Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENOV152026

Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey for corporate leaders. Learn how to overcome the isolation of business ownership.

Building a business often feels like you are doing everything on your own. For those transitioning from a corporate career, this shift can be jarring. Today we discuss the reality of the entrepreneurial path and how finding the right support system can prevent you from getting lost along the way.

We also share a powerful motivator for staying...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENOV112026

*Numbers according to their Item 19, 2026 FDD Issued  April 9th.

Legal stuff we have to say!

The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD.

Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before m...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENOV82026

Maid services offer a unique franchise investment opportunity with long-term stability and high revenue potential.

We analyze the business of cleaning companies, focusing on why AI remains unable to replace human labor in this sector. The average maid franchisee keeps staff for over five years, providing a consistent service model that generates significant annual revenue. Understanding the operational reality of this industry is essential for anyone evaluating a potential franchise investment.

We also look at...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENOV42026

Why do smart people pick the wrong franchise? Learn to avoid the common blinders and overconfidence that lead to poor business choices.

Buying a franchise requires objective due diligence, yet even intelligent individuals often fall into traps. This video explains why you might be drawn to a passionate business that makes less money rather than a boring, high-return operation. We break down the psychological factors that impact your franchise selection process.

By evaluating your personal...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENov12026

Stop treating your business management as a part-time hobby. Learn how active operations drive repeat customers and growth.

Running a successful company requires more than just showing up. This video covers the essential shift from passive ownership to active management, focusing on the critical role of hiring skilled employees to support your workflow. When you manage your staff and processes directly, you build the foundation necessary to retain customers over the long term.

We examine...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feOct282026

Is Fresh Coat Painters the top franchise business of 2026? We break down the financials and model behind this $1.5M average.

This home service model reports average top-line sales of nearly $1.5 million for top-performing units. We look at the total investment, which ranges from $86,000 to $125,000, including the franchise fee and working capital. This is a practical look at what it takes to succeed in this sector.

The system is built on 20 years of refined operations, attracting...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEOCT212026

This home services franchise offers 16 distinct revenue streams, but you won't be the one painting the walls.

Many investors shy away from this industry, assuming it requires manual labor. The reality is that this model is built for systems leadership, allowing you to scale a company without ever touching a brush. We analyze what makes an ideal owner, focusing on those who can lead teams rather than perform technician work.

By prioritizing a recession-proof business...

Is a Dairy Queen franchise a smart investment? We compare their two business models to see which one actually makes money.

Dairy Queen operates using two distinct business models, but they are not created equal. We analyze the system-wide outlet summaries from 2023 to 2025 to understand why one path often outperforms the other. For anyone considering a franchise investment, understanding these structural differences is crucial before signing any agreements.

We break down the startup costs and ongoing financial requirements associated with these locations. By evaluating the profitability of each model, you can determine if the capital...

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=feOct112026

Is a car wash franchise a smart investment? We break down the real numbers and startup costs for a Tommy's Car Wash Express.

Owning a car wash is often cited as a solid boring business to add to your portfolio, but the hype doesn't always match the financial reality. In this breakdown, we examine the typical investment breakdown required to get one of these locations off the ground. We cover the specific costs, from franchise fees to construction...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feOct72026

Looking for ways how to get clients? The most effective strategy is saving them money before making a pitch.

Schooley Mitchell operates with a massive network of 5,200 vendors to audit 22 cost categories for businesses. Instead of traditional cold outreach, this model relies on identifying billing errors and price creep, acting more like a dedicated business consultant to secure better rates than a standard sales rep could negotiate.

The franchise model is built for someone with...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feSep302026

Learn how to start a business that runs remotely by leveraging technology and global talent to scale your operations.

Building a cleaning business from a cubicle requires a shift in mindset, moving from manual labor to systems. The founder of MaidThis shares his transition from a corporate role to managing a remote-first operation, demonstrating how he utilized VoIP technology and automated scheduling to travel while his business grew. He emphasizes that success relies on viewing your venture...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEOct42026

Is a Jimmy John's franchise business worth the investment? We analyze the costs and the role of private equity in this brand.

Jimmy John's has evolved significantly since its founding in 1983. Today, the brand is part of a massive portfolio managed by Inspire Brands, which is backed by a major private equity firm. We look at how this ownership structure impacts the current landscape for operators and whether this fast food giant still offers a viable path...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fesep272026

Thinking about a Cinnabon franchise? We break down the eight different investment models to see if it fits your goals.

Many potential business owners look at food franchising as a way to get started, but understanding the specific entry points is key. This breakdown covers the full spectrum of options available for a Cinnabon franchise, ranging from small express bakeries to large-scale co-branded locations with Auntie Anne's. We clarify the structure of these different franchise business models...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fesep252026

Learn how to find a profitable franchise that generates revenue within 12 weeks of signing your agreement.

