From A to Franchisee: The Podcast for Smarter Franchise Buying
Franchise Business Review is the trusted, independent source for franchise research. Join FBR President and COO Michelle Rowan as she demystifies the franchise buying process. From funding to franchisee satisfaction, she covers everything you need to know about buying and running a successful franchise. Michelle’s not going it alone, either. With 20 years in market research, Franchise Business Review has insights from hundreds of thousands of franchise owners to uncover the highest-rated brands.
Franchise Shopping in the Age of ChatGPT
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More franchise candidates now begin their search in a chatbot rather than a search engine, while franchisors are using AI to find, qualify, and market to those same people. Steve Buors, CEO and co-founder of Reshift Media, joins Allison to explain what that shift means if you’re thinking about buying a franchise. He covers where AI helps most (narrowing sectors, summarizing a dense FDD, surfacing franchisee sentiment) and where it misleads, including confident wrong answers and mixed-up brands with similar names. He also lays out the questions to ask a franchisor about it...
What You Inherit When You Buy An Existing Franchise
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Taylor Abbott’s family bought an existing San Antonio print shop in 2009 without knowing a thing about printing, and four years later revenue had slid from $1 million to $600,000. Franchising was their last-ditch move, and it turned the business around. In this episode of From A to Franchisee, Taylor talks about converting a respected independent shop, what he inherited when he later bought an existing franchise location, and why he replaced the entire staff within a year. He also explains how documented systems, leaders promoted from within, and a parent-and-son split between sales and op...
Is Education Franchising Worth It?
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Host: Allison Dudas
Guest: Anneliese Brosch, Director of Client Success, Franchise Business Review
Summary
Childcare and tutoring are among the last things families cut when budgets tighten, and that resilience keeps education franchising on prospective owners' radar. In this episode, Allison Dudas and Anneliese Brosch walk through FBR's 2026 education sector report, drawn from more than 1,700 franchisees across 14 brands. They cover what it takes to get started, why finding the right center director often separates owners who scale from owners who bought themselves a job, how many hours...
Interview with Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole
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Hosts: Allison Dudas & Mariah Morgan, Franchise Business Review
Guest: Aisha "Pinky" Cole Hayes, Founder & CEO of Slutty Vegan
Pinky Cole has lived the full arc of restaurant entrepreneurship, from lines down the block and a $33 million investment to a restructuring that left her without her company for 43 days. She joins Allison Dudas and Mariah Morgan to share how she bought Slutty Vegan back and rebuilt it as a franchise system. She also speaks candidly about the mental toll of that stretch and the people who carried her through it...
Top 10 Food & Beverage Franchises of 2026
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Hosts: Allison Dudas and Mariah Morgan, Franchise Business Review
Coffee, chicken, pizza, and ice cream all made the cut. In this episode, Allison Dudas and Mariah Morgan reveal FBR's Top 25 Food & Beverage Franchises of 2026, ranked by more than 11,000 real franchisees across 52 brands. They dig into the data behind the rankings, what franchisees love, where brands are falling short, and what income actually looks like in this space, before counting down to this year's number one. Get the full list at franchisebusinessreview.com.
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Top Food and...From Employee to Owner: Tax Moves That Set Franchisees Up to Win
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President, Franchise Business Review
Guest: Paul Kuskowski, IRS Enrolled Agent and Founder of Cobalt Tax Services
Making the leap from employee to franchise owner means more than swapping a paycheck for a P&L — it means rethinking how you find business, manage cash flow, and structure your company from day one. In this episode of From A to Franchisee, host Michelle Rowan sits down with Paul Kluskowski, an IRS enrolled agent and founder of Cobalt Tax Services, who's built his practice around serving Snap-on Tools franchisees and ot...
50 Franchises That Survive Any Economy
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Which Franchises Can Weather a Downturn? FBR's 2026 Recession-Resistant List
With economic uncertainty on everyone's mind, Michelle Rowan sits down with Allison Dudas to unpack Franchise Business Review's 2026 list of the Top 50 Recession-Resistant Franchises. Built from survey data on nearly 29,000 franchisees across 330 brands, the list highlights companies positioned to hold steady — or even grow — when consumers start tightening their budgets. Michelle and Allison break down the criteria behind the rankings, share standout examples from senior care to mobile food concepts, and count down this year's top 10.
