How I Franchised This

🎯 Get a free breakdown of the top 5 franchise opportunities under $150K - vetted with real unit economics, zero broker bias: 👉 https://go.franzy.com/top-5-franchises-under-150kShe managed half a billion dollars in budgets for Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins in Abu Dhabi. Then she walked away to run pool trucks in Detroit.Five franchise brands. Two sold at their peak. Three she still owns today.And she says passive income is a myth.Nora Farhat is one of the most honest operators we've had on the show. In this episode she breaks down why she chose franchising over starting from scratch, how she picks a brand — and what makes her walk away, what the first three years actually looked like financially, why she sold two businesses at their peak instead of holding on, how she knows the difference between burnout and time to sell, and what actually builds wealth in franchising when passive income isn't real.No highlight reel. No shortcuts. Just a real operator who figured it out the hard way.New episodes every Monday on The Exit Plan.

Matt Forbush has lived the entire lifecycle of a franchisee. From scrubbing toilets as a teenager to managing a $30M portfolio of 50+ locations, Matt has mastered the "pennies to dollars" math of the QSR world. In this masterclass on scaling, Matt breaks down:The 21-Year-Old Founder: How he capitalized his first two Auntie Anne’s locations. The "Messy Middle": Why he nearly lost it all on a horizontal expansion into chicken tenders and how he regrouped. The Operator to Technologist Pivot: Why he removed himself from his stores to build Zignyl (and his recent acquisition by Miso Robotics). Retention Secrets: How Matt achieved 43% employee retention in an industry that averages 100%. Whether you are looking to buy your first unit or you’re stuck at 10 locations trying to reach 50, Matt’s insights on "thinking out loud" and granular data will change your operating playbook. Download the free guide to see real costs, what owners are actually making, and which brands are the right fit for you:👉 https://go.franzy.com/top-5-franchises-under-150k

How I Franchised This is now The Exit Plan.Because most people aren’t looking for a franchise - they’re looking for a way out.The Exit Plan is for anyone done trading time for a paycheck and ready to build something real.Each week, Alex Smereczniak sits down with entrepreneurs, franchise owners, operators, and founders who’ve actually done it - breaking down how they got out, what worked, what didn’t, and what the numbers really looked like.No fluff. No highlight reels. Just real conversations with real operators.New episodes every Monday.Get the free guide - real costs, what owners are actually making, and who each franchise is a fit for: 👉 https://go.franzy.com/top-5-franchises-under-150k

There were only 3 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations when Brian Cassidy went all in.He was on FaceTime counting tickets, doing the math in real time… and realized this couldn’t be normal.So in 2020 - while the world was shut down - he signed a 30-store development deal.Today, he operates nearly 200 locations across Carl’s Jr., Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Mike’s Hot Tacos.Most people wait for proof.He moved before it existed.👉 Grab the free breakdown of the top 5 franchise opportunities under $150K — low investment, high potential, fully vetted: https://go.franzy.com/top-5-franchises-under-150k

Most people complain about problems. Few actually build a business around them. Morgan Steir spent 12 years in software sales before spotting a problem nobody had solved vehicle rust. No convenient options, no mobile service, no easy fix. So he built one. In this episode Morgan shares how a frustrating personal experience turned into Undercover Undercoaters, a mobile franchise now expanding across the country.

Andrew Pudalov spent 15 years as a global head of fixed income derivatives trading at Bear Stearns, Morgan Stanley and National Australia Bank. Then 9/11 happened and everything changed. He quit his job, moved his family to Boulder with no plan and no food experience, and spent the next two decades building Rush Bowls into a 25 state franchise empire completely privately owned. In this episode Andrew shares the raw origin story, why he spent 10 years in one location before expanding, how he took Rush Bowls into Whole Foods across 40 states before pivoting to franchising, and why the unit economics of his model are unlike anything else in food. If you are thinking about making a bold career pivot or building something from scratch this one is for you.

