Franchise Secrets Podcast

How do you build a top-performing team while working fewer hours? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and guest Kasim Aslam, an expert in virtual assistant management, dive deep into the secrets of successful hiring, effective delegation, and leveraging offshore talent.

Kasim shares a revolutionary framework for finding and managing virtual assistants (VAs) that can transform your business operations. From understanding the Pareto Principle to using job descriptions as a sales tool, Kasim reveals strategies to help business owners scale efficiently.

Ready to scale your team and boost productivity? Today's episode provides transformative insights that will help shape the future of your business. 

“Things that you think only you are capable of, you're not the only person capable of that. Give them a macro-assed project, then watch them sink their teeth in–and keep your expectations reasonable. They're not gonna knock it out of the park the very first time on the very first project. That's why you give them a handful, and you start to see what they're really good at." ~ Kasim Aslam

In This Episode:

- How to increase your profit margin

- Effective strategies for hiring the right people for the right job

- Managing and motivating a remote team for maximum output

- What is Pareto Talent?

- The first step to finding the best candidates

- Practical steps for delegating high-level tasks to offshore talent

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/

🌐 Unlocking Hiring Success Secrets by Kasim Aslam - https://kasimaslam.com/unlocking-hiring-success-secrets/

Connect with Kasim Aslam:

🌐 Website - https://paretotalent.com/ and https://kasimaslam.com/

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

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 defines responsible franchising, and how can transparency strengthen franchise success? In this insightful episode, Erik Van Horn and guest Joe Mathews of Franchise Performance Group explore the critical dynamics between franchisors and franchisees, focusing on the value of ethical business practices and transparent operations. 

Joe discusses the role of private equity in franchising, the importance of full disclosure in franchise fees, and how responsible franchising can drive brand loyalty and profitability. Tune in to learn about setting clear expectations, the “social contract” between franchisors and franchisees, and how transparency impacts long-term success. If you want more information about responsible franchising, you can get The Ultimate Guide to Responsible Franchising by Joe Mathews - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Responsible-Franchising-Everything/dp/139424326X

“Why does a franchisor exist? At FPG, what we espouse is that a franchisor exists for the sole reason of adding value to a franchisee's investment." ~ Joe Mathews

In This Episode:

- Why Joe wrote his new book

- Private equity and high-value transactions in franchising

- Key elements of responsible vs. irresponsible franchising

- Transparency in franchise fees and the importance of value

- Strategies for helping franchisees achieve profitability

- Challenges in franchise validation

- Supporting franchisee profitability through P&L reviews

- Monitoring KPIs for franchise growth

- Hiring practices for franchise success

- Leadership and culture in franchising

- Institutional knowledge vs. franchising expertise in leadership

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 Ultimate Guide to Responsible Franchising by Joe Mathews - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Responsible-Franchising-Everything/dp/139424326X

Connect with Joe Mathews:

🌐 Website - https://franchiseperformancegroup.com/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mathews-a3b65b6/

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 defines a strong franchisor-franchisee relationship, and when is it time to exit? In this solo episode, Erik Van Horn unpacks the REAL dynamics between franchisors and franchisees, sharing his experiences across both sides of the table. 

He reveals critical insights into identifying a supportive franchisor, managing strained relationships, and recognizing when it’s time to exit a distressed franchise. Through real-life stories, he uncovers the costly impact of missed warning signs and the importance of factoring in opportunity costs before making tough decisions.

For expert tips on franchise dynamics and growth strategies, subscribe to Franchise Secrets!

“Every time I sold at a loss, it's the best thing I did. I've probably lost over a million dollars over the years in bad businesses, and most of it were things I could've avoided. But I've made way more money than I have in the losses." ~ Erik Van Horn

In This Episode:

- Defining a distressed franchise and when to consider selling

- 4 Types of franchisor-franchisee relationships

- Warning signs: good franchisees with bad franchisors

- How to evaluate franchise financials and avoid deeper losses

- Why opportunity cost matters in exit timing

- Structuring protective deals and understanding opportunity costs

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 if one hire could change the entire trajectory of your business? Discover how a single decision revolutionized this guy's franchise operations—and the unexpected strategies that followed.

