Welcome back to Franchise Envy! In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse franchisee Nina Hunter from Sarasota, Florida, who launched Voda Cleaning & Restoration — in the middle of a hurricane. Yep, you read that right.

From ditching corporate life and considering a coffee shop to choosing a recession-proof restoration franchise, Nina reveals how she grew fast, secured 3 territories, and set her sights on hitting $3M in 3 years. 💰

She dives into what made Voda stand out, her startup costs (~$500K), using the ROBS program + SBA loan, and how she leveraged wisdom from other franchisees to succeed early.

🔥 You don’t want to miss this story of grit, growth, and getting started FAST.

Timestamps
00:00 - Intro: From hurricanes to happy franchisees
01:02 - Meet Nina Hunter & how Voda caught her attention
03:15 - From coffee shop dream to home service reality
04:50 - What made Voda stand out from 10 other brands
06:40 - Why launching during a hurricane changed everything
08:10 - First job before she even got home from training
09:30 - $500K investment: Where the money went
11:10 - Using a ROBS & SBA loan to fund her franchise
12:40 - 3 Territories locked in Sarasota
13:55 - Why restoration is recession-proof
15:35 - Hardest part of launching a new business
17:25 - The long cashflow game: 60–90 day payouts
18:50 - Branding, culture & marketing that made her choose Voda
21:05 - Revenue goals: $3M in 3 Years
22:45 - Biggest mistakes new franchisees make
24:10 - How she leveraged franchisee networks for success
26:00 - Power of being coachable & continuous learning
27:40 - Final thoughts: Teamwork, state growth & owning success

💡 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

Live from the International Franchise Association, Lance Graulich sits down with Doug Flaig, CEO of Stratus Building Solutions, to unpack one of the most powerful and overlooked franchise models in the game — master franchising.

You’ll learn how this low-cost, high-profit commercial cleaning business turned “invisible work” into an essential, legacy-driven empire. If you’re looking for recurring revenue, impact, and scale — this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

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📍 Timestamps
00:00 - Live at IFA: Meet Doug Flaig, CEO of Stratus
01:33 - What Is Master Franchising & Why It Works
04:15 - Why Commercial Cleaning Became Essential After COVID
07:42 - Cleaning Industry = Recurring Revenue Goldmine
09:59 - Unit vs. Master Franchise Roles
12:40 - You Don’t Need a Big City to Win Big
14:50 - The $16 Million Franchisee: Small Pond, Big Fish
16:30 - Top 10% of Franchisees: What Makes Them Elite
19:55 - Sales, Systems & Servant Leadership
24:18 - Stratus Corporate Owns 14 Territories — Here’s Why That Matters
27:10 - Collaboration > Command: The Power of Franchisee Feedback
30:00 - How Stratus Builds Culture and Protects ROI
33:11 - Marketing & Support: Why Stratus Doesn’t Need an Ad Fund
36:40 - Why the First Year is a Mystery (Until You Have a System)
39:25 - The Real Cost of Trying to Build It Yourself
41:18 - Funding Options for Master Franchisees
43:04 - The Power of Validation: Talk to Franchisees Who’ve Lived It
45:33 - The Stratus Franchise Blueprint to Win
47:00 - Final Wisdom: Legacy, Passion, and Due Diligence

💥 Key Topics Covered

• Master franchise model breakdown
• Commercial cleaning: boring but wildly profitable
• Franchisee success traits & leadership mindset
• Recurring revenue vs. restaurant-style sales
• Marketing systems, franchisee support & cultural alignment
• Why validation with real franchisees is non-negotiable

✅ LIKE this video if you want real talk on franchise ownership

📝 COMMENT if you’ve ever considered a “boring” but booming business

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🔗 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

Meet Mr. Long Island himself — Adam Flattau — the Franchise Business Review Rock Star of the Year, and a powerhouse Senior Care Authority franchisee who's turned compassion into a half-million-dollar  business.