Marc talks with the CEO of Cabinet IQ to help you navigate the process of selecting the right business. We focus on brick and mortar concepts that offer a clear path to generating revenue quickly.

When you are evaluating a potential franchise investment, it is essential to perform your due diligence. We discuss why you should contact current franchise...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fesep232026

*Numbers according to their 2025 FDD Issued  March 28th, 2025, and their 2026 FDD Issued April 1st, 2026.

Legal stuff we have to say!

The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. 

Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers di...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJSep132026

Understand the core strategy behind a successful franchise investment. I explain the concept of having a means to an end.

This video details the foundational business model that many entrepreneurs overlook when evaluating new opportunities. Whether you are searching for your next venture or looking to refine your current operations, understanding these mechanics is essential for long-term growth.

We examine the specific startup costs and operational requirements that often dictate financial success. By applying this...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fesep92026

Is a B2B franchise the right path for your next venture? We analyze why this specific model offers recession-proof stability.

Chantel Soumis explores the mechanics behind a high-performing B2B franchise that operates effectively from a home office. This session focuses on the operational reality of business-to-business services, highlighting why high client renewal rates are the key to long-term sustainability.

We examine a real-world example of a franchisee who successfully exited for $4.5 million, proving...

*Numbers according to their 2025 FDD Issued  January 20, 2025, as amended April 22, 2025, and as further amended August 15, 2025 

Legal stuff we have to say!

The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. 

Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.

This website and its contents are intended for inf...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feAug3026

A B2B franchise with no storefront, no staff and no inventory — where a single client can pay you every month for three years.

Mike DeBoer of Schooley Mitchell shows Chantel exactly how that recurring revenue works: owners keep half of every dollar they save a client, paid monthly across a three-year contract, and 75% of those clients renew.

By the end you'll know what the $73,000 covers, who this model actually fits, and whether recurring B2B...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feSep132026

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Legal stuff we have to say!

The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. 

Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.

This website a...

We appreciate it when we can work with business owners who have been building their franchise business with their family members. Today's podcast was started by Savannah Oddo's grandfather 60 (yes, sixty) years ago, and it still hasn't hit a ceiling on growth. Chantel sits down with Savannah, VP of Franchise Development at City Wide Facility Solutions, to unpack a B2B franchise model that is scalable and strong. City Wide isn't your typical cleaning crew business.  Instead, it's a franchise based on one point of contact managing 20+ facility services for commercial properties. If you were hoping to pick up a...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026

How do painting and a boxing movie belong together in this podcast?  Listen to learn how the strange combination works.  In this episode, Chantel sits down with Chris Lucas, VP of Franchise Development at Fresh Coat Painters, to break down a business model that's disrupting a recession-resistant industry with a variety of revenue streams. It's a painting franchise that doesn't require its owners to ever touch a paint can. Chris explains why Fresh Coat isn't looking for painters. Instead, th...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026

Cabinet IQ founder and CEO Michael Hartel breaks down what it actually takes to own one of the fastest-growing kitchen cabinet and countertop franchises in the country. He walks through the real numbers — the investment range, first-year revenue, and how new owners with no industry experience are opening strong by simply running the playbook. Michael explains why the showroom costs less to build than people fear, how franchisees beat shops that have been open 40 years, and the five core va...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fe

Is your dream franchise opportunity actually a nightmare in disguise? 🛑 Too many entrepreneurs make emotional decisions based on "good vibes" instead of hard numbers, while forced expansions and unethical brokers trap others before they even open their doors. In this deep dive Chantel Soumis and Tariq Johnson, separate fact from feeling, exposing major industry red flags, and share the real growth lessons from legacy giants like Jersey Mike's. Plus, don't miss our rapid-fire "This or That" entrepreneurship breakdown!

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug42026

CertaPro Painters franchise owner Erik Harris sits down with Chantel Soumis to explain why he chose to buy into a franchise instead of going solo and why he'd never want to be "on an island by himself." He breaks down the real value of franchise support and training, and how it gave him a proven path to scale his territory. Erik also shares his #1 lead source (networking and realtor referrals over paid ads) and the exact system that earned...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug022026

In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise podcast, host Chantel Soumis spotlights Graze Craze, the powerhouse charcuterie and grazing board concept taking the country by storm. Graze Craze's director of franchise development, Shane Lee, joins the show to discuss the brand’s rapid expansion to 136 locations across four countries in just five years of franchising. Shane reveals the secrets behind their streamlined, low-overhead model that operates with just a few employees and no cooking equipment, making it a...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fe

Feeling trapped by the corporate "golden handcuffs" and looking to build real enterprise value through business ownership? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, host Chantel Soumis sits down with Aaron Harper, the Chairman and Founder of Rolling Suds, to discuss his incredible journey of transforming a single-unit family business into America’s fastest-growing power washing franchise.

