In the world of entrepreneurship, funding is often a critical hurdle that aspiring business owners must overcome. In this insightful podcast episode, Ty interviews Brandon Lusk from Benetrends, a leading provider of funding solutions for entrepreneurs. Brandon shares his journey, the challenges and opportunities in franchise funding, and valuable lessons learned from his experiences.

Understanding the Entrepreneurial Pathway
Brandon Lusk's journey into the entrepreneurship landscape began with a captivating experience at Chick-fil-A, where he witnessed firsthand the dedication required to run a business. Working alongside a franchise owner who innovatively sold chicken sandwiches at Tiger Stadium, he learned about the hustle and grit necessary for success in the competitive food industry. His hands-on experience, coupled with the realization that entrepreneurship is about more than just financial gain, set him on a path to support fellow entrepreneurs in their journeys.

The Role of Funding in Entrepreneurship
Brandon emphasizes the importance of funding in the realm of small businesses and franchising. He describes the funding world as the "silent cog" that keeps the entrepreneurial engine running. According to him, no business has ever closed due to having too much money; rather, it’s the lack of funds that often leads to failure. For aspiring entrepreneurs, securing adequate funding is crucial, whether they are starting a new venture or expanding existing operations.

Challenges in Business Acquisitions
In the podcast, Ty and Brandon discuss the complexities involved in acquiring existing businesses. Many entrepreneurs are drawn to the idea of purchasing established businesses, often referred to as "mom and pop" shops. However, Brandon cautions that the profitability of these businesses can be a significant concern. Banks are often hesitant to lend to businesses with questionable financial health, making funding acquisition deals more challenging.

Franchising as a Viable Startup Option
Brandon sheds light on the advantages of franchising as a startup option. Unlike individual business acquisitions, franchising provides a framework of proven concepts and support systems. Banks are generally more willing to finance franchise startups because they come with established brand recognition and operational guidelines. This increases the likelihood of success and provides a safety net for lenders.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: The journey into entrepreneurship often begins with a strong role model and real-world experience, as seen in Brandon's early days at Chick-fil-A.
- Importance of Funding: Securing adequate funding is essential for both startups and existing businesses looking to grow. Many entrepreneurs fail due to a lack of financial resources.
- Navigating Business Acquisitions: While acquiring existing businesses can be appealing, potential buyers must thoroughly assess the financial viability to secure funding.
- Franchising Advantages: Franchising offers a more accessible pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing established systems that facilitate easier funding and operational success.

The conversation covers Lisa Welko's journey from dental hygienist to business owner, consultant, and multi-unit franchise owner. It delves into the nuances of starting a business, buying an existing business, and exploring franchise opportunities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding personal goals and lifestyle preferences when considering business ownership. The conversation delves into the role of consultants and brokers in franchising, the process of selecting the right consultant, navigating the franchise selection process, considering the next steps beyond income replacement, and the importance of intentionality in business ownership. It emphasizes the significance of due diligence, trust-building, and long-term planning in the franchising journey.

Takeaways

Personal goals and lifestyle preferences are crucial considerations when exploring business ownership.
Understanding the nuances of different business ownership options, including starting a business, buying an existing business, and exploring franchise opportunities, is essential for making informed decisions. Consultants and brokers play a crucial role in guiding potential franchisees through the process
The importance of evaluating a consultant's background and experience in franchising
Recognizing red flags and roadblocks during the franchise selection process
Franchising offers opportunities for long-term business growth and scalability
The importance of being intentional in business ownership and aligning business goals with personal aspirations
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
06:11 Buying an Existing Business
14:31 Franchise Landscape and Options
22:15 The Role of Consultants and Brokers in Franchising
33:51 Franchising Beyond Income Replacement
41:16 Intentionality in Business Ownership

Restaurants look like the obvious franchise choice—but they’re often the hardest to get right.
Ty McBride interviews Robert Haar, a former restaurant owner and franchise development executive turned franchise broker, about the realities behind restaurant franchising, buying existing businesses, and what aspiring entrepreneurs need to understand before leaving their W-2 job. With experience spanning Red Robin, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and national franchise development, Robert brings an insider’s perspective most buyers never hear.

Guest & Host
Guest: Robert Haar
Franchise Broker, Best Franchise Options
Email: [email protected]

Host: Ty McBride
Host, Entrepreneurship Through Franchising
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride

Marketing is one of the most common—and most costly—mistakes new business buyers make.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, host Ty McBride is joined by Bruce Dell, CEO of StructureM, to unpack what buyers and franchisees need to understand about marketing before they invest. From acquiring legacy businesses with outdated digital assets to launching franchises with proven systems, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually drives results.

