Episode Player

#631 Buying a Franchise: Expert Advice from Mike Oberholtzer

Main Street Business

Chapters
0:00
Welcome And Guest Background
3:38
Start With Your Real Why
7:33
What The Franchise Fee Buys
11:21
Picking The Right Business Model
17:23
A HomeVestors Success Story
21:27
FDD Basics And What Matters
25:49
Validation And Talking To Franchisees
30:12
Non Negotiable Terms And Exits
35:26
Royalties Ads Tech And Hidden Costs
42:44
Training Launch Plans And Support
47:41
Community Confidence And Loneliness
49:30
How To Connect With Mike
Main Street Business
#631 Buying a Franchise: Expert Advice from Mike Oberholtzer
Aug 07, 2026
Mark J Kohler and Mat Sorensen

If you're considering buying or selling a franchise and want experienced legal guidance throughout the process, book a consult with Mat and Marks law firm KKOS Lawyers to get started: https://kkoslawyers.com/

Buying a franchise can be a great path to business ownership—but it's important to know exactly what you're getting into before signing on the dotted line.

In this special episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mat Sorensen sits down with Mike Oberholtzer, VP of Franchise Development at HomeVestors, to break down the entire franchise buying process. Together, they discuss how to evaluate franchise opportunities, what to look for in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the real costs of franchise ownership, and how to determine whether buying a franchise is the right fit. Whether you're looking to transition out of a W-2 career, diversify your investments, or become a business owner, this episode provides practical insights to help you make a more informed decision.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to determine if franchising is the right path for your goals
  • The pros and cons of buying a franchise versus starting a business from scratch
  • How to properly evaluate franchise opportunities
  • What to review in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
  • Why speaking with existing franchise owners is a critical step in your due diligence
  • The franchise fees, royalties, and ongoing costs to expect
  • What quality training, onboarding, and operational support should look like
  • Common mistakes prospective franchise owners make—and how to avoid them
  • Strategies for growing, scaling, and eventually selling a franchise business

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Free Resources

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Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
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