How FBR defines "rece...Owning a YogaSix Franchise: A Married Couple's Journey to 7 Studios
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guests; Toni King and Audrey Ryder, Multi-Unit Franchisees from YogaSix
Two elite athletes. One shared love of yoga. Seven studios and counting. On this episode of From A to Franchisee, host Michelle Rowan talks with Audrey Ryder and Toni King about trading a rowing career and a black belt in Taekwondo for life as YogaSix franchise owners.
They walk through how they picked YogaSix over other franchise options, the due diligence process that nearly sent them down a different path...
Is the American Franchise Act Good For Franchisees?
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Michelle is joined by multi-unit Taco John's franchisee Tamra Kennedy to discuss whether the American Franchise Act is good for franchisees.
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Summary
This episode explores the American Franchise Act and why it matters for franchisees, franchisors, and anyone considering franchise ownership. Tam Kennedy shares her decades of experience in franchising, offering clear insight into the joint employer debate, the importance of franchisee support, and why transparency, trust, and strong brand standards are essential for long-term success.
<...Kona Ice Founder Tony Lamb: Building a Franchise Empire
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From a scrappy startup to the top of Franchise Business Review's satisfaction rankings for over a decade, Kona Ice founder Tony Lamb has cracked the code on franchising. He joins Franchise Business Review's founder Eric Stites to break down the real numbers behind mobile franchising and why he still obsesses over franchisee happiness. You won't want to miss this founder-to-founder conversation.
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The Top 200 Franchises of 2026Kona Ice's Franchisee Satisfaction ReportTravelin' Tom's Franchisee Satisfaction ReportOwn A Kona IceOwn A Travelin' Tom's Coffee TruckWho Is Franchise Business Review
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The Most Innovative Franchise Brands of 2026
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Allison Dudas, Senior Marketing Manager of Franchise Business Review
What makes a franchise truly innovative, and how can you tell before you invest? Michelle and Allison Dudas break down FBR's 50 Most Innovative Franchises of 2026 and reveal the signals that separate forward-thinking brands from the rest. They unpack the data behind the list, including why 96% of franchisees would recommend their brand, why innovation and creativity scores run 41% higher than benchmark, and why trust in franchisor leadership...
REPLAY: What Makes A Good Franchisee?
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In this insightful episode, Michelle Rowan and Paul Pickett delve into the essential traits that define a successful franchisee. Drawing from decades of experience, Paul shares his expertise on the importance of aligning with a brand’s culture, mission, and values. They discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence, team-building, and a growth mindset in achieving long-term success. Tune in to discover how focusing on customer relationships and community engagement can lead to thriving franchise ownership. Whether you’re considering franchising or looking to enhance your current business, this episode offers valuable guidance and...
REPLAY: How to Spot a Recession-Resistant Franchise
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Mark Jameson, Franchise Development Officer, Propelled Brands
Thinking about buying a franchise in today’s market? Before you invest, learn how to identify franchise models designed to withstand economic volatility. Michelle Rowan and franchise executive Mark Jameson break down the traits of recession-resistant franchise systems, the questions candidates should ask during due diligence, and how strong franchisors support owners through uncertainty.
*Propelled Brands did NOT sponsor this episode. But their brand, FASTSIGNS, does appear on ou...
The $112 Billion Industry Nobody's Talking About
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Most franchise opportunities promise stability — but few are as resilient and rewarding as the commercial cleaning sector. In this episode, Allison Dudas dives into the booming world of cleaning and maintenance, revealing how this essential industry is not only recession-resistant but also a hidden goldmine for entrepreneurs willing to manage people, build relationships, and implement proven systems. Learn why the janitorial sector is projected to hit $112 billion by 2026, and how COVID skyrocketed its stature from essential service to critical partner in business continuity. Guest Paul Masters from Anago shares his eye-opening journey from sk...
What Are The Most Profitable Franchises of 2026?
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In this episode, we announce our Most Profitable Franchises of 2026. We name 50 franchise brands in this list whose franchisees report higher earnings than the average. No brand can pay to be on this list! They are on it because of their high franchisee satisfaction scores thanks to FBR's market research.
This episode breaks down the characteristics of the most profitable brands of the year and what you should pay attention to when doing your franchise buying research.
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Most Profitable Franchises of 2026Read: How to Find and Compare th...What Is It Like to Be A Woman In Franchising?
