a multi-unit fitness franchise without a massive ad budget? Ray Dunn did it—with free classes, donuts, grassroots events, and relationships. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn and Ray unpack a masterclass in guerrilla marketing, team management, lead generation, and semi-absentee ownership. Whether you're launching …

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The Exit Playbook: How Top Franchisees Are Cashing Out for Millions 36:05

2M ago36:05

36:05

What separates the average franchisee from the elite? In this solo episode, Erik Van Horn shares the exit playbook used by top-performing franchisees to scale, systemize, and cash out for millions. Discover how to go from franchise operator to investor, build a sellable franchise business, and protect your wealth with smart tax strategies and capit…

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The #1 Mistake That Destroys Emerging Franchise Brands (And Nobody Talks About It) 52:13

2M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode, Erik is joined by Sherri Sieber, president of FranFund, to dive deep into the pitfalls and must-knows for emerging franchisors—and the critical importance of funding, accurate FDDs, and realistic projections. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🚩 Red flags when franchisees are only allowed to call 3 out of 20 franchisees. 💰 Why underfunded franchisee…

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5 Myths Multi-Unit Franchisees Believe (That Kill Growth and Profit) With Derek Pipkorn 49:56

2M ago49:56

49:56

Are you ready to turn your passion into a thriving franchise? In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn speaks with Derek Pipkorn, a multi-center owner of Mathnasium, a math-only learning center, about how to scale and manage a franchise successfully. Derek shares insights into the challenges and rewards of growing multiple franchise loca…

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Franchising and Venture Capital: The Power Duo for Explosive Growth With Yoni Rechtman 40:05

3M ago40:05

40:05

What’s the secret to scaling a franchise brand with venture capital? In today’s episode, Yoni Rechtman shares his insights into what makes franchising a powerful tool for growth and why it’s not just about finding the right product, but about creating systems that work. Yoni, a principal at Slow Ventures, joins Erik Van Horn to discuss the intersec…

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Why Radical Transparency is Key to Growing Your Franchise Brand With Brigham Dallas 35:33

3M ago35:33

35:33

Building a successful franchise isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating the right foundation for your franchisees to thrive. Discover the secrets behind scaling franchises from someone who’s been there and done that. In this episode, Brigham Dallas, a franchise industry expert and owner of Hello Sugar, returns to discuss what it truly takes to …

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Built to Scale: How Great Franchisors Think Differently With Jeff Herr 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

What makes a successful franchisor stand out from the rest? It's not just about expanding quickly—it’s about building a brand that can scale and stand the test of time. In this episode, Jeff Herr of Front Street Equity Partners returns to exchange views with Erik Van Horn. They discuss what sets great franchisors apart from the average ones, why st…

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The Truth About Passive Income: It’s Not What You’ve Been Told With Russ Morgan 54:38

3M ago54:38

54:38

If you think passive income means sitting back and letting the money roll in, think again! In this episode, we uncover the truth behind passive income and why it’s not as simple as it seems. Join Erik Van Horn as he talks to financial expert Russ Morgan about the realities of passive income. They delve into why most people’s expectations about pass…

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What They Don’t Teach You at Wharton About Building Franchises With Adam Ross 47:45

4M ago47:45

47:45

What they don’t teach you at Wharton could be the key to building the next big beauty brand. In today’s episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes Adam Ross, former CEO of Heyday and current partner at Front Street Equity Partners. Adam shares invaluable insights from his journey, transitioning from banking to entrepreneurship, leveraging his MBA from Wharton…

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Franchising Is Broken Without Recurring Revenue (And Most Brands Overlook It) With Stu McLaren 45:19

4M ago45:19

45:19

What if your franchise could generate predictable profits every month without the constant hustle? In this episode, Stu McLaren, an expert on memberships and recurring revenue, reveals the missing link that most franchises overlook. Stu and Erik dive deep into the world of memberships and how they can transform any franchise system. Whether you're …

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Buy a Business, Not a Job – The Franchisee Wake-Up Call 46:43

4M ago46:43

46:43

Are you buying a franchise to own a business, or are you just getting another job? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Jeff Herr challenge potential franchisees to think beyond just becoming employees in their own business. He explores the key difference between buying a business and merely buying a job and why it’s crucial to understand this distin…

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Why Buying Resale & Semi-Absentee Ownership Works For Some—But Not All 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

Can franchise ownership really offer freedom, flexibility, and wealth, or is that just a myth? In this solo episode, Erik Van Horn answers the questions franchisees are asking most, including how and when to incentivize managers, what semi-absentee ownership really looks like, and how to structure profit-sharing or equity without costly mistakes. H…

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Building a Recession-Proof Air Quality Franchise: The Modern PURAIR Story With Lane Martin 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

