I Fired My Boss - A Franchise Podcast

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with Oliver George, one of the earliest franchise owners in the Voda Cleaning and Restoration system. Oliver shares his journey from a 20-year career in corporate roles across the restaurant and car industries to taking the leap into franchise ownership. Driven by a passion for leadership and helping people grow, Oliver found his calling in the restoration and cleaning industry—not just as a business, but as a vehicle to build a team-centric culture where employees thrive. He discusses why he chose Voda over ot...

In this lively in-person episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps sits down with Karen Wenning of Suttle-Straus at her office in Madison, Wisconsin. Karen shares her remarkable 18-year journey with the company, starting as a marketing director and eventually finding her niche in the world of franchising. The conversation touches on the importance of company culture, personal growth, and the power of relationships in business. Dan and Karen reflect on their shared experiences within the franchise community, including industry events, local connections, and even a recent carpet-cleaning job that turned into a much larger restoration project—an...

In this special solo episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, Dan Claps shares his presentation from a live webinar titled Don’t Start Your Own Business Until You Know This. Drawing on 12 years of experience in franchising, entrepreneurship, and business brokerage, Dan lays out the foundational framework every aspiring business owner needs to understand before jumping into business ownership. Whether you're considering starting a business from scratch, buying an existing one, or joining a franchise, Dan walks through the costly mistakes to avoid—and the critical filters to apply when selecting the right business and industry for your...

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, Dan Claps shares a surprising perspective: if he could go back in time, he wouldn’t start a business from scratch again. Reflecting on his early days building a company in college, Dan walks through the challenges of figuring everything out alone: what to work on, how to grow, and where to focus. He explains why, in hindsight, partnering with an established franchise would have saved him years of trial and error by eliminating the guesswork while still requiring the hard work. For anyone considering business ownership, Dan makes a...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Dan Claps shares a powerful reflection on content creation, authenticity, and the lessons he wishes he could share with his younger self. Dan opens up about the evolution of his content strategy, from tightly focused franchise messaging to a broader, more personal and authentic approach. He unpacks why creating content that actually connects starts with being true to who you are, not who you think the market wants you to be. Using insights from personal experience and mentorship, Dan emphasizes the importance of attention-grabbing hooks, speaking to a niche before expanding, and creating content...

In this solo episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives into a powerful yet often overlooked strategy for growing any local business: asking for referrals. Drawing from a recent training call with franchise owners, Dan breaks down the four core ways to grow a business: acquiring more customers, increasing average ticket value, cross-selling additional services, and reducing costs. While all four are essential, Dan zeroes in on the high-impact, zero-cost opportunity most business owners ignore: generating referrals from already satisfied customers.

Dan shares a practical, confidence-building framework for how to ask for...

In this solo episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps returns to the mic with a power-packed reflection on the fundamentals of building and scaling a successful franchise business. Drawing from his experience leading a fast-growing home services franchise system, Dan breaks down the core of business operations into a deceptively simple formula: generate leads, sell the job, deliver exceptional service, ask for reviews and referrals, and repeat. He emphasizes that while business may be simple in structure, it's far from easy—requiring relentless execution, consistency, and a deep commitment to doing the “boring” things well...

In this bonus “fireside chat” episode, Voda Cleaning & Restoration founder and CEO Dan Claps pulls back the curtain on the realities of franchise ownership—and why “franchising takes out the guesswork, not the work.” Dan walks listeners through what you’re actually buying when you buy a franchise: the systems, the brand, and most importantly, the people and culture behind it. He shares how to evaluate a franchisor’s leadership team, what to look for in a discovery process, and the five core questions every serious buyer needs answered—how you’ll get customers, how you’ll get employees, what makes the brand...

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with Mike Hagan, the very first franchise owner in the Voda Restoration system and the original believer in the brand. Mike shares his journey from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial sales to becoming a business owner and top performer in the Voda network. He dives into the due diligence process he went through before committing to the brand, what attracted him to Voda over other restoration franchises, and how the hands-on support from Dan and the HQ team gave him the confidence...

In this special crossover episode, I Fired My Boss introduces a brand-new show from the Voda Cleaning & Restoration team: The Voda Download. Hosted by Jesalyn Johnson, this debut episode dives deep into one of Voda’s most cherished traditions — the annual Voda Toy Drive. Jesalyn sits down with Voda founders Dragon and Arlene, who share how their humble beginnings, personal experiences, and faith-driven leadership sparked a movement of generosity that now stretches across Voda’s growing network of franchises.

Listeners will hear touching stories from the early days of the toy drive, including moments that shaped the founde...