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Host: Allison Dudas, Senior Manager of B2C Marketing at FBR
Guest: Jill Kesler, Franchisee of Fish Window Cleaning
This episode delves into the 2026 Women In Franchising Trends Report. It features Allison Dudas as the host and Jill Kesler, a franchisee from Fish Window Cleaning, as the guest. They discuss the increasing role of women in franchising, highlighting that women now own about a third of all franchises. Jill shares her journey from a career in sales and marketing to owning a Fish Window Cleaning franchise, emphasizing the importance...
What's It Like to Own a Retail Franchise
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Jason Sharp’s journey from corporate healthcare to owning a pool supply franchise in Alabama reveals the real secret to success: building a community-focused team and letting your leadership shine behind the scenes. Discover how Jason’s strategic approach and operational systems turned a stagnant business into a thriving enterprise, even amidst COVID chaos.In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to identify and seize low-hanging fruit during a business acquisitionThe importance of having a strong, engaged local team that embodies your visionThe critical role of systems—POS, inventory, and franchise support—in scaling...The Hidden Factor Behind Franchise Success: Culture
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In this episode, hosts Michelle and Allison dive into the importance of franchise culture. They discuss how a strong culture can significantly impact franchisee satisfaction and business success. The episode highlights the top franchises known for their positive culture, emphasizing that culture is not just about corporate strategy but also about fostering supportive relationships among franchisees. They explore how culture influences franchisee experiences, retention, and overall business performance, providing insights for prospective franchise buyers on what to look for in a franchise system.
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REPLAY: How to Fund Your Franchise
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In this insightful episode, Michelle Rowan and Ali Kraus delve into the diverse world of franchise funding options. From traditional bank loans to innovative rollover strategies, they explore how aspiring franchisees can navigate financial challenges with confidence. Ali shares her expertise from Benetrends, highlighting the importance of understanding your financial landscape and the benefits of working with a funding partner. Whether you’re considering using retirement savings or exploring unsecured loans, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions on your franchising journey.
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Funding Ca...5 Marketing Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise
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In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan and Katherine LeBlanc discuss essential marketing questions to consider when evaluating franchise opportunities. Katherine, with over 20 years of marketing experience, shares insights into the complexities of marketing within franchising. They explore the importance of understanding brand funds, the role of marketing in franchise success, and the need for transparency and collaboration between franchisors and franchisees. The conversation highlights the significance of local marketing efforts and the value of investing in community connections to build trust and brand recognition. They also provide practical questions...
Red Flags in Your Franchise Agreement: What Every Buyer Needs to Know
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In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," the hosts delve into the often-overlooked aspects of franchise agreements that can significantly impact buyers. Joined by Megan Center, a seasoned franchise attorney, they explore the critical differences between the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the franchise agreement itself. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding territory rights, renewal terms, and potential red flags in agreements. Megan shares insights on the necessity of having a franchise attorney to navigate these complex documents and offers practical advice for prospective franchisees. The episode emphasizes the need for...
Senior Care Is Booming. What This Industry Looks Like From the Inside
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Most franchisees in senior care are driven by a deep sense of purpose, but Zubin Kapadia’s journey reveals what it truly takes to succeed in this fast-growing, emotionally rewarding industry. When he transitioned from law and international healthcare ventures to owning a Right at Home franchise, he discovered that passion, strategic support, and community presence are the secret ingredients to thriving in in-home senior care — a sector valued at over $156 billion annually in the U.S.
In this episode, Zubin shares the real challenges—and profound rewards—of managing caregiver staffing, maintain...
Your Franchisor Got Bought by Private Equity — Now What?
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Host: Michelle Rowan, Franchise Business Review
Guest: Susan Black-Beth, Auspicious Owl
In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," hosts Michelle Rowan and Susan Black-Beth explore the impact of private equity on franchising. They discuss how private equity acquisitions can change priorities, timelines, and relationships within franchise systems. Susan, founder of Auspicious Owl Group, shares her extensive experience in the industry, emphasizing the importance of aligning private equity objectives with franchisee satisfaction. The conversation covers the evolution of private equity in franchising, the benefits and challenges it brings, and the...
We Ask Franchisees If They're Happy. Here's How.
