Stay On Course Podcast - Episode Show Notes

From Corporate Ladder to Freedom: The Franchise Path to Business Ownership

Guest: Doris Fink, President of Plan B 2000 Inc | Host: Julie Riga

Overview

Julie sits down with Doris Fink, who turned an unexpected $300,000 opportunity into two decades of helping professionals create their Plan B. Doris shares her journey from single mom working three jobs to successful business owner, revealing the truth nobody talks about—why the first two years are hardest and how franchise ownership provides the structure that makes all the difference. If you're stuck in corporate America or ready for your Phase 2 career, this conversation will inspire you to leap with clarity and confidence.

About This Episode

Doris and Julie explore Phase 1 versus Phase 2 careers, the power of structure in entrepreneurship, and why passion alone isn't enough. Doris shares authentic insights including sleepless nights, tough decisions, and realizing she'd built someone else's dream—plus practical guidance for professionals ready for business ownership with purpose.

Guest Background

Doris Fink, President of Plan B 2000 Inc, has over 20 years helping professionals build lives of freedom, fulfillment, and legacy through smart business ownership. Her journey spans healthcare executive to diagnostic business owner to franchise success.

Fun Fact: Favorite dessert is sunshine cake with chocolate in the frosting.

Key Topics

The Entrepreneurship Journey:

• A $300,000 opportunity that changed everything
• Phase 1 (career you need) vs. Phase 2 (career you want)
• Years 1-3 truth: Year 3 is when you turn the corner

Three Ingredients for Success:

1. Interest in business development
2. Great interpersonal skills
3. Business sense or knowing where to get help Bonus: A clear WHY

Memorable Quotes

"I had just built somebody else's dream."

"Year 1 you're covering expenses. Year 2 becomes steady. Year 3 you see earning capability and believe it will work."

"Follow your heart and get advice from someone walking the walk, not just talking the talk."

Financial Reality

• Year 1: Investment phase, expenses outweigh income
• Year 2: Steady but supplemental
• Year 3: The turning point
• Capital needs often misunderstood

Who Should Consider This

Professionals 45-65 who've climbed the ladder, been passed over or laid off, or asked to compromise values. Anyone with sleepless nights knowing they need change—with family support and right timing.

The Passion Trap

Don't confuse passion with business sense. Many love pets but a pet business might be wrong. Find the intersection of interest, skill set, and market opportunity.

Plan B 2000 Approach

No-fee, no-pressure consultations assessing family support, timing, capital, and skills. Doris builds friendships, not just client relationships.

Questions to Ask

1. Do I have the energy?
2. Do I have the personality for uncertainty?
3. Do I have family support?
4. Is timing right?
5. What's my WHY?

Connect with Doris Fink

• LinkedIn: Doris Fink (in Florida, not Germany!)
• Company: Plan B 2000 Inc

Key Takeaways

1. Corporate skills transfer
2. Structure accelerates success
3. Year 3 is the turning point
4. Family support essential
5. Get guidance from experienced advisors.

Final Wisdom

"Try the sunshine cake!" But seriously: "Follow your heart. Just do what you feel is right and get advice from someone who has the experience and not only is talking the talk but is walking the walk."

Perfect for anyone in corporate America wondering "is there something more?" and leaders ready to create their Plan B with clarity and confidence.

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