Can you build a business that thrives in any economy? Lane Martin, co-founder of Modern PURAIR®, reveals the secrets behind creating Canada’s fastest-growing air quality franchise. From navigating challenges to empowering franchisees, this episode is your guide to recession-proof success. Today, Erik Van Horn sits down with Lane Martin, the driving…

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Scaling with Strategy: The Smart Growth Playbook Behind goGLOW’s Success 44:06

5M ago44:06

44:06

Growing a franchise isn’t just about selling locations–it’s about smart, sustainable scaling. Learn how goGLOW is doing it right! Today, Erik Van Horn welcomes back goGLOW founder Melanie Richards to discuss what smart franchise growth really looks like. Melanie shares how she scaled goGLOW from a single location to a rapidly growing franchise by s…

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Mom-and-Pop to Millions: How This Guy Scaled a Janitorial Business & Jersey Mike’s Franchise 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

Would you quit a stable six-figure job to clean toilets? Today's guest did! And he now runs multiple businesses, including a booming Jersey Mike’s franchise! In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Evgeni Kopelevich, a former finance professional who transitioned into small business ownership, franchising, and passive investments. He shares h…

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How Franchise Owners Can Grow & Protect Wealth With Caleb Guilliams 41:03

5M ago41:03

41:03

What if you could grow, protect, and access your money—tax-free—while building long-term wealth? In this episode, financial expert Caleb Guilliams joins Erik Van Horn to discuss how franchise owners and entrepreneurs can use life insurance as a powerful tool to maximize cash flow, reduce taxes, and create financial freedom. Don’t miss these game-ch…

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Can You Really Get Rich Owning a Franchise? Debunking Myths 33:17

5M ago33:17

33:17

Is franchising really the secret to wealth, or is it just another risky business model? In this episode, Erik Van Horn takes a deep dive into franchise profitability, investment strategies, and common myths surrounding wealth-building in franchising. Erik shares real-life examples of franchisees who built multi-million dollar businesses and those w…

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Buying a Franchise? Avoid These Costly Mistakes & Choose the Right One 25:23

6M ago25:23

25:23

Are you thinking about buying a franchise? Don't make costly mistakes that could drain your time, money, and energy! Learn how to research, validate, and choose the perfect franchise. In this episode, Erik Van Horn breaks down the step-by-step process of buying a franchise the right way. He shares how to properly evaluate a brand, avoid red flags i…

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How Aaron Stokes Overcame $5.5M Debt & Built a $65M Business 1:00:05

6M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

What does it take to go from rock bottom to running a multimillion-dollar business? In this powerful episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Aaron Stokes, an entrepreneur who transformed his early struggles into a thriving empire. From dropping out of school in eighth grade to building a multi-location auto repair business and a highly successful coa…

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The Franchisee Exit Blueprint: Sell Smart, Maximize Profits, and Avoid Regrets With Daniel Castellini 37:24

6M ago37:24

37:24

Are you thinking about selling your franchise? Whether it’s next year or years down the line, the key to a successful exit is preparing now. In this episode, Erik Van Horn and multi-brand franchisee Daniel Castellini reveal the insider secrets to maximizing your franchise’s value and attracting the right buyer. Erik and Dan dive into the challenges…

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What Broke When Restore Hyper Wellness Grew Too Fast—and How They’re Course Correcting With Steven Welch 39:34

6M ago39:34

39:34

What breaks when a franchise scales too quickly, and how can it be fixed? In this eye-opening episode, Erik Van Horn talks with Steven (Steve) Welch, co-founder of Restore Hyper Wellness, about the hidden challenges of rapid franchise growth. Steve reveals the critical missteps as Restore expanded too fast, including leadership gaps, missing operat…

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Is Franchising Rigged? Uncovering the Industry’s Biggest Controversies 36:58

7M ago36:58

36:58

Is the franchise industry as fair as it seems? From predatory contracts to overblown earnings claims, Erik Van Horn exposes the hidden truths franchisors don’t want you to know. If you're thinking about franchising, you need to hear this first! In this episode, Erik explores the most controversial aspects of franchising, which many avoid discussing…

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Is Absentee Franchise Ownership a Myth? (The Brutal Truth Nobody Is Talking About) 40:27

7M ago40:27

40:27

What does absentee ownership actually mean in franchising? Is it really possible, or is it just another myth in the industry? In this replay, Erik talks to his business partners, Luke Jacobson and Terry Rackley from StretchLab, who share their raw and honest journey from hopeful semi-absentee franchisees to successful business partners. After exper…

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The ROI of Personal Branding for Franchisors and Franchisees With Entrepreneur Magazine's Jason Feifer 48:45

7M ago48:45

48:45

What makes a strong personal brand, and how can it transform your business opportunities? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, to dive deep into personal branding. From building a loyal LinkedIn following to crafting engaging newsletters, Jason shares actionable strategies to elevate …