Bruce explains why marketing due diligence matters just as much as financial diligence, how to evaluate whether you’re truly starting from scratch, and why strong franchise systems are built on repeatable, measurable marketing strategies—not tactics or hype.

Guest
Bruce Dell
CEO, StructureM
Website: https://www.structurem.com

Host
Ty McBride
Host, Entrepreneurship Through Franchising
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why marketing is often the biggest blind spot in business acquisition
• What a proper marketing audit should include before you buy
• The difference between foundational marketing and lead-generation tactics
• How franchise marketing systems accelerate speed to leads and revenue
• How to spot whether a franchise actually has a proven marketing strategy
• How to filter out guru noise and avoid vanity metrics
• What consistently wins long term in small business marketing

Follow Entrepreneurship Through Franchising so you never miss an episode, and subscribe on YouTube for full interviews and additional insights.

Most people looking at franchising don’t realize how much the right guide can change the outcome—or how easy it is to chase a “passive income” fantasy that doesn’t exist. In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, franchise consultant Brett Ethridge (Franchises for Fathers) breaks down what brokers actually do, how to avoid bad franchises, and the real difference between buying an existing business vs starting a franchise from scratch.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST – BRETT ETHRIDGE
Website: FranchisesForFathers.com
LinkedIn: Brett Ethridge

CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE
LinkedIn: Ty McBride
Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com

Brett shares why he helps fathers and families pursue business ownership, why “semi-passive” usually means you’re still responsible for everything that matters, and how to think about franchising as local ownership that scales. We also cover the “buy a boring business” trend, the airplane analogy (why buying an existing business can come with hidden problems), and the red flags you need to spot before you sign anything—like closures vs openings in the FDD, too many resales, weak support, and shiny fads that won’t last.

If you’re a corporate professional exploring business ownership, this is the episode that helps you stop guessing, start evaluating opportunities the right way, and move forward with clarity.

Chapters
00:00 How Brett got into franchising
02:00 Franchises for Fathers and building freedom for families
05:10 Why local ownership wins
07:45 Buying a business vs buying a franchise (the airplane analogy)
11:20 What a franchise broker actually does
19:30 The truth about “semi-passive” ownership
27:10 How brokers match you with the right brands
32:05 Why Brett stays involved after the handoff
41:00 Red flags to watch for if you DIY the process
53:10 The moment most people quit—and how to push through

Subscribe for weekly episodes on franchising, business ownership, and how to avoid costly mistakes before you sign anything.

Buying a business, franchising, or entrepreneurship through acquisition can cost you years—and hundreds of thousands of dollars—if you don’t have the right guide, ask the right questions, and avoid getting sold instead of advised.

GUEST CONTACT – GILBERT SAGUID
Website: https://veteransfranchisegroup.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Search “Gilbert Saguid”

HOST CONTACT – TY MCBRIDE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbrideokc
Preservan Franchise Info: https://gopreservan.com

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, Ty McBride sits down with Gilbert Saguid—Navy veteran, franchise owner, former corporate professional, and founder of Veterans Franchise Group—to unpack what most people get wrong when buying a business or exploring franchising.

Gilbert shares his journey from military service to corporate burnout, entrepreneurship, and ultimately becoming a franchise broker who takes an unbiased, advisory-first approach. Together, Ty and Gilbert dive deep into the real differences between buying an existing business (ETA) and investing in a franchise, why “semi-passive” businesses are often misunderstood, and how analysis paralysis keeps aspiring owners stuck on the sidelines.

They also break down red flags to watch for during the discovery process, why culture and values matter just as much as numbers, how to read between the lines of an FDD, and why trying to DIY major business decisions—legal, financial, or strategic—is often the most expensive mistake you can make.

This conversation is especially valuable for veterans, corporate professionals, and anyone considering entrepreneurship who wants to avoid being sold, protect their capital, and make a confident, informed decision about business ownership.

If you’re exploring franchising, buying a business, or looking for a trusted guide to help you evaluate your options, this is a must-watch episode.

