In this episode, I sit down with Drue Chrisman, a former professional athlete turned Pink Zebra Moving franchise owner. Drue owns three territories in the Ohio–Indiana–Kentucky Tri-State area, and he's breaking down everything from start-up costs and profit margins to team culture and marketing strategy.

If you're researching franchise opportunities, service businesses, or specifically want to know how to start a moving company franchise, this is the must-watch episode for you.

👇  Timestamps & Key Topics
00:00 – Intro: Meet Drue Chrisman, Pink Zebra Franchisee
01:45 – Why Choose Franchising Over Starting a Business from Scratch
04:10 – Investing in 3 Territories: Strategy for Local Dominance
07:25 – Franchise Startup Costs: $200K Breakdown
10:45 – Local Marketing & Building Name Recognition
13:10 – Real Profit Margins & Monthly Revenue Goals ($150K–$200K)
16:20 – Owner Compensation vs. Reinvesting in the Business
19:00 – Hiring Movers: Team Culture, Retention, and Training
22:05 – Employee Experience: Breakfasts, Damage Funds, and Events
25:15 – Common Franchisee Mistakes (Semi-Absentee Misconceptions)
28:40 – Advice for First-Time Franchise Owners
31:15 – Cornerstone of Success: Consistency, Hard Work, Leadership
33:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Started

✅ Topics Covered:

• How much does a moving franchise cost?
• Pink Zebra Moving franchise review
• Franchise start-up costs & fees explained
• Profit margins in home service franchises
• Building a moving company brand in your local market
• Hiring, training, and retaining great employees
• The truth about semi-absentee franchise models
• Franchise vs. independent business: pros and cons
• Advice for first-time franchise buyers

💡 Thinking about franchising? Drop your questions in the comments!

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

Ready for a glo-up in business and beauty? 💫 In this episode of Eye on Franchising, meet Melanie Richards, the CEO & founder of goGLOW, the fastest-growing spray tan and skincare franchise in the U.S.

Melanie shares how she bootstrapped goGLOW from a $5,000 credit card into a multi-million dollar clean beauty brand with $663,000 AUV, 32% profit margins, and a celebrity fan base that includes Lady Gaga.

Discover how goGLOW is disrupting the sunless tanning industry, offering low-cost entry franchise options (as low as $30K all-in), and winning big in the booming anti-aging, skincare, and beauty franchise market.

If you're searching for:
✅ The best beauty franchise to own
✅ Low-cost franchises with high margins
✅ Women-led franchise brands
✅ Franchises in skincare, clean beauty, or anti-aging…
Then this episode is your masterclass.

Timestamps :
00:00 – Why goGLOW is the ultimate beauty franchise
01:05 – Meet Melanie Richards: Founder of goGLOW
02:35 – From maxed-out credit card to national brand
04:50 – COVID comeback & birth of the franchise concept
06:40 – goGLOW vs. old-school tanning booths
08:20 – The goGLOW origin story + first $5K investment
10:10 – What makes goGLOW different: smell, stickiness, science
12:00 – The skincare-powered spray tan revolution
13:45 – Franchise success metrics: $663K AUV, 32% profit
16:20 – Why goGLOWthrives in cold climates
18:00 – Dermatologist-recommended: The anti-aging angle
20:10 – Franchisee support systems and elite team building
23:00 – Ideal franchisee profile: Community-driven, beauty-forward
25:40 – $30K entry with salon suite startup model
28:10 – Patented overspray booth & clean beauty design
30:20 – Why Lady Gaga asked goGLOW to tour with her
32:30 – Melanie’s founder mindset: Frugal, fierce, focused
35:00 – Final founder wisdom: “Stay true. Stay relentless.”

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real franchising insights from the biggest names in the game.

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

Imagine going from a 9–5 job to running three barbershop franchises… without ever holding a pair of clippers. 💈 That’s the story of Ibrahim, a first-time franchisee who turned a Facebook ad into a $20K/month semi-absentee business with ManCave for Men.

In this episode of Franchise Envy, Ibrahim breaks down how he:
✅ Built his first location himself during COVID
✅ Grew to 3 profitable shops in Sarasota, FL
✅ Manages it all with just 10–15 hours a week
✅ Created a culture where barbers stay loyal
✅ Runs a barber brand without being a barber

If you think franchise success requires industry knowledge, think again. Ibrahim proves vision, trust, and systems are what really scale a brand.