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This Top Franchisee Built K9 Resorts’ Fastest-Growing Location | With Larkin Combs 40:00

7M ago40:00

40:00

How does a former police officer and nurse become one of the top-performing franchisees in the luxury pet boarding industry? In this episode, Larkin, a franchise owner with K9 Resorts, shares his incredible journey from public service to running a thriving dog boarding and daycare business. Discover how his people skills, gained from years on the f…

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How to Expand Your Franchise Portfolio Without Risking It All: Insights From Bobby Brennan 21:09

8M ago21:09

21:09

Are you ready to expand your franchise portfolio? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Bobby Brennan discuss the risks, challenges, and key considerations of diversifying into a second or third brand. With candid insights and actionable advice, they explore why self-awareness, due diligence, and understanding franchisor decision-making are crucial be…

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Franchise Depth vs. Diversification: Should You Grow One Brand Or Own Multiple? 29:48

8M ago29:48

29:48

What’s the right move: diving deeper into your existing franchise or expanding into a new brand? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Bobby Brennan tackle one of the hottest topics in franchising—multi-brand ownership. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Bobby breaks down the challenges and opportunities of managing multiple franchises, from und…

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How goGLOW Built a Franchise Employees Love and Customers Trust With Tori Johnston 24:51

8M ago24:51

24:51

What does it take to scale an emerging franchise while maintaining exceptional customer and employee experiences? In this episode, Tori Johnston, Brand President of goGLOW, dives into her journey of transitioning from CMO to leading one of the most innovative sunless tanning franchises. She shares how goGLOW’s unique employee model, top-tier custom…

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Attract Loyal Customers and Earn 5-Star Reviews With goGLOW’s Tori Johnston 20:03

8M ago20:03

20:03

What’s the secret to building a brand that customers and employees adore while capturing the attention of industry insiders? In this episode, Tori Johnston, Brand President of goGLOW, shares her insights on the fast-growing beauty and skincare franchise that’s “outsmarting the sun.” From defining unique value propositions to spotting industry trend…

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From Hiring to Leading: Build Your Dream Virtual Team with Kasim Aslam 43:57

8M ago43:57

43:57

How do you build a top-performing team while working fewer hours? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and guest Kasim Aslam, an expert in virtual assistant management, dive deep into the secrets of successful hiring, effective delegation, and leveraging offshore talent. Kasim shares a revolutionary framework for finding and managing virtual assistants (…

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How Responsible Franchising Drives Loyalty, Trust, and Profitability 54:59

9M ago54:59

54:59

What defines responsible franchising, and how can transparency strengthen franchise success? In this insightful episode, Erik Van Horn and guest Joe Mathews of Franchise Performance Group explore the critical dynamics between franchisors and franchisees, focusing on the value of ethical business practices and transparent operations. Joe discusses t…

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The REAL Relationship Dynamics Between Franchisors and Franchisees 27:36

9M ago27:36

27:36

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

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The Key Hire That Helped This Franchise Owner Achieve Top Status 48:43

9M ago48:43

48:43

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

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How John Glazier Runs 8 Franchise Locations in Just 5-10 Hours a Week 50:04

9M ago50:04

50:04

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

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Is My Business Franchisable? Key Questions You Must Ask (Part 2) 1:02:06

10M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

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

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Is My Business Franchisable? Key Questions You Must Ask (Part 1) 49:42

10M ago49:42

49:42

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

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Expert Strategies for a Winning Franchise Grand Opening With Brooke Budke 57:32

10M ago57:32

57:32

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

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How to Attract Franchisees and Scale Your Business Like Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood of The PICKLR, A Pickleball Franchise 48:17

10M ago48:17

48:17

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

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Visionary vs. Operator: Why Every Franchise Needs Both to Scale With Jhana Li 48:23

11M ago48:23

48:23

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

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What KFC and Starbucks Taught George Tinsley Sr. About Franchising 51:32

11M ago51:32

51:32

How do you turn adversity into a thriving business empire? Today's conversation is a masterclass in resilience, determination, and vision. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr In this episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes George Tinsley Sr.,…

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Social Media Strategies for Franchisors and Franchisees: Insights From Brynn Gibbs 47:17

11M ago47:17

47:17

Should franchisees manage their own social media accounts, or is it best left to the franchisor? The answer could make or break your brand's online presence. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr In this episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes …

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Why Every CEO Needs a Second-in-Command With Cameron Herold 51:46

11M ago51:46

51:46

What happens when your business hits a rough patch, and your franchisees are anything but happy? Discover why having a second-in-command can make or break your company’s future. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr In this powerful epi…

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The Franchise Marketing Blueprint: Proven Strategies for Growth With Brooke Budke 37:50

12M ago37:50

37:50

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