Taj Suri trained to be an opera singer, worked at Madison Square Garden, managed luxury restaurants at the Fairmont in Silicon Valley, built an entertainment agency pitching TV and film to Netflix and Hulu and then his dad called with an idea. Now Taj owns two top 150 Crumbl Cookie franchises in Tennessee and Virginia and is figuring it all out in real time. In this episode Taj shares the raw truth about the first four months of franchise ownership, what the financials actually look like, how his background in music and hospitality shaped him as an operator, and why trust and people are the only thing that really matters. If you've ever wondered what it's actually like on day one of owning a franchise, this is the episode.

Scott Oaks didn't plan on franchising. He got downsized at 28, put his resume on Monster.com, and a franchise VP found him. Twenty-two years later he leads growth for Comfort Keepers, one of the largest senior care brands in the country. In this conversation Scott breaks down what he's learned from helping hundreds of people buy franchises what makes great operators, the red flags he watches for, why senior care is one of the most recession-resistant businesses out there, and the one question he says every buyer should ask before signing anything.

Joe Tagliente built a $49,000,000 franchise empire—14 Burger Kings and 4 hotels—and when he sold it, he kept every single piece of real estate underneath it. In this episode, Joe breaks down the OpCo vs. PropCo wealth strategy that separates great operators from truly wealthy ones. We dive into the accidental SEC call that launched his casual dining venture, the operational frameworks that allowed him to outperform the national average by 50%, and exactly how he valued and exited a multi-concept franchise portfolio. If you're building toward an exit or want to understand the "Real Estate side" of franchising, this is your masterclass.

Have you ever bought a business and immediately thought: What did we just do? In this episode of How I Franchise This, host Alex sits down with Tamar Brown, the creative force behind two Frio’s Gourmet Pops territories in the Twin Cities. Tamar didn't just buy a dessert truck; she bought a vehicle for family education, community connection, and entrepreneurial growth. From a heart-stopping "inventory meltdown" that cost her thousands to the strategic triumph of replacing Dippin' Dots at local hockey rinks, Tamar’s journey is a raw, honest look at the J-Curve of business ownership. In this episode, you’ll discover: The "Winter Strategy": How to sell frozen treats in the coldest climate in the lower 48. The 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur: How Tamar uses the business to teach her teenagers about money, networking, and "the hustle." The Power of the Pivot: Why a graphic designer and actress chose gourmet pops over traditional "service" franchises. The $5,000 Disaster: A cautionary tale about freezer alarms and how the "Franchise Family" saved the week. Community Over Competition: Why sharing marketing assets with "competitors" actually grows your bottom line.  

Three words that will change your life: WHY NOT ME? In this high-intensity episode of How I Franchise This, host Alex sits down with his early mentor and industry titan, Jeff Dudan. Jeff didn't just build a business; he built a category-dominating empire. From driving across the country with nothing but trash bags of clothes to founding AdvantaClean and launching Homefront Brands, Jeff’s journey is the ultimate masterclass in "ridiculous ambition." In this episode, you’ll discover: The "Why Not Me?" Mindset: Why high-level competition requires a specific type of mental grit. The 4 Quadrants of Wealth: Jeff’s exact framework for building multi-generational freedom. The A-Method for Hiring: A deep dive into identifying world-class talent (and avoiding the "convenience hire" trap). The AI Defense: Why property services (roofing, fencing, cleaning) are the ultimate hedge against a dislocated economy. Ruthless Prioritization: The morning rituals and decision filters Jeff uses to maintain peak performance at age 57. Join the conversation: If you’re tired of "leasing a job" and ready to build on your own land, this episode is your roadmap.

In this episode, we sit down with legendary serial entrepreneur Andy Stenzler, the visionary behind global brands like Rumble Boxing, Cozy, and Kidville. Andy shares his "maniacal" approach to product quality—including the fascinating story of how a ski-boot heater saved the boxing industry—and why he believes data is the key to making any business a "thing." We dive deep into his latest venture, THE PACK, a revolutionary group fitness concept that brings self-defense to the masses through a high-intensity, "Mr. Miyagi-inspired" workout.