📈 Ready to learn how much you can earn, how much it costs, and how to run a business without quitting your day job? This one’s a masterclass in semi-absentee franchise ownership.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS – Watch What Matters Most:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Ibrahim – 3-unit franchisee with ManCave for Men
01:28 – How a Facebook ad changed everything
02:50 – From “maybe” to “I’m all in” after one phone call
05:10 – “I’m not a barber—but I built the shop with my own hands”
07:15 – COVID, construction delays, and getting it open
09:00 – Total investment: $225K — was it worth it?
10:40 – Monthly income potential: $15K–$20K+
12:05 – How he runs all 3 locations in just 10–15 hours/week
14:15 – Building a team of barbers & what makes them stay
15:40 – “Barbers are artists. You have to treat them like it.”
18:10 – Family reaction: “A barber shop? You’re crazy!”
19:45 – Why repeat business makes this model so strong
22:30 – What makes ManCave unique in men’s grooming
25:15 – Why he’s expanding (again!)
27:00 – Mistakes new franchisees make with team culture
29:45 – Real talk: turnover, trust, and transparency
32:30 – Franchise systems, support, and building loyalty
34:20 – Ibrahim’s cornerstone of success: “Know your people. Hear them. Trust them.”

 

💡 Thinking about franchising? Drop your questions in the comments!

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

Ready to launch a home-based business in 2025? Speedy Freight is the new U.K. franchise shaking up the U.S. logistics market — and it’s built for entrepreneurs who want low overhead, high margins, and fast scalability.

In this episode of Eye on Franchising, I interview Dana DeMarino (Franchise FastLane) and Kody Slade (President of U.S. Operations) for the official U.S. breakdown of Speedy Freight, one of the fastest-growing courier and logistics franchise brands.

What you’ll learn:
✅ What makes Speedy Freight different from FedEx, UPS, or DHL
✅ Why it’s a true “people-led, tech-enabled” franchise
✅ How you can run this business from home — no trucks or warehouses required
✅ What it costs to get started ($72K – $160K investment)
✅ How it scales, who it’s right for, and how much you can make

👇 Timestamps – Jump to What Matters Most:
00:00 - Intro: Meet Speedy Freight, the U.K. logistics franchise launching in the U.S.
01:10 - What Speedy Freight actually does (vs. freight misconceptions)
03:55 - Asset-light, scalable, and designed for relationship-first selling
06:20 - “People-led. Tech-enabled.” Why that changes the game
08:05 - FedEx vs Speedy Freight – real customer story (Portland bike company)
10:45 - Concierge-style logistics for any business that ships product
13:00 - U.K. success story + U.S. market opportunity
15:10 - Dana explains franchisee support, onboarding, and tech tools
18:20 - Why this franchise doesn’t need trucks, warehouses, or drivers
20:00 - Ideal franchise owner traits (hint: it’s not about experience)
23:40 - Startup costs breakdown: owner-operator vs. team model
27:30 - Scaling your freight business: when and how to hire
30:20 - Realistic ROI and why recurring revenue matters
34:45 - Most insane thing ever shipped? (Yes... dolphins 🐬)
37:10 - Final thoughts and who should apply

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real franchising insights from the biggest names in the game.

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

Can you really run a $2 million business WITHOUT being there every day?

John Garretson says YES—and he proves it with Lawn Squad. In this episode of Franchise Envy, John breaks down how he scaled two Lawn Squad territories absentee, added a Cleaning Authority franchise, and built a system that pays his techs up to $45/hour on performance.