🎙️ In this special in-person episode of Franchise Envy, host Lance Graulich reconnects with his college roommate, now a thriving franchise owner serving Nassau and Suffolk County. With zero industry experience and 30 years in corporate sales, Adam made the leap into senior care — and never looked back.

From investing under $100K to building a highly profitable, purpose-driven business, Adam shares how solving real problems for families became his mission. This is more than a success story — it’s a masterclass in how to do franchising right.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 - Welcome to Franchise Envy + Meet Adam Flattau
02:10 - From College Roommates to Franchise Pros
04:45 - Why Adam Left Corporate America for Senior Care
07:00 - How Personal Family Struggles Inspired His Career Pivot
09:30 - The Placement Model Explained (vs. Home Care)
13:15 - Owning All of Long Island: 2M People, 140 Communities
15:40 - Investment Breakdown: Under $100K for Two Territories
18:50 - How a Solo Operator Can Clear $500K+
21:20 - The Power of Community, Networking & Giving Back
24:00 - Franchise Rockstar of the Year: What It Took
26:10 - The Most Common Mistakes New Franchisees Make
29:15 - The Hardest Part About Getting Started in Senior Care
31:50 - Why Picking the Right Franchise Brand is Everything
34:00 - Adam’s Core Philosophy for Success

📌 Whether you’re an aspiring franchisee, corporate escapee, or mission-driven entrepreneur — Adam’s story will inspire and guide your next move.

💡 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 power-packed in-person episode of Eye on  Franchising, I sit down with Chris Connor, Founder & CEO of FMS Franchise Marketing Systems, and one of the most respected names in the franchising world. We’re live from a hotel room in Las Vegas (yes, really!), talking about entrepreneurship, global expansion, and why franchising is one of the best ways to build generational wealth.

This is a masterclass in what it really takes to franchise your business, scale it right, and identify the “it” factor behind successful franchise brands. You’ll also learn the truth about food service franchises vs. service-based businesses, and why being unsexy might just be the key to building a franchise empire.

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Intro: Why Chris Connor is a BIG deal in franchising
01:30 – How Barbados hired Chris to teach franchising (and gave him a free trip!)
04:15 – FMS: Building a one-stop franchise development agency
06:30 – The first steps to franchising your business
10:25 – How Chris helped European Wax Center, Jimmy John’s & more
12:10 – COVID, chaos, and record-breaking franchise sales
13:50 – What makes a concept truly franchisable?
17:35 – Restoration One vs. Super Restoration: David vs. Goliath
20:45 – Culture, sacrifice, and winning the long game
23:10 – Private equity magic: How franchising leads to massive exits
26:45 – Best industries to franchise in 2025
28:30 – The sexy lie of restaurant franchises (and the truth about margins)
32:40 – What makes a great franchise concept in today’s market
37:10 – The crucial role of the entrepreneur in franchise success
40:20 – Systems, tech, marketing, and ops: The behind-the-scenes checklist
43:00 – Selling your first 5-10 units: What really matters
45:45 – Franchise success story: Blooming Blinds from 0 to 160+ units
48:00 – Franchising vs. corporate life: The truth about freedom
51:00 – The Gladiator Mentality: Are YOU cut out for franchising?
54:15 – Step-by-step: How to franchise your business with FMS
58:40 – Sales systems, onboarding, and closing deals the right way
1:01:20 – Trends in franchising: Home services, boba, and niche riches
1:03:15 – Final advice: Franchising is for everyone... if you’re ready to go all in

🎙️ About My Guest: Chris Connor Founder of FMS Franchise Marketing Systems, Chris has helped launch over 600 franchise systems, including heavy hitters like European Wax Center, Restoration One, and Jimmy John’s. With clients in the US, Europe, and even the Caribbean, he’s a go-to expert for businesses ready to scale.