What happens when you decide to join a family business that is an institution in the industry? In this episode, we sit down with Zack Fishman, Chief Growth Officer at Fishman PR and Franchise Elevator. Zack didn’t just join the industry; he was practically born into it, drawing pictures of his parents’ franchise business as early as kindergarten. Zack opens up about the "nepo baby" label, the pressure to prove his own worth, and how he modernized a legacy agency during the height of the pandemic. We dive deep into the current state of franchising, exploring why trends like frozen yogurt and cookies are cyclical, and why "operator-led" brands like Jersey Mike’s often outperform sales-led concepts. Zack also offers a candid critique of the industry's sales incentives—drawing a fascinating parallel to the 2008 housing crisis (The Big Short)—and reveals the two recession-resistant industries he is most bullish on right now. In this episode, we cover: Navigating family business dynamics and establishing your own identity. The cyclical nature of franchise trends (fashion vs. franchising). Why the "Operator" mindset beats the "Sales" mindset in emerging brands. A critical look at franchise sales incentives and regulation. The rise of "Pet Hospitality" and the staying power of Children’s Services.

Ellen Latham was fired at the peak of her career as a single mother. Instead of giving up, she went home, opened a Pilates studio in her spare bedroom, and started listening to her clients. That listening turned into the "Ultimate Workout," which eventually became Orangetheory Fitness. In this episode, Ellen sits down to share the raw and remarkable origin story of one of the world's most successful fitness franchises. She breaks down the science behind the "Orange Zone," how she found the "perfect storm" of business partners, and the specific mindset shift—taught by her father—that saved her career. If you are a founder, a franchisee, or just obsessed with fitness business stories, this is a masterclass on resilience and scaling with purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: The "Momentum Shifting" Theory: The psychological tool Ellen used to bounce back from failure. The Science of the Zone: Why the workout is designed for metabolic change, not just burning calories. The Tony Robbins Insight: Why Ellen’s partnership team was the "Perfect Storm" (Artist, Manager, Entrepreneur). Scaling Pains: Why they completely stopped selling franchises early on to fix their quality control. The Future of OTF: Ellen reveals the new focus on strength and longevity. Subscribe for more franchise deep dives!

Do you want to know what it really takes to scale a franchise from a single location to an 87-million-dollar empire? I’m your host, Alex Smereczniak, and today I’m sitting down with Jon Toy, a former CPA turned turned franchise operator who used strategic mergers to 10X his business. Jon is what we call a MUMBO - a multi-brand operator—overseeing a massive portfolio including FastSigns and Rolling Suds. Today we are going to walk through how Jon scaled his operation from $2 million in annual revenue just 7 years ago, to over $80 million in revenue in 2024 alone. Today we’re breaking down the truth about partnerships, how being "young and dumb" can actually be a superpower, and the roadmap to building a hundred-million-dollar portfolio. So excited for this one. Let's get into it

Eric Martin shares his journey from working sales jobs to becoming a franchise owner in the golf simulator industry. In this episode, he breaks down how he searched for business opportunities, why franchising made sense for him, and how working with Franzy helped him find and evaluate the right business. He also shares how he convinced his dad to invest and what it was really like signing a franchise agreement. If you’re thinking about business ownership, franchising, or leaving your 9–5, this episode offers a real, honest look at the process.   Check out Franzy at franzy.com 

Peter Kourounis has seen franchising from almost every angle: business owner, franchisor, franchise development leader, and now founder of Patch It Up Drywall Repair and Chief Growth Officer at Elevate Franchise Brands. In this episode, Peter walks through his unlikely start in the sign and graphics world, the lessons he learned franchising his first business (including what went wrong with partnerships), and how a bold move, showing up in person to apply for a job, led him into the 1-800-Plumber plus Air ecosystem and eventually the creation of Patch It Up. We unpack how Patch It Up was built using proven home service fundamentals, why Peter obsessed over making onboarding simpler (including a startup bundle approach), and what he believes separates franchisees who win from franchisees who stall. Peter also shares his “3 year runway” framework for home services, why semi-absentee ownership is usually a trap, and how Elevate is investing in automation and follow up to help franchisees capture more of the leads they already pay for. If you are exploring business ownership and want a real, no fluff take on what it actually takes to succeed in franchising, this one is for you.

