Is franchising really the secret to wealth, or is it just another risky business model?  In this episode, Erik Van Horn takes a deep dive into franchise profitability, investment strategies, and common myths surrounding wealth-building in franchising. 

Erik shares real-life examples of franchisees who built multi-million dollar businesses and those who lost everything. He reveals why choosing the right brand, market timing, and strong operations are critical for success. Erik also explains why franchising isn’t a passive income stream unless structured correctly.

Discover how franchisees actually build wealth (and what stops them), the biggest myths about franchising and financial freedom, how to scale smartly through multi-unit ownership and acquisitions, and why some franchisees fail despite picking a "good brand."

Listen now to unlock the real wealth-building strategies in franchising!

“The best franchisees are the best marketers, the best operational people, and the best at making decisions–they are the best at anything it takes to be a really successful entrepreneur." ~ Erik Van Horn

In This Episode:

- Losing money and making a lot of money in franchising

- How timing affects franchise success

- Does franchising guarantee success?

- Why some franchisees fail despite picking "good brands"

- Is franchising a passive income model?

- Why franchising is a great path to building wealth

- Why some franchisees struggle financially

- What franchisors can do to succeed

- Can strong franchisees overcome a weak brand?

- Erik's advice for franchisors and franchisees

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 How To Choose The Best Franchise For You With Guest Eric Stites - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MszGt8iVFws

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Are you thinking about buying a franchise? Don't make costly mistakes that could drain your time, money, and energy! Learn how to research, validate, and choose the perfect franchise.

In this episode, Erik Van Horn breaks down the step-by-step process of buying a franchise the right way. He shares how to properly evaluate a brand, avoid red flags in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and ask current franchisees the right validation questions. Erik also explains why brand recognition isn't everything, how to navigate franchise broker and consultant relationships, and what franchisors look for in potential owners.

Discover the four stages of the franchise buying process, why franchisors evaluate you as much as you evaluate them, and smart franchise validation strategies to avoid being sold into the wrong franchise. Tune in and learn to buy with confidence!

“Buying a franchise, probably for most people, is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make. You do it right, it can be life-changing; it was for me. You do it wrong, you rush it, and it could cost you everything. I've seen that as well." ~ Erik Van Horn

In This Episode:

- Why brand recognition isn’t always a good reason to buy

- The four key stages of the franchise buying process

- Understanding that franchisors also evaluate buyers 

- Choosing the right franchise industry for you

- The role of franchise consultants, brokers, and FSOs

- Following the franchisor's process

- Researching and finding the best franchise opportunities

- Reviewing the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) the right way

- Asking smart franchise validation questions

- Preparing for Discovery Day and making a decision

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 Download the 100+ Validation Questions To Ask Franchisees! - https://franchisesecrets.com/validationquestions/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

What does it take to go from rock bottom to running a multimillion-dollar business? In this powerful episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Aaron Stokes, an entrepreneur who transformed his early struggles into a thriving empire. From dropping out of school in eighth grade to building a multi-location auto repair business and a highly successful coaching company, Aaron’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and business strategy.

Aaron shares the hard lessons he learned in leadership, perseverance, and financial discipline. He opens up about how he overcame a staggering $5.5 million debt without resorting to bankruptcy, highlighting the mindset and strategies that kept his business afloat. Aaron also provides valuable insights into smart asset protection and lease negotiation tactics, equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools to safeguard their businesses and maximize profitability. Whether you're navigating financial challenges or looking to scale your business wisely, Aaron’s experience offers invaluable lessons for every entrepreneur. Listen now to learn how to avoid financial pitfalls and persevere through obstacles!

“A lot of entrepreneurs don't understand that the pain is what has brought them so far because they learned something so deep." ~ Aaron Stokes

In This Episode:

- Aaron’s early struggles and entrepreneurial journey

- Overcoming $5.5M debt without bankruptcy

- How to move forward despite difficult times

- Aaron's trait that helped him overcome obstacles

- Accomplishing your vision after going through challenges

- What's next for Aaron Stokes?

- Aaron's words of wisdom for entrepreneurs 

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591846358

🌐 Back to Life: The Story of Shop Fix Academy and Aaron Stokes - https://shopfixacademy.com/back-to-life-shop-fix-academy-documentary/

Connect with Aaron Stokes:

🌐 Website - https://www.eurofixonline.com/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-stokes-969012109/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Are you thinking about selling your franchise? Whether it’s next year or years down the line, the key to a successful exit is preparing now. In this episode, Erik Van Horn and multi-brand franchisee Daniel Castellini reveal the insider secrets to maximizing your franchise’s value and attracting the right buyer. 

Erik and Dan dive into the challenges of preparing a franchise for sale, from cleaning up financials to building systems that ensure a smooth transition. Dan also shares insights from his experience as both a seller and a buyer, revealing what makes a business attractive to potential buyers and private equity firms.