In this episode, Erik chats with Javier Santacruz, who shares his remarkable journey from attorney to multi-location franchise owner, revealing the pivotal moments that changed his business forever. Javier talks about how making one strategic hire transformed his operations, overcoming the challenges of managing franchises remotely and the unexpected lessons learned from systems automation.

Whether you're in the franchise world or just starting out, Javier’s insights into leadership development and scaling efficiently will give you a fresh perspective on how to build a thriving business. Ready to learn the secrets of success from one of Mathnasium's top owners? You’ll also hear his candid thoughts on navigating relationships with franchisors and why bringing solutions—rather than problems—makes all the difference.

“Respect comes from not just bitching for the sake of bitching but bringing solutions, not just problems. Everyone can bring problems–everyone’s good at that. But I think that we've been orientated towards finding solutions." ~ Javier Santacruz

In This Episode:

- Javier's journey from attorney to Mathnasium franchise owner

- Challenges of managing franchises remotely

- Staffing solutions: the need for strong managers and team development

- How hiring a former Apple manager transformed Javier’s business 

- Emphasizing soft skills and empathy in customer-facing franchise roles

- Peer learning and best practices shared among top Mathnasium owners

- Implementing automation to improve customer onboarding and reduce human error

 - How franchisees can remain positive even if their ideas are not prioritized by the franchisor

- Streamlining student assessments to boost customer satisfaction

- Bringing solutions and not just problems can make franchisor-franchisee better

- Creating leadership workshops for owners 

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/

🌐 Become a Mathnasium Franchisee - https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/

Connect with Javier Santacruz:

🌐 Website - https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/lakeforestil/

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

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 scale a franchise while keeping operations lean and efficient? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with John Glazier, Senior VP of Franchise Growth at Hello Sugar and a successful multi-location franchisee. John’s unique journey, from managing salon suites to expanding flagship stores, highlights his deep involvement in both day-to-day operations and high-level growth strategies.

John shares his wealth of experience, offering valuable insights for aspiring franchisees and business owners. From onboarding new franchisees to optimizing operations, he reveals the secrets behind growing multiple locations with minimal overhead and maximum efficiency.

Discover how John runs eight locations in Idaho and Colorado while dedicating just 5-10 hours a week, all thanks to smart systems and strong leadership. 

Whether you want to franchise your business or refine your approach, this episode has actionable tips for building a scalable, successful model.

“I think there's a lot of great businesses out there, there's a lot of great concepts out there, and a lot of it just comes around personal fit. And so I think if you're looking to buy a business, see if it fits for you. Do a lot of due diligence… Look behind the curtains a bit. There are a lot of amazing brands out there." ~ John Glazier

In This Episode:

- Salon suites vs. flagship: which model is best for scaling?

- Running multiple locations in just 5-10 hours a week

- Key hiring strategies to manage franchise growth

- How organic marketing drives customer acquisition

- Focusing on 2025 goals

- Fun plans for Hello Sugar franchisees 

- Getting better as a franchisee

- Benefits of continuous learning and working with coaches

- John's advice for franchise buyers

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 Springboard - https://franchisespringboard.com/attend/

🌐 Front Row Dads - https://frontrowdads.com/

🌐 Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight - https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike-ebook/dp/B0176M1A44 🌐 Franchise Empires Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/franchise-empires/id1611542032 

🌐 All-In Podcast - https://allin.com/

🌐 The Lifestyle Investor Podcast - https://lifestyleinvestor.com/podcast/

Connect with John Glazier:

🌐 Website - https://www.hellosugar.salon/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-glazier/

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 your business ready to scale through franchising? In this must-listen episode, Erik Van Horn and Jeff Herr discuss the remaining crucial questions every entrepreneur should ask before becoming a franchisor. Today, they dive deep into scalability, profitability, and what it takes to support franchisees effectively. Using examples from well-known brands like Chick-fil-A and Panera, they explore the critical considerations for building a successful franchise model. 

