Welcome back! After 4 incredible years, Eye On Franchising is officially becoming the Franchise Fit Podcast — because it’s ALL about finding the right franchise fit.

And today’s episode is a MUST-WATCH.
We’re talking fake grass… real cash. 💰🌱
The founders of Waterloo Turf, Tim Lovett & Lance Ingram, join me to break down one of the hottest, most wide-open home-services niches in America.

From $1.3M locations, to 800K first-year launches, to why there are ZERO other national competitors, this episode is packed with gold for anyone searching for high-profit, low-competition businesses.

If you’ve ever wondered whether artificial turf is “the new normal”… the answer is YES.

Sponsored by: SEO Samba — AI-driven, predictable marketing for franchises.

00:00 – Franchise Fit Podcast announcement (formerly Eye On Franchising)
01:10 – Fake grass… real cash
02:20 – “The riches are in the niches” (and why turf is wide open)
03:15 – Waterloo Turf founders welcome + industry momentum
04:30 – Is artificial turf becoming the new normal?
06:20 – Governments pushing turf + water conservation
08:00 – Why Waterloo Turf is the only national turf brand
10:05 – Competing against mom-and-pops (huge advantage!)
11:20 – Investment costs: Starts around $106K
12:10 – Revenue breakdown: $1.3M at 15.6% net
13:25 – San Antonio: $800K in first 12 months
15:00 – Owner-operator vs semi-absentee (GM model)
16:45 – What makes a great franchise fit — and who they reject
18:30 – Franchisee profitability focus (weekly coaching, P&Ls, KPIs)
20:10 – 50+ hours of turf training — measuring, installs, operations
22:00 – How Waterloo does estimates in 5–7 minutes
23:45 – Marketing power: the “network effect” of turf
25:10 – Why referrals explode in this business
26:00 – NCAA athlete franchise fee discount (and why!)
27:30 – The wild story: crew quits mid-job… and becomes his best crew
29:15 – Residential vs commercial turf jobs
31:00 – Unique putting greens & “circus golf”
33:05 – “Move that bus” makeover moment
34:10 – Advice for first-time business owners
36:00 – Why franchising beats acquisition for many entrepreneurs
37:30 – Final thoughts from Tim & Lance
38:30 – How to book your Franchise Fit call

👉 Franchise with Confidence: My services are 100% free to aspiring owners. Schedule a call today and find your perfect franchise fit.
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real franchise stories.

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

Welcome to the Franchise Fit Podcast, formerly known as Eye On Franchising!
Same powerful stories — new name and focus. We help you find the right franchise fit so you can build wealth, freedom, and legacy through business ownership.

Today’s guest, Michelle Zahoransky, is a powerhouse MaidPro franchisee who turned a college homework assignment — inspired by Dr. Gene Landrum, founder of Chuck E. Cheese — into a $4 million cleaning business.

She shares how she went from cleaning houses solo to running multiple MaidPro locations, mentoring franchisees, and creating a company culture rooted in purpose, recognition, and recurring revenue.

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Tope, Vice President of Franchise Development at Full Speed Automotive (the umbrella behind brands like Grease Monkey & Speedee). We go deep into:

• Why automotive is an overlooked but high-potential franchise category.
• How multi-unit growth works (40%+ of their franchisees are multi-unit/multi-brand).
• The DNA of top performers — business acumen + the “aggressive follower” mindset.
• Investment ranges, unit economics (top 25% units doing ~$1.8 M AV + $400-$500k EBITDA!).
• Where EVs and AI are really headed in auto service.
• What mistakes see franchises struggle — and how to avoid them.
• A special message for first-time franchisees: how to evaluate fit, culture, and franchisor support.

👉 If you’re thinking about owning a franchise — especially in automotive or multi-unit growth — you’ll want to hear this.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & welcome

02:15 – Meet Kelly Tope, VP Franchise Development, Full Speed Automotive

05:40 – Why automotive? Why now?

08:30 – Multi-unit & multi-brand growth: the numbers speak

13:50 – Unit economics: average unit volume & EBITDA (top 25 %)

17:25 – What does top franchisee DNA look like?

21:10 – Struggles & pitfalls: what we’ve seen go wrong

25:45 – EVs, AI & the future of auto service

30:20 – Investment ranges: greenfield vs conversion sites

33:50 – Franchisee culture, one‐team mindset & why it matters

37:15 – Advice for first-time franchisees (all industries)

40:00 – Closing & final thoughts

👉 Franchise with Confidence: My services are 100% free to aspiring owners. Schedule a call today and find your perfect franchise fit.
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real franchise stories.