In this episode, Aaron Harper, founder of Rolling Suds, shares his journey from Hollywood and telecom sales into franchising, explains why power washing became the ideal service-category to scale, and breaks down how he raised capital, structured deals, and grew the brand rapidly. Listeners will hear practical criteria for choosing a franchise category, the realities of franchising costs and infrastructure, and traits of successful franchisees—plus lessons on content, hiring, and building national accounts.

What should you actually look for in a Franchise Disclosure Document before you wire a franchise fee and sign a 10 year agreement? In this episode of How I Franchise This, Alex sits down with Adam Wasch, founding partner of The Franchise Firm, to break down how franchise attorneys help buyers reduce risk, negotiate smarter, and avoid the most common “I wish I knew this before I signed” mistakes. Adam walks through how he reviews an FDD like a home inspector, why he checks Item 20 first (and what it signals about negotiation leverage), the sections buyers consistently underweight (and overweight), and why “it has an FDD” does not automatically mean it is a proven system. They also dig into industries where legal review gets more complex due to extra regulation, how incentives in franchising can get misaligned, and what “responsible franchising” should actually look like. If you are buying your first franchise or evaluating emerging brands, this is a practical roadmap for doing diligence with your eyes wide open.

Most people think franchising means restaurants and retail. But Buddies Home Furnishings is proving there’s massive opportunity well beyond food — especially in the fast-growing rent-to-own category. In this episode of How I Franchise This, Alex sits down with Mitchell Lee, Head of Franchise Development at Buddies, to break down how the brand built one of the highest multi-unit ownership rates in franchising — with over 85% of franchisees operating multiple stores. They dive into: How the rent-to-own model works (recurring revenue, high AUVs, and 24-hour delivery) Why this category is truly recession-resistant and how it flexes with economic cycles What top operators do from day one that separates them from the bottom quartile Buddies’ approach to territories, conversions, and sustainable system growth How Mitchell evaluates candidates — and the traits shared by great operators If you’re exploring franchises beyond food or want to understand what makes a scalable, multi-unit model actually work, this conversation delivers a rare look from the brand’s side of the table.

At 26 years old, Katie Gillberg left a toxic job in medical sales, took a massive risk, and opened the first Hydrate IV Bar in Denver. Ten years later, she’s the founder and CEO of one of the fastest-growing IV therapy franchises in the country — with 25 locations open, 25 more on the way, and a plan to hit 100 units. In this episode, Katie shares how she built Hydrate IV Bar from a grassroots wellness concept into a scalable franchise system, why franchising wasn’t the plan early on, and what finally convinced her to make the leap. She opens up about partner breakups, surviving COVID, the real cost of launching a franchise brand, and why her top franchisees outperform even her corporate stores. If you're thinking about buying or building a franchise — especially in wellness — this episode is a masterclass in founder transparency and real-world scaling.

In this episode, Alex sits down with Matt Jeffries, a former supply chain leader who spent more than a decade running large teams across Target, Nordstrom, and other major corporations before making the leap into business ownership. Originally from Ecuador and now based in Chicago, Matt shares the full story of how he went from climbing the corporate ladder to becoming a first time franchisee with 1 800 STRIPER. Matt gives an honest look at what the transition really feels like. The excitement of starting something new. The fear of giving up a stable path. The challenge of wearing every hat. The moments where the business feels like it is taking off. The moments where you question everything. He also breaks down how he chose his brand, what surprised him most in the first few months, the importance of following the franchise playbook, and why sales ends up on the owner’s shoulders more than most people expect. If you are exploring franchising or already in the early stages of ownership, Matt’s candor and perspective will give you a realistic and encouraging look at what this journey actually looks like.

Caleb Clayton has lived just about every role you can have in franchising — from working the counter at a Pelican’s Snoballs to becoming a franchisee at 25, to helping scale the brand from 10 units to more than 200 locations nationwide. He’s led franchise development across multiple national systems, trained new owners, worked with area developers, and seen firsthand what separates great operators and great franchisors from the rest. Now he’s bringing that experience to Franzy. In this episode, Caleb shares why he believes the franchise industry is overdue for real innovation, what buyers still get wrong about the discovery process, and why he joined Franzy to help build a more transparent, data-driven, and democratized path to business ownership. We get into: • Caleb’s unexpected entry into franchising and how it shaped his career • The biggest misconceptions first-time buyers have when researching brands • What top franchise operators consistently do differently • Why home services and senior care are becoming the most resilient categories • The gaps in today’s franchise discovery process — and how Franzy is fixing them • Why he’s excited about building tools that level the playing field for everyday buyers If you want a real, on-the-ground look at franchising from someone who’s been an operator, a developer, and now an advisor at Franzy, this episode is packed with insight.

