Thinking about starting your own franchise? In this episode of Two Guys on Stuff, we sit down with Lori Schneider and Ralph Yarusso of Atticus Franchise Consulting for a no-fluff, real-world conversation on what it actually takes to get started.

We cover:

• The mindset shift from employee to owner

• Why franchising may (or may not) be right for you

• Common misconceptions and pitfalls first-time owners face

• What questions to ask before signing anything

Lori and Ralph bring decades of experience helping leaders launch successful franchise businesses—and they don’t hold back.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series that every aspiring owner should hear.

🔗 Connect with Lori and Ralph:

📧 [email protected]

📧 [email protected]

📞 720-454-4412 (Lori)

📞 303-587-6373 (Ralph)

🌐 www.atticusfranchiseconsulting.com

Overview

Tom and I break down where to begin if you want to start a business. We keep it simple. One person. One problem. One promise. You will leave with a 7-day starter sprint, two easy templates, and a clear path to your first sales.

Key takeaways

• Start with a real problem you can solve
• Choose a tiny market you can reach this week
• Write a one line offer and price the outcome
• Ask for help early. Then ask for the sale
• Track simple metrics. Conversations. Offers. Yes responses. Delivery. One result

Tool by Friday

One line offer templateI help [who] get [result] in [time] with [method].

Price: [fixed or tiered]. Start: [date]. Guarantee: [clear promise].

First five sales checklist

1. List ten names you could help
2. Ask for a ten minute call
3. Share your one line offer
4. Ask for the sale or a specific referral
5. Book delivery and send a simple welcome note

The 7 day starter sprint

Day 1: Pick one person and one problem

Day 2: Do three short interviews. What hurts. What they tried. What a win looks like

Day 3: Draft your one line offer. Make a simple page with a calendar link

Day 4: Ask five people for feedback or a paid pilot

Day 5: Write a one page delivery plan

Day 6: Deliver a sample or first session

Day 7: Capture one testimonial and one metric

Links & Resources

⁠Human and AI Field Notes newsletter⁠

Edwards Advisory Group site: ⁠https://www.edwardsadvisorygroup.us⁠

Start here. 5 minute AI assessment: ⁠https://www.edwardsadvisorygroup.us/ai-assessment⁠

Connect with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Send a question or a result from your sprint. We may read it next week on air i[email protected]

Overview

Tom and I break down where to begin if you want to start a business. We keep it simple. One person. One problem. One promise. You will leave with a 7-day starter sprint, two easy templates, and a clear path to your first sales.

Key takeaways

• Start with a real problem you can solve
• Choose a tiny market you can reach this week
• Write a one line offer and price the outcome
• Ask for help early. Then ask for the sale
• Track simple metrics. Conversations. Offers. Yes responses. Delivery. One result

Tool by Friday

One line offer templateI help [who] get [result] in [time] with [method].

Price: [fixed or tiered]. Start: [date]. Guarantee: [clear promise].

First five sales checklist

1. List ten names you could help
2. Ask for a ten minute call
3. Share your one line offer
4. Ask for the sale or a specific referral
5. Book delivery and send a simple welcome note

The 7 day starter sprint

Day 1: Pick one person and one problem

Day 2: Do three short interviews. What hurts. What they tried. What a win looks like

Day 3: Draft your one line offer. Make a simple page with a calendar link

Day 4: Ask five people for feedback or a paid pilot

Day 5: Write a one page delivery plan

Day 6: Deliver a sample or first session

Day 7: Capture one testimonial and one metric

Links & Resources

Human and AI Field Notes newsletter

Edwards Advisory Group site: https://www.edwardsadvisorygroup.us

Start here. 5 minute AI assessment: https://www.edwardsadvisorygroup.us/ai-assessment

Connect with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Send a question or a result from your sprint. We may read it next week on air i[email protected]

We’re back behind the mics.

After a much-needed sabbatical, Michael and Tom return to reboot Two Guys on Stuff—a podcast about the human side of entrepreneurship, leadership, and culture.