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Ann Wiard, a Taste Buds Kitchen franchisee from Rhode Island, who turned her passion for food, education, and family experiences into a thriving business. She shares how she went from Executive Director of a soup kitchen to owning one of the most successful Taste Buds locations — earning 31% profit margins and out-earning her husband!

We talk about family cooking classes, hilarious date-night stories, how she paid off her investment in 2.5 years, and why following the franchise system is the ultimate recipe for success.

00:00 – Welcome to Eye on Franchising with Lance Graulich
01:12 – Meet Ann Wiard, Taste Buds Kitchen franchisee from Rhode Island
02:30 – Date nights, corporate events & “spicy” cooking stories
05:12 – Why Taste Buds Kitchen is a family favorite
07:48 – Teaching kids to love cooking (and eat broccoli tots!)
10:30 – Ann’s background: from soup kitchens to entrepreneurship
12:00 – Why she chose Taste Buds Kitchen over 4,000 other franchises
14:15 – Cooking camps, after-school programs & summer classes
17:00 – How much does it cost to open a Taste Buds Kitchen?
19:20 – Real numbers: $1.1M+ sales & 30% profit margins
21:45 – Ann’s journey to making $200K+ per year
24:10 – How she paid off her investment in 2.5 years
26:30 – Lessons learned: hire a general manager early
28:00 – Why some franchisees fail (and how to avoid it)
30:25 – Working with Taste Buds’ founder Jessie & the leadership team
32:40 – What kind of person thrives in this franchise
34:20 – The secret ingredient: building a passionate team
36:00 – Why Ann chose franchising instead of starting her own concept
38:10 – Advice for anyone considering a franchise
40:00 – Why talking to franchisees during validation is key
42:00 – Final thoughts & how franchising changed Ann’s life

👉 Franchise with Confidence: My services are 100% free to aspiring owners. Schedule a call today and find your perfect franchise fit.
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real franchise stories.

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

Today’s guest is Brad Hillier, the CEO of Re-Bath — the #1 bathroom remodeling franchise in America.

We dive into one of the hottest sectors in the U.S. economy, growing 6–8% per year and projected to continue for the next decade. Brad reveals how Re-Bath partnered with HGTV’s Jenny & Dave Marrs (Fixer to Fabulous) and why the brand is thriving in an aging-in-place, “do-it-for-me” market.

👉 Sponsored by SEO Samba — Empower your franchise with predictable, AI-driven marketing results.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Eye on Franchising
01:10 – Meet Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath
03:25 – Why bathroom remodeling is booming (6–8% annual growth)
05:40 – The “Do-It-For-Me” trend driving explosive franchise growth
08:15 – Aging in place: how America’s oldest population is fueling remodel demand
10:40 – Inside the Re-Bath and HGTV “Fixer to Fabulous” partnership
14:05 – Why national branding matters in local remodeling
17:00 – The $40M Phoenix location acquisition & corporate testing strategy
21:30 – How Re-Bath’s corporate stores fuel innovation for franchisees
25:10 – Testing new programs: how a “rehash” system added $120K in 2 weeks
28:00 – Item 19 insights: $5M average franchise revenue explained
31:20 – Why smaller territories often outperform larger ones
34:05 – Franchising vs. going solo as a contractor
36:40 – How Re-Bath supports first-time business owners
40:10 – From 1.1⭐ to 4.8⭐: Turning customer satisfaction around
43:00 – The real secret to Re-Bath’s success
46:15 – How AI and data are shaping the next generation of remodeling
50:05 – Why this business is “Amazon-proof” and “AI-proof”
52:40 – Brad’s final advice: How to choose your perfect franchise fit
54:15 – Lance’s closing thoughts & call to action

• Bathroom remodeling is one of the fastest-growing home services sectors
• Why the Re-Bath franchise model offers unmatched scalability and support
• How the HGTV partnership keeps Re-Bath top-of-mind with consumers
• The truth behind $5M+ average franchise revenue
• How corporate innovation directly benefits every franchise

👉 Franchise with Confidence: My services are 100% free to aspiring owners. Schedule a call today and find your perfect franchise fit.
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real franchise stories.