Alex sits down with operator and investor Brian Beers to unpack how he scaled a family Midas business to 35 locations and roughly 50 million in annual revenue. Brian walks through buying vs building, the seller financed deal that changed everything, and his simple ladder from I do it to we do it to they do it. You will hear how local economies of scale create real leverage, why saying yes more often lifts revenue, and the one hire that freed him to build beyond automotive. We also cover the categories he likes for the next decade, what he treats with caution, and his best advice for anyone in the first year of ownership. Rapid fire: favorite brand Wingstop, go to resources The Science of Scaling and 10X Is Easier Than 2X, one word for franchising is scale. Connect with Brian on YouTube, LinkedIn, and X by searching “Brian Beers.” Learn more about Franzy and get coaching to start your franchise search at franzy.com

Former Green Bay Packer Terrence Murphy joins Alex Smereczniak for a candid, high speed tour of his journey from the NFL to building a portfolio that spans real estate, construction, and franchising. Terrence explains why he doubled down on real estate after an early injury, how he grew a brokerage to 1.5B in sales, and why franchising became a core pillar alongside development and acquisitions. He breaks down his operator playbook as a multi unit, multi brand owner with Crumbl and F45, plus how he partners on the real estate side with brands like Starbucks and Buffalo Wild Wings. You will hear Terrence’s checklist for choosing brands, the simple metric discipline he uses to evaluate deals, and his most valuable lesson for first time franchisees. He shares how EOS and a one page roadmap keep 100 plus ventures aligned, why competence creates confidence, and why immersion and reps beat hacks and shortcuts. The conversation closes with practical advice on spouse alignment, risk, and getting off the bench, along with an open call for Texas operators and sellers who want a serious buyer at the table.   Lean more about franchising at Franzy.com Connect with Terrence Murphy here

Scaling from one location to many takes more than ambition — it takes smart financing. In this highlights episode, we dig into how successful operators structure funding for multi-unit franchise growth. First, Crumbl franchisees Taylor Byington and Shideleler Bennett share how they raised friends-and-family money, the mistakes that left them cash-strapped, and the smarter financing structure they’d use if they could start over. Then, Kal Gullapalli — a multi-brand operator with over 100 units — breaks down how larger deals are financed, from equity splits and debt terms to lender relationships and fund structures. If you’re planning to grow beyond a single unit, this episode shows how top franchisees finance the leap. 🎧 From How I Franchised This — powered by Franzy.

Sherman Walters grew up sleeping in an ice cream cone box at his family’s Dairy Queen—literally. What started as his father’s handwritten napkin deal in the 1970s turned into a 50-year family business that spanned generations. In this episode, Sherman shares how his family built and eventually sold their Dairy Queen locations, the lessons he learned stepping away from the counter to become a restaurant broker, and why every franchisee—no matter their size—should start with an exit strategy. We dive into: The surprising origin story of one of Charlotte’s oldest Dairy Queen locations How to emotionally detach from your business (and why it matters for valuation) The realities of selling a franchise and structuring your lease right Why franchising isn’t about control—it’s about knowing your strengths Whether you’re running your first store or planning your next acquisition, this episode is packed with real-world insights from someone who’s lived both sides of the franchising table.