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE
📩 Know someone who should franchise their business? Share this video with them!
💬 Drop your biggest takeaway from the episode 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

Welcome back to another episode of Franchise Envy! I’m your host, Lance Graulich, and today I’m joined by powerhouse duo Dawn and Pam—sisters, business partners, and two of the four owners behind one of Conserva Irrigations’  most successful franchise locations.

From winning Rookie of the Year to recently being crowned Franchise of the Year, their story is packed with strategy, grit, and smart franchise ownership. Whether you’re already in the game or just starting your research, this episode is a must-watch.

👇 Timestamps & Topics
00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Franchise Envy
01:07 - Meet Dawn & Pam: Sisters, Franchisees, Leaders
03:05 - How They Discovered Conserva Irrigation
06:50 - Why Franchise > Starting From Scratch
08:30 - Starting During COVID: The Unexpected Advantage
11:45 - $200K Startup Investment: What It Covered
14:30 - Why They Hit $2.5M in Revenue (And Their Margins)
17:50 - Setting Goals: How They Beat Their 2025 Target Early
20:10 - Breaking Into Commercial: $1M in New Revenue
23:00 - Franchise Collaboration & Mentorship
25:45 - Top Mistakes Underperforming Franchisees Make
29:00 - The Seasonality Challenge & Staff Retention Strategy
32:25 - Role Breakdown: How 4 Owners Divide & Conquer
35:10 - Follow the Plan: Their #1 Key to Success
36:55 - The Tie-Breaker System & Keeping Harmony
39:10 - What’s Next: Future Growth + A Secret Tease 👀
40:00 - Final Wisdom & Advice to Franchisees
41:40 - Outro: Book a Call, Subscribe, & Stay Tuned

💡 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

Get ready for a powerhouse episode of Eye On Franchising! We’re live at the International Franchise Association Conference in Las Vegas with the one and only Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, the fastest-growing power washing franchise in the world.

From cleaning 40,000 square feet of the Superdome to scaling with drones, national accounts, and 255 territories, Aaron breaks down what it takes to build a monster franchise brand with integrity, grit, and some serious pressure-washing firepower.

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome to IFA in Las Vegas!
01:12 – Meet Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds
03:00 – From cleaning homes to cleaning the Superdome
05:55 – The wild story behind using drones to clean water towers
08:21 – The biggest lesson Aaron’s learned as CEO
11:20 – Building a C-suite team to rival major brands
14:02 – Why Rolling Suds invests early in franchisee support
16:40 – The massive marketing engine behind franchisee success
18:33 – Post-training support and ongoing coaching
21:15 – From zero to multiple trucks: how fast can you scale?
24:08 – Residential vs Commercial: Why B2B is king
26:10 – What makes commercial cleaning so lucrative
29:04 – Why this isn’t your average $75 power wash job
31:26 – Rolling Suds’ viral challenge: cleaning a 3,000 sq ft house in 22 minutes
33:20 – Top 3 traits of successful Rolling Suds franchisees
36:00 – Let’s talk grit, sales, and risk tolerance
39:14 – From no financing to three flexible funding packages
42:40 – What does real franchise ramp-up look like?
46:07 – Why one truck isn’t enough – think big from day one
48:30 – What does “scale” mean in franchising?
51:05 – Real talk: the grind it takes to succeed in this model
53:20 – 2025 Goals: 200+ more units, national accounts & world domination
55:00 – Final words of wisdom from a CEO in the trenches

💥 Highlights:

• How Rolling Suds scaled from 0 to 255 territories in record time
• The real ROI of power washing commercial properties
• What new franchisees NEED to understand before investing
• Why grit beats capital every single time
• Inside look at how B2B leads drive recurring revenue

🔥 Whether you're considering franchising, love entrepreneurship, or just want to hear how a CEO is power washing his way to the top, this episode is a must-watch.

👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe to Eye On Franchising for more behind-the-scenes interviews with the most exciting brands in franchising.