In this episode, we:

• Catch up on what’s changed and what hasn’t

• Recast the vision for the show

• Share who this podcast is for and what you can expect

• Introduce the “Nugget Promise”—one actionable takeaway every episode

• Invite you to connect, collaborate, and grow with us

This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s a space to think, lead, and build with purpose.

Let’s get into it.

Believe it or not, there are leadership role models on TV.  Join Michael and Tom as they discuss leadership lessons from Ted Lasso, Michael Scott, and a host of other TV characters.  

What are some of your favorite leadership lessons from TV?  Leave us a message at https://anchor.fm/twoguysonstuff/message, send your list to [email protected] or text us at (830) 446-3362.

In contrast to our typical "these leaders are doing it right" discussion, tune in and learn about some behaviors to avoid.  Which bad behaviors made your list?  Leave us a message at https://anchor.fm/twoguysonstuff/message, send your list to [email protected] or text us at (830) 446-3362.

We would love to hear from you!

What do you know about organizational relevance? How about sustaining relevance?

Join Michael and Tom for a conversation with Dave Coffaro from Strategic Advisory Consulting Group. Dave is an author, speaker, executive coach, and consultant who helps companies bring their vision and strategy to life.

Earning and sustaining relevance is fundamental to business success and longevity. Given its finite shelf-life, relevance must be intentionally pursued and preserved. A session with Dave would focus on guiding attendees toward intentionally sustaining relevance with their employees and customers, including actionable applications for applying his “Leading from Zero” principles to their business practices.

If you have any feedback for Michael and Tom or would like to be a guest on Two Guys On Stuff, drop us a line at [email protected]; send us a voice message: https://anchor.fm/twoguysonstuff/message; or (830) 446-3362. Visit www.edwardsgrouptx.com and schedule your complimentary 30-minute coaching session, and get started on your personal growth journey.

Why do I keep saying YES when I want to say NO?  How do I change this bad habit that's holding me back?  How can I feel more confident having "difficult" conversations?  What stories do we tell ourselves about saying NO?  What's the real cost of not being able to say NO?  How can I find momentum to say NO more often?

Join Michael and Tom for a conversation with John Chilkotosky from Northstar Coaching.  John works with leaders to gain clarity, confidence, and calm as they find both success and greater satisfaction.

John has more than 25 years of executive & leadership experience across multiple industries. Past clients include Verizon, AT&T, Genentech, and Warner Brothers.

f you have any feedback for Michael and Tom or would like to be a guest on Two Guys On Stuff, drop us a line at [email protected], Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/twoguysonstuff/message, or (830) 446-3362.  Visit www.edwardsgrouptx.com and schedule your complimentary 30-minute coaching session and get started on your personal growth journey.

Are you a giver or a taker? Do you have the ability to discern between the two? Join Michael and Tom as they go deep into the topic with E.A. Csolkovits, Founder of Givers University, author, and entrepreneur.

E.A. had his humble beginnings were that of the son of a milkman. At age 16, he started his business career at a commission sales job selling janitorial services to business owners. At the age of 19, E. A. Csolkovits met Sam Robbins, a millionaire businessman from Detroit, Michigan. Sam took E. A. Csolkovits under his wing and began to mentor him. E. A. Csolkovits began working for Sam at the House of Holland Jewelers in the diamond business. In 1980, Sam established a private grant meant to be a part of his legacy due to his lifelong fight with diabetes. Due to this grant in 1980, Sam and E. A. Csolkovits began to formulate heart-healthy and Wellness nutritional foods and drinks. Over the next 45+ years, E. A. Csolkovits was blessed with the following business and personal achievements.

If you have any feedback for Michael and Tom or would like to be a guest on Two Guys On Stuff, drop us a line at [email protected], Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/twoguysonstuff/message, or (830) 446-3362.  Visit www.edwardsgrouptx.com and schedule your complimentary 30-minute coaching session and get started on your personal growth journey.

Links Mentioned In the Podcast:

Your WHY s the heart of your company, what you stand for, and ultimately what determines your success.  In this episode, listen as Michael walks you through a simple process to understand your why and engage your workforce, taking your business to new heights.

We value listener feedback. Please send any questions, comments, or concerns to [email protected] or text to (830) 446-3362‬.