Learn actionable tips on preparing a business for sale, negotiating terms, and understanding what buyers are truly looking for. Whether you’re years away from selling or considering an exit soon, this episode offers a roadmap to maximizing your franchise’s value.

Tune in and learn how to build a business that’s always ready to sell.

“I think when you know what to expect, that's probably the most critical thing. As far as actually dealing with the negotiation, I think a lot of that is gonna be personality-based. Some of that is just gonna happen naturally." ~ Daniel Castellini

In This Episode:

- The first time Dan thought about selling

- Knowing your buyer: private equity vs. individual buyers

- Pros and cons of seller financing

- Handling emotions during negotiations

- The hardest part about preparing for the sale

- Preparing for the sale and what happens to your staff

- How to negotiate the sale 

- Why clean financials are essential for selling your franchise

- Why every franchisee needs an exit strategy

- What's next for Dan?

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

Connect with Daniel Castellini:

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-castellini-190b0448/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

What breaks when a franchise scales too quickly, and how can it be fixed? In this eye-opening episode, Erik Van Horn talks with Steven (Steve) Welch, co-founder of Restore Hyper Wellness, about the hidden challenges of rapid franchise growth. Steve reveals the critical missteps as Restore expanded too fast, including leadership gaps, missing operational systems, and a lack of a clear sales process. He then shares how the company is actively course-correcting by rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening its leadership team, and listening closely to franchisees through its Franchise Advisory Council (FAC). This episode is a must-listen for franchisors and franchisees who want to scale responsibly without sacrificing long-term success.

“When I stepped into the role, I was hoping there would be a silver bullet. There’s no silver bullet. It was a lot of little things that had to change that added up to a lot." ~ Steven Welch

In This Episode:

- How Steve got into entrepreneurship

- Pitfalls of growing too fast

- Staying motivated after a big exit

- Building a team with scale experience

- Why franchisee due diligence matters

- How to raise outside capital

- Business valuation and convertible notes

- How the FAC drives better decisions

- Overhauling the sales process for growth

- Restore's roadmap for consistent success

- Standardizing systems to sustain growth

- Advice for people who want to get into franchising

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

Connect with Steven Welch:

🌐 Website - https://www.restore.com/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/livefreeordie/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Is the franchise industry as fair as it seems? From predatory contracts to overblown earnings claims, Erik Van Horn exposes the hidden truths franchisors don’t want you to know. If you're thinking about franchising, you need to hear this first!

In this episode, Erik explores the most controversial aspects of franchising, which many avoid discussing. From predatory franchise contracts to the power imbalance between franchisors and franchisees, he uncovers the industry's hidden challenges and questions the norms that often go unchallenged. Drawing on his extensive experience and leveraging cutting-edge tools like AI, Erik challenges outdated systems and sparks important conversations about franchise transparency and accountability.

This solo episode is a must-listen for aspiring franchisees, franchisors, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the industry with open eyes and smarter strategies. If you're ready to uncover the truths behind the franchise world, tune in and discover how to protect your interests and make smarter franchise decisions. ​

“If you’re in retail, like a retail-type brand, and the franchisees don't have management in place, you're probably going to be buying yourself a job." ~ Erik Van Horn

In This Episode:

- How Front Street Equity Partners works with brands

- How to use AI tools effectively

- Predatory franchise contracts and their risks

- Should franchising face more regulation?

- Misleading earnings claims exposed

- Are you buying a business or a job?

- Can franchisors silence criticism?

- Hidden fees and costly renovations

- Supplier markups draining profits

- Market saturation and territory conflicts

- Do franchisors profit from failure?

- Brand control vs. local flexibility

- How bad franchisees hurt brand image

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/

What does absentee ownership actually mean in franchising? Is it really possible, or is it just another myth in the industry?

In this replay, Erik talks to his business partners, Luke Jacobson and Terry Rackley from StretchLab, who share their raw and honest journey from hopeful semi-absentee franchisees to successful business partners.

After experiencing the reality of burning through 6 managers in 8 months and watching their "10-hour work week" transform into something completely different, they reveal what actually makes absentee ownership possible. Their partnership story shows how the right structure can change everything, leading to profitability increases of up to 200% in some locations.

The conversation pulls back the curtain on franchise success: the truth about support systems, the power of systematic organization, the critical role of employee retention, and most importantly - what it really takes to be a successful absentee owner in franchising.

“We're not a franchisee that does something totally different than what the franchise is asking. We actually stay pretty close. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, but on the people side, we try to go above and beyond. They'll take care of customers, which in turn will get us good results.” ~ Terry Rackley

In This Episode:

- Luke's background and how he got into franchising

- Terry's background and how he met Luke and Erik

- How Luke and Terry became business partners

- The importance of speed in opening new locations

- Erik's role in the partnership

- Why leadership and organizational skills matter in business

- Critical factors in running a successful business

- Is absentee ownership a myth?

- What comes to mind when you hear the term top franchisees?

- What does a healthy franchisee-franchisor relationship look like?

- Why is aggressive organization necessary when managing a business?