Whether you're a current business owner wondering if franchising is the next step or an aspiring franchisee looking to assess opportunities, this episode provides actionable insights into franchising. Discover how to determine if your business is ready to grow as a franchise and what systems you need to ensure long-term success.

“Don't do it! Do not franchise your business if you think it is a quick way to wealth, that this is a get-rich-fast scheme, a quick way to build a company and have a fast exit. Don't do it!" ~ Erik Van Horn

In This Episode:

- Scalability: single-unit vs. multi-unit operators

- Challenges of supporting franchisees

- Evaluating potential franchisees

- Franchisee profitability and unit economics

- Reducing the time to cash flow for franchisees

- Importance of support and training systems

- Financial and legal considerations for franchisors

- Are you ready to lead a franchise brand?

- The reason you shouldn't franchise your business

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 Springboard - https://franchisespringboard.com/attend/

Connect with Jeff Herr:

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

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a/

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/ 

Thinking about franchising your business? Before taking the leap, you must know if your business is ready.

In this episode, Erik Van Horn teams up with his business partner, Jeff Herr of Front Street Equity Partners, to discuss one of the most critical decisions an entrepreneur can make: Is your business ready to franchise? They break down the first four of ten essential questions every business owner must answer to determine if franchising is the right move to growing their business.

From evaluating what makes your concept different to determining if your brand is replicable, Jeff and Erik provide the insights and guidelines to ensure your business has the foundation for franchise success. If you’ve ever wondered whether franchising could be the key to explosive growth, this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover the early steps to take before launching a franchise, and get ready for Part 2, where they’ll cover the remaining questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry pros!

Catch the full episode and start assessing your franchising potential today!

“People want to work for a brand, maybe at a lesser income, because they have an affinity to that company—that's brand value. You have to have a point of differentiation in your look, tone, and feel (which is brand) to the outside world, than everybody else." ~ Jeff Herr

In This Episode:

– Is your value proposition unique?

– Are your systems easily transferrable?

– Why embrace continuous improvement for your brand?

– How strong is your brand, and are you ready to invest in it?

– What is strategic defensibility?

– Do you have demand in multiple markets?

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/

🌐 Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne - https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Uncontested-Competition/dp/1591396190

Connect with Jeff Herr:

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

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a/

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/ 

Why does your brand’s grand opening matter? It’s more than just a celebration—it’s your chance to make a lasting impression that can define your franchise’s success. 

In this episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes Brooke Budke of Momentum Brands for her third appearance to share valuable insights into executing a flawless grand opening for franchise brands. With years of experience building brand momentum, Brooke emphasizes why a grand opening is not just a one-time event—it’s a critical opportunity to set the tone for long-term success.

You’ll discover the grand opening formula that ensures your brand makes a powerful first impression. From strategic planning to franchisee responsibilities, Brooke reveals the key actions every franchisor and franchisee must take to draw in customers and solidify their brand in the market.

Whether launching your first franchise or looking to revamp your opening strategy, this episode is packed with tips to ensure you hit the ground running.

Tune in and learn how to make your grand opening unforgettable and drive lasting results for your business.

Catch the previous episodes with Brooke:

The Grand Opening Playbook: Steps to a Successful Launch With Brooke Budke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZZuwLQuEwU

The Franchise Marketing Blueprint: Proven Strategies for Growth With Brooke Budke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjTtPBb0ll0

“People will follow a good leader. The frontline will impact your bottom line. So the people you hire want to work for a good leader. They don't care about the brand's name–they care about the boss." ~ Brooke Budke

In This Episode:

– Preparing for a successful grand opening

– Using data to evaluate your brand’s success

– Biggest challenge when selling franchises

– How to attract people to your grand opening

– Franchisee responsibilities for a successful launch

– How to subscribe to Brooke’s newsletter

– Extra tips for a winning grand opening

– Why some franchisees are not performing well

– Brooke’s advice on what works and what doesn’t

– How franchisors can keep franchisees accountable 

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/

🌐 Get the Grand Opening Formula for Franchise Brands - https://momentum-brands.myflodesk.com/grandopening

Connect with Brooke Budke:

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

🌐Subscribe to Brooke's Newsletter - https://momentum-brands.myflodesk.com/thesauce

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 turn a passion for pickleball into a thriving franchise?