🔗 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

What do a former lawyer and a trauma therapist have in common? A sweet dream and a tie-dye van full of gourmet popsicles. Meet Amanda and Rob Kumor, franchisees with frios pops, who turned their retirement savings into a colorful, joy-filled business — and they’re just getting started.

In this episode, Lance Graulich (AKA the Franchise Whisperer) dives into: ✅ How Amanda & Rob discovered the world of franchising
✅ Why frios was the one — from branding to business model
✅ What it’s really like launching a business with limited capital
✅ Their “pop drop” strategy that’s spreading happiness and sales
✅ Real numbers: startup costs, revenue goals, net margins, and more
✅ And yes… the secret to standing out in a saturated market 🎯

 Timestamps
0:00 – Meet Amanda & Rob from frios Pops
1:52 – The moment frios clicked
3:15 – Hearing Cliff (the CEO) on a podcast
5:00 – Why franchising over starting from scratch
7:05 – Leaving law & therapy for entrepreneurship
10:12 – What’s a "Sweet Ride"? (The van explained!)
12:30 – Is brand size a factor in choosing a franchise?
15:18 – Hardest part of launching the business
18:45 – Building a brand from scratch in Philly
21:00 – First-year revenue goals & how they hit $135K
24:35 – Time commitment & balancing family
27:15 – Profit margins & income expectations
29:55 – Investing in more territories early
32:30 – Key advice: Be different, be joyful, follow through
34:10 – The big tease… a second franchise?!

💡 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

Pete Baldine Unveils 40 Years of Wisdom | Moran Family of Brands Interview at IFA Las Vegas

🚀 In this unforgettable in-person interview at the International Franchise Association (IFA) conference in Las Vegas, I sit down with the legend himself, Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands (Mr. Transmission, Milex, and Turbo Tint). We dive deep into legacy, leadership, exits, and the future of franchising, with stories from Pete’s 40+ year career. From 83-year-old franchisees to EV diagnostics and the secrets behind franchisee longevity—this is a masterclass in franchising.

If you're passionate about franchising, business ownership, or just want to hear from one of the most respected names in the game, this one is for you.

00:00 - Intro: Pete Baldine in a hotel room at IFA? Not a punchline.
01:30 - 25 years with Moran, 40 years in franchising
03:45 - Legacy: 83-year-old franchisee exits after decades
06:20 - Why exit strategy starts at Discovery Day
08:50 - Franchise resale value: 3-4x cash flow
11:05 - Franchisee longevity stats: 30+ years!
13:40 - Attracting younger franchisees + strategic resales
16:25 - The secret to keeping franchisees in the system
19:00 - Why Pete loves franchising
20:45 - Choosing the right franchise brand today
23:00 - The ultimate validator: Franchisee tenure
25:10 - Mr. Transmission: High-ticket, low-volume business
27:00 - Milex & Mr. Transmission: The co-branded one-stop shop
30:40 - How co-branding increased revenue & retention
33:20 - Qualities of top-performing franchisees
36:30 - The #1 trait: Personal accountability
38:00 - The birth of Turbo Tint: From NDA to national brand
41:30 - Launching a new concept during the pandemic
44:20 - The Turbo Tint experience: It’s about customer comfort
47:05 - Debunking the “I’ll do it myself” myth
49:50 - Why franchising is a true family business
52:15 - Can Moran brands handle EV repairs? Yes, and they do
54:10 - Meet Tim Rotifer: From franchisee to tech director
56:30 - Item 19 breakdown: $1.4M top performer average
59:00 - Car repair demand: Average vehicle age is 12.8 years
1:01:15 - Owner-operators vs. multi-unit owners
1:03:40 - The future of EVs & what it means for repair franchises
1:06:15 - Investment cost: Surprisingly affordable
1:07:40 - Final thoughts: Why franchising beats every administration
1:09:10 - Book a call to explore franchise opportunities

✅ Like, comment, and subscribe to support the show!