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, recorded live at the inaugural Voda franchise conference, host Dan Claps sits down for a candid one-on-one with Thomas Wray, a top-performing Voda Cleaning & Restoration franchise owner based in Houston. Thomas shares his unconventional journey from investment banking and energy trading in New York City to full-time entrepreneurship in the home services space. He discusses how his partnership with his brother-in-law Holston—and their shared obsession with customer service—helped launch a high-growth business that's already making a major impact in their community. With no prior experience in restoration, Thom...

In this special conference episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with three powerhouse women making waves in the home services industry: Nina Hunter and Erica Boutelle, both multi-unit franchise owners with Voda Cleaning & Restoration, and Shannon Hauser, Voda’s Franchise Coaching Manager. Recorded live in Madison, Wisconsin during the company’s annual franchisee conference, the conversation highlights how each woman found her way into business ownership—often after career shakeups or personal pivots—and why they chose franchising as a path to freedom and fulfillment. From launching in the wake of Hurricane Idalia t...

In this special on-location episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps sits down with Voda Cleaning and Restoration franchise owners Sean Gilmore and Keith Nash live from Madison, Wisconsin during the inaugural Voda franchise owner conference. Sean, based in the Carolinas, and Keith, operating in Chattanooga, reflect on their unique journeys into franchising—both driven by a desire to escape the limitations of corporate life and build meaningful, impactful businesses. Keith shares a powerful story about a life-changing moment helping a veteran during an emergency cleanup, which affirmed his purpose in the restoration industry. Meanwhile, Se...

In this solo episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives deep into the topic of company culture—a subject he believes is at the heart of building successful businesses. Fresh off his birthday weekend and just before heading to Wisconsin for the first-ever Voda 1 annual conference, Dan reflects on why culture is so central to his excitement for the event. He shares practical, real-world strategies that he implements at Franchise Playbook and Voda to create a thriving work environment, including promoting psychological safety, fostering healthy debate, and ensuring team members—especially junior ones—are empowe...

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives into the transformative lessons he’s picked up from a handful of impactful business books. Dan shares insights from titles like Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc, The Outsiders, How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs, and That Will Never Work by Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph. The episode zeroes in on the Netflix story, particularly Randolph's revelation that true company culture isn’t about perks like hot tubs and ping-pong tables—but about giving brilliant, creative people the autonomy to solve meaningful proble...

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, host Dan Claps dives into the transformative lessons he’s picked up from a handful of impactful business books. Dan shares insights from titles like Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc, The Outsiders, How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs, and That Will Never Work by Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph. The episode zeroes in on the Netflix story, particularly Randolph's revelation that true company culture isn’t about perks like hot tubs and ping-pong tables—but about giving brilliant, creative people the autonomy to solve meaningful proble...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps dives deep into the concept of becoming the Mayor of the Town—a powerful strategy for building a thriving local business, especially in the home services industry. Dan shares how local business owners can establish trust, build strong relationships, and create lasting brand awareness in their communities by being highly visible, involved, and service-oriented. Drawing from his own experiences, he highlights the importance of networking through organizations like BNI (Business Networking International), leveraging community events, and relentlessly promoting your business through strategic branding and partnerships.

Dan al...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps dives deep into lead generation strategies specifically for home service businesses and franchise owners. He shares his evolving vision for the podcast—documenting his journey and providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Dan emphasizes the importance of engaged leads, explaining why quality trumps quantity and how irresistible lead magnets can attract high-intent customers. He also introduces the "Rule of 100," a powerful framework involving daily content creation, outreach, and advertising investments to maximize lead flow. Throughout the episode, Dan breaks down the core four lead ge...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps breaks down the essential numbers every home service business owner needs to know to measure marketing success. He dives into the critical metrics—Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), and Closing Rate—and explains how these numbers dictate whether your business is growing profitably or spinning its wheels. Dan shares real-world insights from his own experiences, including past mistakes, lessons learned, and a powerful story about a business owner who didn't realize he was making an 80X return on his marketing spend. If you don’t know your n...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps takes a deep dive into the art of selling—specifically in the home services industry. Walking and recording on a Saturday morning, Dan shares raw and unfiltered insights into what it takes to build a successful business, drawing from his experience scaling Voda Cleaning and Restoration to over 200 territories across 30 states. He breaks down the psychology of selling, emphasizing the importance of building rapport, asking the right questions, and handling objections like a pro. Whether you’re in home services, fitness, or any other sales-driven business, his step-by-step fram...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps dives deep into the power of Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) for home service businesses. Dan breaks down how LSAs have transformed lead generation, explaining why Google introduced the "Google Guaranteed" program and how businesses can leverage it to rank at the top of search results. He highlights the importance of five-star reviews, quick response times, and a well-optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile to maximize visibility and conversions. Dan also shares tactical tips—like using a QR code for on-the-spot review collection—to boost rankings and secure more...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, Dan Claps, founder and CEO of Franchise Playbook dives into the art of lead generation for home service businesses. Reflecting on his mission to help aspiring entrepreneurs "fire their boss" and take control of their futures, Dan shares actionable strategies to optimize your Google My Business (GMB) page, leverage local service ads (LSA), and transform your website into a lead-converting machine. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality and quantity in marketing efforts, advocating for forward investment in customer acquisition even when revenue is tight. With over a decade of experience...

