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.
Episodes
29 episodes
Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Child Enrichment Franchisee
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 e...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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44:08
The Role of Franchise Business Coaches
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 oper...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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29:37
Industry Spotlight: Education Franchises
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, highli...
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34:29
The Importance of Training and Support in a Franchise System
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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36:48
The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Franchise
Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Paige Robinson Dosch, VP Franchise Resales, Unleashed BrandsThe podcast episode features Michelle Rowan and Paige Robinson Dosch discussing the intricacies of buyi...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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40:27
Announcing the Top 200 Franchise Brands of 2026
Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Allison Dudas, B2C Senior Marketing Manager at Franchise Business ReviewEpisode SummaryIn this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan, Pre...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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48:36
REPLAY: The Importance of Talking to Franchisees Before Investing
Host: Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Madeleine Zook, CMO | Multi-Unit/Multi-Brand FranchiseeSummary:In this episode, Michelle Rowa...
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48:00
REPLAY: Who Is Franchise Business Review
Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Eric Stites, Founder and CEO of Franchise Business ReviewEpisode Summary: The Journey of Starting Franchise Business ReviewIntroduction: Twen...
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24:40
Industry Spotlight: Senior Care Franchisee
In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan interviews Mitch Wallace, a franchisee with Caring Senior Services, to explore the journey of transforming an existing senior care business into a franchise. Mitch shares his personal st...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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27:24
Industry Spotlight: Business Services Franchisee
In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan interviews Mike Jones, a franchisee in the business services industry, specifically with Sandler, a well-known brand in training and sales development. The discussion delves into the unique aspects of own...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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27:24
Industry Spotlight: Mobile Food Franchisees
Host: Michelle Rowan, President & COO of Franchise Business ReviewGuests: Russ O'Rear, Franchisee of Travelin' Tom's Truck and Kona Ice since 2019, Tim Valiant, Franchisee of Travelin' Tom's and Kona Ice since 2012<...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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36:54
Industry Spotlight: Child Enrichment Franchisees
In this podcast episode, Michelle Rowan hosts a discussion with Vik Sreedhar and Supriya, franchise owners of Amazing Athletes in San Jose. The conversation explores their journey into the child enrichment franchise sector, highlighting their t...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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33:23
Why You Should Think About An Exit Strategy Before investing In A Franchise
Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Michael Iannuzzi, Episode SummaryIn this podcast episode, Michelle Rowa...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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22:07
What are Discovery Days and How Do Different Brands Do Them?
This episode focuses on the concept of "Discovery Days" in the franchise industry, where potential franchisees meet with franchisors to validate their interest in a brand. Michelle Rowan hosts the discussion with guests Rob Lancit, Marci Kleins...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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58:24
How Much Money Can You Make Owning A Franchise?
Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Eric Stites, Founder and CEO of Franchise Business ReviewSummary of How Much Money Can You Make Owning A Franchise?In this episode of Fro...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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35:05
Women in Franchising
Host: Michelle Rowan, COO and President of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Ali Kraus, CMO of Benetrends Financial and Vice Chair of IFA's Women in Franchising CommitteeEpisode Summary:In this engaging podcast episode...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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33:09
Barriers to Diversity in Franchising
In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Toni Harris-Taylor discuss the importance of diversity in franchising. Toni, a dynamic leader in the franchise world, emphasizes the need for awareness and inclusivity, debunking myths about financial barrier...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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29:18
The Importance of Talking to Franchisees Before Investing
Host: Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Madeleine Zook, CMO of Threshold Brands and Multi-Unit/Multi-Brand ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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47:06
The Dickey's Barbecue Franchise Fiasco
In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Courtney Stillings discuss the complexities of franchising, focusing on the recent controversies surrounding Dickey's Barbecue. They explore the importance of transparency, the need for thorough research befo...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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36:13
Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Tom Spadea, Franchise Attorney of Spadea Lignana LLCEpisode ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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57:58
What Makes A Good Franchisee?
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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38:12
The Importance of Franchisee Satisfaction
In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Anneliese Brosch delve into the critical role of franchisee satisfaction in maintaining brand health. They explore how a strong franchisor-franchisee relationship can drive success, emphasizing the importance...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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30:32
Franchise Funding Options
Host: Michelle Rowan, President & COO of Franchise Business ReviewGuest: Ali Kraus, CMO Benetrends FinancialEpisode Summary:In this insightful episode, Michelle Rowan and Ali Kraus delve into the diverse world of...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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31:18
Pros and Cons of Franchise Ownership: From a Franchisee Perspective
If you're considering buying a franchise, knowing the benefits and drawbacks is important. Danielle Chaisson, owner of a Mr. Handyman franchise in Dover, NH (called My Handyman), gives her perspective on the pros and cons of franchi...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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31:30