🔗 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 powerful episode of Franchise Envy, I sit down with Kevin Lewis, a former restaurant executive turned top-performing Apex Leadership Co. franchisee in Dallas-Fort Worth. With over $1.6M in annual revenue across five territories, Kevin proves you can leave the grind of late-night restaurant calls behind and build a business with impact, flexibility, and freedom.

We dive deep into Kevin’s story—from climbing the corporate ladder in the restaurant world to discovering Apex through a franchise consultant. Hear how he turned a “maybe” into a million-dollar mission, now helping schools raise more money than ever—all while promoting health, character, and leadership in kids.

📈 Whether you're curious about franchising, want real insights from franchise owners, or just need the inspiration to make a leap—this episode is a must-watch!

 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Kevin Lewis & Apex Leadership
01:50 – From Dishwasher to Executive: Kevin’s Restaurant Journey
05:30 – Why Kevin Chose Apex Over Other Franchises
08:00 – What Apex Leadership Really Does (Hint: No candy bars!)
11:25 – Initial Investment & Territory Strategy
14:45 – The Discovery Day That Changed Everything
18:00 – The Sales Learning Curve & Transition to Entrepreneurship
21:10 – Financial Freedom & Doubling His Income
25:00 – Keys to His Success: Networking, Timing, and the “Apex Buzz”
28:45 – What Makes Apex Unique (and Profitable)
32:00 – Growth: From 3 Territories to 5 (and More Coming…)
36:15 – Secrets to Employee Hiring & Training
39:00 – The Power of Purpose-Driven Business
42:30 – Why Some Franchisees Struggle (and How to Avoid It)
45:00 – Advice for Aspiring Business Owners & Franchisees
48:10 – Final Thoughts & Kevin’s Legacy with Apex

💡 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

Welcome to a game-changing episode of Eye On Franchising – coming to you straight from the International Franchise Association (IFA) Conference in Las Vegas!

This time, we’re diving deep into luxury home services with Nick Lopez, the Founder & Steward of Lime Painting🎨🏡 – a brand that’s redefining high-end home improvement and dominating the franchise space.

If you're serious about owning a business, scaling a franchise, or learning how to position a brand for massive success, you CAN’T MISS THIS!

✅ What it REALLY means to "Get LIMED" – and why it’s transforming the painting industry
✅ Luxury vs. Standard Home Services – How Lime Painting owns the high-end market
✅ Why franchising is taking over home improvement (just like it did with fast food!)
✅ The mindset of a millionaire franchisee – How Lime's top owner hit $4M+ in revenue
✅ How to stand out in an ultra-competitive industry with strong branding & positioning
✅ The secret to customer service that makes people glad to pay premium prices 💰
✅ Why marketing & tech drive franchise growth – and how Lime Painting nails it
✅ Nick’s No-BS Advice for Future Franchisees – Just Do It!

💡 Thinking about franchising? Hit the link below and let’s talk! 🎯

Timestamps – Jump to What Matters Most:

 0:00 - Welcome to IFA Las Vegas!
1:10 - Meet Nick Lopez: Founder & Steward of Lime Painting
3:00 - What is “Getting LIMED” & why it sets Lime Painting apart
6:20 - How Lime Painting dominates luxury home services
9:45 - Franchising & home improvement – a billion-dollar industry shift
12:30 - The power of branding & positioning in a competitive space
15:15 - How Lime’s top franchisee is making $4M+ with 2 territories
18:40 - The Lime Painting franchise opportunity – what you need to know
22:10 - Marketing, SEO, and lead generation – how customers find Lime Painting
26:50 - Franchisee support, training, and the “Lime Way”
30:00 - Nick’s final advice: Just execute. Don’t let fear hold you back!

🔗 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

📌 Drop a comment below – What’s the biggest lesson you learned from Nick?

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