Everyone wants an AI silver bullet—but franchise success still comes down to execution.

In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Brian Holmes (Franchise Ramp, AI Front Desk) break down how real operators are using AI to scale without losing culture, quality, or profit.

Learn how AI saves 65,000+ hours, the truth behind "failed" AI pilots, and why most leaders still get it wrong.

👉 Subscribe for more franchise growth, systems, and scaling insights: FranchiseSecrets.com

Timestamps:

00:00 – The myth of the silver bullet in business

01:19 – The first time Eric heard about ChatGPT

04:20 – How Brian's Liberty Tax days shaped his franchise mindset

05:46 – Building Franchise Ramp: from 0 to 1,200 locations

06:17 – Why culture drives every result at Franchise Ramp

10:33 – Why saying "no" creates world-class execution

11:51 – The AI hype vs. the real business impact

17:10 – How to spot fake AI vendors and bad pilots

26:49 – The real problem AI Front Desk solves for franchises

47:53 – The results: 1.1M tasks done and 65,000 hours saved

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Franchise #AI #Systems

Everyone wants time freedom, but few understand what it costs.

Franchisee Alex Read joins Erik Van Horn to share his journey from the early days of 1-800-GOT-JUNK to building with Modern PURAIR. After years of experience and a few expensive mistakes, Alex reveals why you can't just throw money at the problem — and why real success requires being two feet in.

They unpack the difference between delegating and abdicating, the truth about semi-absentee ownership, and why emerging brands demand leaders, not investors.

If you've ever dreamed of owning your time through franchising, this episode is a wake-up call.

Topics Covered:

-Why "semi-absentee" can become "fully absent"

-The reality of emerging franchise brands

-Building culture vs. hiring for convenience

-The value of failure and how it shapes real entrepreneurs

-What 1-800-GOT-JUNK taught Alex about leadership and growth

Timestamps: 

00:00 – You Can't Shortcut Time Freedom

02:55 – From the UK to Canada: Starting Over from Scratch

04:30 – Discovering 1-800-GOT-JUNK

07:28 – Hire for Spark, Not Just Skill

09:30 – The Power of Vision and Accountability

12:34 – Why I Bought a Second Brand

15:48 – The Brand I Said I'd Never Buy

21:50 – The Truth About Semi-Absentee Ownership

25:54 – You Can't Outsource Grit

29:03 – When the GM Leaves, So Does Your Freedom

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#FranchiseSecrets #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FranchisePodcast #TimeFreedom #Leadership #EmergingBrands #FranchiseOwner #AlexRead #ErikVanHorn #BusinessMindset

So many franchise buyers think "semi-absentee ownership" means passive income — but that couldn't be further from the truth.

In this episode, Erik Van Horn (host of Franchise Secrets) breaks down what semi-absentee really looks like once the hype fades and reality hits. From bad hires to broken systems, Erik explains how he learned — the hard way — that you have to earn the right to step back.

You'll learn:

-Why passive franchise ownership is mostly a myth

-The difference between semi-absentee and absentee models

-How to avoid checking out too early and ending up "back in the weeds"

-What systems, people, and culture you must build first

-How to design your business for real freedom

-If you've ever been sold the dream of mailbox money, this is your wake-up call.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The painful lesson I learned from checking out too early

01:00 – The fantasy of semi-absentee ownership

03:40 – The "London scenario" that exposes your weak spots

06:54 – Ask this emotional question before buying any franchise

07:54 – Why "absentee franchise" is a red flag

09:20 – What true semi-absentee success actually looks like

14:17 – How lazy delegation destroys your business

18:51 – The real currency of freedom: systems

22:32 – Using AI and playbooks to scale smarter

37:44 – Don't chase lifestyle too early — earn it first

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#FranchiseSecrets #FranchiseOwnership #PassiveIncome

Thinking about buying a franchise? Erik Van Horn and Bobby Brennan break down the real journey: from the "fee stage" burn to stabilization, optimization, and finally scale or exit. We cover why "passive" is a myth, how to avoid starving your marketing, when (and when not) to use profit sharing, and what separates podium revenue from real EBITDA.