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

Today’s guest is Shawna Hicks Cranston, a 15-year PostNet franchisee and longtime entrepreneur who’s built something special — a community-driven, people-first business that’s thriving in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Before PostNet, Shawna and her husband owned a staffing franchise for 20+ years — so she knows exactly what it takes to succeed in multiple franchise systems. In this episode, Shawna shares her “Mayberry Approach,” why customer connection beats competition, and how her focus on mindset and relationships made her an award-winning owner.

You’ll learn:
✅ The mindset shift that separates average franchisees from top performers
✅ How AI and automation are boosting small business profits
✅ Real PostNet financials (revenues & startup costs)
✅ The “Tenacious Mindset” that earned Shawna national recognition
✅ Her best advice for anyone ready to buy their first franchise

00:00 – Welcome to Eye on Franchising
01:10 – Meet Shawna Hicks Cranston: 15 years of PostNet success
03:30 – The “Mayberry Approach”: turning customers into family
06:45 – From cows to community: building a thriving location
10:05 – Winning PostNet’s Tenacious Mindset Award
13:15 – The real secret behind long-term franchise success
16:20 – AI, tech, and new machines that save time & money
20:00 – The biggest early struggles new franchisees face
24:10 – How to market your location & stand out locally
27:35 – Money talk: PostNet’s average revenue & startup costs
31:00 – How PostNet evolved with customer demand
36:20 – Funny (and wild) customer stories you won’t believe
39:55 – The power of franchise community & peer support
44:10 – How to know if a franchise is truly the right fit
48:25 – Building generational wealth with your franchise
51:50 – Shawna’s final advice for new owners
55:00 – Closing thoughts — purpose, passion & people first

👉 Franchise with Confidence: My services are 100% free to aspiring owners. Schedule a call today and find your perfect franchise fit.
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real franchise stories.

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

Today’s guest is Ryan C, an early franchisee with Cabinet IQ who’s already crushing it. In just over a year, Ryan has 3 territories in South Carolina and Georgia, and he’s proving that you can keep your corporate job while building a thriving franchise business.

We’ll dive into Ryan’s journey from banking & finance into the remodeling world, his scariest moment signing the dotted line, how he balances his full-time job with being a franchise owner, and why he believes discipline, time management, and grit are the real keys to success.

If you’ve ever wondered:
➡️ Can I keep my job while being a franchisee?
➡️ What’s it like to join an emerging brand like Cabinet IQ?
➡️ How do I balance family, risk, and growth goals in franchising?

This episode has your answers.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Eye on Franchising ft. Ryan C (Cabinet IQ)
02:20 – Can you keep your corporate job as a franchisee?
05:10 – The sacrifice, discipline & grit needed for success
09:15 – Early franchisee experience: being “more than a number”
12:40 – Ryan’s scariest moment signing franchise agreements & leases
16:55 – Why he picked Cabinet IQ over other brands
22:30 – The risk vs. reward mindset & worst-case scenario thinking
26:15 – Building a $3M first year with plans for $50M
31:05 – Balancing reinvestment, growth, and new showrooms
35:20 – Tech & design: Cabinet IQ’s secret weapon
41:00 – Advice for first-time franchise owners: bet on yourself

👉 Franchise with Confidence: My services are 100% free to aspiring owners. Schedule a call today and find your perfect franchise fit.
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real franchise stories.

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

Today’s guest is Mike Jewett, a tech executive turned entrepreneur who partnered with me to discover and launch his That 1 Painter franchise. 🚀

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why That 1 Painter is one of the fastest-growing home services franchises
✅ How Resi Brands provides world-class training, coaching & support for franchisees
✅ The true costs, challenges, and rewards of owning a painting franchise
✅ How Mike plans to hit $1M+ revenue per territory and become Maryland’s top painting company
✅ Why accountability, culture, and teamwork separate successful franchisees from struggling ones

00:00 – Welcome & intro to Franchise Envy with Mike Jewett
02:15 – Leaving tech for franchising: why Mike chose That 1 Painter
07:40 – What makes That 1 Painter a top home services franchise
13:25 – Accountability & mindset: “If you’re not successful here, it’s your fault”
17:55 – Why painting and trades are powerful, recession-resistant businesses
23:40 – Inside ResiCon: networking, training & winning Rookie of the Year 🏆
28:15 – Franchise ownership = built-in mastermind effect
34:05 – Building culture with crews & subcontractors
40:10 – Running multiple businesses: Alloy Training + That 1 Painter
47:00 – Revenue goals: $1M per territory and beyond
52:20 – The real struggles & sacrifices of franchise ownership
58:45 – Final advice: Why betting on yourself is the smartest investment

🔥 Ready to find YOUR franchise fit?
👉 Schedule your free consultation with Lance Graulich:
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Like this video if you got value
💬 Comment your favorite insight
🔔 Subscribe for more franchise millionaire stories

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

What happens when a corporate franchising executive leaves the boardroom to build his own empire?
Meet Jon Steward – the “Franchise Lover.” After 25+ years in franchising, including 17 years in senior operations roles with Dairy Queen, Great Clips, and Planet Fitness, Jon traded his corporate suit for ownership. Today, he’s a multi-brand franchisee running 14 Mosquito Shield territories in South Jersey.

