Franchising specialist Erik Van Horn reveals the secrets he uses as a franchisee, consultant, investor and entrepreneur. Join us every Tuesday to learn tactical and practical tools that will help you buy, grow, and sell franchises like an expert.
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Welcome to The Franchise Story Podcast! Where we give you access to the stories, mindsets, and lessons learned by high performing Franchisees and the Franchise Founders behind the brands that they invested in. Your Hosts are Erik VanHorn and Brian Holmes. We are multi – unit, multi – brand franchisees with 20+ years of experience building our own franchise businesses. This is a niche podcast for listeners who want to hear the stories of people who have used Franchising to create businesses t ...
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The #1 Mistake That Destroys Emerging Franchise Brands (And Nobody Talks About It)
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52:13
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52:13In 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
49:56
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49:56Are 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
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40:05What’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
35:33
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35:33Building 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
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47:51
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47:51What 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
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54:38
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54:38If 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
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47:45
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47:45What 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
45:19
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45:19What 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
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46:43
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46:43Are 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
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30:33Can 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
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51:49
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51:49Can 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
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44:06
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44:06Growing 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
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42:45
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42:45Would 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
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41:03
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41:03What 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
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33:17Is 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
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25:23
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25:23Are 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
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1:00:05What 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
37:24
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37:24Are 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
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39:34What 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
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36:58
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36:58Is 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)
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40:27What 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
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48:45
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48:45What 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
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40:00How 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
21:09
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21:09Are 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
29:48
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29:48What’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
24:51
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24:51What 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
20:03
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20:03What’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
43:57
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43:57How 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
54:59
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54:59What 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
27:36
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27:36What 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
48:43
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48:43What 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
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50:04What 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
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1:02:06Is 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
49:42
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49:42Thinking 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
57:32
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57:32Why 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
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48:17
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48:17What 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
48:23
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48:23Are 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
51:32
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51:32How 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
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47:17
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47:17Should 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
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51:46
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51:46What 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
37:50
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37:50Are 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…
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Are Rapidly Expanding Franchises Built to Last? With Edith Wiseman of FRANdata
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50:08
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50:08How do you know if a franchise brand is as good as it claims to be? Dive into this episode to uncover the truth from an industry insider! Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr Join Erik Van Horn as he sits down with Edith Wiseman, Presi…
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Maximizing Profits, Minimizing Headaches: Hello Sugar's Franchise Model With Brigham Dallas
45:19
45:19
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45:19Are you dreaming of running a profitable franchise with fewer headaches? Tune in to this episode as Erik chats with Brigham Dallas, founder and CEO of Hello Sugar Waxing Salon. Brigham shares how Hello Sugar has redefined the retail landscape and positioned itself as a leader in the rapidly growing hair removal industry. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees…
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From Operator to Investor: Franchise Expert Reveals His Path to Passive Investing
23:46
23:46
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23:46Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr Are you ready to unlock the secrets of a thriving franchising career? Join Erik Van Horn as he takes you on a captivating journey through his 20-year experience in the world of franchising. In this …
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Ever wondered why some franchises skyrocket to success while others fade into oblivion? In this eye-opening solo episode, Erik Van Horn delves into his personal experiences with both winning and losing brands. He shares invaluable insights on what sets a flourishing franchise apart from one that struggles. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisor…
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Franchise Brokers: When and How to Work With Them With Jeff Herr
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35:36With an increasing number of franchises entering the market every year, it can take a lot of work to thoroughly evaluate and compare all the opportunities available. Because of this, many investors are turning to franchise brokers or consultants to help them narrow the field and help them make the right decision. But how do you get brokers to notic…
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The Blueprint for Growing and Building Wealth With The Lifestyle Investor Justin Donald
39:22
39:22
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39:22For a limited time, Justin is offering a Free Strategy Session to our podcast listeners who would like to explore their options to become a Lifestyle Investor: https://lifestyleinvestor.com/strategy/?utm_campaign=pim-link-consultation-page Do you want to be a billionaire? Most people would probably say yes without thinking twice. But today's guest …
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The Winning Approach to Building a Successful Brand With Jim Bitticks of Dave's Hot Chicken
50:14
50:14
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50:14Is the hot chicken business just a fad? Have you ever wondered why some brands dominate the market while others fade away quickly? Let's hear what today's guest has to say. Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr In this episode, Erik Van…
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What the Wealthiest Families Do With Their Money With Jim Dew
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54:06Have you ever wondered how the rich make more money? In this insightful episode, Erik Van Horn and Jim Dew discuss wealth creation and management. Whether you're a beginner investor or a seasoned pro, you'll find valuable strategies to elevate your financial game. Discover how Dew Wealth Management distinguishes itself from other financial firms, o…
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How an EBITDA-Focused Franchisee Scaled From 1 to 100+ Units With Raj Patel
36:43
36:43
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36:43Is investing in the food industry a wise move? Does owning multiple locations guarantee profitability? In today's episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik and his guest, Raj Patel, tackle these crucial questions and more. They explore the intricacies of the food industry, highlighting the significance of unit economics and how franchisors can support the…
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