Timestamps: 

00:00 Don't buy a franchise for short-term income

00:42 Intro: Franchise Secrets w/ Eric & Bobby

01:12 The "passive" myth & real losses

02:51 Transparency from operators & brokers

12:40 Phase 1: Investment/Burn (intentional negative cash flow)

22:54 Phase 2: Stabilization (6–18 months)

33:02 Phase 3: Optimization (18–36 months)

44:08 Phase 4: Scale or Exit (Years 3–7)

49:06 Owner vs employee mindset (long-term wealth)

51:54 Wrap-up + resources & links

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Franchise #Franchisee #FranchiseSecrets

Many entrepreneurs fail at investing for one simple reason: they say "yes" too much. In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Justin Donald break down the investor mindset, tax plays that compound, and how world-class networks unlock better terms, sponsors, and returns—plus the Guardian Bikes grand-slam story (featuring Mark Cuban).

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why great investors say "no" 95% of the time

01:57 – Solar credits & how fast legislation changes

03:56 – Masterminds that pay for themselves

04:24 – Compounding: tax, education, deals

07:37 – Money-back guarantees from sponsors?!

11:06 – The real ROI of networks (vendors, sponsors, peers)

12:40 – Deal terms you should ask for: the "put option"

24:53 – How to spot outlier deals that look "the same"

46:56 – Family-office asset allocation (60/40 is dead)

50:44 – Build a non-emotional investment machine

Resources Mentioned

Website: lifestyleinvestor.com

 – free resources, masterclasses, masterminds, and courses

Podcast: https://lifestyleinvestor.com/podcast/

Book: The Lifestyle Investor (updated & expanded edition)

https://access.lifestyleinvestor.com/lifestyleinvestor-book?utm_source=website&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=redirect

Free strategy call: lifestyleinvestor.com/consultation

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Compounding #Masterminds #Dealflow

From Googling "Can you sell a franchise after 4 months?" to owning and scaling a multi-brand franchise empire, Anna Dey's story is the ultimate masterclass in perseverance and smart growth.

In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik sits down with Anna to uncover how she:

-Survived brutal 2 a.m. shifts and near-burnout

-Has owned and scaled brands including Anytime Fitness, Clean Eatz, Smoothie King, goGLOW, and more

-Learned to empower leaders, exit markets strategically, and build a thriving charity that's raised $2.6 million for kids

Whether you're an aspiring franchisee or a seasoned operator, Anna's hard-won insights on pivoting, scaling, and staying profitable will inspire and equip you.

Timestamps

00:00 — Anna's early struggles and the 4-month near-quit moment

02:18 — From corporate America to first franchise success with Anytime Fitness

06:43 — The challenge of managing six different franchise concepts at once

11:35 — Why Anytime Fitness had to reinvent its brand (and how owners reacted)

15:12 — Clean Eatz: from exhausting all-nighters to top-performing units

20:37 — Staying calm when early months feel overwhelming (and money is tight)

24:42 — The surprising grand-opening flop that turned into her best Smoothie King

28:42 — Why GoGlo fit Anna's perfect investment formula (low labor, small footprint)

36:34 — Inside the 24-and-24 Foundation: $2.6 million raised for kids' wishes

42:50 — How empowering better-than-you managers unlocks exponential growth

Resources:

Join Erik's free franchise community: FranchiseSecrets.com/Facebook

Explore the Franchisee Mastermind: 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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Resilience

Jerry Pugh went from making $5 an hour as a paramedic to owning 19+ Workout Anytime gyms—and then shocked the franchise world by buying the entire 200-unit brand. Everyone said it was impossible. Private equity experts said no way. Yet Jerry made it happen and now leads the company as CEO.

In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Jerry shares how he scaled fast, knew when to close a failing location, negotiated with landlords, attracted private equity, and ultimately pulled off a once-in-a-lifetime majority ownership deal.