Josh Emison served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps before becoming a franchise owner in Denver. Today, he and his wife operate three Tippi Toes territories, a mobile dance program for young children. Their journey started with a simple goal—to build something of their own—and grew into a thriving local business that blends structure, leadership, and community. In this episode, Josh shares how his military background shaped his leadership style and why the systems and training culture of franchising felt like a natural fit. He talks about following the franchisor’s playbook, trusting good people, and learning that success often comes from doing the basics exceptionally well. Josh also opens up about an earlier chapter in his career, when he launched a blockchain startup that collapsed during the FTX fallout. That experience pushed him toward franchising—where the focus is on steady, proven growth rather than hype or volatility. We cover how he and his wife divided responsibilities, handled a major summer drop-off in customers, and built systems to reach their next growth milestone of 1,000 enrolled students. Josh closes with advice for aspiring owners, especially veterans: find the right fit, talk to franchisees directly, get real financial help, and never underestimate how capable you already are.

Patricia Rincón and Felipe Lastra share their journey into franchise ownership with LuminLash in Houston. After careers in oil and gas, they decided to invest in themselves and their family by acquiring an existing eyelash extension studio. In this episode, they discuss choosing franchising over starting from scratch, what they learned in the early months, and how they’re planning for future growth.

Ashley Clark never planned on franchising. Fresh out of Clemson and headed for law school, a single suggestion from her dad led to a Kilwins inquiry and, twelve years later, a six-store operation across four states with five more in the pipeline. In this episode, Ashley breaks down how she and her husband went all in, financed growth through SBA and conventional debt, built systems, and learned to lead at scale. What you’ll learn How Ashley bought her first store and went cash positive on day one The leap from one to two units including selling their house to fund the deal When SBA makes sense and when conventional lending opens up Why franchising still feels entrepreneurial The mindset shift from operator to multi-unit leader Systems, people, and the biggest misconceptions about franchising  

Barry Meisel grew up in the Philippines as the child of missionaries, built an early career in corporate America, and then made the leap into multi-unit franchising. In this episode of How I Franchised This, host Alex Smereczniak dives into Barry’s remarkable path — from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Fortune 50 financial services to becoming CFO of a 30-unit franchise group and ultimately owning 12 salons across Illinois and Wisconsin. You’ll hear how Barry: Turned formative overseas experiences into an entrepreneurial mindset Built relationships that led to unexpected opportunities (and why he says “take the call, take the meeting”) Structured creative financing, including seller financing, to acquire existing units Leads and motivates a dispersed team while living hundreds of miles away If you’re thinking about buying a franchise or moving from corporate to business ownership, this conversation is packed with practical tips, honest lessons, and inspiration.

Cody Weaver went from selling golf balls out of ponds as a kid, to launching edgy novelty products in college, to building a decade-long career in footwear with Steve Madden and Dolce Vita. Today he’s a Donatos Pizza franchise partner in Fort Mill, South Carolina. In this episode of How I Franchised This, host Alex Smereczniak talks with Cody about his path from entrepreneur to intrapreneur to franchisee, how he spotted an opportunity in his own backyard, what it’s really like balancing a corporate leadership role with running a high-volume restaurant, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re thinking about your first franchise or curious how successful operators make the leap, this episode offers a candid look at the realities behind the headlines.

What began as a summer project cleaning grills in Toronto has become a fast-growing franchise. Michael Sutton walks through the scrappy early days, the boost from Dragon’s Den, and the decision to scale through franchising. He talks about the shift from managing techs to leading franchisees, bringing on a COO, and the importance of picking the right operators. Plus, his advice for entrepreneurs considering their first franchise investment.   Check out Grill Hero on Franzy: https://franzy.com/franchises/grill-hero

In this episode of How I Franchised This, Alex Vidor steps in as host and sits down with Stephen Tong, a former law enforcement officer who traded 12-hour shifts and overtime cycles for entrepreneurship in the turf industry. Stephen shares how his background in policing prepared him for business ownership, why time and family were central to his decision to leave law enforcement, and how Franzy guided him through evaluating multiple brands before finding the right fit with Waterloo Turf. Hear how Stephen navigated the first 90 days of ownership, the support he’s received from Waterloo, and the lessons he’s learned about managing people, growth, and grit. Whether you’re considering franchising, curious about career transitions, or inspired by stories of betting on yourself, Stephen’s journey offers practical insights and motivation.