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Franchise Business Review is a market research firm dedicated to franchisee satisfaction. This means we work hard to figure out how happy franchisees are owning their brands. This episode gets at our process and explores:
Why you need franchisee satisfaction data if you're researching franchises to invest in.Why FBR's data is unbiased and how we keep it that way. What our surveying process looks like.Enjoy this engaging conversation with Maria Harmon about how FBR conducts our research.
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Listen: Announcing the Top Franchises of 2026Li...How To Spot A Recession-Resistant Franchise
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Mark Jameson, Franchise Development Officer, Propelled Brands
Summary
Thinking about buying a franchise in today’s market? Before you invest, learn how to identify franchise models designed to withstand economic volatility. Michelle Rowan and franchise executive Mark Jameson break down the traits of recession-resistant franchise systems, the questions candidates should ask during due diligence, and how strong franchisors support owners through uncertainty.
*Propelled Brands did NOT sponsor this episode. But their brand, FASTSIGNS, does ap...
Start Lean, Scale Big: The Best Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2026
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What if you could own a thriving business for under $100,000? In this episode, Allison and Michelle reveal Franchise Business Review's 2026 Top 50 Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities, breaking down the advantages of leaner business models and what the data really shows about franchisee satisfaction, scalability, and work-life balance.
With 93% of franchisees on this list saying they'd recommend their franchise to others, these brands are anything but small potatoes. Whether you're looking for a career change, a side hustle that can grow, or a flexible path to entrepreneurship, this episode is your starting point. Visit...
Should You Use a Franchise Broker — or Is It a Conflict of Interest?
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Tim Parmeter, Founder and CEO of FranCoach
Summary
Unlock the secrets to successful franchise ownership with insights from Tim Parmeter, a seasoned franchise broker at FranCoach. This episode reveals how working with a franchise consultant can be your shortcut to finding the right franchise fit. Tim demystifies the role of brokers, explaining how they’re compensated and how they vet both brands and candidates.
Learn to spot red flags like pushy sales tactics and mi...
The Path to Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand Success in Franchising
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Most entrepreneurs kill their growth momentum by overcomplicating the journey—Antonio McBroom reveals how a simple mindset shift accelerated his rise from a college student scooper to one of the largest Ben & Jerry's franchisees on the planet. Discover the high-impact strategies that turned a small ice cream shop into a multi-million dollar empire, and learn how to build a culture that attracts top talent and drives exponential growth.
In this episode, Antonio shares his remarkable origin story: how a college job sparked a multi-decade pursuit of franchising success, all fueled by a...
Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Food Franchisee
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Michelle Rowan talks to Crumbl Cookies and Pizza Factory franchisee, Ernie Amorim, about the intricacies of operating a brick-and-mortar food franchise. Ernie, a seasoned multi-unit franchise owner, shares his journey from purchasing his first Pizza Factory franchise at the age of 23 to expanding his business empire to include multiple restaurants and Crumble Cookies outlets. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of managing food franchises, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, employee retention, and customer service.
The episode concludes with advice for aspiring franchisees, emphasizing the need for thorough research, understanding...
The Top Franchises for Women of 2026
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In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," we delve into the 2026 list of top franchises for women, celebrating female franchise owners and the brands that support them. Our host, joined by frequent guest and producer Allison Dudas, explores the unique methodology behind the rankings, emphasizing that no brand can pay to be on the list. Instead, the rankings are based on comprehensive surveys of franchisees, focusing on trust, training, support, and marketing.
The discussion highlights the significant participation of women in the franchise industry, with 8,550 female franchisees contributing to the s...
New SBA Guidelines and the Basics of SBA Loans
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Join Michelle Rowan and Anthony Byrd in this episode of "From A to Franchisee" as they unravel the complexities of SBA loans for franchise buyers. Discover how SBA loans serve as a government-backed security for banks, making it easier for new businesses to secure funding. Anthony Byrd, a seasoned expert in franchising and SBA lending, dispels common myths about these loans and highlights recent changes in guidelines, including citizenship requirements and the SBA directory. Learn practical tips for preparing loan applications and explore financial strategies, such as combining retirement funds with SBA loans...
Announcing the Franchisee Excellence Awards
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Unlock the secrets of top-performing franchisees in this insightful episode. Discover how these leaders achieve consistent success, even in challenging markets, by treating their franchise like a CEO-run business and following proven systems. Join Allison Dudas from Franchise Business Review as she shares real stories from award-winning franchisees across various industries, revealing the key patterns that set them apart.