If you're an entrepreneur, franchisee, or dream of building something big, this story will light a fire under you. 💥

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Everyone said it couldn't be done: the impossible franchise deal

02:20 – From paramedic to first Workout Anytime franchise purchase

05:40 – Lessons learned closing a money-losing location

09:30 – Planting the seed to one day own the brand

13:45 – Innovating early with wellness suites & bigger gyms

17:50 – How premium amenities doubled lifetime customer value

22:10 – Cutting churn & boosting retention with smart engagement

26:45 – Building trust and relationships as a first-time franchisor CEO

29:50 – Teaching franchisees to scale and attract private equity

33:30 – Pulling off a rare majority-ownership deal with debt & equity

39:30 – Jerry's final advice: work harder, take risks, see opportunities others miss

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Grit

Thinking about starting a franchise while working full-time (and maybe raising a family too)? 🚀 In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Bobby Brennan shares his journey from employee → sweat equity partner → franchisee → "semi-absentee" owner.

He reveals the real cost of chasing franchise ownership when your capacity is maxed out, the truth about franchisor value, and why "failure" can be the best teacher. If you've ever considered buying a franchise or wondered whether semi-absentee ownership really works, this is a must-watch.

👉 Learn how to avoid the semi-absentee trap, retain rockstar employees with equity, and recognize when you're overconfident in your business picks.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Adding a franchise on top of a newborn, new home, and full-time work

01:28 – From employee to sweat equity partner in a 60+ unit franchise

05:45 – The "owner's mindset" that changed everything

07:06 – The 4 I's every rockstar team member needs (Initiative, Integrity, Intentionality, Influence)

09:25 – How Bobby tested his limits (and his boss's patience) with risky decisions

12:18 – When a medical device job offer almost pulled him away

14:44 – Why equity and culture kept him in franchising

19:42 – Retaining top talent with phantom equity & profit share

27:11 – The hard truth: the franchisor does more than you realize

33:06 – Bobby's biggest franchise lesson: the semi-absentee trap

36:56 – Why "failure" isn't the end—it's a setup for the next opportunity

41:36 – Missing out on OrangeTheory (and the humility of bad picks)

47:05 – Final advice: ask Why not me? and create your own path

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Franchising #Ownership #Success

Are you secretly holding your franchise back? In this episode, Erik reveals how he became the bottleneck in his own businesses—and the hard lessons that helped him break free. From scaling mistakes to fixing bad decisions, discover the truth every franchisee must face if they want to grow profitably.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – How franchisees sabotage their own teams

02:45 – Why scaling back can actually grow profits

04:25 – The nightmare of "Store #3"

06:15 – The pricing mistake that killed momentum

07:58 – Spotting the "underperformer clubs"

10:26 – Why you need to step OUT of your locations

12:15 – How sabbaticals reveal hidden weaknesses

14:34 – Don't follow the loudest voices in franchising

17:59 – The real definition of winning in business

19:43 – Why paid ads can't fix broken operations

22:35 – Stop focusing on what you can't change

25:53 – Franchisees & franchisors: more aligned than you think

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Franchise #Franchisee #Business

Most investors are playing the wrong game. Billionaires? They treat investing like a business. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Bob Fraser—entrepreneur, investor, and author of Invest Like a Billionaire—to uncover how the ultra-wealthy think differently, avoid risk, and build generational wealth.

From bouncing back after losing millions to structuring investments for tax advantages and family legacy, Bob shares the insider strategies that institutional investors and billionaire families use—but almost no one talks about.

Whether you're an entrepreneur with cash on the sidelines, a franchise owner scaling up, or simply someone wanting to learn how to build lasting wealth, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won't hear from your average financial advisor.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Why billionaires treat investing like a business

02:05 – Spotting winners early & the power of resilience

04:47 – Bob's journey: dot-com boom to financial crash

06:30 – Why billionaires avoid the 60/40 portfolio trap

09:06 – The #1 mistake most investors make

12:38 – The overlooked superpower of private markets

17:02 – Liquidity planning & using lines of credit wisely

22:05 – Private credit: the most underused cashflow strategy

24:47 – Tax structures that can save millions

29:55 – Why you should always diversify outside your business

34:32 – Real estate cycles & how to spot good deals

39:42 – How smart investors evaluate deals beyond IRR

44:31 – Building generational wealth & family meetings

47:36 – Teaching kids (and grandkids) to steward money

50:23 – Where to get Bob's book Invest Like a Billionaire

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/ 

Best Franchise Starter Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL

#Investing #Strategy #FranchiseSecrets