Discover how Rolling Suds scaled past 350+ territories overnight by shifting the traditional pressure washing model away from lo...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fe

This video breaks down the exact roles, responsibilities, and level of control shared between a franchisor and a franchisee. While the franchisor is responsible for providing the complete operational blueprint including marketing, training guidelines, and brand protection tools the franchisee is the ultimate business owner who handles everyday operations like hiring, staff management, and executing the system. Through personal anecdotes about owning Five Guys franchises and navigating site approvals, the speakers emphasize the importance of following the proven system...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejuly212026

This video explores the purpose, structure, and value of franchise royalties from both a franchisee and franchisor perspective. Tariq, Marc and Chris break down how royalties whether percentage-based or flat rates—serve as an investment that allows franchisors to reinvest in systems, technology, and support talent. Additionally, the discussion covers related financial elements like initial franchise fees, minimum monthly royalties, and the contemporary value of digital marketing ad funds.
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Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejuly192026

What does it take to go from entry-level sales rep to franchise owner in the same business you spent years building from the inside out? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, host Chantel Soumis sits down with Erik Harris, owner and general manager of CertaPro Painters of Needham, Massachusetts. Erik started at Sherwin Williams out of college, spent over seven years as a sales rep at CertaPro, and in late 2020 bought the business from the...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejuly142026

What does it look like to build a seven figure cleaning business while traveling to over 60 countries as a digital nomad? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, host Chantel Soumis sits down with Neel Parekh, founder and CEO of MaidThis Franchise, to break down how he went from paying cleaners cash outside his corporate office building to building one of the top rated low cost franchises of 2025 according to Entrepreneur Magazine. We cover how the...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fe

What does it actually take to scale a painting franchise from $50 million to nearly $1 billion in revenue? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, host Chantel Soumis sits down with Mike Stone, President and CEO of CertaPro Painters, for a conversation that covers the full journey from the ground up. Mike started as a residential sales associate in 1999 helping a single franchisee cross the $1 million mark and worked his way through nearly every role in the...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejul72026

What does it actually take to build one of the fastest growing cabinet and countertop franchise brands in the country from scratch? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, host Marc Magerman sits down with Michael Hartel, founder and CEO of Cabinet IQ, for a conversation that covers everything a serious franchise buyer needs to know about this brand. Michael breaks down how Cabinet IQ is disrupting a fragmented and outdated industry with a six star...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun302026

What does it take to build a franchise network around one of the fastest growing demographics in the country? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we sit down with Dan Durney, Director of Franchise Development for Assisting Hands Home Care, to break down how the company built a recession resistant business around the silver tsunami, the demographic shift of roughly 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the US. We cover their FOFO culture, the family of...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun282026

What are the real pros and cons of buying a franchise — and is it actually the right move for you?What are the real pros and cons of buying a franchise — and is it actually the right move for you? In this video we break down everything a first time franchise buyer needs to know before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life. We cover why the SBA considers franchising the lowest risk path for first time...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun232026

This video explores the complexities of purchasing a resale franchise, categorizing opportunities as either high-performing "diamonds" or underperforming "dogs". The speakers discuss the competitive nature of finding quality resales, noting that prime locations are often acquired by private equity firms or existing franchisees before reaching the open market. While resales offer benefits like established revenue and existing staff, they also present challenges such as poor community reputation, high premiums for profitable units, and difficulty securing SBA financing for businesses...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=tjjun2122026

The Voda Cleaning and Restoration franchise offers a strategic investment opportunity in the $300 billion restoration industry, utilizing a dual-service model designed to maximize enterprise value and cash flow.

High-Performance Financial Model

Rapid Revenue Growth: Average year-one franchise owners generate over $510,000 in revenue, which typically grows to over $1 million by year two.

Strong Profitability: The corporate location reports a 24.1% profit margin after all royalties and brand funds are paid.

Efficient Operations: Restoration...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun162026

Most people go into franchise ownership with the wrong expectations and those misconceptions are exactly what this episode is designed to fix. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down the biggest mistakes franchise buyers make, including why franchising is never passive income, why trying to navigate the process alone is one of the costliest errors you can make, why the franchisor is not going to do the work for you, and what the...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun142026

Should you start a business from scratch, buy an existing one, or invest in a franchise? In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down the real differences between all three paths — and how to figure out which one is actually right for you. We cover why franchising is often called business school 101 for first-time owners, what the debt service reality looks like when buying an existing business, why the most successful franchise candidates are th...

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fejun092026

If you have ever wondered what actually happens between the moment you express interest in a franchise and the day you sign the agreement — this episode breaks down every single step. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we walk through the complete franchise discovery process from both the franchisor and broker side, covering what to expect at each stage from your intro call all the way to Discovery Day, what the FDD actually is and wh...