This week’s episode takes a different spin. With CEO Alex Smereczniak out, VP of Business Development Alex Vidor steps into the host seat to interview Franzy’s cofounder and COO, Chris Wright. Chris shares his journey into franchising, why he made the leap to cofound Franzy, and the lessons he’s learned building and scaling the company. The conversation also zooms out into the bigger franchising picture — from why 2025 is such an interesting time to become a franchisee, to how AI and economic trends are reshaping the industry, to what multi-unit owners think about differently than first-time buyers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already own multiple units, this candid conversation offers valuable insights into where franchising is headed.  Check us out at Franzy.com

Calvin Smith has worn a lot of hats — U.S. Marine, healthcare executive, EOS implementer, and owner of multiple franchise brands including Sinarama and Superior Fence & Rail. In this episode, Calvin shares his journey from the military to entrepreneurship, why franchising became his playbook for growth, and how he’s scaled across different industries. We cover what new franchisees get wrong, how veterans are uniquely equipped for business ownership, and the importance of due diligence when picking a brand. Whether you’re debating between starting from scratch or buying into a proven system, Calvin’s hard-earned lessons will help you think bigger and avoid costly mistakes.   Check us out at Franzy.com

This week, we’re turning the mic around. Franzy’s CEO and co-founder, Alex Smereczniak, joins fellow team member Alex Vidor for a deep dive into his own journey — from launching a student laundry startup to raising $30M+ for 2ULaundry, to becoming a multi-unit franchisee of the golf simulator concept Another 9. You’ll hear: Why Alex decided to "eat his own cooking" and buy into a franchise How Franzy is fixing what’s broken in the franchise discovery process The playbook for site selection, finding a partner, and scaling past 1 unit What most people get totally wrong about franchising If you’ve ever thought about owning a business but didn’t know where to start, this is the episode for you.

After flying F-15s as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Vivek jumped into a whole new arena. He’s now a multi-unit franchisee (owning Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids), startup founder, and franchise advisor here at Franzy. He’s also behind a trauma recovery app helping hundreds worldwide.  

What really happens when one franchisee sells—and another steps in? In this episode, we hear both sides of a rare transaction between Brian Gross, the seller of Art of Drawers Tampa, and Sid Kinghar, the buyer who left corporate finance to become a first-time business owner. You’ll learn: Why Sid chose a franchise resale over starting from scratch How Brian structured the deal, including seller financing terms What both wish existed to make franchise resales easier Franchise resales are one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) entry points into business ownership. This conversation breaks down the real mechanics of a deal—pricing, diligence, negotiation, and the human element of trust. If you're thinking about buying or selling a franchise, this episode is a must-listen.

Kal started out slinging pizzas at Little Caesars and ended up running one of the most diverse and fast-growing franchise portfolios in the country. In this episode, he joins Alex Smereczniak to unpack the full journey—how he went from investment banking to buying butcher shops and pizzerias, to opening OrangeTheory gyms, and now scaling some of the hottest brands in franchising like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Marco’s Pizza, and Pop-Up Bagels. You’ll hear: Why Kal’s franchise diligence looks more like equity research The exact capital structures he uses to finance 7- and 8-figure rollups How he thinks about brand selection, from tech-forward ops to red flags What every operator needs to know before going from 2 to 20 to 100+ units If you're serious about scaling in franchising, this episode is a masterclass in how to think—and build—like a multi-unit powerhouse. Learn more about starting your own franchise empire at franzy.com

Welcome back to How I Franchised This — the show where we dive into the real stories behind franchise empires, told directly by the people who built them. Today’s guest is Adam Contos: former CEO of RE/MAX, Marine Corps veteran, SWAT commander turned business builder, and now co-founder of Area 15 Ventures. From undercover narcotics work to leading one of the world’s largest real estate franchises, Adam’s journey is anything but ordinary. But what ties it all together? Systems, leadership, and a relentless drive to grow businesses — and the people behind them. In this episode, we cover: What it means to “narc market” (yes, really) Why franchising is the ultimate community builder The mindset shifts every new franchisee must make How Adam is backing the next generation of operators with purpose and passion Whether you’re thinking about owning a business, scaling one, or just obsessed with how leaders think — this episode’s for you.