- What makes partnerships a good thing?

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 Franchise Equity Partners - www.frontstreetep.com

Connect with Luke and Terry:

💼 LinkedIn (Luke) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-jacobson-68632b75/

💼 LinkedIn (Terry) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryrackley/

🌐 Website - https://www.stretchlab.com/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

What makes a strong personal brand, and how can it transform your business opportunities? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, to dive deep into personal branding.  From building a loyal LinkedIn following to crafting engaging newsletters, Jason shares actionable strategies to elevate your influence and open doors to incredible opportunities. They also explore the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list and how it serves as a vital resource for franchisors and franchisees.

To amplify your brand, tune in for insider tips on personal branding and franchising success!

“Of anything that we are talking about right now, the newsletter is the only one in which you have direct contact with your audience and in which there's no algorithm intervening." ~ Jason Feifer

In This Episode:

- Who is Jason Feifer?

- How to build your personal brand

- Strategies to amplify your brand on LinkedIn

- The ROI of personal branding and its business impact

- Jason's LinkedIn content strategy and how he uses AI

- How franchisors can use LinkedIn to attract franchisees

- Using newsletters to build direct relationships with your audience

- The methodology behind the Franchise 500 rankings

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 Tap Into Audience Sentiment in Real-Time With Crowdwave - https://www.crowdwave.ai/

🌐 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking - https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500

Connect with Jason Feifer:

🌐 Website - https://www.jasonfeifer.com/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-feifer-b04543a/

📨 Newsletter - https://www.jasonfeifer.com/newsletter/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

How does a former police officer and nurse become one of the top-performing franchisees in the luxury pet boarding industry? In this episode, Larkin, a franchise owner with K9 Resorts, shares his incredible journey from public service to running a thriving dog boarding and daycare business. Discover how his people skills, gained from years on the force, translated into exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

Larkin owns K9 Resorts in Apex, NC and has another location in development in the state. After serving as a police officer for 25 years and working as a nurse, Larkin took his passion for community service and became a successful first-time entrepreneur. His K9 Resorts location opened in 2019, and he’s grown to be the highest-growing franchise location in the system.

Larkin reveals why believing in the brand, trusting the process, and committing to hard work during those crucial first years make all the difference. He also shares how resilience through challenges like the pandemic helped him build a business that runs smoothly even when he steps away.

If you're considering franchising, Larkin’s candid insights on due diligence, mindset, and staying focused will inspire and guide you.

Tune in to hear how passion, persistence, and trust in the system can create franchise success!

“If you believe in the brand, if you believe in what you're doing and the product, then you're going to follow those rules to the T. And doing so gives you more chance of success than failure because it's a proven brand with a proven track record of success." ~ Larkin Combs

In This Episode:

 - Larkin’s path: from police officer to top franchisee

- Using law enforcement skills to deliver excellent customer service

- Why K9 Resorts stand out in luxury pet care

- Why Larkin chose K9 Resorts over other franchises

- The power of believing in the brand and following the system

- Franchisee collaboration: sharing solutions and best practices

- Larkin’s hands-on approach to daily operations

- Overcoming early challenges, including the pandemic

- Do your homework before buying a franchise

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 International Franchise Expo - https://www.franchiseexpo.com/

Connect with Larkin Combs:

🌐 Website - https://www.k9resorts.com

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Are you ready to expand your franchise portfolio? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Bobby Brennan discuss the risks, challenges, and key considerations of diversifying into a second or third brand. With candid insights and actionable advice, they explore why self-awareness, due diligence, and understanding franchisor decision-making are crucial before taking the plunge.

Discover the common pitfalls franchisees make when branching out, why culture and cooperation matter, and how to assess if a new brand aligns with your goals. Erik and Bobby also share personal stories of lessons learned, including the underestimated value of validation and the hidden insights founders can offer.

Whether you’re a franchisee looking to diversify or an entrepreneur starting fresh, this episode is packed with essential tips to ensure your next move is the right one.

Tune in now and learn to expand wisely–without risking it all!

“Just because my franchise over here did it that way doesn't mean this franchise is gonna do it that way. And just know that there's gonna be some learnings. You may be right. Maybe you're gonna be wrong as well. But just know that when you join a franchise, you're joining a hundred percent." ~ Bobby Brennan

In This Episode:

- The worst thing you can do when buying a second brand

- The “five C’s” for evaluating franchise fit

- Adapting to new systems vs. applying old playbooks

- How to handle the challenges of expansion

- Validation: a must for joining new franchises

- Self-awareness: the key to smart franchise expansion

- Why founder decisions shape emerging brand success

Resources: 

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses - https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 How goGLOW Built a Franchise Employees Love and Customers Trust With Tori Johnston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hWHheuG0p4

🌐 Attract Loyal Customers and Earn 5-Star Reviews With goGLOW’s Tori Johnston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d7NykLrrUs

Connect with Bobby Brennan:

🌐 Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-brennan-37b46ab/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/