In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with The PICKLR co-founders, Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood, to reveal the strategies and lessons behind building one of the most exciting pickleball franchises. From navigating branding challenges to expanding a business with the support of friends and family, Jorge and Austin share their journey of franchising in a rapidly growing sport.

You’ll learn the importance of finding the right partner, how to attract potential franchisees, and why hiring key personnel is essential to scaling your brand. Jorge and Austin also offer valuable advice on overcoming sponsorship and partnership obstacles.

With their diverse backgrounds and complementary skills, this dynamic duo demonstrates the power of collaboration and vision in achieving franchise success. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this episode is packed with insights on how to grow your business, attract the right partners, and create a lasting brand. Tune in now!

“I don't believe that problems are a thing—you just have to find the solution. I don't believe in losing or failure—I believe in learning. Me and Jorge like to move fast and make solutions and test things out and beta test stuff. We don't have a fear that something may not work. We don't like to overanalyze. We'd like to try it out and see how it goes, and then we can make adjustments and changes." ~ Austin Wood

In This Episode:

– What is DUPR in pickleball?

– Why franchise pickleball? Jorge and Austin’s challenges

– Why branding matters when launching a business

– Growing your franchise with friends and family

– Attracting franchisees through events

– Overcoming challenges with partnerships and sponsorships

– Strengths and weaknesses of Jorge and Austin as partners

– The benefits of hiring key personnel

– Jorge and Austin’s partnership advice

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 Jorge and Austin at The Picklr:

🌐 Website - https://thepicklr.com/

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

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepicklr/

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 stuck in the daily grind of running your franchise, unable to focus on scaling your business? Discover why understanding the visionary vs. operator dynamic could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 

In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Jhana Li, an expert in operations management, to discuss the vital roles of visionaries and operators in scaling franchise businesses. Jhana has over four years of experience as a COO for fast-scaling startups and has coached over 400 businesses in operations. She now runs Spyglass Ops, where she empowers founders to scale their businesses while regaining their personal freedom by refining their operations.

Today, Jhana shares her insights on why entrepreneurs often struggle with delegation, how understanding their "zone of genius" can unlock growth, and the importance of hiring the right operator to free up time for high-value activities. Jhana also dives into the role of company culture and leadership in driving franchise success when the owner isn’t present and how mastering the balance between vision and operations is vital to long-term growth.

Tune in to learn how to build a high-performance franchise team and finally scale your business with ease!

“Delegation is not the same thing as abdication. People need leadership. True delegation is evolving from a player on the field to a coach on the sideline." ~ Jhana Li

In This Episode:

– Jhana's journey to becoming an operations expert

– The critical balance between Visionary and Operator roles

– Teaching your team the essence of leadership

– Best practices for Visionary-Operator collaboration (think Alex and Leila Hormozi)

- Effective Hourly Value (EHV) to quantify where to focus your time

– Time management and delegation strategies for leaders

– Delegation vs. abdication: knowing the difference

– How a visionary can effectively coach and empower an operator

– Key elements of an effective Visionary-Operator meeting

– Building a strong company culture and fostering employee happiness

– Tips for hiring the right operator for your business

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/ 🌐 EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) - https://www.eosworldwide.com/eos-model

🌐 Scaling Up by Verne Harnish - https://scalingup.com/

🌐 Multipliers by Liz Wiseman - https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/

🌐 The A-Player Operator Magnet - https://mastermind.lifestyleinvestor.com/c/mastermind-calls/the-a-player-operator-magnet-with-jhana-li-july-17-2024

🌐 Education - Scaling & Operational Efficiency - https://mastermind.lifestyleinvestor.com/c/mastermind-calls/education-scaling-operational-efficiency-with-jhana-li-member-q-a-sept-21-2023

Connect with Jhana Li:

🌐 Website - https://spyglassops.com/📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejhanali/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li/

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/