What happens when you're literally born into franchising? In this episode of How I Franchised This, Alex sits down with GR Waldrop—a second-generation operator who grew up making subs at Jersey Mike’s and now runs a growing portfolio that includes 19+ locations, a Dairy Queen, and a new deal with Vicious Biscuit. They talk legacy, leadership, and what it really takes to scale from 1 to 20 units—and beyond. GR shares why your first store should be run like you already have three, how he’s preparing to open his first 3,000 sq ft full-service brunch spot, and what most people completely misunderstand about royalties, playbooks, and the “people business” behind every successful franchise. Whether you're a first-time operator or eyeing your tenth brand, this one’s packed with hard-won insight. 👀 Looking for your perfect franchise fit? Start your journey at Franzy.com

Taylor Byington and Shideler Bennett went from pitching insurance door-to-door to opening nine Crumbl Cookies locations across three states. In this episode, they share their unconventional path into franchising, including a failed startup, a surprise introduction to Crumbl, and what happened when they realized they were hundreds of thousands in the red. From living on couches to laying tile themselves, Taylor and Shy break down how they clawed their way back, what they learned about financing (and mis-financing), and why their new startup, Cover Panda, is built to help other operators scale smarter. 👉 Explore franchise opportunities at Franzy.com

Jon Bahr didn’t come from food service. He came from real estate finance. But after bingeing franchise podcasts and hearing Dan Reese pitch Milkshake Factory, he and his wife took the leap, signing a three-unit deal while juggling a new baby and no prior restaurant experience. In this episode, Jon shares how he: Went from franchise curious to all-in with Milkshake Factory Navigated site selection, build-out headaches, and opening chaos Built a team that crushed their grand opening with record sales Balances 90-hour weeks with newborn life—and why he loves it You’ll also hear Jon’s advice for first-time buyers, what most people get wrong about franchising, and why passion has to play a role in your decision. 👉 Explore franchises like Milkshake Factory at Franzy.com

Parker Feldmann didn’t plan on running a kids’ fitness franchise—he was working 20-hour shifts at Tesla when he and his wife started rethinking their future. A friend introduced them to KidStrong, and just over a year later, they opened their first location in Reno. In this episode, Parker shares how his Air Force and engineering background shaped his approach to business ownership, what it was really like launching with a newborn at home, and how he’s planning for location #2. You’ll hear his take on hiring the right GM early, dealing with post-launch doubts, and why passion—not just profit—matters in franchising. 👉 Explore franchise opportunities like KidStrong at Franzy.com

Bryant Cohen didn’t set out to run a window cleaning business—he started by managing a private equity fund focused on small business acquisitions. But after one deal fell through, he jumped in himself, launching a Pink’s Window Services franchise in Charlotte. In this episode, Bryant shares how he went from fund manager to full-time operator, what it was like launching in the off-season, and how he broke even just six months in. You’ll hear his take on choosing franchising over independent ownership, how he built his team, and what it really takes to succeed as a first-time franchisee. 👉 Explore franchise opportunities like Pink’s at Franzy.com

From Audit Decks to Mosquito Vans: Ian Martens on Taking the Leap into Franchising In this episode, Franzy co-founder Alex Smereczniak sits down with Ian Martens, a 25-year-old who walked away from a fast-track career at EY to launch a MosquitoNix franchise in Charlotte. Ian didn’t set out to become a franchisee—but when the right team and opportunity came along, he decided to bet on himself and make the leap. He shares what it was really like to go from IT audits to door hangers, why he believes customer service is the real differentiator in home services, and how simple, scrappy marketing tactics like yard signs and van branding are driving real results. Ian gets candid about the emotional highs and lows of his first few months in business—and the mindset shift it took to fully commit. We also unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about franchising, especially the idea that franchisees aren’t local owners. Ian makes the case for why franchising can be a powerful way to build something of your own—without doing it completely alone. Want help finding the right franchise for you? Head to Franzy.com to get started.

Jeff and Samantha Gossett weren’t planning to start a business—until an Instagram ad for KidStrong changed everything. They share how they left teaching and sales to open their own franchise, what Discovery Day was really like, and how they’re building a business as both partners and parents. If you're thinking about franchise ownership, this is a must-listen. Find your fit at Franzy.com.