In this episode of "Empire Builders," host Tommy Yionoulis sits down with Isaac Aldridge, a determined entrepreneur and franchisee of Dirty Dough, a growing brand specializing in delicious cookies and milkshakes. Isaac shares his journey from choosing Dirty Dough for its operational simplicity to managing his first store in Springfield, Missouri.

Key Points Discussed:

Why Dirty Dough?

• Isaac explains his decision to franchise with Dirty Dough, drawn to the product's quality and the ease of operations, where cookies are pre-made and shipped frozen to the store. He highlights the flexibility of the business model, which includes options like food trucks and drive-thrus.

Challenges in Construction and Staffing:

• With no prior experience, Isaac faced significant challenges in construction and staffing. He discusses the steep learning curve involved in setting up the store, managing construction, and overcoming early staffing issues by stepping into management roles alongside his wife.

Operational Simplicity and Expansion Plans:

• Isaac emphasizes the importance of simplicity in business operations, especially when planning for expansion. He aims to create processes so streamlined that a young manager could run a store without needing a business degree.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility:

• The discussion explores the dual nature of entrepreneurship—freedom to solve problems creatively versus the continuous responsibility of running a business. Isaac shares his thoughts on the type of freedom he values, focusing on control over problem-solving rather than maximizing income.

Unexpected Setbacks and Resilience:

• Isaac recounts a major setback where a clerical error led to the loss of a prime store location. Despite this, he and his team secured a new site, albeit with delays and added financial strain, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

Looking Ahead:

• As Isaac prepares for the grand opening of his Dirty Dough location at the end of August, he reflects on the lessons learned and the excitement of welcoming customers to his store.

Join us for an insightful conversation that delves into the real challenges and rewards of franchise ownership, as Isaac Aldridge shares his experiences and aspirations for the future.

Links And Resources:

• Dirty Dough
• Isaac Aldridge on LinkedIn
• Dirty Dough on Instagram

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.