Ever dreamed of owning a business but felt overwhelmed by starting from scratch?
Franchising might be the solution you didn’t know you needed—offering the independence of entrepreneurship with the structure and support of an established brand.

Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by husband-and-wife team Alex and Julie Roberts to explore the world of modern franchise ownership. With over two decades of industry experience, Alex is the founder of The Franchise Playmaker, helping professionals navigate over 4,000 franchise options to find the right fit. Julie is the founder of Kindling Creative and brings her marketing savvy to their newest venture: opening The Milkshake Factory in Ann Arbor.

From surprising truths about franchise selection to behind-the-scenes insights into local marketing and revenue strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways—especially for professionals looking to transition out of corporate roles into entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights:

• Why most franchise owners end up choosing a brand they never expected
• How franchise consultants work like realtors to guide the process
• The rise of franchising among 45–55 year-olds seeking more control
• What “validation” means in the franchise world—and why it’s essential
• Creative marketing tactics from Julie, including local partnerships and community events
• The realities of ownership: “There’s no such thing as absentee franchising”

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Alex: franchiseplaymaker.com
• Follow their journey IG: @milkshakefactorya2

This episode is for anyone exploring entrepreneurship, looking for a career pivot, or simply curious about how franchising really works—beyond the buzzwords.

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