Learn how successful franchisees hire smarter, foster an ownership mindset, and engage authentically with their communities. This episode highlights the importance of system adherence, resilience, and community involvement as growth strategies. Whether...
Inside Look: Franchisee with an Emerging Brand
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Discover what it’s really like to join a franchise in its early stages through the firsthand insights of Tom Winspear. Learn about the advantages, challenges, and strategies for success when entering an emerging brand, plus tips on assessing and building a strong franchise community.
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Listen: Announcing the Top 200 Franchises of 2026Listen: Understanding the Franchise Disclosure DocumentListen: The Pros and Cons of Franchise OwnershipRead: What to Know Before Investing in a FranchiseConnect with Us:
Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com
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Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Child Enrichment Franchisee
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In this episode, Ashley Vetek shares her journey from military service to successful multi-unit franchise owner of Tutu School, focusing on the unique opportunities and challenges in the children’s enrichment space. Whether you're considering entering this sector or interested in franchise ownership, Ashley's insights are invaluable.
Resources
Listen: Industry Spotlight on Child Enrichment Franchisees: Mobile FranchiseListen: Industry Spotlight on Tutoring FranchiseeListen: Women in Franchising, The Rise of Female FranchiseesTop Franchises for WomenTop Franchises for VeteransRead: Air Force Veteran Turned Franchisee with New Again HousesRead: Veteran Brothers in Fr...The Role of Franchise Business Coaches
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This episode delves into the role of a franchise business consultant (FBC), featuring guest Maria Heatherington from Massage Luxe. The discussion highlights the FBC's role as a strategic partner and coach for franchise owners, helping them operate smoothly and profitably while aligning with the brand. Maria shares insights into her journey from managing a tanning salon franchise to becoming a district manager and eventually an FBC. The conversation covers the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and the value of early and frequent communication with FBCs to prevent issues. Maria...
Industry Spotlight: Education Franchises
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In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan interviews Carli Sonntag, a franchise owner in the tutoring space, specifically with Mathnasium. Carli shares her journey from working in media and teaching to owning a franchise, highlighting the blend of business acumen and mission-driven goals that led her to this path. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a tutoring franchise, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, marketing, and the need for a strong work ethic. Carli also offers insights into the operational aspects of her business, including staffing, marketing strategies...
The Importance of Training and Support in a Franchise System
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In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan speaks with representatives from two distinct franchise systems about the importance of training and support. First up is Scott Koepf from Cruise Planners, a home-based travel franchise. Secondly, Steven Schenck shares his perspective from 360clean, a commercial cleaning franchise.
They discuss the initial training brands may offer, and the ongoing support franchisees can receive from corporate. These experts offer tips for what training and support to look for if you're investing in a franchise. The better training and support a franchise system offers its franchisees...
The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Franchise
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Paige Robinson Dosch, VP Franchise Resales, Unleashed Brands
The podcast episode features Michelle Rowan and Paige Robinson Dosch discussing the intricacies of buying and selling franchise businesses. Paige, the VP of Franchise Resales at Unleashed Brands, shares her expertise on the benefits and challenges of acquiring existing franchises versus starting new ones. The conversation highlights the importance of having a clear exit strategy from the beginning, understanding the operational and financial aspects of a franchise, and the value of being...
Announcing the Top 200 Franchise Brands of 2026
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Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Allison Dudas, B2C Senior Marketing Manager at Franchise Business Review
Episode Summary
In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review, unveils the much-anticipated "FBR's Top 200 Franchises of 2026." This exclusive list is unique in the franchising world as it is based entirely on the satisfaction of real franchise owners. The episode delves into the methodology behind the rankings, highlighting the importance of franchisee feedback and the rigorous criteria used...
REPLAY: The Importance of Talking to Franchisees Before Investing
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Host: Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business Review
Guest: Madeleine Zook, CMO | Multi-Unit/Multi-Brand Franchisee
Summary:
In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Madeleine Zook delve into the crucial role of talking to franchisees before investing in a franchise investment. Madeleine emphasizes that speaking with current franchisees provides invaluable insights into the realities of running a franchise, beyond what franchisors can legally disclose. This dialogue helps potential franchisees understand the financial and time commitments involved, as well as the challenges and successes experienced by others. By learning from...