In this episode of I Fired My Boss, host Dan Claps sits down with Jason Feifer, the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine and host of the podcasts Build for Tomorrow and Problem Solvers. Together, they dive into the evolving dynamics of franchising, focusing on how franchisors can stay innovative and responsive to their franchisees. Jason emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting how some of the most iconic innovations in franchises like McDonald's and Taco Bell originated from franchisees themselves. They discuss how listening to franchisees' on-the-ground insights can drive system-wide success and highlight examples of franchise brands that prioritize a...

In this episode of the I Fired My Boss podcast, Dan and Christian sit down with Joe Matthews, founder of Franchise Performance Group, to dive deep into the journey of building a successful franchise business. Joe shares his insights on creating long-term value in franchising, emphasizing the importance of a patient, strategic approach over a quick win. Reflecting on Warren Buffett’s advice that the best holding period is “forever,” Joe explains why he believes in taking a five- to six-year view for sustainable success, even when faster growth might seem tempting. He shares candid thoughts on the challenges and re...

n this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, Dan Claps sits down with Lexi Weiss, the marketing coordinator for Voda Cleaning & Restoration, at their corporate training and Discovery Day in Wisconsin. Lexi, who hails from a third-generation franchising family, shares her journey from initially pursuing psychology in college to finding her niche in marketing within the franchising world. She discusses how her family's deep roots in franchising, including her father's transition from corporate America to franchise consulting, naturally led her to a career in the industry. Despite being relatively new to the professional world, Lexi has quickly...

In a special crossover episode, Dan Claps of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast and Tommy Mello of the "Home Service Expert" podcast come together for a dynamic conversation about entrepreneurship, franchising, and personal growth. The episode takes place in Tommy's studio, where both hosts discuss their journeys and share insights from their experiences. Dan talks about his early start in business, selling everything from lemonade to bourbon, and how he transitioned into franchising. He emphasizes the importance of building a business that can operate independently of the owner, a lesson he learned the hard way with his first...

In this solo episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Dan Claps dives deep into the intricacies of creating a franchise owner-centric culture as a franchisor, drawing from his experiences at Voda Cleaning and Restoration. Dan emphasizes the importance of active listening and responsiveness to franchise owners, likening them to customers whose feedback is invaluable for continuous improvement. He shares practical strategies such as weekly town hall meetings and a culture of being "quick to conflict," ensuring issues are addressed promptly and constructively. Dan also highlights the significance of trust and candor within the leadership team, fostering...

In this insightful episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak sit down with Travis Paeth, a Texas-based franchise owner of Voda Cleaning and Restoration. Travis shares his intriguing journey from dreaming of becoming a professional hockey player to venturing into the logistics industry, eventually leading him towards entrepreneurship influenced by his parents' successful business endeavors. His story offers listeners a profound look at career transitions, the importance of adaptability, and the impact of family legacy on career choices.

The discussion delves deeper into the mechanics of running a franchise, particularly...

In this enriching episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Dan Claps sits down with Jesalyn Johnson, an enthusiastic onboarding specialist from Voda, currently based in Madison, Wisconsin. Jesalyn shares her intriguing journey from a longstanding career in fitness and nutrition coaching into the franchising world, sparked by a serendipitous job posting on Indeed. Her transition highlights a pursuit for new challenges and growth, emphasizing her natural people skills which she adeptly applies in her current role. Jesalyn's candid recount of the switch to Voda, facilitated by a chance yet pivotal conversation with her now colleague Zach...

In this insightful solo episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Christian Dadulak dives deep into the pivotal role of franchise professionals during the franchise ownership journey. As a franchise advisor himself, Christian emphasizes the importance of assembling a skilled acquisition team to ensure prospective franchisees are well-prepared for every aspect of their venture. He outlines the key members of this team, including a franchise advisor, funding professionals, franchise attorneys, and franchise-specific CPAs, detailing how each plays a critical part in navigating the complex process of acquiring and operating a franchise successfully.

Christian passionately argues...

