Reality Bites? Franchising Podcast

Ep5 What It Really Takes to Run a Franchise System with Mark Crapper


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Mark Crapper is the owner and franchisor of Lounge Repair Guys, bringing more than 30 years of experience in franchising and business broking into the role.

 

In this episode, Mark shares how he came to acquire the business, why the model stood out in a service-based industry, and what changed when he stepped from advising franchise systems to running one himself.

 

He breaks down the practical realities of owning and growing a franchise network from simplifying systems and automating admin, to choosing software that genuinely improves franchisee day-to-day operations.

 

Mark also explains what he looks for in franchise partners, why people skills matter more than trade backgrounds, and how knowledge-sharing across the network helps franchisees solve problems faster.

 

0:00 Introduction

0:28 Taking over a business with strong franchise foundations

1:43 Combining trade background with franchising experience

2:39 The reality of owning the entire franchise network 

5:00 What makes the right franchisee beyond technical skill

6:39 Finding and keeping rare talent in a specialist trade

8:05  Organic growth through franchisee referrals

9:11 Mark experience across multiple franchise industries

10:19 Mark’s day-to-day life as a franchisor

14:35 Always-on leadership and franchise support 

16:24 Why mobile repairs are central to the business model

18:58 Territory expansion and growth plans for 2026

20:42 Wrap up

 

Listen or Watch on;

 

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4fk7py38

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/jeux73k5

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr2yybc9

YouTube: https://youtu.be/hFqu1dfJViE

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Reality Bites? Franchising PodcastBy realitybites