Jon has helped hundreds of franchisees open, grow, and sell their businesses. He knows franchising from both sides of the table—franchisor and franchisee. A Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the IFA, Jon even published research on franchise relationship dynamics, proving that social exchange is just as critical as financial exchange for long-term success.

👉 This episode is your blueprint for escaping the 9–5 and building a legacy franchise portfolio that creates generational wealth.

This episode is sponsored by SEO Samba – Predictable results. AI-driven franchise marketing.

00:00 – Welcome & why Jon is the Franchise Lover
02:20 – From Dairy Queen to Planet Fitness: corporate franchise career
09:00 – How Jon scaled into 14 Mosquito Shield territories
13:15 – Corporate job vs. franchise wealth (why legacy beats salary)
17:40 – Success secrets: following systems & learning from top franchisees
22:25 – Validation calls – the #1 step most people skip
27:50 – Acquisition vs. starting fresh: the truth revealed
33:40 – Why Mosquito Shield is a high-margin, semi-absentee business
38:05 – Marketing power moves: how to keep scaling
42:50 – Networking, conventions & leveraging franchise peers
47:10 – Inside 5 Star Franchising: support, resources & buying power
52:15 – Jon’s best advice for corporate employees “on the fence”
56:00 – Final thoughts: Don’t lust after a brand, find your perfect fit

🔥 Ready to find YOUR franchise fit?
👉 Schedule your free consultation with Lance Graulich:
https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

👍 Like this video if you got value
💬 Comment your favorite insight
🔔 Subscribe for more franchise millionaire stories

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

Today’s guest is Beth Toenies, one of the youngest and brightest leaders in franchising. She is:

• Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, overseeing the national expansion of powerhouse brands including 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, DUCKZ, and 1-800-BOARDUP.
• Chief Operating Officer of 1-800-BOARDUP, guiding operations and supporting franchisees nationwide.

In this episode, Beth reveals:
✅ How to choose the right franchise opportunity in a crowded market
✅ Why DUCKZ & Blue Kangaroo Packoutz are two of the best franchises to own in 2025
✅ The truth about franchises vs. acquisitions (and why most acquisitions fail)
✅ How women, veterans, and young families can succeed in franchising
✅ Why AI will never replace franchise owners
✅ The secret to scaling: grit, leadership & customer service

00:00 – Intro: Eye on Franchising
01:10 – Meet Beth Toenies: VP of Franchise Development at BELFOR + COO of 1-800-BOARDUP
04:05 – Beth’s career journey: from youngest optical president to COO
06:55 – Grit, perseverance & rising to the top of franchising
10:22 – Franchise vs. acquisition: the smarter way to build wealth
13:45 – How BELFOR Franchise Group helps match franchisees to the right brand
16:30 – Best franchises for women, veterans & young families
18:50 – DUCKZ franchise spotlight: $1.5M–$5.6M earnings potential
22:10 – Blue Kangaroo Packoutz: booming demand & flexible ownership
25:00 – Franchise investment levels & in-house financing
28:05 – When’s the right time to buy a franchise? (Younger than you think)
35:00 – Family + franchising: how working parents can win
38:20 – No 2AM emergencies: best BELFOR franchises for lifestyle flexibility
42:10 – Will AI replace franchise owners? Beth’s surprising answer
47:30 – Customer service, EQ, and reputation = the real keys to franchise success
52:00 – Why buying a business acquisition often fails vs. franchising
56:40 – Semi-absentee ownership: managing managers & scaling smart
1:01:00 – 1-800 WATER DAMAGE: strong brand for absentee ownership
1:05:30 – Beth’s biggest leadership lesson in franchising
1:08:00 – Closing thoughts + how to connect with BELFOR Franchise Group

🔥 Ready to explore the best franchises for 2025? My services are 100% free. Book your Franchise Fit

https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

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

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