In this insightful episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak dive into the intriguing world of AI technology and its revolutionary impact on sales and operations in the franchising industry. Broadcasting live from a franchise conference, Dan shares his experience of utilizing AI tools for sales enablement, emphasizing the importance of recording and coaching every aspect of the business to drive improvement and achieve perfection. Highlighting real-world examples, including his own practice of speech pace and engagement analysis, Dan reveals how AI has become an indispensable part of refining sales strategies and...

In this episode of "I Fired My Boss," hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Barrett, a recent franchise partner with Voda. Barrett shares his extensive background, beginning with his early hustle selling faux Ed Hardy sunglasses in high school, his service in the US Navy, a notable career progression at Amazon, and finally his leap into franchise ownership with Voda Cleaning & Restoration in Nashville. Barrett’s story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial aspirations, navigating corporate success, personal challenges, and the itch to start something of his own. His ch...

In this intriguing episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Dan Claps is thrilled to introduce a very special guest, Arthur Sturgis, the VP of Operations within the Voda organization. Sturgis, a significant figure and leader within the restoration industry, shares his unexpected journey into the world of restoration, transitioning from a career in the insurance and financial industry to leading business development for West Coast franchises at ServiceMaster, then moving on to various significant roles before joining Voda. Throughout the conversation, Sturgis emphasizes the importance of franchise support in scaling restoration businesses and how Voda's approach...

In this episode of "I Fired My Boss," co-hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak engage with their guest, Ellen, in a conversation that transcends the usual entrepreneurial discourse. Ellen's introduction to the episode is unorthodox yet refreshing, as the hosts prefer guests to introduce themselves. The episode quickly unfolds into a profound reflection on personal and professional growth, sparked by Dan's life-changing experience with Tommy Melo. This encounter, highlighted by a day spent learning from Melo's extensive business acumen and the operation of his franchise, offers a dual perspective on brilliance and attainability. Ellen, drawing from her own rich...

In this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Christian Dadulak engages in an insightful conversation with Nick DiFatta, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the franchise industry. Christian expresses his excitement about delving into Nick's remarkable story, highlighting his impressive career trajectory within franchising. The two were introduced through a mutual friend, and Christian is eager to uncover Nick's journey and the secrets behind his successful franchise career.

Nick begins by sharing his background, growing up in the suburbs of Baltimore and being part of a hardworking family. He recounts the pivotal moment...

In this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-host Christian Dadulak interviews Chase Dalton, the Founder and CEO of Silicon Signs. The episode kicks off with gratitude as Christian acknowledges Silicon Signs' sponsorship and support for the show, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in making the podcast possible. Christian and Chase delve into the complexities of franchise ownership, highlighting the challenges and crucial considerations for both franchisees and franchisors.

Chase shares his unique journey, transitioning from a promising career as a decathlete aiming for the 2016 Olympics to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the sign industry...

In this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, co-hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak sit down for an insightful interview with Tracy Stapp Herold, a Special Projects Editor at Entrepreneur. Tracy, with 20 years of experience, delves into the world of franchising, emphasizing the significance of the Entrepreneur 500 list. The hosts express excitement about Tracy's expertise and how Entrepreneur contributes to the industry. They discuss the multifaceted nature of franchising, touching on the challenges and rewards. Tracy sheds light on her journey into franchising, starting as an intern and growing into the role of a franchise expert.

In this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak discuss the intricacies of franchising. Two two share their recent adventures of moving to different states and the process of setting up a new podcast space. The co-hosts banter about the makeshift studio setups, with Dan humorously describing Christian's surroundings as a mix between a boring office and an insane asylum.

The main focus of the episode revolves around the importance of conducting a competitive analysis when considering entering a specific industry. Both hosts emphasize the need for...

In this episode of the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, Dan Claps, CEO of Voda Cleaning and Restoration, takes the reins solo to share invaluable insights from his decade-long experience in franchising. Dan focuses on the crucial aspects of investing in a franchise business, outlining a comprehensive playbook for potential buyers. The episode zeroes in on five key considerations, starting with the vital importance of customer acquisition and the need for a franchisor's support in lead generation and call center management. Dan also delves into the challenges of finding and managing employees, emphasizing the importance of aligning the business...

Welcome to the first episode of 2024 for the "I Fired My Boss" podcast, where hosts Dan Claps and Christian Dadulak kick off the year with a lively discussion. Dan, currently in Miami, and Christian, on the brink of a move to Scottsdale, Arizona, share their excitement about new adventures and the perks of their respective locations. As they navigate the challenges of running businesses remotely, the hosts delve into the intricacies of managing taxes, the franchise landscape, and the importance of finding the right operating partner.

The duo reflects on their decisions to move to tax-friendly states...