Franchise Frontier

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Gina Harreld, Senior Director of Learning and Business Growth at BNI, to break down how networking—when done right—can become your most powerful growth engine.

From building a $10B brand on word-of-mouth to helping entrepreneurs scale globally, Gina shares how BNI transforms simple connections into consistent revenue, trusted relationships, and long-term business success.

You think lawn care is simple… until you actually run the business.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Zac Lowder, owner of Heroes Lawn Care of The Woodlands, to break down what it really takes to build a service-based business from the ground up.

From scaling a startup to $300M in revenue to launching a franchise in his own community, Zac shares the real lessons behind growth, hiring, leadership, and building a customer base that actually lasts.

They dive into:

• Why recurring revenue is powerful—but slow to build
• The reality of hiring the right General Manager
• How to balance a full-time job while owning a business
• The importance of data-driven decisions
• Why communication and resilience are critical traits

If you're considering business ownership or already in the trenches, this episode gives you a raw, honest look at what it takes to succeed.

Is business ownership really passive… or is that just what people want to believe?

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with JT and Michelle Thompson,owners of Stand Strong Fencing in San Antonio to break down the real truth behind building and scaling multiple businesses.

From military service to real estate, retail, and now home services, JT and Michelle share the lessons they've learned about leadership, hiring, growth, and what it actually takes to succeed.

They dive into:

• Why "passive business" is a myth

• The realities of hiring and leading people

• How to scale multiple businesses the right way

• Why grit matters more than talent

• The power of building in your local community

If you're considering business ownership or already in the game, this episode will challenge your mindset and give you a clearer picture of what success really demands.

What happens when you decide to reinvent yourself… instead of slowing down?

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Cheryl Alker, owner of Blingle Premier Lighting of Fort Myers, Florida, to unpack her journey from lifelong entrepreneur to building a thriving home services business later in life.

Cheryl shares what it really takes to start and grow a business from early struggles and first wins to scaling through strategic partnerships, customer experience, and community impact.

This episode is packed with real-world insight on:

• Building trust in a "trust recession"

• Creating standout customer experiences

• Scaling through relationships and reputation

• Navigating seasonality and growth challenges

If you're thinking about business ownership or already in it his is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and doing things the right way.

What if you didn't have to start your business by knocking on doors… because those doors were already open?

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Derek Witt, President of Strategic Partnerships at HorsePower Brands, to break down one of the most overlooked advantages in franchising—access.

They unpack what strategic partnerships really are, why they create a massive competitive edge, and how franchisees can leverage relationships that would otherwise take years to build on their own.

If you're exploring business ownership or looking for ways to grow faster and smarter, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the right partnerships can change everything.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Chris Jenkins, owner of Stand Strong Fencing in Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Chris shares the unexpected path that led him from a 20-year career in oil and gas engineering into franchise ownership after the industry downturn in 2020. What started as curiosity about business ownership turned into launching and scaling a fencing franchise while also managing another financial services business.

Chris dives into the realities of franchise ownership — from SBA financing delays and hiring challenges to managing subcontractors, navigating unexpected setbacks, and building systems that allow a semi-involved owner model to work. He also shares valuable lessons about leadership, hiring, vendor relationships, and the mindset required to thrive as a business owner.

If you're considering buying a franchise or launching a service business, this conversation offers honest insights about what it actually takes to succeed.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Jeffrey Sweatt, owner of Bumble Bee Blinds of Birmingham, to talk about the moment he decided to leave corporate media behind and step into business ownership.

After two decades in television and digital advertising, Jeff reached a turning point. Corporate consolidation, lack of control, and the desire to build something local pushed him to explore franchise ownership. That decision ultimately led him to launch the first Bumble Bee Blinds location in Alabama.

Jeff shares what the first year of ownership really looks like, from navigating supply chain challenges to learning the product in real time and building a strong team culture. He also discusses the importance of hiring people who align personally and professionally, the realities of working more hours early on, and how customer reviews and community involvement keep him motivated.

If you are considering leaving a corporate career, investing in a franchise, or starting your own business, this conversation offers a transparent look at the journey from employee to owner.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Kelli Katzman and Chelsea Turner, owners of Blingle of Central Texas. From pharmaceutical sales to outdoor lighting entrepreneurs, they share what it really takes to leave a stable W-2 career, navigate funding challenges, survive their first chaotic holiday season, and build a brand that wins "Best of Liberty Hill" in year one.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Jonathan Watts, owner of Bumble Bee Blinds of Fleming Island, to unpack his journey from corporate equipment sales to full-time business ownership.

On this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, host Dave Kimura speaks with Tim Disbrow, owner of Varsity Zone HVAC of North Phoenix, Arizona, chose franchise ownership because he wanted to build a business that leaned into his strengths.