Most new business owners treat insurance like a boring afterthought—until it wipes out a year of profit in a single day. I know, because it happened to me.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST - WADE MILWARD https://www.protectmyfranchise.com

CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE

LinkedIn:   / tymcbrideokc  

Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com

On today’s episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, we’re breaking down what every future business owner needs to understand about risk, coverage, compliance, and hidden exposure BEFORE they invest. I’m joined by Wade Millward, founder and CEO of Rikor Insurance Consultancy, one of the few people in the country who truly understands where business owners get blindsided. Wade has placed over $100M in premium and specializes in helping franchise systems and small business owners avoid costly mistakes—from incorrect liability policies to subcontractor COI disasters. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why insurance is not just a box to check How to read the FDD (Item 7 + Item 8) to understand true startup and operational risk The single biggest insurance mistake first-time owners make What to ask the franchisor during discovery to uncover hidden risk How to validate insurance assumptions with existing owners The subcontractor trap that quietly destroys margins How businesses get hit with surprise audits and massive premiums What insurance you actually need on day one in home services Why some business models aren’t viable in certain states due to insurance alone How Rikor helps owners get clarity long before they sign If you’re evaluating a franchise or thinking about buying a business, this is the insurance masterclass you didn’t know you needed. Understanding this before you invest can protect your capital, your sanity, and the future of your business.

Most people exploring entrepreneurship don’t realize how different buying an existing business (ETA) is from investing in a franchise (ETF)—or how easily one wrong decision can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this episode, we break down how to properly evaluate franchise opportunities and why navigating this process alone is one of the biggest risks first-time buyers take.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST – MARIA ROGERS
Website: FranMent.com
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a Call: https://calendly.com/franment

CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE
LinkedIn: /tymcbrideokc
Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com

I once made a $250,000 mistake buying the wrong business—one that a good franchise broker would have prevented. That experience taught me a hard lesson every future owner needs to understand: the most dangerous risks in business ownership are the ones you don’t see, and you shouldn’t navigate them alone.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, we tackle one of the most critical decisions corporate professionals face when leaving their jobs: Should you buy an existing business or invest in a franchise? And just as important, how do you evaluate a franchise opportunity before you commit your time, money, and future?

My guest, Maria Rogers, brings rare perspective to this conversation. She’s been a multi-unit franchise owner, a top-performing operator, and now works as a franchise broker helping professionals make informed ownership decisions. Having lived on both sides, Maria understands what buyers miss, what red flags appear early, and what actually determines long-term success inside a franchise system.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The real differences between buying a business and buying a franchise
• Why the franchise opportunity pool is massive—and why evaluation matters more than ever
• What a franchise broker actually does and why the right broker is a guide, not a salesperson
• How to evaluate a franchise system beyond marketing and earnings claims
• What to look for in franchisor leadership, culture, and operational maturity
• Why validation with existing franchisees is the most important step in the process
• Common red flags in fast-growing or emerging brands
• Why fit, lifestyle, and support often matter more than projected income

If you’re considering entrepreneurship, comparing ETA vs. ETF, or trying to avoid an expensive mistake before buying a business, this episode provides a clear framework for making smarter, safer decisions.

Before you invest your money—or your family’s future—make sure you’re asking the right questions and getting the right guidance.

Why Franchise Systems Beat “Dusty Binder” Businesses — The Hidden Power of Modern Ops Manuals Most people comparing buying a business to investing in a franchise overlook the system you’re actually buying. In this episode, Ty McBride and operations manual expert Bryan Garner reveal why strong documentation—not luck, hustle, or intuition—is the real engine behind predictable success.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST - BRYAN GARNER manualmakers.com

CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE

LinkedIn:   / tymcbrideokc  

Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com

What You Will Learn in This Episode When you acquire an independent business, you often inherit a maze of undocumented processes, tribal knowledge, and outdated SOPs. But when you join a modern franchise, you should receive a living, searchable, constantly updated operations manual that has been stress-tested across markets and operators. In this episode, Ty and Bryan dive into why that distinction matters—and how it completely changes the experience of becoming a business owner. Bryan breaks down what he has learned from creating hundreds of franchise operations manuals, how real SOPs are structured, and why web-based manuals outperform old 600-page binders. You’ll learn how to read signals inside the FDD, what to ask during validation calls, and how to identify whether a franchisor is operationally mature or simply selling territory. Ty shares the hard lessons from his own acquisition—buying a business with a three-ring binder and a floppy disk—and contrasts it with the power of a fully thought-out franchise playbook. Together, they uncover the red flags that should slow a candidate down, the cultural cues that matter inside documentation, and why strong systems are the foundation of both quality of life and long-term net worth. If you’re comparing buying a business vs. investing in a franchise, this episode gives you a clear, candid roadmap for evaluating the systems behind the opportunity—and understanding what you’re truly buying before you sign.