👉 Whether you’re a first-time buyer, corporate exec, or serial entrepreneur, you’ll get the blueprint to build a profitable, scalable, sellable franchise business—even from out of state.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro: Lawn Squad, absentee ownership & $2M potential
01:32 – Meet John Garretson: First-ever Lawn Squad franchisee
03:28 – Can you really be absentee in a service business?
04:55 – Why he chose Cleaning Authority for off-season income
06:42 – Avoiding brand conflict & working within the FDD
08:01 – How he brought 480 customers into Lawn Squad
09:40 – Secret perks of being inside Authority Brands
11:18 – The unexpected cost (and discount) of joining Lawn Squad
13:09 – Systems that make absentee ownership possible
15:04 – Real talk: Franchise success ≠ shiny equipment
16:30 – “You’re not in business just because you spent money”
18:47 – Inside Lawn Squad’s follow-up system that converts
21:25 – Shockingly good franchise training (even for the 1st group!)
24:11 – Let’s talk MONEY: $2M territory potential + 30% net profit
26:40 – How his tech earns $40–$45/hr (and how you can do it too)
28:20 – Resale value: Why lawn franchises sell for 100–130% of revenue
30:44 – Key to scaling: Pay your people, treat them right
33:08 – John’s golden rule: "If you don’t quit, you can’t fail"

💡 Thinking about franchising? Drop your questions in the comments!

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

In this episode of Eye on Franchising, I sit down with Brian Garrison, President of Wonderly Lights and powerhouse executive at Buzz Franchise Brands (Mosquito Joe, Pool Scouts, and more). We unpack how Wonderly Lights is quickly becoming the go-to franchise for both new owners and multi-brand operators.

 Learn how this premium outdoor lighting business creates year-round revenue, operates in four verticals, and offers unmatched support, tech, and lifestyle potential. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or stepping out of corporate America, Brian breaks down exactly who should consider Wanderly — and who shouldn’t.

Sponsored by SEO Samba – Empower your franchise with predictable results and AI-driven marketing.

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro – Meet Brian Garrison, President of Wonderly Lights
01:35 – What makes Wonderly a strong year-round franchise
03:40 – The 4 verticals of outdoor lighting & holiday lights
06:15 – How Wonderly attracts multi-brand franchisees
08:45 – The power of mentorship in early-stage franchising
10:50 – Who is the ideal franchisee for Wonderly Lights?
14:00 – The ‘PhDs of Entrepreneurship’ & key owner traits
17:15 – Top 3 reasons franchisees fail & how to avoid it
21:05 – Franchise vs acquisition: what new owners must know
24:30 – Why mastering your business from Day 1 is essential
26:00 – Closing advice + how to connect with Lance Graulich

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real franchising insights from the biggest names in the game.

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

In this episode of Franchise Envy, I sit down with Evan Dimov , the powerhouse behind Mr. Electric of Orlando, who went from getting shocked (literally) to shocking the franchise world with his success 

 Whether you've owned 10 businesses or you're just dreaming of ditching your 9–5, this is a masterclass in scaling smarter, not harder. We unpack Evan’s journey—from party stores and pizzerias to building a multi-van electrical empire with NO electrical background.

✅ Why Mr. Electric was the right move
✅ Why restaurants are a trap
✅ Why franchise peer groups are your #1 asset
✅ How Evan scaled to 7-figures (and what he reinvests in)
✅ And why ACTION beats perfection every time

👇 Timestamps 
00:00 - Intro: Why Evan is not an electrician
01:28 - Evan’s first business: Hotel gift shops
03:10 - From luggage to Montblanc to party stores
05:45 - Scaling vs selling: Knowing when to exit
08:04 - The pizzeria mistake & lessons from franchising
11:32 - The brutal truth about restaurants
13:25 - Why search visibility makes franchising smarter
15:50 - Jet ski vs cruise ship: Franchise business analogy
18:10 - Due diligence & talking to failing franchisees
21:15 - Why Mr. Electric (even without experience)
24:00 - First-year revenue, profitability & zip code expansion
26:35 - How he scaled from 1 to 4 vans
28:12 - Profit margin goals & real reinvestment strategy
30:48 - The power of franchise peer groups vs corporate
33:20 - Evan’s biggest advice: Stop planning, start DOING

💡 Thinking about franchising? Drop your questions in the comments!

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

I sat down with Ted Patestos — the founder of Tiger Adjusters, the first public adjusting franchise in the nation. From a $2.3M marijuana grow facility claim to launching a high-tech training center, this episode is packed with insights into a massively underserved and misunderstood industry. If you're hunting for a recession-resistant, high-margin, low-overhead franchise opportunity… this one might blow your mind.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to Eye on Franchising
01:02 - Meet "Tiger Ted": From idea to industry domination
03:16 - The niche nobody saw coming — What is public adjusting?
05:34 - The $2.3M weed farm claim gone up in smoke
08:45 - How Tiger Adjusters rescued the client & secured the payout
11:02 - Franchisee or alone? Why policyholders need advocates
12:15 - Advanced tech, AI & the new Tiger Adjusters training facility
15:38 - Cohort-style training & real-life disaster simulations
18:02 - "Can’t I just do it on my own?" Why franchising wins
20:15 - The social contract between franchisor and franchisee
22:04 - How Tiger Adjusters scaled fast through broker networks
25:31 - Radical transparency & real P&Ls in Item 19
27:30 - Who makes a great franchisee? It’s NOT about insurance
30:25 - Integrity, empathy & earning customer trust
32:04 - “Show me the money”: Investment cost & financial performance
34:12 - $861K in fees, $655K net: A real Tiger franchisee’s numbers
36:40 - Final advice from Tiger Ted: Keep overhead LOW
38:20 - How Ted started with $7K and a dream
39:50 - Closing thoughts + how to connect

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real franchising insights from the biggest names in the game.

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

This episode of Franchise Envy dives deep into:

• The risks of betting on yourself with $175K from a 401(k)
• Crushing burnout & how Kim almost sold everything
• The real life of a woman leading in a male-dominated industry
• Wild customer stories (hint: possums & fly traps don’t mix 🐾)
• Straight talk on money, mindset, and the messy middle of entrepreneurship

00:00 – Franchise Envy Wednesdays: What to expect
00:32 – Welcome Kim Welch, Mosquito Squad owner
01:55 – From Colorado to Cali: No mosquitoes… until COVID
03:15 – Fashion → Pest Control: When the clothing biz collapsed
05:20 – “We saw a need... and seized the moment”
06:40 – Picking Mosquito Squad over the competition
08:30 – Getting licensed + Squad School training
10:12 – “I didn’t sign up for this!” Marital strain & early struggles
13:00 – Year 2 breakdown: Ready to walk away
15:00 – Grit, validation calls & making the franchise work
18:45 – Income reality: What franchisees really make
21:30 – Investing $175K with a ROBS plan: Why and how
23:00 – Seasonality, cash flow & the entrepreneur rollercoaster
25:20 – Hiring mistakes & her “Oh crap” moment
28:30 – Dead possum in the fly trap? Yep, that happened
30:10 – Kim’s mindset shift: CEO, not technician
32:00 – The franchisee mistake that could sink you
33:20 – “Ask for help sooner. You’re not alone.”
35:00 – Final thoughts & franchise advice from Kim
36:30 – How to connect and explore franchise ownership

💡 Thinking about franchising? Drop your questions in the comments!

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip

Wood-fired flavor meets franchise domination. In this episode of Franchise Envy, Lance Graulich talks with Calvin Freatman (CEO) and Thomas Reinhard (CFO & General Counsel) of Cascadia Pizza Co. the Seattle-based concept that started with a stealth wedding pizza—and now fuels a $2.4M+ business through food trucks and a lean, sub-700 sq ft brick-and-mortar model.

Think the world doesn’t need another pizza franchise? Think again.

 Why You’ll Love This Episode:
✅ $30/hr pizza jobs—no food experience needed
✅ 100% wood-fired ovens + fine dining techniques in fast-casual settings
✅ Start with a low-cost food truck, then scale to brick & mortar
✅ Proprietary dough = artisan flavor + better digestion
✅ Lean teams, high retention, radically simplified systems
✅ Real numbers. Real founders. Real opportunity.

What You’ll Learn (Timestamps):
00:00 - “High schooler-proof” pizza systems
04:38 - From food truck to 7-figure operation
09:51 - The artisan edge: wood-fired & wildly good
13:10 - Franchise model: start fast, grow smart
18:27 - Why staff love this job (and don’t leave)
23:42 - Food truck costs & how fast you can launch
30:01 - Their go-to pies + the pineapple debate 🍍
36:44 - Future plans: 100+ units, small town takeovers

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real franchising insights from the biggest names in the game.

Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Click the link below to schedule a call with me—my services are FREE!

https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Discover the true stories of the hustle, heart, and innovation fueling franchises across the globe : https://www.youtube.com/@FranchiseRoadTrip